Broncos News: The 2008 Draft

Here are the 2008 Denver Broncos draft selections, not including undrafted free agents that they signed later..that will be another blog 🙂
1st Round, pick #12 overall: Ryan Clady, Offensive Tackle out of Boise State

I am thrilled with this kid, he is a freaking MONSTER and reports out of camp so far say that he has the quickest feet on the squad.  Denver needed a left tackle in a big way, and Clady could very well fill that spot for many years to come if he is as good as he looks.  Given our spot at 12 I think this was a great choice.  I was so worried they would draft Mendenhall, which would have done no good with the line that they fielded last year “blocking” for him.

2nd Round, pick #42 overall: Eddie Royal, Wide Receiver and Kick Returner out of Virginia Tech

Again, very happy with this choice.  Cal’s DeShaun Jackson was still on the board and a popular pick but given some character issues the Broncos passed and chose Royal.  Again, the reports out of camp so far are that he has fantastic hands and just lights out speed.  Denver’s special teams game last year absolutely destroyed them.  Royal should provide some better field position for Denver this year with kickoff and possible punt returns as well as a slot receiver option.  He is expected to give the veteran slot receivers Darrell Jackson and Brandon Stokely a real run for their money.

4th Round, pick #108 overall: Kory Lichtensteiger, Offensive Center out of Bowling Green

Admittedly, I don’t know a ton about this kid other than he is versatile enough to play center or guard and is smaller which fits into Denver’s typical zone blocking scheme with smaller lineman.  Reports are that he has the drive but not necessarily the skills and is looked at to provide depth at this point more than anything.

4th Round, pick #119 overall: Jack Williams, Corner Back out of Kent

While a little undersized for the NFL this pick is more for depth in the secondary.  He is however very athletic and will probably have to use his opportunity to contribute on special teams in order to shine.  Hey, it worked out for Terrell Davis.

5th Round, pick #139 overall: Ryan Torain, Running Back out of Arizona State

Denver usually has a mastery of drafting late-round gems and I think that Torain could be just that this year.  He dropped due to some injuries in college but this kid can flat out run the ball in a punishing way.  With the recent release of Travis Henry, I think that he could easily work his way into the backfield for some quality time and contributions.  I was very happy with this pick, this late in the draft.

5th Round, pick #148 overall: Carlton Powell, Defensive Tackle out of Virginia Tech

I think this was a depth move, and a little “meh” to me overall.  He is not that big and not that fast and although he will be a good gap filler, he is not much of a pass rusher by all accounts.  He does work hard, so that is a plus.  I think he is a project and anything that comes out of it is a bonus.

6th Round, pick #183 overall: Spencer Larsen, Inside Linebacker out of Arizona

Denver was dreadful last year on defense and largely responsible was the line backing corps.  Larsen is a terrific late-round pick that will add some depth to the line and special teams.  He is a hard working, hard hitting guy with an attitude that will likely get his shot to contribute.  Great pick this late.

7th Round, pick #220 overall: Joshua Barrett, Safety out of Arizona State

I hate to be such a homer and keep saying it but this was also a steal.  He slid in the draft because of a knee injury but this kid can flat out play and hit.  Denver has had their share of hard hitting safeties and I truly think he is next in line.  I am pretty hopeful of him, if he can stay healthy he will contribute.

7th Round, pick #227 overall: Peyton Hillis, Fullback out of Arkansas

Hillis is a good blocker that might need some more size to be effective in the NFL.  He should fit Denver’s scheme nicely and is a good option for passing out of the backfield.  I look at it like this, he blocked for McFadden and he did pretty well…so why not.  Good late-round choice which really gives us a plethora of options in the backfield.  Injuries might be he major downside.

So there you have it, I will go through free agency and undrafted free agent pickups later.  Overall I give Denver’s draft a B, they addressed a couple major issues but could have done a little better on defense in my opinion.