Bronco 2010 Draft Preview Denver Rebuilding Program Moves into Year Two With the fourth pick in the draft, the Broncos are almost ensured of getting a quality player who can compete in the ISFL for the next ten years. But it's the second thru eighth rounds where the Broncos draft room will earn their salaries. It's those players who, if the drafting is done correctly, will form the core of the Broncos rebuilding effort, and speed the Broncos to respectability. Last year's rookie crop might have been, from top to bottom, their best ever. And those players will contribute mightily this year. With another draft like last year's, the Broncos will be able to compete with anyone. But the Broncos believe this year's draft is thinner than last year's, and selecting those hidden gems will be more difficult. And a draft like last year's comes along maybe once a decade. So the Broncos caution their fans to not necessarily expect the same results as last year. But despite last year's draft, this year the Broncos still have some big holes to fill, primarily at QB, where aging Daunte Culpepper and erratic Rex Grossman are the only QBs on the roster. With the fourth pick overall, look for the Broncos to select a quarterback to build around if they don't trade down. Last year the Broncos deemed it more important to rebuild the offensive line and selected tackle Ryan Clady with the second pick overall, passing on QB Joe Flacco who went to Cleveland and stepped right in and led the Browns to a 9-7 record and a playoff spot as a rookie. With the Bronco's offensive line more stable this year (Thomas and Clady are premier tackles, and the Broncos have rebuilt the interior with improving youngsters Josh Sitton and Nick Cole at guard, and steady Samson Satele at center), so the Broncos appear to be set there going into the draft. Adding a player or two in the later rounds (like Sitton last year) is always a possibility, but the Broncos may deem they have more than enough to get by with Erik Pears, Breno Giacomini, and Allen Barbre who can play guard or tackle. The Broncos certainly don't regret taking Clady, who could be an ISFL All-Pro for the next ten years, but quarterback is a vital need and the Broncos need to get that resolved sooner rather than later, so by default, quarterback becomes the focus of the draft for the Broncos. And with the OL issues resolved for the most part, a rookie QB for Denver won't be just thrown to the wolves this year. If they don't trade down from their 4th overall pick (always a big possibility with a rebuilding team eager to add decent players), look for them to choose from among the big three at QB of Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman, and Matthew Stafford as their QB of the future. Of the three teams in front of Denver in the draft, only San Diego has a need at QB, as both Chicago and Miami are pretty much set at the position (with Kyle Orton and Drew Brees, respectively). If all of the big three go in the first three picks (unlikely), the Broncos would be comfortable going in a number of different directions, with linebacker probably being the biggest perceived area of return compared to need. Running back is a solid position on the Broncos, with returning veterans Lendale White and Ricky Williams. But Williams is probable trade bait, as his age (32) and character history is a red flag on a rebuilding team. Look for the Broncos to attempt to shop him in the offseason. Fullback Corey Hall is in danger of being cut and replaced with a better run blocker. Going to a two-tight end system is always a possibility for the Broncos. Right now, the Broncos have three players at tight end/HBack, with 22-year-old Jermichael Finley being perceived as having the highest upside. Young veteran Delanie Walker (25) is a steadying influence and a good mentor for Finley and Tom Santi (24), who came out of nowhere to lead the Broncos tight ends in receiving last year. Aging Bubba Franks will be given his walking papers. Wide receiver has a couple of solid young starters in Dwayne Bowe (94 for 1028 last year, 25 years old) and Nate Washington (46 for 762, 26), with last year's rookies Devin Thomas (23) and Limas Sweed (25) lined up behind them. But this year's draft features a number of intriguing youngsters, so look for the Broncos to maybe try to add one or two to this group to challenge the incumbents. On defense, the deep patrol is the strongest position, with two rookies from last year (Tracy Porter and Terrell Thomas) showing in limited action they could play with the big boys. Both are expected to win the starting cornerback jobs this year. Veterans Shawn Springs, Jason Allen, and Drew Coleman return, while last year's opening day starter Jason Craft has been given his unconditional release. At safety, the Broncos get back a healthy Dawan Landry, who got injured in week three last year and missed the final thirteen games. His return strengthens the entire unit. The other starting safety is a toss-up at this point, with Josh Bullocks and Craig Steltz, with Bullocks having the early lead at this point. Linebacker isn't a need position at present, but if Will Witherspoon (29) is shopped during the draft, as is expected, the Broncos will need some help here. Witherspoon, who can play inside or out, is projected to be the starting middle lineback for the Broncos, with Na'il Diggs (31) and Ernie Sims (25) starting on the outside. The Broncos don't have another ILB on the roster, with the exception of special teamer Monty Beisel, who can play there in a pinch. The depth on the outside is adequate, with Bryan Kehl, Vernon Gholston, and Erin Henderson. All three were rookies last year, and of the group, the Broncos desperately need Gholston to emerge, as they cannot afford to swing and miss on many picks in their rebuilding program. Defensive line is probably the second highest position position of need, as only defensive tackle Tony Brown is a strong presence. The other tackle at present is Ed Johnson or Chris Hoke. Johnson (26) has been up and down since his rookie year, and isn't someone the Broncos believe they can rely on for the long term. Hoke is 33, and the Broncos know they can't expect him to be playing at a high level over the next few years. At defensive end, the Broncos are in horrible shape, with Chris Clemons the only true DE on the roster at present (L.P.Ladouceur is a special teams long-snapper by vocation). And speaking of special teams, the Broncos aren't in a position to be using picks on a kicker or punter, so Mason Crosby at placekicker and Jon Ryan at punter are safe for this year at least. The Broncos don't have a decent return man on the roster, although wide out Devin Thomas can probably handle the kickoff return duties in a pinch. Tracy Porter was an exceptional return man at Purdue, but the Broncos want him to concentrate on playing corner and staying healthy. They need someone to return punts, but special teams returners cannot be a high priority on a team as devoid of talent as the Broncos. If anyone decent is available late in the draft to return punts, look for the Broncos to snatch the player up. The Broncos do have all their own picks (which wasn't the case last year), as well as an extra 3rd round from KC (3.15), an extra fifth from Detroit (5.19), and the Jets 6th rounder (6.28), so they are in far better shape draft-pick-wise than last year. Bronco Draft Needs: Quarterback Defensive End Running Back (if Ricky Williams is traded) Defensive Tackle Linebacker Wide Receiver Players Projected to be Released: Andy McCollum, C Bubba Franks, TE Brian Griese, QB Najeh Davenport, RB Mike Wahle, G Jason Craft, CB Marlon McCree, S John Engelberger, DE