5th Round Carlton Powell, DT Virginia Tech
Powell should provide depth on a rotational basis in the middle of the defensive line. Known as a run stuffing tackle, he could certainly help the Broncos. Started for 3 years at Virginia Tech. Here is a little bit from NFL.com:
While Tech has produced quality run-stuffing tackles in recent seasons, none has shown the ability to simply shut down the opposition's ground game the way Carlton Powell, Jr. can.
How dominant has Powell been? In 73 plays that he made vs. the run, he held the opponent to minus-21 yards rushing. Since Powell was inserted into the starting lineup, Tech has led the nation in total defense the last two years (2005-06) and led the Division 1-A ranks in scoring defense in 2006, after placing second the previous two seasons. Good value pick for Denver
How dominant has Powell been? In 73 plays that he made vs. the run, he held the opponent to minus-21 yards rushing. Since Powell was inserted into the starting lineup, Tech has led the nation in total defense the last two years (2005-06) and led the Division 1-A ranks in scoring defense in 2006, after placing second the previous two seasons. Good value pick for Denver
6th Round Spencer Larsen LB Arizona
Called the "heart and soul" of the Arizona defensive unit, opposing offensive coordinators feared the dominant and versatile defender.
Whether lining up at outside linebacker in a 4-3 alignment or playing inside in a 5-2 formation, few teams could contain Larsen with just one blocker.
The two-time team captain made a triumphant return to the gridiron in 2005 after missing the previous two seasons while on a church mission. During his freshman year at Arizona in 2002, the new coaching staff considered his return as an added recruiting bonus. Opposing ballcarriers considered his return a nightmare for fullbacks trying to block him and halfbacks trying to elude him on end-around runs. I just hope he can provide some depth and kick some tail on special teams. Hopefully another Burns.
Whether lining up at outside linebacker in a 4-3 alignment or playing inside in a 5-2 formation, few teams could contain Larsen with just one blocker.
The two-time team captain made a triumphant return to the gridiron in 2005 after missing the previous two seasons while on a church mission. During his freshman year at Arizona in 2002, the new coaching staff considered his return as an added recruiting bonus. Opposing ballcarriers considered his return a nightmare for fullbacks trying to block him and halfbacks trying to elude him on end-around runs. I just hope he can provide some depth and kick some tail on special teams. Hopefully another Burns.
7th Round Josh Barrett S Arizona State
Barrett had a great junior campaign and potentially could've been a third-round pick, but he got benched as a senior. He has all the measurables and exceptional speed, 4.36 in the 40. Barrett matured a lot after sitting and demonstrated poise when he came back. His lack of playing time, though, clearly hurt his draft stock. Hopefully he can provide some depth and be a terror on coverage units.
7th Round Peyton Hillis FB Arkansas
About time we had a true fullback. I am getting sick of these Mike Bell type fullbacks that can't block for squat. Hillis could have been a real steal. Hillis is one of the best fullbacks in the draft. Some had him rated higher than Owen Schmitt who was taken earlier. He was one of the main players responsible for opening up holes for first-rounders Felix Jones and Darren McFadden and will have a chance to contribute right away in the NFL as a blocking fullback.
Overall a solid draft for the Broncos. They addressed their needs at OT, WR, FB, Returner, and added depth all the way around. Not a lot of sexy picks, but overall a lot of players who are known for hard work and desire to play football. I give it a B.
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