Thursday, April 30, 2009

2nd Annual Draft Review (Part 1)



Round 1: Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia

With their first pick, the Broncos drafted Knowshon Moreno from Georgia. I love this pick and the options it gives the offense. He is a great runner, as well as receiver and should really add another dimension to the offense. Neckbeard's job just got a little easier.


Decided to enter this draft after only two collegiate seasons and is considered by many to be the top running back prospect available...A phenomenal athlete who lands on highlight reels regularly with his tremendous leaping ability and ankle-breaking moves...Ran for 2,734 yards and 30 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Bulldogs and showed tremendous ability as a receiver as well...Is a well-built athlete who has proven capable of taking a hit...Can run both inside and outside effectively...Routinely breaks arm tackles...A highly competitive tailback who wants to be the one to make big plays in pressure situations...Is a willing and capable blocker...There is very little not to like about Moreno's game, as he is one of the most complete players at any position in this draft.







Round 1: Robert Ayers, DE/OLB Tennessee


I will really like this pick if Ayers can play DE in a 3-4 defense. He seems a little small to me, but maybe he can grow into the position.


In 2008, he became a full-time starter and broke through for 49 stops, 15.5 TFLs and three sacks...A First-Team All-SEC selection by the league's coaches and Second-Team by the Associated Press as a senior. Named the Senior Bowl's Outstanding Defensive Player after notching three tackles and 1.5 sacks...Has decent height with good bulk and long arms...Athletic and versatile...Quick burst off the ball and uses hands well to fight off blockers...Not an elite pass rusher, only nine sacks in his career...Could stand to add some upper body strength...Lacks discipline and was hard to coach earlier in his career.






Round 2: Alphonso Smith, CB Wake Forest


Looks like a solid pick that will provide depth if nothing else. A playmaker, hopefully he can turn his collegiate interception rate into something in the pros.

Owner of the ACC record for career interceptions with 21...Named First-Team All-ACC as a junior and senior and a First-Team All-American in 2008...Finished his career with 188 tackles and 40 PBUs...Started all 11 games in 2005 and posted 59 tackles, including 52 solo, and three picks...Appeared in 14 games, making three starts, in 2006 and finished the season with 48 stops, 8.5 TFLs, three INTs and eight PBUs...In 2007, he started all 13 games and recorded 44 tackles, a career-high eight INTs, 10 PBUs and four forced fumbles...He alsoreturned three picks for touchdowns...As a senior, he turned in 37 tackles, 13 PBUs and seven INTs in making 13 starts...Possesses elite speed...Great athlete with good instincts...Solid hands and dangerous runner in the open field...Fluid hips...Playmaker...Plays with a mean streak...Doesn't have ideal height...Could stand to add some more strength.









Round 2: Darcel McBath, S Texas Tech

Any safety help is needed by the Broncos. The safeties they had last year made Bronco fans wish longingly for the days of Tony Lilly.

Made 70 tackles and six interceptions in 2008, and three of the picks came in one game...Played against plenty of NFL-caliber offensive talent in the Big 12...Helped to lead the Texas Tech program to great success, especially this past season...An experienced guy with outstanding overall athleticism...A smart player who is able to recognize formations and quickly analyze plays...Is a leader on the field...Anticipates passes and has solid ball skills...Not a big-time hitter and didn't make many stops around the line of scrimmage...Much more steady than spectacular...Does not possess elite speed.









Round 2: Richard Quinn, TE North Carolina

Drafted as a blocking TE, I would assume. Should team well with Daniel Graham to provide lots of holes for Knowhon to run through.

A polished blocker in the college ranks...Didn't showcase much in terms of a receiver at North Carolina, with just eight receptions, for 97 yards and one TD in 13 games in 2008...Career numbers are 12 receptions, 124 yards and two TDs...Missed the entire 2006 season after fracturing a shoulder blade in fall practice...Great size and size potential...Fluid athlete with good football instincts...Hard worker who could have a long career as a blocking tight end in the NFL.

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