Denver Broncos 2010 Draft Review

Courtesy of NFL.com

The Broncos easily had the most polarizing draft of 2010. It started with the selection of a wide receiver who broke his foot working out this off season and comes out of college with experience in a very simple passing offense. Demaryius Thomas is also a game breaker who can make amazing catches in mid-air. That was followed by the selection of Tim Tebow with the 25th pick. Tebow has a hitch in his throw motion and, like Thomas, doesn't come from an offense that was very complex. This is the same Tim Tebow who proved he was one of the best players and athletes in the history of college football and is a consummate leader. The Broncos also added Zane Beadles, J.D. Walton, and Eric Olsen to help add depth to an offensive line that had trouble getting a push in the running game last season. Eric Decker and Perrish Cox were great values where they were drafted and could get the chance to make an impact next season. I can say one thing safely:  the Broncos are going to have a selfless, determined, and single-minded mentality while Josh McDaniels is the coach. That attitude is necessary to win Super Bowls. If the experiment fails, this draft could set the Broncos back for years. Only time will tell.


Round 1, Pick 22

Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

Ht: 6’ 3 ¼” Wt: 224

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  This is an obvious pick with the fact that the Broncos need to replace Brandon Marshall.  Thomas is a great athletic specimen and will need time to develop but could become a game changer. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A big, strong, long-armed, outside- the-numbers “X” receiver who emerged from a triple-option offense featuring a limited route tree and has shown a propensity for drops. Was clocking in the high 4.3s prior to breaking his foot but does not separate consistently, and his ceiling could be as a No. 2 in the pros.

NFL projection: Top-40 pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Thomas is a junior who came out early for the 2010 NFL Draft & is going to be flying up draft boards as teams get the chance to evaluate him.  He is a big receiver with outstanding athleticism for such a big man & has consistently shown the ability to make big plays.  He has shown the receiving skills to make great catches deep down the field 7 consistently is a very dangerous runner after the catch.  It is amazing that a receiver with his size & playing in an “Option” offense has been able to average over 24 yards per catch, which speaks to his big play ability – He gets started up the field very quickly after the catch, gets to full speed fast & has the elite playing speed & tackle breaking ability to consistently make big plays running after the catch. He is going to need work on his fundamentals (Especially route running, consistently catching the ball & defense recognition) after having played in a rudimentary passing attack.  Overall, Tomas may not be a household name now, but by the time the draft arrives his name will be one everyone’s lips s one of the top receivers in the entire draft & a likely Top 10 pick.  While he is going to need time to work on his routes y learn to recognize & adjust to the different defenses, he will eventually become an elite NFL receiver – He reminds me a lot of current Lions’ receiver Calvin Johnson except that Johnson has better hands & Thomas has better explosiveness and speed.  Obviously, Thomas’ broken foot will limit his ability to workout for teams before the draft, but if he falls down draft boards due to this injury some team is going to get a great bargain because in our view he is clearly the best receiver prospect in the draft and has the talent to become a game changing receiver in time.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Though scouts are certainly intrigued by Thomas’ size and spectacular big-play production, they’re concerned that Head Coach Paul Johnson’s triple-option attack significantly boosted his statistics.  For Thomas to earn a selection in the top 64, he’ll need to convince scouts he has adequate straight-line speed. 

Round 1, Pick 25

Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

Ht: 6’2 3/8” Ht: 236

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Tebow is the ultimate boom or bust prospect.  He has all of the intangibles that you look for in a leader and quarterback.  Unfortunately his mechanics and knowledge of the passing game may require him to be a back up quarterback for several years but it worked out well for Philip Rivers and Aaron Rodgers.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Has the mental toughness and intangibles to break through a brick wall and refuses to fail. Clearly looked out of his element at the Senior Bowl and is still very much a developmental project but has worked very hard to overhaul his mechanics under the tutelage of former NFL coaches, including Sam Wyche, trying to learn how to drop from under center, carry the ball high and shorten his release. May never be a classic, drop-back quarterback after coming from an unconventional, spread-option offense that will not allow for a speedy transition to the NFL. However, he has a special mental makeup and a tireless work ethic, and if he cannot win a starting QB job, could bring value as a short- yardage/goal-line runner and developmental H- back. Has the moxie and toughness to at least become a solid backup QB.

NFL projection: Top-50 pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Tebow won the Heisman Trophy as a soph in 2007 and has received an enormous amount of national hope due to his outstanding production in Florida’s Spread Option Offense.  However, after breaking down the film of Tebow we cannot help but think that he is going to have real struggles to become a legitimate NFL QB.  Overall, Alex Smith played in the same offense at Utah under Coach Meyer and Vince Yong played in a very similar offense at Texas and both Smith and Young were better passers in college than Tebow has shown himself to be and they have both struggled to establish themselves as good passing quarterbacks in the NFL.  Tebow is going to have to adjust and learn to play in a more traditional pro style offense – Will need to have to line up under center, drop back to pass and red the defense while dropping back (which is much harder than when aligned in the shotgun).  Does Tebow have the physical tools to become a very good NFL QB?  Yes, there is no doubt.  However, the real questions is do we, in The War Room, believe he is worthy of a high draft pick and/or likely to become a good NFL QB?  The answer unfortunately is no. I say unfortunately because with the number of players who have gotten into trouble off the field in recent seasons the NFL could really use a kid like Tebow with such outstanding character and intangibles to make it and become a start that can lead his team year after year.  Tebow is going to be a huge test case for “Spread Option QBs” entering the NFL because if he does not make it you can be sure that many NFL teams will eliminate considering QBS that play in that system in college from being anything but 2^nd day draft prospects. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Tebow’s statistics were inflated by Meyer’s scheme.  He’ll need to improve an elongated release (including his low drop point), overall accuracy and feel in the pocket just to remain at quarterback in the NFL.  If he can improve his overall mechanics, Tebow has the intangibles every team is looking for at quarterback.

Round 2, Pick 45

Zane Beadles, G, Utah

Ht: 6’ 4 3/8” Wt:  310

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Zane Beadles is a tough, smart lineman who doesn't play with a tremendous amount of power.  He would probably be best served playing guard because he doesn't have the speed to play tackle in the NFL.  He's the perfect type of Broncos' player.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Experienced, underpowered college left tackle whose intangibles grade out much more highly than his tape evaluation. Does not have the length or foot quickness to stay outside and lacks ideal bulk and playing temperament for the inside. Could make a roster initially as a backup swingman while he develops physically and has even warranted some consideration as a center, although he lacks the quickness desired for the position. Will attract the most interest from zone-blocking schemes.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Moving Beadles inside would allow him to use his athleticism and size to his full advantage.  There might be teams willing to give him a chance at left tackle because of his pass protection skills.  The fact that he could step in and play either spot makes him a solid mid-round selection for all teams. 

Round 3, Pick 80

J. D. Walton, C, Baylor

Ht: 6’ 2 5/8” Wt: 300

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Josh McDaniels continues his preference for players with strong character.  Walton is a high-effort, hustle type player and has been excellently coached.  He should be able to come in and contribute to the Broncos and a reserve offensive lineman immediately.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Consistent, short-area center who does not play big but is tough, competitive and feisty. Will fit best in a zone-blocking scheme and should compete for a starting job readily.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  After a redshirt season at Arizona State, the Allen, Texas native decided to bring his skills closer to home.  A finalist for the Rimington trophy as a senior, Walton displayed strength, mobility and excellent technique despite Baylor’s disappointing 2009 season.  

Round 3, Pick 87

Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota

Ht: 6’ 3 1/8” Wt: 217

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Decker dropped to this point because of injury concerns.  The Broncos selected him because of his athleticism and natural pass catching ability.  He continues the team's emphasis on character and could be able to contribute as a 3rd or 4th wide receiver next season.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Was really emerging as a receiver before a serious foot injury cut short his senior season. Inability to run before the draft could drop his stock, but Decker is a smooth moving, inside receiver with the size, competitiveness and enough foot quickness to become a depend- able No. 3 in a West Coast system.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Decker is considered a pro prospect in multiple sports, as he has already been selected twice in the amateur baseball draft (39^th round, 2008 by Milwaukee; 27^th round, ’09 by Minnesota).  If he can convince scouts that football is his first love and return from injury to work out well, Decker could get his name back into the second round. 

137.)  Denver Broncos
Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 195

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Cox is another prospect whose numbers are not indicative of his play on the field.  He is an excellent returner and provides value for the Broncos right away.  He could develop into an excellent nickel corner or possibly a starting corner.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Overhyped press-and-trail, non- contact corner with intriguing ball skills and kick-return ability that have bloated his value. Pedestrian 40-time, lack of physicality and off-coverage limitations will turn off zone-cover teams. Is too undisciplined on and off the field, and his talent might not be worth the headache a team incurs by bringing him into the clubhouse. Has impact potential as a returner but comes with a “buyer beware” label.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

183.)  Denver Broncos
Eric Olsen, C, Notre Dame
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 306

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Olsen joins the parade of new Broncos with high character and effort.  A smart player who could work his way in to the starting line up eventually. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Olsen has significant experience at guard, and was named the team’s top lineman after being charged with just one sack allowed last season.  Although not an elite athlete, Olsen’s nastiness and versatility will endear him to NFL offensive line coaches and could land him a spot in the first 150 selections. 

225.)  Denver Broncos

Syd'quan Thompson, CB, California

Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 186

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  One of the players that made a name for himself at the Senior Bowl, Thompson is an extremely instinctive corner but lacks the top end speed to play the outside receivers.  The Broncos could use him as a nickel or corner back this season because he is very smart and will find his way onto the football field.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   An undersized, feisty, throwback-type slot defender and punt returner with exceptional heart and football character, Thompson does not meet height-weight-speed standards but maximizes his ability and stands out on tape. Better football player than athlete who will make it hard for a team to cut him.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

232.)  Denver Broncos
Jammie Kirlew, DE, Indiana
Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 260

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Kirlew is a perfect 'tweener type defensive end to convert to a 3-4 outside linebacker.  He has the high character and energy that seems to be the standard for Bronco draft picks this year.  

GM Jr’s scouting report:   Kirlew may not be the most well known player on Indiana’s defense, but he was definitely their most consistently productive defender in 2009. He played defensive end at Indiana, but is going to have to make the switch to rush-linebacker to have any chance of being a contributing defensive player in the NFL. He is not a top level, quick twitch athlete which could hinder his ability to play well off the ball out in space as a linebacker at the next level. Overall, Kirlew is likely going to be a late round pick by a team that plays a 34 scheme in the hope that he can make the transition to playing rush-linebacker. He will likely end up as a backup rush-linebacker who contributes as a pass rusher and as a coverage man on special teams.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

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