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With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the Denver Broncos "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the Bible's take and our grade.
 (1-12) Knowshon Moreno, RB (Georgia): Watch out! Denver obtained an impact player to build around on offense. After the Jay Cutler debacle, it was important for the Broncos to address the offensive side of the ball and Moreno definitely fits the bill as a bona-fide workhorse. Denver went on a free agent signing frenzy during the off-season bringing in Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan and J.J. Arrington, which does make this pick a bit curious. Suddenly, Peyton Hillis finds himself fighting for a roster spot. Based solely on his measurables—size and speed—Moreno was not worthy of the No. 12 pick. However, he will prove worthy of the Broncos’ faith.
(1-18) Robert Ayers, OLB (Tennessee): Denver desperately needed another pass rusher and Ayers is someone who can provide immediate help. How Ayers will fit in the Broncos new 3-4 scheme is the question. Going into the draft Ayers was the NFL Draft Bible’s top 4-3 end and while some believe that he does in fact possess the athleticism to play outside linebacker, not everyone in the scouting community is sold. Ayers must overcome the one-year wonder label after underachieving most of his career in Knoxville prior to 2008. (Pick From Chicago)
(2-37) Alphonso Smith, CB (Wake Forest): With the release of Dre Bly, Denver had a gaping hole at the cornerback position. Smith will likely start opposite Champ Bailey and could possibly be the best cornerback to emerge from the 2009 draft class. He possesses great cover skills and even better ball skills so if teams try to pick on the rookie, the former Demon Deacon will make them pay. Like Bailey, Smith turns defense to offense the second the ball touches his hands giving the Broncos another playmaker in the defensive backfield. While he brings great value in the second round, Denver did give up a 2009 first-round pick to land him. (Pick From Seattle)
(2-48) Darcel McBath, S (Texas Tech): McBath was a bit of a reach as a second-round pick, although he does have solid upside and could turn out to be one of the few starting-caliber safeties to come out of this draft. The free safety excels in diagnosing the offense in both the running game and the passing game by doing a fine job of jumping routes. McBath has the tools to be a special-teams ace in his rookie year and may be looked at as an every-down contributor down the road.
 (2-64) Richard Quinn, TE (North Carolina): A blocking tight end that drives defenders off the ball by getting underneath their pads, don’t expect Quinn to make many downfield catches. Quinn was certainly a reach at this spot and it was even more surprising that the Broncos felt the need to trade up into day one to get the former Tar Heel. That being said, he will certainly help Denver’s run blocking. Better players and tight ends were on the board. (Pick From Pittsburgh)
(4-114) David Bruton, S (Notre Dame): Denver continues to work on shoring up that secondary, although it was surprising the Broncos took two safeties in the draft after signing Brian Dawkins in the off-season. Bruton is a big player with good ball skills. He has a shot to win the staring job as the strong safety, but will more than likely start out on special teams. He helped himself by flashing impressive measurables at the Scouting Combine.
(4-132) Seth Olson, OG (Iowa): Olson is a solid player with good strength—a pure power blocker. Not a great athlete, Olson lacks upside but could be ready to start as a rookie. With the ability to play tackle in a pinch, Olson increased his value but make no mistake—he will make his living playing on the inside. (Pick From Pittsburgh)
(5-141) Kenny McKinley, WR (South Carolina): McKinley is a good route runner with reliable hands. With Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal locked up as the starters, McKinley will compete for the role of third receiver and could be a nice complement in the slot. The former Gamecock is at his best after the catch. (Pick From Cleveland via Philadelphia, New England and Baltimore)
(6-174) Tom Brandstater, QB (Fresno State): Brandstater has good athletic ability and is an intriguing talent for the Broncos to develop over the next couple of years. He’s no Jay Cutler for sure, but has more natural ability than anyone the Broncos have on their roster. This was an excellent value pick this late in the draft, especially for a team in need of a quarterback of the future. (Pick From Detroit)
(7-225) Blake Schlueter, C (TCU): Schlueter is a good player and has a chance of playing next season if he proves himself during training camp. He made himself a draftable player with his impressive showing at the Horned Frogs’ Pro Day. He may be a late bloomer who could come into to his own within a year or two if he adds a little more bulk and strength.
Team Needs: QB, CB. RB. OG, NT. DE, LB
Needs Filled: Five of seven.
The Bible’s Take: The Broncos had a good first and second round, landing at least three players that should start from day one. Knowshon Moreno is a potential Rookie of the Year candidate and the secondary got a lot of help with the addition of Smith, McBath, and Bruton. They gave up a future first-round pick when they traded with the Seahawks in the second to land the very talented Smith and there were too many reaches for our liking. One major concern is if Ayers doesn’t pan out as a 3-4 end, they did nothing to improve front seven, as they completely ignored the defensive line.
Grade: C+
Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, College Press Box (UNC)
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