Grade: C+
Denver needed to get two things out of this draft—a left tackle and a defensive tackle. They got both, even though they didn’t draft a defensive tackle - they acquired former first round pick Dewayne Robertson in a trade with the New York Jets. Robertson has underachieved over his career, but he’s a big body who is an upgrade over last year’s defensive tackle rotation.
With their first pick (#12 overall), Denver selected Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State. He was the guy we thought they were targeting all along due to his athleticism and mobility. He is perfect for Denver’s zone blocking scheme and should really help protect Jay Cutler’s blindside.
Denver’s most intriguing picks past round one are Eddie Royal (WR, Virginia Tech), Kory Lichtensteiger (C, Bowling Green), and Ryan Torain (RB, Arizona State). I thought they reached for Royal with Cal’s DeSean Jackson, Oklahoma’s Malcolm Kelly, and Texas’ Limas Sweed all still available. Royal is somewhat raw in his route running, but should provide some explosiveness in the return game. If that’s what they were looking for, though, why not take this draft’s best game-breaker in Jackson?
Lichtensteiger was Denver’s first fourth round pick, and he should provide the offensive line with much needed depth. He doesn’t project as an NFL starter, but he should be able to play in spot duty.
When Denver picks a running back, we always look for him to succeed behind their usually incredible blocking. Torain is a north-south runner, so I’m not sure how well he fits their scheme, but he should be able to make one cut and go. He’s not going to outrun many defenders, but he should be able to break a few tackles and gain some yards after contact.
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