Somewhere across the vast multiverse, this draft class has already happened. In this reality, as in our own, quarterbacks are a dear commodity. After seeing Paxton Lynch come off the board in the top ten and Connor Cook go to the Jets @ 20, the Broncos shift gears. They make pick number 31 available and the Cowboys come calling with an offer. Denver sends picks 31, 63 and 144 to Dallas and get back selections 34, 67 and 101. It checks out. The Cowboys use the 31st pick on Christian Hackenberg.
2-34 – Karl Joseph, SS, West Virginia
Team captain. Big time hitter. Excellent range. The only thing keeping him out of the first round are his size limitations and injury history. I think many teams will be simultaneously scared away and enticed by the Bob Sanders comp that’s been floating around. Sanders was First Team All-Pro twice, but those were also the only two full seasons of his injury truncated career.
3-67 – Christian Westerman, C/G, Arizona State
Very strong with huge hands. Quick and aggressive in seeking targets at the second level. Football bloodlines. The game means a lot to him. Outstanding fit for what we do in Denver. Somewhat undersized for an interior player and may be maxed out physically.
3-94 – Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
Amazingly productive college career. Fourth all time in the NCAA in touchdowns. Tough, versatile and extremely determined runner. Understands the game and competes hard all the time. One of the best receiving backs in the draft. Extensive use in college may be red flag, but didn’t have any crazy 400+ touch seasons like Derrick Henry. Fumbled 13 times over last three years. Pass protection must improve.
Honestly, I just really hope we select a running back relatively high in this draft. I like Dixon a lot and would be fine with trading up 10-20 spots to get him, but I would also be satisfied with Devontae Booker, Jordan Howard or C.J. Prosise here, or possibly Paul Perkins later in the draft. I think we really missed the boat by not drafting a runner from last year’s deep class. If Anderson or Hillman go down, we really don’t have another back to step in and take significant carries. If it was going to happen for Kapri or Juwon, I think it would have already.
3-98 – Kamalei Correa, DE/OLB, Boise State
High energy edge rusher with a non-stop motor. 19 sacks and five forced fumbles over the last two seasons. Needs to refine his skills and use his hands better. Shorter than you would like with short arms and can become wired to blockers. Must improve functional football strength to complement his excellent movement skills.
4-101 – Jacoby Brissett, QB, N.C. State
Well built and athletic. Holds the ball high and effortlessly powers football downfield. Has all the physical tools and intangibles of Dak Prescott, but better natural accuracy. Developed a bad case of happy feet playing behind shaky offensive line. Needs to take advantage of quick release with better decisions. Takes too many sacks trying to make things happen instead of checking down or throwing the ball away. Must become better at locating secondary and tertiary receivers under pressure. Floor is high quality backup, but could develop into a starter in a couple seasons. Will likely be completely overwhelmed by speed of pro game as a rookie.
5-136 – Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley State
Yes, Grand Valley State. The only school to recruit him. Division II monster who won the Gene Upshaw Trophy and utterly dominated his competition. 20 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss led all college lineman. Didn’t simply overwhelm overmatched opposition, has an assortment of pass rush moves. Excelled at the Combine. His 4.73 40 time was fifth best among DE; 30 reps tied for fifth; 35 inch vertical tied for fourth. He also interviewed well. Team captain. I would love to see Bill Kollar mold him into an NFL player.
5-157 – Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, West Virginia
Another Mountaineer. Like Kenneth Dixon, Nick had an extremely productive college career. He racked up 295 tackles the last three seasons. He had 11 tackles for loss in 2015. A WR and safety in high school, he understands the passing game and is alert and active in zone coverage. He isn’t a burner, posting a 4.73 40 @ the Combine, but he plays much faster because he doesn’t take many false steps. He also has excellent timing as a blitzer, collecting four sacks last season. Played every LB position and is a film room junkie. Team captain who will endear himself to the coaching staff immediately.
6-219 – Ben Braunecker, TE, Harvard
Check out the big brain on Ben. Smart as you would expect, but also quite a physical specimen. Dominated his lower level of competition, but also tested well in everything @ the Combine. Seems to really enjoy blocking. Plays with a chip on his shoulder and with something to prove. Very productive in college and performance was peaking at end of senior season.
7-228 – Drew Kaser, P, Texas A&M
Booming leg, as you would expect from any punter worthy of a draft pick. Might even be worth picking with our sixth rounder. Broke some of Shane Lechler’s records in college. Never had a punt blocked. Not Britton Colquitt.
7-253 – Cody Core, WR, Mississippi
Overshadowed by Laquon Treadwell. Humble kid who might not leave a lasting impression in interviews. Tall with long arms and a good leaper. Could be a nice red zone target. Willing blocker. Would contribute immediately on special teams. 18 career ST stops @ Mississippi. Football pedigree. Also lettered in baseball. Ran a 4.47 @ the Combine, but is not shifty or sudden. More of a straight line speed guy.
Well, cross these names off your big boards, Maniacs. I’ve just put the whammy on the Broncos drafting any of them, but that doesn’t preclude them acquiring one or all of these guys in a couple years after they bitterly disappoint elsewhere.
For entertainment purposes only. Please, no wagering.