Denver Broncos Draft Report Card

Denver Broncos: Anyone who saw the Broncos last year knew that their defensive line was woefully inadequate by true contender status. Thus, the emphasis in the first four picks was necessary. Jarvis Moss had a lot of detractors because he's a little stiff for an end. Still, he has the quickness to be a factor in the pass rush right away. Tim Crowder was an excellent talent to get in the second round. In that vein, Marcus Thomas is an outstanding risk to take in the fourth round. He had a problem with marijuana in college, but several defensive line coaches around the NFL said he was the second-best defensive-tackle talent in this draft behind Amobi Okoye.
Grade: B-

21. DENVER BRONCOS (9-7)

LAST SEASON: Another team that struggled down the stretch after a 7-2 start, and made the big QB change to rookie Jay Cutler. The Broncos severely underachieved in '06, but coach Mike Shanahan got a contract extension.

THEY NEED: Defensive line; safety; kick returner.

THEY DON'T NEED: A running back or a cornerback after a nice haul in free agency. The linebacking is strong, too.

POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Moss; Harrell; S Brandon Merriweather, Miami, Fla.; WR-KR Ted Ginn Jr., Ohio State.

OUTLOOK: Cutler should make steady improvement and Denver helped itself wth free agents RB Travis Henry, CB Dre' Bly, and TE Daniel Graham. The Broncos should be better in '07 as long as Cutler progresses, they don't miss LB Al Wilson too much, and they start winning at home again (4-4 last year).