The Denver Broncos and head coach Josh McDaniel traded away a handful of NFL Draft picks and possibly their future for Tim Tebow. All the draft experts were shocked when word got out that Denver had drafted Tebow in the 25th spot of the NFL Draft. Denver’s first pick, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas is widely regarded as the best receiver available in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Denver’s NFL Draft after Tebow had it’s moments. A little known scrappy wide receiver from Minnesota and a few offensive lineman that will most likely be back ups. Denver’s last round picks may have been their best picks of the entire draft, with an under rated corner and a better than average defensive end.
Denver Broncos first NFL Draft pick and 22nd overall Demaryius Thomas.
Demaryius Thomas the wide receiver from Georgia Tech was a surprise pick by Denver since they were expected to take Dez Bryant with the 11th pick. When Denver traded out of the 11th draft position the rumblings began as most media outlets scrambled to find out what Denver had planned.
Demaryius Thomas was arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL Draft depending on who was giving an opinion. Thomas has the size and the hops needed for jump ball situations in the corner of the end zone and he has deceptive speed that will translate into streaking touchdowns down the sidelines. Thomas should have 1000 yards receiving in his first NFL season.
Denver Broncos second NFL Draft pick and 25th overall Tim Tebow.
Tim Tebow, the quarterback from Florida was projected as a late fourth or fifth round NFL Draft choice by most experts. The fact that Denver panicked and grabbed Tebow in the first round when he would have dropped to them in the second round shows possible immaturity on McDaniels part. The blunder may set back Denver for the next two years, unless of course Tebow starts in his first NFL season as a quarterback.
McDaniel has already gone on record with the NFL Network saying that he will not convert Tebow into a tight end or safety. Tebow will be riding the bench his first season and if the team struggles early McDaniel has set himself up for failure. Tebow will not play in the 2010 NFL season and if he does he won’t succeed.
Denver Broncos third NFL Draft pick and 45 overall Zane Beadles.
Zane Beadles a big inside lineman from Utah was picked up by Josh McDaniel as a back up and to shuttle in as a run blocker. Beadles has three years of starting experience with a big offensive line at Utah and comes from the competitive Mountain West Conference. Beadles will see some action but will do most of his learning on the practice field.
Denver Broncos fourth NFL Draft pick and 80th overall JD Walton.
JD Walton is another big interior lineman added by McDaniel to learn from the existing veterans on the Broncos. Walton is a center out of Baylor and has experience playing against dome of the toughest defensive lineman in the Big 12. Anyone that survived Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy in their career has to have some skills. Walton will most likely ride the pine in his first and second NFL seasons.
Denver Broncos fifth NFL Draft pick and 87th overall Eric Decker.
Eric Decker, a wide receiver from Minnesota comes with a few positives. Decker has played in the elements of Minnesota (okay only for one season) and he does have deceptive quickness in the open field. Add to that a good set of hands and Decker is reminiscent of Wes Welker. Don’t start the comparisons yet but if decker is half as good as Welker he is a steal. Decker will see action in his first NFL season and have about 700 yards receiving.
Denver Broncos sixth NFL Draft pick and 137th overall Perrish Cox.
Denver passes on Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant for character flaws then they take Perrish Cox a cornerback from Oklahoma State after he falls to them with the 137th pick overall. Cox is talented and no one will take that away from him but there is usually a reason why some players fall like rocks in the draft. Cox will see some time at cornerback late in games and look for him to stay sharp playing special teams, possibly as a return man for the 2010 NFL season.
Denver Broncos seventh NFL Draft pick and 183rd overall Eric Olsen.
Eric Olsen is a center out of Notre Dame. The second center chosen by McDaniel and it will be interesting to see who makes the roster to start the season. Olsen comes from a pro style offense at Notre Dame under Charlie Weis, the man McDaniel studied under. Olsen will make the team as the back up center and possibly play late in games during the 2010 NFL season.
Denver Broncos eighth NFL Draft pick and 225th overallSyd’quan Thompson.
Syd’quan Thompson is a cornerback out of California and as a last round NFL Draft pick could be considered a steal in this spot. Thompson is not the fastest corner entering the NFL but that is not always what makes the best corner. Thompson has a professional skill set that will set him apart from other corners. Thompson also knows how to return kicks and punts and although he isn’t fast he is elusive. Thompson will make the team as a special teamer and play in the 2010 NFL season.
Denver Broncos ninth and final NFL Draft pick and 232nd overall Jammie Kirlew.
Jammie Kirlew is a defensive end from Big Ten school Indiana. Kirlew’s size may prevent him from being a defensive end on the NFL level and he most likely will be converted to middle linebacker. Kirlew is a go getter and loves to be around the ball. Kirlew never stops when he is on the field and will gain instant respect from his peers. Kirlew may not play much on defense but he is a prime candidate to play special teams during the 2010 NFL season.
sources:
NFL Network NFL Draft live coverage April 22-24, 2010.
ESPN TV NFL Draft live coverage April 22-24, 2010.
NFL.com player profiles.
