The Denver Broncos made nine selections at the annual NFL Draft. For the first time ever, the draft was held in Chicago instead of Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
The Broncos were originally slated to pick 28th overall in the first round, but traded up to the 23rd selection in order to select linebacker Shane Ray. To move up five spots, the Broncos traded two fifth-round picks and Manny Ramirez to the Detroit Lions.
One of the ultimate risk/reward players in the draft, Ray was projected to be a top-ten pick, as he possesses elite pass rushing ability and a quick first step. However, he was cited with marijuana possession only days before the draft after being pulled over for speeding. An obvious red flag, the Broncos deemed his citation worth the risk of selecting him.
Ray will likely line up as an outside linebacker in the Broncos’ new 3-4 defensive scheme. The team owns an embarrassment of riches at the position, as Von Miller and Demarcus Ware also occupy the spot. Miller has had his fair share of off-field issues and is an unrestricted free agent after this season, while Ware will be 33 years old at the beginning of the season. Ray provides depth at a position of strength, but also represents the future at outside linebacker if he is able to stay out of trouble.
The next pick for the Broncos featured a homegrown talent, Ty Sambrailo from Colorado State University, at 59th overall. He is expected to compete for the starting right tackle position, but currently lacks the strength typically seen on that side of the offensive line. If Sambrailo someday develops into a starting left tackle, a premium position in the NFL, this pick will be a homerun.
The Broncos’ third round pick was spent on Ohio State University tight end Jeff Heuerman. A strong player, he is more of a blocking tight end than a receiving one. He made several key blocks during Ohio State’s National Championship season, one in which their running controlled games. The Broncos will be looking for similar success as Manning ages and the previously successful zone blocking scheme is integrated into the offense.
Versatile center/guard Max Garcia from the University of Florida was the Broncos’ fourth round selection, while Tulane University cornerback Lorenzo Doss was drafted in the fifth round. Both players will likely make the roster and provide depth as backups.
Sixth- and seventh-round selections included nose tackle Darius Kilgo, quarterback Trevor Siemian, cornerback Taurean Nixon and safety Josh Furman. These four players will need to perform well in training camp and preseason in order to earn a roster spot, or else they could be placed on the scout team.
While it is often pointless to grade drafts before the players have played, the Broncos did address some key needs along the offensive line while adding an elite prospect in Ray.
