Denver Broncos 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Dec 7, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Bradley Roby (1) celebrates wafter intercepting a pass during the third quarter of the 2013 Big 10 Championship game against the Michigan State Spartans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
5’11”, 194 LBs.
The Player
Roby is the best pure man cover corner in this class. He is a phenomenal athlete who does a great job of getting physical and playing his man. He is a willing tackler and he can lay the wood in a serious way. He has some concerns with awareness in zones, but that is a fixable issue and he is too good of a man corner to pass up.
The Pick
I think Broncos got great value here and a talented team like them can afford to add more stud athletes to their secondary.
The Fit
Roby has the ability to start day one on the outside and solidifies a very talented group. Roby adds to a host of young, talented defenders on the Broncos.
Cody Latimer, WR, Idiana
6’2″, 215 lbs.
The Player
Latimer is a large receiver with strong hands and very good straight line speed. He is not a very refined route runner though and tends to have issues separating. However, he has tremendous upside if he can run his routes better.
The Pick
I think this was a bit of a reach, but having Peyton Manning throwing to large, athletic, wide receivers usually work out pretty well.
The Fit
With Thomas, Welker and Sanders on the depth chart, I don’t expect a huge impact immediately. However, if Latimer has a good offseason, there is a chance he takes the spot across from Thomas on the outside, where I would expect him to be productive.
Nov 9, 2013; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Cody Latimer (3) catches a pass and runs for a touchdown during the third quarter with Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Caleb Day (16) at Memorial Stadium. Indiana won 52-35. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Schofield, OT, Michigan
6’6″, 302 lbs.
The Player
Schofield has very good feet and balance and is a smart player. I do not think he has the very good length or strength though.
The Pick
This was a reach by the Broncos with guys like Wesley Johnson on the board. I don’t like the pick, but Schofield can contribute down the line.
The Fit
Ultimately, I think Schofield is more of a guy who spends some time putting on some weight and improving strength to play guard for the Broncos.
Lamin Barrow, LB, LSU
6’1″, 237 lbs.
The Player
Barrow is a solid run defender who does a good job of flowing to the ball. He doesn’t have ideal length to shed blocks, but he is very strong. He flashes range in coverage, but his instincts need work.
The Pick
Seems like a bit of reach to fill a need. I would have grabbed Yawin Smallwood who could fill a similar role and do it better.
The Fit
Barrow has a shot to compete for the weak side linebacker job where he would be allowed to flow to the ball carrier from the back-end of a play. If he can improve his instincts, maybe he pushes for the MIKE job.
Matthew Paradis, C, Boise St.
6’3″, 306 lbs.
The Player
Paradis is a high motor player who wants to block the guy across from him into the ground. He is a bit undersized though, which could cause some concerns.
The Pick
With Tyler Larsen still on the board, it is strange the Broncos went with Paradis.
The Fit
Doubt he does anything this year, Paradis could start at guard or center down the line.
Corey Nelson, LB, Oklahoma
6′, 231 lbs.
The Player
Nelson, while an undersized player, has very good speed and excels in space and coverage. He is an aggressive player who flies all over the place. He can get pushed around due to size and is coming off a major injury.
The Pick
Nelson has some intriguing upside as a sub package player and if he is healthy, this is a good late round pick up.
The Fit
Broncons need competition at linebacker and Nelson has the athletic ability and mentality to play in nickel packages and has an outside shot to push for the weakside role.