AFC West
Denver Broncos 2oo8 Draft
By Joe Everett
Apr 29, 2008, 22:05

Each and every year NFL teams try to address their needs in the rookie draft. Every draft has a general theme and the Broncos were no different in 2oo8. The most noticeable trends were addressing the offensive line, adding more team speed, and getting help on special teams.

The prevailing theme that I took note of was a general focus on adding smart players with good character. Last year's draft class was sub-par and beyond that, Mike Shanahan took some big chances on players with suspect off-field issues. This time around, the Broncos targeted players who have solid character.


Round 1, Pick 12 (12) - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State

Denver entered this year's draft with many needs but the most glaring need was on the offensive line. For the first time since George Foster in 2oo3, the Broncos took an offensive tackle in the 1st round. With the retirement of Matt Lepsis, Denver was left with Erik Pears and Ryan Harris as their best remaining options at the position.

Ryan Clady was clearly the 2nd best tackle available after Jake Long and it’s still surprising to see him fall to the 12 spot. The Boise State product has excellent footwork and great size. This former enforcer of the smurf turf will be a true asset to Jay Cutler’s survival and a very solid building block for the offense.

The explosive Royal will spark the return game.

Round 2, Pick 11 (42) - Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech

I was baffled with this pick on draft day. The Broncos basically drafted a kick-returner in the 2nd round. I found myself saying; "He is a great athlete but this is a player that could have been had in the next round." That is possibly the case but due to last year’s bone-headed trade to acquire Marcus Thomas, Denver was without a selection in the 3rd for this year. I believe with the absence of that 3rd round pick, Shanahan panicked and thought that Royal would not be there the next time Denver picked.

I had a lot of wide receivers rated ahead of Royal but he IS one of the best kick-returners in this draft. After watching more film of him, I must say that he is also going to be a player that defenses will have to account for. Royal seems to run in a different gear than the rest of them. He is lightning quick and has moves on top of moves. He is also a solid character guy who will respond to good coaching. His size is a bit of a cause for concern but on the whole, Eddie Royal is an electrifying player who can turn any play into a score.

Mike Shanahan really likes this kid and apparantly views him as a Devin Hester type already. "He will help us immediately as a punt/kickoff returner" said Shanahan. "Having a player that has the ability to go the distance any time he touches the football, it helps you a lot on special teams. The mind set is completely different..... Chicago is a great example of that."

It’s a good addition but only time will tell as to how Royal stacks up with the other receivers that were on the board when Denver picked him. Malcolm Kelly, Limas Sweed, Jerome Simpson, DeSean Jackson, Mario Manningham, and Early Doucet were all on the board when the Broncos took Royal 42nd overall. Some scouts view him as the next Steve Smith so, if he's even half that good, Royal could be the steal of this draft.

Tough Mauler looks to start for the Broncos in 2oo8.

Round 4, Pick 9 (108) - Kory Lichtensteiger, OG, Bowling Green

What a name! I mean if your last name is Lichtensteiger, you’re probably one tough SOB. Talk about the household name of the future!! Seriously though, this kid is a very aggressive and versatile lineman who will provide nice depth on a unit that desperately needs it. He has the ability to play guard or center and he’s a very intelligent lineman who knows how to use his body.

The four year starter has terrific footwork and balance. He will fit in great with the zone scheme that Denver runs because he really understands leverage and positioning. He is yet another solid character guy who is already married with one child. This will turn out to be a great pick for the Broncos.


Round 4, Pick 20 (119) - Jack Williams, CB, Kent State

Williams brings it in run support and that will be a welcomed addition on defense. This Kent State product is yet another speed demon, who can flat out fly. He ran a 4.32 at his pro-day and is an athletic specimen.

His size may prohibit him from having success at the next level. At 5'8¾", he will likely struggle to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and might have problems with the bigger receivers in the AFC West. Could be an injury concern, battling through ankle and shoulder injuries.

He’s still pretty well put together for his small size and he has long arms. Williams is very coachable and an extremely hard worker. He hits with force and will be a solid addition to the secondary.

Can Torain be the next Olandis Gary??

Round 5, Pick 4 (139) - Ryan Torain, RB, Arizona State

Let the fantasy sleeper talk begin! It seems that any running back drafted by the Broncos automatically gets attention due to Mike Shanahan’s amazing track record of finding gems at the position with such late picks. Torain is a very intriguing prospect who has good size, footwork, and runs between the tackles very well. The downside is that he is coming off of a Lisfranc surgery that might land him on the PUP list for the first 8 weeks of the season.

Torain could turn out to be a steal this late in the draft but a lot of teams were scared away from him due to the injury. Shanahan likes him a lot but with Travis Henry and Selvin Young already entrenched atop the depth chart, I don’t see any immediate impact from Torain unless it’s on special teams or a rash of injuries break out. He is another guy who has great character and takes the game seriously. He could prove to be a steal in a few years from now.


Round 5, Pick 13 (148) - Carlton Powell, DT, Virginia Tech

Defensive tackle was another need position but the Broncos decided to address it in a “quantity over quality” theory. Powell isn’t overly impressive in any one category but he does show some nice instincts. Powell has the size and strength that NFL teams covet but he does not posses the desire or motor needed to dominate at the next level. He won’t be a game changer but might be a serviceable player to add depth at a need position.



Round 6, Pick 17 (183) - Spencer Larsen, OLB, Arizona

Classic tough guy. Larsen is a middle linebacker who Mike Shanahan has already been quoted as saying; “He could also play fullback for us.” Larsen stinks in pass coverage, so I don’t see him being more than a special teams ace and 2-down linebacker in a best case scenario. At this late in the draft, Spencer represents solid value. He will instantly help the special teams and might compete at linebacker.


Round 7, Pick 13 (220) - Josh Barrett, S, Arizona State

I like this pick! Barrett was a top rated safety after his junior season but a change in coaching resulted in him looking lost at time during his senior season. Barrett is built like a linebacker and has amazing speed. He ran a 4.35 at the combine and he shows a really good knack for stringing big plays together. He has been known to freelance too much and he comes with major injury concerns after suffering knee, ankle, and multiple shoulder injuries.


Round 7, Pick 20 (227) - Peyton Hillis, FB, Arkansas

Hillis is a versatile player who catches the ball well out of the backfield. He should provide good depth and comes from a big college program. He could be used in an H-back role but might turn into a solid fullback and special teams player for the nest few years.

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