SB Nation Writers Mock Draft: Round 1, Pick #12

The Denver Broncos have a lot of needs, all on the defensive side of the ball. I really, really want to take a linebacker, but the Broncos have so many needs that they really can’t afford to miss, especially with the first pick of the Josh McDaniels Era. Malcolm Jenkins will plug right into the slot corner and start from Day 1. With the ability to play some safety as well, Jenkins also provides the Broncos a lot of flexibility and whether Jenkins ends up as a CB or FS, he has great players to learn from in Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins.

For me, it came down to Jenkins or Brian Cushing and at this point I gave the slight edge to Jenkins. There are questions about his speed, but having watched 95 percent of Ohio State’s games during Jenkins career I can honestly say he plays a lot faster than his straight-line 40-time. Jenkins played in 49 games during his career at Ohio State, and never played in fewer than 10 in a season. He is durable and shows up every Sunday.

It might not be the sexy pick, but the Broncos need to get physical, especially on defense and Jenkins, at the No. 12 spot, might be the safest pick available.

MTD thoughts: Indeed, Jenkins is a safe pick here, and a great value pick. However, the Broncos really need a pass rusher and Cushing is that and much more. Perhaps Mark Sanchez could be a possibility if the Jay Cutler saga continues to progress like it has.