Now that the 2012 NFL Draft is over, we're profiling each team's draft. Who were the steals? Who were the reaches? We continue with the Denver Broncos.
2012 NFL Draft analysis: Denver Broncos
John Elway, Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning have been responsible for creating quite the buzz about the Denver Broncos. Granted, Tebow is no longer there to induce his mania, but I think Manning will be able to pick up some of the slack.
When it comes to creating a buzz, however, the 2012 NFL Draft did very little for the Broncos. Denver traded out of the first round, making defensive tackle Derek Wolfe the team's first pick of the draft in the second round. Elway continued the draft by drafting Manning's successor, Brock Osweiler.
The Broncos acquired some solid talent in the later rounds, though. Tennessee defensive end Malik Jackson was perhaps the best value pick of Denver’s draft in the fifth round.
Questionable Pick: QB Brock Osweiler, Round 2, pick 57
This is not an indictment on Brock Osweiler in any way, but the Broncos certainly turned some heads by spending their second draft choice on him. He is in a position to develop into a quality starting quarterback in the NFL. Osweiler will get to sit behind Peyton Manning for a few years, and Denver can ease him into action. Clearly, the Broncos loved Osweiler in the pre-draft process and had to have him. I just wonder if they could have addressed a more pressing need, especially with Manning’s window closing.
Late-Round Steal: DE Malik Jackson, Round 5, pick 137
Malik Jackson could end up being one of the steals of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has the versatility to play any position on Denver’s defensive line, and depth was needed across the board for the Broncos. Jackson will help this run defense a ton and be a great addition to this rotation.
2013 mock draft pick: Josh D - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah | Matthew Fairburn - Tyrann Mathieu, DB, LSU
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