2014 NFL mock draft: Xavier Su’a-Filo to Denver Broncos at No. 31

The Denver Broncos will be a Super Bowl contender as long as Peyton Manning is playing quarterback for them. They are also one of the more aggressive teams in free agency, adding notable veteran players left and right in their championship bid with Manning at the helm. The end result of those two factors? Denver doesn’t have a lot of holes.

One area that does need to be addressed, however, is left guard, where the departure of Zane Beadles to Jacksonville has left a hole in the starting lineup. Kyle Montgomery of Mile High Report doesn’t believe the Broncos will wait around to plug that hole - at least not in this mock draft scenario.

”The Broncos have spent their top draft pick on defensive players for each of John Elway’s drafts with the team (Von Miller, Derek Wolfe, Sylvester Williams). Each choice was based on the philosophy of best player available, but each player still turned into a first-year contributor.

For the first time, the best player available coincides with perhaps the team’s greatest need. Su’a-Filo was SB Nation’s 15th-ranked player in its Top 200, so getting him at the No. 31 overall selection is a steal. As an accomplished pass protector, Su’a-Filo will help the Broncos return the best O-Line in the NFL, and hopefully the best offense. As a capable run-blocker and experienced puller, he gives Adam Gase the flexibility to experiment with another starting-caliber blocker.

Peyton Manning is looking to complete his Hall of Fame career with another Super Bowl run or two; the Broncos can’t afford a weak link in his pass protection. It’s serendipitous that Su’a-Filo was the best player available when the Broncos came on the clock at 31; he’s a perfect fit with what they need.”

Indeed, this is a steal. Su’a-Filo is an accomplished interior blocker who was kicked out to left tackle for UCLA last season because of countless injuries. But it’s at guard where Su’a-Filo stars. He’s an athletic, yet powerful run blocker. While he may not be known as an overly aggressive blocker, he is efficient and consistently plays through the whistle. With the top linebackers off the board, Su’a-Filo is the smart choice.