Riddle me this: 2009 Draft Recap

With the coming and going of the 2009 NFL Draft comes change and dreams of a bright future. With all the changes that have occurred with the Denver Broncos since the end of December, I almost don't recognize them anymore. Denver brought surprise and great maneuverability to this year's draft which resulted in mixed feelings by fans and analysts alike. As for this fan (because that's why you're here) here are my thoughts on this year's selections.

1. Knowshon Moreno - I think Moreno is an excellent pick for Denver (not just because he played for UGA) because of the help and stability he will bring to a position that was filled by 9 different players last season. Whether Kyle Orton or Chris Simms will be under center remains to be seen but either of them will be under much less pressure because of the threat Moreno will bring to opposing defenses. He'll also give us back red zone efficiency, where we really hurt last year with all of the picks and fumbles that happened there.
   
2. Robert Ayers - Mike Mayock likes him and that's always a good start. Upon further inspection, looks like he could be a steal for where we got him. I saw some Senior Bowl vids in which Ayers crushed #6 pick Andre Smith. Here's hoping he can bring a spark (and some sacks) to a suspect d-line.
3. Alphonso Smith - came in the second round but Denver gave up their first rounder next year for him. Many who believe the Broncos will not be as good this year worry that it will be a top 10 pick for a 5'9 corner from Wake Forest. Besides Champ (6') Smith is only a couple inches shorter than the rest of Denver's corners. Plain and simple, it is a position that needed addressing with the aging of their defensive backfield. He is awesome to watch in the couple games I saw him in and still got a few (21 total) picks despite his height. During his press conference he was smiling ear to ear the whole time and I could tell he really wants to be a Bronco. Who better to mentor him than Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins?
4. Darcel McBath - didn't really see a whole lot of his play when i watched a red raiders game, but I like the pick because he can play safety or corner and will, like Smith, learn from some of the best in the league.
5. Richard Quinn - This is the one pick I don't really understand. Twelve career receptions at UNC, he'll be a blocking specialist but this move was made even more surprising because they still have Tony Scheffler. I guess we'll see but I think they could have just waited to get him in the 3rd round.
6. David Bruton - Notre Dame's lone draftee, Bruton should also help in the defensive secondary and McD says he's quite the special teams player. We could definitely use more fair catches and better punt coverage although I hope we're not punting as much. That does it on defense
   
7. Seth Olsen - As long as he helps keep (insert QB here) upright and open up lanes for Moreno, we should be in good shape.
8. Kenny McKinley - McDaniels shows his McBias to McNames. McKinley is the all time leading receiver for South Carolina and could be quite the steal. He's built for the slot role and could bust out in McDaniels' system.
9. Tom Brandstater - moved up to get him at top of the 6th round so that tells me he's definitely who McDaniels wanted. I hope McD is around long enough to groom him to be our long term answer at quarterback. Brandstater is definitely smart and finished his Masters in Sports Psychology so surely that could translate and help him better adapt to McDaniels' intricate system.
   
10. Blake Schlueter - Center that might need some beefing up before he's ready to take over in a year or two. Again, aging position that will need someone ready to take it over.
    

In a draft highlighted by good character and versatility, Denver brings on 4 defensive players and 6 offensive along with a late round quarterback named Tom. Time will only tell how good McDaniels' and Xanders' incumbant draft really is. I did expect more defense and was surprised that no DTs or LBs were drafted but they must be confident with what they have. Obviously, I hope it's a great class that can have some immediate impact players like last year's draft highlighted by Eddie Royal and Ryan Clady.