Draft Preview: Round 1

It's that time of year. The time when every team is the most optimistic about the upcoming season. Every team feels like it can compete. Yes, it's time for the NFL Draft.

The Broncos have the 11th overall pick in the first round tonight. I previously said I think it's a legitimate possibility that they could take Center Maurkice Pouncey at that position, but I've changed my thinking slightly.

I think IF the Broncos stay at 11, they will take ILB Rolando McClain. I looked at the team's roster as it stands and even if they move Mario Haggan from OLB to ILB, we only have 3 and that's if you count Spencer Larsen who is now our only fullback.

If they move down, there are a couple scenarios that could play out beautifully. They could put themselves in position to grab Pouncey if he's still there wherever they move because they need a center in the worst way. If Pouncey is gone, they could be in position to grab wide receiver Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech. I really think he'd be the best fit as he's been described as, "the physical clone of Brandon Marshall" by the likes of NFL.com.

I think they'd prefer to move down from 11 to acquire more picks but the Broncos are also in position to move back into the first round by packaging one of their two second-round picks and maybe future picks (one of their 2 second-round picks next year) to still grab one of those guys.

If they are unable to get Pouncey, there are some other options in the second round such as Matt Tennant from Boston College or J.D. Walton out of Baylor.

I'll talk more about what Day 2 could hold after what breaks down tonight so stay tuned for that early tomorrow. I just found out it's Josh McDaniels 34th birthday so Happy Birthday Coach, go get yourself something nice.