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The 2009 NFL Draft Review: The Denver Broncos
By Bryan Dietzler
The Broncos went into the 2009 NFL Draft with a lot of needs and the picks by which to get them. With two first round selections, the Broncos took a running back and a linebacker (defensive end) leaving some to question why they ended up taking a running back when they needed more help on defense. Some of their other picks were questionable as well and there are many critics lining up to take a shot at Denver’s draft.
The following is a look at the players that Denver drafted in the 2009 NFL Draft and my overall grade on their draft.
Knowshon Moreno-RB-Georgia picked 1st (12th)
Some experts raised a few questions as to why the Broncos went ahead and picked a running back after they had signed three during the offseason. Moreno will end up being the starting running back when it’s all said and done but the Broncos could have filled out other needs, especially on defense, with this pick.
Robert Ayers-OLB/DE-Tennessee picked 1st (18th)
The Broncos did do something good by taking Ayers but they may have taken him a little bit too early in the draft. Ayers should help them out in their conversion from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 and will act as a pass rushing outside linebacker. A good pick, a bit early, but a good and solid pick for this team.
Alphonso Smith-CB-Wake Forest picked 2nd (37th)
This pick might have been a reach for a guy who is so small but in college, Smith was a big time playmaker and should fit in their nickel package well. Most experts just can’t get over the issue with his size however but he should be able to make up for it with his ability.
Darcel McBath-CB-Texas Tech picked 2nd (48th)
The Broncos continued building up their secondary with another pick at cornerback. McBath is bigger than Smith and may see a starting spot ahead of Smith.
Richard Quinn-TE-North Carolina picked 2nd (64th)
The last of the Broncos second round picks was Quinn who was an interesting choice as the team could have went and gotten some other talent at that point in the draft aside for Quinn. However, he will help them out, especially in the running game but isn’t much of a pass catching tight end.
David Bruton-FS-Notre Dame picked 4th (114th)
The Broncos continued to look for help in the secondary by taking Bruton, a free safety who might need some work but could eventually step up and start in a year or two. He will push some of the starters at the position going into training camp but will most likely have to wait his turn.
Seth Olsen-OG-Iowa picked 4th (132nd)
The Broncos went for some depth on the offensive line with this pick and managed to get a pretty solid guard and someone who might be able to start if needed at some point. Olsen is a pretty solid player and a good pick at this point in the draft.
Kenny McKinley-WR-South Carolina picked 5th (141st)
The Broncos went for some depth at the wide receiver position for this pick and could have a guy that could contend for the third or fourth spot on the team at that position. McKinley comes in a lot better groomed than some of the players taken before him in the draft.
Tom Brandstater-QB-Fresno State picked 6th (174th)
The Broncos needed someone who could push both Kyle Orton and Chris Simms for the starting job in Denver and they didn’t quite get one with Brandstater. He could become the number three quarterback there and help at least back up and make a run for the number two spot sometime further down the road.
Blake Schlueter-C-TCU picked 7th (225th)
The Broncos went for some depth on the offensive line again and got a guy who just might be able to step in and start at some point down the road. This may have been the Bronco’s steal of the draft because he has worked out so well during pre-draft workouts.
The Broncos really missed out on upgrading their defense which is something that they had to do thanks to the switch in defensive schemes so they will be hurting this first year out. The thought was that they might make a play for a quarterback in the first round, such as USC’s Mark Sanchez but they failed to do that also leaving many to wonder what their draft strategy was exactly.
Overall Grade: D
