The 2014 NFL Draft was nothing short of eventful for the Denver Broncos. Following a series of productive free agency moves, the Broncos were looking to further solidify their roster through this year's draft. With the pickups at the cornerback and wide receiver position, the Broncos did just that.
For the Broncos, the draft was mainly about filling the void at the cornerback position. After losing veterans Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Champ Bailey to free agency, the Broncos made an effort to revamp their secondary with younger talent.
The Broncos also pursued a wide receiver with their second-round pick, in hopes of landing Peyton Manning's future third or fourth option.
All-in-all, the Broncos managed to refine a roster built on winning now.
Round 1, Pick 31 (31): Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
Round 2, Pick 24 (56): Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana
Round 3, Pick 31 (95): Michael Schofield, OT, Michigan
Round 5, Pick 16 (156): (from Bears): Lamin Barrow, OLB, LSU
Round 6, Pick 31 (207): Matthew Paradis, C, Boise State
Round 7, Pick 27 (242) (from Saints, through 49ers): Corey Nelson, OLB, Oklahoma
If you look at at the list above, you'll notice that the Broncos were efficient with their early picks. In cornerback Bradley Roby and wide receiver Cody Latimer, the Broncos drafted two potential starters.
The Broncos weren't shy about pursuing these two positions from the start, and they quickly accomplished their stated goals by adding Roby and Latimer.
For a Broncos team that will be in the mix for this year's Super Bowl, the draft was a success. Even without the aforementioned picks, the Broncos retained a roster that would give most teams trouble, and they've been proactive about fixing the areas that need improvement.
Evaluating the draftees
Bradley Roby, 5-foot-11, 194 lbs, CB, Ohio State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ujDqs8iI_E
As third-string cornerbacks go, they don't get much better than Roby. With size and speed, Roby instantly adds another dimension to the Broncos secondary.
When the Broncos drafted Roby with their first pick, they knew what they were getting in return. Roby may not develop into a perennial Pro Bowler, but he has enough intangibles to help the Broncos this season.
Individual Draft Grade: A-
Cody Latimer, 6-foot-2, 215 lbs, WR, Indiana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZXQcakwFAc
With the loss of Eric Decker, the Broncos were in need of another pair of reliable hands. While Latimer may lack the speed to consistently beat opposing corners down the field, he does have good fundamentals.
Latimer will likely find his way onto the field as the fourth option at best for the Broncos. Behind Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, Latimer will have an opportunity to see the field.
Adding Latimer was creates yet another weapon for Manning to taken advantage of. Manning is notorious for spreading the wealth among his receivers regardless of their age or talent, and that is nothing but good news for Latimer.
Individual Draft Grade: A-
Steal of the draft
Lamin Barrow, 6-foot-1, 237 lbs, OLB, LSU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyBTI2XTwig
The Broncos were lucky to pick up Barrow so late in the draft. A respected team captain out of LSU, Barrow not only brings a veteran mentality, but also a level of athleticism that he could leverage into a future starting job.
Paired with Danny Trevathan and Von Miller, Barrow could be a great addition for the Broncos defense. The linebacker position may be stacked right now, but there's no reason why Barrow can't fight his way onto the field.
Barrow will likely need some time to mold into a NFL player. At the same time, don't be surprised to see Barrow get some opportunities in the preseason. Barrow is capable and is NFL-ready in regards to his physical build.
Individual Draft Grade: B
Overall Team Draft Grade: B+
