Pancake Blocks Mock: Pick No. 12
Michael R. offers thoughtful analysis on who the Broncos will select to salvage one of the worst offseasons we've seen from a team in a long, long time.
I've seen Tyson Jackson mentioned a lot as a possible selection at #12, but although Jackson has the ideal size to be a 3-4 end, his lack of production in college as well as bigger needs elsewhere should eliminate him from consideration in my opinion.
With Denver's #1 target BJ Raji off the board in this mock, Denver's 1st pick of the 1st round comes down to two choices. QB Mark Sanchez or LB Ray Maualuga.
Maualuga is arguably the top MLB prospect in this year's draft and could bring needed intensity to a defense that played without any of it last year. Maualuga would instantly team with DJ Williams to give Denver a solid pair of ILB's and fill a large hole in the defense.
Mark Sanchez seems to be the hot name of late and many draftniks have moved him ahead of Matthew Stafford on their rankings. Sanchez certainly seems to be a better fit for Josh McDaniels' offense than Stafford and reportedly has the "gym rat" personality that McDaniels covets in a QB.
While the ideal situation would allow Denver to get both Sanchez and Maualuga with their two 1st round picks, I think the odds of Sanchez making it past Washington and the NY Jets are much worse then Maualuga sliding past San Diego.
Therefore, with the 12th pick in the NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select.....Mark Sanchez, QB, USC.
2009 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft
1. Detroit Lions (Sparty) - Jason Smith
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan) - Eugene Monroe
3. Kansas City Chiefs (Dude Abides) - Michael Crabtree
4. Seattle Seahawks (LunaticFringe) - Aaron Curry
5. Cleveland Browns (Thomas G.) - Aaron Maybin
6. Cincinnati Bengals (Wesseling) - Brian Orakpo
7. Oakland Raiders (Andrew W.) - Jeremy Maclin
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (Matt G.) - B.J. Raji
9. Green Bay Packers (Bob) - Michael Oher
10. San Francisco 49ers (Wes H.) - Everette Brown
11. Buffalo Bills (Mark P.) - Brandon Pettigrew
12. Denver Broncos (Michael R.) - Mark Sanchez
13. Washington Redskins (Ryan J.) - On the Clock.
Comments
I am starting to really hope that Stafford takes this kind of fall at the actual draft, so that I can enjoy another Brady Quinn moment. At first it is uncomfortable, but as he kept falling it just got more and more enjoyable. Hopefully Stafford is smart enough to not bring a dog faced girlfriend to the party like Quinn did.
Posted by: John M | April 16, 2009 02:23 PM
No way they take a QB with their first pick. With the glaring defensive needs of this team, a QB pick would be tantamount to Bowlen and McDaniels openly admitting they absolutely screwed up regarding trading Cutler. In essence, they would be trading Cutler and a 5th pick for this year's 3rd, next year's first, Orton and Sanchez (who will likely be a two-year project).
McDaniels has a reputation for getting the best out of QB's NOT taken in the first round (see Brady and Cassel). It is just my opinion, but I believe he feels strongly he can get very good production out of Orton or he wouldn't have made the trade with the Bears, since other teams were also interested in Cutler.
The Broncos defense is so horrible they have to address it with at least the first and second round picks. If they choose a QB in the first round, the fans and Denver media will crucify them.
As I said, just my opinion, but I'm basing it on McDaniels track record with lower round QB's and Denver's desperate need on the defensive side of the ball.
Posted by: arbee | April 16, 2009 02:27 PM
absolutly love this pick. theres been talk of them even trading up to get him. def has always been second class to a off minded coach. i think mcd will be frothing at the mouth if sanchez is still there at 12. but hes a jerk so i hope it doesnt happen.
Posted by: scott c | April 16, 2009 03:28 PM
arbee makes a good point. again i hope JMcD is arrogant enought to think he can get a brady in the 6th round... and watch his coaching career spiral down the tubes. (yes, i am still bitter at him for destroying a potential fantasy powerhouse for years in denver)
Posted by: scott c | April 16, 2009 03:33 PM
and look at how far a.smith is falling. would washington actually pass up stafford for him???
Posted by: scott c | April 16, 2009 03:34 PM
All I know is that I am hoping that A.Smith or one of the QB's falls all the way to the vikes. It will never happen, and childress will probably screw it up anyways. But a guy can dream can't he?
Posted by: John M | April 16, 2009 03:53 PM
Broncos should not take a QB in the 1st unless he can come in and make an impact starting on defense
Posted by: No | April 17, 2009 07:46 PM