NFL Draft 2011: Denver Broncos Draft Breakdown

The Denver Broncos and their new front office steward, John Elway, completed their first NFL Draft April 30 in New York. The Broncos looked for defense early in the draft with four of their five picks coming on the defensive side of the ball.

Denver Broncos first NFL Draft pick Von Miller LB

Von Miller was the best linebacker in the NFL Draft but was it the position the Broncos needed most? Elvis Dumervil will be 100 percent according to the Broncos and Von Miller will be a welcomed addition to the pass rush. Miller will have to be tougher on the middle of the field but his pass rush instincts are second to none in the rookie linebacker field.

Denver Broncos second NFL Draft pick Rahim Moore S

Rahim Moore will help the Broncos secondary defense and he was a bargain as an early second round choice. Moore runs a 4.45 and he was the first safety taken in the draft. Moore has the speed to make it in the NFL and when it comes to instincts he was the best choice available in the safety position.

Denver Broncos third NFL Draft pick Orlando Franklin OL

Orlando was a late pick and there may be issues with his knee that allowed him to fall to the Broncos in this spot. Franklin can do the job on the offensive line and may win the starting position but health may end up being the determining factor when judging this pick in 10 years.

Denver Broncos fourth NFL Draft pick Nate Irving LB

Nate Irving was rated by Denver Broncos GM Brian Xanders as the best inside linebacker in the NFL Draft. Irving has a long wing span and this helps him create chaos when he is in the middle or blitzing his way into the backfield.

Denver Broncos fifth NFL Draft pick Quinton Carter S

Quinton Carter is a safety that is capable of covering receivers as a corner on passing downs. Carter is known for his big hits at the moment the ball arrives and although he may flashy at times he is well worth the price of admission. Carter has excellent football instincts and his timing in college was top notch.

Denver Broncos sixth NFL Draft pick Julius Thomas TE

The Denver Broncos as gambling on Julius Thomas to move into the tight end position quickly but he will be successful in the coming years. Thomas has basketball skills and his height and ball catching prowess will get him plenty of time on the field in his rookie season.

Denver Broncos seventh NFL Draft pick Mike Mohamed LB

With Von Miller coming to the Broncos ahead of him, Mike Mohamed will have to work hard to find a place on this team. Mohamed is expected to make a possible back up defense and starting special teams spot. Mohamed is a smart player in the middle and he isn;t afraid to lay a devastating hit on a receiver coming across the field.

Denver Broncos eighth NFL Draft pick Virgil Green TE

Virgil Green is clearly the number two tight end picked by the Broncos behind Julius Thomas. He will still have a place on this team if he cannot beat out Thomas. Green is a flexible and hard hitting tight end that defines the term old school.

Denver Broncos ninth and final NFL Draft pick Jeremy Beal DE

Jeremy Beal is not a bad grab this late in the NFL Draft. He is a defensive lineman that is quick off the snap off the ball and is menacing enough to make a run at catching on with the Broncos roster.

sources:

NFL Network NFL Draft live coverage April 28-30, 2011.

ESPN TV NFL Draft live coverage April 28-30.

NFL.com player profiles.