Tebow's play, IMHO, has played him into the 2012 starters role...right, wrong or otherwise. He's shown an uncanny ability to win games and that can't be ignored. I have ZERO QBs in this mock because, well, I think they all suck after Luck and RG3. This is an all or nothing year for us. Due to those returning for their senior years, I believe 2013 will be a huge QB draft. This gives us an out then, if Tebow struggles in 2012.
My plan would be to use Free Agency for CB help, OL depth and a backup QB.
round 1
DONT'A HIGHTOWER, MLB, Alabama
6'4" 260
No change here. Hightower has been nothing short of spectacular since he arrived at Alabama. He's a giant and plays very athletic for his size. I think his speed will also surprise at the combine. He is a monster inside and I believe that he, along with Von Miller will instill fear in opposing offenses and return the "Crush" to Denver's defense. Mays has been solid, but a liability against the pass. I like what I've seen from DJ now that he's back home at WILL and Woodyard is a solid 4th LB option. Hightower rounds out a damn good LB corps. I like some DTs who may be here, but IMO, MLB is the way to go.
round 2
MIKE MARTIN DT, MICHIGAN
6'2" 305
While I believe Malik Jackson will rise up the boards, he hasn't yet. This allows me to push him back a bit. With MLB already handles, I think WR is the way to go. Problem is, we need some small, fast, shifty guys and the value here would be the bigger targets. We have those. So I say go w/ a DT, the best of which here is Martin. A work horse and an under-rated athelete, Martin was huge for Michigan and their recent defensive resurgence. Poor scheme and coaching hurt him early, but he has proven what he can do w/ real defensive coaching.
round 3
DOUG MARTIN, RB, Boise State
5'9" 215
Lamar Miller and David Wilson will both be gone before we'd pick in round 2. I think we then move on to different options. I love Doug Martin here in round 3...and wouldn't be mad if we grabbed him in round 2. He has that Ray Rice, MJD feel to me. High praise, I know, but his build and running style have similarities. Low center of gravity and bulky, busy legs make it very hard for defenders to bring him down. He's a big sleeper in this draft. I think he's built well for our offense.
round 4
MALIK JACKSON, DE/DT, Tennessee
6'5" 270
Again...I think Jackson rises up the boards, but he is currently projected here. He is a USC transfer after the fallout. Starting DT, with DE experience, who is getting bigger each year. He has been dominant this year for the Vols. Overshadowed by the team's struggles and youth, Jackson has been a huge force in the SEC. He should be able to add depth and position flexibility to a much improved DLine.
round 5A
JARIUS WRIGHT, WR, Arkansas
5'10" 180
We traded a WR for what should be a 5th round pick. We should take a WR in the same round. Wright would be just one more weapon for Tebow and he's electric in the return game. He is a blazer who ended his college career as Arkansas's all time reception leader. Although DT and Decker seem to be nice building blocks, they both still have injury concerns. W/ Lloyd gone, Royal a possible departure and Matt Willis being sub-par, we will need a WR at some point in the off-season. FAs will not look forward to coming to play w/ Tebow, so we'll probably have to draft one.
round 5B
JOE ADAMS, WR, Arkansas
5'11" 190
Yes, I know, I just took Wright. But, Tebow NEEDS weapons. And Adams and Wright are both weapons with big time SEC experience. Both have amazing hands and speed (both time in the 4-3s). Adams and Wright battled for that all-time catch title at Arkansas.
round 7
TAUREN POOLE, RB, Tennessee
5'10" 215
All around stable back for the Vols. Had over 1000 yards and 11 TDs against an SEC schedule in 2010. Having a down year this year, but that is due to a number of issues. RB depth will be key given Fox's style of offense. Not the dynamic home run hitter many covet, but Poole gets the job done. An excellent back to have in a rotation.
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