2 - Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati (6-5, 295); 2 - Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State (6-7, 242); 3 - Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State (5-9, 200); 4 - Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona State (5-10, 202); 4 - Philip Blake, C, Baylor (6-3, 311); 5 - Malik Jackson, DE, Tennessee (6-5, 284); 6 - Danny Trevathan, OLB, Kentucky (6-0, 237)
Top Picks Analysis: After trading down twice to exit the first round, the Broncos addressed what was their most glaring area of weakness with the somewhat surprising selection of Wolfe in the early second. The 2011 co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year is extremely agile and brings good pass- rushing skills to the team's aging interior, though he's a bit lean and isn't a true anchor in the running game. Denver then grabbed Peyton Manning's intended future successor in the towering Osweiler, a big-armed and competitive developmental project who's at least a couple of years away from being ready due to mechanical flaws and limited experience. The Broncos traded up in the third for Hillman, a durable but undersized speed back who needs work in pass protection and with ball security.
Best Value Pick: Blake is an older prospect who turns 27 in November, but the native Canadian has the functional strength and initial get-off to compete for a starting role at either center or right guard, two positions where the Broncos have some instability.
Questionable Calls: Hillman may have been overdrafted, as he's strictly an outside runner who lacks the power between the tackles and consistent hands as a receiver to be a surefire every-down back. The Broncos could have used another body in addition to Blake to a thin reserve ranks on the offensive line.
Summary: Wolfe and Blake should be able to contribute as rookies, but there aren't any certain hits out of this class, as Osweiler is an unknown quantity and fourth-round pick Bolden had an injury-marred career as the young quarterback's college teammate. The Broncos scored far better in free agency than in the draft.
FINAL GRADE: C+
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