Round 1
#22 Demaryius Thomas WR Georgia Tech
Thomas is a big, physical player that had a great career in college. The numbers he put up were very impressive, especially because he played in a triple option offense – needless to say, the passing game is not the emphasis in the triple option. Thomas had a remarkable 3 game stretch in 2008 where he caught a 70+ yard touchdown in 3 consecutive games. If the Broncos were trying to fill the shoes of Brandon Marshall, they may have found their man. I think Thomas may be a step faster than Marshall and is about the same size. Thomas has overcome some pretty big obstacles in his life and is known as a smart, hardworking player.

#25 Tim Tebow QB Florida
If you’ve never heard of Tim Tebow, you must have found a sizable rock to hide under.  Tebow spent the last 4 years dominating college football and crushing records. Tebow set the SEC career record for rushing touchdowns this year when he passed Herschel Walker. Tebow won the Heisman Trophy as the best college football player in 2007. To top it off, Tebow even had an NCAA rule named after him (players are no longer aloud to wear eye black with messages on them). While some NFL scouts, coaches and GMs said they would never draft Tim Tebow, others wanted to add him for his great talent and even better character. Tebow may be a bit of a project, but he should be a fan favorite in Denver and hopefully an impact player sooner rather than later.

Round 2
#45 Zane Beadles T Utah
Beadles started a remarkable 50 games for the Utah Utes. He was credited with 313 knockdowns/key blocks and came up with key hits on 45 touchdown drives. He earned 1st team All-America honors from the Football Writers Association of America and College Football News. While he has a great deal of size, toughness and experience, many NFL scouts believe he’ll be a better fit at guard than tackle in the NFL. Beadles may have been a bit of a reach in the second round, but he should be a great addition to the Broncos offensive line.

Round 3
#80 JD Walton C Baylor
Walton is known as a very physical run blocker and gained attention from scouts for his ability to make “pancake” blocks (knocking the opponent the ground). He’s credited with 194 knock-downs over the last 2 seasons, while helping open up holes with 26 touchdown resulting blocks. Walton was also named an All-American and was a finalist for the Outland Trophy and Rimington Trophy as a senior. Many draft analysts rated Walton as the second best center in the draft behind Florida’s Maurkice Pouncey. He should be able to step in from day one and start. Walton should be an excellent addition and will greatly help the Broncos offense transition from a zone blocking scheme to power blocking.

#87 Eric Decker WR Minnesota
Decker is another big strong receiver. He may remind Broncos fans of former fan favorite Ed McCaffrey. While they have the same build, I think Decker is actually a better overall athlete. Decker has been drafted the last two years in the Major League Baseball draft, in addition to being drafted this year by the Broncos. He made a name for himself in college as one of the best receivers in the Big 10 conference. If not for an injury to his foot during the 2009 season, Decker may have been picked in the 2nd round. With Decker, Thomas, Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney and Brandon Stokely, the Broncos should have a very solid receiver group.

Round 5
#137 Perrish Cox CB Oklahoma State
Cox had a very solid career for the Cowboys. He ended his career with 36 pass breakups and 10 interceptions. In his senior season he led the nation with 19 pass breakups. Cox is has very good size for a corner and can matchup pretty well against bigger receivers. He’s good in man coverage, especially when playing bump coverage (jamming receivers at the line). Cox is also a very good return specialist. He set the career return yard record for the Big 12 Conference with 2,804 yards, including a school record 4 touchdowns on returns. Cox would have been drafted much higher, but he was suspended for OSU’s bowl game due to being late for curfew. Cox should be able to get on the field early on as a returner and I think he’ll beat out 2009 2nd pick Alphonso Smith for the 3rd corner spot.

Round 6
#183 Eric Olsen C Notre Dame
Olsen joins a few former Notre Dame players on the Broncos roster (David Bruton, Ryan Harris, Brady Quinn). Olsen is known as a tough, physical and smart player. He played in a very similar offense to the Broncos as he was coached by Josh McDaniels mentor, Charlie Weis. Olsen has experience playing both guard spots as well as center. With his knowledge of the offense and terminology, he may have a leg up on the starting center spot this year. I think he’ll end up being a backup guard/center, but if JD Walton struggles to learn the offense, Olsen may be called upon early.

Round 7
#225 Syd’Quan Thompson  CB California
Thompson is a former 2-time All-Pac 10 selection and started all 52 games in his career at California. He finished his career as the all-time leader in pass breakups at Cal with 36. Thompson finished his career with 257 tackles, 7 interceptions, 2 sacks and 20 tackles for loss. Thompson is a little undersized, but he plays physically and is not afraid of contact. It may be tough for him to make the Broncos roster in 2010, but he should be able to stick around on the practice squad and step in if there are injuries.

#232 Jammie Kirlew  OLB/DE Indiana
Kirlew was a very solid defensive end for the University of Indiana and in 2010 was voted All-Big 10 by the coaches and media. Kirlew led the team with 6.5 sacks and added 15 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. While he had a solid college career, and is a solid person, he may have a hard time making the Broncos roster in 2010. He’ll be transitioned from a 4-3 defensive end to an outside linebacker in the 3-4 (i.e. Elvis Dumervil in 2009).