lawdog93
04-20-2009, 12:08 PM
Hitting it right on nose
The thin ranks of quality nose tackles could be a big issue for the Broncos and others in the draft.
By Lindsay H. Jones
The Denver Post
Of all the years to desperately need a nose tackle.
With the Broncos still lacking a clear starter to anchor the defensive line in their new 3-4 front, it would make sense to look to this weekend's draft to find a solution.
Problem is, there's only one player the experts agree is a blue-chip, true nose tackle prospect: Boston College's B.J. Raji.
"It is a bad defensive tackle year," NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock said.
And because of the high demand for an elite player with a bulky body who can stop the run and rush the quarterback among teams already playing or transitioning to the 3-4, Raji (6-feet-1, 337 pounds) will likely be long gone by the time the Broncos make the 12th pick.
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said he doesn't think Raji will fall below pick No. 9 to Green Bay, and that he could go as high as No. 5 to Cleveland.
A more realistic option for the Broncos might be to select Ron Brace, one of Raji's teammates, if Brace is still available for the Broncos in the second round at No. 48.
Hitting it right on nose - The Denver Post (http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_12179752)
The thin ranks of quality nose tackles could be a big issue for the Broncos and others in the draft.
By Lindsay H. Jones
The Denver Post
Of all the years to desperately need a nose tackle.
With the Broncos still lacking a clear starter to anchor the defensive line in their new 3-4 front, it would make sense to look to this weekend's draft to find a solution.
Problem is, there's only one player the experts agree is a blue-chip, true nose tackle prospect: Boston College's B.J. Raji.
"It is a bad defensive tackle year," NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock said.
And because of the high demand for an elite player with a bulky body who can stop the run and rush the quarterback among teams already playing or transitioning to the 3-4, Raji (6-feet-1, 337 pounds) will likely be long gone by the time the Broncos make the 12th pick.
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said he doesn't think Raji will fall below pick No. 9 to Green Bay, and that he could go as high as No. 5 to Cleveland.
A more realistic option for the Broncos might be to select Ron Brace, one of Raji's teammates, if Brace is still available for the Broncos in the second round at No. 48.
Hitting it right on nose - The Denver Post (http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_12179752)