Denver Broncos likely targeting offensive tackle with first pick

The 2015 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, meaning all the “Draft experts” are coming out of the woodworks. Well, if you follow the Denver Broncos, it’s easy to see two major weaknesses; on the offensive line, namely right tackle, and at inside linebacker.

We outlined the team’s needs yesterday, and now we’ll focus on the right tackle position.

With the addition of Shelley Smith at left guard to fill Orlando Franklin’s vacancy, the line is set, besides at right tackle. There’s Pro Bowler Ryan Clady at left tackle, Smith, Manny Ramirez at center, Louis Vasquez at right guard and Ryan Harris would likely be the go-to guy at right tackle if the season started today. Other possible starters are second-year men Paul Cornick and Michael Schofield.

The Broncos enter the 2015 NFL Draft with the No. 28 overall pick, but with ten total selections, there is a possibility of moving up. We’ll look at it as if the Broncos decide to stay put at No. 28.

Who are the top prospects? Let’s see:

La’el Collins, LSU, 6’4” 305 pounds

Collins played at left tackle for Louisiana State, but scouts don’t think he can play there in the NFL. He’s graded well as a guard/tackle type player, who is a road grater in the run game. Collins finishes off blocks well and punishes opponents with his physical style. But is he athletic enough to move fluidly and block for Peyton Manning on passing downs? The experts say he won’t fall to Denver at No. 28, so unless they’re in love with him, they likely won’t draft the Tiger.

Ereck Flowers, Miami, 6’6” 329 pounds

Flowers is a massive man, weighing in at 329 pounds. That size certainly helps when opening up holes in the defensive line for runs, but can hinder pass blocking. While the scouts say Flowers has solid foot quickness, he doesn’t get the depth needed to get in front of edge rushers. That’s scary when the quarterback is 39 years old. Similarly to Collins, Flowers could be better suited to play guard than tackle. Also, he’s been projected to go as high as No. 9, so it’s unlikely he’s there at No. 28. If he is, Denver’s got to consider Flowers.

T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh, 6’5” 309 pounds

Clemmings is the odds-on favorite to become the Broncos’ first round pick. He’s both incredibly athletic and raw. Clemmings played basketball in high school and that adds to his ability to get depth with ease and also move in space well. College saw another change for the young man, from defensive end to right tackle, and he’s still trying to learn the details of the position. When he attended the Senior Bowl, Clemmings was used and abused by the best senior defensive ends in the game, putting his weaknesses on display. Still, he could grow into a Pro Bowl right tackle given time and experience.

D.J. Humphreys, Florida, 6’5” 307 pounds

Humphreys is nasty and enjoys getting down and dirty in the trenches. He’s a fighter, which is a double-edged sword for him. Scouts say he tries to sumo wrestle with opponents too much instead of using his legs to drive through them. Humphreys needs to learn how to keep his feet moving through contact and to punch defensive linemen instead of leaning on them with his upper body. Some believe he can be drafted and start right away, while others believe he has some developing to do in terms of his technique.

Ty Sambrailo, Colorado State, 6’6” 311 pounds

OK, so maybe the Broncos don’t go offensive tackle in the first round but want one in the third or fourth round. That’s where Ty Sambrailo is projected to land and maybe his professional team will be conveniently located 60 miles south of his college, Colorado State. Sambrailo is an extremely versatile lineman, playing both tackles and both guard positions during his time with the Rams. Mostly, Sambrailo was utilized at left tackle, but he would be well suited at right tackle, too. He’s got a bit of a nastiness in his game and understands how to finish blocks with attitude. What’s hurting his stock is a lack of strength and knowledge of the run blocking game. He can improve, and if the Broncos see him around in the fourth, they could nab him up. Kubiak, who had two sons play for Colorado State, has a history of picking CSU players.