Blog: Ed’s Take—April 9, 2011

We’re less than three weeks away from the NFL Draft! As a fan, does it feel like the Draft is the one thing that is normal about the NFL right now, with the lockout in place?

Thinking about the Draft and who might go where makes it a little easier to forget about the lockout for the moment. With the Broncos having the No. 2 overall pick it’s even more exciting. As we’ve talked about, whether they draft there or trade down and collect more picks, it’s a lot more exciting for the fan this year.

The Broncos re-signing of Champ Bailey, in my mind, makes it a high priority to focus on solidifying the defensive line with their first pick. When you’re strong up front, the rest of your defense is just that much better.

If they want an interior defensive lineman, Marcell Dareus from Alabama and Nick Fairly from Auburn are the two who attract the most attention as potential game-changers. If it’s a defensive end they want for their 4-3 defense, Robert Quinn from North Carolina and Da’Quan Bowers from Clemson are two great options. And there are many others beyond the four who project to be good NFL players.

All might be great picks, but the biggest question, more than whether they prefer an end or a tackle, is whether any of the four are worthy of being the No. 2 pick in the minds of John Elway, John Fox and Brian Xanders. It’s a deep draft for defensive linemen, and the Broncos’ needs are plenty. Trading down, still getting one of the four, and acquiring more picks might be the best play for this team right now.

OK fans, you play GM/Coach: Which way do you go?