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Every NFL fan is well aware of the fact that the draft is rapidly approaching, and the mock drafts are everywhere. If you have been following Rant Sports, you know that we have been doing those mock drafts for weeks now and yours truly has been doing the ones for the Denver Broncos.
Over the past two or three weeks, I’ve bought into the whole idea that the Broncos need to replace Elvis Dumervil with their first-round pick. However today I am here to say I was wrong. Don’t get me wrong, the Broncos need to draft a defensive end at some point in the first three rounds but not with the 28th overall selection.
Some of you may have seen the video that was posted by ESPN on Wednesday, Video: Mannings discuss offseason work. That video got me to thinking; the Broncos need to draft running back Eddie Lacy in the first-round if he is still there.
The common thought about the draft is using it to strengthen your weaknesses, but it can also be used to turn a strength into an unstoppable force. The offense led by Peyton Manning was already going to be difficult to deal with, especially with the addition of Wes Welker. There’s not a defense in the league that is going to be able to stop the Broncos passing game over the course of an entire game. The one area of that offense that has some question marks is the running game, especially in short-yardage and between the tackles.
If John Elway and the front office are able to find the right running back that can provide a threat that defenses have to account for, then the offense for the Broncos could be setting records in the coming season. Lacy is the perfect back for what the Broncos need.
He is a great runner between the tackles, picks up the tough yards and is excellent on the goal line. Lacy also played for the Alabama Crimson Tide and Nick Saban which means he has an understanding of pass protection, and is a good receiver out of the backfield.
It’s too much to say that Lacy is the final piece because the Broncos are already one of the favorites heading into the season, but his addition would make a very good offense even better.
It’s understandable why a lot of people want the Broncos to go defense in the first-round, but Lacy just makes too much sense. The draft in terms of pass rushers is very deep, and the Broncos can find a good one in the second or third round. In the first round, they need to take Lacy and turn a potent offense into an unstoppable one.
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