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When preparing for the 2013 NFL Mock Draft, it was a foregone conclusion that the two highest priorities for the Denver Broncos were on the defensive line and at running back.
With that in mind, the Broncos select with the 28th pick in the Rant Sports 2013 NFL Mock Draft, Kawann Short DT from Purdue.
As mock general manager, it is never easy to get within the head of executive vice president of football operations John Elway. When Short fell along the board and was left hanging, it was almost a no-brainer for this pick to be made since RB Eddie Lacy was taken at 26 by the Green Bay Packers.
Short is an NFL-ready lineman that has the strength(short squats 600 pounds, while bench-pressing in the 400′s) and a tremendous wingspan to bat down passes.
According to Rob Rang of nfldraftscout.com, “Short can be an immovable object in the middle of the field when he plays disciplined and generates power from his lower body. However, he too often gives streaky effort and doesn’t consistently play with leverage.”
The consistent play will come with experience and the type of line play the Broncos incorporate with defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. So far, all indications from the Broncos tend to insist they are happy with Robert Ayers filling in at the end position with the loss of Elvis Dumervil to the Baltimore Ravens.
Short can play both inside and out, while showing a quick burst to the ball and can even cover short yardage in the middle of the field when he drops back. He is powerful, disruptive and would make an excellent compliment to whichever players are around him.
One other note of interest is the fact that his production ratio over the past two years has been 1.79. In case anyone was wondering, J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans sits at a similar 1.85. If that doesn’t get the blood boiling, then I do not know what will.
There are very good pass rushers in this year’s draft, crafty running backs, and quality offensive linemen. Short, at the 28th pick would be a steal in a revamped Broncos line that will concentrate on stopping the run, and getting good penetration to the opposing quarterback with DT Terrance Knighton, DE Derek Wolfe and re-signed Kevin Vickerson.
With Short, the Broncos may also find that Ayers really is a suitable replacement for Dumervil if all he has to concentrate on is getting behind the line to break up plays.
At No. 29, the New England Patriots select…
Craig Moir is a Denver Broncos writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @cmoir727. “Like” him on Facebook at CraigMoirRants and add him to your network on Google+
