Denver Broncos 2006 NFL Draft Review
1 - Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt (6-3, 226); 2 - Tony Scheffler, TE, Western Michigan (6-5, 254); 4 - Brandon Marshall, WR, Central Florida (6-4, 229); 4 - Elvis Dumervil, DE/OLB, Louisville (5-11, 257); 4 - Domenik Hixon, WR, Akron (6-2, 200); 5 - Chris Kuper, G, North Dakota (6-4, 301); 6 - Greg Eslinger, C, Minnesota (6-3, 292)
Analysis: The Broncos again went against convention, foregoing their needs at defensive end and trading up to take their quarterback of the future in Cutler. The first interception Jake Plummer throws in 2006 will have Denver fans calling for the rookie. Denver filled a major need by trading for Javon Walker, which overshadowed most of the rest of the day’s draft news, but also added a solid tight end in Scheffler in the second round. On the second day, Dumervil is the name that jumps out, and his presence certainly can’t hurt a team that was weak in its pass-rushing exploits last season. Marshall has a big body, and his development will be worth nothing. Kuper and Eslinger both fit the mould of Broncos’ linemen, and will have a chance to make the team as backups.
Bottom Line: The news surrounding Cutler and Walker ensured draft-day headlines, but where is the first-rate pass rusher they so desperately needed?
