Could Broyles wind up with Manning in Denver?
Published: 4/23/2012 7:47 AM
Last Modified: 4/23/2012 7:47 AM
Near as I can tell, there are 4,915 mock NFL drafts out there. It's sort of pathetic to admit this, but I've read roughly 4,910 of them.
From that 4,910, here is the best-case position for all draft-able Oklahoma Sooners….
Ryan Broyles (WR) third round, No. 87 overall to the Broncos
About as good as it gets for Broyles – one of the most cerebral young players on the board paired with one of the most cerebral quarterbacks in recent NFL history. Put another way: Being drafted by the Peyton Manning Broncos sure beats being drafted by the Tim Tebow version. At least, if you're a wide receiver.
Likelihood: Well, Denver was one of 12 teams at Broyles' pro day in Norman. Mid-to-late third round doesn't seem like much of a reach for the most prolific pass-catcher in NCAA history, even if that receiver is coming off major knee surgery.
Friendly faces: Second-year Broncos Quinton Carter and Jeremy Beal
Ronnell Lewis (DE/OLB) second round, No. 45 overall to the Cowboys
Any money Lewis makes in pro football is going to be off his pass rush. You think he could learn a few things from DeMarcus Ware?
Likelihood: Jerry Jones is said to be quite fond of Bob Stoops. I imagine he's well aware of the potential of "The Hammer." Mid-second round seems fairly reasonable for a prospect once thought to be a fringe first-rounder.
Friendly faces: DeMarco Murray and Brodney Pool
Travis Lewis (LB) second round, No. 60 overall to the Ravens
Baltimore lost starting outside 'backer Jarret Johnson to the Chargers. Surely they're going to lose Hall of Famer Ray Lewis to retirement in the next year or two. Could Travis Lewis ever replace Ray, or even Johnson? No. Would he mind running his mouth on the baddest NFL defense this side of Pittsburgh, while he absorbs everything he can for a few years? No.
Likelihood: Lewis might end up a Raven, but it's highly unlikely it will happen in round two.
Friendly faces: Let's see, Kelly Gregg ain't around anymore… Does Texas Ex Sergio Kindle count?
Jamell Fleming (CB) second round, No. 61 overall to the Niners
Jim Harbaugh is well-stocked on defense. But something the San Francisco Chronicle pointed out is worth noting: The Niners must face Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Eli Manning next season. Can't hurt to draft a corner or two.
Likelihood: I remember watching Fleming at the Insight Bowl and thinking he should be the first millionaire from OU's Class of 2012. He's worth an end-of-round-two "gamble."
Friendly faces: Reggie Smith is now a Carolina Panther, leaving Bedlam buddies Perrish Cox and Kendall Hunter to welcome Fleming to the Bay.
Frank Alexander (DE) fourth round, No. 125 overall to the Niners
This seems a reach both in terms of position and destination. Honestly, Alexander will be happy to be drafted at all, let alone in round four. Also, the Niners are both young and deep at both outside linebacker and on their D-line. Fleming makes a lot more sense.
Likelihood: Uh-uh.
Friendly faces: Already covered.
Donald Stephenson (OT) second round, No. 69 overall to the Redskins
The Skins seem interested. The Washington Post reported Stephenson visited the team last month, while reminding readers that Stephenson played with Redskins left tackle Trent Williams. One more thing – right tackle Jammal Brown is wearing down thanks to a bad hip.
Likelihood: Given that Williams has been an occasional disappointment, I'm not sure the fact Stephenson took over for him at OU is a good thing. At any rate, round two seems awfully high.
Friendly faces: The whole O-line could sing "Boomer Sooner." Chris Chester joins Brown and Williams in DC.
James Hanna (TE) sixth round, No. 207 overall to the Panthers
As long as he doesn't have to do a lot of run-blocking, Hanna has a good shot at sticking with someone. The Panthers could use a backup to starter Greg Olsen, especially if Jeremy Shockey does not return.
Likelihood: I sort of pegged Hanna as an undrafted free agent, but stranger things have happened.
Friendly faces: Reggie Smith and Jonathan Nelson
-- Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
