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2007 Denver Broncos NFL Draft Predictions

Get ready for the upcoming season with our 2008 Denver Broncos Predictions & Preview!

You have to give credit to Denver's head coach Mike Shanahan for doing things his way. The Broncos lost to the Steelers in the 2005 AFC Championship Game behind a very poor performance from Jake Plummer. Shanahan gave Plummer another shot in 2006, but when he realized the Broncos weren't going anywhere, he pulled the plug and bench Plummer to make room for Jay Cutler. Cutler was Denver's 11th overall pick in last year's draft and showed signs of brilliance late in the season.

Shanahan had a solid team, but there are a few holes to fill. Their biggest concern is the secondary after the tragic death of cornerback Darrent Williams. He was a solid complement to All-Pro corner Champ Bailey. Domonique Foxworth will most likely take Willams' spot, but Denver needs to upgrade the talent level at this position. If Aaron Ross of Texas is around, the Broncos should pull the trigger with the 11th overall pick.

The Broncos are sure to be looking for young talent at the safety spot. John Lynch is not the player he once was despite getting selected to last year's Pro Bowl, and Nick Ferguson must show he can come back from an MCL injury. Lynch will still obtain his hard-hitting identity, but some fresh faces would help here. The Broncos are solid at linebacker and on the defensive line, but might look to the later rounds for some depth here.

Shanahan has always had a featured back and his back-by-committee the last couple seasons just isn't working. Tatum Bell has speed, quickness and big-play explosiveness, but his problems with ball security with 3 fumbles lost in Denver's final three games is a big concern. Mike Bell gave the Broncos a nice lift in his rookie season with 677 yards and eight touchdowns, but is not consistent enough. The Broncos will likely look for a running back in the second day of the draft.

Terrell Davis and Mike Anderson were sixth-round picks in 1995 and 2000 respectively. Both players have done some serious damage in this league and have excelled under Shanahan's system. Nebraska's Brandon Jackson has game-changing speed and could become one of Shanahan's second-day hidden gems.

The Broncos got their big-play receiver in Javon Walker from the Green Bay Packers in the offseason last year. Walker caught 69 passes for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns. Rod Smith turns 37 next season, so you can look for the Broncos to find a wide receiver with NFL-ready talent to step in and 3 rd down. Drafting a receiver as insurance for Smith in the later rounds is a must. Don't be surprised if Shanahan and his staff find a hidden gem here as well. Look for Denver to improve their secondary with a first-round selection that will likely be Aaron Ross from Texas in the 2007 Draft.

Updated April 27th, 2007