The Denver Broncos dominated the AFC last year, including during the playoff stretch, but failed to compete with the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Being just one step away from being champions, Denver needed to knock this draft out of the park to aid in their conquest to win it all. Denver made a few splash signings in free agency, and to bolster that, they had a solid draft class.

First Round, 31st Pick: Bradley Roby, Cornerback, Ohio State

From the media and within the draft community, it was common to see Roby dropped in rankings due to a “down season.” To some extent, that was true, but in 2013, Ohio State ran more zone concepts, which Roby is not nearly as functional in. When allowed to play in a man scheme, like 2012, Roby was a dominant cornerback that has the skills to play both outside and in the slot. With the signing of Aqib Talib, Roby will likely be Denver’s No.2 corner, allowing to let Chris Harris play as the slot cornerback, where he fits best.

Grade: A

Second Round, 56th Pick: Cody Latimer, Wide Receiver, Indiana

Denver allowed Eric Decker to walk this offseason, leaving a void to be filled at the No.2 receiver position. Yes, Denver signed Emmanuel Sanders, but he does not have the talent to be a No.2 receiver. Latimer is a quick-footed, technically sound receiver that understands some of the finer parts of playing receiver, such as being able to box out defenders. Latimer will be a solid replacement for Decker.

Grade: B+

Third Round, 95th Pick: Michael Schofield, Tackle, Michigan

With Orlando Franklin moving to guard, a void at right tackle was left to be filled. That being said, the value for Schofield was rather mediocre. Better tackles, such as Brandon Thomas, Cam Fleming, and James Hurst were all available, yet Schofield was the pick. Schofield was a mid day three talent that was reached for simply to fill a position of need, and over better players, no less.

Grade: C-

Fifth Round, 156th Pick: Lamin Barrow, Linebacker, LSU

Barrow is not a special player by any means, but he is an average linebacker that, at best, could be a functional starter. Although, he is much more fit to be a depth player. Barrow does not process the game as quickly as a starting middle linebacker should, but he has sufficient tools. In the fifth round, depth such as this is nice to find.

Grade: B-

Sixth Round, 207th Pick: Matthew Paradis, Center, Boise State

It sounds simplistic, but Paradis is simply bad. He showed a lack of functional strength, as well as looking like a “Weeble” toy that could just be thrown around. As if selecting a simply bad player was not enough, the depth at center was unnecessary, and if the plan was to draft a starting center, Tyler Larsen was still available.

Grade: F

Seventh Round, 242nd Pick: Corey Nelson, Outside Linebacker, Oklahoma

Nelson is a small rush linebacker that did not finish the second third of the 2013 season due to injury. His lack of strength, especially for an undersized linebacker, will prove to be quite problematic. In all reality, with all the other linebacker depth that Denver has, Nelson may not end up making the roster.

Grade: D-

Essentially, Denver’s draft was split up into three good picks and three bad picks. Roby and Latimer are two immediate starters that will have productive impacts, but the rest of their draft does not have the upside to be anything more than an average starter. Though they are late round picks, Denver’s final two picks were wasted, to be perfectly honest. Their was plenty of talent left to be had at all positions, yet Denver chose two players that may struggle to even make the roster. While their good picks will have solid impacts, their bad picks will prove to be wasted picks. Overall Grade: C+