Why can’t the rich get richer?
The Denver Broncos already have Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. They’ve already got Shane Ray and Derek Wolfe. Oh, and then that Shaquil Barrett guy is pretty darn good, too. But why stop there?
Last season, the Broncos basically won the Super Bowl with their pass rush alone. Can you imagine what would happen if they made it even better?
With the 31st pick in the NFL draft, the Broncos could go any which direction, but it all seems to hinge on what happens at the quarterback position. If Colin Kaepernick, Tyrod Taylor or mystery passer X is brought into Denver to start, then maybe defense ends up being the answer at the backend of the first round.
In that scenario, here are five pass rushers who would make the most sense for the Broncos, at 31 and later in the draft:
5. Carl Nassib (Senior)
PROJECTED ROUND: 2nd/3rd HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-7/277 LBS
CAREER NUMBERS: 64 total tackles; 24 tackles for a loss; 17.5 sacks; 1 interception; 7 forced fumbles
There’s no denying the numbers Carl Nassib put up at Penn State during his senior season — his 15.5 sacks led the nation and earned him Consensus All-American honors. But he’s far from a sure thing.
Not only did Nassib not start until his senior season, but he never started in high school, either. Maybe he’s just a late bloomer, but it’s also fair to question whether he’s a one-hit wonder.
If he were to slip down to the latter half of the third, though, he’d be well worth the risk, especially when he’ll be able to develop alongside some of the game’s best.
