National Football League

Fan Mock Draft: Whom should the Broncos select No. 31 overall?

Published May. 7, 2014 12:14 p.m. ET

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It’s draft time! We’ve had our experts tell you who will be drafted where, but now it’s time for you to throw on your GM cap and decide for yourself. Each day we will present an argument for each player and why the respective team should pick him. Then, it’s up to you. You make the pick. The next day, we will compile the results and you can see who is off the board. Disagree with all of the options? Be sure to write in your pick below in the comments section. OK, let’s get into it. The Denver Broncos are on the clock.

If we learned anything from free agency, it’s that Broncos EVP of operations John Elway is all in on returning to the Super Bowl. With quarterback Peyton Manning’s career entering its final years, the team wants to maximize its potential in the short term. That means adding players that will produce immediately opposed to prospects who need time to develop.

While the Broncos allowed Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to walk and released Champ Bailey, they signed cornerbacks Aqib Talib and safety TJ Ward. They still would like to bolster their secondary as Chris Harris and Tony Carter are the only other cornerbacks on the roster with a ton of game experience. The defense will also get much better with the returns of Von Miller, Derek Wolfe and Kevin Vickerson.

The Broncos added Emmanuel Sanders to replace Eric Decker, but could always use another weapon for Manning. So, who will the Broncos select No. 31 overall?

1. Houston Texans select South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney

2. St. Louis Rams select Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins

3. Jacksonville Jaguars select Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles

4. Cleveland Browns select Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel

5. Oakland Raiders select Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack

6. Atlanta Falcons select Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans

8. Minnesota Vikings select Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr

9. Buffalo Bills select Texas A&M offensive tackle Jake Matthews

10. Detroit Lions select UCLA outside linebacker Anthony Barr

11. Tennessee Titans select Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater

12. New York Giants select Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald

13. St. Louis Rams select Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan

14. Chicago Bears select Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

15. Pittsburgh Steelers select Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert

16. Dallas Cowboys select Auburn defensive end Dee Ford

17. Baltimore Ravens select Notre Dame offensive tackle Zack Martin

18. New York Jets select North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron

19. Miami Dolphins select Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks

20. Arizona Cardinals select Alabama offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio

21. Green Bay Packers select Alabama linebacker CJ Mosley

22. Philadelphia Eagles select Louisville safety Calvin Pryor

23. Kansas City Chiefs select LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

24. Cincinnati Bengals select Michigan State CB Darqueze Dennard

25. San Diego Chargers select Notre Dame DT Louis Nix

26. Cleveland Browns select USC WR Marqise Lee

27. New Orleans Saints select Virginia Tech CB Kyle Fuller

28. Carolina Panthers select Virginia OL Morgan Moses

29. New England Patriots select Texas Tech TE Jace Amaro

30. San Francisco 49ers select TCU CB Jason Verrett

Ohio State CB Bradley Roby

The 5-foot-11, 194-pound cornerback is an athletic freak and displayed his straight-line speed in Indianapolis. Roby has great size and looks the part, but has been knocked for his inconsistent play and off-the-field troubles.

Ohio State LB Ryan Shazier

Enter Shazier, who was a very productive player during his time in Columbus, including being a Butkus Award finalist in 2013 after leading the Big Ten in tackles and tackles for loss. The Broncos could use Shazier at inside linebacker, where Jamar Chaney is currently slated to play.

Indiana WR Cody Latimer

Latimer would give the Broncos another threat on the outside. Latimer has very good size and reliable hands. While he was sidelined during the draft process with a foot injury, he’s been one of many draft analysts’ favorite players.

Missouri DE Kony Ealy

The 6-foot-4, 273-pound defensive end has a long frame with room to add bulk. His blend of size and speed is rare and he was productive in the SEC, starting all 14 games and filling the stat sheet on a weekly basis.

Boise State DE Demarcus Lawrence

Lawrence has been one of the hottest rising prospects in the past month. Several teams have brought Lawrence in for a visit. The 6-foot-3, 251-pound defensive end is very athletic, but some may consider this a reach.