A very good pick for the Broncos.  Rumors were floating around the past few weeks that Denver would spend it's first selection on an offensive tacke, but Clady was not expected to last until their pick at #12.  Chris Williams of Vanderbilt, and Jeff Otah of Pittsburgh were mentioned as other possible selections, but neither fits Denver's zone blocking scheme quite like Clady.  He is a very athletic tackle with really quick feet.  A perfect fit for Denver's vaunted scheme.  Barring an unexpected resurgence from last year's 3rd round pick, Ryan Harris, Clady should start at left tackle from day one, due to the retirement of the incumbent starter, Matt Lepsis. 

Grade: A

2. Eddie Royal, WR/PR, Virginia Tech

In the second round with a flurry of wide receivers coming off the boards, the Broncos decided to select Royal, a lighting fast receiver from the Hokies.  Royal is a legitimate playmaker and will instantly provide credibility to the Broncos special teams again.  I like the pick, the only problem I have with it, however, is that all everything return man DeSean Jackson from Cal was still on the board.  DeSean is a better receiver and provides a little more thunder on returns, but is also 15 pounds lighter, and many reps weaker than Royal.  Royal is a much safer pick than DeSean, but Jackson may have been a better value pick at the time.

Grade: B

4. Kory Lichtensteiger, C, Bowling Green

Kory was very highly ranked as a center prospect this year from Bowling Green.  A solid value pick at this point in the draft for the Broncos. Another offensive lineman that seems to fit the zone blocking scheme.  He was a 4 year starter at Bowling Green and plays with a mean streak.  Very strong and experienced.  Should back up Tom Nalen this upcoming year, and could take over for him when he retires(if Nalen ever does that is).

Grade: B-

4. Jack Williams, CB, Kent State

Williams runs a legitimate 4.3 40 time and will provide quickness off the bench next season for the Broncos.  He also figures to play some special teams, probabaly on the kickoff and punt teams.  A little short for his size, but very strong as a tackler.  A good value pick, but not really at a position of need for the Broncos. Probably should have taken a DT or S here because there was far less depth at those two positions than that of CB.

Grade: C+

5. Ryan Torain, RB, Arizona State

As a Pac-10 guy, I saw plenty of Torain terrorizing oppenents defenses to know that this was a stellar pick.  Torain runs with incredible power and was leading the Pac-10 in rushing before going down miday through the year with a foot injury.  He only played 2 years at ASU after transferring from Juco, but he was a great pick in the 5th round, and I figure he will get a large amount of carries next season. 

Grade: A

5. Carlton Powell, DT, Virginia Tech

A 3 year starter at a very good program in Virginia Tech.  Does not have ideal size, but at this point in the draft, who does? A bit of a reach, as there were better DT's available, but still a good pick. Powell will add much needed depth for the Broncos at the DT position and should bring an edge to the position.

Grade: B-

6. Spencer Larsen, LB, Arizona

One of the most underrated players in this year's draft.  The Pac-10's leading tackler last year, Larsen hits hard and is a very smart player. Very physical and instinctual. His only knock is toughness, and that he is 24 years of age. However, I expect him to come in and immediately compete for the starting MLB position with a player similar to him in many ways, Niko Koutivides.

Grade: A-

7. Josh Barrett, S, Arizona State

Not a premier safety prospect because of lack of playing time as senior, but was seen as an early day 2 prospect because of his intangibles.  Great speed for a safety(4.36) and above average coverage skills. A steal in the 7th round.

Grade: A-

7. Peyton Hillis, FB, Arkansas

Hillis was seen as one of the best FB prospects heading into this draft, but fell all the way until the 7th round.  A pure blocking fullback, who paved the way for two first round picks, runningbacks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. Hillis was an incredible value pick who should compete for the starting FB this fall.

Grade: A

Overall:

The Broncos filled all their needs while getting great value on the second day of the draft.  First round pick, Ryan Clady could be seen as the best tackle from this draft in a few years.  The Broncos should have 3 or 4 starters from this class, and a lot of very good role players.  They also finally addressed the return team, adding Royal, a position that was in shambles last season.  I'm not giving it an A, just because of a couple slight reaches, and the decision not to select Jackson in the 2nd round.

Overall Grade: B+