2011 Cincy Jungle Mock Draft - The Denver Broncos Select...

For the second pick in the second-annual Cincy Jungle Mock Draft, the draft team selected for the Denver Broncos, who have the standard three picks available. Here is the pick...

With the second pick in the 2011 Cincy Jungle Mock Draft, the Denver Broncos select...

Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that the Broncos don’t need a cornerback. They just signed Champ Bailey to a four-year $43 million deal. They have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. They just released two defensive tackles and Da’Quan Bowers and Marcell Dareus are still on the board.

You’re right to think that, all of those things are true. But consider this:

One defensive lineman alone -- whether taken in the first round or not -- will not solve all of the Broncos front-seven problems. Dareus, for all his incredible performance at the combine, was a 3-4 DE and this is a team converting to a 4-3 front that needs DTs more than DEs. Unless they are sure he's the next Ndamukong Suh, absolutely sure he'll convert seamlessly from a 5-technique DE to a 3-tech DT in a single year without a single hitch, he's neither the safe nor the right pick. Especially with the potential for a reduced offseason (so far as we know at this time, at least).

However, Peterson -- who nearly everybody rates as the absolute best player in the draft -- could shore up the secondary and special teams for years. Peterson and Bailey playing side by side in Denver’s secondary could help blanket other teams’ receivers while the Broncos front seven does what it can to stop the run and rush the passer. Bailey and Peterson are both good enough to be put on an island.

Peterson can also help return punts and kicks for Denver. He has the a rare athletic ability to allow him not only to cover any receiver one-on-one but can return any punt or kick for a touchdown. He is the complete package for Denver’s secondary.

The Broncos can look into using their second, third and later picks on finding new linebackers and defensive lineman. But especially with an inexperience front-office guy running the show now, their first-round pick needs to be the safest one, and that pick is Patrick Peterson.

Patrick Peterson Highlights:

Draft Overview: