Running Back
RB: 1st: 0, 2nd: 2, 3rd: 1, 4th: 3, 5th: 1, 6th: 2, 7th: 3
FB: 1st: 0, 2nd: 0, 3rd: 1, 4th: 0, 5th: 0, 6th: 0, 7th: 0
While the Broncos didnt use a first-round pick on a running back, they havent been shy about taking backs that they liked even when it didnt appear to be a pressing need, including two in the second and two (including a fullback) in the third. The only year that the team didnt draft at least one runner was 1997, when they only had three picks. Theyve earned a reputation for being able to find capable running backs outside of the first round, including 1,000-yard rushers Terrell Davis (6th round, 1995), Olandis Gary (4th round, 1999), Mike Anderson (6th round, 2000), and Clinton Portis (2nd round, 2002), which some interpret to mean that they wouldnt waste an early pick on a back. However, their record of going after running backs could also indicate how much importance that they put on the position, so using the top pick on Reggie Bush may not be as out of character as some believe.
Wide Receiver
1st: 2, 2nd: 1, 3rd: 2, 4th: 0, 5th: 4, 6th: 3, 7th: 3
The only drafts in which the Broncos didnt select a wide receiver were 1997 and 2005, and they took multiple wideouts four times. They drafted two receivers, Marcus Nash (1998) and Ashley Lelie (2002), in the first round. Since the Texans added Eric Moulds and Kevin Walter to a receiver corps that already included Andre Johnson and the speedy (but unproven) Jerome Mathis, the position shouldnt be a top priority. But based upon the Broncos fondness for taking wideouts, it wouldnt be a huge surprise if the Texans picked one on the second day of the draft.
Tight End
1st: 0, 2nd: 0, 3rd: 0, 4th: 0, 5th: 0, 6th: 2, 7th: 1
Surprisingly for a team that had its greatest success with a star at the position, the Broncos only selected three tight ends, and all of those came in the last two rounds of the draft. They had Shannon Sharpe for part of the time, but they didnt invest any early-round picks trying to find a replacement for him or someone to play with Sharpe in double-tight sets. Even after the Texans signed Jeb Putzier, a Denver sixth-rounder in 2002, they could still use more help at tight end, but if the Texans follow the Bronco plan that help is not going to be a highly-rated prospect, if it comes at all.
Offensive Line
C: 1st: 0, 2nd: 0, 3rd: 0, 4th: 1, 5th: 1, 6th: 1, 7th: 1
OG: 1st: 0, 2nd: 1, 3rd: 1, 4th: 0, 5th: 0, 6th: 2, 7th: 1
OT: 1st: 1, 2nd: 0, 3rd: 0, 4th: 2, 5th: 0, 6th: 0, 7th: 1
True to their reputation for building top lines primarily from late-rounders and undrafted free agents, the Broncos only used three first-day picks on offensive linemen: first-round OT George Foster in 2003, second-round OG Lennie Friedman in 1999, and third-round OG Dan Neil in 1997. They also only selected 13 O-linemen total during the 11 drafts, which is not many at all considering that there are five line positions. So Kubiak probably will not try to solve the offensive line problems that have plagued the Texans throughout the franchises history with a lineman-heavy draft.
Defensive Line
DT: 1st: 1, 2nd: 0, 3rd: 2, 4th: 1, 5th: 0, 6th: 0, 7th: 1
DE: 1st: 0, 2nd: 2, 3rd: 1, 4th: 1, 5th: 0, 6th: 1, 7th: 1
The Broncos spent six first-day picks on defensive linemen, including one first rounder (DT Trevor Pryce in 1997). This doesnt appear to be a major area of emphasis for the Broncos, unlike other teams who will never pass on a quality D-lineman. The Texans could use a top pass rusher, but will not take one in the first round unless they trade down and take Mario Williams.
Linebacker
1st: 3, 2nd: 2, 3rd: 0, 4th: 1, 5th: 2, 6th: 0, 7th: 2
Denver drafted at least one linebacker in seven of the 11 years of the Shanahan era, including three first-rounders (John Mobley (1996), Al Wilson (1999), and D.J. Williams (2004)) and a pair of seconds (Ian Gold (2000) and Terry Pierce (2003)). While some teams, particularly those that run 4-3 schemes, feel that they can find capable linebackers at bargain prices in the later rounds, the Broncos appear to believe that backers are worth investing early picks. The Texans could use a talent upgrade at linebacker so the Day One selection of one is a distinct possibility.
Safety
1st: 0, 2nd: 2, 3rd: 0, 4th: 2, 5th: 0, 6th: 1, 7th: 1
The Broncos drafted a half-dozen safeties, including a couple second-rounders (Eric Brown (1998) and Kenoy Kennedy (2000)). Safety wasnt a major priority for Denver and it isnt expected to be for the Texans this year, either.
Cornerback
1st: 2, 2nd: 2, 3rd: 4, 4th: 1, 5th: 2, 6th: 0, 7th: 0
Having spent eight Day One picks on cornerbacks, including first-rounders Deltha ONeal (2000) and Willie Middlebrooks (2001), the Broncos take the approach that a team cannot have too many quality covermen. With that mindset, and the facts that Demarcus Faggins may not be what the team is looking for in a starter, Phillip Buchanon, even if he lives up to his potential, is in the last year of his contract, the Texans play the Colts twice a year, and new coordinator Richard Smith wants to play more aggressively up front, the likelihood of the Texans using a first-day pick on a corner appears high.
Specialists
P: 1st: 0, 2nd: 0, 3rd: 0, 4th: 1, 5th: 0, 6th: 0, 7th: 1
PK: 1st: 0, 2nd: 0, 3rd: 0, 4th: 0, 5th: 0, 6th: 0, 7th: 1
The Broncos used a fourth rounder and a seventh rounder on punters, and a seventh on a placekicker. They did not draft a long snapper. The Texans could spend a late pick on a punter to challenge Chad Stanley, but they have much greater needs.
