With the #156 overall pick, acquired from Chicago earlier in the day, the Broncos have selected LSU linebacker Lamin Barrow.
The 6-1, 237-pound fifth year senior led the Tigers with 91 tackles in 2013 and was named Second Team All-SEC.
His 4.64-second forty time was a distant third best among linebackers at the combine, and his 123-inch broad jump a distant fourth best.
The Louisiana native totaled 195 tackles (13 for loss), 1.5 sacks, and seven passes defensed as a starter over the past two seasons.
According to Mike Klis, the Broncos would have taken Barrow at #131 but thought they could get him later and extract some more value. Indeed, they did, getting Chicago's 2015 fifth-rounder as a bonus.
Here's what John Elway had to say about the selection of Barrow:
We've picked Lamin Barrow from LSU in Rd 5. Versatile linebacker who can play Mike or Will positions. Good toughness & instincts.
— John Elway (@johnelway) May 10, 2014
Ted's thoughts:
This is the kind of guy the Broncos needed. He's a fast nickel LB type, and he has some Woodyard traits to him. I think that he'll play a lot on third and fourth downs once he gets his feet under him. Great value in the fifth round, and I would have been fine with him at #131.