Broncos select Michigan tackle Michael Schofield at #95

Douglas Lee May 9, 2014 11:13 PM Last updated: May 9, 2014 11:50 PM

With their third-round pick, the Broncos chose Michigan tackle Michael Schofield.

The 6-6, 301-pounder started 36 games over the past three seasons, split amongst left guard (in 2011) and right tackle (2012-13).

Schofield earned praise during Senior Bowl week, when he worked at both guard and tackle.

At the time, Mike Mayock called the Illinois native a "right tackle only" in the NFL, and a potential starter at the position.

Mel Kiper offered similar thoughts about the 23-year-old redshirt senior.

With the Broncos planning to try Orlando Franklin at left guard, Schofield could end up competing with Chris Clark, Winston Justice, and Vinston Painter on the right edge.

Or, perhaps he'll get a shot at left guard, allowing Franklin to stay at right tackle.

Links

Doug is IAOFM’s resident newsman and spelling czar. Follow him on Twitter @IAOFM

They could have stayed put at the end of the second and had Preston Brown or Chris Borland at Mike, but that still wouldn't solve the nickel issue. They could have then targeted a WR (like Moncrief) with a small, cheaper move up in the 3rd or just taken whichever WR was left at 95.

Hopefully they'll come away with a coverage LB today, like Jordan Tripp, Telvin Smith or Christian Jones. That's a necessity.

I would like to see Irving get some more competition in the middle, too, rather than going into training camp with him and Jamar Chaney fighting it out for the title of most average starter on the defense. Shayne Skov, Max Bullough and Avery Williamson would be options to do that, but I won't be holding my breath.

Posted by SterlingMalloryArcher on 2014-05-10 11:55:18

Also, there are still options at both S and LB left in FA that are not absolutely horrible. Mike Adams is still out there and yes, I know, but he can be had for vet min and knows our D. At LB, Angerer is still out there, but is coming off injury and a down year where he was miscast as a 3-4 ILB, I have always liked him. Also, supposedly Q Carter is finally coming back from injury and Ihenacho is only in his 3rd year, it is not that much of a stretch to think he might even develop further. So, there are options, or you could just continue on your rant, j/k.

Posted by xBxTxDx on 2014-05-10 11:38:04

Yes, but who has been available so far that was either not a huge reach or priced out of reach? Maybe Van Noy at #31, Roby aside, there were still better BPA than Van Noy at that pick. Once Shazier, Mosley, and Van Noy were gone, there is not anyone that was going to come in and be that immediate starter and Van Noy was a maybe. Hell, I even threw the damn remote when Van Noy went off, I like the kid a lot and wanted him, but by the sound of what it took us to move up 7 spots to get Lattimer, Van Noy was just too expensive in the second.

I would expect them to go after someone in either the 4th or use another pick from next years draft to move back into the 5th and grab someone, at least that is my hope. Even saying that though, they are nothing more than a ST's player with a very outside shot at maybe cracking the roster as the second Nickel LB, which is what I more concerned about than MLB.

Posted by xBxTxDx on 2014-05-10 11:20:47

I'm sure Ward can play nickel LB, but then who plays S? Bruton/Bolden/Ihenacho? And what happens if/when there's an injury?

I would prefer to add a LB in the draft.

Posted by SterlingMalloryArcher on 2014-05-10 10:24:26

Safety needs depth more so than DL, IMO.

Posted by SterlingMalloryArcher on 2014-05-10 10:22:25

at 6'6" and 301 he can get a lot bigger and stronger.
He ran the 110 meter hurdles in high school.

Posted by bradley on 2014-05-10 07:01:50

^^^^ This before I throw my hands in the air and declare horrible pick.

Posted by xBxTxDx on 2014-05-10 00:52:13

There are still a few coverage LB's out there, though even then I am not worried about it. I am fine with rolling with Ward in the other LB spot and doing a "Big Dime". Also, funny enough, Irving actually graded out positive in pass coverage last year, so...

Posted by xBxTxDx on 2014-05-10 00:50:48

So, LB in the 4th, developmental DL in the 6th, RB who can return
kicks/punts with the 7th rounder from SF and then a punter with the
other 7th round pick?

Posted by MattR on 2014-05-09 23:46:57

Yeh - Broncos are rolling along - picking the guys they want. There are usually some good LB's left in round 4. Jordan Tripp of Montana - a good quick Will LB - is still available.

Posted by BlackKnigh on 2014-05-09 23:27:54

I am tickled that the Broncos picked an OT with experience at RT. He may win the battle for RT - not right away - but early into the season. It is a bonus that he can play LG.

Posted by BlackKnigh on 2014-05-09 23:26:05

Broncos have been really rolling in this draft. Yeah, we can wonder why we haven't taken a LB yet, but it wasn't a deep class this year so no point in reaching for one just to fill the need. I'm sure the Broncos will be looking for value on day two.

TYJE

Posted by Bob Morris on 2014-05-09 23:20:39

Can't wait to hear Doc's analysis.

Posted by Hank Mardukis on 2014-05-09 23:18:12

Three year starter in college. Pretty common theme for the Broncos under Elway.

Posted by Yahmule on 2014-05-09 23:17:05

Follow IAOFM

Daily Newsletter