NFL scouting combine starts this week
The NFL scouting combine opens Wednesday in Indianapolis, and the Broncos will be avid followers of the event. They have big needs on defense at cornerback and tackle.
This article was written by Jeff Legwold and appeared in the Denver Post.
With the April 26-28 draft on the horizon, the No. 1 defensive tackle on the NFL draft board has yet to be identified. Penn State's Devon Still might end up being that guy, but LSU's Michael Brockers is a candidate too.
Still has everything NFL teams look for — size, strength and body frame. But he doesn't always dominate at the line of scrimmage.
Michigan State's Jerel Worthy, Clemson's Brandon Thompson, Connecticut's Kendall Reyes, Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox and Memphis' Dontari Poe also could receive first-round grades.
Poe has the biggest upside. He's raw in terms of hand placement and footwork but has great athleticism and is a disruptive force at the line of scrimmage. His athleticism makes him a candidate to play for a 4-3 defense, the alignment the Broncos use. They want an athletic, powerful player in the middle to draw blockers away from their undersized pass rushers on the edge.
South Carolina's Melvin Ingram also will get a look from the Broncos. He's a potential left end in Denver's defense.
The Broncos have the 25th pick in the first round. Two of the best cornerbacks, LSU's Morris Claiborne and Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick, probably will be gone by then. Northern Alabama's Janoris Jenkins flashed first-round talent at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., but he had multiple drug arrests (marijuana) while at Florida.
Cliff Harris is another cornerback with first-round talent and a long list of off-the-field trouble. He was tossed off the Oregon team last season.
This article was written by Jeff Legwold and appeared in the Denver Post. 
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