Ron Brace (DT/NT), Boston College
6'3", 330
After addressing Middle Linebacker with Rey Maualuga in the first round, the
Denver Broncos will continue to reinforce the interior front seven with Boston College's Ron Brace. Denver's run defense, one of the worst in the league in 2008, averaged abysmal 146 yards per contest. Although Brace is rated slightly lower on some draft boards than other available DT, Fili Moala of USC, it is his size that causes the Broncos to slightly reach for him at this position in round 2. Brace weighs in at 329 Lbs and should push for the starting Nose Tackle postion in an area that needs an immediate upgrade.
Positives: Brace has one of a kind size and bulk and uses his tremendous strength to be virtually unmovable at the point of attack. He's powerful enough to stand his ground against double teams while still having the quickness off the snap to occasionally shoot a gap. He uses his hands well when fresh and seems to love the physicality of playing in the trenches. He's capable of collapsing the pocket in passing situations and solid instincts.
Negatives: Brace doesn't offer much as a pass rusher and needs to continue improving the leverage game. Playing beside BJ Raji also ensured that he wouldn't face many double teams and he had a tendency to get worn down late in games. His conditioning and motor have been questioned.
First Round Pick: Rey Maualuga
Many thanks to AJBirdwatcher for submitting this pick. The Bears and KDean75 are now on the clock with the Browns and Cardinal_Fang on deck. If anyone needs to refresh their memory on the second round draft order, check here.
Also guys, we're in draft 'crunch time' right now with nearly twenty picks to cover in the next five days so we're going to be hitting these fast and furious. If you can, send a list of three players who you'd like to draft as your pick approaches so that we can stay ahead of the action and knock these picks out quickly.