A very eventful draft for the Broncos

Well, there were surprises, disappointments, and drama, but the 2007 NFL draft was the best ever for Boise State. 4 players got picked up in the 7 round draft and many other Bronco seniors have signed free agent deals around the league. The first player drafted was no surprise—Gerald Alexander had been projected to be the highest Bronco taken at Safety...the Detroit Lions actually traded up to take him in the 2nd round. Alexander's pickup marks the second year in a row where a Bronco has gone in the 2nd round (Daryn Colledge in 2006). Alexander has a promising career ahead of him and with his athleticism and knowledge of the corner position, may well find himself moving around the defensive backfield. The Lions really wanted him...and I'm sure Gerald will not make them regret it.

Next to come off the big board in the 5th was Legadu Naanee, the versatile Bronco wideout—going to the San Diego Chargers. Naanee was a force at WR the last two seasons for Boise State who brought a big (6'3" 230 lbs), physical presence to the passing game. Naanee can run, catch and block and has already been given reps at wide receiver, tight end, and fullback for the Chargers. Switching positions should pose no problem for Naanee, since he came to BSU as a quarterback and left as our highest draft pick at wide receiver in years. There's a good article about "LA" at camp here.

The next Bronco draftee was a surprise...and a very pleasant one, at that. Korey Hall, the phenomenal 4-year starter for the Broncos at LB was not even invited to the NFL combine, but he apparently impressed scouts at the pro day enough to hear his name called in the 6th round as the Green Bay Packers drafted him, most likely, as a fullback. Korey Hall has good hands and great instincts and if he plays Special Teams or Fullback for the Pack at all like he played Linebacker for the Broncos...then Green Bay has a great 'get' in Hall. I must admit, I didn't think that Korey had much chance of getting drafted after his combine snub, but was delighted that he was given the opportunity. Obviously the Packers found out what we've known for the past 5 years...that the boy from Glenns Ferry, Idaho can flat out play football...despite what he lacks in "measurables". Korey will be joining another ex-Bronco great in Green Bay—Offensive Lineman Daryn Colledge. Parkjar has put together an excellent video of Korey Hall's BSU career that can be viewed here.

"Mr. Clutch" for the Broncos, also known as Derek Schouman (or SCHOUUUU!) is another local product that heard his name called on the second day of the draft. The Buffalo Bills drafted the talented Tight End in the 7th round. Schouman put up great numbers at the NFL combine and projects well for Buffalo as a Tight End or Fullback. Schouman, though plagued by injuries throughout his BSU career is a playmaker. Schouman has excellent hands and is one of the best downfield blockers in BSU history. The Buffalo Bills got an absolute steal in Derek Schouman—and we look forward to hearing a chorus of "SCHOOOU"s in Buffalo.

Somewhat surprisingly, Jared Zabransky did not get drafted despite great career numbers and an excellent combine showing. "Z" was at first considered to have an outside chance of getting drafted, but by draft day it looked like he may go in the 4th-7th rounds. Ultimately, it may have been Z's inconsistency in the passing game (see: 2005) that was his undoing on draft day...but with Jared's confidence and athleticism I'm sure his free agent deal with the Texans' will be a good decision. I think that Z is in a great place in Houston and will have an excellent chance to crack Houston's 3-deep at QB. God knows that the Texans need a mobile QB, since their O-line obviously can't block for a pure pocket passer.

Other free agent signings of note are: WR Jerard Rabb (Dallas), WR Drisan James (Chicago), Long Snapper Mike Dominguez (NY Jets), DE Andrew Browning (Detroit) and FB Brad Lau (St. Louis)

I am sure that all Broncos that were taken in the draft and free-agency have an excellent opportunity to make final rosters. Broncos are blue-collar, hard-working and scrappy so don't count any of these guys out. All of us in Bronco Nation wish them the best.