2016 NFL Mock Draft 9.0: Last Call

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number 15th overall pick to the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number 15th overall pick to the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana Tech defensive lineman Vernon Butler speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana Tech defensive lineman Vernon Butler speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

As an interior lineman at Louisiana Tech, Vernon Butler was very productive and displayed a high motor throughout his career.

Denver favors energy and Butler just feels right with the Broncos.  Moving to a defensive end position will be the most likely move when the team enters camp and Butler has the athleticism, quickness, and hands to do so with coaching.

Taking a developmental player in the first is a risk for sure, but the upside on Butler is high enough to warrant the risk.

With his drive and athletic ability he’s a starter in year-one opposite of Derek Wolfe and Denver once again has a defense capable of carrying a quarterback deficiency in the Mile High City.

 

Previously:  Vernon Butler – DT – Louisiana Tech

Next: SECOND ROUND

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