NFL Mock Draft 2013: Broncos to take chance on Alec Ogletree?

The Denver Broncos made it to the playoffs with Peyton Manning at the helm, but they were unable to win a game, and took a first round exit. It's likely that they'll continue to be a playoff caliber team for the foreseeable future, but they still have some pretty big holes to fill.

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On defense, they are lacking a certain amount of athleticism and have needed a replacement at middle linebacker for a few seasons now. Unfortunately, as a playoff team, they're picking very late in the draft, with the No. 28 pick in the first round.

Still, there's actually a few good middle linebackers that should be available, as it's not a position that traditionally goes high in the first round. Dan Kadar of SB Nation released his latest mock draft on Monday and he has the Broncos taking Alec Ogletree at No. 28:

Although Ogletree enters the NFL with copious baggage, he's the kind of middle linebacker the Broncos desperately need. He can drop in coverage to play tight ends in zone or man situations. He's not an overly powerful linebacker, but the Broncos need athleticism in their front seven.

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Ogletree certainly has a lot of the aforementioned baggage. Not only was he suspended once in college, he was recently arrested and charged with driving under the influence, which might hurt his draft stock.

That being said, the Broncos need help at the position, and Ogletree is incredibly athletic and instinctive. It should be a good fit if they feel like his off-the-field concerns can be dealt with.