SB Nation has released its first two-round 2011 NFL mock draft, and the Denver Broncos have three selections in the first two rounds. Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley remains the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers, but the Broncos' selection changed once again. Over the last several mocks, the Broncos have selected either ex-North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn or LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson.
This time the Broncos select Alabama Crimson Tide defensive end Marcell Dareus. A 6-foot-4, 306-pound force on the defensive line, Dareus had 11.0 tackles for loss with 4.5 sacks as a junior in 2010. The Broncos are in need of bringing in young, talented defensive linemen to stop other teams at the line of scrimmage.
With the fourth pick in the second round, the Broncos take Miami Hurricanes defensive end Allen Bailey. At 6-foot-3 and 278 pounds, Bailey could fit more of a "tweener" role, somewhat akin to Elvis Dumervil's role with the Broncos.
The Broncos also have the 14th pick of the second round, which they acquired from the Miami Dolphins as part of the Brandon Marshall trade last year. Continuing with defensive choices, Utah Utes cornerback Brandon Burton is the selection here. Burton left Utah after his junior season and has been described as a "lockdown corner" by his coaches and teammates.
Overall, this would be a good haul in the first two rounds, though Bailey could be the least of the selections if he does not have a true defensive position.
In local players, Colorado Buffaloes offensive tackle Nate Solder goes to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 22 and fellow cornerback Jimmy Smith goes to the Seattle Seahawks at No. 25.