The Denver Broncos never had much talent behind Champ Bailey at cornerback during the 2011 season. Starter Andre Goodman was usually more miss than hit while Syd'Quan Thompson and Cassius Vaughn were lost due to injury. Jonathan Wilhite wasn't particularly outstanding, but undrafted rookie Chris Harris showed he can play nickelback (he lacks the size to be a starter, though). That's why over at Mile High Report, a review of the cornerbacks believes the Broncos could target a cornerback in the first round.
Related: Updated 2012 NFL Draft Order
The analysis sees the top nine cornerbacks divided into two tiers. The first five are those that could go in the first round. As it's pointed out, Morris Claiborne and Dre Kirkpatrick will almost certainly be off the board by No. 25. Janoris Jenkins and Stephon Gilmore appear more likely choices, though the former does have a history of off-field concerns that could have him off the Broncos' draft board.
Gilmore would certainly be a great pickup at No. 25. He'd be able to play a few years with Champ Bailey and then take over the No. 1 corner spot. After seeing how the secondary was chewed apart at times, a cornerback is certainly high on the team's needs. However, safety is too, with or without Brian Dawkins' return.
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