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2012 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper Sees Replacement For Brian Dawkins Not An Urgent Need

The Denver Broncos and safety Brian Dawkins are at a crossroads this offseason. The 38-year-old safety is a free agent who would like to play one more season with the Broncos, but he also is dealing with a serious neck injury, one that kept him out for the last game of the Broncos' 2011 season. As ESPN's Mel Kiper believes (Insider required), addressing Dawkins' spot in the secondary isn't of the utmost concern for the Broncos right now.

Related: Updated 2012 NFL Draft Order

Kiper believes in Rahim Moore, who struggled mightily as a rookie in 2011. He also sees Champ Bailey transitioning to safety eventually. Kiper's right about this: safety doesn't need to be a concern in the first round this April. He identified cornerback, defensive tackle and wide receiver as bigger needs. We could also throw in running back into there. Willis McGahee was beaten up by injuries down the stretch, and Knowshon Moreno has been ineffective and might not return depending on what happens with his recent DUI arrest.

For in-depth coverage of the Broncos, visit Mile High Report. For more on the NFL, be sure to check out SB Nation NFL and Mocking the Draft.