APC Mock Draft 2014: Denver Broncos Select Xavier Su'a-Filo

Continuing on with the Acme Packing Company Mock Draft, we break down the 31st overall pick held by the Denver Broncos.

Background

The lasting memory of Denver's 2013 season is, of course, their colossal beat down at the hands of the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. That performance mars an otherwise spectacular season where once again Peyton Manning defied time to put together one the great individual performances in NFL history.

The Broncos' defense made major additions this offseason, signing DeMarcus Ware to play bookend to All-Pro linebacker Von Miller while adding one of the best cornerbacks on the market in Aqib Talib. While the team said goodbye to long-time defensive captain Champ Bailey, injuries reduces him to a minimal impact in 2013. Of great importance were the departures of Eric Decker, Knowshon Moreno, and Zane Beadles. While Decker and Moreno have obvious replacements in Emanuel Sanders and Monte Ball respectively, the hole left by Beadles remains unfilled.

With the 31st pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select...

Name: Xavier Su'a-Filo

Position: OT/OG

School: UCLA

Year: Junior

Despite his junior status, Xavier Su'a-Filo is one of the draft's older players, originally joining UCLA in 2009. After starting 13 games as a true freshman, a two-year mission took up all of the 2010 and 2011 season. However, Su'a-Filo jumped right in upon his return, starting every game his final two years on campus. That experience and his size (6-4, 307 pounds) makes him an intriguing prospect as either a tackle or guard.

For the Broncos, Su'a-Filo would step in immediately and fill Beadles' vacant left guard spot. While rookie offensive linemen always represent a gamble, lining him up beside two-time All-Pro Ryan Clady should help ease him Su'a-Filo into the NFL game. Keeping Peyton Manning upright is always priority number one in Denver. With that in mind, drafting perhaps the best guard prospect in the class appears the right way to go.