DENVER — Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said he had targeted both Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno and Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers at No. 12 and was thrilled to get both. He took Moreno at 12 and Ayers was taken with Denver’s second pick of the first round, at No. 18.
McDaniels said the team decided to take Moreno first because the Broncos heard that at least one other team might nab the Georgia runner if they had waited.
Moreno became the first running back drafted.
“I think there was a lot of discussion (among other teams) about this player (Moreno) between Nos. 12 and 18,” McDaniels said. “We felt the order (of taking Moreno and Ayers) might make a difference. The way it worked out, the way it fell, we’re very pleased.
“Those are two players that we really valued. It fell perfectly for us.”
Moreno — 5-10-1/2 and 217 pounds — redshirted at Georgia in 2006 then rushed for 2,734 yards in two seasons. He also proved to be a capable receiver, catching 53 passes as a Bulldog.
“He catches the ball extremely well,” McDaniels said. “He has very good hands.”
When analyzing draft-eligible running backs, McDaniels said a trait that’s often overlooked is the ability to pass protect. Moreno is regarded as an excellent blocker, having been called upon to help protect quarterback Matthew Stafford, the overall No. 1 pick in the draft.
“That’s something that doesn’t get talked about,” McDaniels said. “He can put his face right in the (pass rusher’s) number. Most college runners have to work on that.
“(Moreno) is a player that we had ear-marked. (When he runs) very rarely do you see him take a big hit.”
Recruited as a linebacker, Ayers — 6-3, 273 — only started one season at Tennessee. After redshirting in 2004, Ayers served as a backup defensive end for three years before earning second-team all-Southeastern Conference honors last fall.
In this case, the fact that Ayers appears to be a late-bloomer didn’t bother McDaniels.
“You always take note of that, but he’s so physical, so versatile,” McDaniels said. “Robert was one of the best players we had on our draft board from the beginning.
“He played in a conference (SEC) where there were a lot of good offensive tackles he was lining up against. He did well.”
Versatility is a desirable trait, especially in the 3-4 defense, McDaniels said. Ayers recorded three sacks and 15-1/2 tackles for losses in 2008. He also had six quarterback pressures and his only college interception.
“Robert is a guy who can stand up or put his hand on the ground,” McDaniels said. “He can do a lot of things for us.”
This marked the first time in franchise history that the Broncos had two first-round picks.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
