Utah Utes football: Broncos like Zane Beadles' versatility; Koa Misi goes to the Dolphins

Zane Beadles didn't quite call his shot, but he had a premonition he was going to Denver.

Not only did he have a feeling the Broncos were going to pick him in the NFL draft, but after visiting the team in Denver and working out for offensive line coach Clancy Barone at Utah, Beadles thought he might be the draft's 45th overall selection.

And that's precisely when he went, as the Broncos picked the former University of Utah All-American offensive tackle in the second round of the NFL draft on Friday.

"I had been eyeing that pick all along," said Beadles, who was projected to go anywhere from the second through the fifth round. "You never know what's going to happen in the draft, but I thought it was a great fit from the beginning. I'm obviously very excited to be a Bronco."

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels informed Beadles he was going to be his pick shortly after the Raiders made the 44th selection of the draft. Beadles said he isn't sure what position he'll play for the Broncos, although guard was one of the team's biggest needs going into the draft. He could also play center, as starter Casey Wiegmann left as a free agent for Kansas City.

"One thing they said they loved is my versatility," Beadles said. "They might shuffle some things around. I'm looking forward to going in, seeing where I end up."

Beadles will report for Denver's first minicamp on Thursday.

At the end of the 2009 NFL season, 19 players from Utah high schools were on active rosters, practice squads or injured reserve. Beadles, from Hillcrest High, will join the group for the 2010 season.

"We're pleased," said Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham. "We're not surprised that Koa (Misi) and Zane were selected in the second round of the draft. They're both high-character individuals and exceptional players that helped lead us to some of the most successful seasons in Utah football history."

Beadles is among what's been one of the more notable draft classes so far. The Broncos raised eyebrows by selecting former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow with their second pick in the first round. They also picked a center in Baylor's J.D. Walton and two receivers as McDaniels retools his offense.

Beadles was the second local player selected in the draft. Former Utah defensive end Koa Misi went five picks before Beadles, as Miami took him with the 40th overall selection.