ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- With the excitement surrounding the addition of Peyton Manning at quarterback, the Broncos know the importance of protecting the passer.
On Saturday, Denver added a piece to help do just that.
With the No. 108 overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Broncos selected Baylor center Philip Blake.
"He's a big, physical center with position flexibility, and we're excited to have him," Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway tweeted.
Blake started all 38 games he played at Baylor -- 12 at right tackle and 26 at center. During that span, his 254 knockdown blocks and 48 touchdown-resulting blocks were the most for any interior offensive linemen in the Big 12 conference.
The 6-3, 311-pound lineman started out playing basketball and hockey in Canada before moving to Texas to play football.
"I love this kid on tape," Mayock said. "He's a thick kid. Has pretty good feet, starting potential inside -- center or both guards.
"When you look at this kid, A, he provides quality depth day one, then B, something every coach loves -- competition," Mayock continued.
He is the second Baylor center on Denver's roster, joining former teammate J.D. Walton.
The Broncos' next pick is the second selection in the fifth round, No. 137 overall.
