Team needs

[JCMElway]

I was looking at our current roster and I list our top needs this way:

CB -- I know there are some of you on the board that don't see this as a need area, but I do. After Champ and Walls we have nothing solid. I like Middlebrooks but he (and Walls) have not been able to stay healthy. After the loss of Herndon, this is a NEED position. It all depends on how confident Shanny is in Roc, Shoate, and LeSuer. Personally, I have no confidence in those three beyond special teams bodies. Some would say they are in their rookie year and they can develop. Hmmm.... I think that Herndon and Walls showed a lot more productivity in their rookie years, enough to earn starting spots fairly quickly. I think Roc may be a good dime or nickel guy at some point, but lack of depth at CB is WHY WE GOT OUR ASS HANDED TO US IN INDY. Also, I'm a U-M fan and I've never been impressed with LaSuer. He always found the most crucial time in a game to f*** up. I have no idea what the coaching staff saw when they drafted him. He may be OK at safety. In all honesty, I think he'll be off the roster in a year or two. He sucks at CB. (Darkhawk, would you agree?)

Now, do we have to burn the 25 pick on a CB? Probably not. The top three CBs will be gone. If we could trade down with Philly and get Justin Miller AND Matt Jones I'd be a happy guy. The fact that Miller returns punts is a bonus, but he's a reach at 25. (Although some mocks have him going in the late teens......) But, a CB with the first pick would not bother me.

OT -- We are thin at OT. Really thin. Lepsis and Foster are solid, but if one of them go down we have Louis Green or Carswell. Or Carlisle will shift to T and we start Clabo or Alexander at Guard. Yikes! If Barron or J. Brown are here we have to scoop them up. Beyond that, I think that Baas is a good answer here, if we can trade down into the later 1st, early 2nd. Other wise we can pick up quality OL help in round 3, or get one of our projects in round 6.

Safety -- At some point in the draft, we have to add depth here. Will we get a starter? maybe not. I think Ferguson can do the job, but we don't have much behind him (LaSeur?) I'm not sold on Sam Brandon or Chris Young. I'd be happy if we picked up Shazor or Bullocks in the second round.

WR -- We have two young kids and one old man. Rod will be gone soon and it takes WR at least two years to develop. If Mark Clayton is here, take him. If Roddy White is here.......let's trade down and see if he's still there. He's a guy I'd like to get with those Philly picks. Matt Jones is also a name that's come up. If we get him at 25 that'd be ok with me. He seems to be a faster, bigger McCaffery as a WR. Now if we could trade down for him, even better. If given the choice I like Jones over White.

DL -- Yes, we have 18 DL on the roster right now. The injured and teh over-the-hill gang. Will they produce this year? Yes. Will there be injuries and a bunch of shuffling on the line? Yes. If we can inject young talent here we can really solidify this unit. Here's my breakdown:
DE -- Brown, and Pryce -- Solid starters with game breaking ability
Ekuban -- Solid backup, will be productive in the rotation
Palepoi -- Will make the team and contribute
Veal -- Heard good things here. Could contribute?
Coleman and R Johnson -- Good players past their prime, how long will
they be around?
Nworkie, Hunt, Garner -- Probably not on final roster
DT -- Warren -- Will be given every opportunity to suceed
Pope, Fatafehi -- Solid contributors
Ellis Johnson, Myers -- Veterans who may not make the team
D Davis -- make or break year (I have a good feeling here)
Renteria -- Will not make team

All this being said, Most of our DL have injury problems. If Travis Johnson or Dan Cody are available at 25 TAKE THEM. If S Cody is there....it all depends on how much Shanny likes him. I would say trade down and try and get S. Cody.

And of course a punter in the third round.

I don't think we should trade up unless we can get Mike Wiliams. We don't have enough to offer in a trade and our cap is already an issue. We don't need to deal with high draft signing bonuses. (Unless it's Williams.)

[wabbit]

Nice analysis, and mostly true by my estimation...and again...it's all a matter of opinion, nothing more.

CB isn't an area I thought the Broncos would need to address in this draft. Now, I'm not sure about that at all...but NOT a first round need.

Interestingly, Guard & Safety ARE the Broncos top needs and, traditionally, neither one of those are first round kind of positions...unless they have Roy Williams/Sean Taylor kind of talent of course...none of those this year I can see.

If the front office is smart & Denver can't find a taker to draft down out of #25, I say damn the torpedos, go ahead & draft that top Guard..screw tradition.

Cap it off with a SAfety in the second too

[labronco]

if there is a need at CB we bite the bullet and use it high, either with first or second. i like Justin Miller or Fabian Williams with our first pick. but i think we are at a good spot for a safety.

i don't know if we have a steve atwater type of player in this draft, but man oh man. didn't we miss out on Ed Reed in '02? i know many of us wanted him badly.

i wanted us to get a DL with first, but not with no many players competing there already. i think shaun cody and david pollack are slipping, and it would be really interesting to see what we'll do if we see them still hanging around at our spot.

i don't mind getting WR with first, but only if we were to trade up to get Mike Williams.

shanny will never pick OG with first or second. he'll look for some scrappy guy with third or below.

[wabbit]

...shanny will never pick OG with first or second. he'll look for some scrappy guy with third or below.


That certainly has been his MO

He did grab Lenny Friedman in the 2nd a few years back, but that was sheer genius. I mean Lenny has been All-Pro...gosh...how many years now

[SoCalBronco]

The Broncos talked alot with OG Chris Myers of Miami at the combine, if they dont go guard in rounds 1 or 2 i could see them taking him at 97 or 101. He is smart, shows good technique but is limited physically. He isnt a mauler. As to the first round, i just hope we can move down, maybe to like the very early 30s, pick up a very early 3rd and a 5th or something.

[SoCalBronco]

if there is a need at CB we bite the bullet and use it high, either with first or second. i like Justin Miller or Fabian Williams with our first pick. but i think we are at a good spot for a safety.

i don't know if we have a steve atwater type of player in this draft, but man oh man. didn't we miss out on Ed Reed in '02? i know many of us wanted him badly.

i wanted us to get a DL with first, but not with no many players competing there already. i think shaun cody and david pollack are slipping, and it would be really interesting to see what we'll do if we see them still hanging around at our spot.

i don't mind getting WR with first, but only if we were to trade up to get Mike Williams.

shanny will never pick OG with first or second. he'll look for some scrappy guy with third or below.

Thats what we said about OT also a few years ago, OTs, and OL in general were second day selections and then poof...Foster at Pick 20 overall.

[SoCalBronco]

If we can just find a way to stockpile picks from early round 2 to about round 4 that would be solid. Just keep trading down if you can. Trade from 25 to like 35 if we can, that should net us another first day pick and a second day pick.

[wabbit]

Not to get too far off-topic, but I was reading a mag in the grocery store early this week...I think it was Pro Football Digest...I've actually done some work with them

...BUT...they lower the grade of one Guard prospect because he wasn't 'great in space'

a GUARD...guards don't work in space...some have thier heads there, but they don't work there...that's why many a Tackle prospect is moved inside...because he doesn't work well in space.

I swear, I get more solid analysis from you folks than I get from any of the experts I know or read...really

...and ESPNs draft edition...if you haven't seen it...is pathetic

[TUG]

Has Denvers OL philosophy changed enough in the last couple of years to pick a guard first, and is there one talented enough to go that high?

[wabbit]

Has Denvers OL philosophy changed enough in the last couple of years to pick a guard first, and is there one talented enough to go that high?

Well, it seems that the staff has joined the 21st century & figured out that we need more bulk George Foster), so I guess the answer is yes

As for first round talent, Elton Brown of Virginia might still be a reach @ #25, but there are those who believe he, along with David Bass of Michigan are potnetially worthy of first round selection...late.

[SoCalBronco]

If we could move from 25 to 35 and pickup an early 3rd and a 5th this would be ideal:

2A- Anttaj Hawthorne, DT Wisconsin
2B- Evan Mathis OG Alabama
3A- Wesley Britt OT Alabama
3B- Claude Terrell OG New Mexico
3C- Dustin Colquitt P Tennessee
5- Jamaal Brimmer S UNLV (hope he returns to 2003 form, could be a steal)
6- Stefan Lefors QB Louisville
7- Chase Lyman WR California
Thoughts: We could get my favorite DT in the draft, Hawthorne, who has been sliding and is now thought of as an early round 2 target. He can start immediately next to Warren. We then go with Mathis who is the Broncos prototype zone blocking athletic lineman. Right after that we select his teammate, the very high character and very underrated Wesley Britt, but for some minor injuries here and there would be an early 2nd round pick. He is a very solid tackle and after Lepsis leaves next year in FA, we could move Big George to the left side and Wesley can come in on the right side after a year to learn just as was the case with Foster. We continue to address the OL since another guard spot will be open after Hamilton moves to Center after the nearing departure of Tom Nalen. Claude's asset is in run blocking, in particular he is a huge mauler type that we havent had for awhile. Claude will really help out our red zone run game, he will have a year to sit, learn and improve in pass blocking (at least, possibly more if we restructure Nalen to keep him around past 2005). We then improve our special teams game by getting the best punter in the draft. There is some risk here ofcourse after the Nick Harris fiasco but i think Colquitt is a damn good punter and we are in dire need. On Day 2, we begin by taking a safety who was all over the place in 2003, making plays left and right but had a disappointing senior campaign in 2004. Brimmer also isnt a great athlete so he wont stand out to scouts but he can play. He has a nose for the ball. In the 6th round, we add another QB to the mix in the talented Stefan Lefors. If he was 2 inches taller and had slightly more arm strength he would be a 1st round pick. I think his arm is more than adequate enough. Standing at 6'0'' though is a bit of a concern although he flashes great athleticism for a QB and is extremely smart and accurate. He was absolutely outstanding for Louisville last year, throwing for over 70 percent and carving up some good defenses. With our last pick, we take my big time sleeper, WR chase lyman out of California. Now Chase has a riddled injury history but he has amazing tools. He is tall, well built, has good hands and has great speed...all in one package. Before getting hurt this year, he was Cal's best reciever and was absolutely tearing it up.

[wabbit]

Wow, SoCal...you lose me past the fourth round. Those fellows are just...people

...but I will bet you a nickel some dumbass takes Colquitt of the boards in the late second or early third.

You're definately on the right track though...and you think we take an OT that high, huh??

Actually, I think your analysis is probably right where Denver needs to be, but then, we're talking about Mike "Jeremy Shoate is a real playmaker" Shanahan

Throw a dart and reel him in

[broncohaven]

I woud hate to see us take an OL in the first. The zone blocking scheme allows us to be successful with mediocre talent at the guard positions. I think that Carlisle is a workable starter. Assuming we get the same tackle play we got from Foster and Lepsis, the line is going to be fine. Chris Kemoeatu should be available with one of the comp picks and he's a nice mover with a little more bulk than most of our OL. He's got a nice mean sreak as well. Adam Snyder is a solid posibility there as well.

To be honest, the thing I'm most scared of in this draft is not getting Matt Jones. I think that he, more than any other player will bring our offense to a new level. If we can trade out of the first and still get him that would be great, but I would have no qualms with taking a flyer on him at #25. He actually reminds me of Eddie Mac but with freakish physical ability. And I mean FREAKISH.

I think there will be a solid safety available for us in the 2nd, and that they'll be good value going safety in the 2nd. Shazor, Brimmer, Bullocks, and Pool are all good looking prospects.

[Atlas]

...BUT...they lower the grade of one Guard prospect because he wasn't 'great in space'

a GUARD...guards don't work in space...some have thier heads there, but they don't work there...that's why many a Tackle prospect is moved inside...because he doesn't work well in space.

I swear, I get more solid analysis from you folks than I get from any of the experts I know or read...really

...and ESPNs draft edition...if you haven't seen it...is pathetic


When a guard pulls and is in the open field looking for someone to block he is in space. Lot's of guards are to slow and clumsy to be good pulling guards.

[DBroncos4life]

The only saftey that I really want is Bullocks....(yes Im a broken record). Guard is a need but I dont really know which one fits our team. We could use a cornerback in my opinion as well. KR/PR is high on my wish list and maybe we could get a guy like Perkins to fix three problems. (CB/KR/PR). Punter is a need as well. It would be nice to get some more youth along the DL as well.

[Atlas]

The sporting news had Denver selecting That Oklahoma S. I forgot his name. Denver has a chance to draft the best S in the draft if they wanted to go that way. I don't see any team selecting a S before Denver gets to choose.

[Mediator12]

The sporting news had Denver selecting That Oklahoma S. I forgot his name. Denver has a chance to draft the best S in the draft if they wanted to go that way. I don't see any team selecting a S before Denver gets to choose.

Pool is a good safety, but not first round talent. Its not like Roy williams, Ed Reed, Sean taylor types are available this year at S.

[bloodsunday]

I woud hate to see us take an OL in the first. The zone blocking scheme allows us to be successful with mediocre talent at the guard positions. I think that Carlisle is a workable starter.
This line of thinking kills me! There is more to being a good o-line than a 1,000 yard rusher. To regain our dominance we must build up both our offensive and defensive lines. The defensive line has been talked about at nasuia here, but the o-line is ignored. People act like we have a good system and that's all we need. Wrong, wrong, wrong. You still need talent. Not to mention, the teacher of that "system" is history. It's time to raise our level of o-line play from above average back to dominant!

As much as I hate to give them props, the Chiefs are a good example. They are able to protect a robot QB, and average WR because their o-line is soo good. Does anybody really think that Priest Holmes would be that good running the ball for... Detroit? C'mmon.

[Mediator12]

If we could move from 25 to 35 and pickup an early 3rd and a 5th this would be ideal:

2A- Anttaj Hawthorne, DT Wisconsin
2B- Evan Mathis OG Alabama
3A- Wesley Britt OT Alabama
3B- Claude Terrell OG New Mexico
3C- Dustin Colquitt P Tennessee
5- Jamaal Brimmer S UNLV (hope he returns to 2003 form, could be a steal)
6- Stefan Lefors QB Louisville
7- Chase Lyman WR California
Thoughts: We could get my favorite DT in the draft, Hawthorne, who has been sliding and is now thought of as an early round 2 target. He can start immediately next to Warren. We then go with Mathis who is the Broncos prototype zone blocking athletic lineman. Right after that we select his teammate, the very high character and very underrated Wesley Britt, but for some minor injuries here and there would be an early 2nd round pick. He is a very solid tackle and after Lepsis leaves next year in FA, we could move Big George to the left side and Wesley can come in on the right side after a year to learn just as was the case with Foster. We continue to address the OL since another guard spot will be open after Hamilton moves to Center after the nearing departure of Tom Nalen. Claude's asset is in run blocking, in particular he is a huge mauler type that we havent had for awhile. Claude will really help out our red zone run game, he will have a year to sit, learn and improve in pass blocking (at least, possibly more if we restructure Nalen to keep him around past 2005). We then improve our special teams game by getting the best punter in the draft. There is some risk here ofcourse after the Nick Harris fiasco but i think Colquitt is a damn good punter and we are in dire need. On Day 2, we begin by taking a safety who was all over the place in 2003, making plays left and right but had a disappointing senior campaign in 2004. Brimmer also isnt a great athlete so he wont stand out to scouts but he can play. He has a nose for the ball. In the 6th round, we add another QB to the mix in the talented Stefan Lefors. If he was 2 inches taller and had slightly more arm strength he would be a 1st round pick. I think his arm is more than adequate enough. Standing at 6'0'' though is a bit of a concern although he flashes great athleticism for a QB and is extremely smart and accurate. He was absolutely outstanding for Louisville last year, throwing for over 70 percent and carving up some good defenses. With our last pick, we take my big time sleeper, WR chase lyman out of California. Now Chase has a riddled injury history but he has amazing tools. He is tall, well built, has good hands and has great speed...all in one package. Before getting hurt this year, he was Cal's best reciever and was absolutely tearing it up.


Socal, that is a great effort! I really like that reasoning. I would be ecstatic to see us get the chance to trade down. However, multiple teams with picks ahead of us are looking to do the same. DAL, SD, and others are looling for ways out of the late First round with the talent available. With our recent inability to pull off first round trades, I hope we get a chance to this year.

Otherwise, there is a not a lot left at 25 that screams first rounder Except if someone slides like they always do. I have to think that Shanahan will not do a deal until he see who slides and that may be too late. The eagles may have someone targeted in the first, but I see them going higher not this low to get that guy. Same thing with the Pats. Tons of variables, but I see few situations where the broncos have any leverage to move down. Thoughts???

[Atlas]

Otherwise, there is a not a lot left at 25 that screams first rounder Except if someone slides like they always do. I have to think that Shanahan will not do a deal until he see who slides and that may be too late. The eagles may have someone targeted in the first, but I see them going higher not this low to get that guy. Same thing with the Pats. Tons of variables, but I see few situations where the broncos have any leverage to move down. Thoughts???

Justin Miller

Definate first round talent

http://www.cutigers.com/photos/wake/14.jpg

[fontaine]

This line of thinking kills me! There is more to being a good o-line than a 1,000 yard rusher. To regain our dominance we must build up both our offensive and defensive lines. The defensive line has been talked about at nasuia here, but the o-line is ignored. People act like we have a good system and that's all we need. Wrong, wrong, wrong. You still need talent. Not to mention, the teacher of that "system" is history. It's time to raise our level of o-line play from above average back to dominant!

Denver will draft Guard. It simply has to considering Coop is no stud, there's no depth there for starting competition, and Nalen is only one to two years away from retiring to give way to Hamilton so his LG spot will be vacant.

The question is which round (or even 1st or 2nd day?)

[~Crash~]

That certainly has been his MO

He did grab Lenny Friedman in the 2nd a few years back, but that was sheer genius. I mean Lenny has been All-Pro...gosh...how many years now

the redskins thanked us for him several times .

[bloodsunday]

Denver will draft Guard. It simply has to considering Coop is no stud, there's no depth there for starting competition, and Nalen is only one to two years away from retiring to give way to Hamilton so his LG spot will be vacant.

The question is which round (or even 1st or 2nd day?)
Yeah that is the question. I think more precisely the question is, let's say all (or most of the guys) we have discussed on the board are gone, what does Shanny do? I would be really iterated if he dismissed Baas just becasue he is a guard. Hey if there's a guy there that fits the need, drops unexpectedly, or is a better value, then I am okay picking him. I just have a feeling that the way the 1st round is projecting Baas would be a guy that provides the best combination of need and value.