Plummer excited about offseason additions; implies team will go Offense in draft

[SoCalBronco]

Plummer: Broncos will return to playoffs
Quarterback excited about off-season upgrades on defense

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
April 13, 2005

It was during the Denver Broncos' free-agent courtship of Courtney Brown that quarterback Jake Plummer first voiced the attitude that apparently permeated the team's locker room during off-season workouts this month.

While considering whether to join the Broncos, Brown said he was tired of the teams he played on failing to make the playoffs.


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No worries, Plummer replied, that is not a chief concern for the Broncos.

"We know we're going to get to the playoffs this year," Plummer boldly said Tuesday in retelling the story during an informal sit-down with Denver media. "Now it's a matter of getting past the first round."

Plummer was asked to clarify the statement regarding the postseason.

"Right now, the way the team is going, we've got the same team back," he said, noting the exits of safety Kenoy Kennedy and running back Reuben Droughns were tough but replaceable losses. "But we've got the same core leaders, guys that have been here for many years and some new additions, so we're excited about our prospects. If everything goes right, we definitely should be there."

Among the new players Denver recently added were Brown and three of his other former Cleveland Browns defensive linemates, Gerard Warren, Michael Myers and Ebenezer Ekuban. Denver also persuaded linebackers Ian Gold and Keith Burns to return, further adding to the team's emphasis on defense.

Meanwhile, only tight end Stephen Alexander and running back Ron Dayne were added to the offense.

That apparently is fine with Plummer, who is entering his third season with the Broncos.

The addition of Gold will be "huge," Plummer predicted, and the other defensive reinforcements likely will help lessen the pressure on the offense to score and will allow the group to take over possessions quicker and with better field position.

"I think we're loaded on defense," Plummer said. "And now they're going to make some moves in the draft on offense, which you never don't like as a quarterback."

Denver will have to avoid another lull after a fast start if it is going to come close to fulfilling Plummer's playoff vision.

The Broncos started last season 5-1 but finished 5-5 to finish second in the AFC West.

Plummer threw for 27 touchdowns, 20 interceptions and 4,089 yards, calling it a "successful" individual season.

But it was not enough to keep the Broncos from avoiding a second consecutive road game in the wild-card round against the Indianapolis Colts and a blowout loss at the RCA Dome.

Getting over that hump will "take a team commitment," said Plummer, who got a taste of it this month while working with 72 other players in Denver's strength and conditioning program.

Plummer reiterated his belief he needs to improve and said he already has begun the process by reviewing some basics from last season. He expects to address specifics with coaches during the team's passing camp in May and through training camp.

"Going into my third year, I'm really comfortable with everybody on this team," he said. "Some guys obviously stepped up last year, with (tight end) Jeb (Putzier) and (receiver) Ashley (Lelie). That's exciting. To get a Tatum Bell back there (at running back) and they are going to get more weapons, you have to love the position I'm in.

"I just have to keep working hard."

ON TAP: The NFL schedule will be released today. When it is, do not be surprised if the Broncos have a Thanksgiving game at Dallas.

The team also believes it might receive a couple of prime-time home games because Denver's opponents at Invesco Field at Mile High include Super Bowl finalists New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, plus the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens.

[Ratboy]

It's either an Offensive Lineman or Wide Reciever (Vincent Jackson or Matt Jones) That is unless Mike Williams falls, which is unlikely.

Hopefully we trade down and pick up an extra 2nd and something next year..

My question is...

Do we give Jake Plummer a big recieving target (Vincent Jackson or Matt Jones) or Do we give him protection (Khalif Barnes, Adam Terry, Or David Baas).

I see us going with a big WR. We sucked in the redzone and picking up Jones or Jackson could solve that problem. I much rather get one of those 2 recievers and then draft a offensive lineman with our 2nd. followed by a DT and a QB or Safety.

[delany]

"I think we're loaded on defense," Plummer said. "And now they're going to make some moves in the draft on offense, which you never don't like as a quarterback."

"Some guys obviously stepped up last year, with (tight end) Jeb (Putzier) and (receiver) Ashley (Lelie). That's exciting. To get a Tatum Bell back there (at running back) and they are going to get more weapons, you have to love the position I'm in."

Jake would appear to think they are going offense in the draft...early enough to help them.

[watermock]

I say we bring in some decent competition at QB like Adrian McPhereson, Cambell or Frye. That should kick him in the nads.

[bloodsunday]

I say we bring in some decent competition at QB like Adrian McPhereson, Cambell or Frye. That should kick him in the nads.
McPherson should be available with our comp picks! I think he would be a steal with the last pick on day 1. I also like Campbell but it looks like Cleveland's strategy will be to take a playmaker at #3 (Carnell or Braylon) and then get Campbell at the top of round 2.

[bloodsunday]

Do we give Jake Plummer a big recieving target (Vincent Jackson or Matt Jones) or Do we give him protection (Khalif Barnes, Adam Terry, Or David Baas).
It has to be a guard. Of all the positions on our roster this position is the most neglected. We have young guys returning at WR and CB. We stocked the DL with FA. The most pressing need left has to be a guard! :pray: Of course, with multiple picks we can address multiple issues, but guard should be at the top of the list.

[chanesaw]

Heath Miller could help.

[bloodsunday]

Heath Miller could help.
Yeah but we can't go TE in round 1 can we? He won't last until #56.

[watermock]

Putz will get another chance, and S. Alexander is pretty good if healthy as well.

Plus, there is always the Great White Hape.

[bloodsunday]

Putz will get another chance, and S. Alexander is pretty good if healthy as well.

Plus, there is always the Great White Hape.
There are also some interesting TE prospects later in the draft (Everrett from Miami, Dressen, and A Smith).

[atwater58]

[QUOTE=delany]"I think we're loaded on defense," Plummer said. "And now they're going to make some moves in the draft on offense, which you never don't like as a quarterback."

"Some guys obviously stepped up last year, with (tight end) Jeb (Putzier) and (receiver) Ashley (Lelie). That's exciting. To get a Tatum Bell back there (at running back) and they are going to get more weapons, you have to love the position I'm in."

Is it me or does this comment and Sundquist comment last week seem almost a little to forward. I swear I wouldn't put it past these guys to be throwing these comments out there for the sole purpose to mislead other teams drafting in the late 20's. Although I have to agree that if they go Offense at 25 it will be a guard and i'm really starting to like that Brown from UVA.

[Rascal]

Take McPherson in the third with our comp picks. Trade down out of the first and get another second (early) and third (early). Then pick up a safety, guard or tackle, maybe a DL, and WR.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

You don't match a top 5 deal to a TE and turn around and take one in the 1st.

OL, OL, and a big WR if they're going offense.

Baas (hopefully after moving down a few spots), Munoz and Vincent Jackson somewhere on Day 1 would be a nice day.

[Rascal]

Don't you think they need a safety? I think they can pick a CB after June 1st so I don't think we should address that in the draft, but Lynch probably has 1 or 2 years left and we really need a ballhawk safety. Fergy might be it, but I'm not sold on the idea.

[bloodsunday]

Baas (hopefully after moving down a few spots), Munoz and Vincent Jackson somewhere on Day 1 would be a nice day.
These would all be good picks. The key will be moving down because the drop from #25 to #56 will be pronounced. It will be even more pronounced from #56 to the end of round 3. We need to try and get 2 more picks one before #56 and one in the 3rd round.

[Rascal]

Besides I would rather use one of our thirds on Joel Dreessen.

[epicSocialism4tw]

It's all about the OL. This is the thinnest I have ever seen a Shanahan line. That definately wont cut it for his offense.

[bloodsunday]

Don't you think they need a safety? I think they can pick a CB after June 1st so I don't think we should address that in the draft, but Lynch probably has 1 or 2 years left and we really need a ballhawk safety. Fergy might be it, but I'm not sold on the idea.
I think safety is an okay choice. I wouldn't go safety in round 1 though. I am pretty firmly against a CB because we have poured a lot into that position recently. To me, selecting a CB in round 1 is an admission that we don't think Shoate, LeSuer or Alexander is the answer. There is no one that will be available as a CB at 25 that projects to be more game ready than those 3. Besides, with our history of selecting CBs, it feels like we'll waste the pick anyway.

Our offense needs some help as well.

[bloodsunday]

It's all about the OL. This is the thinnest I have ever seen a Shanahan line. That definately wont cut it for his offense.
Finally someone that agrees with me! This OL needs help. Alex Gibbs is long gone and the league seems to be catching up to our "system".

[Rascal]

I would love to have this draft:

Trade down to the late 30's and pick up an early 3rd. Then take that third and our second and move up in the second round.

2a: Josh Bullocks
2b: David Baas, Marcus Johnson, Elton Brown, maybe Logan Mankins
3 Comp1: Vincent Jackson or Chris Kemoeatu or Colquitt
3 Comp2: Adrian McPherson

[TheDave]

See even Plummer wants David Baas... Now we just need to convince MS/TS!

Back to spamming the front office!

[Mile High Shack]

See even Plummer wants David Baas... Now we just need to convince MS/TS!

Back to spamming the front office!

I like what I've heard about the Baas...but that being said…..do you honestly expect the Broncos to start a rookie olineman? They haven’t ever I don’t think.

[bloodsunday]

I like what I've heard about the Baas...but that being said…..do you honestly expect the Broncos to start a rookie olineman? They haven’t ever I don’t think.
Yeah but when was the last time they took one that was ready to start? We like to take late round guys for development. Foster is the closest thing but he was injured and got hurt again in camp. Baas represents a guy that looks to be ready to play in this league. I can't imagine that he couldn't beat out Cooper Carlisle and PJ Alexander!

[Atlas]

I said earlier that I have a strange feeling Shanny is going WR in the first. It's just something that he would do to mess everybody up. I think Denver needs to go CB or S and then with the next three picks go guard and wrs.

[Mile High Shack]

Yeah but when was the last time they took one that was ready to start? We like to take late round guys for development. Foster is the closest thing but he was injured and got hurt again in camp. Baas represents a guy that looks to be ready to play in this league. I can't imagine that he couldn't beat out Cooper Carlisle and PJ Alexander!
Yeah…you’d think that wouldn’t you?

But shanny has an uncanny ability to do the opposite of what most “pundits” think is right to do.

I still say even if we got Baas…Cooper would start this year and Baas would start next year…sans an injury.

I know it could be different with a first round pick…but I look at past history to predict future events…and I say Shanny won’t do that.

I do agree with others saying that Shanny will pick a WR……I’d bet he would do that.

[alkemical]

They will when one of the Starters gets hurt.

[bloodsunday]

I said earlier that I have a strange feeling Shanny is going WR in the first. It's just something that he would do to mess everybody up. I think Denver needs to go CB or S and then with the next three picks go guard and wrs.
If Clayton falls, I am all for it. Please don't let it be a DB! We have stock piled them and we have quality starters and reasonable depth. With our luck selecting DBs, we'd be wasting the pick and giving up on the young guys we already have.

[bloodsunday]

But shanny has an uncanny ability to do the opposite of what most “pundits” think is right to do.
Well, I'm not trying to guess what we will do. As we all know, that could make you mad. I am just trying to suggest what I think we should do. Besides watching the board unfold is a fluid situation. For example, there are rumors Tampa Bay may be interested in trading UP to get Smith or Rodgers! That could throw a wrench in the whole first round.

I still say even if we got Baas…Cooper would start this year and Baas would start next year…sans an injury.
Could be, but at least we'd have options. Baas could push Cooper and provide quality depth in the event of an injury to Hamilton, Nalen or Cooper.

I do agree with others saying that Shanny will pick a WR……I’d bet he would do that.
It depends on whose available. Most of the guys predicted to be available are too raw! I don't want another project at WR. If a guy like Clayton, whom I think can contribute right away, falls, then yes.

[wabbit]

I just can't believe Denver would invest a 1st rounder in a 5-foot-10 WR.

Clayton may have all the talent in the world, but if Plummer can't see him, it makes no difference whatsoever.

My little friends tell me the Broncos have asked for & received tape/discs/film on several, specific WRs, but I'm not sure who...could be Clayton, Jones...I don't know.

Shanahan has usually done an intensive study of his top candidates at this stage, so it is a little unusual to seek out new tape/disc/film at this stage...certainly not unheard of though.

Just an indicator of what direction they're going...or so it would seem.

[bloodsunday]

I just can't believe Denver would invest a 1st rounder in a 5-foot-10 WR...Clayton may have all the talent in the world, but if Plummer can't see him, it makes no difference whatsoever.
Being a smaller wide out hasn't hurt Marvin Harrison any. It's not like he's 5'5" or something. The guy can play ball and that's what we should be looking at.

My little friends tell me the Broncos have asked for & received tape/discs/film on several, specific WRs, but I'm not sure who...could be Clayton, Jones...I don't know.
Interesting, but what would film on Jones accomplish? I guess they could look at his playmaking ability without regard to his position.

[watermock]

"I think we're loaded on defense," Plummer said. "And now they're going to make some moves in the draft on offense, which you never don't like as a quarterback."

First, that sounds like a cry in the woods by Plummer. Then he uses the term "they" instead of "we", which kinda insinuates Jake isn't exactly "in the loop" on decisions anyway, then he uses a double negative, removing all doubt why.

Never don't like Jake? Good Lord.

I would freak out if draft gurus and our resident Tom Jones err...Matt Jones groupie would manage to sway Shanahan into taking the freak, and even more if they took Heath Miller.

I don't think Putz is as solid at his spot as much as he's insurance. Denver seemed to hesitate on him. Maybe Heath Miller. I still say there is a hole left by Sharpe, for sure.

I'm still all for taking E. James if he happened to get to 25 as well, or the Pollock.

I mean, we could have the Putz and the Pollock on the annual cover.

[Hotrod]

"I think we're loaded on defense," Plummer said. "And now they're going to make some moves in the draft on offense, which you never don't like as a quarterback."

First, that sounds like a cry in the woods by Plummer. Then he uses the term "they" instead of "we", which kinda insinuates Jake isn't exactly "in the loop" on decisions anyway, then he uses a double negative, removing all doubt why.

Never don't like Jake? Good Lord.

I would freak out if draft gurus and our resident Tom Jones err...Matt Jones groupie would manage to sway Shanahan into taking the freak, and even more if they took Heath Miller.

I don't think Putz is as solid at his spot as much as he's insurance. Denver seemed to hesitate on him. Maybe Heath Miller. I still say there is a hole left by Sharpe, for sure.

I'm still all for taking E. James if he happened to get to 25 as well, or the Pollock.

I mean, we could have the Putz and the Pollock on the annual cover.

Pollack is not going to happen at this point. Which is to bad I just hope the chefs or faid dont get their hands on the future HOF'er.

I really thought Dline (Pollack) thru most of the offseason but with Pryce and the Browns Dline on board Im sure its either WR or OG. Which one is anyones guess really. Im starting to lean towards the Baas bandwagon.

[bloodsunday]

Never don't like Jake? Good Lord.
Cut him some slack... he is from Idaho.

I don't think Putz is as solid at his spot as much as he's insurance. Denver seemed to hesitate on him. Maybe Heath Miller. I still say there is a hole left by Sharpe, for sure.
Agreed. Part of me still hopes the Jets will bite on some sort of draft day deal for the Putz. I just can't see a 1st round TE; but hey if they guy can play ball, I'm all for it.

[Rascal]

Get off the putz thing. If we traded him we would take a 1 mil cap hit and we can't afford it, especially with having to sign a replacement TE.

[Hotrod]

Agreed. Part of me still hopes the Jets will bite on some sort of draft day deal for the Putz. I just can't see a 1st round TE; but hey if they guy can play ball, I'm all for it.

I dont see either the Jets calling on Draft day or Denver dealing Putz. Shanny gets alot out of the average NFL TE. I just dont see him getting rid of Putz and opening up another hole on the team during the draft. Atleast Putz knows the O whereas a drafted TE would have his work cut out for him. Throw in the more pressing (IMO) needs at WR OLine and DB why add another postion to that list during the draft?

[Traveler]

Barnes or Bass! I don't care which one.

[El Guapo]

ON TAP: The NFL schedule will be released today. When it is, do not be surprised if the Broncos have a Thanksgiving game at Dallas.




TIGHT!!! I just moved here (dallas), ill be donning the ORANGE on Turkey day!!

[TheDave]

I like what I've heard about the Baas...but that being said…..do you honestly expect the Broncos to start a rookie olineman? They haven’t ever I don’t think.

He may not be a day one starter, but by mid season i think he definately would. To me, this guy seems to be the perfect specimen to play in our scheme. But like you said Shanahan has an inate ability to go the opposite direction of us amature draft gurus. My biggest hope is that we trade back 5-7 spots and pick up an additional late 3rd, wether or not thats possible, we will have to wait and see.

[i4jelway7]

I think safety is an okay choice. I wouldn't go safety in round 1 though. I am pretty firmly against a CB because we have poured a lot into that position recently. To me, selecting a CB in round 1 is an admission that we don't think Shoate, LeSuer or Alexander is the answer. There is no one that will be available as a CB at 25 that projects to be more game ready than those 3. Besides, with our history of selecting CBs, it feels like we'll waste the pick anyway.

Our offense needs some help as well.


See thats the problem Shanny and company can't admit when they screw up w/ the draft and believe me Shoate & LeSuer are NOT the answer NOT EVEN CLOSE to being the answer, Roc was undrafted and will do alright in the dime, so Denver needs Justin Miller in the 1st if not try and trade down and hope he is there in the 2nd round... no OL will come in and play this year, they will be inactive the whole year, they need to get a long term CB in that will get some playing time this year, not next year, plus Middlebrooks may be suspended for the first 4 games and he is not ever going to play a full season... Lenny will never be able to play a full 16 game season again (you think that shoulder is going to hold up? I don't and he is gone after this year unless the donkeys decide to shell out a huge paycheck for him)... as far as WR goes when have the Broncos ever given the 3rd or 4th receiver a chance, really how many times do you see them even throw to the 3rd or 4th receiver, hardly ever, so IMO they have never even given some of the backup WR's a chance, for gods sake give Triandos a chance, he has good hands and Darius just needs to concentrate more and have what he does on the practice field translate to the game .. I would not be against drafting Vincent Jackson in the 3rd round, but is it truly a big need.. I don't think so..

[TheDave]

See thats the problem Shanny and company can't admit when they screw up w/ the draft and believe me Shoate & LeSuer are NOT the answer NOT EVEN CLOSE to being the answer, Roc was undrafted and will do alright in the dime, so Denver needs Justin Miller in the 1st if not try and trade down and hope he is there in the 2nd round... no OL will come in and play this year, they will be inactive the whole year, they need to get a long term CB in that will get some playing time this year, not next year, plus Middlebrooks may be suspended for the first 4 games and he is not ever going to play a full season... Lenny will never be able to play a full 16 game season again (you think that shoulder is going to hold up? I don't and he is gone after this year unless the donkeys decide to shell out a huge paycheck for him)... as far as WR goes when have the Broncos ever given the 3rd or 4th receiver a chance, really how many times do you see them even throw to the 3rd or 4th receiver, hardly ever, so IMO they have never even given some of the backup WR's a chance, for gods sake give Triandos a chance, he has good hands and Darius just needs to concentrate more and have what he does on the practice field translate to the game .. I would not be against drafting Vincent Jackson in the 3rd round, but is it truly a big need.. I don't think so..

See you logic is all over the place.

Shoate & Laseur = not the answer
Middlebrooks & Walls = Will be too injured to play

But you only think we need 1 corner in the first... If you really think that all but bailey are a bust then we better draft alot of corners + pick another up after June 1.

I disagree, things are not nearly as bleak as you suggest...time will tell.

[bloodsunday]

See thats the problem Shanny and company can't admit when they screw up w/ the draft and believe me Shoate & LeSuer are NOT the answer NOT EVEN CLOSE to being the answer, Roc was undrafted and will do alright in the dime, so Denver needs Justin Miller in the 1st if not try and trade down and hope he is there in the 2nd round...
Neither of those guys got much of a chance last year. Let's give them a chance before we write them off. Besides, what makes you think we won't screw up the next CB we draft. I agree with the thought that we should get a stop gap guy after June 1st and then evalute CB next year.

no OL will come in and play this year, they will be inactive the whole year,
Not necessarily. Offensive lineman are capable of playing right way, especially since we have a weak link at guard. It depends on who they draft and how well PJ and Cooper do in camp.

as far as WR goes when have the Broncos ever given the 3rd or 4th receiver a chance, really how many times do you see them even throw to the 3rd or 4th receiver, hardly ever, so IMO they have never even given some of the backup WR's a chance, for gods sake give Triandos a chance, he has good hands and Darius just needs to concentrate more and have what he does on the practice field translate to the game ..
Why is it that the WR deserve a chance but not the young corners? Watts saw more playing time than either Shoate or LeSuer last season and didn't exactly light the world on fire. I agree all the young guys need a chance. But we need a playmaker on offense. Losing Sharpe was a huge hole, especially in the redzone.

[Hotrod]

See thats the problem Shanny and company can't admit when they screw up w/ the draft and believe me Shoate & LeSuer are NOT the answer NOT EVEN CLOSE to being the answer, Roc was undrafted and will do alright in the dime, so Denver needs Justin Miller in the 1st if not try and trade down and hope he is there in the 2nd round... no OL will come in and play this year, they will be inactive the whole year, they need to get a long term CB in that will get some playing time this year, not next year, plus Middlebrooks may be suspended for the first 4 games and he is not ever going to play a full season... Lenny will never be able to play a full 16 game season again (you think that shoulder is going to hold up? I don't and he is gone after this year unless the donkeys decide to shell out a huge paycheck for him)... as far as WR goes when have the Broncos ever given the 3rd or 4th receiver a chance, really how many times do you see them even throw to the 3rd or 4th receiver, hardly ever, so IMO they have never even given some of the backup WR's a chance, for gods sake give Triandos a chance, he has good hands and Darius just needs to concentrate more and have what he does on the practice field translate to the game .. I would not be against drafting Vincent Jackson in the 3rd round, but is it truly a big need.. I don't think so..

I do think we need somemore depth in the secondary but your ideas on Shanny and company not giving the 3rd or 4th wr a chance are a bit out there to say the least. They did start looking to Watts at times last year and before that who would they have gone to??? Dont you think that Shanny and Plummer would love nothing more then have a 3rd or 4th wr to go to??? Of course they would but thats a postion which has been weak for along long time.

[bloodsunday]

See you logic is all over the place.
Yes!

Shoate & Laseur = not the answer
Middlebrooks & Walls = Will be too injured to play
Why is it that the young WRs deserve a chance, but not the young CBs? Walls had one injury plagued season, and it was the same injury every time. Surgery stablizes that injury most of the time. Let's see what happens before we right him off.

I disagree, things are not nearly as bleak as you suggest...time will tell.
Agreed. I don't see how any corner available at #25 is going to come in and be an instant upgrade over what we have. The only argument I see for Miller is his return abilities.

[TheDave]

Agreed. I don't see how any corner available at #25 is going to come in and be an instant upgrade over what we have. The only argument I see for Miller is his return abilities.

Watching Eddie Mac make a fool out of both Shawn Springs and Charles Woodson during their rookie years taught me all i need to know about the Corner position. They need time to develop!

[Hotrod]

Watching Eddie Mac make a fool out of both Shawn Springs and Charles Woodson during their rookie years taught me all i need to know about the Corner position. The need time to develop!

Thats a good point to remember when we talk about Denver. I guess we should leave it up to the staff that knows the rooks at CB we currently have. I surely would not toss Roc just because he got eaten up by one of the best qb's in the game on the road in the playoffs while preforming sudden spot duty with no pass rush infront of him. Yet at #25 there are few positions which will make an impact this year. Prolly OLine or return man.

[Broncoblood]

no cbs, i'll take a good wideout, but i am still a little leary about claytons size, i know 5-10 isn't short, but it sure the hell isn't tall, we need redzone help. i still feel jones at wr would be a gamble, but a good one. i would also take a proven safety, this is a position that a guy fresh behind the ears can come in and play. ecspecially with the guidance of Lynch and Bailey. ONCE AGAIN THOUGH, NO F***ING CONER BACKS!!

CHIEFS SUCK
RADIERS SWALLOW
CHARGERS GET SNOWBALLED!! HE HE!!

[bloodsunday]

no cbs, i'll take a good wideout, but i am still a little leary about claytons size, i know 5-10 isn't short, but it sure the hell isn't tall, we need redzone help.
You're probably right that his height is a disadvantage in the redzone and he doesn't fill that big body role. But, he is a polished player that stands a chance to contribute right away. Plus, he can run after the catch, which we haven't seen in a while.

ONCE AGAIN THOUGH, NO F***ING CONER BACKS!!
On this, we can definitely agree. Sometimes I wonder why don't just draft all CBs, it seems like the only position that we have ever had a need for.

[ro_50]

I want Carlos Rogers from AU. I think he can come in and step in the number 3 or 4 (depending on Middlebrooks's health). And I'm a AU fan.

[bendog]

It's scary given shanny's draft history at corner, but if Rogers is there at 25, we'd be nuts to pass. Rod wouldn't be returning punts anymore

[bronco militia]

"I think we're loaded on defense," Plummer said. "And now they're going to make some moves in the draft on offense, which you never don't like as a quarterback"

yikes...Jake, or any other player on the roster, would be one of the last guys to ask when it comes to whom the broncos are going draft on draft day

[i4jelway7]

See you logic is all over the place.

Shoate & Laseur = not the answer
Middlebrooks & Walls = Will be too injured to play

But you only think we need 1 corner in the first... If you really think that all but bailey are a bust then we better draft alot of corners + pick another up after June 1.

I disagree, things are not nearly as bleak as you suggest...time will tell.


I'm not saying that all are busts except Bailey, Walls is good but he won't be able to hold up and he is a FA after this year, same goes for Middlebrooks,

LeSeur is the only ?
Shoate is too small and has limited skills

Not necessarily. Offensive lineman are capable of playing right way, especially since we have a weak link at guard. It depends on who they draft and how well PJ and Cooper do in camp.

Some are capable of playing right away BUT not under Shanny

Why is it that the WR deserve a chance but not the young corners? Watts saw more playing time than either Shoate or LeSuer last season and didn't exactly light the world on fire. I agree all the young guys need a chance. But we need a playmaker on offense. Losing Sharpe was a huge hole, especially in the redzone.

What about Triandos, they never even gave him a chance, I don't even remember them throwing him a pass, WR deserves a chance because the position is different than CB, CB's get burned for TD's.. which in effect can cost you WINS (ie.. playoffs 2yrs in a row) granted WR's can drop passes (ie. Watts) but they aren't typically game breakers. The main reason the redzone offense was terrible was b/c they took Jeb out of the goal line packages, for what his run blocking, sorry but thats not a good enough excuse

I do think we need somemore depth in the secondary but your ideas on Shanny and company not giving the 3rd or 4th wr a chance are a bit out there to say the least. They did start looking to Watts at times last year and before that who would they have gone to Dont you think that Shanny and Plummer would love nothing more then have a 3rd or 4th wr to go to Of course they would but thats a postion which has been weak for along long time.

Can you honestly say they throw to the 3rd or 4th guy enough, regardless of who lines up they do not give them the reps.. they need reps to get better and I blame that on the game plan, Triandos can be a play maker the same goes for Watts, Crenshaw & Johnson (granted he spent last yr on the IR but even if he didn't they wouldn't throw to him, they run the same 10 plays the whole game)

Why is it that the young WRs deserve a chance, but not the young CBs? Walls had one injury plagued season, and it was the same injury every time. Surgery stablizes that injury most of the time. Let's see what happens before we right him off.
Agreed. I don't see how any corner available at #25 is going to come in and be an instant upgrade over what we have. The only argument I see for Miller is his return abilities.

I'm not writing Lenny off, he has skills but he won't be here after next year and he will not stay healthy, I hope he proves me wrong but I wouldn't take the chance, he is damaged goods with that bum shoulder
Shoate is terrible, not to mention undersized and he lacks instincts and I'll bet my mortgage he will never be anything in the NFL or even the AFL
LeSeur is a project we don't have 4yrs to invest in him, and yes any CB that will be available at #25 WILL be an upgrade over what we have.

[bloodsunday]

What about Triandos, they never even gave him a chance, I don't even remember them throwing him a pass, WR deserves a chance because the position is different than CB, CB's get burned for TD's.. which in effect can cost you WINS (ie.. playoffs 2yrs in a row) granted WR's can drop passes (ie. Watts) but they aren't typically game breakers.
Your logic is flawed here. True, WR touch the ball only a few times a game, but so does a corner. TDs are TDs whether you score one or allow one. The goal is to win the game in either scenario.


Can you honestly say they throw to the 3rd or 4th guy enough, regardless of who lines up they do not give them the reps.. they need reps to get better and I blame that on the game plan, Triandos can be a play maker the same goes for Watts, Crenshaw & Johnson (granted he spent last yr on the IR but even if he didn't they wouldn't throw to him, they run the same 10 plays the whole game)
I can honestly say that neither Triandos Luke or Darius Watts earned any more playing time than they got last season. Both players were inconsistent and they must earn their catches by playing consistently in practice, in the run game, and every other opportunity they get. NFL teams don't just throw you the ball to see what you can do. You must prove you are worthy first.

I'm not writing Lenny off, he has skills but he won't be here after next year and he will not stay healthy, I hope he proves me wrong but I wouldn't take the chance, he is damaged goods with that bum shoulder
Shoate is terrible, not to mention undersized and he lacks instincts and I'll bet my mortgage
Well, you have to give him a chance. If we just drafted players based on predicting future FA and potential injuries, then we'd have no team at all. There are rumors that Nalen may retire next year. Lepsis has a clause in his contract that allows him to become a FA after next year. Virtually all of our FA acquisitions (Dayne, Warren, Brown) are one short term deals. So how do we replace all that with one draft? You have to let next year come in time; it's too early to predict what might happen or how we might address it next year. We don't even know what players may be available after June 1.

and yes any CB that will be available at #25 WILL be an upgrade over what we have.
You can't say that. What if 5 CBs go off the board in round 1? What if LeSeur has a break out camp? The idea that CB is our most needed position is crazy talk if you ask me. IMO, we have already overreacted to getting our pants kicked by Peyton enough. Let's knock him down a bit instead of pretending we can cover all his receivers. NFL teams run the ball as well.

[i4jelway7]

Your logic is flawed here. True, WR touch the ball only a few times a game, but so does a corner. TDs are TDs whether you score one or allow one. The goal is to win the game in either scenario.

Wrong.. you can win the game scoring TD's, but if you allow more than you score then obviously you aren't going to win

I can honestly say that neither Triandos Luke or Darius Watts earned any more playing time than they got last season. Both players were inconsistent and they must earn their catches by playing consistently in practice, in the run game, and every other opportunity they get. NFL teams don't just throw you the ball to see what you can do. You must prove you are worthy first.

How do you know what they did in practice? I saw Watts drop passes in games, I never even saw the Broncos throw to Triandos

Well, you have to give him a chance. If we just drafted players based on predicting future FA and potential injuries, then we'd have no team at all. There are rumors that Nalen may retire next year. Lepsis has a clause in his contract that allows him to become a FA after next year. Virtually all of our FA acquisitions (Dayne, Warren, Brown) are one short term deals. So how do we replace all that with one draft? You have to let next year come in time; it's too early to predict what might happen or how we might address it next year. We don't even know what players may be available after June 1.

Point taken

You can't say that. What if 5 CBs go off the board in round 1? What if LeSeur has a break out camp? The idea that CB is our most needed position is crazy talk if you ask me. IMO, we have already overreacted to getting our pants kicked by Peyton enough. Let's knock him down a bit instead of pretending we can cover all his receivers. NFL teams run the ball as well.

IMO any CB worthy of a 1st rd pick IS better than what we currently have at nickel & dime, granted one of our CB's could have a breakout camp but the likely hood of that happening is slim to none, unless they have a miracle drug that will make them much better athletes b/c what we have at the nickel & dime CB right now are mediocre at best, IMO all the corners behind Walls & Bailey wouldn't even be good enough for the scout team, much less be reliable to fill in incase of injury, and we all know we will lose at least 1 maybe 2 of our corners this year to injury.. its only a matter of time.

We have a difference of opinion, nothing wrong with that, I just don't see how anybody could be content w/ what we have at CB, except for Mr. Manning, I'm sure he loves seeing those "green" rooks in the secondary, you have to believe they (colts) wish they could play Denver every week..

[Ballhawk]

Jake stating they will be addressing the offense in the draft is nothing more than stating the obvious. I mean does anyone really think we will use every draft pick on defense?

[Pat Bowlen]

I just don't see how anybody could be content w/ what we have at CB, except for Mr. Manning, I'm sure he loves seeing those "green" rooks in the secondary
You do see the irony in this statement..... right?

[Garcia Bronco]

"But it was not enough to keep the Broncos from avoiding a second consecutive road game in the wild-card round against the Indianapolis Colts and a blowout loss at the RCA Dome.
"

People act like the Broncos were the only team blown out by Indy last season.,

[DBroncos4life]

"But it was not enough to keep the Broncos from avoiding a second consecutive road game in the wild-card round against the Indianapolis Colts and a blowout loss at the RCA Dome.
"

People act like the Broncos were the only team blown out by Indy last season.,



What? I thought all 45 or 53 of Mannings tds came against us.

[bronco militia]

"But it was not enough to keep the Broncos from avoiding a second consecutive road game in the wild-card round against the Indianapolis Colts and a blowout loss at the RCA Dome.
"

People act like the Broncos were the only team blown out by Indy last season.,

and profootballtalk.com is out to get our donks......

wtf garcia?

[labronco]

we never pick well when it comes to corners. big part of that is simply due to where we pick. big times corners get picked top 5. we are never there, so we gamble just like everyone else when you pick in lower third of the draft year in and year out.

i am not sure that we really have true depth at DL with all the injuries we have, but it is unlikely we'll spend the first pick on DL. we never do anyway.

same logic goes to OL. unless bronco brass can identify a OT that no one else is seeing, we will not pick an OL because we never pick OG with the first or second round pick.

so we will pick a skilled position players in WR or CB. we are in a good position to pick a solid player at 25. with what Plummer has said, i guess we may go for WR. personally, Heath Miller could have been a great player for us at the spot, before we committed to Putz and Alexander.

as i said in some other posts, the best case scenario is this: trade our first and second pick for two high seconds this year. we are going to find players like Justin Miller or Fabian, as well as David Bass.

[labronco]

What? I thought all 45 or 53 of Mannings tds came against us.

two teams i wanted on our schedule were colts and ravens. we got ravens at home. i guess colts better play well to meet us in playoffs. we got some debts to deal with.

[sirhcyennek81]

we could label this season revenge tour 2005. Lot of teams on this schedule that we owe a beating to. Broncos look like they either draft Miller from Va or Jones from arkansas. bet on it.

[DBroncos4life]

we could label this season revenge tour 2005. Lot of teams on this schedule that we owe a beating to. Broncos look like they either draft Miller from Va or Jones from arkansas. bet on it.



The "Project" or the "Non-need"? Yep I'll bet on it.

[sirhcyennek81]

have smith, lelie and watts ahead of Jones. good place for a project. also, you can never have enough good tight ends.

[epicSocialism4tw]

This thread should be titled: "Plummer tells the media the typical cliche bout the coming season."

[fontaine]

I can't believe people still want us to go CB in the draft.

Last year our pass defense was what 6th in the league and that's with Walls out, Middlebrooks missing a lot of time and Roc in dime situations.

We already have Lesuer and Shoate and we're talking about drafting a CB who'll be buried behind the depth chart in number 4/5 and get to see the field a fraction of the time.

We can draft Justin Miller, trade for Charles Woodson and still suck against decent offenses because our DL is about as intimidating as a wet kitten.

Put yourself in Vermeil/Norv Turners shoes. You're looking at the Denver DL and you see Pryce coming off of a possible career ending back injury who's 30 now and is the best we've got to offer! You look at an underachieving DT that takes plays off in Warren, a guy who spends more time on IR than on the field in Courtney Brown, and other backups who we'll be trotting out, masquerading as starters like Ebukaneezer, Myers, Pope, etc.

Offenses know how to exploit and tire out Warren/Ekuban because that's what they've been doing for years.

Drafting CB in the first day would the stupidest thing we could considering how vital and important the DL is in the modern game and how shockingly unhealthy we are along there. Would anybody be surprised if Pryce starts to slow down, Brown lands on IR, and Warren continues to underachieve? I hate to say it but that's just as likely as these players doing well.

We need DL in the draft. Who exactly are we grooming to take over DT/DE? We have NO, zero, zip young promising players who we can groom to develop into full time starters along the DL. And don't gimme the company line crap about the coaches being high on Palepoi, Pope. If the coaches were so keen on these players then why the hell did they bring in four DL from Cleveland that made up the worst defense in the league?

The DL is the fulcrum for the entire Defense. We saw what happened when we had Wilson/DJ/Lynch/Kennedy/Champ/Herndon back there with a DL in shambles. I don't want a repeat of that, especially because it's happened two years running in the playoffs.

[bpc]

revamped defenses usually come on the ground.

We have room for improvement at the DL, CB, and S positions. CB is a position where we've already devoted draft picks to. I think it would be foolish to try and draft more players there when we already have money invested in Bailey and Walls, and draft picks invested in Middlebrooks, Shoate, and LeSeuer. Thats five CB's right there plus Roc Alexander who came out of no-where to steal playing time away from our rookies and even veterans.

I have a belief that the guys we brought in through FA and trades on the D-Line will definitely help us. But we would be fooling ourselves if we think that these signings alone answer our problems. While we have bought ourselves some time with these additions, we should be working right now to bring in some quality young players so they can sit back and learn and don't have to worry about being thrown completely in the fire.

Safety is another position where we need help. I like Ferguson but i'm not sold on him completely. He doesn't have much pedigree and seems more suited as a role player. He isn't a long term solution in my eyes. We have a potential opening for some player that can step up and fill the void to start on our defense.

If we go defense in this draft, we need to go S or DL.

Knowing our drafting habits, we'll probably take a WR in the first round.

[fontaine]

[QUOTE=bpc]
Safety is another position where we need help. I like Ferguson but i'm not sold on him completely. He doesn't have much pedigree and seems more suited as a role player. He isn't a long term solution in my eyes. We have a potential opening for some player that can step up and fill the void to start on our defense.
QUOTE]

I'm confident in Ferguson. The guy isn't going to make big plays or anything but he won't get broken down, and the most important thing is won't easily make stupid mistakes or blow coverage. He's a lot like Spragan that way. Unspectacular but solid.

[bpc]

I'm not saying he won't do the job. The thing we have to think of is that Lynch has one more season on his contract and although he had a lot of bright points for us last year... he's not getting any younger or faster. Who knows if he'll be back after next season. We need to start finding a replacement now.

[fontaine]

I'm not saying he won't do the job. The thing we have to think of is that Lynch has one more season on his contract and although he had a lot of bright points for us last year... he's not getting any younger or faster. Who knows if he'll be back after next season. We need to start finding a replacement now.

I agree. But didn't they draft Leseur in the first place to move him to FS? I think he's more suited to that position anyway. Let him show what he can do there. Ferguson can move to SS next year if they don't resign Lynch and you can always get a decent SS for cheap in free agency. (Safeties are usually the first ones cut in salary cap moves)

Anything but drafting a DB. :pray:

[bpc]

I haven't heard of a official switch. As that is, for some reason when we try to switch CB's to S's it goes horribly wrong and the players end up sucking. Middlebrooks comes to mind.