Will we freak out

[backup qb]

if Shanny and co. take Heath Miller if he is still available. I have seen a lot of mocks that have us selecting him. I wouldn't be very happy with it. Just curious as to the reaction of everyone else. I really don't think it will happen, but you never know.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I haven't seen a mock since Denver matched the Jets' offer to Jeb that had them taking Miller.

Yes, people would go ape **** over that pick.

[Clockwork Orange]

People will go ape **** no matter who we pick because the Broncos can't please everyone.

[CBF1]

People will go Appie because Shanny normally picks someone in the 1st that no one has thought about or has been picked by any of the mock drafts by others. I have already resigned myself to be drunk before our picks to help numb the pain of our pick.

[DBroncos4life]

Had we not picked up Alexander I would have been fine with it but after that I won't like it that much. That would give us 3 TE's that could be starting in this league and Im willing to bet that we would cut Alexander and that would end up in a cap hit.

[Northman]

if Shanny and co. take Heath Miller if he is still available. I have seen a lot of mocks that have us selecting him. I wouldn't be very happy with it. Just curious as to the reaction of everyone else. I really don't think it will happen, but you never know.


Then your insane. Taking Heath Miller would be a great pick.

[Bronx33]

People will go ape **** no matter who we pick because the Broncos can't please everyone.

Exactly.....

[Ballhawk]

Then your insane. Taking Heath Miller would be a great pick.


I do not see this as a bad pick. Having two top TEs (if Miller panned out as expected) would be a great boost to redzone scoring.

It is hard to say what would be a good or bad pick without seeing how the entire 1st day unfolds. If we then landed Baas in round 2, I would say that we had significantly improved our redzone offense.

[Kaylore]

People will go ape **** no matter who we pick because the Broncos can't please everyone.
rep

[CBF1]

The only reason we would pick Heath Miller is because we have a deal in place for Jeb for a high round draft pick. We would get Miller, trade Putz and get a 2nd round pick for him that we could get a player like Baas, Bullocks, Jones or someone else we think would help out in said round.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I do not see this as a bad pick. Having two top TEs (if Miller panned out as expected) would be a great boost to redzone scoring.

It is hard to say what would be a good or bad pick without seeing how the entire 1st day unfolds. If we then landed Baas in round 2, I would say that we had significantly improved our redzone offense.

That whole salary cap thing comes into play though.

Jeb was given a deal that's basically Top 5 TE money and then Denver will have to give another TE a long-term deal. With contracts being slotted, Miller's going to get the same as every other position picked at #25. Ahmad Carroll got a split bonus of almost $4M last year, and whoever Denver picks at that spot is going to get more a year later. Add in what Alexander got, and that's a ton of money tied up in a nice position, but not one that requires multiple to be effective.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

The only reason we would pick Heath Miller is because we have a deal in place for Jeb for a high round draft pick. We would get Miller, trade Putz and get a 2nd round pick for him that we could get a player like Baas, Bullocks, Jones or someone else we think would help out in said round.

Denver had 24 hours to trade him to the Jets with no cap ramifications after matching the Jets' tender offer, and a week to trade him somewhere else and deal with the accelerated money. By doing neither, Jeb is untradable until after this season.

[Ballhawk]

Why would we trade him? The idea behind having two TEs capable of stretching the field is the mismatches it creates.

[DrFate]

I haven't seen a mock since Denver matched the Jets' offer to Jeb that had them taking Miller.

Yes, people would go ape **** over that pick.

The saddest part of that, Herc, is that I'd wager Miller goes to 4 or 5 Pro Bowls before it is all over. And I would be shocked if Putzier went to one.

[SoCalBronco]

Id say there is a better than 50 percent chance that i freak out after the first pick.

[SimonFletcher73]

I wouldn't freak out with Miller. Interesting the top 4 rated TE's are all weak blockers. Alex Smith in the 2nd or Joel Dreessen in the 3rd wouldn't be bad. Or we could go the route we got Jeb and wait until the later rounds.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Whatever we do we better get a punter that can kick the damn ball! Our special teams suck except for Elam. Kicking in Denver should go a long way to making us the best punting team in the league but we are horrible! And notice how opposing kickers come to Denver and knock almost all of them in or through the end zone on kickoffs? Can't we find a LB or someone that can do that for us?

[SouthStndJunkie]

I would not kick the dog if we took Miller...and I will tell you why.

The new contact rules benefit the tight end more than any other position.

Look at the year Gates had...he would not have had that kind of year the year before.

If we took Heath Miller or Matt Jones (at WR or TE) both have the size and speed to take advantage of the new contact rules. I like Putzier a lot, but would not complain if we took Miller at all.

SSJ

[Drek]

I'd be fine with it, because it'd mean we'll be playing a lot of two TE sets, which should address the big flaw in our offense, red zone production.

[Play2win]

I think the TE has always been a Key position for the (shanahan) Broncos Offense. I think if we had, not one, but two key performers, we would rock.

Another pick, I would be very happy with is K. Barnes. He is Big and athletic and fast. Teamed up with Foster at the Tackles, we would have some serious size up front, and still be able to do the things we like to do on the line. We could have the fondation for a line that would be big, strong and Fast. A fast and very mobile line. It would be awesome for the running game, while giving the pass protection we have been lacking for so long. Imagine the sweeps and screens we could do with that kind of line!!!!

[Rohirrim]

I wouldn't freak out if Heath was the pick, but I'd be damned "Shocked and Awed" given the whole Putz deal. No, what would freak me out is if Pollack dropped to 25 and Mike passed on him. THAT, would freak me out. If something like that happened, I would need to be sedated.

[Taco John]

Why would we trade him? The idea behind having two TEs capable of stretching the field is the mismatches it creates.



Jake with two tight ends who can catch? What the hell! ??? Couldn't hurt any. The guy LOVES to throw to Tight Ends. He made Shannon Sharpe work for his money when he was here, and made him the team's leading scorer on the way out the door... Anyone complaining if we manage to draft Heath Miller should have their head examined. It would be one hell of an innovative solution to our red zone troubles, and our offense is already geared to take advantage of the two tight end set.

[Play2win]

I think a BIG athletic target with good hands is essential for this offense. Must be tough and a physical presence. I would Much rather prefer Mike Williams, But Heath Miller or Matt Jones would do. For that Matter Vincent Jackson would do.

How would that be, (if no Mike Williams) K. Barnes in the first, to help solidify our O-Line, and get Vincent Jackson with one of our 3rds, and get a cover safety with either our second or one of our 3rds.

Would Vincent Jackson last until one of our thirds?

[Drek]

and our offense is already geared to take advantage of the two tight end set. Yeah, if the two TEs are Putz and Miller you could basically run all our 3 wide sets that we used to use with Sharpe and McCaffery, just Eddy Mac's old plays would start a bit more in towards the line. :) Give us more push on running plays too, with two TEs.

Would Vincent Jackson last until one of our thirds? Kiper has him as an early 4th, so do most other mocks. He very well could be, but its not a lock.

Miller, Mathis, Vince Jackson, and Brandon Jacobs would leave me pretty happy with our first day. It'd be all offense, but it'd a lot of talent put right in our need area, being more physical and dominating the red zone.

[i4jelway7]

Heath Miller is a great TE, but I would be PISSED if Denver took him in the 1st rd, simply because we don't need a TE

[Play2win]

Heath Miller is a great TE, but I would be PISSED if Denver took him in the 1st rd, simply because we don't need a TE
We could use a top-notch TE 10 times more than a CB (unless its Rolle)

[DBroncos4life]

Im hoping we go DB in the first unless Spears, Travis Johnson, or Williamson is still on the board.

[i4jelway7]

We could use a top-notch TE 10 times more than a CB (unless its Rolle)


umm let me think about that... the answer is NO

I really have to wonder where your head is at... you must be drinking the shanny kool aid

thank god you don't make any decisions for the donkeys

[Play2win]

umm let me think about that... the answer is NO

I really have to wonder where your head is at... you must be drinking the shanny kool aid

thank god you don't make any decisions for the donkeys

Hey, BUDDY, I think Shanny knows alittle bit more about alot of things than you do. After all he actually gets paid for it.

I want to see if any of these young guys will turn into something before we waste any more high picks on CBs. I am under the impression that a few of our young guys WILL step up. The biggest problem with our defense was a pass rush. Well, we have atleast half-way dealt with that, depending on who you talk to.

Another problem was dealing with poor field position from all the turnovers and interceptions the offense gave the Defense. A real good solution to make a good defense better, is to keep it off the field. You do this by having a ball control TOP dominent Offense. That is what our Superbowl teams were. Top-notch TE talent and play is very important in achieving this. I know we already have Putz, But miller could complete the deal. When we had Sharpe and Eddie Mac, it was kinda like having two TE's. They both worked the middle of the field, or the soft belly of the defense. And, Lord Know, Eddie sure blocked like TE. All this opened up our running game, guess what, another way to dominate the clock.

All these things working together will make our Defense better, probably much, much better.

[broncohaven]

i'm continually baffled by people who want to go defense early in this draft. We had the most well rounded defense in the league last year, and our entire offseason was was spent improving the defense. We have an offense that can't put the ball in the end zone, and still people want to go DB.

Stop replaying the Colts fiasco, where 2/3 of our CBs were on injured reserve, and take a look at where this team stuggled last year. It wasn't defense.

[DBroncos4life]

i'm continually baffled by people who want to go defense early in this draft. We had the most well rounded defense in the league last year, and our entire offseason was was spent improving the defense. We have an offense that can't put the ball in the end zone, and still people want to go DB.

Stop replaying the Colts fiasco, where 2/3 of our CBs were on injured reserve and take a look at where this team stuggled last year. It wasn't defense.



Thats fair but Kennedy is gone, Herndon is gone and I think some of us are scared about the health of Middlebrooks and Walls. Im not saying we need to draft a CB in the first round but there are some good ones out there this year. I could live if we took Perkins in round three if he falls that far.

[broncohaven]

Thats fair but Kennedy is gone, Herndon is gone and I think some of us are scared about the health of Middlebrooks and Walls. Im not saying we need to draft a CB in the first round but there are some good ones out there this year. I could live if we took Perkins in round three if he falls that far.
i think that kennedy is overrated. He's a solid safety, but overrated. The defense didn't lose a beat when ferguson took over for him in 2003. Herndon is worthless as far as I'm concerned. He's Deion Sanders in run support, can't cover down the field, and gets outmuscled around the ball.

There's only one CB worth a first round selection, and he'll be gone well before the Broncos pick. Bartell is probably the second best CB out there behind Rolle, and I wouldn't throw up if he was there for the Broncos in the second. But we need to improve this offense with the early picks.

I would throw up if we took Heath Miller.

[Al Wilson]

Heath Miller is a great TE, and is worth a first round pick, but I just don't see it after we resigned Putzier to a big contract, and also signed Alexander in FA. You never know though..

[DBroncos4life]

i think that kennedy is overrated. He's a solid safety, but overrated. The defense didn't lose a beat when ferguson took over for him in 2003. Herndon is worthless as far as I'm concerned. He's Deion Sanders in run support, can't cover down the field, and gets outmuscled around the ball.

There's only one CB worth a first round selection, and he'll be gone well before the Broncos pick. Bartell is probably the second best CB out there behind Rolle, and I wouldn't throw up if he was there for the Broncos in the second. But we need to improve this offense with the early picks.

I would throw up if we took Heath Miller.



I agree with you on KK but only one CB worth taking in the first round is crazy. There are 6 or 7 that will be future starters out of this class and they all will go in the first.

[DBroncos4life]

Rolle, Pac man Jones, Rogers, Webster, Miller, Washington, and Jackson will be picked in the first round. Eric Green and Bryant McFadden will follow soon in the second round as well. IMHO CB is the deepest position in the draft by far.

[wabbit]

I think the feeling is that Davis, Miller...even Poole may very possibly be gone by the time the Broncos make their selection @ 25.

After reading up some, I get the feeling quite a few teams may opt for one these DB talents...it's a bumper crop at CB this year.

I easily see a scenario where Denver trades down, and I could see one or two instances where...if given the right opportunity...they could still opt to trade up

WHAT, exactly, they have to trade is another question entirely...maybe future draft choices, but Shanahan has said time & again he hates to do that.

It depends on who gets the itchy trigger finger on draft day, and if no-one does...Denver will have three to five players they will debate in their fifteen minutes

I think the selection of Matt Jones would be exciting, but I understand those who argue it's a risk the team may not be able to make given the need areas.

I don't like it really, but I'm leaning toward the opinion that IF Justin Miller is there Denver will take him

[i4jelway7]

denver won't trade up, they are content to sit at 25

[Play2win]

Heath Miller is not my first choice, in fact, he is probably not even in my top 5, but I wouldn't be upset if we took him. He would benefit our team. He would make our team better. As long as we keep improving our team, I'm happy.

[ØrangeÇrush]

The nice thing about sitting where we are at, is that the talent we are picking from are equivalent to the position were in. If we are at 15 or above, we could be picking talent that isn't worth the money slotted at the position. This is a deep draft, without the blue chip talent of last years. How many people think Clayton would have gone in the first round last year?

[broncohaven]

I'm of the opinion that QBs and CBs are always the most overrated (and underrated) players in the draft. Generally the top CBs are overrated, and the mid round CBs are underrated. I think the same holds true for QBs, although I think that Alex Smith is an exception to that notion.


Antonio Perkins and Ronald Bartell are two guys that should be around when we pick in the third. Both can cover, and could contribute in nickel packages, and both have tremendous return skills. Bartell is 6'1" and is a 4.37 guy Perkins is a little smaller, and is a 4.35 guy.

4 or 5 of the guys you listed will go in the first because of the fact that CBs are always over valued on draft day. Jones imo is the most overrated player in the draft.
Just because a guy is taken in the first doesn't mean he's worth taking.

If we take a CB in the first, or even the second, we'll be doing so because we've fallen victim to the trend not because it's the best move. Middlebrooks and O'Neal are two shining examples. We've gotten worlds more out of two undrafted rookies than we did out of two first rounders. All because we were desperate and over valued the CBs coming out.

[i4jelway7]

Heath Miller is not my first choice, in fact, he is probably not even in my top 5, but I wouldn't be upset if we took him. He would benefit our team. He would make our team better. As long as we keep improving our team, I'm happy.


so do you think we will not be improving the team if we draft any one of the available CB's in the 1st?

[Play2win]

so do you think we will not be improving the team if we draft any one of the available CB's in the 1st?
Not considerably. If at all. Walls might stay healthy and turn into pro-bowl form. Middlebrooks might finally live up to his potential. He was begining to look very, very good last year. Any of the other young ones might blossom.

So, even a first round CB might not break through our roster. Might not even make the team in a year or two if our current tallent comes through. I think the sky's the limit for Walls.

And, I'm Sorry, but the first round is just way to high for a returner. We need a returner, Bad, but we should be able to pick one up later in the draft.

The positions I would rather not see drafted on the first day would be (in order) CB, RB, LB.

QB is debatable depending on who is available where. If we can get real good value, I can see it.

[i4jelway7]

Not considerably. If at all. Walls might stay healthy and turn into pro-bowl form. Middlebrooks might finally live up to his potential. He was begining to look very, very good last year. Any of the other young ones might blossom.

So, even a first round CB might not break through our roster. Might not even make the team in a year or two if our current tallent comes through. I think the sky's the limit for Walls.

And, I'm Sorry, but the first round is just way to high for a returner. We need a returner, Bad, but we should be able to pick one up later in the draft.

The positions I would rather not see drafted on the first day would be (in order) CB, RB, LB.

QB is debatable depending on who is available where. If we can get real good value, I can see it.

Looks like a lot of mights, I don't have much confidence in any of the young guys we have in the secondary... and IMO they wouldn't even be on most teams scout team

[Play2win]

Looks like a lot of mights, I don't have much confidence in any of the young guys we have in the secondary... and IMO they wouldn't even be on most teams scout team
Still, much better odds than 1st round CBs starting in the NFL, especially late 1st round picks, especially for the Denver Broncos. I'll go with the odds, and go with what we got, and draft elsewhere.

Shanny knows our history with CBs. He knows where his Drafting Strengths are. And if there is one thing Shanny knows, its about miss-matches and play to your strengths. So, Shanahan, play (draft) to your strengths.

[Taco John]

Heath Miller is a great TE, but I would be PISSED if Denver took him in the 1st rd, simply because we don't need a TE



I think that's a pretty short-sighted way to look at things... Not to mention, when you get right down to it, there isn't one single glaring *need* on this team at this point. Just a lot of different places where we could improve.

In an offense that uses two tight ends as much as we do, I have to question your an analysis that we don't "need" another tight end anyway. What kind of nonsense is that? It's already well known that we use the two tight-end set for a good percentage of our plays, both running and passing. I think a tight end might be *just* what the offense needs... Rod, Lelie, Watts, Jeb, and Miller as targets? We could really create some mismatches all over the field with that cast of characters.

Plus, giving Plummer a second security blanket could do nothing but help his decision-making. The guy already likes to throw to tight-ends... Why not pair up a couple good ones, and run the ball down their throats while taking advantage of having two tight ends in the red zone?

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I think that's a pretty short-sighted way to look at things...

It's also short-sighted to not look at the cap ramifications of the deal Jeb just got and what Miller would be slotted into a #25. That's a ton of money (relatively speaking to what every other NFL team has allocated to the position) tied up in the TEs.

Who do you want to give that deal to? A DL, OL, WR, CB, or a TE?

[i4jelway7]

I think that's a pretty short-sighted way to look at things... Not to mention, when you get right down to it, there isn't one single glaring *need* on this team at this point. Just a lot of different places where we could improve.

In an offense that uses two tight ends as much as we do, I have to question your an analysis that we don't "need" another tight end anyway. What kind of nonsense is that? It's already well known that we use the two tight-end set for a good percentage of our plays, both running and passing. I think a tight end might be *just* what the offense needs... Rod, Lelie, Watts, Jeb, and Miller as targets? We could really create some mismatches all over the field with that cast of characters.

Plus, giving Plummer a second security blanket could do nothing but help his decision-making. The guy already likes to throw to tight-ends... Why not pair up a couple good ones, and run the ball down their throats while taking advantage of having two tight ends in the red zone?


all of that and still all I hear is blah, blah, blah, blah, blah

[SpringStein]

I don't like it really, but I'm leaning toward the opinion that IF Justin Miller is there Denver will take him

Will it help at all that Brandt ranks Miller as the #1 returner available in this draft?

http://nfl.com/draft/analysis/expert/brandt/st

[i4jelway7]

Justin Miller fills a need at 2 positions.. returner and CB.. again I stand by my statement we DO NOT need another TE.. plain & simple

[wabbit]

Will it help at all that Brandt ranks Miller as the #1 returner available in this draft?

http://nfl.com/draft/analysis/expert/brandt/st

I'm sure he has all kinds of great qualities.

I think I would feel better if he was ranked as the #1 cover corner, but then the question might be; what is he doing there at 25.

I just think he'll end up playing nickel packages while Matt Jones will be tearing up defenses a la Ben Rothlesberger, albeit at the WR position.

There's still a fairly good chance the Broncos will trade down folks...I know from talking with a couple of beat reporters that that is very much on the front burner...as a matter of fact I'm pretty sure that's what Shanahan & Co. would prefer to do, but there has to be a taker

We'll see this week & on draft day

[DrFate]

Justin Miller fills a need at 2 positions.. returner and CB.. again I stand by my statement we DO NOT need another TE.. plain & simple

We don't need another 2nd rate corner either.

[Finger Roll]

the player I want the most in this draft is B. Poole Saftey Oklahoma I would also really like Elton Brown

[i4jelway7]

We don't need another 2nd rate corner either.

exactly my point, Miller has more potential than any of the other CB's behind our starters therefore IMO he is not a second rate corner, and what we have on our roster now behind walls and bailey are not and will never be good enough for the scout team


I can't for the life of me see why you people think Shoate, Leseur, Alexander, are ever going to add up to anything but roster filler, there is a reason no other teams wanted them.. think about that.. Middlebrooks showed potential last year but he will never stay healthy, not to mention he has some legal issues to work out

[SpringStein]

I'm sure he has all kinds of great qualities.

I think I would feel better if he was ranked as the #1 cover corner, but then the question might be; what is he doing there at 25.

I just think he'll end up playing nickel packages while Matt Jones will be tearing up defenses a la Ben Rothlesberger, albeit at the WR position.

There's still a fairly good chance the Broncos will trade down folks...I know from talking with a couple of beat reporters that that is very much on the front burner...as a matter of fact I'm pretty sure that's what Shanahan & Co. would prefer to do, but there has to be a taker

We'll see this week & on draft day

This would appear to be the best scenario. Hopefully someone picking late first, early second on their "Most Wanted" list will be there at 25, and we pull the trigger.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

exactly my point, Miller has more potential than any of the other CB's behind our starters therefore IMO he is not a second rate corner, and what we have on our roster now behind walls and bailey are not and will never be good enough for the scout team


"Behind our starters" being the key phrase in your statement. So basically you want Denver to spend a 1st round pick on a backup, who is not as talented as the starters that are currently on the team nor does he have the upside of Walls. Champ doesn't even enter into this equation, it'd be an insult to Champ to have Miller compared to him. You basically just explained why Denver shouldn't take Miller in the 1st round.

[azbroncfan]

Shanny usually doesn't play Rooks too much in rookie year unless you are a LB or RB. It probably won't matter who we pick in 1st because they most likely will play sparingly in first year.

[ozomulsion]

I can't for the life of me see why you people think Shoate, Leseur, Alexander, are ever going to add up to anything but roster filler, there is a reason no other teams wanted them.. think about that.. Middlebrooks showed potential last year but he will never stay healthy, not to mention he has some legal issues to work out

Compare Leseur's credentials with Roc's. It's to bad Leseur got injured last year but it's not fair to compare him with Roc's sorry ass.

[SoCalBronco]

Compare Leseur's credentials with Roc's. It's to bad Leseur got injured last year but it's not fair to compare him with Roc's sorry ass.

they both suck. LeSueur arguably much worse than Roc. Roc made the team, we had to INVENT (yes you read that right) an injury for LeSueur in order to save ourselves the embarassment of cutting a third round draft pick. Wabbit said he was beyond awful last year in camp and Shoate as well as Alexander had passed him by on the depth chart. We heard nothing about a hernia until one of the last cut down dates, how convienient. I wonder who among our incoming picks who will be the winner of the 3rd annual Clint Mitchell season ending phantom thumb injury at the last second award.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

and it's not fair to go after Roc as UDFA who played pretty well until the playoff game where he was put in a completely unfair situation for someone of his experience level. He was the 5th corner put up against the greatest passing attack of all-time. I can't believe anyone would make some sort of final judgment about a corner's ability after their rookie year.

[SouthStndJunkie]

HEATH MILLER CLIPS

http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist.dll?SID=12953721
http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist.dll?SID=6035056
http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist.dll?SID=5193754

[ozomulsion]

they both suck. LeSueur arguably much worse than Roc. Roc made the team, we had to INVENT (yes you read that right) an injury for LeSueur in order to save ourselves the embarassment of cutting a third round draft pick. Wabbit said he was beyond awful last year in camp and Shoate as well as Alexander had passed him by on the depth chart. We heard nothing about a hernia until one of the last cut down dates, how convienient. I wonder who among our incoming picks who will be the winner of the 3rd annual Clint Mitchell season ending phantom thumb injury at the last second award.

Much of this I did not know. He seemed pretty good when I watched him in college. Oh well, just a few more reasons we shouldn't draft corners.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

and it's not fair to go after Roc as UDFA who played pretty well until the playoff game where he was put in a completely unfair situation for someone of his experience level. He was the 5th corner put up against the greatest passing attack of all-time. I can't believe anyone would make some sort of final judgment about a corner's ability after their rookie year.

Roc played pretty well against Miami and he was very good on ST all year. Let's see if the Indy game destroyed him or has made him work harder.

[ozomulsion]

and it's not fair to go after Roc as UDFA who played pretty well until the playoff game where he was put in a completely unfair situation for someone of his experience level. He was the 5th corner put up against the greatest passing attack of all-time. I can't believe anyone would make some sort of final judgment about a corner's ability after their rookie year.

Randle Gay did a pretty good job against Wayne the next week. The same Randle Gay that got torched by Todd Pinkston in the superbowl. I could see Roc's torching coming from a mile away. What disturbed me is that Coyer didn't and NO I'm not claiming I'm smarter than Coyer. It just seemed obvious.

[SoCalBronco]

Ozo, i think Coyer didnt have too many choices. Herndon struggles against big physical wideouts, he was a better matchup on Stokely and in fact succeeded in shutting Stokely down. All that left was Roc. Willie was gone, Lenny was gone. I think the only other corner that was on the active roster was Shoate and Roc outperformed Shoate during the season, in fact i dont remember Shoate being in the game on defense in the season, just the preseason.

[DBroncos4life]

Starters? We have one clear cut starting CB and his name is Bailey the rest is up for grabs. Im all for using signing 17 CB's and letting the best ones win just like the DL.

[Atlas]

The saddest part of that, Herc, is that I'd wager Miller goes to 4 or 5 Pro Bowls before it is all over. And I would be shocked if Putzier went to one.


Putz Had the highest average per catch in the AFC last year. He can stretch the field. I wouldn't be suprised to see him go to a Probowl in the next couple of years.

[Atlas]

I think that's a pretty short-sighted way to look at things... Not to mention, when you get right down to it, there isn't one single glaring *need* on this team at this point. Just a lot of different places where we could improve.

In an offense that uses two tight ends as much as we do, I have to question your an analysis that we don't "need" another tight end anyway. What kind of nonsense is that? It's already well known that we use the two tight-end set for a good percentage of our plays, both running and passing. I think a tight end might be *just* what the offense needs... Rod, Lelie, Watts, Jeb, and Miller as targets? We could really create some mismatches all over the field with that cast of characters.

Plus, giving Plummer a second security blanket could do nothing but help his decision-making. The guy already likes to throw to tight-ends... Why not pair up a couple good ones, and run the ball down their throats while taking advantage of having two tight ends in the red zone?

Denver signed Alexander to fill the two TE roll. I would be pissed also if Denver took Heath Miller. That means your 3rd TE is going to be paid like a starter.

[SoCalBronco]

Denver signed Alexander to fill the two TE roll. I would be pissed also if Denver took Heath Miller. That means your 3rd TE is going to be paid like a starter.

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/image.php?u=2889&dateline=1113684143

I agree Atlas, those are two tight ends! Mmmmm...good. Oh wait, you were talking about Putz and Alexander. My bad.

[DB-Freak]

Putz Had the highest average per catch in the AFC last year. He can stretch the field. I wouldn't be suprised to see him go to a Probowl in the next couple of years.

Ashley Lelie

[Atlas]

exactly my point, Miller has more potential than any of the other CB's behind our starters therefore IMO he is not a second rate corner, and what we have on our roster now behind walls and bailey are not and will never be good enough for the scout team




To Me Justin Miller seems very special. His football stats and combine numbers are just as good as Pacman Jones and he is the best KO returner in the country. I think not only does he contribute this year but Denver won't have to resign Walls to a huge contract next year because Miller will beat him out. I think he is the best CB in the draft. He has better ball skills than Rolle and I think he covers better more fluid than Rolle. Rolle is a great tackler and more physical but I see Miller making the big plays that help a team win. He gambles and anticipates and gets burned ocassionally but he also makes a ton of INts. How can you not like that? This defense doesn't need another cover corner they need a playmaker, they need to get more turnovers and he is the type of player that can make it happen.

[ozomulsion]

Ozo, i think Coyer didnt have too many choices. Herndon struggles against big physical wideouts, he was a better matchup on Stokely and in fact succeeded in shutting Stokely down. All that left was Roc. Willie was gone, Lenny was gone. I think the only other corner that was on the active roster was Shoate and Roc outperformed Shoate during the season, in fact i dont remember Shoate being in the game on defense in the season, just the preseason.

I just didn't understand the lack of help for the poor kid. Sure it might have left other areas vulnerable but what we were doing wasn't working. I just expected adjustments sometime before we were down 100-0 at half time.

[SpringStein]

To Me Justin Miller seems very special. His football stats and combine numbers are just as good as Pacman Jones and he is the best KO returner in the country. I think not only does he contribute this year but Denver won't have to resign Walls to a huge contract next year because Miller will beat him out. I think he is the best CB in the draft. He has better ball skills than Rolle and I think he covers better more fluid than Rolle. Rolle is a great tackler and more physical but I see Miller making the big plays that help a team win. He gambles and anticipates and gets burned ocassionally but he also makes a ton of INts. How can you not like that? This defense doesn't need another cover corner they need a playmaker, they need to get more turnovers and he is the type of player that can make it happen.

Wow, quite the statement. Actually I happen to believe he will be at least one of the two best CB's in this draft.

[Atlas]

Ashley Lelie

Putz had the highest average for TEs in the AFC.

[DBroncos4life]

One thing is for sure our DB's now don't have the greatest hands (besides Bailey) and they don't seem to recognize the ball when its in the air. Turnovers may start up front with the pass rush but it ends with the DBs catching the ball and ours are not doing that.

[ØrangeÇrush]

and it's not fair to go after Roc as UDFA who played pretty well until the playoff game where he was put in a completely unfair situation for someone of his experience level. He was the 5th corner put up against the greatest passing attack of all-time. I can't believe anyone would make some sort of final judgment about a corner's ability after their rookie year.

I'm glad someone else finally said exactly what I think. Alexander made the team as the 5th DB. He was put into an unfair position and with no pass rush to help him out, he got burned as an UDFA should. I think he'll get a lot better now that he's been thrown into the fire. He may never be a #2 corner, but I wouldn't be afraid to have him there, as long as there's a semblance of a pass rush.

[sirhcyennek81]

Roc will do ok. Had his worst game ever. nothing but improvement. Broncos secondary is not as thin as some people like to think.

[DBroncos4life]

We seem to have alot of undrafted guys starting in our backfield. It just would be nice to nab a great one from the draft. I don't care what round they come from.

[fontaine]

Heath Miller is not my first choice, in fact, he is probably not even in my top 5, but I wouldn't be upset if we took him. He would benefit our team. He would make our team better. As long as we keep improving our team, I'm happy.


Good post. I hope people are under no illusions about drafting a TE in the first round and him coming in immediately to boost our red zone production.

Drafting Miller would be ok if he doesn't turn out to be a bust and it would be a move for the future. However, a rookie TE almost NEVER contributes as a red zone target.

1st round TEs that were much, much better prospects and pass catchers than Miller didn't contribute in the red zone. Look at Gonzalez, Todd Heap, Bubba Franks, Daniel Graham, etc, etc. All of these guys were better prospects than Miller and they only caught one or two TDs in their entire rookie year. Rookie TEs simply get outmuscled and out matched by LBs and rarely make an impact in the blocking game so they don't see the red zone as much (same with Putz last year).

So Miller isn't going to come in and solve our red zone problems. We already have two TEs that will function well there in Putz and Alexander.

[DrFate]

Putz Had the highest average per catch in the AFC last year. He can stretch the field. I wouldn't be suprised to see him go to a Probowl in the next couple of years.

Lelie lead the AFC in yards/catch (Putzer was #1 in the league among Tight Ends)

I think these stats are more a reflection on Plummer's 'big play' ability. Putzier seems to be a non-factor in the red zone where TEs are most important. Herc is right that taking Miller ties up a lot of $$ in that position - but I faulted the Broncos when they didn't let Putzier go to the Jets. I see Miller as a top 5 NFL tight end. I don't see that in Putzier (although he is being paid that way)

[DrFate]

exactly my point, Miller has more potential than any of the other CB's behind our starters therefore IMO he is not a second rate corner, and what we have on our roster now behind walls and bailey are not and will never be good enough for the scout team


I can't for the life of me see why you people think Shoate, Leseur, Alexander, are ever going to add up to anything but roster filler, there is a reason no other teams wanted them.. think about that.. Middlebrooks showed potential last year but he will never stay healthy, not to mention he has some legal issues to work out

I don't want to throw away another round 1 pick on 'potential'. I'm none too happy about the DB situation either, but after seeing Middlebrooks struggle for years and O'Neal sent packing - spend the pick elsewhere.

[SpringStein]

Putzier seems to be a non-factor in the red zone where TEs are most important.

Putzier didn't play much in the red zone as his blocking was judged to be less than other TE's. I see that changing as he matures/gets stronger in the blocking game.

[i4jelway7]

"Behind our starters" being the key phrase in your statement. So basically you want Denver to spend a 1st round pick on a backup, who is not as talented as the starters that are currently on the team nor does he have the upside of Walls. Champ doesn't even enter into this equation, it'd be an insult to Champ to have Miller compared to him. You basically just explained why Denver shouldn't take Miller in the 1st round.


I'm not comparing Miller to Champ or Walls.. READ IT AGAIN..

drafting him would be for the FUTURE he could get his feet wet as a nickel or dime back this year.. and I'm sure he would do better than anyone we have on the roster behind the starters meaning (Walls & Bailey).. he would return punts this year.. so he would fill 2 needs..

News flash for you anyone Denver drafts in the 1st rd is not going to start this year..

[fontaine]

News flash for you anyone Denver drafts in the 1st rd is not going to start this year..


I could see Baas, Mike Clayton starting for us this year.

If Pollack drops to us then he'll be starting at some stage as well given Courtney will most likely Brown himself before week 4.

[watermock]

I'm not even going to bother bitching about our Redzone play, or special teams play.

When Patrick Hape is your secret weapon you know your up crap creek. That, or Kubiak is going 5 wide on second down, it's pick your poison. I have been screaming bloody murder about the Red Zone for as long as this board has existed, and I will continue to scream about it.

If T.O. wasn't such a colossal prick, I would say bring him in, but he's so self absorbed it's incredible.

All the time and effort to try to bring in a championship defense has left Denver pretty much where it has been, with question marks.