View Full Version : ESPN Draft Rumors: Bronco News!!!
Stanford Routt, Houston, CB: Apr. 20 - Routt's value has shot through the roof, according to John Clayton. He runs a 4.33 and he's visited nine teams. Don't be surprise if he somehow ends up in Denver. He has sprinter speed. He's one of the hottest prospects at cornerback in the second round.
Ratboy
04-20-2005, 11:22 AM
Give me Ronald Bartell.
Size 6'1", 193lbs...
Scouts Evaluation although Dated:
Strengths: Has very good size and excellent speed, especially for his size. Also is extremely fluid and quick. Has smooth hips and shows the ability to turn and run with the fastest NFL WR's. He shows the athletic ability and fluidity to mirror the double move versus quicker NFL receivers. A developmental prospect that continues to improve and shows a good deal of upside.
Weaknesses: Lacks ideal starting experience at the DC position. Is a bit raw. Needs to improve his footwork and awareness. Lacks ideal technique in press coverage. His instincts are improving but still not very good. He isn't very strong or overly physical. He needs to be more competitive and tougher. Has decent but not good ball skills. Seems to have some trouble finding the ball over his shoulder in the vertical passing game. Also lacks ideal strength and toughness in run support.
Overall: Routt was an All-American in track in high school and also ran track (60 meters and 200 meters) on the Houston track team in 2002 and 2003. Routt started four of the 11 games he played in during the 2001 season as a true freshman. He started on of the 12 games he played in as a sophomore in 2002. He started 10-of-13 games as a junior in 2003, finishing with 28 tackles, eight passes broken up and one blocked kick. As a senior in 2004, Routt started all 11 games and finished with 60 total tackles, two INT's and eight PBU. Routt has an excellent combination of size and speed. He continues to improve in terms of his technique and awareness at the cornerback position but he is still a developmental prospect that will need time and good coaching before he can contribute as a defensive back in the NFL. In the meantime, he was a productive special teams' player in college and shows the potential to contribute in that area early in his NFL career. Routt projects as a mid-to-late round prospect in 2005.
This guy has Broncos written all over him...
Luis Castillo, DT, Northwestern: Apr. 20 - John Clayton is hearing there may be as many as five teams that have Castillo on their first-round boards, even though he tested positive for steroids at the NFL combine. What makes him unique is that he's a pure nose tackle who could be a great run-stopper in a 4-3, too. The number of teams toying with the 3-4 enhances his value. Though some teams have downgraded him, most don't think the steroid test shows some character flaw. They just think it was a mistake in the pressure to get ready for the combine with an elbow injury.
Anybody think we are considering this guy with our pick in the 2nd round with our potential move to the 3-4 being implemented?
Another tidbit is that Shanahan basically gurranteed that we were going to find some sort of impact return specialist.
Anybody think we might take a flyer on this guy? Kiper is hyping this guy up big time.
Jerome Mathis, WR, Hampton: Strengths: An absolute blazer. Is one of the fastest players in the entire 2005 draft class. Improved as a route runner and return specialist with more experience. Shows the ability to pluck on the run when he concentrates. Is a vertical threat with the initial burst and top-end speed to consistently get over the top of defensive backs in coverage. Is a huge home run threat after the catch, as well as on reverses. Also a big-time threat as a KOR specialist. Has good vision, smooth hips, good COD skills, initial explosiveness and big-league acceleration. Will win most foot races in the open field.
Weaknesses: Has character concerns. Level of competition is a concern. Lacks ideal size and strength. Will have more trouble getting off the LOS in the NFL. Lacks ideal height as a vertical receiver. Needs to improve his route running skills. Rounds off too many of his routes. Needs to learn to shift his weight better when getting in and out of breaks. Does not show a good ability to find soft spots in zone coverage. Focus and concentration is too inconsistent in terms of catching the ball. Is a below average blocker and will never get much better in that facet.
Overall: Mathis won six state track championships in high school. He was a non-qualifier because of academics in 2001. He finished with 24 receptions for 615 yards and three TD's in 2002, whjile also averaging 20.9 yards per kickoff return on 20 attempts. As a junior in 2003 he became a fulltime starter and finished with 40 receptions for 977 yards and nine TD's. He also returned 17 kickoffs for 343 yards and one punt for 42 yards. As a senior in 2004, Mathis finished with 30 receptions for 884 yards and nine TD's. He also returned 25 kickoffs for 888 yards and five TD's as a senior. Mathis ran track throughout his career at Hampton and was a three-time NCAA track All-American in the 200 meters. Mathis is a track star turned football player. He has some character concerns, lacks ideal size and needs some refinement as a route runner. However, he's one of the fastest prospects in this year's class and he improved each of the last three seasons on the gridiron. Mathis may take more time than most Day 1 prospects to develop but his versatility and speed are enticing. Mathis has the potential to develop into a vertical No. 2 or No. 3 receiver in the NFL and he also has a lot of upside as a KOR specialist at the next level, which is why it's not out of the realm of possibility for Mathis to come off the board as high as the second round.
This guy has a few things that I think make him appealing to Denver.
1. Return specialist: Shanahan said he was going to find somebody to fill this role, this guy has game breaking speed.
2. WR Depth: I think we've all been conditioned to think that WR will be a position we take early in this draft.
3. Speed: I think we are seeing more of the smaller blazers come back in the league with the press rules being more enforced.
4. Jake Plummer: This guy is a pure deep threat. I think we will all agree that Plummer is at his best throwing long down the field. This guy would give him another threat.
5. Team Speed: I think team speed is something that is factoring in our overall offense. Since drafting Putzier, Ashley, Watts, Bell... you've seen more of a speed mentality take over our team. I think we know we are going to run the ball. The area we want to improve on is the ability to use play fakes and draws to our advantage more. Faster WR's give us more of an ability to open up running lanes.
NaptownChief
04-20-2005, 11:29 AM
"Seems to have some trouble finding the ball over his shoulder in the vertical passing game'
This part sure made me think he might be a Chief.
Darkhawk24
04-20-2005, 11:30 AM
"Seems to have some trouble finding the ball over his shoulder in the vertical passing game'
This part sure made me think he might be a Chief.
Now we know why the Chiefs don't want to trade the 2nd pick for Surtain! :)
NaptownChief
04-20-2005, 11:33 AM
Now we know why the Chiefs don't want to trade the 2nd pick for Surtain! :)
Maybe in the 2nd but starting to smell like one of those really raw Carl Peterson 1st round sleeper picks.
pabst81
04-20-2005, 11:41 AM
I'm starting to think Shazor would be a great pick, check out this article it's good
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/stewart_mandel/04/20/underated.overrated/index.html
I've been hyping Shazor up but been getting ragged on for it. I think he could be a great player for us.
Garcia Bronco
04-20-2005, 11:45 AM
Eric green.....we need more quality east coast players.
27atwater
04-20-2005, 11:46 AM
I think we'll get Roscoe Parrish with our 2nd...unless Marlin Jackson falls. In the 3rd, we can get a Guard/Center (Spenccer?) and a guy Like Larry Brackins. This leaves 1 pick for...oh...say...Adrian MacPhearson?
RaiderH8r
04-20-2005, 11:48 AM
Luis Castillo, DT, Northwestern: Apr. 20 - John Clayton is hearing there may be as many as five teams that have Castillo on their first-round boards, even though he tested positive for steroids at the NFL combine. What makes him unique is that he's a pure nose tackle who could be a great run-stopper in a 4-3, too. The number of teams toying with the 3-4 enhances his value. Though some teams have downgraded him, most don't think the steroid test shows some character flaw. They just think it was a mistake in the pressure to get ready for the combine with an elbow injury.
Anybody think we are considering this guy with our pick in the 2nd round with our potential move to the 3-4 being implemented?
Absolutely not. He's a juicer, he shouldn't get the time of day. There is no way of assessing his true talent without the juice, which will presumably be the case should he be in the NFL. Having already tested positive the NFL will be further scrutinizing this guy's every move and if he gets busted using again it will be a bigger problem. Add to that the political turmoil that Canseco started around the juice and Tags impending visit to Capitol Hill and the sure to follow stricter rules and penalties for users this guy has huge downside and potential pain in the ass bust written all over him.
DrFate
04-20-2005, 11:48 AM
A top flight return guy could really make a difference. Give Jake and Co. some field position.
bronco militia
04-20-2005, 11:48 AM
Stanford Routt, Houston, CB: Apr. 20 - Routt's value has shot through the roof, according to John Clayton. He runs a 4.33 and he's visited nine teams. Don't be surprise if he somehow ends up in Denver. He has sprinter speed. He's one of the hottest prospects at cornerback in the second round.
yikes!...this guy sounds like Cris Watson jr.
Traveler
04-20-2005, 11:49 AM
I've been hyping Shazor up but been getting ragged on for it. I think he could be a great player for us.
This kid is a player! Would be a great 2nd round choice.
bloodsunday
04-20-2005, 11:51 AM
I've been hyping Shazor up but been getting ragged on for it. I think he could be a great player for us.
Underrated: Ernest Shazor, Michigan
The same factor, speed -- in this case a subpar, 4.7 40 -- is what's dragging down Shazor's stock. Never mind that, as a junior last season, he was without question the most disruptive player on the Wolverines' defense, making a team-high 84 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and forcing and recovering two fumbles. His punishing hit and accompanying strip of Purdue receiver Dorian Bryant in the final minutes preserved a 16-14 road win over the Boilermakers. An incredible athlete with ideal stature (6-4, 228), Shazor is being pegged as a second-round pick at best. Personally, with the exception of Georgia's Thomas Davis, who has future All-Pro written all over him, I'd take Shazor over any other safety.
Maybe we could move Ian to Safety and Shazor to LB ;D
Traveler
04-20-2005, 11:53 AM
yikes!...this guy sounds like Cris Watson jr.
True, and this is what concerns me. As BPC said earlier, this is more typical of a Shanahan draft choice. No one has heard of him, he's a project, can do more than play CB, and has the triangle numbers Shanahan and company prefer.
ChampBailey24
04-20-2005, 11:56 AM
I'd take Josh Bullocks over Shazor any day, i dont want another Kenoy, i want a ballhawk FS who cna cover AKA Bullocks!
A top flight return guy could really make a difference. Give Jake and Co. some field position.
Two things we definitely need from this draft...
Somebody to create turnovers on our defense-
Field position-
I couldn't agree more Dr. Fate.
pabst81
04-20-2005, 11:59 AM
If Colquitt is available when our first 3rd comes around he should get consideration- better yet we should take him
bloodsunday
04-20-2005, 11:59 AM
This guy has a few things that I think make him appealing to Denver.
1. Return specialist: Shanahan said he was going to find somebody to fill this role, this guy has game breaking speed.
2. WR Depth: I think we've all been conditioned to think that WR will be a position we take early in this draft.
3. Speed: I think we are seeing more of the smaller blazers come back in the league with the press rules being more enforced.
4. Jake Plummer: This guy is a pure deep threat. I think we will all agree that Plummer is at his best throwing long down the field. This guy would give him another threat.
5. Team Speed: I think team speed is something that is factoring in our overall offense. Since drafting Putzier, Ashley, Watts, Bell... you've seen more of a speed mentality take over our team. I think we know we are going to run the ball. The area we want to improve on is the ability to use play fakes and draws to our advantage more. Faster WR's give us more of an ability to open up running lanes.
I brought up Fred Gibson a while back and a couple of people made a good point: Isn't this Ashley Lelie? Other than the return skills this fits the mold. The thinking is that we need more of a physical receiver and a guy that is more of a redzone threat. I am not sure two guys that can run down the field and get open suits our offense, maybe Oakland, but not us. We need good route runners and guys that can be physical at the line, block, and catch in traffic. Since Jake's a bit inaccurate, a big target helps :)
Tredici
04-20-2005, 12:00 PM
Another tidbit is that Shanahan basically gurranteed that we were going to find some sort of impact return specialist.
What are these two things you speak of?
Shanahan guarantee?
Impact Return Specialist?
bronco militia
04-20-2005, 12:02 PM
What are these two things you speak of?
Shanahan guarantee?
Impact Return Specialist?
lmao!....no doubt
Vegas_Bronco
04-20-2005, 12:06 PM
MY VOTE:
Jamal Brimmer CB - Hits and hits and hits and has 'catch-up' speed for the pick. This guy could easily take over for Sam Brandon on day one.
Vegas_Bronco
04-20-2005, 12:09 PM
Eric green.....we need more quality east coast players.
Now that folks is an educated comment.
bloodsunday
04-20-2005, 12:09 PM
I'd take Josh Bullocks over Shazor any day, i dont want another Kenoy, i want a ballhawk FS who cna cover AKA Bullocks!
Man this talk of a "ballhawk" safety is getting old. Yes Bullocks is a different safety than Shazor in that he is going to be a FS where Shazor will probably be a SS maybe even as a small LB. But Shazor is a playmaker as well. You couldn't watch a Michigan game without noticing that he was EVERYWHERE, to me that's ballhawking. No he is not as strong in coverage as a FS, but that's not going to be his role. I'd be cool with either, but they play different positions really, even though they are both safeties. But please, please quit saying ballhawk like that can only apply to a FS. What you want is a FS -- with good coverage skills. We want any player that we get to have playmaking/ballhawking ability.
Josh Bullocks
S | (6'0", 209, 4.49) | NEBRASKA
Scouts Grade: 79
Strengths: Shows very good recognition skills, takes good angles to the ball while it's in the air and shows good range in zone coverage. Has excellent speed for his size and good overall quickness and athletic ability. Has good height and is capable of competing for jump balls. Can change directions quickly, shows good burst out of cuts and shows good short-area cover skills. Reads opposing quarterbacks' eyes, shows good burst coming forward and will jump some routes. Times jumps well, has very good ball skills and has shown flashes of playmaking ability in coverage. Plays under control in space, generally wraps up upon contact and doesn't miss many open field tackles. Plays with a good motor, has the agility to get through traffic quickly and always seems to be around the ball at the end of the play.
Weaknesses: Doesn't play with enough of a mean streak, isn't physical at the point of attack and doesn't always fill hard in run support. Takes too long to shed blocks and doesn't use hands all that well. Doesn't have great bulk and teams shouldn't feel comfortable regularly lining him up in the box. Is vulnerable to getting beat when left on an island working against explosive slot receivers. Big-play production dropped last year after an outstanding sophomore season and probably would have benefited from staying in school for another year.
Overall: Bullocks redshirted in 2001 and he started five games while providing contributing in eight others as a redshirt freshman in 2002. He started all 13 games of the 2003 season, recording 49 tackles, seven passes broken up and 10 interceptions. Bullocks started 11 games in 2004 and he finished the season with 63 tackles, seven passes broken up and two interceptions. Bullocks is coming off a somewhat disappointing season as a senior in 2004. He is better dropping into coverage than he is filling against the run. However, Bullocks shows excellent instincts in coverage, above average range, excellent ball skills and enough size to improve his ability to support the run. Bullocks is a classic FS prospect that will fit best as a centerfielder-type in a zone scheme. He was too inconsistent and isn't a complete enough player to gamble on in the first two rounds but he has starting potential if properly developed, which is why we grade him out as a solid third round prospect.
Garcia Bronco
04-20-2005, 12:20 PM
Now that folks is an educated comment.
LOL.....you like that?