Si.com Broncos draft grade

[i4jelway7]

BRONCOS -- Explain this to me, please. One of the real inspirational stories of 2004 was Reuben Droughns, who stepped up in an emergency and rushed for 1,240 yards. And he did it the hard way, with guts and fire, running over people. So they got rid of him. OK, I guess they're sold on Tatum Bell, last year's second-round draft. All of a sudden a mob is forming at the position, which is fortified by two problem guys: Dayne, who couldn't run worth a lick in New York, and now Maurice Clarett, who's been a problem everywhere he's ever been, going back to high school, with the exception of his freshman year at Ohio State. Oh yes, the draft. The first three picks went to mid-range-level cornerbacks, who, if they had gone to cooking school, could flat out fry (Is there no end to the torment the poor readers must endure? Yes. It ends right now. For a month).

GRADE D

[Tom A Hawk]

BRONCOS -- Explain this to me, please. One of the real inspirational stories of 2004 was Reuben Droughns, who stepped up in an emergency and rushed for 1,240 yards. And he did it the hard way, with guts and fire, running over people. So they got rid of him. OK, I guess they're sold on Tatum Bell, last year's second-round draft. All of a sudden a mob is forming at the position, which is fortified by two problem guys: Dayne, who couldn't run worth a lick in New York, and now Maurice Clarett, who's been a problem everywhere he's ever been, going back to high school, with the exception of his freshman year at Ohio State. Oh yes, the draft. The first three picks went to mid-range-level cornerbacks, who, if they had gone to cooking school, could flat out fry (Is there no end to the torment the poor readers must endure? Yes. It ends right now. For a month).

GRADE D

ouch.......that hurt. that is just another persons opinion I tend not to judge to harsh about these unknown things, they can always come back and bite you in ther arse.. (Bob are you listening?)

[RhymesayersDU]

That cooking analogy was lame. And not just because he was bashing the Broncos either. Who wrote that crap?

[BizzyBone7]

That cooking analogy was lame. And not just because he was bashing the Broncos either. Who wrote that crap?

yea it was, lamer than FDR's legs (family guy)....

the more i read people bashing this draft the more i like it for some reason.

[ØrangeÇrush]

Don't worry,

Dr. Z is't anyone with an unbiased opinion of the denver broncos. He's just a POS that will take every shot at us that he can. He's an unreformed East coast beat writer...

[ØrangeÇrush]

Ask Slap how he feels about him...


:)

[RhymesayersDU]

yea it was, lamer than FDR's legs (family guy).....

"What, too soon?"

[Jason in LA]

I get tired of people making comments about something they didn't even really watch.

Sure, RD was a feel good story. Came out of nowhere and ran hard. He gave it his all. But most non-Bronco fans didn't notice the little fumble problem that he had. I guess they didn't know that he got benched in favor of Bell, then Bell goes and runs all over the place. RD was a nice surprise, but he was just holding the spot until Bell could take it. I guess these people didn't notice Bell running all over the place when he took RD's spot after two first quarter fumbles against the fish. I'd say Shanny did RD a favor by letting him split carries with Bell after he lost his spot as the featured back. RD wanted what the Broncos weren't going to give him, and he had trade value. It was a smart move on both sides.

As for Dayne and Clarett, every team brings in RBs. Every team brings in players to fill out the roster. Not every signing or draft pick is intended to have a major impact on the team. No team can bring in big time free agents with every signing, or big time college players with every pick. If a guy is availible, and there is a roster spot there, then sign him. If the Broncos signed a lessor known RB than Dayne, or drafted a lessor known RB than Clarett, nobody would say anything about it. It would just be another guy on the roster. Neither of these guys will be competing for the starters spot. I wouldn't be shocked if Dayne didn't even make the team.

[Mediator12]

Allright, I'll explain it to you. Said great story hired Drew Rosenhaus to drive up his price of admission this year and is currently holding out in CLE. Ron Dayne is a cut back style runner. Clarrett is a gamble most places but probably works out in denver since the last 7 guys to tote the rock 20 times in a game there had 100+ yd games. Griffin and Bell are the only two of the seven to not have 1000 yd seasons since neither had anywhere enough carries last year.

As for the CB's, who you even forgot to mention their names, take 10 minutes next year and actually think before posting a one line retort with zero Basis. By the way, seemingly witty retorts do not excuse your lack of analysis there. Denver did pick up a guard and Kicker on day two as well, but I guess that would require another 30 seconds or so of your valuable time.

Overall, please explain to me why you actually spent 45 seconds or so to rate Denver's draft. GRADE: F for lack of effort.

[delany]

The first three picks went to mid-range-level cornerbacks, who, if they had gone to cooking school, could flat out fry (Is there no end to the torment the poor readers must endure? Yes. It ends right now. For a month).

GRADE D

This was SI.com's 2002 'grade' for the Eagles...

PHILADELPHIA

OK, so Andy Reid said he was looking for backup help, but three DBs in the first three picks? I mean, it would be different if he were playing in the same division as the Rams, but, c'mon now. Grade ... D

These picks coming the year after the Eagle sent two DBs to the probowl...

I wonder what those 3 picks (Sheppard, Lewis and Brown) are doing now? OH! thats right....they are starting for the Eagle SB team.

[watermock]

Consider the source.

Sure, I can rant and rave and jump up and down on my desk, but I'm a loyal fan. It's my privelege. We can bicker amongst ourselves just fine without Sport Illustrated, possible the worst rag on the planet, makes evaluations.

One thing I love is how fans can bitch and moan, but if an outsider starts on our team, we circle the wagons. I can turn the table on any argument, it's just how you present it. Hell, I can make the argument that Bush holding hands with an Arab Sunni Shiek billionaire look sensible.

[bloodsunday]

Grading a draft now is ridiculous.

For the record, just as many people think that Mo will succeed as there are that think he will fail. What the hell does Ron Dayne have to do with our draft anyway? Oh yeah, and Z, Rueben is going to hold out. That's what Denver needs, give more money to a backup fullback. Get real.

Sportsline's is fair in my opinion:
Denver Broncos Best pick: Sixth-round pick Chris Myers is a typical Broncos lineman. He'll make their team.

Questionable move: Taking Maurice Clarett in the third round is a move that will be dissected a bunch. It might seem high, but Clarett can run the football.

Steal: Clarett. He will be a factor in their run game in a year or two.

Overall grade: C They traded out of the first round, so they lost out on a marquee player. The rest of the draft was so-so.

Funny, they like the Clarett pick?

[Elway777]

I first though the Broncos had a d grade but a changed it to a solid c. All 3 of our corners should help the Broncos next year plus this years draft sets the Broncos up to have a A+ draft next year.

[Mile High Shack]

yeah I"ve changed my mind too...it's a C, maybe a C-, but still a C

Mediator said it best

[Kaylore]

Allright, I'll explain it to you. Said great story hired Drew Rosenhaus to drive up his price of admission this year and is currently holding out in CLE. Ron Dayne is a cut back style runner. Clarrett is a gamble most places but probably works out in denver since the last 7 guys to tote the rock 20 times in a game there had 100+ yd games. Griffin and Bell are the only two of the seven to not have 1000 yd seasons since neither had anywhere enough carries last year.

As for the CB's, who you even forgot to mention their names, take 10 minutes next year and actually think before posting a one line retort with zero Basis. By the way, seemingly witty retorts do not excuse your lack of analysis there. Denver did pick up a guard and Kicker on day two as well, but I guess that would require another 30 seconds or so of your valuable time.

Overall, please explain to me why you actually spent 45 seconds or so to rate Denver's draft. GRADE: F for lack of effort.

Yup.

[Ballhawk]

Coyer took two UDFAs and made them solid starting corners. I wonder what he will do with these guys?

[clarker]

Dr Z is the reason Gradishar is not in the Hall because he campains against him because no one votes for his boyfriend Harry Carson(sp?) .

He said Gary Zimmerman was not a dominate OT even though Gary is one of the few players to make two all decade teams that is voted on by Hall of Fame members.

He said Dan Marino wouldn't get good enough coaching from DON SHULA to be a good player.

Back when CNN and SI had a sports channel he said that a mountain would have to drop on San Deigo in order for the Broncos to beat the Packers in Super Bowl XXXII.

In short he is a idiot.

[sirhcyennek81]

Denver needed speed in the secondary. All three can run. All three are good in man coverage, and solid to good in zone. Browner is a steal, either at safety or at cb, another player with size. Seems SI forgets that a lack of depth is the reason Manning was able to pick on Alexander. No one else was avaliable to cover Wayne. Draft was solid from top to bottom, and denver got 2 extra picks next year, this is a good thing.

[i4jelway7]

Denver needed speed in the secondary. All three can run. All three are good in man coverage, and solid to good in zone. Browner is a steal, either at safety or at cb, another player with size. Seems SI forgets that a lack of depth is the reason Manning was able to pick on Alexander. No one else was avaliable to cover Wayne. Draft was solid from top to bottom, and denver got 2 extra picks next year, this is a good thing.

agreed.. I think the donkeys did good for the draft, considering the circumstances..

I'd give them a C+

[PatsWin2002]

Why is anyone surprised? You should be glad he thinks you're at the bottom because it won't be true.

These guys get NOTHING right anyway!

Their mock drafts are pointless.
Their draft grades are pointless.
Their preseason predictions are completely pointless.
Their weekly power rankings are pointless.
Their weekly predictions are pointless too.

Seldom are any of them above 50% right. Mock's cat could probably do as well - for free. :)

In fact, that gives me an idea.......Mock, when the season starts and you make your predictions (Mock's locks) let Beelzebub choose too. And we'll keep a running tally. That'd be a hoot!

[TheReverend]

I'd like to put Dr Z in a microwave and after he melts a little take him out and pour salt all over him.

[Crushaholic]

People thought our running game was toast last year after we traded Portis. Trading Droughns doesn't have NEARLY the potential loss of trading Portis. Tatum will be fine, Dayne may step up his game in Denver, and Clarett may turn out to be a stud. I would think people would learn by now not to criticize our run game.

[Merlin]

I disagree that he is an idiot. Part of his work is to entertain, and he does a decent job at it. Quite often he will look at historical stats and see how they may apply today. Although I do not agree with his assessment this time, it is easy to understand it. RD, was a good back for us last year, and unlike our previous back, CP, he earned many of his yds through punishing work (for both himself and the opposition). You can see why he respected RD (especially since he likes tough, hard working players), but what he did not understand is that RD did not fit Denver's plans for next (this) year. We have better FB than RD, and RB was going to be so far down the depth chart for RBs, it did not make sense to pay $1M (which is a bargain for a starter, but not for potentially the 4 RB in the food chain). In that vein, it makes sense to get something out of potentially nothing (from Denver's perspective)

Merlin

[Paladin]

I just don't understand why those sports "analysts" can't be reasonable, intelligent and thoughtful. Like us.

[Crushaholic]

I just don't understand why those sports "analysts" can't be reasonable, intelligent and thoughtful. Like us.

It makes me think that Bob was a sports writer in a previous life. This is the kind of drivel that he usually spits out... ;)

[Bob's your Information Minister]

It makes me think that Bob was a sports writer in a previous life. This is the kind of drivel that he usually spits out... ;)

You're not too far off base...