Watts working toward a great season

[Kaylore]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/broncos/article/0,1299,DRMN_17_3786594,00.html

Watts seeks lights-out year

Broncos receiver makes extra effort to improve

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
May 18, 2005

If Darius Watts fails to improve on his uneven rookie season with the Denver Broncos, it will not be for lack of trying.

Watts, the team's No. 3 receiver last season, has been a fixture at Dove Valley since February, lifting weights and catching passes six weeks before the official start of Denver's off-season strength and conditioning program.

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Back then, only a handful of teammates were around, a stark contrast to the full roster filling the locker room this week during quarterback camp.

"I felt it was important," Watts said Tuesday. "That's why I stayed out here this off- season."

And make no mistake, Denver is counting on Watts to break through in his sophomore season.

The Broncos had been expected to add a veteran receiver in free agency and barring that, in the draft.

They have done neither.

One reason is their strong faith in Watts.

"I think they're counting on all of us receivers to come through and that's why they didn't go out and get anybody," he said. "And whether I'm the third guy, second guy or the first guy, I have a burden on my shoulders regardless."

Watts ranked fifth on the team with 31 receptions in 2004 and frequently showed an ability to get off press coverage.

But the second-round pick had only 11 receptions in the second half of the season. Watts failed to record a catch of at least 20 yards after Week 8 and had a few key drops. He also seemed to play out of control at times.

Watts, it seemed, hit the rookie wall.

"It's hard to even admit to," he said.

All the more reason for Watts to put in the extra work this off-season to avoid another nosedive.

"I want to get stronger, faster, quicker, my hands to get better, all things," Watts said.

So far, the results are positive and there still are nearly seven weeks left in the off-season strength program.

He already appears thicker in his torso.

"I feel a difference in my strength and a little more powerful," Watts said. "It's kind of hard to tell in my legs, but in my upper body, I can feel a difference."

Quarterback Jake Plummer sees an overall change in Watts and says the receiver might be on a faster career track than Ashley Lelie, who did not make his biggest leap in terms of reaching his potential until his third season.

"He's been at every workout. He's working hard. . . . You expect him to go out and play even better," Plummer said. "I think he's going to be a big-play guy for us, maybe not like Ashley going deep, deep. But getting the ball and making guys miss. That's the confidence we've got to get him feeling, that if he catches a 1-yard route, he's going to get 20 or 30 or go the distance. Once you get him doing that, I think he'll be scary."

Veteran receiver Rod Smith, the Broncos' all-time leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns, has helped mentor Watts through his ups and downs. Watts has impressed Smith this spring by "working his butt off" while increasing his competitive drive.

"He's competing with himself, which is the hardest person to beat," Smith said.

Smith says his role is helping teach Watts "the consistency part" of the game.

"His explosion is excellent and guys can't touch him at the line and it's about learning how to use his body and manipulating the defensive system a little bit," Smith said. "Once he takes it to that level, he is going to get even better."

How much better Watts gets will not be determined until September and later, when the practices and games begin to take their toll again.

"I expect myself to make a leap," Watts said. "I don't think I had a great year last year, and I expect myself to keep making leaps every year."

[Odysseus]

Good stuff.

[Kaylore]

No kidding. That he's really going at it full blast is exactly what we need. I can see why the Broncos want to give this guy a fair shake before drafting another receiver.

[Atlas]

Does anyone see Rod Smith as a head coach someday?? I wonder. He has lots of money so I bet working a 100 hours a week might not be to appealinbg to him.

He might be too demanding to be a good coach. The old theory that great players can't be good coaches.

[TheManeMan]

As long as he is under Rod's wings...I have faith in Watts...

[delany]

Ah, my favorite part of the off-season.....the warm and fuzzy stories of aspiring Bronco stars.

They could have erased Darius's name..and replaced it with Ashley...or Adrian...or Nate...or a whole slew of 'whos who' Bronco players


But I am always a sucker for happy endings...so I love this $hit!

[watermock]

And Rod said "Let there be Watts..."

Yeah, it's warm and fuzzy, but here is the crux. You either have good hands or you don't. Alot of it born gift, alot comes from hard work. I would pitch off the concrete foundation of the barn in a strike zone marked with a chalk rock from the gravel, and throw a Rubber baseball up on the barn, which had a lip, and catch fly balls (looking back, I ruined a very fine wooden roof and that barn will have to be torn down soon). I had a great little league career at pitcher and shortstop before I blew out my elbow and went into a rather short football career before moving into the more esoteric arts once I realized I allready had three concussions.

Enough of me. Heh. The point is, your born with good hands, kinda, but you have this weird thing called muscle memory. It's how you get some poor Soldier who has his Humvee blown up to walk again. Repetition and getting the Muscles stronger. And yes, I stayed at my own Holiday Express Inn last night.

Rod Smith is the perfect example. He couldn't catch a cold, but he worked and worked and worked. Noone gave him anything. TD didn't have the flashy numbers but was similiarly motivated. That's why I was so pissed the Vikings picked Williamson over BMW in the draft when their window is short.

If Watts is willing to catch balls till his hamstrings hurt and his hands get callous, he just might make it. I'm not saying work him too hard either. It's not that hard to work on things, it's repetition.

For the uninitiated, this is a ritual here.

We lose our last game, mutter about what went wrong, cuss and kick the cat.

The draft comes, we mutter and cuss and kick the cat.

Free Agency comes, and we salivate like men at Playboy Bunnies hoping one will hop in bed, and cuss at those who leave, saying "That whore wasn't worth even half what they paid her"

We get held hostage like an ex-husband and cuss at agents. Luckily, it appears all is smooth in the contract situation this year. Not having a first, it's should be pretty smooth.

Now comes the honeymoon period. Lelie is even stronger, Watts is working under Obi Wan, The Snake has three skins under his belt. We have brought in a free agent class that isn't retread as much as blown tires that are filling with air.

Ah...Spring is in the Air.

Denver: 11-5 and makes it to the AFC Championship. The Force is with us. :charge:

[Broncoman13]

One thing I noticed with Watts last year is the potential for the big play. He certainly has the ability to make people miss and you can see that when he touches the ball. He reminds me somewhat of Randle El when he has the ball in his hands. It might be a bit unrealistic but I'd like to see him catch 50 balls this season. I think he could easily turn in a 700 yard season and last year he could have easily had 4 or 5 TD's so I don't think 5 is out of the question this year.

One thing is certain, having guys like Watts, Darrent Williams and Tatum Bell touching the ball in various situations gives us a lot of big play opportunity. Add to that the given that Ash should go for atleast 18 yards per catch and you have a recipe for a big year. So much hinges on the DL right now it's not even funny. Those guys produce and we ARE the team to beat!

[Play2win]

I think Watts is going to be one of my favorite Broncos for years to come. What am I talking about, he's one of my favorite Broncos NOW.

I expect BIG things from Watts, and while he's doing them, he'll do them in a real fun and exciting way.

[i4jelway7]

I think Watts is going to be one of my favorite Broncos for years to come. What am I talking about, he's one of my favorite Broncos NOW.

I expect BIG things from Watts, and while he's doing them, he'll do them in a real fun and exciting way.


me too.. I almost bought a Watts jersey last year, but I decided to go with the DJ jersey.. now w/ the number change I wish I would have gotten the Watts jersey

[TotallyScrewed]

I expect improvements from Watts, especially in the "good hands" department but he's got a long ways to go and like they say "you've gotta get live bullets" coming at ya to really improve. That's tough when you're the third choice. He doesn't get as much practise time or game time as either Lelie or Smith.

The quantum leap needs to be Lelie. He needs to move into the No.1 role and not by default. I hope that he is taking life as seriously as Mr. Watts.

[bloodsunday]

If Watts steps up to be a legitimate #3 (50 - 65 catches and 800 yards) then we will be in a good spot offensively. I still don't think he's big enough to be a serious redzone threat, but I understand he was a monster at YAC in college.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I'm definitely jealous guys. I really like this kid, have since last offseason.

[bloodsunday]

I'm definitely jealous guys. I really like this kid, have since last offseason.
He's no Eddie Kennison ;) but he looks to be a good prospect even if we took him one or two rounds too high.

[Odysseus]

I want to see Watts catch 8 balls in a game. It's not so much to have three WR sets as to let defenses know you do have to cover this guy. Those drops killed some very well put together plays.

[bendog]

He's no Eddie Kennison ;) but he looks to be a good prospect even if we took him one or two rounds too high.
It was pretty conclusively shown he was gonna go if we waited another round. He was moving up alot of boards. Similar to Clarett this year, but I forgot who was definitely gonna take him.

[fontaine]

If Watts steps up to be a legitimate #3 (50 - 65 catches and 800 yards) then we will be in a good spot offensively.

Watts has been working at it since February.

If he improves virtually nothing this offseason except consistency then he should come close to that kind of production.

[watermock]

One thing I noticed with Watts last year is the potential for the big play. He certainly has the ability to make people miss and you can see that when he touches the ball. He reminds me somewhat of Randle El when he has the ball in his hands. It might be a bit unrealistic but I'd like to see him catch 50 balls this season. I think he could easily turn in a 700 yard season and last year he could have easily had 4 or 5 TD's so I don't think 5 is out of the question this year.

One thing is certain, having guys like Watts, Darrent Williams and Tatum Bell touching the ball in various situations gives us a lot of big play opportunity. Add to that the given that Ash should go for atleast 18 yards per catch and you have a recipe for a big year. So much hinges on the DL right now it's not even funny. Those guys produce and we ARE the team to beat!

We have SuperBowl Speed at several positions. This was the year I thought we would put it all together again, but unless Jake cuts down a history of INT's....

The only positon we are short on speed is Safety.

Lelie and Watts both have speed. Obviously, TaterTot has speed. Putz has more speed than it appears because he's a white strider, but he has speed.

Our LB speed might be the best in the NFL.

Bailey has speed. Walls has decent but not quick speed, he's a strider. Williams our new Returner has speed. Predator has speed.

We have poor speed on the DL, but we have power at the DL to push the QB back IMO. A healthy Pryce, Brown and Warren should be able to push the pocket. If they can contain is another matter. One thing I like about the 4-3 is that you don't have to use 5 players for containment, you should be able to handle it with 4. Or you go 3-3-5 You can roll a 3-3-5 into a 4-1-6 when you have the quality of our linebackers (if you believe our LB's can cover...I think they can.)

We have some options for some speed with Predator at RDE. He's just getting adjusted to that position. Ekuban isn't horrible, but he doesn't have many moves. He has to learn a swim move. Overall, I think the DL is going to better than people here think. I think Gold will do better now that he has a big DE in front of him, either Pryce or Brown.

We should be able to contain with the LB's even tho our DE's will be too slow, but pretty big. Pryce is a natural mauler, I would put Brown at RDE.

[bloodsunday]

I want to see Watts catch 8 balls in a game. It's not so much to have three WR sets as to let defenses know you do have to cover this guy. Those drops killed some very well put together plays.
That's 128 balls this year (at 8 a game). I think that should be more like 4 or 5 a game. However, he needs to make plays consistently to be considered a serious coverage threat, as you suggest. I also think if he were to make some money catches (3rd downs and TDs) it would also improve his stock from a game planning perspective.

Ooops... you meant 8 in one game. That makes sense. My point is still the same and I was really agreeing with you anyway.

[bloodsunday]

It was pretty conclusively shown he was gonna go if we waited another round. He was moving up alot of boards. Similar to Clarett this year, but I forgot who was definitely gonna take him.
I'm not questioning the pick. History will tell us if its right or wrong. But he was not rated as highly as we took him.

[bendog]

he was gone if we waited till our next pick

[bloodsunday]

he was gone if we waited till our next pick
Well they were okay with that risk on Vincent Jackson. I hope he becomes a good receiver and then no one will care. I don't really care now, but you can't deny that Denver was fixated on him and forced the pick (at least a little). On the other hand, there was just something about VJ they didn't like enough to go get him.

[Odysseus]

That's 128 balls this year (at 8 a game). I think that should be more like 4 or 5 a game. However, he needs to make plays consistently to be considered a serious coverage threat, as you suggest. I also think if he were to make some money catches (3rd downs and TDs) it would also improve his stock from a game planning perspective.

Ooops... you meant 8 in one game. That makes sense. My point is still the same and I was really agreeing with you anyway.

If he gets 8 in a game that means everyone else was covered. It means they designed an offense to get him the ball. It means Jakes not throwing picks and the kid is out pacing Lelie. It means we potentially got three 1,000 yard recievers. He just needs to blow up one time. I agree 5 would be great but I figure we can get 3 cheap ones just to rub it in.

[bronco militia]

Ah, my favorite part of the off-season.....the warm and fuzzy stories of aspiring Bronco stars.

They could have erased Darius's name..and replaced it with Ashley...or Adrian...or Nate...or a whole slew of 'whos who' Bronco players


But I am always a sucker for happy endings...so I love this $hit!

ughhh!...it's the reason I don't buy the newspaper this time of year.

[SpringStein]

It was pretty conclusively shown he was gonna go if we waited another round. He was moving up alot of boards. Similar to Clarett this year, but I forgot who was definitely gonna take him.

Rumor was that the Bears were going to take him with their next pick.

[bpc]

The thing I think Watts will be great at is finding open seems and converting catches into 1st downs. Especially on 3rd downs. He just seemed to have lost his way the second half of last year, if he can improve on that he'll easily hit 50 catches this year for more yardage and TD's. He's has great talent, I just hope he developes a little bit faster in the 3rd WR position then Ashley did. I know Ashley was thrown into being a starter but it would be great if we could get another couple solid years out of Rod and with Ash improving... Watts really has an opportunity to get some great looks in the open field on 2nd and 3rd downs. I hope he thrives. If he does, Plummer has a chance to smash some of those passing marks he hit last season.

[Rascal]

Well it would help if Plummer wouldn't go into "STARE AT ROD" syndrome on every critical down. Hell if it's third and 4 and it's a pass I forget all the other WR's and put every guy on rod smith...guaranteed Plummer is going to try and force it in.



Obviously I'm blowing it out of proportion but not by much.

[bloodsunday]

If he gets 8 in a game that means everyone else was covered. It means they designed an offense to get him the ball. It means Jakes not throwing picks and the kid is out pacing Lelie. It means we potentially got three 1,000 yard recievers. He just needs to blow up one time. I agree 5 would be great but I figure we can get 3 cheap ones just to rub it in.
yeah I saw where you were going after I composed my response. I agree with you. I figure of the course of the season he needs to average 4 - 5 a game to maker our receiving threat truly three-dimensional.

[Beantown Bronco]

If he gets 8 in a game that means everyone else was covered. It means they designed an offense to get him the ball. It means Jakes not throwing picks and the kid is out pacing Lelie. It means we potentially got three 1,000 yard recievers. He just needs to blow up one time. I agree 5 would be great but I figure we can get 3 cheap ones just to rub it in.

The Broncos run the ball way too much to ever have 3 - 1,000 yd receivers. Has any team ever even come close to doing this? I know the Rams didn't even have 3 - 1,000 yard receivers back in their SB years, and they had a ridiculous offense.

[SoCalBronco]

The Broncos run the ball way too much to ever have 3 - 1,000 yd receivers. Has any team ever even come close to doing this? I know the Rams didn't even have 3 - 1,000 yard receivers back in their SB years, and they had a ridiculous offense.

I think Atlanta and Houston in the early to mid 90s may have had a season or two where they had 3 1000 yd. WRs in the Run N Shoot.

[bendog]

Well they were okay with that risk on Vincent Jackson. I hope he becomes a good receiver and then no one will care. I don't really care now, but you can't deny that Denver was fixated on him and forced the pick (at least a little). On the other hand, there was just something about VJ they didn't like enough to go get him.
No you are simply wrong. He was going to be taken and if you look at how the draft played out, had den not gotten him we might have had a shot at Colbert who has been good but I don't think shows quite the speed/potential of Watts. Look at rd 2 and rd 3. The pick was made at the correct time and was NOT a reach.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft04/tracker/round?round=2

[Rock Chalk]

The Colts last year.

[SoCalBronco]

Damn..Bendog, just looking at last year's 2nd round, so much talent. 2/3 of those guys would have been first rounders in this year's draft.

[NaptownChief]

He's no Eddie Kennison .


That is probably true...I can't imagine Watts beating Champ like a rented mule.


Watts needs to stay in the weight room so that he doesn't get up gimping after every play.

[bloodsunday]

No you are simply wrong. He was going to be taken and if you look at how the draft played out, had den not gotten him we might have had a shot at Colbert who has been good but I don't think shows quite the speed/potential of Watts. Look at rd 2 and rd 3. The pick was made at the correct time and was NOT a reach.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft04/tracker/round?round=2

Actually, I am not.

On this board he is the 18th ranked WR (he was taken 9th) and a projected 4th round player:
http://www.askthecommish.com/2004nfldraft/topprospects.asp

Here's another 4th round projection:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2004/draft/players/44304.html

Here he's ranked as the 23rd overall WR
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Insider/2004/Printout1WR.htm

I remember Kiper freaking out at the moment the pick came through saying he thought it was a reach as well.

I am not trying to dog the guy. I am just saying that he was projected to go 2 rounds later than we nabbed him. Is it possible someone else would have nabbed him first? Yes. At this point Colbert looks like he would have been a better selection based on performance and grade.

[bendog]

yeah I remember thinking shanny should've traded up a little more to get Clayton from LSU, but we did real good sitting till the second pick of the second round. Henderson from LSU or Watts were ok. I think Colbert's been a mild surprise,b ut he played good for Car last year. But in the 3rd round it sorta went to ****e on the WR position. Some nice dlinemen though, but not by the time Den's slot rolled around. IF LeSure can play slot or move to SS, this could be up there with that 74 or 73 draft that gave the nucleus to the orange crush.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2004/draft/breakdowns/by_round/3.html

[NaptownChief]

The Broncos run the ball way too much to ever have 3 - 1,000 yd receivers. Has any team ever even come close to doing this? I know the Rams didn't even have 3 - 1,000 yard receivers back in their SB years, and they had a ridiculous offense.



The Colts did it last year and also had a 1548 yard rusher....But that is with Manning at the helm....I know Peyton Manning and Jake Plummer is no Peyton Manning.

[bloodsunday]

The Colts did it last year and also had a 1548 yard rusher....But that is with Manning at the helm....I know Peyton Manning and Jake Plummer is no Peyton Manning.
That's true. Peyton is a statue in the pocket, like TrINT.

[DB-Freak]

That is probably true...I can't imagine Watts beating Champ like a rented mule.


Watts needs to stay in the weight room so that he doesn't get up gimping after every play.
He beats CHamp like a mule in camp and practices.

Seriously no joke.

[NaptownChief]

That's true. Peyton is a statue in the pocket, like TrINT.



Yep, a very accurate statue that can read defenses quickly and makes excellent decisions something that I and every GM in the NFL would trade Jake's mobility for every day of the week.

[bendog]

Actually, I am not.

On this board he is the 18th ranked WR (he was taken 9th) and a projected 4th round player:
http://www.askthecommish.com/2004nfldraft/topprospects.asp

Here's another 4th round projection:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2004/draft/players/44304.html

Here he's ranked as the 23rd overall WR
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Insider/2004/Printout1WR.htm

I remember Kiper freaking out at the moment the pick came through saying he thought it was a reach as well.

I am not trying to dog the guy. I am just saying that he was projected to go 2 rounds later than we nabbed him. Is it possible someone else would have nabbed him first? Yes. At this point Colbert looks like he would have been a better selection based on performance and grade.
You are incorrect because Watts was moving up boards. Like Jackson this year he started out projected as a 4th rder. As has already been posted, chi would've taken him in the 2nd. And, look at the guys left in the 3rd. It was the right pick.

[Rascal]

Actually, I am not.

On this board he is the 18th ranked WR (he was taken 9th) and a projected 4th round player:
http://www.askthecommish.com/2004nfldraft/topprospects.asp

Here's another 4th round projection:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2004/draft/players/44304.html

Here he's ranked as the 23rd overall WR
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Insider/2004/Printout1WR.htm

I remember Kiper freaking out at the moment the pick came through saying he thought it was a reach as well.

I am not trying to dog the guy. I am just saying that he was projected to go 2 rounds later than we nabbed him. Is it possible someone else would have nabbed him first? Yes. At this point Colbert looks like he would have been a better selection based on performance and grade.

First, projections are about as worthless as a chiefs fan.

Secondly, I'm not going to look but I remember seeing several articles where another team said they were going to pick him up in the early third round.

Third, I don't give a damn where he was drafted as long as he produces because anybody can get a better pick two year monday morning draft guru.

[bloodsunday]

You are incorrect because Watts was moving up boards. Like Jackson this year he started out projected as a 4th rder. As has already been posted, chi would've taken him in the 2nd. And, look at the guys left in the 3rd. It was the right pick.
What does moving up boards mean? It means someone created some hype and it caused people not to stay true to their draft boards, which is my point. Colbert was the better selection then and he looks like a better selection still.

We'll know the final answer in a few more years, but at that moment in time it was a suspect pick. I don't doubt he could, in time, out perform many of the receivers in that draft. My point was simply that he was projected to be the 23rd overall WR taken and we took as the 9th, ahead of some good players like Colbert and Darnell Dockett.

[Ballhawk]

Projections are crap. Rod and Eddie were not even drafted on the first day.

[Odysseus]

The Colts last year.

Stokley 10 touchdowns / 68 receptions / 1077 yards
Rod got 7 touchdowns / 79 receptions / 1144 yards
Lelie got 7 Touchdowns / 54 receptions / 1084 yards

I can't imagine a Bronco reciever getting over 90 balls next year.

[DB-Freak]

What makes your value of players more valid than the others?

Teams have different standards from "expert" draft boards.

[bloodsunday]

Secondly, I'm not going to look but I remember seeing several articles where another team said they were going to pick him up in the early third round.
That's fine by me. I am not arguing that no one would have picked him. I am saying we reached on him. It's not like a reach can't work out to be a good pick. That doesn't doom him to failure or anything. It was just a little tid bit (not even my original point) that I highlighted.

Third, I don't give a damn where he was drafted as long as he produces because anybody can get a better pick two year monday morning draft guru.
Agreed. That is actually what I started out saying -- that I think he is a good receiver despite the fact that the pick was considered a reach.

[bloodsunday]

I think you guys are blowing what I am saying out of proportion... I'll let it go now since you are incapable of comprehending a point that is valid, be it a little off the subject.

[DB-Freak]

I think you guys are blowing what I am saying out of proportion... I'll let it go now since you are incapable of comprehending a point that is valid, be it a little off the subject.
I get it.

I just don't think its a good or a really valid one.

[WaffleBoy]

Watts will be better than Lelie.

The Boy Wonder :super:

[bloodsunday]

What makes your value of players more valid than the others?
It's not my value. I provided links to 3 reputable sources. I know ESPN's analysis was similar but there site sucks for getting archived content -- it kept giving me a 502 error trying to access what I wanted.

Teams have different standards from "expert" draft boards.
True. Nonetheless, the "experts" are usually fairly accurate, especially on 1st day picks.

[DB-Freak]

It's not my value. I provided links to 3 reputable sources. I know ESPN's analysis was similar but there site sucks for getting archived content -- it kept giving me a 502 error trying to access what I wanted.


True. Nonetheless, the "experts" are usually fairly accurate, especially on 1st day picks.
They are usually accurate on the first round picks because the teams make it rather clear on who they want on first.

After that a lot of it becomes the "draft expert" standards, which are very inaccurate.

[cabronco]

Well it would help if Plummer wouldn't go into "STARE AT ROD" syndrome on every critical down. Hell if it's third and 4 and it's a pass I forget all the other WR's and put every guy on rod smith...guaranteed Plummer is going to try and force it in.



Obviously I'm blowing it out of proportion but not by much.
Thats too funny, but yet so true..Jake would lock on to Rod Smith before the ball was snapped, thats how much faith he had in the other recievers. Exception : Long ball to Lelie. I sure hope Watts lights it up this year, and Jeb gets more active in catching passes, especially in the red zone. That being said, I think Lelie & Watts need to toughen up and stay in the game instead of waving to the bench for breathers every other play. Rod Smith doesnt come out unless he's absolutely tuckered out.

[SoCalBronco]

It's not my value. I provided links to 3 reputable sources. I know ESPN's analysis was similar but there site sucks for getting archived content -- it kept giving me a 502 error trying to access what I wanted.


True. Nonetheless, the "experts" are usually fairly accurate, especially on 1st day picks.

Well, it appears Denver was right and Kiper, ESPN, CNNSI et al. was wrong. You provided rankings putting watts at spots like no. 18 WR, no. 23 WR etc. The better analysis, undoubtedly, when we have two choices: pre draft and 1 yr. post draft, is the latter. Watts finished i believe 2nd in the entire AFC among rookie WRs behind only Lee Evans (the no. 13 overall pick) in production (Watts may have been behind Ernest Wilford of Jacksonville as well but i dont think so, not sure). In the NFC, Watts finished behind Michael Clayton, Roy Williams, Larry Fitzgerald and Kerry Colbert. So that puts him, if we were to re rank everyone, about no. 6 or (if he is also behind wilford) no. 7. Thats far higher than No. 18 which was one of the reputable projections you provided and makes a late 2nd round investment seem far more reasonable. I agree, we could have done better, but we could have also done far worse. Watts was more productive, even when he fell asleep in the second half of the season than Top 10 pick Reggie Williams, first round pick Rashaun Woods (who, admittedly i had as one of my top 5 targets for our first round pick and i still think he will be good), first round pick Michael Jenkins and several others.

[bendog]

They are usually accurate on the first round picks because the teams make it rather clear on who they want on first.

After that a lot of it becomes the "draft expert" standards, which are very inaccurate.
yeah that's right. I distinctly recall other times last year, but especially this year, with the 3rd and 4th db picks where I checked my paper sporting news ranking and actually posted here something like, "WTF?!!!" But when I checked the nfl site, that somebody here kindly linked, showing the combine results, AND I checked this other site that seems to update at least showing who is trending up and trending down, I said, "oh."

ht tp://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/combinebypos.php?genpos=WR&sortorder=LastN&order=ASC

but there's no argument that in the past shanny has reached for a specific position that is weak in talent and that he's signed some iffy character FA's. But last year the strategy of getting DJ, then the guy apparantly they'd targeted at RB, and then picking the best WR, in their opinion and others, left on the board was sound, because 04 was stocked with wr guys. Similarly this year, there was solid talent, ie crapshoots, in dbs in the 3rd, and dbs were a strength in this draft's 1st rounds. So, it was good gamble to trade the pick and hope other teams filled their cb needs early on and roll the dice on numbers.

[Odysseus]

All rankings are wrong at the end of the season.

[bloodsunday]

The better analysis, undoubtedly, when we have two choices: pre draft and 1 yr. post draft, is the latter...I agree, we could have done better, but we could have also done far worse.
I like Watts, I never said otherwise. My point was actually kind of complimentary to personnel people at Dove Valley in that one year ago he was considered a reach (to some) and that he has been a pleasent surprise. We won't really know where he fits into the larger picture for some years yet. I'm with everyone in agreement that I think he has what it takes and that I look for a big year from him if we are going to make strides as an offense.

[NaptownChief]

Let me settle this...The only draft board that matters is mine. ;D And I had him in the top 10. Knowing that Denver management trust my judgement better than most other so called experts it was no surprise they went with him when they did. ;D


http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=12263&highlight=Draft+Board

[Bronco9798]

With no veteran WR added and no draft for a WR, the burden clearly falls on Watts this year. The problem here is injuries right now. Who knows, maybe someone will step up in camp. There is no experienced depth at all if Smith, Lelie, or Watts go down.
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[bloodsunday]

Let me settle this...The only draft board that matters is mine. ;D And I had him in the top 10. Knowing that Denver management trust my judgement better than most other so called experts it was no surprise they went with him when they did. ;D


http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=12263&highlight=Draft+Board
"Good sleeper in the 4th round."

Nuff said.

[Jetmeck]

Yep, a very accurate statue that can read defenses quickly and makes excellent decisions something that I and every GM in the NFL would trade Jake's mobility for every day of the week.

You give him all day he damn well better hit the mark...it's your line , not Trint. This year I predict a return of the old TrInt because he won't have long to make his decision at least against us.

[fontaine]

There are two reasons why Watts was picked.

1. He came from a system that ran a pro-style offense, heavily based on WCO. He was their number 1 WR and gained tons of yards after the catch.

2. Watts is a possession WR. He's not a deep burner like Lelie, but more like a Rod Smith who can grab a pass and gain 5-10 yards after. He was selected to eventually replace Rod.

He's not a slot receiver but then again, he's not physical enough yet to go over the middle consistantly and take that kinda pounding.

Lelie will continue to be a number 2 no matter how many grabs he gets etc because his game isn't suited to be a possession type guy, more like a home run threat with the long ball.

Watts did come in and settle in because he was familiar with the type of WCO we're running here. His biggest problem was just being consistent. I think in 2006 he should be ready to mount a serious challenge to be the number 1 WR for this team. Lelie will always remain at the number 2 spot though.

[NaptownChief]

You give him all day he damn well better hit the mark...it's your line , not Trint. This year I predict a return of the old TrInt because he won't have long to make his decision at least against us.


Excuses, excuses, excuses.....Anybody who has watched Plummer throughout his career knows he is more accurate on the run out of the pocket. Give him plenty of time to sit in the pocket and his poor decisions increase and his accuracy decreases.

[Odysseus]

I wonder what happened to Adrian Madise?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I wonder what happened to Adrian Madise?

He was cut last year when he came off suspension. Seems to me he signed with Tampa late in the year. I was pulling for him because of the way he worked and tried to learn during training camp.