Nice read on broncos

[KansasBronco]

I think many will enjoy this as I did. Some stuff is dated, but overall for this time of the year, it's not bad.

http://www.ffmastermind.com/2005/offseason/reports/eye98.php

[SoCalBronco]

that is extremely detailed and a good read. Thanks KSBronco.

[Crushisback]

Nice!

[Kaylore]

Mike Shanahan went into the draft believing the Broncos could compete for a championship with the current roster players. The focus of the draft was to get players to be developed and to provide depth. Believing the value of the 2005 draft was in rounds 2-5, the Broncos traded out of round one and extended their free agency approach of saving money and drafting damaged goods (Maurice Clarett). In essence, Denver sacrificed some of the 2005 season looking ahead to 2006. The Broncos stockpiled draft picks-nine-for 2006 when they will have cap room and flexibility to address their aging team. The Broncos nine picks include 2 first round and 2 fourth round picks and don’t include the 2 compensatory picks they are likely to receive for the loss of Kennoy Kennedy and Kelly Herndon. If the philosophy of the more picks you have, the more that will stick is accurate, the Broncos will be in a position to improve their team-something many observers think they did not do this off-season.

THE DRAFT

If you measure the success of the draft as doing what you set out to do, then the Broncos had a successful draft addressing their need for speedy defensive backs, a punt/kick return man, a punter, a versatile offensive linemen and their usual running back.

DARRENT WILLIAMS, CB, OK.ST. 5’8” 176lbs 4.34/40 39 ½ “ vertical leap. Williams has all the skills you want in a CB except height and weight. He needs coaching and structure to improve his work ethic, but with his blazing speed and natural hands he provides a Dante Hall like presence for the weak Denver special teams. He was chosen over Justin Miller because he returns both kick-offs and punts. When he is ready, his ball hawking ability will be an added benefit inside, on nickel and dime packages.

KARL PAYMAH, CB, WAS. ST. 5’11” 204lbs 4.35/40 41½ “ vertical leap. Paymah played primary press coverage in college, which they also play in Denver. He has good size and speed and can recover on the move as well as string out plays. He needs to improve positioning, zone awareness and fade route coverage. He will support the run but needs to improve his tackling technique/consistency. He will compete at nickel back.

DOMONIQUE FOXWORTH, CB, MYLD 5’10” 178LBS 4.5/40. Foxworth has the quickness and the instincts for man-on-man coverage and is well suited to cover the slot receiver because of his short area quickness. He is experienced in primary press coverage. He needs to improve on run support.

MAURICE CLARETT 5’11” 234LBS 4.61/40 (pro day). Clarett has modest speed, good balance and an explosive start and sudden burst through holes. He is a make you miss back who can squeeze through tight quarters with good lateral agility to cut back, a fluid run motion, and leg drive and power to rock defenders at the second level. He was selected for his foot quickness and power at the point of tackle. He has natural hands for screen and flat passes. He will compete to back up Tatum Bell and could end up this year’s Ruben Droughns if Bell goes down. NOTE: Shanahan has coveted Clarett for two years and he will get every chance to succeed. Speed is not as important in the Bronco offense as vision, foot quickness and cut back ability. TD ran a 4.69/40, Anderson a 4.67/40 and Gary a 4.59/40. Clarett fits the mold and his psychological profile says he is a driven, goal-oriented player who is willing to work within the framework of a team.

CHRIS MYERS, OG, MIA, 6’4½” 300LBS. Myers is an intelligent blocker with good hand position, effort and intangibles. He pass sets well with good awareness and reaction quickness to pick up stunts and blitzes. Myers versatility makes him a valuable sixth man on the front wall. He needs to play under control consistently, improve his foot speed to cut off block at the second level and improve his angle blocking in space. Can long snap.

PAUL ERNSTER, P/K, NORTHERN ARIZONA, 6’, 217. Ernster led the nation in punting with a 47.8 average on 55 punts and 19 of 20 punts inside the twenty. He was first team Big Sky Conference punter and kicker and will learn to hold on PATs. If Ernster kicks off well enough he will likely replace Jason Baker on the Bronco roster unless the Broncos trade a 7th round draft pick (2006) for Todd Sauerbrun after meeting with him May 9th in Denver. Sauerbrun did not kick off in 2004 but has done so effectively in his career. He has a strong leg (averaged over 44 yards a punt 7 times in 11 years), has never had a punt blocked and would be a dangerous weapon kicking in Denver’s altitude. Ernster could then be developed on the practice squad.

FREEAGENCY

Denver added four collage free agents after the draft: Chad Frienauf, QB, Colorado Mines; Erik Pears, OT, Colorado St.; Brandon Browner, CB, Oregon St.; and, Wesley Duke, TE, Mercer University basketball player (no football team). Denver signed NFL free agent OT, Anthony Clement, 6’8” 333lbs to backup George Foster at right tackle. RB Santonio Beard was released. Restricted FA safety, Sam Brandon re-signed completing Denver’s work with their restricted free agents.

WHERE THEY STAND

The Broncos roster is mostly set for training camp except for a possible veteran or two that could be signed. The Denver media thinks they may pursue wide receiver Az Hakim or Freddie Mitchell. Rookies will have 14 days of work May 16-June 10 before the Broncos primary mini-camp July 6-8. Training camp opens in Dove Valley on July 28th. There are no major starting lineup battles going into camp. The major drama will be Cooper Carlise VS PJ Alexander at guard and Paul Ernster VS Jason Baker for kicking specialist. There will be intense competition for the support spots at RB, DB, and the defensive front that may result in some veterans being cut. Quinton Griffin, already recovering from off-season surgery, just had his right knee scoped but is expected to be ready for camp. He projects as a third down specialist. Mike Anderson, who is also recovering from a season ending injury, will enter camp as the #2 running back with the versatility to play FB. Ron Dayne will face stiff competition from Maurice Clarett for a roster spot, but Denver thinks Dayne fits their system. Kyle Johnson and Cecil Sapp look set at FB. Denver will carry the top 5-6 backs with Tatum Bell entering camp as the starting tailback and Johnson as the starting FB. Brandon Miree, who has seen little playing time in Europe, may also be in the mix, but most likely will be a practice team player again this year. Denver did not draft a WR this year because they did not think any of the receivers available when they picked could beat out the players already on the roster. Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie are starters with Darrius Watts and Triandos Luke battling for the number three spot. Nate Jackson and BJ Johnson are both recovering from injuries and will fight it out for the fifth spot-although there is a possibility the Broncos could carry six WRs. Romar Crenshaw is a dark horse who probably will spend another year on the practice squad. Any veteran Denver brings in would be a long shot to make the team. Denver has a solid 1-2 punch in TEs Jeb Putzier and Stephen Alexander (who can make tough catches in the red zone) and solid backups in Patrick Hape and Mike Leach. If the aging Dwayne Carswell makes the roster as an offensive tackle, he will also serve as an emergency TE. The offensive line is set with veterans with only one new starter. Tyson Clabo (G) is getting extensive playing time in Europe and figures to be a back up along with newly signed Anthony Clement (T). Both Jake Plummer and Danny Kanell are back at QB, but Matt Mauck and Bradlee Van Pelt will challenge for roster spots, possibly leaving Kanell odd man out. The Denver defensive line brings back its total rotation with the exception of Reggie Hayward and Ellis Johnson. The line should be no worse than last year, but holds the promise of being much better with the return of Trevor Pryce and the talented, if under achieving, Cleveland defensive players that are better suited to Denver’s 4-3 defense than Cleveland’s new 3-4. Pryce looks to be in excellent shape with no ill effects from his back injury. The line backing crew was upgraded with the return of Ian Gold and the emergence of DJ Williams. Role and rotational players abound in the front seven and the increased use of the 3-4 defense in nickel packages promises opportunities for everyone to contribute. The secondary is anchored by pro-bowlers Champ Bailey and John Lynch. Lenny Walls (CB) is returning from injury and Nick Ferguson, another eight in the box type player, enters camp as Kennoy Kennedy’s more than adequate replacement at safety. Although many think that Denver reached for the three CBs they drafted, they will push Denver’s 2004 draftees/free agents for roster spots. Oregon State free agent CB Brandon Browner (6’1” 221lbs 4.54/40) and 2004 CB draftee, Jeremy LeSueur will be switched to safety because of their size, hitting ability and cover speed. Denver has many options in the secondary and hopefully they will find the right combination. Special teams received much needed attention with the return of Keith Burns, the drafting of Darrent Williams to return punts and kicks and the cover speed of their draftees. Denver also hopes it found its answer in the kicking game with punter Paul Ernster. Denver ranks number 30 among teams with a rookie cap pool of $2,232,750. The rookie pool is part of the over all cap money, NOT additional money.

THE SCHEDULE

Some observers think Denver failed to improve and will be lucky to go 3-3 in the AFC West with the improved Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers. Their home game slate has no homecoming type games and the road games are no bargain either. They get both Super Bowl teams in Denver where the new stadium is not a home field advantage. Both NE and Philly are better teams than Denver. The Jets and Ravens are contenders and the Redskins have Joe Gibbs and Clinton Portis. On the road, the Broncos get the Giants in NYC in late Oct and the Bills on a Dec night. At Dallas on Thanksgiving (!!!) and hot, humid Miami on opening weekend. Jacksonville in October can be pleasant, but Florida teams seem to have the Broncos number. Last year’s 10-6 record and the playoffs could be a stretch in 2005. Denver plays 5 of their 8 home games before their bye in week nine. The road is a tough place to make a playoff push.

QUARTERBACKS

Jake Plummer is the undisputed starting quarterback and offensive leader of the Broncos. Plummer had a great season except for his interceptions and his inability to load the offense on his shoulders and will them to victory. During camp, the emphasis will be on improving his decision making in the pocket, getting his completion rate up and getting his interceptions down. Elway became comfortable in Shanahan’s offense in his third year and there is no reason to think that it will be any different for Plummer. Whether or not that translates into Broncos wins remains to be seen. But Jake has proven he can handle the offense and all he needs now is some consistent help from his running backs and wide receivers. Danny Kanell goes into camp as the #2 quarterback. Kanell is also going into his third year in Shanahan’s offense but there are those who question his ability to lead the Broncos if Plummer goes down for an extended period of time. Kanell has NFL starting experience as an advantage over Matt Mauck and Bradlee Van Pelt, but Van Pelt’s playing style is more like Plummer’s. There is speculation that Van Pelt will get a long look during camp and pre-season to see if he can handle the #2 spot. At last report, Mauck was still ahead of Van Pelt in his development. If Mauck and Van Pelt make the roster, there is a chance that Colorado Mines QB, Chad Frienauf could make the practice squad.

RUNNING BACKS

Tatum Bell enters camp as the #1 running back based on his late 2004 showing. He has plenty of speed and power for Denver’s system but needs to add muscle to play at 215 pounds. Bell needs to read the line better, let the hole develop and instantly cut back when the hole opens. He will spend extra time improving his receiving skills before the season begins. Two #1 contenders from 2004, Mike Anderson and Quintin Griffin, are returning from injuries. Anderson, who will be 32 in September, goes into camp as the #2 RB but trying to rebound from a painful and difficult to heal groin injury. Griffin, who has been successful in the passing game, projects to be a third down, change of pace back-assuming he is 100% after his injury and recent knee surgery. Ron Dayne is getting his chance to resurrect his career in Denver. He fits the Broncos’ system better than he did the Giants’ system coming from a zone blocking, one cut, down hill running college team. The Broncos think he is a good fit and that he has the physical skills and size to be a pounder. He is five years younger and bigger than Anderson but the drafting of Clarett makes this a one-year stop unless Dayne can unseat Tatum Bell as the number one running back. All the running backs have questions and Denver feels the need to have depth at that position.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Rod Smith is no longer the deep threat he once was, but he is the hardest working wide receiver on the team. Plummer looks for him in the clutch and he rarely fails to produce. It will take more than speed and youth to replace him in the line up and his leadership in the locker room cannot be over estimated. Ashley Lelie has the speed and hands to be an elite wide receiver, but his toughness and dedication remain a question. His forte is the down field stretch, but he must expand his repertoire to include making big catches over the middle and in the red zone. If Lelie is ever to be Denver’s #1 receiver, he will have to improve his blocking. Darrius Watts is expected to come back in year two and have a good season. He is a good after the catch receiver, but needs to improve his consistency catching the ball but has the edge at number 3. He has been working this off-season catching balls from the young QBs and the JUGS machine. He knows the system better and has a little more confidence in his own abilities. Triandos Luke, who played well last year, has the best shot at number 4 if he learns to get off the line of scrimmage better. Nate Jackson (6’3” 223) and Grant Mattos (6’2” 220) provide size. Romar Crenshaw (practice squad) and BJ Johnson (IR-speed, quickness, good hands) round out a group of young receivers that the Broncos really like. A veteran wide receiver is not high on their priority list.

TIGHT ENDS

Jeb Putzier is quick, runs well, has great hands and is difficult to cover. He needs to improve his blocking. Stephan Alexander is an all-around TE who blocks well and can hurt you in the passing game. TE/FB Patrick (touchdown) Hape and long snapper Mike Leach serve as back ups.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Denver uses a 4 zone blocking scheme-wide zone, tight zone, left and right. They do it that way so they can get numerous reps and become good at it. It is simple, adjusts to everything people do and keeps from wasting a play. Denver returns a veteran line with only one new starter. George Foster needs to improve his pass blocking, use his hands better and not get called for holding. Over all, the line shouldn’t miss a beat in 2005.

KICKER

Jason Elam is an elite kicker. He no longer kicks off, saving his leg for long field goals. He is accurate and has the confidence of his teammates and the coaching staff.

DEFENSE

Denver will run a base 4-3 defense and use the 3-4 more often in nickel packages in 2005. Courtney Brown is a big, fast pass rusher. If he stays healthy, he can be a dominant player. The Broncos have a good training program and excellent medical staff and they believe they can keep him healthy. Pryce and Brown give the Broncos a push from the outside, which they have been lacking. Gerard Warren is a young player that is slowly maturing as a person and a football player. Denver is betting that their off-season conditioning program and their defensive coaching staff will elevate his game. Ebenezer Ekuban is not as quick off the edge as Reggie Hayward but is more rugged against the run and doesn’t get lost in traffic. Michael Myers is a versatile defensive lineman that can play both tackle and end. Trevor Pryce is a force and appears to be healthy after last season’s back injury. Keeping Pryce with his work ethic and team focus should help the former Brown’s players upgrade their game and is the key piece of the defensive puzzle. Denver traded away their first round pick to keep Pryce and are looking to him for double-digit sacks. Monsanto Pope is a solid contributor in the rotation at defensive tackle and is backed up by the rest of last year’s rotation. Denver’s defensive line should be able to mount a pass rush and could be a dominant force. Gold, Wilson and Williams are fast, aggressive linebackers who play from sideline to sideline. They are a little under sized but very effective. Lenny Walls must play at a high level coming back from an injury-plagued season. If he does, Champ Bailey will be able to become more of a playmaker and take more risks. Lynch and Ferguson give Denver two hard-hitting safeties for run support, but their lack of speed is a liability in coverage without a good pass rush. Denver drafted speedy defensive backs to help in the nickel and dime packages. The defense should be improved and more consistent game to game.

FANTASY OUTLOOK

Jake Plummer is best suited to be a backup fantasy QB except in 14+ team leagues. He is streaky, with inconsistent receivers on a run first team. He should be good for 3,000 yards passing, 200 rushing and 20+ touchdowns. Shanahan prefers to have one back for the majority of the work. Right now that back is Tatum Bell. Bell should be good for1500-1800 rushing yards 200 receiving and 8-10 touchdowns. Whoever emerges as the #2 running back should be handcuffed to Bell in case of injury. I would also monitor Maurice Clarett’s progress during the season. He could become a factor during the playoff drive. It is doubtful that Denver will have two 1,000-yard wide receivers again this year as Plummer learns to spread the ball around. Smith is the safe choice and Lelie has the upside. Neither should be counted on as your number one wide receiver. Watts will contribute as the #3 wide receiver and Nate Jackson and Triandos Luke will be situational contributors. Watts’s progress should be monitored as a possible waiver wire pick-up for depth. Denver has three tight ends-Putzier, Hape and Alexander-and a fullback (Johnson) that can catch the ball and steal touchdown receptions (each should get 1-2 touchdowns). Therefore, I would look for receivers who don’t have to share the wealth with multiple viable receivers and look to the Denver receivers as low number 2/good number 3 receivers for your fantasy team. Putzier will be the yardage leader at tight end, but the touchdowns will be spread around making Putzier someone to monitor as a waiver wire addition in TE required leagues. Denver averaged 23 points per game in 2004 with poor red zone effectiveness and a deficient power running game. Denver plays against even better defenses this year as they try to improve in those two critical areas. Jason Elam will get his chances and should be considered a solid start every week. The defense’s value depends on your league scoring system. I believe the sacks and turnovers will increase and the yards/points allowed per game will decrease, but this is the optimistic time of year!

[scorpio]

Van Pelt’s playing style is more like Plummer’s. There is speculation that Van Pelt will get a long look during camp and pre-season to see if he can handle the #2 spot.

:pimp:

I've been saying all along Van Pelt is more suited to backup Plummer than Mauck or Kanell. Of course, that's pure homerism (althought he IS more mobile than Kanell and Mauck). I once read a report where he was described as "Brett Favre without all the football skills." :P

Oh well, maybe he'll show us something special in the preseason. I heard he'll actually get to play more than a few downs this time.

[jebures]

Van Pelt’s playing style is more like Plummer’s. There is speculation that Van Pelt will get a long look during camp and pre-season to see if he can handle the #2 spot.

:pimp:

I've been saying all along Van Pelt is more suited to backup Plummer than Mauck or Kanell. Of course, that's pure homerism (althought he IS more mobile than Kanell and Mauck). I once read a report where he was described as "Brett Favre without all the football skills." :P

Oh well, maybe he'll show us something special in the preseason. I heard he'll actually get to play more than a few downs this time.

I still say he sucks, but I wouldn't mind having him prove me wrong. I'll give the guy a chance.

[Sir Mawn]

Van Pelt? Yikes! I want a reliable backup here!

[Odysseus]

GREAT Read! rep!

From a FF standpoint I wouldn't take any Denver RB or Denver WR. Jake Plummer is a great backup but as a starter you can't even handcuff his backup. Denver's defense is the only pickup on this team but ironically none of the players are worthwhile in individual leages. He makes a valid point regarding Rod and Lelie. They have to spread the ball around so everyone's numbers are going to take a dip. I would pick up Jeb as a backup TE. Jason Elam is always a solid K and is someone I like to draft early. The FF sleepers on this team are Clarett and that is only if Bell is injured. Jake has no potential as a sleeper because he's streaky. Even if he does great for a stretch he normally throws in a wretched performance to even things out. If your league plays the KR/PR man I would pick up Darrent Williams late in the draft. He isn't proven but once Dante Hall is of the board the stock of everyone goes down hard.

From a football standpoint I think he's accurate on everything he's pointing out in the draft. When I pointed this out right after the draft it was well recieved and a lot of the details he presented were hard to bring out because the discussion centered around past misgivings.

If you look at the (3) CB's picked up I think it was a great move stabilizing a weak position for the Broncos. Players move up or move on but don't hang around just burning roster space. Champ has a long term deal but in two years might be a little expensive for the Broncos. Walls might move on if the price isn't right.

Broncos has a lot of one year contracts. Most of the Browncos are in a contract year. The number of picks they have explains why they want to remain non committal. The Broncos are betting the Browns like winning and will be back. If not they have draft picks if they stay or comp picks next year if they leave.

Overall I think the Broncos are in good shape for the future and the best position they have been in for years.

[lookin' glass]

Stating the obvious, I believe he means Hayward instead of Herndon in reference to the compensatory pick.

[ludo21]

good read, thanks for that, just reading that re energizes my passion for this season to get underway!!!

[ClevelandBronco2]

Great analysis. Makes me think that my 6-10 prediction is close to reality this season.

But as long as I'm admitting my pessimism for this season, I must restate: The Broncos will play in the AFC Championship game in the 2006-07 season...

[Cleo McDowell]

Great analysis. Makes me think that my 6-10 prediction is close to reality this season.

But as long as I'm admitting my pessimism for this season, I must restate: The Broncos will play in the AFC Championship game in the 2006-07 season...

that has as much premise as me predicting that the broncos will win the super bowl in 2010.

[KansasBronco]

We'll get a comp pick for losing both Hayward and Herndon. Both were starters and lost via free agency. I expect us to have 10 picks for draft day. We had 9, but traded our 7 for Saurbrun. We should get two comp picks that are fairly high. Next years draft will be awesome, especially if Washington stinks like I think they will.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

We'll get a comp pick for losing both Hayward and Herndon. Both were starters and lost via free agency. I expect us to have 10 picks for draft day. We had 9, but traded our 7 for Saurbrun. We should get two comp picks that are fairly high. Next years draft will be awesome, especially if Washington stinks like I think they will.

That second comp pick everyone is speculating about is for Kennedy. Herndon was an untendered UFA. It would be nice to get those two comp picks but we won't know till the season is over and see how they perform. If both are injured in camp for the year, Broncs get nothing.