Tidbit on Maurice Clarett

[ØrangeÇrush]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/8564100


I was speaking with a member of the Denver Broncos when I asked him for an update on Maurice Clarett. What he told me was enlightening, and possibly another example of the Broncos' ability to pick running backs.

Maurice Clarett is showing he might have the instincts to be a productive running back.
Maurice Clarett is showing he might have the instincts to be a productive running back.

Clarett was described as a guy who could really read a zone scheme and a guy with maybe the best hands of the Broncos' backs. "Really read the zone scheme" means Clarett makes very fast, excellent decisions when he gets the ball and can stress a defense's weak spot.

As this Bronco said, Clarett might have run a slow 40-yard dash, but he ran right past one of the fastest linebackers in the NFL the other day at practice. He went on to say Clarett's vision and ability to read makes the 40 time irrelevant. Is it possible the Broncos have done it again with a non-first-round running back?



----------------------------


Sounds great to me.

[fontaine]

I'm more excited about his hands and pass catching ability. Top offenses have to have a RB that is a threat catching the ball and makes the most of a quick pass in the flat and turns it into a first down. If Clarett can do this then it makes our running game multi-dimensional and less predictable, especially inside the red zone.

[ClevelandBronco2]

Is it possible the Broncos have done it again with a non-first-round running back?

I don't just think that it's possible the Broncos have done it again, I think it's bloody likely that they have. Clarett has the talent to become a dominating back once again.

It's all about the work now. If he really can find it in himself to work hard again to be what he was with OSU, we'll have gotten a fourth round steal.

Clarett wasn't a reach. He was a calculated risk. There isn't a better system than the Broncos' system for a guy like Mo to find himself again.

[ØrangeÇrush]

I feel like Montgomery Burns, "Excellent!"

http://inicia.es/de/estrellaee/srburns.jpg

[TheManeMan]

As this Bronco said, Clarett might have run a slow 40-yard dash, but he ran right past one of the fastest linebackers in the NFL the other day at practice.

I really hope that they're talking about Gold and not DJ... :'(

[crazyhorse]

Dont you guys already have a RB? If you needed another back, why not keep Droughns?

Maybe Planahan should have just picked all running backs. That seems to make the locals happy. :deadhorse

[ØrangeÇrush]

Maybe he should have, he screws up a lot of other picks. Besides, Tatum Bell has shown anything besides a proclivity to staying healthy and all our other backs are question marks....the more the merrier. The main thing is that we run the ball well and control the TOP. I don't care which back is doing it as long as it gets done.

[crazyhorse]

Maybe he should have, he screws up a lot of other picks. Besides, Tatum Bell has shown anything besides a proclivity to staying healthy and all our other backs are question marks....the more the merrier. The main thing is that we run the ball well and control the TOP. I don't care which back is doing it as long as it gets done.

I am just saying that you had a back in Droughns that had proven he could run the ball. Why draft one? You had already traded out of the 1st round this year. Then turn around and dump a proven back to spend yet another draft pick on an unproven commodity. On the surface, it seems like a poor investment of resources.

[ØrangeÇrush]

We received two defensive lineman for a 3rd string RB and backup FB. Tell me exactly what is wrong with that?

[crazyhorse]

We received two defensive lineman for a 3rd string RB and backup FB. Tell me exactly what is wrong with that?

There are very few outside the Bronco fans that feel you upgraded the D line. In fact, many feel you took a step backwards. Of course, that is subjective. However, there is a track record to show that the Broncos stand a better chance at being wrong, than right.

That brings me back to the original question. Why get rid of a proven back and draft one that is unproven?

[doof]

There are very few outside the Bronco fans that feel you upgraded the D line. In fact, many feel you took a step backwards. Of course, that is subjective. However, there is a track record to show that the Broncos stand a better chance at being wrong, than right.

That brings me back to the original question. Why get rid of a proven back and draft one that is unproven?

Replacing Reggie Hayward with Brown, Warren, Ekuban, and Meyers, plus getting Trevor Pryce back is taking a step backwards? I think you give Hayward a little too much credit.

[crazyhorse]

Replacing Reggie Hayward with Brown, Warren, Ekuban, and Meyers, plus getting Trevor Pryce back is taking a step backwards? I think you give Hayward a little too much credit.

Are all 5 of those guys going to play Haywards position?

I was under the impression that the Browns had one of, if not the worst defensive line in the NFL.

[ØrangeÇrush]

[QUOTE=crazyhorse]There are very few outside the Bronco fans that feel you upgraded the D line. In fact, many feel you took a step backwards. Of course, that is subjective. However, there is a track record to show that the Broncos stand a better chance at being wrong, than right. I'm not going to get into that debate. I like the moves, but thats an opinion. We won't know till we see them on the field.

That brings me back to the original question. Why get rid of a proven back and draft one that is unproven? this is a shaded question. RD wouldn't have been the starter this year, so why not trade value when its the highest. Thats what everyone would like to do. I think they were going to draft Maurice Claret regardless of whether or not we had Reuben Droughns. You are making the supposition that drafting Clarett was because of Droughns. Can you show that their is a link between the two? Shanny also drafts a RB pretty much every year.

/QUOTE]

[doof]

Are all 5 of those guys going to play Haywards position?

I was under the impression that the Browns had one of, if not the worst defensive line in the NFL.

No, Trevor Pryce is going to play Hayward's position and none of the Brown's players have been handed a starting position, they have been brought in to compete. If they can outcompete last year's starters then the D-Line has obviously been upgraded, but if they can't beat out the starters, they will still add decent depth.

[ØrangeÇrush]

Are all 5 of those guys going to play Haywards position?

I was under the impression that the Browns had one of, if not the worst defensive line in the NFL.


How much of that can be attributed to an inept offense that couldn't move the ball or sustain a drive? Its a subjective question..However they didn't exactly have LB'ers that could stop anyone either. I'm in in a cautiously optimistic state right now.

[crazyhorse]

[QUOTE=crazyhorse]There are very few outside the Bronco fans that feel you upgraded the D line. In fact, many feel you took a step backwards. Of course, that is subjective. However, there is a track record to show that the Broncos stand a better chance at being wrong, than right. I'm not going to get into that debate. I like the moves, but thats an opinion. We won't know till we see them on the field.

That brings me back to the original question. Why get rid of a proven back and draft one that is unproven? this is a shaded question. RD wouldn't have been the starter this year, so why not trade value when its the highest. Thats what everyone would like to do. I think they were going to draft Maurice Claret regardless of whether or not we had Reuben Droughns. You are making the supposition that drafting Clarett was because of Droughns. Can you show that their is a link between the two? Shanny also drafts a RB pretty much every year.



/QUOTE]

Common now, there is a definate link between the two.

There was no way to guarantee that Clarett would be drafted by the Broncos when Droughns was traded. If the draft was that easy to figure, the teams could just tell everyone who they are gonna pick before the draft even started. Especially in the 3rd round. Wouldn't you agree? In fact, there is no gurantee that there would be any good backs left in the 3rd at all.

What I am saying is that there is little value when you turn around and spend a pick on an unproven back right after you have traded away one that has proven he can play.

You traded sure depth away for what might be depth at the position. It just seem like a wasted move to me. I could be wrong. Time will prove that out. But I thought the Broncos had other areas of need without just moving players in and out at a the backup RB spot. Especially for a team like the Broncos that can "plug any back in and get 1500 yards". After not having a 1st rounder this year, what would be the motivation?

[Broncos4Life]

There are very few outside the Bronco fans that feel you upgraded the D line. In fact, many feel you took a step backwards. Of course, that is subjective. However, there is a track record to show that the Broncos stand a better chance at being wrong, than right.

That brings me back to the original question. Why get rid of a proven back and draft one that is unproven?

Well 99% of those people who feel that we didn't upgrade our D-line watch too much ESPN and listen to all the critics on that crappy network. I mean there are so called slackers, underachievers and injury prone guys, but the way I see it is Hayward was an average lineman that wanted to be overpaid for his garbage sacks last season. Screw him. Any one of those guys can fill his shoes. I feel the Browncos are an upgrade because all of them cost less than Hayward alone. And the fact their getting a second chance can make a difference as well. Like many other posters have said, if we get just two productive guys out of the group we still got upgraded. As for Droughns, look at the agent he hired. Shanny doesn't put up with players that hire that dickhead. Just one of the reasons why 3 corners were drafted. Walls in his contract year, will probably be gone regardless of the season he has. Shanny and turner have a talent for finding backs so why question that? So what if MoC is unproven. There were a few other RBs drafted by Denver that were unproven or flew under the radar and look at some of the seasons they had.
You shouldn't even question Denver drafting any RB. Speaking of track records, there is one that says the Broncos stand a better chance at being right than wrong when it comes to RBs.

[crazyhorse]

Well 99% of those people who feel that we didn't upgrade our D-line watch too much ESPN and listen to all the critics on that crappy network. The way I see it is Hayward was an average lineman that wanted to be overpaid for his garbage sacks last season. Screw him. I feel the Browncos are an upgrade because all of them cost less than Hayward alone. And the fact their getting a second chance can make a difference as well. Like many other posters have said, if we get just two productive guys out of the group we still got upgraded. As for Droughns, look at the agent he hired. Shanny doesn't put up with players that hire that dickhead. Just one of the reasons why 3 corners were drafted. Walls in his contract year, will probably be gone regardless of the season he has.

I think that 99% realize that the Browns had one of the worst lines in the NFL, and that Denver didn't. Though Denvers needed to get better, they were not as bad as the Browns line.

You dont have to watch ESPN to feel this way. Just look at the production.

[Broncos4Life]

I think that 99% realize that the Browns had one of the worst lines in the NFL, and that Denver didn't. Though Denvers needed to get better, they were not as bad as the Browns line.

You dont have to watch ESPN to feel this way. Just look at the production.

Yeah, and look at who was the HC and the 3 guys who were behind them missing all those tackles. I can't even name one except for Andra Davis. He was the best player on that defense.

I have to admit I was a little skepticle about bringing all those guys here, but then I looked at the rest of the defense. Three speedy LBs that can tackle pretty damn good, save for Gold, he tends to overpursue a bit, Lynch, Bailey, Fergy, and hopefully a healthy Walls, not to mention Pryce. I just don't see the run defense suffering because of the Browncos. And I only see the pass rush improving. Maybe we are taking a step back. Only time will tell though. I'll bet all my Vbucks at least two of those guys produce. And at least one of them will have 5 sacks by seasons end.

[crazyhorse]

Yeah, and look at who was the HC and the 3 guys who were behind them missing all those tackles. I can't even name one except for Andra Davis. He was the best player on that defense.

I have to admit I was a little skepticle about bringing all those guys here, but then I looked at the rest of the defense. Three speedy LBs that can tackle pretty damn good, save for Gold, he tends to overpursue a bit, Lynch, Bailey, Fergy, and hopefully a healthy Walls, not to mention Pryce. I just don't see the run defense suffering because of the Browncos. And I only see the pass rush improving. Maybe we are taking a step back. Only time will tell though. I'll bet all my Vbucks at least two of those guys produce. And at least one of them will have 5 sacks by seasons end.

If I were you, I'd likely take the same position. So who am I to say that you are wrong. You're right that it will be played out on the field and nobody knows until they suit up and play.

Just remember that when argueing with Chiefs fans about thier optimism. ;)

[ND Bronco Fan]

I think that 99% realize that the Browns had one of the worst lines in the NFL, and that Denver didn't. Though Denvers needed to get better, they were not as bad as the Browns line.

You dont have to watch ESPN to feel this way. Just look at the production.


Remember what started this..........Droughns wanted a new contract, to be paid like a starting running back instead of a backup fullback and Shanny told him no but you can go look for a trade if you want. (Same thing Portis did) So what do you do, have a rb that is going to hold out of camp cuz he is unhappy about his contract? Then what do you have, NO RB's.

[NaptownChief]

I told you guys that the Donks would be sorry for passing up Julius Jones to take Bell...The fact most of you are sporting wood hoping Clarett works out and doesn't quit in the middle of a game tells me you already agree with me.

[bronco militia]

wow..MoC shows great vision and can get past NFL LB's...in a non contact mini camp. ::)

woohoo!!! I just love this time of year. :moody:

[Garcia Bronco]

wow..MoC shows great vision and can get past NFL LB's...in a non contact mini camp. ::)

woohoo!!! I just love this time of year. :moody:

LOL


I do think we got the steal of the draft...but on field production will prove it to the rest.

[Garcia Bronco]

I told you guys that the Donks would be sorry for passing up Julius Jones to take Bell...The fact most of you are sporting wood hoping Clarett works out and doesn't quit in the middle of a game tells me you already agree with me.


Don't work Nappy...Bell will have his place. So will Maurice...so will Johnson...Anderson...and the other guy.

[Jason in LA]

Remember what started this..........Droughns wanted a new contract, to be paid like a starting running back instead of a backup fullback and Shanny told him no but you can go look for a trade if you want. (Same thing Portis did) So what do you do, have a rb that is going to hold out of camp cuz he is unhappy about his contract? Then what do you have, NO RB's.

That's exactly it right there. RD wanted a big contract, and there was talk that he might hold out. This from a guy who wasn't even considered the starter at the end of the season. He was holding the spot warm for Bell. RD didn't want to move back to FB, he wanted to be the featured back, and he wanted to be paid like one. I can't blame him. But if he wanted all of that he had to hit the road. RD had trade value, and Shanny knew he wasn't going to be the starter. It would be dumb not to trade him.

[redrage]

IMHO I thought Droughns was a plugger but not a guy that could take the Broncos offense to an elite level. With Plummer at the controls, the running game has to be near dominant--the level it was reaching with Portis and of course in the heyday of TD--to take the pressure off Jake and make the bootleg near impossible to stop. So I agree with the move to ship him and draft a younger, possibly more upside RB. Clarett wouldn't have been my first choice, but I'm just a fan. It's not really my job to know these things.

As far as the Browns D-line goes, the Broncos traded a fourth for Warren and Droughns for the others (is that right?) in two separate deals. The Droughns for 3 lineman deal I thought was a bit of a wash. The trade for Warren, though, was a good move IMO. This guy really is a good player and if a little maturity seeps into his head, he'll be the steal of the offseason, particulary if paired alongside Pryce.

[Jason in LA]

I told you guys that the Donks would be sorry for passing up Julius Jones to take Bell...The fact most of you are sporting wood hoping Clarett works out and doesn't quit in the middle of a game tells me you already agree with me.

I'd say most people around here have Bell as the starter. I haven't seen anybody want Clarett to get the job. Just because people like the good reports on him doesn't mean people are ready for Bell to get cut.

One of you Chief fans was going on and on about how the Broncos should have picked Steven Jackson instead of DJ. Now it's Julius Jones over Bell. This is silly. The DJ pick is already a good one, and will be a great one by the end of this season. By the end of this season we'll be saying the samething about Bell. He'll get his 1500+, and Clarett can get a few hundred here and there.

[bronco militia]

Droughns never threatened to hold out if he wasn't traded. Although, a pay increase was part of the deal when Rosenhaus negotiated the deal with Cleveland. Either way, the Broncos were in the right to trade another "system back" for any depth at DL.

[bronco militia]

I'd say most people around here have Bell as the starter. I haven't seen anybody want Clarett to get the job. Just because people like the good reports on him doesn't mean people are ready for Bell to get cut.

.

sure, but according to the mini camp depth chart/reports, Mike Anderson is the starter.

[Jason in LA]

IMHO I thought Droughns was a plugger but not a guy that could take the Broncos offense to an elite level. With Plummer at the controls, the running game has to be near dominant--the level it was reaching with Portis and of course in the heyday of TD--to take the pressure off Jake and make the bootleg near impossible to stop. So I agree with the move to ship him and draft a younger, possibly more upside RB. Clarett wouldn't have been my first choice, but I'm just a fan. It's not really my job to know these things.

As far as the Browns D-line goes, the Broncos traded a fourth for Warren and Droughns for the others (is that right?) in two separate deals. The Droughns for 3 lineman deal I thought was a bit of a wash. The trade for Warren, though, was a good move IMO. This guy really is a good player and if a little maturity seeps into his head, he'll be the steal of the offseason, particulary if paired alongside Pryce.

I agree with you to a point about the running game. I agree that RD wasn't the guy to take the Broncos to the next level. He didn't have the big play ability that is needed. But I wouldn't call the Broncos running game dominant under Portis. Far from it. I'd say the running game was better with RD. Portis was an all or nothing back. The Broncos need a back that can give a little of both worlds. Big plays and tough yards. That's what TD was. We're hoping that's what Bell will be. Bell has Portis speed, and he's just as big as TD. If he can get the tough yards the Broncos running game can be dominanat.

The Broncos got Ekuban and Meyers for RD. They'll both add depth to the line. Ekuban had 8 sacks in limited duty last year.

Looking at what the Broncos had on their D line last year, there is no question they are better this year. Last year it was Hayward and a bunch of nobodies. This year it's Pryce and a bunch of somebodies. Health is the only issue.

[Jason in LA]

Droughns never threatened to hold out if he wasn't traded. Although, a pay increase was part of the deal when Rosenhaus negotiated the deal with Cleveland. Either way, the Broncos were in the right to trade another "system back" for any depth at DL.

The way I understood it was RD would have held out if the Broncos didn't give him a new deal. I don't think he's gotten a new deal in Cleveland yet, and I heard rumors of a possible holdout there. I think he walked out of a mini camp, or offseason training, or something like that.

[bronco militia]

The way I understood it was RD would have held out if the Broncos didn't give him a new deal. I don't think he's gotten a new deal in Cleveland yet, and I heard rumors of a possible holdout there. I think he walked out of a mini camp, or offseason training, or something like that.

no about the holdout in Denver.....the Browns agreed to redo his deal as part of the trade. The Browns made an offer, Rosenhaus countered, the Browns then said they wanted to see what he could do on the field before renegotiating his deal. Droughns held out for a day or two of mini camp, but later returned.

[NaptownChief]

Don't work Nappy...Bell will have his place. So will Maurice...so will Johnson...Anderson...and the other guy.


That is fine by me and preferred....I hope you guys have to keep spending multiple first day picks to solve your RB position...

[bronco militia]

That is fine by me and preferred....I hope you guys have to keep spending multiple first day picks to solve your RB position...

Uhh

[Beantown Bronco]

That is fine by me and preferred....I hope you guys have to keep spending multiple first day picks to solve your RB position...

Too bad the Broncos have never spent multiple first day picks on RBs....at least not in my lifetime. Nice try, though.

[Jason in LA]

That is fine by me and preferred....I hope you guys have to keep spending multiple first day picks to solve your RB position...

You say that like they have a problem there. There is nothing to be solved.

[Jason in LA]

sure, but according to the mini camp depth chart/reports, Mike Anderson is the starter.

We all know that's not going to holdup. Bell will be the starter.

[NaptownChief]

Too bad the Broncos have never spent multiple first day picks on RBs....at least not in my lifetime. Nice try, though.


I thought Bell was a 2nd rounder and Quitter Clarett was a 3rd rounder....Am I mistaken?

[bronco militia]

We all know that's not going to holdup. Bell will be the starter.


never say never...although I was very surprised when I ran across it.

[Merlin]

If MC ends up being a stud, the Broncos may have another wonderful trading tool next year, especially if he does well this year (Tatum Bell). Basically a 3 rd (early fourth) round draft choice gives you the opportunity to trade Bell for a great draft choice the next year. Granted, there are so many ifs in there what can get lost. But considering it is the Broncos and the success they have had with RBs, it is certainly viable.

Merlin

[redrage]

That is fine by me and preferred....I hope you guys have to keep spending multiple first day picks to solve your RB position...
Have they? Portis was a second rounder after Anderson surprised after his rookie campaign. I imagine Shanahan saw a lot of Droughns in Anderson. Tough runners that could hit the hole, but can't really pull away consistently.

Portis was just what Jason said--Breakaway speed, but inconsistent in tough yard conversions.

It certainly seems as if Shanahan is still trying to find Terrell Davis II. Until he does, I doubt he'll invest any money in the position, and I can't say I blame him--especially as well as they find RB's to fill the job adequately enough. That's why Portis was dealt and why Droughns was dealt. both were good in the system, but wasn't worth it to put millions of dollars into the position. I imagine once Shanahan finds that player, he'll try to keep him around.

[bronco militia]

I thought Bell was a 2nd rounder and Quitter Clarett was a 3rd rounder....Am I mistaken?

Q was a 4th rounder, but drafted the previous year....considering the history of Broncos RB's, they should be drafting a RB every year. IMO, the Broncos needed a RB this year, but I didn't think they needed the baggage or attention of Clarret.

[NaptownChief]

If MC ends up being a stud, the Broncos may have another wonderful trading tool next year, especially if he does well this year (Tatum Bell). Basically a 3 rd (early fourth) round draft choice gives you the opportunity to trade Bell for a great draft choice the next year. Granted, there are so many ifs in there what can get lost. But considering it is the Broncos and the success they have had with RBs, it is certainly viable.

Merlin



Droughens went for virtually nothing...E.James had little market....S.Alexander had little market....Travis Henry has had little market...

Portis might be the last RB traded for high value in a while...It appears that most teams learned from Washington's mistake.

[redrage]

I guess you're right Nappy. Portis and Bell were second rounders and Clarett was a third. Sounds like multiple first round picks to me.

However, Portis and Bell essentially used only 1 pick together since the trade with Washington yielded the second rounder back.

[Jason in LA]

I thought Bell was a 2nd rounder and Quitter Clarett was a 3rd rounder....Am I mistaken?

Are the Broncos supposed to not draft RB?

Bell was drafted because Portis turned into Champ Bailey. Sounds like a good deal to me.

Clarett was an end of the 3rd round pick, which was the Broncos 3rd, 3rd round pick. Where is the risk? End of the 3rd round players aren't drafted to be impact players. Most picks outside of the first two rounds are mostly for depth. Team's hope to find some gems, but they know most of those guys aren't going to pan out.

[Jason in LA]

However, Portis and Bell essentially used only 1 pick together since the trade with Washington yielded the second rounder back.

That's pretty much it right there.

[bronco militia]

Droughens went for virtually nothing...E.James had little market....S.Alexander had little market....Travis Henry has had little market...

Portis might be the last RB traded for high value in a while...It appears that most teams learned from Washington's mistake.

considering who the Broncos had for DL in 2004, their success of finding other RB's, and it was a buyers market for RB's, the Broncos got a steal when they got the 2 for 1 deal.

[Merlin]

Droughens went for virtually nothing...E.James had little market....S.Alexander had little market....Travis Henry has had little market...
Portis might be the last RB traded for high value in a while...It appears that most teams learned from Washington's mistake.
Market is dictated by what is available each year and by the cost of said player (financial and trade). Droughens went for good value from our perspective since he would have been bench warmer, instead we get a very decent lineman. S. Alexander is a question of cost (he is very expensive, TB would not be). Travis Henry happen to come out in a very strong year for RBs (both for trade and draft). To measure the value of RBs by this year is totally absurd.

BTW, there always is a team that is willing to overpay for a player (be it a 1st round RB that spend 2 years warming the bench or in trade for a CB)

Merlin

[NaptownChief]

Are the Broncos supposed to not draft RB?




Not when you have great gems like Ron Dayne on the roster. ;D

[NaptownChief]

BTW, there always is a team that is willing to overpay for a player


That is certainly the Donks attitude but they often find out it isn't close to the truth ala Rat thinking he would get a 1st round pick for a turd like Orlandis Gary...

[bloodsunday]

Dont you guys already have a RB? If you needed another back, why not keep Droughns?

Maybe Planahan should have just picked all running backs. That seems to make the locals happy. :deadhorse
Coming from a fan of a team that used a #1 to backup Holmes. Hilarious!

If anything, the Chefs should know the value of a backup RB.

[DBroncos4life]

Well so far none of the Broncos backs have never been told to take off there huggies and get ready to play. Not saying that LJ was a bad pick, but it wasn't really a need. Blaylock looked like a stud behind that line but as we all know that line is aging fast and shouldn't be together much longer so I guess that will make LJ a better back to have then Blaylock.

Now to Jones, he was hurt as well for the Boys last year and if they have a back besides over used Eddie then Jones may not have seen the field last year. Looking at the stats I wouldn't say that we picked wrong anyways. Bell had 5.3 yard avg and Jones had a 4.2 YPC avg. I think if Jones was 5'11" instead of 5'9" we may have picked him instead.

[Beantown Bronco]

I thought Bell was a 2nd rounder and Quitter Clarett was a 3rd rounder....Am I mistaken?

These were different drafts. By your statement you implied that the Broncos used multiple first day picks in the same draft. Never happened.

If you meant to say they used multiple first day picks in different drafts on the same position, then every team in the league is guilty of this for every position. Right?

[bloodsunday]

I am just saying that you had a back in Droughns that had proven he could run the ball. Why draft one? You had already traded out of the 1st round this year. Then turn around and dump a proven back to spend yet another draft pick on an unproven commodity. On the surface, it seems like a poor investment of resources.
This is just bad logic. First of all, Droughns proved to be fumble prone and just wasn't very explosive (in the redzone mainly). He was a steady guy, but he wore down and was not the answer to our long term situation. Also, don't equate the first round trade to picking a back in the 3rd round. Denver traditionally drafts at least one back becuase their shelf-live is short. Clarett was available and Denver believes he is a first round talent. They feel they got good value on that pick; time will tell if they are correct.

Remember that there are rumblings of as many as 9 teams that would have selected him in the 4th round, so Denver would not have had another shot at him.

[NaptownChief]

These were different drafts. By your statement you implied that the Broncos used multiple first day picks in the same draft. Never happened.





The only one that implied what I said was you....

[fontaine]

That is certainly the Donks attitude but they often find out it isn't close to the truth ala Rat thinking he would get a 1st round pick for a turd like Orlandis Gary...

It's must be pretty quite on chefsplanet for you to be trying so hard to bait posters here.

[bloodsunday]

There are very few outside the Bronco fans that feel you upgraded the D line. In fact, many feel you took a step backwards. Of course, that is subjective. However, there is a track record to show that the Broncos stand a better chance at being wrong, than right.
At the end of the season there will be 31 teams that are "wrong" and only 1 "right". So I'd say that everyone stands on the wrong side of those percentages. Denver has a much better track record -- even since Elway -- than at least 2/3 of the teams in the NFL.

Gary Horton just posted on ESPN.com: "However, in my opinion, there is nobody else in the NFL that can get more out of this roster than Shanahan. In the post Elway era, this has still been a very competetive football team in a very tough division."

[NaptownChief]

It's must be pretty quite on chefsplanet for you to be trying so hard to bait posters here.



The Planet gets blocked out here at work by the company blocking software. Pretty good software I suppose as it realizes the people on the Mane aren't smart enough to pose any kind of threat worth blocking.


How's that for baiting....

[bloodsunday]

There are very few outside the Bronco fans that feel you upgraded the D line. In fact, many feel you took a step backwards. Of course, that is subjective.
A couple of points:
1) Yes that is subjective
2) People should spend less time listening to Len P and looking at this for themselves. We got 4 d-lineman with more talent than Hayward, for less than the Jagwods paid him. Is it a risk? Of course. But its a risk with a whole lot of upside and not much downside. I'd rather use one of our 2 first round picks on a d-lineman next year then be worried about how to swallow Hayward's $25 mill.
3) There is just no way this d-line went backwards. Whether or not they upgraded certainly depends on the Browncos, but then again we already knew that?

[bloodsunday]

You dont have to watch ESPN to feel this way. Just look at the production.
That's a short-sighted perspective. Take it if you want to, but the reality is that it takes 11 people on one side of the ball. What's more, it takes a committment as an organization. To say that Cleveland's struggles as a team, or even as a defense, was solely because of these 4 players is ridiculous. Let's not forget that at least 5 teams were courting C Brown, including the Browns.

[Jason in LA]

Coming from a fan of a team that used a #1 to backup Holmes. Hilarious!

If anything, the Chefs should know the value of a backup RB.

Rep for that one. I don't see how we all missed that one.

[bloodsunday]

A Cleveland fan just posted the following in a Chat about Droughns:

rob (jersey city): Does Cleveland actually believe that Reuben Droughns will be their #1 back this season or did they just bring him in as an insurance policy for Lee Suggs? Droughns,if you recall, was benched last year after fumbling problems and lost his job to Tatum Bell for the rest of the year basically...

--

See he gets it. We let Droughns go because his stats were deceiving. He was not explosive enough and became a bit unreliable.

[fontaine]

The Planet gets blocked out here at work by the company blocking software. Pretty good software I suppose as it realizes the people on the Mane aren't smart enough to pose any kind of threat worth blocking.


How's that for baiting....

I figured it was something like that.

[NaptownChief]

Rep for that one. I don't see how we all missed that one.



That is good back slapping stuff until you know what you are talking about and find out that the Chiefs have a grand total of exactly 1 RB on the entire roster that a draft pick was used to acquire....That is including FB's.

That is real rep worthy now isn't it...

[Beantown Bronco]

That is good back slapping stuff until you know what you are talking about and find out that the Chiefs have a grand total of exactly 1 RB on the entire roster that a draft pick was used to acquire....That is including FB's.

That is real rep worthy now isn't it...

Too busy drafting punters on the first day.

[NaptownChief]

Too busy drafting punters on the first day.



Sometimes that is what you have to do if you want a good punter that is steroid free.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I told you guys that the Donks would be sorry for passing up Julius Jones to take Bell...The fact most of you are sporting wood hoping Clarett works out and doesn't quit in the middle of a game tells me you already agree with me.

Julius Jones is a fragile, injury waiting to happen. By the trading deadline Big Tuna will be wanting to trade a fisrt round pick for Dayne.

[bloodsunday]

That is good back slapping stuff until you know what you are talking about and find out that the Chiefs have a grand total of exactly 1 RB on the entire roster that a draft pick was used to acquire....That is including FB's.
What the hell does that have to do with it? If you haven't drafted an RB, then why do your WR suck so bad? Besides, your point was that we should not have drafted another one when we were stable at the position, which is EXACTLY the same thing the Chiefs did, regardless of previous transactions. Droughns was not a Denver draft pick either. We got him off the scrap heap.

Research a little before you post. Or does you company block those sites as well? ???

[DBroncos4life]

Sometimes that is what you have to do if you want a good punter that is steroid free.



Thats funny my wife who is a Med student says she got Roids for your punter all the time, not only that she got him some STD meds as well.

[NaptownChief]

What the hell does that have to do with it? ???


Being the one that thought you were all cute acting like I was the pot calling the kettle black for spending multiple 1st day picks to address the RB position it has everything to do with it....But that must be a little too deep for you to comprehend.

[NaptownChief]

not only that she got him some STD meds as well.



It is only right since she was the one that gave him the STD in the first place.

[DBroncos4life]

It is only right since she was the one that gave him the STD in the first place.


yo mama

[bloodsunday]

Being the one that thought you were all cute acting like I was the pot calling the kettle black for spending multiple 1st day picks to address the RB position it has everything to do with it....But that must be a little too deep for you to comprehend.
Are you talking about over the course of multiple drafts? That is just a dumb over generalization. I guess you believe in black and white only? Each season presents different situations. This season, we had a back up FB that was demanding a huge contract after one good season, so we cut bait. That left us with 2 guys coming of IR and a second year player. Clearly our personnel decisions are not as insightful as Carl Peterson's, but I would say there was reason to bring in another back, especially when the organization considered him a good value pick. We have had a ton of injuries at that spot recently and yet we get good production out of the position. I'd say that we are smart to keep bringin em in.

I just don't understand what your argument is here.

[NaptownChief]

especially when the organization considered him a good value pick.


A stellar value pick...A slow, troubled quitter that many teams had off their board and those that didn't take him off their board had him as a 5th-7th rounder by most accounts. You guys definitely stole one there.

[bloodsunday]

A stellar value pick...A slow, troubled quitter that many teams had off their board and those that didn't take him off their board had him as a 5th-7th rounder by most accounts. You guys definitely stole one there.
Well that is a matter of opinion. In case you missed it, not everyone was in love with the Chiefs draft either. You make decisions that you think will help your team and then let them unfold.

[DBroncos4life]

A stellar value pick...A slow, troubled quitter that many teams had off their board and those that didn't take him off their board had him as a 5th-7th rounder by most accounts. You guys definitely stole one there.


well we trade to trade out of the first and over reach on a DT.

[bronco militia]

A stellar value pick...A slow, troubled quitter that many teams had off their board and those that didn't take him off their board had him as a 5th-7th rounder by most accounts. You guys definitely stole one there.

the 101st pick of the draft is hardly a steal...

[Tom A Hawk]

The thing that appears to be true is.....Shanahanass knows a great deal about rb talent......Denver is probably the only hope slo mo had to make the NFL. If doesn't do it there...he won't. We will see if the streak stays alive.

[Jason in LA]

That is good back slapping stuff until you know what you are talking about and find out that the Chiefs have a grand total of exactly 1 RB on the entire roster that a draft pick was used to acquire....That is including FB's.

That is real rep worthy now isn't it...

They used a first round pick. It doesn't compare to the picks that the Broncos used. A first round pick is supposed to be an impact player. And they used it when they had one of the best RBs in the league. It's proven to be a wasted pick. They would have been better off if they used that pick else where, like on defense. Nobody used a first round pick on a RB who is going to ride the bench. What first round RB pick, besides McGahee (injury), was drafted to sit on the bench as a rookie? That's just a dumb pick.

The 2nd round pick for Portis paid off big time. Over 3000 yards, and then it gets them Champ and a 2nd round pick. Bell will pay off this year. Even if Clarett doesn't pay off, does it really matter? Not really. He wasn't a first round pick, like Johnson.

[Kaylore]

I'm more excited about his hands and pass catching ability. Top offenses have to have a RB that is a threat catching the ball and makes the most of a quick pass in the flat and turns it into a first down. If Clarett can do this then it makes our running game multi-dimensional and less predictable, especially inside the red zone.
Totally agree. It's important to be able to have your back double as a receiving threat so you can keep the defenses from keying on what you're going to do too much. Bobby T recently spoke about this being critical to having a "complete" back. I had a thread where I asked who has the best hands of the backs for this reason. It will be interesting to see where things fall as camp wears on.

[redrage]

Nobody used a first round pick on a RB who is going to ride the bench. What first round RB pick, besides McGahee (injury), was drafted to sit on the bench as a rookie? That's just a dumb pick.


Trung Canidate

In fact when the Rams made that pick after Marshall Faulk's injury-free MVP season, the rationale was that the RB position was the most important position to that offense and that if Fualk went down, they would be screwed. Many draft pundits and NFL 'experts' lauded it as a savvy move. Next seaosn the Rams had maybe a worse defense than KC has had the last three seasons.

Flash forward to when KC drafted Johnson. Priest just missed the last 2 games with the hip injury and NO ONE--not even Blaylock--stepped up to perform well in the last two games. KC running game sucked in those two games. So the thought was very similar to the Rams. The RB position was a vital position for this offense in particular and Priest's recovery was very much in the air in April of that year. So they drafted Johnson and were crucified, even thought they had a more legit reason to take a RB than the Rams (and the Bills in the same draft).

Should they have gone defense. Probably. Who was there? No guarantees in that pick either. In hindsight it would've made more sense and at the time it was a head-scratcher to me as well, but LJ proved last year that he is a very good RB in this system and KC has one of the stongest units in the league now.

[Jason in LA]

Trung Canidate

In fact when the Rams made that pick after Marshall Faulk's injury-free MVP season, the rationale was that the RB position was the most important position to that offense and that if Fualk went down, they would be screwed. Many draft pundits and NFL 'experts' lauded it as a savvy move. Next seaosn the Rams had maybe a worse defense than KC has had the last three seasons.

Flash forward to when KC drafted Johnson. Priest just missed the last 2 games with the hip injury and NO ONE--not even Blaylock--stepped up to perform well in the last two games. KC running game sucked in those two games. So the thought was very similar to the Rams. The RB position was a vital position for this offense in particular and Priest's recovery was very much in the air in April of that year. So they drafted Johnson and were crucified, even thought they had a more legit reason to take a RB than the Rams (and the Bills in the same draft).

Should they have gone defense. Probably. Who was there? No guarantees in that pick either. In hindsight it would've made more sense and at the time it was a head-scratcher to me as well, but LJ proved last year that he is a very good RB in this system and KC has one of the stongest units in the league now.

You are using Mike Martz to support your argument? That's funny. You used a situation that was a complete failure to justify the Chiefs picking a RB with the first pick, that has produced nothing because he can't get on the field.

[DBroncos4life]

You are using Mike Martz to support your argument? That's funny. You used a situation that was a complete failure to justify the Chiefs picking a RB with the first pick, that has produced nothing because he can't get on the field.



Toss in the fact that Blaylock could have rushed for just as many yards as LJ as well and you have to wonder about that pick. LJ looks like a good young back but that line could make lots of people look good just like Denvers system.

[redrage]

You are using Mike Martz to support your argument? That's funny. You used a situation that was a complete failure to justify the Chiefs picking a RB with the first pick, that has produced nothing because he can't get on the field.
You just mentioned that nobody drafts a RB in the first round with the intention of having him sit and I provided another example.

I thought it was idiotic when Martz did it, given Faulk's health and other team shortcomings, but I rememeber many analysts understanding the rationale if not agreeing with it.

If you read closely, I said that KC had an even better reason for drafting a RB at that time given Priest's uncertainy and the importance of the RB in this offense. KC had ZERO depth behind Holmes based on the last two games on the season.

At the very least LJ isn't a bust which a defensive pick could have been and left KC even worse off. To say it was a bad pick 2-3 years later is wrong. A smart use of picks? Probably not. A wasted pick? Absolutely not.

[redrage]

Toss in the fact that Blaylock could have rushed for just as many yards as LJ as well and you have to wonder about that pick. LJ looks like a good young back but that line could make lots of people look good just like Denvers system.
Maybe. I don't see Blaylock as being a featured back. I really just don't think he is talented enough or durable enough.

Blaylock did well in subbing for Priest, but it was crystal clear that LJ was the better back once he started getting carries.

[bronco militia]

Toss in the fact that Blaylock could have rushed for just as many yards as LJ as well and you have to wonder about that pick. LJ looks like a good young back but that line could make lots of people look good just like Denvers system.

no doubt...and who else could get away with having trINT as your QB and Eddie Kennison, and Jonnie Morton as your starting WR'S? Hilarious!

I'll never forget watching, what I thought was one of the greatest defensive players of our time, Ray Lewis, get absolutely destroyed on national TV by that Chief OL....and you guys still finished 7-9.

[NaptownChief]

Trung Canidate

In fact when the Rams made that pick after Marshall Faulk's injury-free MVP season, the rationale was that the RB position was the most important position to that offense and that if Fualk went down, they would be screwed. Many draft pundits and NFL 'experts' lauded it as a savvy move. Next seaosn the Rams had maybe a worse defense than KC has had the last three seasons.




They did it again last year with Jackson....Bears possibly could have done it with Ced Benson...My guess is spending a pick that high they will send Thomas Jones into a 3rd down role but nontheless...Giants did it when they had Barber and took the Donks new bust Dayne. Saints did it when they took McCallister and had Ricky...Been done many times.

[DBroncos4life]

Maybe. I don't see Blaylock as being a featured back. I really just don't think he is talented enough or durable enough.

Blaylock did well in subbing for Priest, but it was crystal clear that LJ was the better back once he started getting carries.



That maybe but looking at things you could have kept Blaylock as a backup and drafted another RB down the line lets say Jackson last year instead of trading out of the first to pick a DT (who was a HUGE reach I might add) Now I can't say KC would have picked someone good instead of LJ but it wasn't a NEED pick from my veiw. I maybe one of a hand full that think that it wasn't a bad pick here either but they could have went another way and been just fine.

[redrage]

They did it again last year with Jackson....Bears possibly could have done it with Ced Benson...My guess is spending a pick that high they will send Thomas Jones into a 3rd down role but nontheless...Giants did it when they had Barber and took the Donks new bust Dayne. Saints did it when they took McCallister and had Ricky...Been done many times.
I forgot the Giants and Saints examples. Good catch.

BTW, not everyone can run behind KC's line. Mike Cloud AND Derrick Blaylock were given the chance after Priest went down and both sucked ass. Had either one of them showed anything at that time, I doubt LJ would have been seen as a priority.

[DBroncos4life]

They did it again last year with Jackson....Bears possibly could have done it with Ced Benson...My guess is spending a pick that high they will send Thomas Jones into a 3rd down role but nontheless...Giants did it when they had Barber and took the Donks new bust Dayne. Saints did it when they took McCallister and had Ricky...Been done many times.



It was clear that Faulk was and is on his way out. Bears did but Jones hasn't proven to be the answer either. Our NEW bust as you like to point out could end up like a OLD bust by the name of Rueb. I agree that it has been done before though. The Hawks did it when they had Green as well by drafting Alexander.

[Rascal]

That brings me back to the original question. Why get rid of a proven back and draft one that is unproven?

When you have a history of being able to bring in any back and they become one of the leagues best (# wise anyway), why pay millions of dollars on them when you can get a cheaper one and fill in other areas of your team? Not including the fact that your RB coach was very high on Clarett and wanted him badly (this is the guy that can turn coal into a diamond by sitting on it). Droughns had a career year that will probably never happen ever again. He was a receipiant of a good system, and we got a lot for him. Travis Henry, Shaun Alexander, etc are a lot better backs then him and their respective teams are rumored to be asking for a third and second round pick respectfully. The fact we got a third for him I consider grand theft.

Even if clarett ends up being a bust we have Bell, Anderson, Griffin, and a host of others to take up the slack.

[DBroncos4life]

I forgot the Giants and Saints examples. Good catch.

BTW, not everyone can run behind KC's line. Mike Cloud AND Derrick Blaylock were given the chance after Priest went down and both sucked ass. Had either one of them showed anything at that time, I doubt LJ would have been seen as a priority.



Blaylock had 8 tds and a 4.6 ypc avg while backing up Holmes last year. The one game I think he started he had 186 yards rushing as well. I think he did OK.

[redrage]

That maybe but looking at things you could have kept Blaylock as a backup and drafted another RB down the line lets say Jackson last year instead of trading out of the first to pick a DT (who was a HUGE reach I might add) Now I can't say KC would have picked someone good instead of LJ but it wasn't a NEED pick from my veiw. I maybe one of a hand full that think that it wasn't a bad pick here either but they could have went another way and been just fine.
The problem with that line of thought is that no one know when you'll need quality depth. The year after his injury (LJ's rookie year) Priest set the NFL record for TD's. Who would've thought that? Hell TJ was spouting all kinds of things on the Planet that his career was over.

If he had gotten hurt that year and KC not drafted LJ, KC would've been screwed IMO.

This crowd should know more than anyone that you can't just plug any old driver into a Ferrari and expect it to perform the same. (For those not familar with the reference see: Elway to Brister to Griese transition years)

[redrage]

Blaylock had 8 tds and a 4.6 ypc avg while backing up Holmes last year. The one game I think he started he had 186 yards rushing as well. I think he did OK.
Against the Saints and they were the only defense worse than KC's.

And 4 of those TD's were in mop-up duty in the demolishing of Ron Mexico's crew.

[DBroncos4life]

The problem with that line of thought is that no one know when you'll need quality depth. The year after his injury (LJ's rookie year) Priest set the NFL record for TD's. Who would've thought that? Hell TJ was spouting all kinds of things on the Planet that his career was over.

If he had gotten hurt that year and KC not drafted LJ, KC would've been screwed IMO.

This crowd should know more than anyone that you can't just plug any old driver into a Ferrari and expect it to perform the same. (For those not familar with the reference see: Elway to Brister to Griese transition years)



While you can't plug any qb into a system you can RB's. Its been proven. Davis, Gary, Anderson, Portis, and Reub all went for over 1000 yards here. The only team that I would say was a QB system was 49ers with Montana, Young, Bono, and one other that I forget at this time.

[redrage]

While you can't plug any qb into a system you can RB's. Its been proven. Davis, Gary, Anderson, Portis, and Reub all went for over 1000 yards here. The only team that I would say was a QB system was 49ers with Montana, Young, Bono, and one other that I forget at this time.
Could KC have found an adequate replacemnt for Priest? Yes. Absolutely. Blaylock demonstrated that he could fill in adequately a year later than was needed.

Davis was stellar in this offense. Gary, Anderson, Portis and Reub have all been less so according to most of the posters here. They all seem to be lacking one thing keeping the offense from becoming dominant again. Personally I think that one thing could be the QB, but I digress.

Yes Blaylock could have gotten 1000 yards and 8-13 TDS in this system, but LJ can get 1500+ and 15-20 TDs and that is a big difference for an offense.

I honestly don't think that big of a dropoff will occur with LJ when Priest hangs it up. I don't think I could say the same if Blaylock were the backup.

[redrage]

Blaylock had 8 tds and a 4.6 ypc avg while backing up Holmes last year. The one game I think he started he had 186 yards rushing as well. I think he did OK.
And Johnson had a 4.8 average with 9 TD including 2 more receiving. He also showed better goal line skills and breakaway speed.

[DBroncos4life]

And Johnson had a 4.8 average with 9 TD including 2 more receiving. He also showed better goal line skills and breakaway speed.


You are missing the point here. I already told you that LJ is a better STARTING back but we are talking about someone to backup Holmes. KC could have waited till this year or the next year to find a back to replace Holmes and found a WR, LB, or CB in the draft where they picked LJ in the first round. Blaylock would have been just fine backing up Holmes, even more so if you look at the fact that he was the 2nd back in the first place while LJ was 3rd.

[Garcia Bronco]

Johnson was picked as leverage against Holmes...end-of-story....and it was a good idea too.

[NaptownChief]

You are missing the point here. I already told you that LJ is a better STARTING back but we are talking about someone to backup Holmes. KC could have waited till this year or the next year to find a back to replace Holmes and found a WR, LB, or CB in the draft where they picked LJ in the first round. Blaylock would have been just fine backing up Holmes, even more so if you look at the fact that he was the 2nd back in the first place while LJ was 3rd.



I completely agree with that...The one factor not mentioned is that Holmes hip was still a big question mark at the time of the draft as was his contract demands...So that forced their hand a bit more to take a RB but personally I wouldn't have done it...I would have gone for a WR, CB or LB'er...Since Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson were well gone by our 16th pick I would have taken Boss Bailey, Andre Wolfolk or Sammy Davis....Bailey would have proably been my pick.

[DBroncos4life]

I completely agree with that...The one factor not mentioned is that Holmes hip was still a big question mark at the time of the draft as was his contract demands...So that forced their hand a bit more to take a RB but personally I wouldn't have done it...I would have gone for a WR, CB or LB'er...Since Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson were well gone by our 16th pick I would have taken Boss Bailey, Andre Wolfolk or Sammy Davis....Bailey would have proably been my pick.



I agree there. It was a risk that they need to take, kind of like us drafting Terry Peirce when we did.

[epicSocialism4tw]

What I do know about Clarett is that he helped lead a team to the Natl. Championship, and that Shanahan knew that probably 32 out of 32 teams were willing to draft him. I also know that Shanahan knows value with late round runners and he was willing to jump the gun a little and spend a late 3rd on him. That tells me that this kid has something that the Broncos really liked. From the scouting reports and the footage I have seen, I think that he is a tougher and smarter Terrell Davis who can catch. That sounds pretty good to me.

[NaptownChief]

I think that he is a tougher and smarter Terrell Davis who can catch. That sounds pretty good to me.



Goodness....Tougher? He was knicked up a few times in his one year at OSU. Smarter? Seriously...


You just kicked TD in the crotch and followed it up with a knee lift to the head. I'm not even a Donk fan and I am offended by those comments.

[Ballhawk]

Dont you guys already have a RB? If you needed another back, why not keep Droughns?

Maybe Planahan should have just picked all running backs. That seems to make the locals happy. :deadhorse


This may be about the dumbest question I have read (not posted by Bob).

Broncos have a player to play every position, so why draft at all...depth, competition, youth...

[bronco militia]

Goodness....Tougher? He was knicked up a few times in his one year at OSU. Smarter? Seriously...


You just kicked TD in the crotch and followed it up with a knee lift to the head. I'm not even a Donk fan and I am offended by those comments.

you never know....TD was injury prone for his entire college career...but I still hate the pick

[TheChamp247]

I told you guys that the Donks would be sorry for passing up Julius Jones to take Bell...The fact most of you are sporting wood hoping Clarett works out and doesn't quit in the middle of a game tells me you already agree with me.

WTF???? why r we sorry for passing up jj? look who we got with that pick! D.J.! we are the broncos, we go though running backs like a guy named muhammed goes though airport security. over the past 10 years we have had T.D, olandis gary, mike anderson, clinton ports, ruben droughnes, and now taco bell or Mo C. we are fine at R.B. people

[NaptownChief]

WTF???? why r we sorry for passing up jj? look who we got with that pick! D.J.!


Not with the DJ pick...the Bell pick. Jones was taken right after Tater.

[Rascal]

Good grief. The kid hasn't played a down and he is suddenly better then TD? Put down the homer glasses for just long enough to realize that it is only preseason, heck not even that yet, and everybody looks better on paper. Wait till they get on the field before you make any judgements regarding who is better.

[redrage]

You are missing the point here. I already told you that LJ is a better STARTING back but we are talking about someone to backup Holmes. KC could have waited till this year or the next year to find a back to replace Holmes and found a WR, LB, or CB in the draft where they picked LJ in the first round. Blaylock would have been just fine backing up Holmes, even more so if you look at the fact that he was the 2nd back in the first place while LJ was 3rd.
I see your point. IF.....

KC knew it already had a viable backup to Holmes on the roster. That is what they were faced with when Johnson was drafted. Blaylock didn't show that he was any good as a backup until after Johnson got there and he had some opportunities to do so. So yes, Blaylock would make a fine backup to Holmes, but no one knew that until this last season--a year and a half AFTER LJ was drafted.

[DB-Freak]

you never know....TD was injury prone for his entire college career...but I still hate the pick

Do you go home crying about it?

[crazyhorse]

This may be about the dumbest question I have read (not posted by Bob).

Broncos have a player to play every position, so why draft at all...depth, competition, youth...

Let me rephrase for you. Why get rid of droughns, then turn around a draft a back? Seems redundant.

Perhaps if you were "Hooked on Phonics", I wouldn't be so dumb. ;D

[DB-Freak]

Let me rephrase for you. Why get rid of droughns, then turn around a draft a back? Seems redundant.

Perhaps if you were "Hooked on Phonics", I wouldn't be so dumb. ;D
Getting 2 DLs didnt seem like such a bad idea for RD.

[2KBack]

Let me rephrase for you. Why get rid of droughns, then turn around a draft a back? Seems redundant.

Perhaps if you were "Hooked on Phonics", I wouldn't be so dumb. ;D


Why Draft Larry Johnson when you have Priest?

[Ballhawk]

Let me rephrase for you. Why get rid of droughns, then turn around a draft a back? Seems redundant.

Perhaps if you were "Hooked on Phonics", I wouldn't be so dumb. ;D

Ok I will answer this, RD wants to be a starter, wants a new contract, and is getting up there in age. MC (or any RB drafted 3rd round or later) gets pretty much league min, happy just to make the 53 man roster, and is just 21.

So we could have paid about 2 mil more for RD and drafted ??? with the #101 pick or for about the same cap hit get EE, Meyers, MC.

I guess Shanny felt that 3 quality backups were worth more than 2, what a dumbass huh?

[labronx]

I am just saying that you had a back in Droughns that had proven he could run the ball. Why draft one? You had already traded out of the 1st round this year. Then turn around and dump a proven back to spend yet another draft pick on an unproven commodity. On the surface, it seems like a poor investment of resources.
your just mad that it never ends. Shoot I would be too

:gripe:

[TotallyScrewed]

I hate to agree with two Chiefs fans but I must...

I agree that the Chiefs had to pick up a back-up when they selected LJ. And they couldn't settle for a prospect. They needed a player who could start as a rookie, i.e. first rounder. Priest was coming off injury AND unhappy with how Carl was treating him at the money table. LJ is MUCH better than Blalock. LJ's a good back, once he pulled his head out and stopped whining. Still, he, like Bell, has much to prove and that's tough when you back up Holmes.

Bell is a good back. He's had his issues too...holding out, missing camp, and injuries. Bell knows he's numero uno and it's up to him. MA had as severe an injury as holmes. I personally doubt he'll be what he was before last year (JMHO). The Broncos did Droughns a favor and let him go seek his fortune. Clarrett is hardly a big risk as the last pick of the third round and a compensatory pick at that.

To say the least, Denver is a runningback factory. They preach it. They live it. Crying about it changes nothing. Stick to bashing the D-line or FA's as you might have a leg to stand on. You seem as ridiculous as those who would attack the Chiefs O-line.

[Pat Bowlen]

Let me rephrase for you. Why get rid of droughns, then turn around a draft a back? Seems redundant.
Tatum Bell was playing a lot more at the end of the season for a reason. You're basing your opinion of Droughns off those 200-yard games he pulled towards the beginning of the year. You're also not forgetting that he hired Rosenhaus as an agent for a reason, too. He would have wanted more money. Bell is potentially much better than Rueben, and with what we got for him in trade we've made ourselves deeper.

[labronx]

I completely agree with that...The one factor not mentioned is that Holmes hip was still a big question mark at the time of the draft as was his contract demands...So that forced their hand a bit more to take a RB but personally I wouldn't have done it...I would have gone for a WR, CB or LB'er...Since Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson were well gone by our 16th pick I would have taken Boss Bailey, Andre Wolfolk or Sammy Davis....Bailey would have proably been my pick.

Naps, it seems like the truth is starting to come out, no?
honestly LJ is a good insurance pick, but like you said it D would should have been what they should have drafted.

regardless, I would have taken a RB in the second, or maybe even later, a #1 pick on a RB with a line like KCs is plain stupid forget dumb.

When have we drafted a RB in the 1st?

silly

[labronx]

I agree there. It was a risk that they need to take, kind of like us drafting Terry Peirce when we did.

and thats my point TP was taken as a 2nd rounder, not a first!

Imagine (barf) how sick to our stomach we would be if we would have drafted a LB in the 1st due to issues with Al Wilson only to watch him sit and get told to have his diapers changed (barf again)

LOL

[labronx]

I'm not even a Donk fan and I am offended by those comments.

I think that since you are banned from Planet at work, you are starting to become one little by little.

too much time here will eventually have you looking at the world through orange and blue colored glasses.

LOL

just messin' wit ya

[crazyhorse]

Ok I will answer this, RD wants to be a starter, wants a new contract, and is getting up there in age. MC (or any RB drafted 3rd round or later) gets pretty much league min, happy just to make the 53 man roster, and is just 21.

So we could have paid about 2 mil more for RD and drafted ??? with the #101 pick or for about the same cap hit get EE, Meyers, MC.

I guess Shanny felt that 3 quality backups were worth more than 2, what a dumbass huh?

Yep. Yer pretty much a dumbass. You're still not following. But I doubt you want to. You're just posturing any way. Kinda like a chihuahua. You should go back to humping the stuffed animals. No offense.

[Rock Chalk]

Common now, there is a definate link between the two.

There was no way to guarantee that Clarett would be drafted by the Broncos when Droughns was traded. If the draft was that easy to figure, the teams could just tell everyone who they are gonna pick before the draft even started. Especially in the 3rd round. Wouldn't you agree? In fact, there is no gurantee that there would be any good backs left in the 3rd at all.

This is nonsense, Bell is a much better replacement than Droughns, who was, IMO, the worst of the starting RBs save maybe Olandis Gary. IF Tatum cant get it done, and judging by what we did get to see of him last year thats a longshot, but IF he cant, then there are plenty of other horses to ride in the stable, Clarett being just one of them. Droughns was gotten rid of because there are PLENTY of backs that are more than capable of filling his shoes.

What I am saying is that there is little value when you turn around and spend a pick on an unproven back right after you have traded away one that has proven he can play.

Maybe, but Droughns was never our future at the position and everyone knew it. Clarett may not be proven but Im gonna trust the Broncos organization on this one.

You traded sure depth away for what might be depth at the position. It just seem like a wasted move to me. I could be wrong. Time will prove that out. But I thought the Broncos had other areas of need without just moving players in and out at a the backup RB spot. Especially for a team like the Broncos that can "plug any back in and get 1500 yards". After not having a 1st rounder this year, what would be the motivation?
Might be hell, Clarett is certainly going to be depth, there is just not any might be about it.

[TheReverend]

This whole argument is stupid. Droughns was a fighter but a product of the system. Tatum can use the system and his blazing speed to hit home runs every game. MoC can be something extremely special and change the system if were patient and develop him properly.

End of story. Reverend out.

[Jetmeck]

Dont you guys already have a RB? If you needed another back, why not keep Droughns?

Maybe Planahan should have just picked all running backs. That seems to make the locals happy. :deadhorse


Why don't you worry about that old man you have running the ball and the unproven behind him, who is your third stringer anyway ?

You Chef boys are just jealous of the BRoncos ability to pick up backs anywhere in the draft and plug them in. Nyah! Nyah!

[Ballhawk]

Yep. Yer pretty much a dumbass. You're still not following. But I doubt you want to. You're just posturing any way. Kinda like a chihuahua. You should go back to humping the stuffed animals. No offense.

Ya I guess you are right, there must be some cleverness buried deep beneath the crap...

I guess I just do not feel like digging through it all.

[SoCalBronco]

I really hope that they're talking about Gold and not DJ... :'(

It was undoubtedly Ian. But to be fair to the little guy i dont think Maurice blew by him as much as Ian was just too much of a p***Y to physically take on a strong back like Clarett so he let him go by.

[Pat Bowlen]

The talk in this thread makes me want to start a 'How many 2,000 yard seasons will Maurice have before he retires straight into the Hall of Fame?' poll.

[wabbit]

...there is a track record to show that the Broncos stand a better chance at being wrong, than right...


Tell us about that 'track record crazy...

Gotta love this guy.

If stupid were a sidewalk, he'd never crack

[Atlas]

I am just saying that you had a back in Droughns that had proven he could run the ball. Why draft one? You had already traded out of the 1st round this year. Then turn around and dump a proven back to spend yet another draft pick on an unproven commodity. On the surface, it seems like a poor investment of resources.

Drougns was making rumblings about holding out, hired Rosenholdout for his agrent and Denver needed some D line man. So they traded him. They knew they could always find another RB in the draft.

WIth the 3rd round pick they used on Clarett they couldn't have used that pick on a DT or DE that would have helped as much as Ecuban and Myers will.

[Atlas]

A stellar value pick...A slow, troubled quitter that many teams had off their board and those that didn't take him off their board had him as a 5th-7th rounder by most accounts. You guys definitely stole one there.

The Cowboys were going to draft him in the 4th so once again you are a wrong and misinformed loser.

[crazyhorse]

Tell us about that 'track record crazy...

Gotta love this guy.

If stupid were a sidewalk, he'd never crack

Are you saying there is no track record to show that the defensive line for the Browns, sucked?

Oh, and your smack was weak. ..he'd never crack? :unamused:

[crazyhorse]

The Cowboys were going to draft him in the 4th so once again you are a wrong and misinformed loser.


So, because the Cowboys were gonna reach for Clarett, that makes him a great pick in the 3rd? When everyone else had him going 2 rounds later? I guess there are 30 otrher teams out there who are big losers this year.

If you had a choice what would you take? Droughns and a 3rd rounder, or Maurice Clarett?

Seems fairly obvious to me.

[crazyhorse]

Why don't you worry about that old man you have running the ball and the unproven behind him, who is your third stringer anyway ?

You Chef boys are just jealous of the BRoncos ability to pick up backs anywhere in the draft and plug them in. Nyah! Nyah!

Where we are especially jealous is when you guys spend a pick on RB every year when you have one on the roster. The only thing that could make that more a waste of a pick, is if you start doing the same thing for backup players. So we are really getting jealous now. :welcome:

[MileHighMania]

Let's not disprespect Terrell Davis by saying you think Mo is "tougher and smarter". Do you recall the times Davis played with pain from the migraines? The valiant effort he made trying to come back? The guy was awesome...

Right now, Clarett is more Ron Dayne than Davis until proven otherwise and even that is a bit of a stretch at this point. Yes the guy has talent, but NCAA success doesn't mean he's going to rock in the NFL, epecially in this case.

Let's not get too crazy and let's not forget about a guy named Tatum Bell. Let's at least give him a chance to pull a Q before handing his job to Mo.

[MileHighMania]

Where we are especially jealous is when you guys spend a pick on RB every year when you have one on the roster. The only thing that could make that more a waste of a pick, is if you start doing the same thing for backup players. So we are really getting jealous now. :welcome:

Depth is key. Injuries happen.. Davis, Gary, Anderson, Q... they've all been injured over the years. You can't have too many good RBs.

You are really reaching.

[crazyhorse]

Depth is key. Injuries happen.. Davis, Gary, Anderson, Q... they've all been injured over the years. You can't have too many good RBs.

You are really reaching.

I thought you had depth with Droughns. How is that reaching.

[fontaine]

I thought you had depth with Droughns. How is that reaching.

It's called drafting for the future. If you knew anything about Droughns running style you would know that he had plateaued and reached his peak.

His speed, skills, knowledge of the system wasn't going to improve. Yes he was a steady 1000 yard back in our system but why settle for a decent RB when you could have an elite one with Tatum? Keeping Droughns wasn't a viable option since Bell would have started and then you really wouldn't get anything in exchange for Droughns.

Chef fans should know all of this since there was talk of trading Larry Johnson when Priest bounced back from his hip injury to get value for Huggies boy while they could.

[crazyhorse]

It's called drafting for the future. If you knew anything about Droughns running style you would know that he had plateaued and reached his peak.

His speed, skills, knowledge of the system wasn't going to improve. Yes he was a steady 1000 yard back in our system but why settle for a decent RB when you could have an elite one with Tatum? Keeping Droughns wasn't a viable option since Bell would have started and then you really wouldn't get anything in exchange for Droughns.

Chef fans should know all of this since there was talk of trading Larry Johnson when Priest bounced back from his hip injury to get value for Huggies boy while they could.

What future? You guys draft a RB every year?

[MileHighMania]

I thought you had depth with Droughns. How is that reaching.

The presence of a Drew Rosenhaus might have had something to do with the trade of RD. It's a situation also where Denver looked at the depth and said, "Ok - Bell should be ready to roll, we have all these guys behind him... we'll draft one, so Reuben is expendable".

[TotallyScrewed]

Come on CrazyH, please be real.

What's the average life span of a runningback in the NFL...something like 3-4 years. And Denver runs the heck outta their backs right? And Denver gets good backs where ever they see them, be it high in the draft, low in the draft, FA. Sooo, what's yer point???

[crazyhorse]

Come on CrazyH, please be real.

What's the average life span of a runningback in the NFL...something like 3-4 years. And Denver runs the heck outta their backs right? And Denver gets good backs where ever they see them, be it high in the draft, low in the draft, FA. Sooo, what's yer point???

I guess I dont have a point.

Thanks for you guys all setting me straight.

I look forward to seeing who the new back will be next year. In fact, next year maybe you guys should dump all the backs and spend the 1st 3 or 4 rounds picking new ones. Obviously there is no real loss involved by spending at least one pick a year on RBs.

Good luck with it. I am sure that after drafting what....3 CBs in a row, that you really do feel like RB was the next need pick for the Broncos. Just remember though, that you no longer have a right to bag on the Chiefs for picking up Johnson when Priest Holmes was injured.

[crazyhorse]

The presence of a Drew Rosenhaus might have had something to do with the trade of RD. It's a situation also where Denver looked at the depth and said, "Ok - Bell should be ready to roll, we have all these guys behind him... we'll draft one, so Reuben is expendable".

I have no doubt that RD wanting more money was a fctor. However, as you can see, RD wasn't gonna hold out. Planahans knee jerk reaction cost you guys a 3rd round pick. One you didn't have to spend.

As I stated previously, I would rather have RD and my 3rd rounder than to just have an unproven back and no 3rd rounder. Is there anyone who disagrees with that?

[fontaine]

Just remember though, that you no longer have a right to bag on the Chiefs for picking up Johnson when Priest Holmes was injured.

That's Mr. Huggies Bear to the likes of you.

[fontaine]

Planahans knee jerk reaction cost you guys a 3rd round pick. One you didn't have to spend.


That's ok. The league was nice enough to give us two more 3rd round picks.

By your chef logic Bellichick should have never wasted a 6th rounder when he already had Bledsoe + backup, or Denver shouldn't have wasted a 2nd rounder on Portis when they already had Anderson, Gary on the squad.

[Beantown Bronco]

As I stated previously, I would rather have RD and my 3rd rounder than to just have an unproven back and no 3rd rounder. Is there anyone who disagrees with that?

I don't disagree necessarily with that, BUT THAT WASN'T THE CHOICE. The choice was RD and 3rd rounder, or an unproven but much younger back and two experienced DLinemen. That is a MUCH different scenario than the one you have been trying to present.

[Pat Bowlen]

Man, crazyhorse is really making himself look like a total dumbass in this thread.

[Beantown Bronco]

Man, crazyhorse is really making himself look like a total dumbass in this thread.

I'm guessing that sentence could apply to most any thread he's posted in.

[bronco militia]

Do you go home crying about it?


no, that's what this place is for

[DBroncos4life]

I have no doubt that RD wanting more money was a fctor. However, as you can see, RD wasn't gonna hold out. Planahans knee jerk reaction cost you guys a 3rd round pick. One you didn't have to spend.

As I stated previously, I would rather have RD and my 3rd rounder than to just have an unproven back and no 3rd rounder. Is there anyone who disagrees with that?


I would rather have MoC, Myers, and Ekuban then Reub and a third. Myers is a solid backup and EE is coming off his best year as a pro. If Bell stays healthy then MoC won't be needed.

[Ballhawk]

What future? You guys draft a RB every year?

True, and it seems we trade one every year too. Let's see we drafted CP in the 2nd and signed RD for practically vet min and got Champ, Bell, EE, Meyers, Im happy with that.

[TotallyScrewed]

This whole bitch session is knee jerk reaction of one or multiple Chiefs fans that can't believe that Shanny has found such a prize at the end of the third round, and didn't spend their own third round pick but rather a compensatory pick and Denver got the player back (Ian Gold) to boot.

There's no one player taken in the draft with more upside potential than Mo C. Not one! He's a player and he plays for Runningback Heaven.

Uummmmm...SOUR GRAPES ???

[Atlas]

So, because the Cowboys were gonna reach for Clarett, that makes him a great pick in the 3rd? When everyone else had him going 2 rounds later? I guess there are 30 otrher teams out there who are big losers this year.

If you had a choice what would you take? Droughns and a 3rd rounder, or Maurice Clarett?

Seems fairly obvious to me.

You said early that Denver reached for Clarett when the other teams in the NFL took him off their boards and he wasn't even going to get drafted in rounds 5-7. Well it only takes one team to pick him. If Denver would have waited then they wouldn't have gotten him. You trying to argue with Shanny on the drafting of RBs is equal to you argueing computers with Bill Gates, or you argueing nucular fission with Albert Einstein. In all cases you don't have a clue.

[Atlas]

Man, crazyhorse is really making himself look like a total dumbass in this thread.

Pat in this case looks aren't decieving.

[Jason in LA]

Where we are especially jealous is when you guys spend a pick on RB every year when you have one on the roster. The only thing that could make that more a waste of a pick, is if you start doing the same thing for backup players. So we are really getting jealous now. :welcome:

Was it a wasted pick to take Gary in the 4th when TD had just come off a 2000 yard season? Or drafting Anderson after TD was coming back, and Gary rushed for 1100 yards in 12 starts? Or drafting Portis in the 2nd round when they had all three of those other backs on the roster? All of those picks paid off. No question about that. I could see your point if they were drafting 3-4 RBs every year. But one back a year? So far it's been smart.

Like it was said a few posts ago, I'd rather have Ekuban, Myers, and Clarett than RD and a 3rd. It's funny that you left of the two D linemen when you asked the question.

[Jason in LA]

Chief fan still doesn't have a case here because they wasted a first round pick for a guy to back up Holmes. Johnson is pretty much 3rd string. Now that's a wasted pick. If the Broncos had drafted Clarett in the first round this guy could talk trash all he wants. But it was the last pick in the 3rd round. Not really a big deal.