No Need For A Runningback

[BroncoMan4ever]

People I am under the belief that Denver hasa no need to draft or sign a free agent back. I feel that an unknown on their roster is due for a breakout year. I am not talking about Ron Dayne or Tatum Bell, but a player by the name of Cedric Cobbs. I think given the opportunity, Cobbs could actually vreak out like Terrell Davis did years ago. He is a second year player spent all of last season on the practice squad learning Denver's system. He has size and speed to take it up the middle. At 6ft and 230lbs he is the prototype back for Denver's system. His running style is a little odd, so was Portis'. Denver coaches will make him into a one cut and go RB. Of all the backs in Denver I think this kid has the most upside. Tatum is too small and hasn't shown he can handle the every down duties. Dayne is a good 1 year solution, but I think Shannahan wants to get a young every down back in there. If Shannahan doesn't get a first round back like LenDale White, or anyone else, I think Cobbs should be the man. My opinion, tell me what you all think.

[Sodak]

I wonder what some of the scouting reports said about him before he was drafted.

[sirhcyennek81]

TD was never on the practice squad. He was a starter from week 1 on. Broncos always draft running backs, thats just how we operate.

:Broncos:

[orinjkrush]

of all the positions where a rook can make an impact...its prolly RB

[BroncoMan4ever]

i wasn't saying that TD was a practice squad back. i was simply saying that in size and strength and skill they were alike

[sirhcyennek81]

TD was 5'11, 215 lbs. Cobb is a bit bigger then that.

:Broncos:

[Al Wilson]

We already have a thread on Cobbs.

Anyways:

ANALYSIS
Positives: Has excellent overall muscle development … Very quick out of his plants, hitting the perimeter with a sudden burst … Runs hard between the tackles, hitting the holes with good leg drive and power … Has the short-area burst needed to consistently turn the corner, showing good acceleration out of his break … Does a nice job of catching the ball away from the body's framework … Willing pass blocker who will step up and pick up the blitz … Also quick to locate the linebacker to deliver the cut block upfield … Has the lower-body strength to break multiple tackles on the play … Very good student of the game, who is a hard worker in the weight room and has no problems with hard coaching … Keeps his pad level low and shoulders squared attacking the holes up the middle.
Negatives: Has only adequate pick-and-slide skills (sees the cutback too late) … Can break tackles, but does not have the sustained speed or second gear to consistently accelerate to the second level … More quick than fast, lacking that extra gear to elude in the open … Pigeon-toed runner with no shake or wiggle (limited elusiveness) … Can digest a playbook, but needs reps in order to fully understand the play.

AGILITY TESTS
4.43 in the 40-yard dash … 39-inch vertical jump … 410-pound bench press … 475-pound squat … 31 7/8-inch arm length … 9-inch hands … Right-handed.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/cedric_cobbs

[kent156]

if the broncos draft a RB with the 22th or 29th pick i might just put my fist into the tv.

[RMT]

if the broncos draft a RB with the 22th or 29th pick i might just put my fist into the tv.

what do you mean "might" ... that would be a "given" in my opinion :)

[Killericon]

I would'nt mind if we spent a 2nd rounder on one. I mean, Dayne is'nt all THAT good, and Bell is'nt an every down back. Cobbs was on the practice squad for a reason.

[2KBack]

I would'nt mind if we spent a 2nd rounder on one. I mean, Dayne is'nt all THAT good, and Bell is'nt an every down back. Cobbs was on the practice squad for a reason.

Cobbs didn't go through training camp with Denver, there's no way he was going to get playing time with 3 solid guys ahead of him and zero time in the system. If this guy is any good, then this is the offseason to judge him on.

[Jason in LA]

Sorry, but this doesn't convince me. I'm all for bringing in Ricky.

[TexanBob]

Why mess with success? They'll pick a guy in the 4th or 5th round that nobody's heard of and he'll turn out to be great. It's what we always do.

[BroncoMan4ever]

have u ever heard the expression u get wat u pay for. I think it is time for denver to spend sum money and get a legitamate feared RB. a player that teams need to gameplan for. Teams in the league know that to stop the run they just need to keep Rod out of the game. All the teams know that with Rod covered, denver has no other CONSISTENT receiving threats, which means the run suffers. Denver has a system where any back will flourish. But put in a major threat at the position. A LenDale White, Maroney, someone with great talent, then The running game isn't just good, it is great, it is feared. Plus from having a dominant run game comes a dominant passing game. For example the Colts. Had the colts not had Edge, there is no way that they would have been nearly as good as they have been. A truly talented RB that takes a game over, can ultimately change an offense into a true powerhouse.

[DBroncos4life]

have u ever heard the expression u get wat u pay for. I think it is time for denver to spend sum money and get a legitamate feared RB. a player that teams need to gameplan for. Teams in the league know that to stop the run they just need to keep Rod out of the game. All the teams know that with Rod covered, denver has no other CONSISTENT receiving threats, which means the run suffers. Denver has a system where any back will flourish. But put in a major threat at the position. A LenDale White, Maroney, someone with great talent, then The running game isn't just good, it is great, it is feared. Plus from having a dominant run game comes a dominant passing game. For example the Colts. Had the colts not had Edge, there is no way that they would have been nearly as good as they have been. A truly talented RB that takes a game over, can ultimately change an offense into a true powerhouse.
that would work but Im pretty sure the term "busts" doesn't apply to players making the vet min in the NFL.

[Fusionfrontman]

So basically from that analasis on Cobbs or whatever his name is..he seems to be perfect.
Anyone wish we had drafted Stephen Jackson rather than DJ..considering his role now not playing his natural position? :)

[watermock]

Cobbs has as much talent as anyone. He's battled injury. And he's essentially free. People looking at RB are barking up the wrong tree.

[2KBack]

have u ever heard the expression u get wat u pay for. I think it is time for denver to spend sum money and get a legitamate feared RB. a player that teams need to gameplan for. Teams in the league know that to stop the run they just need to keep Rod out of the game. All the teams know that with Rod covered, denver has no other CONSISTENT receiving threats, which means the run suffers. Denver has a system where any back will flourish. But put in a major threat at the position. A LenDale White, Maroney, someone with great talent, then The running game isn't just good, it is great, it is feared. Plus from having a dominant run game comes a dominant passing game. For example the Colts. Had the colts not had Edge, there is no way that they would have been nearly as good as they have been. A truly talented RB that takes a game over, can ultimately change an offense into a true powerhouse.

to be perfectly fair, what has a guy like Lendale White or Maroney done that say...oh... Ron Dayne Hasn't?

[Tombstone RJ]

Cedric Cobbs is an old Razorback, so I'd be extremely happy if he become a great RB for the Broncos. But, with that said, it ain't happening.

Daft LenDale White. All will be well. Move along...

[Florida_Bronco]

have u ever heard the expression u get wat u pay for. I think it is time for denver to spend sum money and get a legitamate feared RB. a player that teams need to gameplan for. Teams in the league know that to stop the run they just need to keep Rod out of the game. All the teams know that with Rod covered, denver has no other CONSISTENT receiving threats, which means the run suffers. Denver has a system where any back will flourish. But put in a major threat at the position. A LenDale White, Maroney, someone with great talent, then The running game isn't just good, it is great, it is feared. Plus from having a dominant run game comes a dominant passing game. For example the Colts. Had the colts not had Edge, there is no way that they would have been nearly as good as they have been. A truly talented RB that takes a game over, can ultimately change an offense into a true powerhouse.

Not to sound like a jerk, but you don't really seem to know which direction you're going with this post. If all it takes to stop our running game is shut down Rod (which I don't believe to be true) than wouldn't that mean we should look to get more WR talent instead of RB talent?

[cabronco]

So basically from that analasis on Cobbs or whatever his name is..he seems to be perfect.
Anyone wish we had drafted Stephen Jackson rather than DJ..considering his role now not playing his natural position? :)

Ya I do, but since thats now water under the bridge, I would still like to see us pick up a premier back like LenDale White. I dont think Ron Dayne is the answer, and T. Bell is not an everydown back, and dances too much in the backfield. I just hope Shanny addresses RB , DE , WR in the draft ! I fear he'll do the least expected...like fullback, LB or whatever..

[sirhcyennek81]

Why mess with success? They'll pick a guy in the 4th or 5th round that nobody's heard of and he'll turn out to be great. It's what we always do.

speaking of...

Gerald Riggs, TN

6'0, 215, 4.55 40 time. Good vision, good balance. Can run between the tackles, break tackles, and push the pile. Willingness to pass block if you ask him to. He needs to work on his routes and hands, but a solid back from TN.

:Broncos:

[BroncoMan4ever]

Not to sound like a jerk, but you don't really seem to know which direction you're going with this post. If all it takes to stop our running game is shut down Rod (which I don't believe to be true) than wouldn't that mean we should look to get more WR talent instead of RB talent?

Actually I do know exactly where i am going with this post. Denver is an offense with only 1 real consistent weapon and that is Rod Smith. Lelie drops the ball, Tatum can't take the pounding, Dayne is too big(fat and slow) to take it to the house. Basically everything on the offense hinders on Rod Smith. Average backs in Denver's system can be stopped, but a truly great and dominant back can be slowed but never completely stopped. If Rod is taken out of the game with Denver's current backs, Denver's offense goes to S H I T and then the defense is needed to win games. Plain and simple, to become a completely dominant team on both Defense and Offense they need a great back. And with the receiving talent it is there, If Lelie could hang onto the ball. I honestly think the Adams is a better number 2 than Lelie because he hangs onto the ball. Denver needs a great back, Rod Smith and 1other receiver that will hang onto the ball.

[Lestat]

TD was 215? i always though his playing weight was 210, guess i was wrong then


but Cobbs is not the answer, it's Bell,Dayne or we're screwed(even with Bell or Dayne unless they turn it on & become complete backs we're screwed)

[sirhcyennek81]

Actually I do know exactly where i am going with this post. Denver is an offense with only 1 real consistent weapon and that is Rod Smith. Lelie drops the ball, Tatum can't take the pounding, Dayne is too big(fat and slow) to take it to the house. Basically everything on the offense hinders on Rod Smith. Average backs in Denver's system can be stopped, but a truly great and dominant back can be slowed but never completely stopped. If Rod is taken out of the game with Denver's current backs, Denver's offense goes to S H I T and then the defense is needed to win games. Plain and simple, to become a completely dominant team on both Defense and Offense they need a great back. And with the receiving talent it is there, If Lelie could hang onto the ball. I honestly think the Adams is a better number 2 than Lelie because he hangs onto the ball. Denver needs a great back, Rod Smith and 1other receiver that will hang onto the ball.


Dayne looked pretty quick on that 55 yard run down the sideline to help beat Dallas. Not to burst your bubble, but we did not pass alot last year...because we did not have to, not because we couldnt. This seems to be a problem for you.

:Broncos:

[2KBack]

People need to keep in mind that no matter who is lining up for Denver next season, the offense is going to be run a bit differently. Kubes is gone, and while this has always been Shanny's offense, I think people may be surprised what a fresh mind can bring.

[Odysseus]

People need to keep in mind that no matter who is lining up for Denver next season, the offense is going to be run a bit differently. Kubes is gone, and while this has always been Shanny's offense, I think people may be surprised what a fresh mind can bring.

How are we standing pat bringing in a new assistant head coach? I anticipate a lot of new wrinkles on offense including different ways of opening up the passing game.

Is Lendale that much better than Dayne or Bell for the pricetag? What are the future considerations? Is he ready to start day one? I don't think it's the perfect move but it is intriguing to be sure. I really like Cadillac Williams impact for his team. Does Lendale have this kind of impact?

They got a better deal picking up Dayne and converting him than paying Bell. Theu got a better deal with Bell and Champ than with Portis. Portis didn't show up until his second year. I think he's fundementally better than when he was with the Broncos but then high draft picks down the road always want high draft pick money rather than back end "I earned it because I really can do it" money.

I don't know. Think about it guys. Is any running back worth any hype when it comes to the Broncos? O.K. Ricky "Reeferhead" Williams might actually be a gamer but I ain't getting on his band wagon until he survives a season without doing something stupid.

[extralife]

Portis didn't show up until his second year.
Ummmm, he ran for 1500+ yards his rookie year in about twelve games and was named rookie of the year.

[phibacka31]

The Answer is: DeAngelo Williams

[Orange_Beard]

Sorry, but this doesn't convince me. I'm all for bringing in Ricky.

Where is Ricky's appeal?
I wounder if he would even come to Denver after the leak.

Draft a back. Just don't draft a Jackass or stick-up man.

[RMT]

Where is Ricky's appeal?
I wounder if he would even come to Denver after the leak.

Draft a back. Just don't draft a Jackass or stick-up man.

Like MO? ;)

[raoul duke]

Greetings!

I agree no need to draft a back, the future is Brandon Miree.

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=498&contentID=2441

The next 1200 yard back.

Thanks.

[RMT]

Greetings!

I agree no need to draft a back, the future is Brandon Miree.

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=498&contentID=2441

The next 1200 yard back.

Thanks.

I respectfully disagree. The Rhein had him playing FB. He'll most likely be competing at FB against Kyle Johnson and Cecil Sapp. At best he is our #3 FB, so I doubt he'll be gaining 1200 yards anytime soon.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Greetings!

I agree no need to draft a back, the future is Brandon Miree.

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=498&contentID=2441

The next 1200 yard back.

Thanks.

Welcome back from the grave Mr. H.S. Thompson :)

Sorry, but Miree is only an emergency fallback in case of an injury.

[Odysseus]

Ummmm, he ran for 1500+ yards his rookie year in about twelve games and was named rookie of the year.

Ummmm.. So what? He's a lot more complete running back now and all the ROY did was cost us at contract time.

[sirhcyennek81]

Ummmm.. So what? He's a lot more complete running back now and all the ROY did was cost us at contract time.

Portis cost the redskins at contract time. he brought us an all pro cb and tatum bell. thenk ye, clinton.

:Broncos:

[cutthemdown]

Broncos I am almost certian will draft a running back. I don't know who or what round but it will happen.

[watermock]

You stand corrected Quietiger.

Portis didn't start till the 5 game and had great stats.

Miree won't even make the roster.

[Odysseus]

Portis cost the redskins at contract time. he brought us an all pro cb and tatum bell. thenk ye, clinton.

:Broncos:

^5

Somewhere in the mix I figured we picked up Watts because of this deal. If we hadn't done the deal we would have had only one 2nd round pick instead of two. Aw geez. I wish that guy wasn't such a tease.

[Crushaholic]

If there's one thing Denver does very well is find running backs. The next stud IS probably on our roster. If not, we'll find someone in the second or third round and make him a star. This is not our problem. We need a playmaker on DE and/or S first.

[Odysseus]

You stand corrected Quietiger. Portis didn't start till the 5 game and had great stats.

It always sounds better when you use complete sentences instead of that other crap. Thanks.

You are correct. I have been corrected at least three times on this thread including the time I corrected myself. Great catch Mock!

[Broncojef]

I think there is a huge difference between finding an average back that looks good in our offense and a STUD like TD that takes us to the next level and dominates games. Our running game is always good but hasn't been consistent or dominate since TD left. I'm sure we can find any young back to prosper, what we need is a back that shows up come the play-offs and during periods of the game that matter. One run by Dayne doesn't cut it in my book. If you can't pick up a 3rd and one consistently or show up in big games then we need a change.

[extralife]

I think there is a huge difference between finding an average back that looks good in our offense and a STUD like TD that takes us to the next level and dominates games. Our running game is always good but hasn't been consistent or dominate since TD left. I'm sure we can find any young back to prosper, what we need is a back that shows up come the play-offs and during periods of the game that matter. One run by Dayne doesn't cut it in my book. If you can't pick up a 3rd and one consistently or show up in big games then we need a change.

This man speaks the truth. Our running system has made us too confident in the backs we've had, I think. The numbers will ALWAYS be there for us, but if we can get that dominant guy to destroy the competition, it'll make up for a lot of other holes we might have. I am of the opinion that CP was that stud, though. I'm certainly not complaining about getting Champ for him, on the other hand.

[maher_tyler]

what do you mean "might" ... that would be a "given" in my opinion :)

agreed, we don't NEED another back, if anyone has missed the last 10 seasons when was the last time we DIDNT produce a 1000 yard back, if Ruben Droughns can run for over 1000 yards i'm conviced anyone can...not taking anything away from him he was good but just saying. Bell isn't that small either 5-11 213 look it up...almost the same size TD was so not sure what your talking about there. I think we go with a TE and a DL with our 2 first rounders...going back to Bell i really think he has the potential to be a great back if he can stay healthy and as of right know hes our best back IMO...look at his stats, if he could get more reps he easily goes over 1000 prolly up to 1300, just an opinion! 5.3 yards per carry in his first 2 years is pretty good and ran for 127 yards against the skins!

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=498&contentID=2428

[Rausch]

All I know is that this year it will again be a two horse race, KC and Denver.

And I know KC can't stop Dayne for $#it. We're only .500 at stopping that stupid bootleg $#it.

I'm no genius but I'd run Dayne and that ****ing misdirection passing game Shanny always throws at us. Your defense is your defense, it's good...

[Atlas]

TD was 5'11, 215 lbs. Cobb is a bit bigger then that.

:Broncos:

TD weighed 208 lbs in 1998. I don't think he was ever 215

[Rausch]

TD weighed 208 lbs in 1998. I don't think he was ever 215

Well, in that case, I'm sure Bronco fans will line up to give back both lombardi trophys...

[Odysseus]

This man speaks the truth. Our running system has made us too confident in the backs we've had, I think. The numbers will ALWAYS be there for us, but if we can get that dominant guy to destroy the competition, it'll make up for a lot of other holes we might have. I am of the opinion that CP was that stud, though. I'm certainly not complaining about getting Champ for him, on the other hand.

I really never liked Portis. I think TD had a better field of vision and understanding of team play. Portis is maturing nicely and makes me wonder where TD would be if he had not gotten injured. I don't miss him.

[Atlas]

Well, in that case, I'm sure Bronco fans will line up to give back both lombardi trophys...

I'm not sure what that means. I was just stating the facts. Something you Chef fans never worry about. _i_O_i_

[bendog]

I wonder what some of the scouting reports said about him before he was drafted.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2004/draft/players/41173.html

[Arkie]

I bet nobody remembers when Cobbs was in 4th place on 10-02-2003.

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=6185&highlight=cedric+cobbs

[Mediator12]

I bet nobody remembers when Cobbs was in 4th place on 10-02-2003.

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=6185&highlight=cedric+cobbs

If Chris Rix is really on that list, it is Bogus ;D

[Atlas]

I bet nobody remembers when Cobbs was in 4th place on 10-02-2003.

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=6185&highlight=cedric+cobbs

Good work Yoda

[Odysseus]

Good work Yoda

Wow. That is a good find!

[anthonypacino]

We do have need for a RB and it will come in the 3rd round. My perfect draft would be as follows by rounds
1. both picks traded to #6 SF for DE Mario Williams
2. Brandon Marshall WR
3. Cedric Humes RB
4. Mike Robinson WR/TE??
5. Frostee Rucker DE
6. Nate Salley S
7. ??

[penguintheory]

NEGATIVES: Not explosive and has more built-up speed than a sudden burst. Fumbled the ball more than usual as a senior. Prior run-ins with the law are well documented and at one time labeled a "soft" player by his coaches. Durability is a major question.

Arrested in 2002 for DWI and possession. Hmm. And labeled "soft" with injury history. Fumbler as well. As aforementioned, he's on the practice squad for a reason.

Roll the dice, Shanahan: draft LenDale.

[Arkie]

Not explosive?

He was explosive in the broad jump at the 2004 combine.

Broad Jump:
1. Cedric Cobbs - Arkansas 10' 3"
2. Julius Jones - Notre Dame 10' 1"
3. Troy Fleming - Tennessee 10' 0"
3. Clarence Farmer - Arizona 10' 0"
5. Tatum Bell - Oklahoma St. 9' 9"

[fontaine]

Cobbs has the talent, size and speed to be a stud in our offense.

However, the question was and still is whether he has the upside and ability to make it in the next level? I'm starting to have my doubts on his upside and think he might have "maxed" out in college. If that's the case then he's no good to us, but then again the Pats don't exactly have a proven track record of finding 1000 yard RBs.

Dayne is a perfect example of this. Great college back but he already peaked before he was drafted.

[Odysseus]

How can a guy have so many intangibles on paper that are good still totally suck? It's worth bringing him in just to answer that question.

[fontaine]

How can a guy have so many intangibles on paper that are good still totally suck? It's worth bringing him in just to answer that question.

The book on him is that he needs a lot of reps to understand the offense and running style. Teams generally don't show a lot of interest in those types if they are 2nd day picks with an injury history.

Turner and Shanahan brought in this guy so that's good enough for me. Can't wait till camp to see how this guy looks.

[bendog]

I don't think he sucked. He was the best freshman in the SEC his first year. He took one year off with legal "issues." Got hurt his Jr. year. And had over 1000 in his senior year. The questions are whether he's grown up, and he appears to have done that. And, whether he's got the accelleration, and one cut, a runner has to have. And, whether he can stay healthy. He's a good bet to be the no. 3 back with some new project being PS matl.

[Odysseus]

Is he really 6'0? Has anybody seen him run? Is he still fast? Does he look like a Broncos RB? I am always hopeful of Broncos RB projects. You know you have a good RB coach when you can raid somebodies trash can and build a starting RB. Our WR coach should rip a page from this book.

[broncoback]

Cobbs has the talent, size and speed to be a stud in our offense.

However, the question was and still is whether he has the upside and ability to make it in the next level? I'm starting to have my doubts on his upside and think he might have "maxed" out in college. If that's the case then he's no good to us, but then again the Pats don't exactly have a proven track record of finding 1000 yard RBs.

Dayne is a perfect example of this. Great college back but he already peaked before he was drafted.

Has Dayne ever had a legit chance to peak in the NFL? I don't understand the thinking. The guy came out of Wisconsin as the featured, starting tailback and the all time college rushing leader, only to be drafted as a sub behind Tiki Barber. Funny, Dayne ran the ball against all the same guys in the NFL when he was in college and most of those same players have stated he's one of the hardest to bring down in the open field. As for Bell, I think he's too brittle to take the pounding of an everydown back. He's got great speed but how long does Shanny have to teach this guy how to pick up the blitz. If I were the Broncos, I would seriously avoid picking an early round RB meanwhile Dayne and Bell have the makings of an interesting training camp battle.

[DBroncos4life]

Has Dayne ever had a legit chance to peak in the NFL? I don't understand the thinking. The guy came out of Wisconsin as the featured, starting tailback and the all time college rushing leader, only to be drafted as a sub behind Tiki Barber. Funny, Dayne ran the ball against all the same guys in the NFL when he was in college and most of those same players have stated he's one of the hardest to bring down in the open field. As for Bell, I think he's too brittle to take the pounding of an everydown back. He's got great speed but how long does Shanny have to teach this guy how to pick up the blitz. If I were the Broncos, I would seriously avoid picking an early round RB meanwhile Dayne and Bell have the makings of an interesting training camp battle.
I think you earn things in the NFL and so far he hasn't beat anyone out that I have seen.

[Jason in LA]

After reading this thread, it appears that the Broncos do need a RB.

[Smiling Assassin27]

the guy will get a shot. let's see what he's got.

[maven]

After reading this thread, it appears that the Broncos do need a RB.

I'll second that. Load up on offense with two first round picks.