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SoCalBronco

03-31-2006, 01:26 AM

denver broncos
Denver slots Lang at nickel
Final piece in Browning of Broncos
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer

Mike Shanahan wished the country had laughed at his team for bringing in five Cleveland Browns defensive linemen last year instead of four.

At the NFL owner's meetings this week, Shanahan said he tried to acquire Kenard Lang last year in the midst of bringing in defensive linemen Gerard Warren, Courtney Brown, Michael Myers and Ebenezer Ekuban. The Broncos were maligned nationally for the moves, but they paid off. Now, Shanahan hopes Lang works out in 2006.

Lang will become Denver's nickel pass rusher. He has been the team's most notable acquisition this offseason after signing a three-year deal March 17. Shanahan said Lang, who played linebacker for the Browns last year, will give Denver's pass rush a surge.

"I really like him," Shanahan said. "He's a guy people may be surprised by. He's going to make plays."

Bloom update

All 32 NFL teams are expected to be at former Colorado receiver Jeremy Bloom's private workout in Los Angeles on Saturday. His father Larry Bloom said the former Buffalo has bulked up to 186 pounds after weighing 173 at the NFL combine last month where he worked out shortly after returning from the Turin Olympics.

In his transformation from skier to football player, Bloom said at the combine he was confident he could add weight, which scouts wanted to see him do. Larry Bloom said his son has been working diligently with speed and football trainers in Southern California. He is spending a lot of time on route running. If Bloom is clocked in the low 4.3's for the 40-yard

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dash, it should increase his draft stock significantly.
Billick likes ex-Broncos

Baltimore coach Brian Billick said he expects production from running back Mike Anderson and defensive lineman Trevor Pryce. The Ravens signed both players after Denver released them March 1.

On Anderson, Billick said: "Even if we had every back returning, even with Jamal Lewis returning, we had to get somebody. You've got to have depth there. Anderson is clearly a player who can help us. He is a natural fit."

On Pryce, Billick said: "Trevor will play defensive tackle, but we will move him around pretty good. There will be plenty of different people at his hip. He will give us a great rush from the inside."

Footnotes

Shanahan said this week that right guard Cooper Carlisle played well in his first full season as a starter. Still, there is likely to be training camp competition with a healthy P.J. Alexander and Chris Myers. Carlisle is the favorite and should retain his job.

Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3657651

SoCalBronco

03-31-2006, 01:27 AM

On Pryce, Billick said: "Trevor will play defensive tackle, but we will move him around pretty good. There will be plenty of different people at his hip. He will give us a great rush from the inside."

LOL

Who's laughing now, Trevor?

Odysseus

03-31-2006, 01:57 AM

LOL

Who's laughing now, Trevor?

I hear his back muscles tweaking from way over here. ROFL!

fontaine

03-31-2006, 01:58 AM

His father Larry Bloom said the former Buffalo has bulked up to 186 pounds after weighing 173 at the NFL combine last month where he worked out shortly after returning from the Turin Olympics.

In his transformation from skier to football player, Bloom said at the combine he was confident he could add weight, which scouts wanted to see him do.

Does anyone else find this funny? I don't know, maybe I have a twisted sense of humor but if this kid thinks 186 is going to do the trick then he better be bringing something more than the ability to slalom through 230lb LBs because that's not what's going to happen.

Odysseus

03-31-2006, 02:03 AM

Lang will become Denver's nickel pass rusher. He has been the team's most notable acquisition this offseason after signing a three-year deal March 17. Shanahan said Lang, who played linebacker for the Browns last year, will give Denver's pass rush a surge.

"I really like him," Shanahan said. "He's a guy people may be surprised by. He's going to make plays."

This is why Predator might not be back.

If the Broncos pick up a Strongside LB and let Gold and D.J. fight the rotation does anybody see that as an improvement to our linebackers? D.J. can play either side. Isn't Keith Burns on rotation as Middle linebacker?

BroncoMan4ever

03-31-2006, 02:11 AM

Does anyone else find this funny? I don't know, maybe I have a twisted sense of humor but if this kid thinks 186 is going to do the trick then he better be bringing something more than the ability to slalom through 230lb LBs because that's not what's going to happen.

honestly since he has not played competitively in over a year, i don't think this guy even expects to be utilized as a receiver any time soon. I look for him to be a punt return or kick return guy for his speed and elusiveness. And with training and hard work he is a guy in a few years that could b making sum noise like Steve Smith this year as a small WR making big plays. He is a raw talent that may surprise a lot of people.

bpc

03-31-2006, 02:27 AM

The Broncos coaches get the benefit of the doubt in my eye. Plus Lang has a great pedigree coming from Miami. Roll the dice and see what happens.

chrisp

03-31-2006, 02:51 AM

Agreed - Shanny has whiffed on free-agents before (we all know about Kavika Pittman.....) but recently they have been successful.

Clearly though, he's going to be a down lineman - the stats show that he didn't get on with being switched to OLB last year, and that's clearly why he's been let go from 3-4 Cleveland.

This worries me everso slightly, becuase whilst I don't think that we should adopt the 3-4, a little less predictability form the pass rush would be a good thing, so ends that function equally well at OLB woudl be preferable so that you can chance up the formation once in a while. I'm not sure Lang has this versatility, but then again, I don't know what the bigger picture is - it will be interesting to see what our nickel package looks like come season's start.

meangene

03-31-2006, 03:32 AM

Lang? Yippee ZZZ...

broncohaven

03-31-2006, 05:37 AM

Garcia Bronco

03-31-2006, 05:58 AM

Bilick is such a c o c k-sucker

eddie mac

03-31-2006, 06:02 AM

I panicked when I read the title, thought we were switching Lang to cornerback.:rofl:

Odysseus

03-31-2006, 07:07 AM

I'm looking forward to this season a little more than in recent years for the sole reason that I can't wait to see a Denver DL without Trevor Pryce holding it back.

If we had cut Trevor back in the day instead of converting him to DE our starting DEs would likely be Reggie Heyward and Bertrand Berry. We had too much money (and faith) locked up in Pryce to keep those guys around, but we would be much better off today if we had cut ties with Trevor instead of continuing to try and build a DL around him.

He has always set the tone for the line, and his effort has always been lacking. I loved seeing Ekuban's effort last year. Bulldogging around getting fired up. Trevor's demeanor has always been "whatever", and it transferred. With Trevor gone I hope to see our DL take on a new attitude.

I have never really bashed on Pryce before today. You make a nasty observation about what Denver could have had. Some of these guys aren't really worth what teams are paying them and sure they have our "talented player" but at what price?

I think Trevor could have played at a higher level had he got support. This is why I want to bookend Warren with some talent. We need to draft a top flight DT. If none fall to us get a top flight DE. This explains why Coyer flushed the DL until he could get what he wanted in place.

Maybe we draft a fast Strongside LB and let D.J. and Gold swap rotations. This will allow us to put DJ on either side. I think DE aside if teams have to worry which side D.J. was on we could let him fly a little bit. I don't want Gold getting this heir apparent thing in his head and D.J. needs something to look forward to on Sundays. He did the good team player thing. Let him play.

I wonder if the Broncos draft a Safety or just convert another CB?

Mile High Shack

03-31-2006, 07:09 AM

Bilick is such a c o c k-sucker
I guarantee they promised Trevor he'd play DE and then they suckered MA saying "you are our starting RB"

PSYCHE, we just resigned Jamal

that whole organization is scummy

I saw the owner of the Ravens last night and he looks like a very greasy used car salesman

Sir Mawn

03-31-2006, 07:21 AM

For a second I thought we were talking about Lee-lo's comeback!!!

Wrong Lang :(

meangene

03-31-2006, 07:22 AM

Bilick is such a c o c k-sucker

Agreed. The worst thing that could have ever happened to him was winning that Super Bowl. His ego got even bigger and he started to believe his own stuff. He's also been over-rated as a coach ever since. Reminds me of the new South Park episode where arrogance created a cloud of "smug".

brncs_fan

03-31-2006, 07:38 AM

Bloom update

All 32 NFL teams are expected to be at former Colorado receiver Jeremy Bloom's private workout in Los Angeles on Saturday. His father Larry Bloom said the former Buffalo has bulked up to 186 pounds after weighing 173 at the NFL combine last month where he worked out shortly after returning from the Turin Olympics.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3657651
Turin? When were we in Turin?

Orange_Beard

03-31-2006, 08:00 AM

I hope we pick up Bloom.
It would be nice to get a TD off a return once in awhile.

Bloom is just about the same size as Dante Hall, if he could do half of what Dante does he would be a hudge pick-up.

Broncoman13

03-31-2006, 08:08 AM

LOL

Who's laughing now, Trevor?

I think probably Ravens fans on this one SoCal. It's no secret that Trevor is much better in the middle. You think he would have signed the contract with the Ravens not knowing he was going to play DT? Just remember, as a DT Trevor was top 3 in the league. As a DE he wasn't top 10. The Ravens are getting the last laugh on this one.

Requiem

03-31-2006, 08:12 AM

Surge to our pass rush? Meh, I hope so. However, if we don't address defensive line early in the draft (I guarentee we won't.) I'm going to break stuff.

fontaine

03-31-2006, 08:13 AM

Requiem

03-31-2006, 08:15 AM

Amen to that, I'll be absolutely pissed if we take Bloom in the fourth. I think there will be better football players and returners there at the position in the draft. However Fontaine, if Williams gets the CB job next to Bailey, I don't know how much we'd use him as a returner. (He could get hurt.)

plummershelper

03-31-2006, 08:16 AM

Turin? When were we in Turin?

Turin is the Americanized pronunciation of the Italian Torino. They're the same place :)

Orange_Beard

03-31-2006, 08:20 AM

Screw Bloom.

We've already gotten DWill as return man and he scored big on returns, had a TD that was a called back. He's an excellent threat there and didn't botch any returns.

He was drafted in the first place over Miller because he had better return abilities and wasn't shooting people at nightclubs.

There's no point in drafting another return guy. That would be taking a step back. DWill is a playmaker and should continue that role.

Plus, I'd rather draft OL in the 4th round (twice) instead of some one dimensional nobody that has been out of football. 40 times won't count when he's running into 240lb lbs.

This guy is a play maker much like Dante Hall.
We still have no ne to return kicks. DWill is a fine punter returner, I agree, but late in games Shanny did not use him. I guess to give him rest.

The Year the Chiefs had that great regular season Dante won 2 or 3 games for them. If we are going to play this more conseritive offense, we need to find more ways to score.....IMHO this guy would give us a to score.

Mile High Shack

03-31-2006, 08:30 AM

I think probably Ravens fans on this one SoCal. It's no secret that Trevor is much better in the middle. You think he would have signed the contract with the Ravens not knowing he was going to play DT? Just remember, as a DT Trevor was top 3 in the league. As a DE he wasn't top 10. The Ravens are getting the last laugh on this one.

His back won't last all season playing in the inside

fontaine

03-31-2006, 08:34 AM

This guy is a play maker much like Dante Hall.
We still have no ne to return kicks. DWill is a fine punter returner, I agree, but late in games Shanny did not use him. I guess to give him rest.

The Year the Chiefs had that great regular season Dante won 2 or 3 games for them. If we are going to play this more conseritive offense, we need to find more ways to score.....IMHO this guy would give us a to score.

Roc Alexander/Adams did fine when asked to take over.

We don't need to burn a 4th just for a kick returner that gets 3-4 shots a game. OL is a more pressing need since it takes the a few years to develop and Lepsis/Nalen aren't getting any younger.

And to the people that think DWill shouldn't return kicks because he might get injured: How long is a 186lb rookie skier going to last in the NFL running full tilt into players twice his size?

Requiem

03-31-2006, 08:39 AM

Rashad Butler and Mark Setterstrom in the fourth. ;)

Orange_Beard

03-31-2006, 08:41 AM

40 times won't count when he's running into 240lb lbs.

The weight thing is silly.

Here are the top 5 punt returners and kick returners form last year;
Top 5 punt returners 2005:

Reno Mahe Height: 5-10 Weight: 212
B.J. Sams Height: 5-10 Weight: 185
Mewelde Moore Height: 5-11 Weight: 209
Steve Smith Height: 5-9 Weight: 185
Dennis Northcutt Height: 5-11 Weight: 171

Kick returners 2005:
Terrence McGee Height: 5-9 Weight: 195
Jerome Mathis Height: 5-11 Weight: 172
Justin Miller Height: 5-11 Weight: 202
Pacman Jones Height: 5-10 Weight: 185
Koren Robinson Height: 6-1 Weight: 205

His size is pretty much average for returners.
By the way DWill is 5-8, 188.

fontaine

03-31-2006, 08:49 AM

The weight thing is silly.

Here are the top 5 punt returners and kick returners form last year;
Top 5 punt returners 2005:

Reno Mahe Height: 5-10 Weight: 212
B.J. Sams Height: 5-10 Weight: 185
Mewelde Moore Height: 5-11 Weight: 209
Steve Smith Height: 5-9 Weight: 185
Dennis Northcutt Height: 5-11 Weight: 171

Kick returners 2005:
Terrence McGee Height: 5-9 Weight: 195
Jerome Mathis Height: 5-11 Weight: 172
Justin Miller Height: 5-11 Weight: 202
Pacman Jones Height: 5-10 Weight: 185
Koren Robinson Height: 6-1 Weight: 205

His size is pretty much average for returners.
By the way DWill is 5-8, 188.

Yeah, but none of them had to pack on 13-15 pounds just for their workouts. How long do you think he'll keep at that weight once he's in the nfl? For all we know his playing weight might be 176 and not the extra pounds he's put on.

Again, a 4th round pick for just a kick returner is absurd when we have more pressing needs, especially burning a roster spot for him when essentially he won't get on the field as a WR.

Who do we cut instead to give just a kick returner a roster spot? Devoe or Adams (because both do pretty well on ST). Or is it Watts/Terrell?

Again, forget the hype. Adding Bloom would mean you're cutting a ST WR or potential starting WR in Watts/Terrell just to fit in a kick returner. I'm sorry, but that's just retarded.

Mile High Shack

03-31-2006, 08:51 AM

fontaine

03-31-2006, 08:59 AM

how about undrafted FA :thumbsup:

Yeah sure go for it.

But at this time of the year, people get caught up in draft hype about certain players and forget that you've got to cut someone from your roster, essentially to add an unproven rookie.

Especially, if that unproven rookie has been out of football, is a lightweight, and will only have one role in that team which will be kick returner. It basically means you're getting rid of another special teams guy that's been established like Devoe/Adams and the coaches already like their versatility and size. We essentially have a full roster apart from TE/DT. In a draft this good you better be sure that a guy will not only be good but make your team as well before you buy the hype and draft him because he runs really fast.

2KBack

03-31-2006, 09:03 AM

Yeah, but none of them had to pack on 13-15 pounds just for their workouts. How long do you think he'll keep at that weight once he's in the nfl? For all we know his playing weight might be 176 and not the extra pounds he's put on.

Again, a 4th round pick for just a kick returner is absurd when we have more pressing needs, especially burning a roster spot for him when essentially he won't get on the field as a WR.

Who do we cut instead to give just a kick returner a roster spot? Devoe or Adams (because both do pretty well on ST). Or is it Watts/Terrell?

Again, forget the hype. Adding Bloom would mean you're cutting a ST WR or potential starting WR in Watts/Terrell just to fit in a kick returner. I'm sorry, but that's just retarded.

We don't know the history of those other guys, they may have to concentrate on getting their weight up too.

Maybe a fourth is too much, though we have 3, but why would a potential starter be in any danger of getting cut? The guy would take a 5 or 6th recievers slot, guys competing for the 1-4 wouldn't be touched, unless the kid showed great skills as a reciever.

Mile High Shack

03-31-2006, 09:03 AM

Yeah sure go for it.

But at this time of the year, people get caught up in draft hype about certain players and forget that you've got to cut someone from your roster, essentially to add an unproven rookie.

Especially, if that unproven rookie has been out of football, is a lightweight, and will only have one role in that team which will be kick returner. It basically means you're getting rid of another special teams guy that's been established like Devoe/Adams and the coaches already like their versatility and size. We essentially have a full roster apart from TE/DT. In a draft this good you better be sure that a guy will not only be good but make your team as well before you buy the hype and draft him because he runs really fast.

He hasn't done crap to prove he is worth a draft pick at all

He is worth a flyer as a UFA

fontaine

03-31-2006, 09:06 AM

We don't know the history of those other guys, they may have to concentrate on getting their weight up too.

Maybe a fourth is too much, though we have 3, but why would a potential starter be in any danger of getting cut? The guy would take a 5 or 6th recievers slot, guys competing for the 1-4 wouldn't be touched, unless the kid showed great skills as a reciever.

We don't have a 3rd.

Which makes our 4th round picks all the more important.

Potential starter as in Terrell/Watts because neither of them play special teams. So if you're adding Bloom as a ST's guy then you either carry 7 WRs or cut Watts or Terrell (stupidly) or cut another special teams WR in either Adams or Devoe (stupidly also because you're getting rid of one good ST guy to add an unproven rookie who's been out of football).

2KBack

03-31-2006, 09:14 AM

We don't have a 3rd.

Which makes our 4th round picks all the more important.

I'm not against geting him, nor would I particularly hate it. To be honest I don't know much about the players past the first couple rounds. All I know is the info I've heard here, and if the guy is as dynamic a kick returner as people are saying, then he is more than worth one of those 4th rounders. Hell a fourth rounder is lucky to get playing time at special teams his first season. If you have the option to draft a potential difference maker for any of your teams (offense, defense, special teams) all the way in the 4th round, you freakin pull the trigger.

fontaine

03-31-2006, 09:22 AM

I'm not against geting him, nor would I particularly hate it. To be honest I don't know much about the players past the first couple rounds. All I know is the info I've heard here, and if the guy is as dynamic a kick returner as people are saying, then he is more than worth one of those 4th rounders. Hell a fourth rounder is lucky to get playing time at special teams his first season. If you have the option to draft a potential difference maker for any of your teams (offense, defense, special teams) all the way in the 4th round, you freakin pull the trigger.

He was so dynamic he didn't play football in 2005.

2KBack

03-31-2006, 09:28 AM

He was so dynamic he didn't play football in 2005.

I know enough about that to to understand that the NCAA wasn't going to let him play football due to his skiiing endorsements. That isn't a knock on him as a player.

Orange_Beard

03-31-2006, 09:34 AM

Potential starter as in Terrell/Watts because neither of them play special teams. So if you're adding Bloom as a ST's guy then you either carry 7 WRs or cut Watts or Terrell (stupidly) or cut another special teams WR in either Adams or Devoe (stupidly also because you're getting rid of one good ST guy to add an unproven rookie who's been out of football).

Watts is a potential starter? Hmm, how many more chances is this guy going to get?

All rookies are unproven.

watermock

03-31-2006, 09:47 AM

A flier in the the late 7th or UDFA with Bloom. He's not going to get drafted IMO. On second thought, I wouldn't use a late 7th anyway. Only 3 teams pick after us anyway on the last round.

it's funny to see a mod say c o c k sucker, and yes Billick is a liar and back stabber. He did it twice to the HornHeads and at least once to us, and who knows who else. And don't get me started on his band of felons on the roster.

Pryce took a pay cut, he wouldn't this year and there was no reason to restructure the deal and guarantee his money, that would of been stupid. Screw him. 10 million for 4 sacks and moving him to protect his back? Pass.

KipCorrington25

03-31-2006, 09:52 AM

Yeah, Jeremy Bloom is the first guy to ever bulk up to play football in the NFL.

Orange_Beard

03-31-2006, 09:55 AM

Yeah, but none of them had to pack on 13-15 pounds just for their workouts. How long do you think he'll keep at that weight once he's in the nfl? For all we know his playing weight might be 176 and not the extra pounds he's put on.

Again, a 4th round pick for just a kick returner is absurd when we have more pressing needs, especially burning a roster spot for him when essentially he won't get on the field as a WR.

Who do we cut instead to give just a kick returner a roster spot? Devoe or Adams (because both do pretty well on ST). Or is it Watts/Terrell?

Again, forget the hype. Adding Bloom would mean you're cutting a ST WR or potential starting WR in Watts/Terrell just to fit in a kick returner. I'm sorry, but that's just retarded.

I don't see being 176 or 185 a big deal. Dante Hall is listed at 188, I am sure he did not come into the league at 188.

IMHO our returners are very week, punt and kick (I am not including DWill), looking at the roster position by position a kick returner would be a big upgrade.
The Broncos are a very good team. To have the chance to upgrade any one position is big.

rbackfactory80

03-31-2006, 11:10 AM

Bilick is such a c o c k-sucker

Hey you cant say that your a mod notsofast

WABronco

03-31-2006, 11:32 AM

If you guys want a top returner at least take someone with potential for another position (Devin Hester)...

epicSocialism4tw

03-31-2006, 11:58 AM

The Broncos coaches get the benefit of the doubt in my eye. Plus Lang has a great pedigree coming from Miami. Roll the dice and see what happens.

I believe that I remember Shanny primarily trying to acquire Lang in the trade last season. He must be what they are looking for on the end.

Trevor Pryce is washed up as a Bronco and has been for 3 seasons. There comes a time when unmet expectations have to be addressed. The guy was getting huge money to underachieve.

Someone mentioned wanting to see Pryce bookended with a good DE. Pryce was supposed to be the player to take the pressure off of other linemen. That's why he got paid considerably more than almost every other Bronco. He just didnt produce for his salary level, and it was time to go in a different direction.

I doubt that Denver gets any less of a pass rush from Lang. Pryce had 4 sacks last season, 3 of which came in one game.

DBroncos4life

03-31-2006, 12:00 PM

9.5 sacks for Lang this year, book it. :~ohyah!:

Merlin

03-31-2006, 12:44 PM

A flier in the the late 7th or UDFA with Bloom.
Didn't we trade our 7th for a punter?