A look at David Terell

[Ballhawk]

I think Shanny did a great job in reviving the careers of Warren and CB. Not only did he utilize them in a way that took all the 1st round pick hype off them, but also created an enviorment in which they choose to return to Denver. Now he is trying to do the same for Terrell. He kept him on the roster letting him ease his way into understanding our playbook. He also made sure he did not put him in a position to fail. We know the guy is athletically gifted and has the size 6'3" 215 lbs to be a good WR in this league. He did not develop in Chicago, but lets take a look at what he did:

2001: As a rookie he did what most rookies do, average at best. He started 6 games played in 16 and caught 34 for 416 yds and 4 TDs. Comparing this to Walker's rookie year (who most seem high on), JW caught 23 passes for 319 yds and 1 TD. Another WR who has turned successful Reggie Wayne caught 27 for 345 and 0 tds. Both Walker and Wayne entered a system that maximizes the WR position. Terrell went to Chicago and played with Jim Miller and Shane Mattews (notice he had to get a feel for 2 QBs his rookie year).

2002: Terrell was injured playing in only 5 games.

2003: Really his 2nd year, but he catches 43 for 361 yards a dissmal 8.4 ypc and 1 TD. However he played with Grossman (Rookie) then Chandler then Kordell Stewert. Does anyone else remember how bad Kordell played that year? Even Marty Booker went from 100 and 97 catches the previous two years to 52 catches.

2004: The true 3rd year for Terrell, the breakout year for most WRs. He catches 42 passes for 699 yds and 1 TD. Doesn't look like much of a breakout. However looking again at the QB position he played with Rex Grossman (3 games) then Chad Huchingson and Craig Krenzel. I dont think anyone could break out playing with these guys.

So basically David has never played a full season with 1 QB, never even played 16 games with the same QB.

If some consistancy helps him to improve from 42 699 1 TD to a 75 1000 7 TD type guy, then I think our WR worries are not as deep as some would believe. I am not saying he will become a great #1 WR but I do not think we will need to replace Rod and Lelie, because DT can fill the role of our #2 guy very nicely.

[Florida_Bronco]

Good anaylsis Ballhawk, it really puts things in perspective.

The only other player I can think of who is in a worst situation is Kyle Boller. Poor kid is playing in a system that hasn't ever really made a productive quarterback and now he's Baltimore whipping boy for it.

[DarkHorse30]

nice post. It's interesting to see the actual history of a player on a bad team......Plummer can likely relate with Terrel's bumpy start, regarding his own time in Arizona.

[Rohirrim]

Well done, Hawk. That's some stuff to think about. Maybe Shanahan knows something that makes letting Lelie go a little easier for him?

[Kaylore]

I'm not holding my breath. If he makes special teams, it was worth it.

[Popps]

All his measurables are good. It just bothers me that he was healthy all last season, and couldn't bust into the starting lineup as a #3. They're talking him up, so we'll see. That would be a huge shot in the arm and almost like a freebie if he even turns into a marginal weapon for us.

[Ballhawk]

All his measurables are good. It just bothers me that he was healthy all last season, and couldn't bust into the starting lineup as a #3. They're talking him up, so we'll see. That would be a huge shot in the arm and almost like a freebie if he even turns into a marginal weapon for us.

I really do not think Shanny even pondered getting him into the competition. I think the best bet for saving his career was to take all pressure off of him, let him get comfortable and rebuild his psyche. Hopefully it was the right thing to do.

[12th man]

I think he is going to be good here. He has all the talant in the world. he was just in a bad offense with a bad young qb, and he got hurt. I think with the coaches and team he has here he can make it. especially with dinger helping him out.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I hope he makes a big move this year, but I'll believe it when I see it.

[JoRo]

Dude, i never really thought about it like that. That is a good find though.


I hope that Mike can maximize the talent that D.T has.

[KansasBronco]

Great analysis Hawk. I have high hopes for Terrill.

[Broncos4Life]

good post ballhawk.
hopefully he can develope with us

[Hercules Rockefeller]

All his measurables are good. It just bothers me that he was healthy all last season, and couldn't bust into the starting lineup as a #3.

He was not healthy all season. The Pats cut him because they didn't want to use up a roster spot on someone who wouldn't be 100% until a few games into the season.

[ro_50]

Good post Ballhawk.

I'm hoping he can at least develop into a viable number 3 or even number 4 option.

[Mediator12]

He was not healthy all season. The Pats cut him because they didn't want to use up a roster spot on someone who wouldn't be 100% until a few games into the season.

He had a lingering staff infection from his leg and even though he was cleared to play around game 7 or so I think it was too late in the staffs eyes for him to really be comfortable in the system.

[Killericon]

Good thoughts, man.

You just restored my Terrel faith.

[Man-Goblin]

Well, he's a big target, which we all know is good with a certain QB.

I'm down. All aboard the Terrell Train!

[footstepsfrom#27]

I've been holding out hope for him all along. He's got the Chad Jackson-like measurables if he can just make the jump to the next level. Maybe if he comes on strong, we won't miss Lelie anyway.

[chaz]

very nice post, he must have been very frustrated in those years in chitown with so much inconsistency....glad to have him, but dont have any expectations of him, just like to see him contribute somehow

[Paladin]

He was quoted as saying that he'd learnt more this past year than he had all the time he had been with the Bears and the Pats about the WR position and football. We may see a more confident and knowledgeable player next fall because the coaches took time to train and teach him. When he was drafted, he was highly touted. He has some skills and certainly the measureables to play in the Broncos' system. I really hope he pans out. Could be a real find by the FO.

[DomCasual]

He was not healthy all season. The Pats cut him because they didn't want to use up a roster spot on someone who wouldn't be 100% until a few games into the season.
Didn't he have some kind of staff infection that knocked him out almost all last training camp and preseason in New England? I was listening to the guys on NFL Radio bash him the other night because "if New England's coaching staff couldn't make him work, then there must be something wrong with his attitude, because New England gets the best out of people." ::)

I wouldn't be surprised to see him catch 50 balls this year. But even with that, he is not the speed guy we need to replace Lelie, assuming Lelie is gone.

[DarkHorse30]

All his measurables are good. It just bothers me that he was healthy all last season, and couldn't bust into the starting lineup as a #3. They're talking him up, so we'll see. That would be a huge shot in the arm and almost like a freebie if he even turns into a marginal weapon for us.

True...but consider that ZERO wr's in Shanahan's "system" do anything at all in one year (except maybe McCaffrey, but he was a freak of nature). Kennison flopped w/Shanahan....but notice that he is easily the #1 in a pretty good KC offense. Denver has a bevy of potential #3's on their roster right now.....time for Shanahan's system to produce a winnah. Heimerdinger's presence might be the key.

[Crushisback]

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2001/profile/david_terrell.html

Let's just pretend he's a rookie.

[Orange_Beard]

The truth will be told on draft day. If the Broncos draft a wide out high and keep Lelie, this is all hype.
If Lelie is traded and we draft a wideout high, show a liitle faith in him.
If Lelie is traded and we don't draft a wideout high, then this is not hype.

[Tombstone RJ]

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2001/profile/david_terrell.html

Let's just pretend he's a rookie.

Analysis like that is exactly why drafting a WR in the first round is a crap shoot and the most difficult position to analyze, aside from the QB position.

[MileHighMania]

I'd really like to see Watts prove that 2005 was just a bad year, the guy showed lots of promise his rookie year.

One way or the other - ship Lelie, bring in Walker... pick up a WR with one of your top 4 picks. Smith, Walker, Watts, Terrell, rookie, etc... I like it.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Also remmeber that all of these draft "experts" are the same folk that said the Broncs would be 8-8 last year and laughed at the Browncos.

[broncsyanks]

nice post.

I only have one question -- why did he not play last year and if he was a player then why couldnt he figure out the playbook and how much work did he put into it.

not a judgement on the guy, i was just wondering

[Old Dude]

1. He never had a chance to go through training camp.
2. I'd presume our WR coaches were busy, during the regular season, with guys they already had in here.
3. I'd also presume that the Bears offense is a lot different than Denver's.
4. Terrell doesn't really have all that much experience under his belt.

Realistically, I think the staff is just hoping that he'll make a legitimate #3. If he does that, they'll be happy.

[broncsyanks]

sounds good we need a better passing game imo to compensate a great rushing game

thanks for the info

[Crushaholic]

I give him a pass for last year. He may or may not have been healthy, but the fact remains that he was behind the curve on learning the playbook. I have high hopes for him this year...

[Natedogg]

I hope he is an ed mccaffery and not a robert brooks.

[watermock]

Terrell is an X factor. They say he's progressing. I really don't know. I really liked him out of Michigan. Now that he has escaped the short bus we just might have something.

It's like sheesh, we are the last stop motel. Here is a funny story, at least for me...I'm going from Vegas to Druango Co. with my girl and we are both tired...so I see those infamous Teepees at some route 66 road. (yes we went on road 666 later, you gotta see that stuff)

Anyway, this was when there was some mouse flu or something. 4 corners flu. So I pull the sheets down and what do I see? About 500 mice turds!! Exactly what you caught that flu from. I bolted W/O even asking for a refund.

Now where was I, as Edna would say. Oh yes, that hunky David guy. This is his last stop.

[watermock]

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/image.php?u=3471&dateline=1145196025

Ever notice how alot of comedians are Bronco fans?

[Hulamau]

All his measurables are good. It just bothers me that he was healthy all last season, and couldn't bust into the starting lineup as a #3. They're talking him up, so we'll see. That would be a huge shot in the arm and almost like a freebie if he even turns into a marginal weapon for us.


I think he'll be OK Popps,
He had a serious staff infection in his calf during camp with NE last year and didnt arrive to us until the beginning of the season and has no experience in a west coast style offense.

Right from the start Shanny told him to heal, sit and learn in 2005 and if he trusted Shanny he could do big things in 06. It was the plan all along and not necessarily his failure to develop in our offense.

Once the season starts the roster is set and unless the guy that has won the position in battles throughout camp screws up big time they arent likely to lose their job. Terrlell never had any camp at all with us and hadn't blended in the team chemistry throughout the prior offseason AND hsi was still getting back in football shape in the early part of the year after lossing a hunk of meat off his caflf from that serious staph infection.

Plus, I think Shanny wanted to give this guy who has had nothing but instablity in his career in the players and systems around him the chance to regroup really learn out system which by now he truly has and get fully healthy and on track for this year.

He seems determined and the guy could play lights out at Michigan, I'm excited about on his prospects this year and if ASh is gone like it looks we are really going to need him to step up to first round draft choice caliber from the get go.


I like Javon Walker too but everyone that thinks he is going to walk in here this year and not miss a beat from Lelies absence is in for a rude awakening I suspect.

1. It hasnt even been close to a year since he completely tore his ACL which means he is going to be very ginger and skittish through much of preseason and camp and I bet the coaches will only gradually ease him into full workouts and practices which will likely greatly limit his chances to gel with Plummer before the season starts.

2. He doesnt know our offense yet and while he should be pretty familiar with it by the time the season starts, the idea that he'll know it anywhere close to Rod or Ash is not going to happen.

3. The only year Walker stood out was when he was the #1 WR. Do you think he is going to be happy as out #2? I doubt seriously he will be our #1WR due to the above two reasons which makes it much less likely he'll beat out Rod at #1. It would be a miracle if his speed hasnt taken a real ding, this year at least, as he builds back the flexibility and confidence in his knee.

4. What kind of attitude is he really going to have in our run-first offense as the #2 guy getting so many less balls from PLummer and having to try to play center field for Plummer's wounded ducks beyond 30 yards?

Walker may turn out to be a great WR for us in the long run, I just think that those expecting us to benefit from Ash being gone in place of Walker this year, and for Javon to just step in here after that serious injury with a new team and repeat his 2004 season here with Plummer as his QB this year simply havent thought this thing through.

Even in his one big year in 2004 Javon's stats were a little better but not by a lot over Ash's that same year and he was the #1 WR with Bret Favre in GBs wide open passing attack, not the #2 as was Ash with Plummer at the helm in our more conservative passing attack.

If Ash had been in GB with Favre as their #1 in 2004 when they had a decent team, in all likelihood he would have matched or exceeded Walkers numbers.

What would really be ironic, is if Ash winds up in GB as their #1WR this year with Favre and goes on to a pro bowl break out year which is distinctly possible, even on Green Bays depleted team, IF he is the prime target for Favre all year long, and then Walker comes in here and struggles as our #2.

I hope Ash does well, but sure as hell hope the second part of that scenario doesn't pan out as we'll be the losers all around and it will highlight the folly of compromising our overall team design trying to accomodate Plummer's limitations.

Nevertheless, since Ash is as good as gone Walker is certainly the best prospect for replacing him and we must get him if we hope to make it back to the AFC title game this year.

[Atlas]

I think he'll be OK Popps,
He had a serious staff infection in his calf during camp with NE last year and didnt arrive to us until the beginning of the season and has no experience in a west coast style offense.

Right from the start Shanny told him to heal, sit and learn in 2005 and if he trusted Shanny he could do big things in 06. It was the plan all along and not necessarily his failure to develop in our offense.

Once the season starts the roster is set and unless the guy that has won the position in battles throughout camp screws up big time they arent likely to lose their job. Terrlell never had any camp at all with us and hadn't blended in the team chemistry throughout the prior offseason AND hsi was still getting back in football shape in the early part of the year after lossing a hunk of meat off his caflf from that serious staph infection.

Plus, I think Shanny was was to give this guy who has had nopthing but instablity in his career in the players and systems aroudn him the cahnce to regroup rally learn out system which by now he truly has and get fully healthy and on track for this year.

He seems determined and the guy could play lights out at Michigan, I'm excited about on his prospects this year and if ASh is goen like it looks we arereally going to need him to step up to first roudn draft choice caliber from the get go.


I like JAvon Walker too but everyoen that thinks he is goiong to walk in here this year and not miss a beat from Lelies absence is in for a rude awakening I suspect.

1. It hasnt even been close to a year since he completely tore his ACL which means he is going to be very ginger and skittish through much of preseason and camp and I bet the coaches will only gradually ease him into full workouts and practices which will likely greatly limit his chances to gel with Plummer before the season starts.

2. He doesnt know our offense yet and while he should be pretty familiar with it by the time the season starts, the idea that he'll know it anywhere close to Rod or Ash is not going to happen.

3. The only year Walker stood out was when he was the #1 WR. Do you think he is going to be happy as out #2? I doubt seriously he will be our #1WR due to the above two reasons which makes it much less likely he'll beat out Rod at #1. It would be a miracle if his speed hasnt taken a real ding, this year at least, as he builds back the flexibility and confidence in his knee.

3. What kind of attitude is he really going to have in our run-first offense as the #2 guy getting so many less balls from PLummer and having to try to play center field for Plummer's wounded ducks beyond 30 yards?

Walker may turn out to be a great WR for us in the long run, I just think that those expecting us to benefit from Ash being gone in place of Walker this year, and for Javon to just step in here after that serious injury with a new team and repeat his 2004 season here with Plummer as his QB this year simply havent thought this thing through.

Even in his one big year in 2004 Javon's stats were a little better but not by a lot over Ash's that same year and he was the #1 WR with Bret Favre in GBs wide open passing attack, not the #2 as was Ash with Plummer at the helm in our more conservative passing attack.

If Ash had been in GB with Favre as their #1 in 2004 when they had a decent team, in all likelihood he would have matched or exceeded Walkers numbers.

What would really be ironic, is if Ash winds up in GB as their #1WR this year with Favre and goes on to a pro bowl break out year which is distinctly possible, even on Green Bays depleted team, IF he is the prime target for Favre all year long, and then Walker comes in here and struggles as our #2.

I hope Ash does well, but sure as hell hope the second part of that scneario doesn't pan out as we'll be the losers all around and it will highlight the folly of compromising our overall team design trying to accomodate Plummer's limitations.

Nevertheless since Ash is as good as gone Walker is certainly the best prospect for replacing him and we must get him if we hope to make it back to the AFC title game this year.

Another good post by HulaMan

[Hulamau]

Another good post by HulaMan

Thanks Atlas,

If we can get Vernon Davis and make the swap of Walker for Sh sicne Ash wants the chance to shine thisyear when his lifes money is on the line, its a good ea lall aaround.

I'm just not holding my breath that Walker is going to be 'all world' for us this year. However, having Vernon Davis for Plummer to throw to would be HUGE, although he will just be learning the NFL and our complex system.