Stirrin' the Pot: Runningback Early

[Requiem]

With Tatum being injured, Nash getting promoted, Mike getting demoted, Cobbs sucking and not staying healthy, and the perpetual argument that the Broncos could use an elite talent there like Portis. . .

Should the Broncos consider a running back in Round One?

I've been a Tatum supporter his whole time here, but if he can't stay healthy consistently, then that's a problem. I still don't think we trade him, but is it possible that the Broncos use a first-round choice on a running back.

Adrian Peterson is out of the question, but two interesting guys who could be there at our first-round selection are Michael Bush and Marshawn Lynch. Probably not, because Bush on talent alone should go higher and Lynch is doing awesome this year.

Outside them, I don't see any backs as elite talent, or anybody who would make out better than what we've got here.

Just wondering if the recent moves, and the past is any indication that we might want to go RB early?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I'm on record as saying that this will be another offensive draft even with the Broncs obvious lack of top talent on the DL. Broncs are going to change directions and plan to score 30 points a game and outscore the opponents rather than trying to win games 17-14. I wouldn't be shocked if they took two running backs among the four first day pick they have. Unless they feel Hixon is the answer to stretch the field, they will draft a speed WR and unless they sign Daniel Graham, they will grab another TE someplace. An OT to bring along wouldn't surprise me either.

Two players I have mentioned before that I really like are Kenneth Darby, the Alabama RB. He has more lower body strength than most of the other backs who will be available (other than my dream pick - Michael Bush) and he reads his blockers as well as any RB in the country. I also like Steve Smith the USC Wr. He plays the same style of game as Marvin Harrison (not saying he will ever be as good as Harrison). He is sneaky quick, has great hands and runns perfect routes. Brian Leonard of Rutgers would be another power back possbility in rounds 3-4, along with Alley Brousard of LSU. your guy, Sideny Rice would be great at WR. Many tackles to choose from. My dream would be Jake Long of Michgan if he came out, as he is already in a zone blocking scheme. Levi Brown of Penn St is probably a RT. Joe Thomas of Wisconsin would be nice, but he should be the top OL taken. Kyle Young, Fresno, Doug Free, N. Illinois, Stephe Heyer, Maryland or if they want to stay with the lighter guys, Carnahan at ASU look to be nice NFL tackles.

[WABronco]

I wouldn't mind Kenny Irons at the end of the first either, to be honest. He's not an athletic dream, but he's tough, runs hard, and hits the hole with a vengeance.

Maybe he's someone we could target near the top of round 2 as well, using that Washington 3rd to move up...if not Tatum Bell himself.

I'm indifferent on this issue...but it's no secret that I'd prefer a more physical no. 1 back.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I like Irons as a college back but he doesn't have enough power in his legs for me. His legs look like a stick figure and he's got no weight in his ass.

[theAPAOps5]

Before we draft a RB I think Shanny will solidify in his mind that Jake is gone and Cutler is going to be promoted. If, and I am pretty sure he will, he goes with Cutler I don't see them spending a high pick on a RB. Cutler is by far a more accurate and powerful throwing QB who also has shown some mobility. Sounds like someone else who used to roam around here. If he pans out and makes smart decisions then teams can't cheat up on the run. This opens up the running game again and we have talented backs to take advantage. Shanny is a gambler so I bet unless there is the perfect opportunity he fills other needs first and then drafts a RB in the middle.

[WABronco]

I like Irons as a college back but he doesn't have enough power in his legs for me. His legs look like a stick figure and he's got no weight in his ass.

...and he could be a walking injury-bug as well.

[SoCalBronco]

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/25/259044.jpg

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/26/268529.jpg

http://www.autumnspectacle.com/Players/Louisville%20(Michael%20Bush).jpg

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/lou/galleries/M-FOOTBL-120404/L2-lg.jpg

:pray: :pray: :pray:

[Requiem]

After this, I really think that tackle might be a priority too, Kaylore thinks Meadows played well, but I certainly didn't see it. I didn't tape the game today, but I didn't think he looked that impressive.

[WABronco]

After this, I really think that tackle might be a priority too, Kaylore thinks Meadows played well, but I certainly didn't see it. I didn't tape the game today, but I didn't think he looked that impressive.

Yea...I didn't think Meadows was particularly sharp either.

Watch all those guys hammer Shanny when Foster starts next week. I may be mistaken, but didn't this exact same thing happen last year as well?

[Requiem]

Foster had an MCL injury that lingered and Cornell Green spelled him often.

We'll see if it was performance based, or just motivational, or whatever by tomorrow during conferences.

Kaylore seems to think that Meadows was awesome in today's game. He had help in packages throughout the first half, and he basically states that Mustard was his training wheels. . . but even in the second half he was still there, and it wasn't until late in the fourth quarter when the game actually opened up.

I think it's foolish to blame the TE production not happening because of Foster, and I don't think there's a basis for that argument.

If Foster truly does suck, he won't be seeing the field the rest of the year.

Meadows is 32 years old, and isn't a long term solution.

Now guys like Ryan Harris and Joe Staley become legit late first-round possibilities of this team, or somewhere along the first day a tackle does.

[theAPAOps5]

Meadows was deer in the head lights first half. Kaylor is right Meadows was good during the second half. Notice TEs only made an apperance during second half when the they didn't have to be training wheels.

[WABronco]

We'll see if it was performance based, or just motivational, or whatever by tomorrow during conferences.

Yea...I'm anxious to hear that pc tomorrow. Hopefully one of the writers ask him...

I think it's foolish to blame the TE production not happening because of Foster, and I don't think there's a basis for that argument.

Yea I saw that too. I had a big ol' post typed up and then just said "f it" cuz it's not worth it...;D

If anything we should be pulling for the guy to become a consistent player. He should be a fixture, and still can become one. Without him it just creates another need to stack on the other 2 or 3 needs.

[Clockwork Orange]

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/25/259044.jpg

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/26/268529.jpg

http://www.autumnspectacle.com/Players/Louisville%20(Michael%20Bush).jpg

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/lou/galleries/M-FOOTBL-120404/L2-lg.jpg

:pray: :pray: :pray:

Winner winner, chicken dinner.

Michael Bush would be perfect. Size, speed, power and a nose for the end zone. If not for his injury, he'd be a lock to go in the top half of the first round. If he shows out well at the combine, he still might.

If the Broncos have a shot at him, they need to seize the day.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/25/259044.jpg

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/26/268529.jpg

http://www.autumnspectacle.com/Players/Louisville%20(Michael%20Bush).jpg

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/lou/galleries/M-FOOTBL-120404/L2-lg.jpg

:pray: :pray: :pray:

We've been singing that tune together for over a year now Bro. Bettis with speed.

[Requiem]

Bush would be sweet here, but I just wonder if he'll come out (I believe he can techinically medical RS) but he should be able to heal and work out well. . . i mean there's no reason he shouldn't go round one.

I don't think he lasts until 27, 28, 29. . . around there. Hey, 31. . .

[Traveler]

Hey Guys,

Although we don't have a realistic shot at Adrian Peterson, what are scouts concerns about him other than his injury? I like Michael Bush. But, if there was someway the land Peterson, he would immediately complete our Big 3 on offense. Cutler, Walker, and Peterson would take this offense to the next level.

[Obushma]

How far does the broken leg drop Bush in the draft?

I have a feeling it wouldn't be more then 5 spots at most and I think he'll still go top 15.

[WABronco]

How far does the broken leg drop Bush in the draft?

I have a feeling it wouldn't be more then 5 spots at most and I think he'll still go top 15.

Rumor has it that he's well on the way to recovering before the combine...

[Requiem]

How far does the broken leg drop Bush in the draft?

I have a feeling it wouldn't be more then 5 spots at most and I think he'll still go top 15.

Oh, well. . . WA is right. He should be good by the combine time and he could possibly get an invitation to the senior bowl.

He's a legit first-rounder, but since he didn't play but one half this year, even if he proves healthy, scouts are going to have to rely on what they saw of him in the first half and last year to decide his final grade.

[elsid13]

I wouldn't be surprise if Denver went WR in the first - lots of talent there I believe like Rice (*dream pick) and pick a player like Mike Hart in the second, if he declares, or Tony Hunt

[youcandoit1687]

tony hunt is a possibility. i dont like the top RBs that much. peterson, i worry about his health, he runs high and basically headbutts his way through tacklers, for the right price, i would be perfectly fine drafting him(id say somewhere in the 20s). marshawn lynch, i dont like the guy, yeah hes a specimen but he seems to have some attitude issues. i constantly see him doing serious jawjapping, getting into other players faces, seems liek a PF waiting to happen and he seems to have some anger problems. hed have to have a great interview IMO. michael bush, i worry about his speed, hell have to have a 40 time around 4.5 for me to want him in the first round. running rampant against the big east doesnt impress me.

in the second round, this is where i like the RBs more. tony hunt runs well and has a nice speed/size combo. im not as high on darby because he doesnt use his size as much as you would like him to but he does have decent speed for his size. i really like irons, a definite poor man's adrian peterson IMO. he doesnt quite have the size but he gets lower and is more explosive behind the LOS. a three header of him and the bells would be nice, theyd all complement eachother well.

deshawn wynn is a guy i like in the third/fourth rounds. he has been injured a little(ankle i think) but has some power and can break tackles in the secondary.

all in all, i think drafting a RB in the first round would be a mistake barring some very odd circumstances but it would be nice to add some power at the end of day one. PLEASE PICK DLINE SHANNY!!!

[27atwater]

Don't be mistaken, if we don't get a RB in the 1st, there is nothin left but a bucket of crap. Hunt is solid, but not for our O. I wouldn't take Peterson w/ the Raiders draft pick. He'll be a huge bust and will barely see the field. For my money, gimme Lynch...noone else. I don't love Bush for our O...just Lynch. I think we go Safety, but I'd be cool w/ Marshawn. Wish List:

LaRon Landry
Paul Posluszny...Who cares if we have LBs already. I live here in PA. He's the best I've ever seen.
Michael Griffin
Marshawn Lynch
Quinn Pitcock

[27atwater]

Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma, Jr. (http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/prospects/adrian_peterson.html)
Marshawn Lynch, Cal, Jr. (http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/prospects/marshawn_lynch.html)
Michael Bush, Louisville (http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/prospects/michael_bush.html)
Kenny Irons, Auburn (http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/prospects/kenny_irons.html)
Tony Hunt, Penn St. (http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/prospects/tony_hunt.html)
Chauncey Washington, USC, Jr. (http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/prospects/chauncey_washington.html)
Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois (http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/prospects/garrett_wolfe.html)
Germaine Race, Pittsburgh St. (http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/prospects/germaine_race.html)
Kenneth Darby, Alabama
Lorenzo Booker, Florida St. (http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/prospects/lorenzo_booker.html)Apparently RACE from Pitt State has all the talent in the world. I'd rather give him a shot later on and make the D younger early on.

[27atwater]

Germaine Race RB 5'11 225 Pittsburgh St.


<!-- Begin Article Text -->No back at the DII level has been as productive as Germaine Race. He has posted ridiculous numbers during his career. As a freshman, he ran for 982 yards and 17 touchdowns despite only starting eight games. As a sophomore, he had one of the best years in college football history. He ran for 2,213 yards and 26 touchdowns. During his junior season, Race was hampered by a hamstring injury but still ran for 1,846 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Race is an excellent interior runner. He has a stocky frame, and is a load to bring down. He is built low to the ground, and combined with his power, is very tough to bring down by one defender. He continues to keep his legs moving at the end of runs and always falls forward. Once Race gets moving in the open field, he shows solid speed to break off some big runs on occasion.
The obvious knock on Race is the level he plays at. He does not play against many top tier players, so his true ability may be overrated because of his success against inferior talent. He also does not change direction well and will not make many people miss at the next level. Germaine Race has dominated at the D-II level and done everything possible to put himself in position to play in the NFL. His power and ability to run between the tackles is very good. He will have to show his speed and athleticism in the post season so teams can gauge his true ability and judge how well he projects to the NFL. He may never be a game breaker, but he is a player that could be a very good short yardage back, or if in the right scheme, be a player that continues to churn out yards and keep the sticks moving.

[JoRo]

If we look for a back in first round I pray it is either Bush or Lynch. Peterson imo is an injury risk and we already have one of those and Irons imo just doesnt seem right... I dont know.... I truly think Lynch will be a great back... but I dont know if well be round in the right spot to get him

[NFLBRONCO]

After this, I really think that tackle might be a priority too, Kaylore thinks Meadows played well, but I certainly didn't see it. I didn't tape the game today, but I didn't think he looked that impressive.


I'd rather sign a Vet T then draft one takes too long to develop them.

[youcandoit1687]

no need to have another vet, meadows and lepsis are plenty. get a 5-7th rounder who fits our scheme and has potential to develop in a couple years. how many years are left on lepsis' contract after this year?

[Reign-inc]

Bush's injury could have him slip in the draft but we all know someone is going to give alot to get that guy he is being hunted by all 32 teams..... Brian Leonard from rutgers would be a great fit i think also in the event we cannot secure bush.

[elsid13]

Bush's injury could have him slip in the draft but we all know someone is going to give alot to get that guy he is being hunted by all 32 teams..... Brian Leonard from rutgers would be a great fit i think also in the event we cannot secure bush.

Leonard is will be a great FB in the WCO style of offense, but won't a feature back in the league. He should sitting in the 3 to 4th round to pick up.

[27atwater]

at OT, I want the dude from Central Mich. Hopefully we could land him w/ the skin's #3.

[That One Guy]

I think it's relatively safe to assume Shanny was confident in the RBs he had coming into this year in Dayne and Tater yet he still tried to move around and get Maroney in the first round.

I'd say we're very much in the same situation this year if Cutler pans out and can back some of the D off the line. So, in my mind, that tells me that if someone of Maroney's ability drops to the lower half of the round we could definitely see a RB. How does Maroney as a prospect stack up against this year's class? That should tell us the likelyhood of seeing a RB picked when other needs are becoming more obvious every day.

[youcandoit1687]

remember people, maroney is from minnesota where they have been successfully running the same zone stretch scheme that we do, that is where we have gotten eslinger and ben hamilton. its not like maroney was just any RB, he was a RB for our scheme that would fit perfectly.

[Obushma]

Paul Posluszny...Who cares if we have LBs already. I live here in PA. He's the best I've ever seen.


Honestly, I like Posluszny a lot, but for you to be in PA and say he's the best linbacker you've ever seen, thats just crazy talk. I remember watching a guy by the name of Lavar Arrington jump over the O-line to make a sack. I remember thinking this is the next coming of LT. Either you're real young or you havent watched a lot of PSU games.

[27atwater]

Honestly, I like Posluszny a lot, but for you to be in PA and say he's the best linbacker you've ever seen, thats just crazy talk. I remember watching a guy by the name of Lavar Arrington jump over the O-line to make a sack. I remember thinking this is the next coming of LT. Either you're real young or you havent watched a lot of PSU games.

lAvAR IS AN INCREDIBLE ATHELETE, BUT AT FAR AS lb SKILLS, READS, PLAYING W/ THE TEAM...IT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE. (sorry caps lock was on). Poz is better and it will be evident in the pros. LaVar has made no mark in the NFL to speak of because everyone else is as athletic, but are more well rounded. He used his natural abilities to dominate in college. He can't do that anymore.

I watch A LOT of PSU games and have been to quite a few as well. I actually also saw LaVar play HS hoops. I am fully aware of what I have seen...and Poz is better.

[Rohirrim]

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:GOxMkLyjnKV3eM:http://espn-att.starwave.com/media/ncf/2005/1004/photo/g_leonard_195.jpg

Brian will be a feature back in the NFL. He posted a 4.5 forty. He has excellent hands. This is the new NFL. Everybody gets bigger and faster every year. The nifty back's are spread out all over the league - on IR. What the Broncos need is the second coming of Earl Campbell or John Riggins. You've got to force the opposition to use more big guys on the line so you can slow the pass rush and create more 1 on 1s in the secondary. Power football. It's what's for dinner. ;D

[Elway777]

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:GOxMkLyjnKV3eM:http://espn-att.starwave.com/media/ncf/2005/1004/photo/g_leonard_195.jpg

Brian will be a feature back in the NFL. He posted a 4.5 forty. He has excellent hands. This is the new NFL. Everybody gets bigger and faster every year. The nifty back's are spread out all over the league - on IR. What the Broncos need is the second coming of Earl Campbell or John Riggins. You've got to force the opposition to use more big guys on the line so you can slow the pass rush and create more 1 on 1s in the secondary. Power football. It's what's for dinner. ;D Both Kyle Johnson and Sapp our free agents ,so the broncos could sign him to play fullback and use him on short yardage situations. Our 2 round pick or early 3 would be a good place to draft him.

[want2bAbronco2]

what about Darren McFadden RB Ark? looks like he had a good 2 years.

*edit* n/m i thought they could come out as a jr. didn't know they had to play there jr year. well, he looks like a freak for 08 draft class lol.