Discussing our options for next April?

[bpc]

Anybody started kicking this around yet? I just did... I have to say, I've been pretty much all for taking defensive linemen with our first four picks a la a couple years ago with our DB's HOWEVER I can't help but feel that this isn't going to be a strong class for DL's this year. I'm going to open it up, especially in the first round. WE NEED DL in the worst way. I'm starting to open myself up if the right person falls to taking a HB, WR, DE, DT, or FS/SS with our first pick depending on who it is. Since we still don't know where we will be drafting, this is up for debate.

I think we would be smart in the offseason make a huge play for Justin Smith at DE. I think he would be a significant upgrade against both the pass and run in our defense.

(I still wish we would switch to a 3-4... since you can only make ONE decision to correct the franchise at a time, I will just be happy that we now have Cutler starting... )

KEEP IN MIND, some of these guys are juniors and might not come out. They are not necessarily ranked in order of how we should pick them AND I am open to hearing more about players anybody thinks we should look at. I have to admit that there are a bunch of WR's that I would love for Denver to get a chance at now that Cutler is at the helm... gotta give him weapons to score!!!

HB: Very real possibility we take a guy right now... and it should be a pretty solid draft for them. I interested to see how the draft would shake down right now but it is going to be top heavy with guys like Quinn, Thomas, and a couple of other junior offensive linemen and WR's coming out. My expectations out of my HB are changing. I don't want the homerun guy only now... that means Sonic and Tatum style backs are out of the mix. I want the work horse that can take advantage of our system and punish some guys. At the same time I want a guy that can catch the ball. This is becoming more and more important as guys like LT, LJ and Tiki are eating teams up this way.

1. Marshawn Lynch - HB/CAL - I really like his running style. Very similar to Edge James when he came out. Silky smooth. He can run and catch which I love. Great speed and can really close out his runs. I wonder about his toughness and his ability to carry his team in big time situations. Hard to knock his ability overall though.
2. Kenny Irons - HB/Auburn - If PSU is the LB U and FSU is DL U, Auburn is quickly becoming HB U. Irons is another in a long line of great players that have come out of this SEC powerhouse at the HB position. Following in Stephen Davis, Rudi Johnson, Cadillac Williams, and Ronnie Brown's footsteps is Irons. He has had a somewhat down senior year after suffering a high ankle sprain. In today's game when so many backs split carries, Irons is a throwback workhorse. His junior season he ran for 13 TD's and 1300 yds logging over 25 carries five times, all down the stretch in SEC play. His injury this year has caused him to lose some burst but he is going to be a steal for a team that takes a chance on him. Has good size at 6'0", 205 lbs.
3. Michael Bush - HB/Louisville - His greatness has been debated many times over but the man is 245 and runs like his 210. He has the power and size to run through, over, and around the competition. Simply an amazing player. Words are starting to come out though that he will not enter the draft this season after getting injured during the opening game of the Cardinals season and having a titanium rod inserted into his leg.


WR: Rod is getting older, Brandon Marshall is only the start. I like Kircus in some ways but he tends to drop some balls. Hixon is still an unknown quantity. This might be an area where we need to upgrade. If we start Rod anymore after this season, I think we are slipping in terms of overall ability. I would like to see Rod slide into a #3 spot with either Marshall or some new blood stepping up.

1. Marcus Monk - WR/Arkansas - This guy has been a player for a few years now and he still has his bouts of affectiveness however you cannot argue with the talent. The guy is absolutely huge at 6'6", 222lbs. His speed is marginal but he provides a huge target for QB's to find. He has been a magnet for TD's logging 6 his freshman season, 7 his junior year and now 10 this season.
2. Robert Meachum - WR/Tennessee - Burst on to the scene as explosive threat who has been a better overall player this season for UT than Monk has for the Hogs. Still has very good size at 6'3", 210 and sports a 4.4 40. Hasn't been as productive for UT as Monk has for UofA.
3. Dewayne Jarrett - WR/USC - His career speaks for itself. Has been knicked up a lot this year however he is now rounding into form as he just logged 3 TD catches against Notre Dame. Another taller verticle threat who knows how to get open.
4. Sidney Rice - WR/USCarolina - Isn't displaying the dominance this season as he did last year but it is hard to argue with his deceptive speed, range and talent.
5. Jeff Samardzija - WR/ND - I like his talent, I don't think he'll keep playing football over baseball. He is good now... how good could he be if he actually focused? Not likely to be taken by us, but his talent speaks for itself as well.
6. Johnie Lee Higgins - WR/UTEP - This guy is flying under the radar but he is very similar to Ginn Jr. from OSU. He has amazing WR skills, speed and the ability to catch the ball and also is a force in the return game. Has averaged 9 or more TD's the last three seasons. 6'0", 185lbs, 4.4 40.

S: Honestly, we need a center fielder that can make some of these passing teams pay for throwing on us. I believe that both John Lynch and Nick Ferguson are now average at best... they may know where they need to be but cannot get there anymore. I feel it is in our best interest to make a change and infuse more talent here.

1. Michael Griffin - S/Texas - I think Griffin is a guy who's stock is going to rise. He has had some injury concerns this year but he has filled in well for Michael Huff who left last season and was a top 10 draft pick. He is an active player in the run game as he has about 80 tackles this season and also can also force turnovers as he has picked 4 balls this year and also caused 4 FF's. Good size and speed ratio give him the ability to attack opposing offenses.
2. Reggie Nelson - S/Florida - The guy is simply a ballhawk. Has registered 5 INT's this season. Doesn't have the best size (6'0", 200) but can run a 4.4, could play CB in a pinch. Also has returned kicks. "He does it all. He's an energizer. He's a leader," Coach Urban Meyer said. "Some of the great ones, I could list a bunch of them; he's that type of player that you just know where he is at all times." Two weeks ago, Meyer said he would recognize Nelson as an All-American even if he isn't officially honored as one. And last week, Meyer said Nelson is the best defensive player he has witnessed during his tenure as a collegiate coach.

[Malcontent]

Dude, always into talking draft! Justin Smith is a good DLman, but is his price going to shy Shanny away. Denver simply doesn't pay linemen anything...See Bert Berry! Most niks on the mane want to draft DL in round 1, and that is fine if deserving. Here's my wish list 1st 4 rds.....

Round 1. Trade out!!

Round 2. DL, DL,

Round 3. DE, TE

Round 4. RB

Pretty boring but effective.

[bpc]

I'm stoked about the upcoming draft... not enough to want us to throw this season because I still think we can do special things... however, there is going to be a lot of talent out there. I DO agree that the value again is going to lay at the end of the 1st round so trading back would be ideal. There are just no DLineman of worth at our current spot, (probably 22-26) as of right now.

I know we don't want to add money from FA into our DL however I think Justin Smith will be a good investment. I thought the same of Aaron Kampman last year and we missed out on him. Smith will bring his lunchpale and hardhat and will work his a$$ off for us. Another thing is, he is a 3 down, defensive lineman.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Kampman re-signed before FA starter, and he would have been my choice too. I'll take Charles Grant this year.

[ØrangeÇrush]

Simeon Rice will not be in Tampa next year, and would make a good situational pass-rusher. However, with the draft we have no choice, we're going DE, DT, S, or RB. We shall see on WR and TE in the next weeks with a new QB throwing the ball.

[BlaK-Argentina]

Ugggh... we're already talking Draft? Can't we wait until the season is over at least? We'll have plenty of time to discuss this kind of thing by january.

Bah... who am I to keep you from discussing the Draft? Go ahead. :) (I won't read it though, I'm still in on-season mode. :D)

[broncsyanks]

dwight freeney is also a restricted free agent. but we also get another pick from the lelie trade. i say we trade up and get a premiere back
1, HB or DE if possible
2, De or HB if possible
3. safety
4. KR specialist

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Freeney is unrestricted

[bpc]

I would pay to get a healthy Freeney... not the other way around though.

Dumervil and Freeney would be "when midgets attack" on third down... man that would be fun to watch though.

I still think Justin Smith would be a great pick up, the guy plays all three downs.

[SoDak Bronco]

I've said this before but I think we go value for the first pick, and take the best need position available. Whether that's a DL, S, RB, or WR. I would like to trade down, and compile numerous picks.

Safety from wyoming. John Wendling. He runs a 4.4, is real athletic, and actually returns punts for the cowboys. Not bad for a whiteboy. Lynch would be a good mentor.

[Dr. Broncenstein]

I'm not that sold on Marcus Monk... and I'm a Razorback homer. Rice from South Carolina is ten times better at just about the same size. Monk doesn't have the explosiveness or consistency to be a big time reciever. They guy is a junior anyway... and I doubt his stock is high enough to warrant coming out of the draft.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

It's been on otehr threads but:

1. Balls to the wall for Daniel Graham and the best saftey available in FA.

As much as I want a dominate DL, I believe the draft will be offensive heavy to support Cutler. Broncs go into High scoring mode.

VERY EARLY wish list:

1. Michael Bush RB Louisville
2. Okoye DT Louisville
3a. Steve Smith WR USC
3b. Dan Bauzin DE Central Michigan

Another RB, a developmental OT and ST help with day two picks.

[watermock]

A little early for me BPC.

It's pretty clear what the team needs are. We need about 5 more legitimate starters. We take what we can get best available at any of the need positions.

Sounds like your telling me the DL crop is thin...ugg...It's going to drive me off a cliff one of these days. I rue the day that Reeves didn't take Ms. Lilly...I'm not saying we would of taken Ed Reed, but our mock took him. Oh well...water under the bridge. A cover safety wouldn't be a bad move in one of the early rounds.

I guess it's something to think about instead of fretting about how Jay will do Sunday night. No pressure...let's just throw him out there in prime time on national TV against a SuperBowl contender. Ha!

I get so worked up I'm exausted by the time those late games start.

Anyway...IMO...Players at RDE, RB, S, DT, who knows...It never fails to surprise me to no end on draft day.

[Jens1893]

It's been on otehr threads but:

1. Balls to the wall for Daniel Graham and the best saftey available in FA.

Lewis! Lewis! Lewis!

Buff homers unite!

:flower:

[SoDak Bronco]

Stay away from Rice...he's seen his better days and will want a fat paycheck. I like the idea of bringing in Smith from Cinncy. Man, don't you wish we would've kept Berry, noone realized how fricking good that guy was...

[elsid13]

I would pay to get a healthy Freeney... not the other way around though.

Dumervil and Freeney would be "when midgets attack" on third down... man that would be fun to watch though.

I still think Justin Smith would be a great pick up, the guy plays all three downs.

Add in Ian Gold, and those goes three won't be able to go on certian rides at the amusment park :D



I kinda warming up to the Justin Smith idea plays the run well and has some ability to get after the passer

[youcandoit1687]

remember there is a NFL Draft section on the mane and it would be nice to have all the draft talk in there so that it doesnt fade so fast.

anyways, im going to have an O4L if this premiere/elite/money RB talk continues. 4.5 YARDS PER CARRY do the research for yourselves, we still are one of the best in the league in rushing with no respect for the passing game. 4th best in big plays so dont give me that our guys cant break it crap.

as for freeney, there must be some statistic counting how many times the guy has been trapped. he runs up field with no regard for the run game(from what ive seen). overpayed liability, were better off with a guy named ebenezer. safety and DLine are what we need. add a receiver, rb, and OT on day two.

[elsid13]

I'm not that sold on Marcus Monk... and I'm a Razorback homer. Rice from South Carolina is ten times better at just about the same size. Monk doesn't have the explosiveness or consistency to be a big time reciever. They guy is a junior anyway... and I doubt his stock is high enough to warrant coming out of the draft.

is it possible that when he does come out that best position might be as an H Back? or add weight and become a TE?

[Play2win]

I have been hoping we get Michael Griffin for quite a while, but we get a top-notch RB, and that will help our Defense as much as anything.

[watermock]

I think Archuletta is a FA.

[watermock]

Stay away from Rice...he's seen his better days and will want a fat paycheck. I like the idea of bringing in Smith from Cinncy. Man, don't you wish we would've kept Berry, noone realized how fricking good that guy was...

Wabbit and I did. I kept screaming for him to be a starter for two years.

[elsid13]

I think Archuletta is a FA.

Archulette is still under contract next season, BUT there is very good chance he going to be cut, since all he doing the days is sitting on the bench and plays as the punter protactor on special teams.

Thanks Danny for making him the highest paid safety in the league.....

[Requiem]

A lot of people think we need to go nuts on defensive line and where I do agree, I think it's pretty unrealistic. I'm with Big Guy in the belief that the Broncos will add a few weapons to go around Cutler moreso than addressing defensive needs. (I could explain further, but I think we all have an understanding as to why.)

Over the past five years there has been a CONSISTENT TREND of where defensive lineman get drafted.

Most ends and tackles go in round one, almost NONE in round two, and then it all picks up in round three again. Since the value is somewhere mixed between those rounds, that trend may change; but the Broncos are in position to land good talent at those positions with their first three selections; but the value is iffy. . .

If the draft was today, the Broncos would be picking 27th.

That means we'd have the 27th, 59th, and 91st picks on day one. The Redskins pick would be the 72nd overall. One of the luxury's is having 59 and 72 so close together; where we'll likely be able to land (well, duh) two of our higher ranked players together. Instead of having to wait 32 picks after each choice, we have three choices within 32 selections! That's awesome.

Goodman did a nice Q and A on the Broncos site in 2005 in regards to the draft and it's really a nice need.

Basically; Goodman said this: Even if the team has a need, (say DE) but there's a RB who they have rated really high that's fallen, and even though they might be okay there; they really take a hard look at the BPA over the best player at a certain need.

I'm really not sure where we'll go, but as I said earlier I agree with Big Guy for the most part. Hopefully after a few FA signings, we'll see where we could be headed in April.

[Requiem]

Oh, and picking at #27 will take us out of getting Marshawn Lynch, but Michael Bush is a distinct possibility. I just fear that the Broncos will look at Kenny Irons, select him due in part to the success Williams and Brown are having in the NFL; even though Irons is nowhere near them in terms of talent.

[cbtigers]

I am an alumni of Auburn, so I have a little insight on kenny.

the kid is talented, he is a tough runner that never quits going forward and driving his legs. He doesn't fumble much and can catch. He is a one cut and go hard extremely hard downfield. It takes more than one person to bring him down, because he is notorious for breaking tackles. Super quick with breakaway speed.

michael bush is good incredible specimen, but does not have the quickness that irons has, plus has not played the competition that irons has dominated.

tough call, but I would take irons.

someone mentioned that he had a high ankle sprain this year, but he didn't. He actually has been fighting the same injury as Tatum.

the other player from auburn to look at is courtney taylor, wr. He is 6 foot 200 lbs. He is in the mold of Rod Smith, a good runner after the catch, a good blocker, a good team player.

[JoRo]

Stay away from Rice...he's seen his better days and will want a fat paycheck. I like the idea of bringing in Smith from Cinncy. Man, don't you wish we would've kept Berry, noone realized how fricking good that guy was...

KEy word: WAS

he has been hurt two of the last three seasons man... good when in but what good are you when your always on the ir?

Also: Archuletta is on the bench for a reason gettin him would be a HUGE mistake

And then on Irons: IMO Bush is a supererior talent to Irons, Irons just seems like it could bite us in the butt.... if Bush or Lynch arent there I hope we dont pick up a back in the first round.

[Dr. Broncenstein]

is it possible that when he does come out that best position might be as an H Back? or add weight and become a TE?

He may want to consider the TE option. Boo Williams did pretty well coming out of Arkansas as a marginal WR. Monk has a flair for the big play, and that cannot be denied. His production is very good... about as good as can be expected from the #1 rushing team in the SEC. It just seems that a wideout of his physical skill set should be able to take over a game when needed. That last series against LSU was awful. Didn't help that our bellcow McFadden was on the sidelines (for some unknown reason).. but Monk has to be able to make a play in 4 tries. Sidney Rice does just that. That guy scared the hell out of me when Arkansas squeaked out a win @ South Carolina.

As a pro wideout, I just don't think he'll translate. If he could bulk up and block, his hands/size would make for a fantastic mismatch potential at TE.

[elsid13]

Yeah if Rice comes out, I kinda hoping the Broncos take him in the first round, with Walker one side, Marshall on the other and Rice in the slot it would really work with Dinger goal of 3 WR set.

[Requiem]

From what Todd McShay has said and several others, Rice is as good as gone. I was talking to Scott Wright over the past few days and we actually agreed that Sidney Rice compares pretty favorably to Ashley Lelie.

[youcandoit1687]

doctor, i dont think monk really had any good chances at the ball. dick just threw em up there, there was one where he kinda waited for it to come in stride but he was well covered by i think zenon(#19) and it was a bad throw that he swatted away, although im not sure who the receiver was. i cant remember the receiver ever dropping one of the balls there. i was so glad when they started passing and took out mcfadden. at that point mcfadden and jones were the only threats.

hey req, ok, so if we go RB, who do you think it is? do they have any experience in a similar scheme/would they be a good fit? i guess id be ok with a RB at this point if they are a good fit but i think it depends on the running game's production for these last 5/6 games and what happens with tatum/nash in the offseason. there arent any RBs(that i know of) in the draft that come from our system so that is why i see it as unlikely.

i still think that shanny will address DLine and probably safety. cutler has plenty of weapons IMO, with the exception of a slot WR(higgins? stuckey? craig davis? even dwayne bowe) which will likely be addressed in the 2nd/3rd. i see a tackle later in the draft or UDFA

[SoCalBronco]

hey youcandoit, how is Ricky Jean-Francios doing this year?

[NFLBRONCO]

My top 2 are S RB for #1 this year. I'd put DL on the list but, Denver seems to always pass on them. We will see what pick we actually have in 5 weeks.

[Requiem]

hey req, ok, so if we go RB, who do you think it is? do they have any experience in a similar scheme/would they be a good fit? i guess id be ok with a RB at this point if they are a good fit but i think it depends on the running game's production for these last 5/6 games and what happens with tatum/nash in the offseason. there arent any RBs(that i know of) in the draft that come from our system so that is why i see it as unlikely.

It's not that they have to come from "our system" it's really just if their skills would fit in our offense.

I think that Peterson, Lynch, Bush and Irons; the consensus first-round backs (or borderline) would all do fine here; but there's no shot at Peterson.

If the Broncos end up being pro-active again in the draft; they could move up and be in position to get Lynch; I'll have a better idea of our chances at getting him once the order is finalized.

Bush seems really likely; and I have a hard time believing the Broncos wouldn't take a hard look at a guy who is 6'3 - 250 pounds and is as dominating as he is. Even with his injury; his potential is huge and he's a special player.

Irons, is the player I like the least. He may run hard; but he's pretty damn frail. I don't see him as a better upgrade than Tatum at this point in time. Although numerous people have mentioned the Broncos like this kid. I just don't. . . whatever though.

All four of those backs are pretty good fits for our offense.

I'd rather have Lynch than Bush; but if we got Bush that'd be awesome too.

[NFLBRONCO]

How high do you think we'd need to be to get Lynch? I think a #1 swap could still happen with Skins.


Dec 03 Atlanta 1:00 PM Preview FOX
Dec 10 Philadelphia 1:00 PM FOX
Dec 17 @ New Orleans 1:00 PM FOX
Dec 24 @ St. Louis 1:00 PM FOX
Dec 30 NY Giants 8:00 PM NFL

[Dr. Broncenstein]

From what Todd McShay has said and several others, Rice is as good as gone. I was talking to Scott Wright over the past few days and we actually agreed that Sidney Rice compares pretty favorably to Ashley Lelie.

I don't get the Lelie comparison. Rice probably has comparable measurables, if that's what you are talking about. But this guy is dominant. Chris Houston.. arguably the best corner in the SEC, and certainly the most physical... was one on one against Sydney Rice the entire game. Houston had his moments, but Rice was just as physical. Lelie would have wilted.

[Requiem]

How high do you think we'd need to be to get Lynch? I think a #1 swap could still happen with Skins.


Dec 03 Atlanta 1:00 PM Preview FOX
Dec 10 Philadelphia 1:00 PM FOX
Dec 17 @ New Orleans 1:00 PM FOX
Dec 24 @ St. Louis 1:00 PM FOX
Dec 30 NY Giants 8:00 PM NFL

Swap doesn't happen unless they make the playoffs and those are all teams who are still in the mix. I think it's pretty unlikely the Redskins make the playoffs. They'd have to win out. 8-8 probably isn't going to do it, and I see at least two losses on that schedule.

[youcandoit1687]

broncentstein, is houston the one with the dreads? he sure didnt impress me, bowe was running all over him.

ricky jean-francois? honestly, its hard to keep track of our DLine, they all look the same on the inside bc it seems like their jerseys get messed up so you cant see the second number and they are all similar size. he has put on a lot more bulk but still shows very good speed. he might be moved to DE, not sure right now, probably depends on dorsey.

req, it would help if they are from our system(mike bell or laurence maroney), it proves that they can make the right reads and have proven their worth in the system before. no need to take that risk in the first round.

a lot of the local pitt radio is demanding another big power back so they could be suitors for michael bush or marshawn lynch IMO. the bettis-bush comparisons might get old but it seems like a likely fit at this point.

[youcandoit1687]

heres a pick of bowe compared to jean-francois. he has huge arms. cue in the TO comparisons.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n31/psyc007/HoistingtheGoldenBoot.jpg (http://photobucket.com/)

[elsid13]

watching the Louisville/UCONN game and they talked about Bush- Still not running yet(in the pool only) and walking with big time limp - talk about asking for another NCAA year. Is talking to GM this week.

[Requiem]

Yeah, Bush is seriously considering going back. . . 24 year old rookie? Don't dooooooooo it. He should just go now.

[elsid13]

Yeah, Bush is seriously considering going back. . . 24 year old rookie? Don't dooooooooo it. He should just go now.

If he not physical ready, then it might not be a bad idea.

[Requiem]

If he not physical ready, then it might not be a bad idea.

I think that he could be ready by the combine; and his private workouts. Even if he does go back next year; his value will probably be very relative to what it is right now.

[elsid13]

I think that he could be ready by the combine; and his private workouts. Even if he does go back next year; his value will probably be very relative to what it is right now.


He had a very very visible limp. We will know at the end of week since he talking to GMs all next week.

[Requiem]

He had a very very visible limp. We will know at the end of week since he talking to GMs all next week.

He's talkin' to NFL GM's?

[elsid13]

He's talkin' to NFL GM's?

Yep, his coach is setting up according to ESPN side line reporter.

[Requiem]

That'll be interesting, I think based on talent alone the kid would get drafted in the second-round even if he couldn't work out. It'd probably be a risk Shanahan would be willing to take.

[elsid13]

That'll be interesting, I think based on talent alone the kid would get drafted in the second-round even if he couldn't work out. It'd probably be a risk Shanahan would be willing to take.

I hope not, unlike some I don't think he going to be very good pro. I think he run to upright and isn't fast enough in the hole.

[-Slap-]

Here's an optimistic day one projection:

1-32 - LaRon Landry - FS - LSU

2-64 - Amobi Okoye - DT - Louisville

3-72 - Quentin Groves - DE - Auburn

3-96 - Kenneth Darby - RB - Alabama

[Clockwork Orange]

I was talking to Scott Wright over the past few days and we actually agreed that Sidney Rice compares pretty favorably to Ashley Lelie.

For Rice's sake, I'm sorry to hear that. I'd hope he's more than just a one-trick pony at the NFL level.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Here's an optimistic day one projection:

1-32 - LaRon Landry - FS - LSU

2-64 - Amobi Okoye - DT - Louisville

3-72 - Quentin Groves - DE - Auburn

3-96 - Kenneth Darby - RB - Alabama

Can't happen. I really like that and I am always p*ssed at the Broncos after day one. They wouldn't ever make me jump with joy.

[Requiem]

Can't happen. I really like that and I am always p*ssed at the Broncos after day one. They wouldn't ever make me jump with joy.

Yeah, I was going to say that. . .

Hell, as I traveled over to Moorhead tonight for White Bear Lake vs. Moorehead High (two of the best HS hockey teams in Minnesota; probably even the country) going at it, I happened to run into a few older guys decked out in Broncos gear and since I was sporting some gear myself I went up and asked them how they felt about Cutler starting. . . well, they said good and for about 15 minutes during the intermission we talked and we got onto the topic of the draft.

One of the guys said he was able to get some of the best tickets to offer because he has a brother who is in the organization; and they had just got back from the Chargers game this past weekend. Long story short, he basically stated from what he heard through the ropes that the Broncos are likely to focus on surrounding Cutler with weapons.

Not really surprising, and he wouldn't mention who his brother was. . . seemed sort of credible though. Pretty much what Big Guy has been stating all along though. I just thought it was ironic to run into somebody like that at a hockey game. . . especially in Minnesota.

Oh, and I did ask him if he felt like the Broncos were going to address the pass rush in the off-season and he said something like this, "Over the past few years it seems like the Broncos have always ignored that; but it's one of their priorities. Demetrin (Veal) is not the best player in the world; but his extension was pretty indicative of the Broncos looking toward bringing in youth at the position."

Read into it what you want, I don't much. . . but I thought it was interesting. The guys seemed like pretty knowledgable fans, and the one in particular seemed to really know his stuff.

Anyways, I'm out to do laundry now. If you have any questions on anything else, just ask. He did throw around a few names of players in college he liked, so I was beginning to think maybe his brother was a scout or something.

[SoCalBronco]

Interesting, thanks Req.

[NFLBRONCO]

Say our offense plays alot better in last 5 games? Will this alter Denver's plan of more weapons for Cutler and go D early in draft?

[elsid13]

So if that is true, then we'll see a choice of WRs and RBs next year for cutler. Come on down Mr. Rice. and Mr. Meacham (sp? UT)

[JoRo]

What players did he happen to mention?


I am seriously hoping we dont go wr in round one they take longer to develop


I hope we go rb somewhere in the top few rounds....but i dunno, I am excited for this coming draft, even moreso than in the past it feels like

[Requiem]

So if that is true, then we'll see a choice of WRs and RBs next year for cutler. Come on down Mr. Rice. and Mr. Meacham (sp? UT)

Meacham and Rice were coincidentally two of the guys he mentioned. I like the fact he talked about those two juniors. I like those guys a lot. For a while I thought this guy was a brother of Greg Miller, (if he even has one) because he's from around this area; only about 30 minutes from my home town. . . but he's responsible for the Midwest part of the country for scouting.

I think if Rice and Meacham declare; Rice could go late-first. . . but if even more junior receivers like Jarrett, Ginn, etc. declare; Meacham might go into the middle second-round, perhaps late second-round. He said Walker and Marshall would be a pretty solid tandem; but the Broncos could use another guy who can stretch the field. He said Kircus does an okay job; but he's not a long-term solution.

NFL, we didn't really talk about "If Cutler boosts the offense, will we focus on defense." but he still believes that with we'll see a high selection on a defensive player; perhaps a couple if we can gain extra picks. . . I'm guessing safety and defensive line, he basically said both were old and needed upgrades.

We talked about the top running backs, (the Juniors). . . Bush and Irons; and he did echo sentiments that were already said here that Irons could intruige the Broncos. Another SEC name; which I like. . . but I'm not a HUGE Irons fan. He believes Bush will probably medical RS and go back to school, and there's no way Lynch and Peterson can be a Bronco unless we pull off some huge trades to get up very, very high.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Sweet, another year of redundant drafting if that's true and I do not agree with the, "surround Cutler with weapons" idea for this draft either. I'm so happy we've got Foxy and Paymah sitting behind Champ and DWill. Maybe we can do that same thing and Shanny can draft all WRs to see if we can find one to go with Javon. You add a TE early, you're conceding after one season that Scheffler is a bust. Another WR early, and we don't get to see what Marshall can do. The skill position talent on this team is not that bad. Let's see what Cutler can do with it first before we conclude that this has to be an offensive draft, which was last year's draft too, Dumervil was the only defensive pick made.

This team needs much more help on the defensive line and at safety than it does on offense.

[NFLBRONCO]

Sweet, another year of redundant drafting if that's true and I do not agree with the, "surround Cutler with weapons" idea for this draft either. I'm so happy we've got Foxy and Paymah sitting behind Champ and DWill. Maybe we can do that same thing and Shanny can draft all WRs to see if we can find one to go with Javon. You add a TE early, you're conceding after one season that Scheffler is a bust. Another WR early, and we don't get to see what Marshall can do. The skill position talent on this team is not that bad. Let's see what Cutler can do with it first before we conclude that this has to be an offensive draft, which was last year's draft too, Dumervil was the only defensive pick made.

This team needs much more help on the defensive line and at safety than it does on offense.

I agree Herc DL and S is much more of a need.

[youcandoit1687]

haha toldja so req. if meachem gets into the mid second, id take him in a heartbeat. he is a walker replica. big(both about 6'3) and can stretch the field. bowe or higgins are also on my WR wish list. we still have five games to see soem marshall to decide what the needs are. oh yeah, higgins was named all american first team i think.

looking at marcus monk yesterday, im pretty sure hed be moved to TE, hes just too big and not quick enough, not sure what he would clock at the 40 but he doesnt seem that fast.

i saw that bush was still in the pool and hobbling when he walked so id think he is probably going to redshirt. think brohm will come out? what about russell? he coudl have a chance to tear the ND defense to pieces to impress scouts one last time, otherwise im pretty he would be a heisman front runner next year along with mcfadden. man i love football, imma be going to the sugar!


EDIT: Could you please give me an update on all of the LSU guys and what you're hearing from the insiders? We have three juniors who could be coming out; Glenn Dorsey, Early Doucet, and JaMarcus Russell. What about the seniors: LaRon Landry, Dwayne Bowe, Craig Davis, Chase Pittman, Jesse Daniels, Peter Dyakowski, Justin Vincent, and Chris Jackson?

Thanks man and whats the update on you going to Mobile?

[SoCalBronco]

Herc, I don't think the idea of surrounding Cutler with weapons necessarily means that we are going to go with the redundant drafting method again.

I dont think we are going to get 3 WRs for example, just 1. That doesnt do anything to Marshall. Rod is going to be out of the picture, so its Walker and that's it at the position. Someone has to compete with Marshall for No. 2, and with Cutler, it seems likely that we are going to pass more than we have been accustomed to, so No. 3 will be a bigger part of the offense in design than before. I agree with you on TE, don't draft another one, just let Tony develop. Obviously we must draft a back high, there's no question about it.
So all we are really talking about is 1 WR and 1 RB on Day 1 so far as "getting weapons for Cutler". We still have at least two more picks and I think there is a good chance that we will get at least 1 more Day 1 pick. So there is enough of the pie to go around. So in that scenario, we would still be able to address DL and S both at least once on Day 1, or maybe they could go to well on the DL twice and then address S a few times on Day 2. I don't think "getting weapons for Cutler" means we are going to go RB and then the rest of Day 1 its just going to be limited to WRs and TEs. No way, but I think it does mean 1 RB and 1 WR on Day 1. I know they like Scheffler, they arent going to give up on him in the sense of getting a new pass catching TE. They might go after Graham for the blocking element, but we arent going to go out and get a new primarily pass recieving TE player. Not in the draft or FA.

[youcandoit1687]

socal, what RB do you want if mbush stays or gets drafted before us?

i think we need 2/3, 3/4, or 3/5 of our first day picks to be defense.

i say the O pick is WR then RB.

1.walker
2.marshall/pick
3.kircus/clark/hixon/pick
4.kircus/clark/hixon/pick
5.kircus/clark/hixon/pick
6.kircus/clark/hixon/pick

the D picks need to go in this order, DT, S, DE(who can play DT). i like chase pittman outta LSU in the DEDT mold. he reminds me of trevor pryce in the good days.

[Requiem]

This team needs much more help on the defensive line and at safety than it does on offense.

I think a lot will depend on how our offense does with Cutler at the helm. We we're still strugglin'. . . I'd imagine that we'd focus on offense more. Hopefully the Broncos can manage to get another pick or so. Four first day picks is good, but if we got five picks, we'd be set.

Spend two of those on the defensive line, a safety.

The other two selections can be spent on a receiver, back or offensive tackle.

I think that the Broncos do need to address all of these positions; but the Broncos usually get a decent player or two in free agency, so that'd help allievate our needs going into draft day.

A lot of people are going to bitch and moan if we don't go DL or S in round one; but the fact is there's much better value at offensive positions than those two at where we'll likely be picking if we make the playoffs. The defensive line and safety value is in the second and third rounds of this draft. . .

Where we do need DL, I don't want to waste value and reach.

[Requiem]

i saw that bush was still in the pool and hobbling when he walked so id think he is probably going to redshirt. think brohm will come out? what about russell? he coudl have a chance to tear the ND defense to pieces to impress scouts one last time, otherwise im pretty he would be a heisman front runner next year along with mcfadden. man i love football, imma be going to the sugar!

Brohm has declared he's going back.

We'll know more about Bush's intentions after he hears back from GM's. I just have a hunch he's going to Medical RS and go back.

Jamarcus Russell, if he plays well in the Bowl game is as good as gone. He'd easily be the #2 QB behind Brady Quinn and could even contest for that spot if he puts on a dispay at the combine. His arm is absolutely a cannon.

EDIT: Could you please give me an update on all of the LSU guys and what you're hearing from the insiders? We have three juniors who could be coming out; Glenn Dorsey, Early Doucet, and JaMarcus Russell. What about the seniors: LaRon Landry, Dwayne Bowe, Craig Davis, Chase Pittman, Jesse Daniels, Peter Dyakowski, Justin Vincent, and Chris Jackson?

JaMarcus Russell out of those three is the most likely to come out.

I expect Dorsey to come out and make a push for the top defensive tackle taken. He's a first-rounder if he comes out, and definitely would be taken ahead of Pitcock. Alan Branch would be the first tackle taken if he came out though. I think Doucet stays, he's not elite enough as a junior to even be considered in the top 5-6 guys. He should go back.

Landry, is easily a first-round selection. Dwayne Bowe is moving up draft charts and could be selected as high as the early second round. I like Davis as a prospect, but if the juniors come out which I expect, he'll probably be pushed out of Day One consideration.

The other guys should garner Day 2 consideration.

Thanks man and whats the update on you going to Mobile?

Not likely this year; perhaps next year; but I'm thinking when 2009 rolls around and I'm out of school or close to it; that'd be ideal. To many expenses and my current job won't allow for me to leave for a week. . .

[youcandoit1687]

hmmm 2009, ill be at LSU at that time. maybe i could make it for the weekend or something. id love to go to combines but senior bowl would be very interesting too.

that is very surprising on dorsey, hes very good dont get me wrong but we have such talent on the DLine and defense as a whole that i wouldnt think hed garner that attention. who knows tho, maybe hell come back with the hopes of a NC next year. oh and allan branch is a freak, can we all agree that he would be a great pick for us. i want a DT with the first pick.

i think more would b itch if we didnt take a RB than DL or S, maybe not after tonight. theres a lot of good kickers this year, even if we dont get crosby, id like to get somebody. medlock from UCLA, the wake guy, there are some others out there that could be had on day two.

[Elway777]

With the Broncos post season plans going down the drain the Broncos may be in position to get Lynch or a good receiver like Ginn .If Lynch fall out of top 10 then maybe Broncos could move up for Lynch with the 3 round pick from Washington.1 Lynch in the first. 2 The Bronco draft defensive lineman like Mebane or Marcus Thomas in the second. Draft Jonnie Lee Higgins or Craig Davis in the 3 .I also like Bowe in the second or maybe Stanly for backup left tackle.

[OrangeShadow]

If we could have 2 firsts i want Reggie Nelson and michael bush

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

On his show this morning, Armstrong said "Expect the Broncos to go after weapons to surround Jay Cutler with in the offseason." I have been whining for DL since Rulon Jones left, but I think he is right. I fully expect two new RBs, a receiver that can stretch the field, an OT, a TE and a BU QB in the offseason.

[elsid13]

On his show this morning, Armstrong said "Expect the Broncos to go after weapons to surround Jay Cutler with in the offseason." I have been whining for DL since Rulon Jones left, but I think he is right. I fully expect two new RBs, a receiver that can stretch the field, an OT, a TE and a BU QB in the offseason.

Well if everyone reporting Denver is going offense you might see an all Defense draft :d

[JoRo]

IMO surrounding Cutler with talent If i was the GM would be this: (keep note I am not a really good player name type so mainly I will look at it by position, this also is not that I would lock onto that position in draft but would strongly consider it)

first of all, Iwould determine If i plan on building for future and cut some of my losses and all that and maybe go throo one down year or if I would keep pushing hard for playoffs. I honestly believe this current teams talent is eroding. I am not saying I dislike any of our current players. But Rod prolly wont be on the team the next time we win a sb and neither will Nalen.

Now my first couple of things I would do would consider restructuring Rods contract. He is makin way too much money to be producing as he is and he has slowed down. AT best next year he is a number 3 unless we really screw up in the offseason.

Id trade Plummer for whatever I could get 4th or up. the 8 mill hit is gonna either be next year or spread throughout two years. Honestly might as well try an get somethin for it and it will help us out.

Now with Pryce performing at the level he is for the ravens I think we may get a fourth or third round pick. That would give us a ton of first day or first and high second day picks.

Then in the offseason I would look to get one of any of the following big name f/a pending on waht I figured we could get in the draft.

a younger but good safety (michael Lewis? :D:D:D)

Perhaps a good d.l, must be a passrush threat. As of now we either need a scheme change or player change and I cant forsee Coyer being fired. If that is the case I would want to upgrade our passrushers.

A tight end (Graham hopefully)

Then depending on how Marshall and Kircus play in the rest of the season I would prolly look at wideouts to at LEAST come in and compete. How do you get better at positions? By either 1)Spending big money on a proven FA or 2) making players that have a legitimate chance at competing with each other compete for pt. That is what I would do at WR. I seriously have not been that impressed with Kircus. He has shown flahses but hasnt done much in the other times hes been in. I cant say for sure if thast cuz he hasnt played much or not. But either way all these kick returners need to go. Get at least one possibly two other solid wideouts that are lesser known FA's but are up and comers and have them compete for the spots.

Prolly wont get all three but two of the three would be ideal.

Then in the draft Iwould look at the current positions. Not in order of importance:


RB
DL
S
T possibly. But the only really depth mostly if good value is there.

MAYBE WR but prolly not, unless someone slips to us I wouldnt look at it that much unless I am considering rebuilding and have hired a new wideout coach. WR normally take awhile to develop.

[Elway777]

What do think about the broncos making a move for offensive tackle Leordard Davis in free agency and trading Foster for a 3 round pick or useing Foster to move up to get Lynch.Lynch would be great in the Broncos system with Lynch and Bell sharing carries with Denver also signing a big back like Najeh Davenport for short yardage.If the Bronco go for Davis then the Broncos would most likely would not be able to get a defensive lineman in free agents and would have to get a couple in the draft.I don't know if the Broncos could even afford Davis depending on their salary cap situation.Lepsis and Davis should be able to protect Cutler with Meadows as a good backup.

[elsid13]

Davis is a fat slob, that would have heart attack in Denver. Lepsis back and Pears with experience are going to vastly improve this line.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I would bet money that Graham is a Bronco if he hits the open market.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Leonard Davis Yikes! - Fat and lazy. Foster is much better.

"Dookie" Davenport - over the hill and too much baggage.

I wouldn't whine too much about drafting Lynch, but I sure would not spend much to move up for him. He is not really a power back and does not compliment T Bell.

Not sure how much money teh Broncs will have for FAs, but I doubt it is enough to get a premium DL, RB or OT. They will need to fix positions that have a lower pay scale in FA like TE (Daniel Graham), Safety and special teams destroyer.

[elsid13]

IF Shannahan wants a FA he always seems to find a way to get him, if he isn't overvalued. I wouldn't be surprised to see the front office make a run at Justin Smith and/or Cory Redding both would help the D line immediately and are young. Myers might not be back since he is a FA.

And do think Mike Bell will be a lot better next year when he understand the system and the game slows down for him. I really think he is the next upgraded OG

[bpc]

Great thoughts all about on this thread.

I'm not sure where we would lean with our first pick but I feel like we have a definite hole at HB and at DL. WR is a need that is fading with the first pick with each play Brandon Marshall keeps making. Trading back this season SEEMS easily like the best option minus if Lynch is where we are and Shanahan wants him. I STILL wonder if he is fragile though.

As just stated about Marshall... its becoming evident that he does have the stuff to become a starter. We need to see him keep producing but the need fades a little bit unless Shanahan wants to really load up on the 3 WR's sets. I think we have another solid player in the making with Clark as well... his fumble excluded yesterday, he seems like he has a real knack for getting YAC.

AT TE I still think Scheffler will be fine. It was nice to even see TWO passes go to the TE's yesterday. As Cutler settles down more we shall see more of those. I agree with HEAV that Graham should be coming to Denver and we should take a flier on him.

AT OL we should be fine... Lepsis will be back, Pears and Meadows can compete for the RT spot next year, Hamilton is young, Nalen has rounded back into form and Kuper is waiting in the wings. I think we should cut Foster. I don't know if we go to the draft at this spot though unless we get a world beater who falls into our laps this season like McNeil did to SD last season. I'm not against a guy like Leonard Davis. He is big as hell and has a mean streak and measurables. We definitely need to change the mentality of our line... Foster type mentalities are the reason this team doesn't dominate.

DL... we need help. Elvis is a start, Gerard Warren had a better game yesterday and we have some solid role players. Justin Smith would be a huge upgrade for us. He is always healthy, plays the run and is getting better at a sack artist. Like I said, he is very much like Aaron Kampman of last season... his best football is ahead. He hasn't even had any cover corners like we do to make the QB hold the ball for a second longer. I think he would be a great fit in Denver. He is definitely a high motor guy. In the draft we could focus on DT.

At LB I'm really worried that we are lightly shallow on depth. If WILSON was to miss any time we have Webster to fill in but he doesn't play special teams. He is talented but fragile and quite limited. On the outside, I don't know if I feel comfortable with Gold or DJ going down right now.

We are set at CB in my oppinion but I think some good one's are going to be there.

I think its quite simple at Safety that I would want Griffin... he is a force on defense, he creates turnovers (something we are desperately lacking from our safeties now) and he brings an added bit of versatility that we need on our special teams which we haven't had... the ability to block some kicks.

Draft Prediction:

1. Glenn Dorsey - DT LSU - I would like to trade back but this guy would be perfect to stick next to Gerard Warren. Guy who can penetrate the backfield, plays the run as hard as anybody and can get push on the offensive line. (I think paired with a signing of a guy like Justin Smith, we can really boost our run defense again)
2. Johnie-Lee Higgins - WR (This guy is going to be good, the next AzHir Hakim, perfect fit for our franchise running out of potentially the slot in a few years... has 4.4 speed to play out wide too.
3a. Tom Zbikowski - SS - Notre Dame - A force who has the physical and mental toughness that our defense needs and is looking for. I think he'll play a lot like Bob Sanders of the Colts with his impact. I'm starting to become unhappy with the way that Lynch is playing but he'll be a good vet to teach this kid all he knows.
3b. Kenny Irons - HB - Auburn - This is a prayer more than anything else. His injuries knicked him up his senior year. I think he could easily come into Denver and become a stud as he has shown he has the ability to be a workhorse running back.

[OrangeShadow]

i like justin smith as a signing because he can play the run to, also sands from oakland, hes a very very good DT that gets a push up the middle which is what we need

[Rohirrim]

Frankly, I would sell out this entire draft, plus some trades to get just two players: Adam Carriker and Brian Leonard. What the Bronco D line needs is a guy whose effort will embarass them into giving it their all, a guy whose engine is always on high RPMs. Adam is that kind of guy. He's a pure, power rusher who Coyer could move inside or out, up and down the line. Line him up between Courtney and Warren and I tell you, it would be all over. I laugh when I think of the picture of Adam moving up and down the line, like Pryce used to, while Payaton tries to figure out what the hell to do.

Brian is just a friggin next evolution of the game athlete. He could play H-back, FB, HB, slot receiver, TE. I could only imagine what Shanahan could do with a guy like this. F with people's minds. That's what he'd do. This guy will be an offensive force. Not only can he catch, run, block, or carry the feature back responsibility, he would turn those 3rd and 3s into done deals. His presence makes everybody around him better.

Like every year, I look for one or two guys who I think have the fire to really change the Bronco's dynamics for the better. Guys who bring ferocity to the field. This year, these are my two. It was easy to see how Adam made everybody else on that Husker D better. It was also easy to see how Brian made everybody on that Rutger's team better.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Seems like when I have watched Nebraska the last couple of years, Carriker is very up and down. Some times it looks like he is just not interested in playing.

Leonard is a beast. Due to the fact that he does not fit "the mold" I was hoping Broncs could grab him in the mid rounds. Now he's getting great pub, so I guess we see what happens to his stock between now and April. What could Broncs do with a backfield of M Bush, Leonard and Bell? Bush and Leonard would punish the defense and give Bell a chance for an 80 yarder every game. Who needs a passing game?

[Rohirrim]

I only watched Adam in three games this year. I thought he looked excellent. He was in on every tackle. I saw him getting double teamed a lot. The dude's friggin huge! What say you, Nebraska fans? Does Carriker live up to the hype?

[ColoradoBuff]

Here's an optimistic day one projection:

1-32 - LaRon Landry - FS - LSU

2-64 - Amobi Okoye - DT - Louisville

3-72 - Quentin Groves - DE - Auburn

3-96 - Kenneth Darby - RB - Alabama

I wouldn't have a problem with this draft!

[bpc]

I think Carriker is a little overated because there just are no great senior pass rushers coming out this year. Any other year the guy is easily a 3rd or 4th round draft choice.

I'm mixed on Leonard. I think he has very good hands however he is a marginal goaline guy. I don't really know how he blocks.

[elsid13]

I think Carriker is a little overated because there just are no great senior pass rushers coming out this year. Any other year the guy is easily a 3rd or 4th round draft choice.

I'm mixed on Leonard. I think he has very good hands however he is a marginal goaline guy. I don't really know how he blocks.

Actually he a very good blocker, and one the reason that Rice has had a good year. He will be nice WCO FB at the next level, and should be around in the late 3rd to 5th round. He talented but FBs don't get drafted high

[Polster60]

Looking at next years draft I can only see three, maybe four teams that would draft a RB in the first round. Of those teams the only the giants and GB are serious concerns. If Mbush enters the draft I could seriously see the broncos drafting one of the top three RBs.

[SpringStein]

Looking at next years draft I can only see three, maybe four teams that would draft a RB in the first round. Of those teams the only the giants and GB are serious concerns. If Mbush enters the draft I could seriously see the broncos drafting one of the top three RBs.

I'd add the Jets to the list.

[Guessed]

A couple small school sleepers the Broncos may be looking at include two huge defensive tackles, Dee Fendaroon and Klaps D. Puckett. They haven't yet started to show up on any mock drafts yet but keep yours eyes out.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

A couple small school sleepers the Broncos may be looking at include two huge defensive tackles, Dee Fendaroon and Klaps D. Puckett. They haven't yet started to show up on any mock drafts yet but keep yours eyes out.

Where do they play?

[Guessed]

Where do they play?

Not sure where they play...just hearing the "buzz" about them though. A couple small school defensive ends that are starting to get some play are Rushda Pasur (who's known to really get after the quarterback) and Lotsa Sax (who incidentally leads his league in sacks). Stay tuned.

[Polster60]

Ya, Stein, but the Jets have a decent set of RBs with Kevin Barlow, Washington, and Blalock. The Jets Also have a very good developing OL with draft picks Ferguson and Mangold developing very nicely. There are other holes that I'am sure they would like to fill before they draft a first round RB.

[Guessed]

Well, as a student of small college football I might suggest the Broncos look at Hartu Takul in the later rounds if they want to pick up an explosive back. He could be a steal.

[Guessed]

A couple linemen I hope they look at are Aroat Graeter (reminds me of Kuper) and Biggons Strong (could be a good option at right tackle).

[Guessed]

A safety prospect on the rise is Kent Gitpastmi and the kick and punt returner Moo Vurinshaker could be a good value pick.

[Elway777]

What do think of this draft, Lynch in the first ,Merriweather in the second and Marcus thomas in the 3 . The Bronco get 3 players with top 20 talent.The Broncos bad boy draft.

[Guessed]

A safety prospect on the rise is Kent Gitpastmi and the kick and punt returner Moo Vurinshaker could be a good value pick.

I'd pick him over Olden S. Lowe any day of the week.

[Guessed]

A couple small school players that seem to be falling off of draft boards are Gim P. Ni and Tufat Tutri.

[Guessed]

Yes, all my previous posts in this thread have lead to our ultimate small school mock draft. Here it goes:

1) DE: Rushda Pasur

The team simply must make life harder for the opposing QB in the pocket. What appears to be the 4rth quarter collapse by the D is simply a result of the other team opening up their offense. So, things can only get worse for the D if the offense improves and forces the opponent to open up their offense earlier in the game. Must address the pass rush first.

2) DT: Klaps D. Puckett or Dee Fendaroon if Puckett's not available

Must continue to address the lack of talent and depth on the D Line with this pick. Players like Dumerville would really benefit from someone that commands a consistent double team.

3A) S: Kent Gitpastmi

With some talented safeties in the draft and injuries and age taking a toll on the team at this positon and the lack of a true young safety in the wings (Foxworth will have a short career if he is forced to stay at safety), this is the time and place to address the need.

3B) OT: Biggons Strong or Aroat Graeter if Strong is gone

Foster should be sent packing, Pears is stepping up, but Lepsis will be coming off an ACL and Meadows is not the long term solution at tackle although he is an asset on the roster. Must find a tackle for the future that can step up in a year or two.

5) RB: Hartu Takul

Shanahan returns to his ways of finding a sleeper running back in the mid to later rounds.

6) WR/KR: Moo Vurinshaker

This pick addresses the punt and kick returner talent void the team seems to have and provides depth at wide receiver.

7) Lotsa Sax

This can be a tweener DE/LB hybrid in the Chukwurah mold. Will contribute first on special teams and as a situational pass rusher. Over time could contribute more on a full time role but won't be counted on for a few years.

One thing we know with Shanahan calling the shots expect the unexpected. A couple of unexpected players I'm hoping not to hear called on draft day are Olden S. Lowe, Gim P. Ni, and Tufat Tutri. We'll see come draft day.

[plummershelper]

Yes, all my previous posts in this thread have lead to our ultimate small school mock draft. Here it goes:

1) DE: Rushda Pasur

The team simply must make life harder for the opposing QB in the pocket. What appears to be the 4rth quarter collapse by the D is simply a result of the other team opening up their offense. So, things can only get worse for the D if the offense improves and forces the opponent to open up their offense earlier in the game. Must address the pass rush first.

2) DT: Klaps D. Puckett or Dee Fendaroon if Puckett's not available

Must continue to address the lack of talent and depth on the D Line with this pick. Players like Dumerville would really benefit from someone that commands a consistent double team.

3A) S: Kent Gitpastmi

With some talented safeties in the draft and injuries and age taking a toll on the team at this positon and the lack of a true young safety in the wings (Foxworth will have a short career if he is forced to stay at safety), this is the time and place to address the need.

3B) OT: Biggons Strong or Aroat Graeter if Strong is gone

Foster should be sent packing, Pears is stepping up, but Lepsis will be coming off an ACL and Meadows is not the long term solution at tackle although he is an asset on the roster. Must find a tackle for the future that can step up in a year or two.

5) RB: Hartu Takul

Shanahan returns to his ways of finding a sleeper running back in the mid to later rounds.

6) WR/KR: Moo Vurinshaker

This pick addresses the punt and kick returner talent void the team seems to have and provides depth at wide receiver.

7) Lotsa Sax

This can be a tweener DE/LB hybrid in the Chukwurah mold. Will contribute first on special teams and as a situational pass rusher. Over time could contribute more on a full time role but won't be counted on for a few years.

One thing we know with Shanahan calling the shots expect the unexpected. A couple of unexpected players I'm hoping not to hear called on draft day are Olden S. Lowe, Gim P. Ni, and Tufat Tutri. We'll see come draft day.

This guy gets my vote for stupidest series of posts by one member for the year.

[Pat Bowlen]

Frankly, I would sell out this entire draft, plus some trades to get just two players: Adam Carriker and Brian Leonard.
These boys could shoot way up the board after the combine and they have a lot of potential. I like Leonard a lot.

[Elway777]

These boys could shoot way up the board after the combine and they have a lot of potential. I like Leonard a lot. i just watch a clip of Leonard jumpping over some guy and running about 70 yards for touncdown. Leonard is a guy the Broncos should think about in the second round. I still wouldn't use a first round pick on a FB.Ginn or Lynch in the first and Leonard in the second.A dt like Mebane or Thomas in the 3 and safety like Gattis at end of 3 round.

[youcandoit1687]

leonard is going to come overpriced. we already have cecil and kyle who have both done well when called upon this year. if you want a versatile back, look to jacob hester out of LSU next year. blocks, averages about 6 ypc, catches very well, good in the open field, good in PPro, runs like joseph addai IMO.

[sgbfan]

I don't know whre he will get drafted, but how would it be to have Eric Weddle as our safety. He would be a fair corner back, but he would be the best cover safety in the league. Maybe a little small but not too bad.

[Elway777]

What do you think about signing free agent running back like Ladell Betts,Ahman Green or Chis Brown.The Broncos then could look a running back like Selvyn Young in the second day.Maybe also add Leonard in the 3 round to be a short yardage back. Leonard would be a great safety outlet for Cutler and few teams guard fb out of back field on pass plays.The Broncos then could concentrate on Safety,wide receiver or defensive tackle in the first 2 rounds.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Betts re-signed with the Skins on Friday

[youcandoit1687]

What do you think about signing free agent running back like Ladell Betts,Ahman Green or Chis Brown.The Broncos then could look a running back like Selvyn Young in the second day.Maybe also add Leonard in the 3 round to be a short yardage back. Leonard would be a great safety outlet for Cutler and few teams guard fb out of back field on pass plays.The Broncos then could concentrate on Safety,wide receiver or defensive tackle in the first 2 rounds.


how about no. none of those guys have done as well as tatum. they all have injury concerns so they would be a "cow bell back". stupid. we already have a selvyn young copy in cecil sapp. we should not draft a guy just to be a safety outlet, its not like our RBs dont have hands, theyre fine outta the backfield.

people need to pay attention to other teams this season and look at their RBs. they might realize that we have one of the best RB situations in the league. the most we do this offseason is pickup a cheap FA or UDFA to play FB or RB. we are not going to overpay for a RB.

[Traveler]

Unless the Broncos can pull off a miracle to obtain Duece McAllister or somehow maneuver to land AP in the draft, RB should be #3 or #4 on the teams priority list.

I personally wouldn mind seeing them address the trenches in both the draft and FA. TE & S could also be addressed in FA.

[RocBronc]

To me, we need to reload in the Trenches (both offense and defense) this offseason... Whether by the draft or FA...

Fortunately it looks to be a good draft with some depth this year so I'm really looking forward to our opportunities even though we won't probably be picking into the 20's this year.

To me, Shanahan's biggest weakness is the draft. He needs to get better at this if he wants to back to the super bowl...

[TheChamp24]

This guy gets my vote for stupidest series of posts by one member for the year.

I feel like my IQ dropped 50 points reading those posts. If I were a mod, he'd be gone for excessive use of stupidity.

[Requiem]

The Broncos cannot simply afford to draft a running back early with other needs like OL, DL, S. The value in the draft for DL is not in round one, so if Lynch was there with our first-rounder, which I doubt. . . we could take him.

Outside Peterson and Lynch, there aren't really any "sure-fire" franchise backs in the draft.

We'll see though. . .

[youcandoit1687]

The Broncos cannot simply afford to draft a running back early with other needs like OL, DL, S. The value in the draft for DL is not in round one, so if Lynch was there with our first-rounder, which I doubt. . . we could take him.

Outside Peterson and Lynch, there aren't really any "sure-fire" franchise backs in the draft.

We'll see though. . .

i think there is plenty of DL talent in the first. allan branch(is he official yet?), quinn pitcock, tank tyler, frank okam?, and maybe amobi okoye at DT, and then gaines adams, quentin groves, and maybe abiamiri at DE.

thank you for someone finally realizing that we cant afford to be drafting a luxury with a RB when we have needs on the DL and S(and OL in your opinion i guess)

[llayne]

While most of us are in agreement that we need to draft D-line and a S I have one question...is there anyone besides a RB that if he falls that we say forget our need we can't pass on a prospect like this? I also have a specific question. How far of does the DL talent drop after the first. Does it make sense to trade down and get an extra second and be able to take 2 dline in the second?

[Elway777]

I think it might be a good idea to trade down in the draft to pick up extra picks and to get a player like Carriker or Merriweather. The Broncos should wait to see if a player like Lynch,Ginn or Branch falls to the Broncos.

[JoRo]

i think there is plenty of DL talent in the first. allan branch(is he official yet?), quinn pitcock, tank tyler, frank okam?, and maybe amobi okoye at DT, and then gaines adams, quentin groves, and maybe abiamiri at DE.

thank you for someone finally realizing that we cant afford to be drafting a luxury with a RB when we have needs on the DL and S(and OL in your opinion i guess)



All of those guys other than Branch are living on a lot more hype than production. Honestly I dont think any of those would be good value in the top 20 other than Branch and I think his name is Dorsey.


If we pick up one of those others in the second that would be worth it but honestly if we dont pick Dorsey or Branch in the first I pray we dont waste a pick on dl there so hopefully if neither are there or any of the 1st round caliber safetys I hope we trade down and get more picks.

[27atwater]

Draft and sign a safety (LaRon Landry and Deon Grant). THEN worry about O-line.

As far as RB goes, draft the guy from Pittsburgh State in the mid rounds or go after the big back from the eagles in FA. I like Tatum. We need someone w/ a bit more bulk in some situations.

[Mediator12]

I have not considered the entire quality of DL this year, but there are some excellent DE's that are being talked about in the late first to early third in Anthony Spencer DE Purdue and Dan Bazuin DE. Those guys are going to be excellent NFL DE's and would represent good value in later round selections.

.

[Clockwork Orange]

What the hell, I'll throw out a very early day one projection. This will change about eight thousand times between now and draft day, but it's just for fun.

First, Michael Lewis & Daniel Graham are signed in free agency.

1. Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia-Had a pretty so-so season, so unless he blows up at the Senior Bowl & combine, he could slide as Kiwanuka did last year.

2. Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan-Not the massive, road grader that some would prefer, but a smart, athletic kid with a high motor.

3a. Brandon Mebane, DT, California-Underrated (and a bit undersized) prospect who could look nice lined up next to Warren on the interior of the Broncos D-line.

3b. Dwayne Wright, RB, Fresno State-Boom or bust pick here. He missed most of '04 and all of '05 with a knee injury, but came back with a vengeance this season. If he's healthy, he could be a steal at this point.

[Requiem]

That's a great looking draft besides Dwayne, **** that guy.

[WABronco]

That's a great looking draft besides Dwayne, **** that guy.

You don't like Wright?

I think he'd be a nice fit here as a legit between-the-tackles runner.

[Requiem]

You don't like Wright?

I think he'd be a nice fit here as a legit between-the-tackles runner.

I think he's a good fit, but I don't like the idea of us drafting players with limited college experience due to a long history of injuries. He's had some problems, and it's pretty scary. Sort of like Frank Gore (but a little bigger) but I don't think he'll be that great in the NFL.

I think Mike Bell will improve in time and is already being solid at that position. I think there are other options available. . . better options.

[youcandoit1687]

good to know that req is with me in not wanting to get a RB. ive watched wright this year, he has done well against inferior competition. he is very slow behind the line of scrimmage and has no acceleration(two years of knee injuries will do that). he is a big back and would probably be better suited as a FB. he is probably more of a 5th rounder IMO. i would like us to draft mason crosby with one of our picks.

req, where do you think doug free from northern illinois falls to? he did pretty bad against TCU but TCU has a great defense and he has played injured all this year. could be a nice pickup in round 6 or so.

[Requiem]

req, where do you think doug free from northern illinois falls to? he did pretty bad against TCU but TCU has a great defense and he has played injured all this year. could be a nice pickup in round 6 or so.

I don't think Free falls out of Day One even with the Poinsettia Bowl performance. He's been just to good over the course of his career for me not to believe that he'll go higher. This year he's been hindered by some injuries; but when healthy he's one of the better tackles available. A great fit for us and the offense. I think he got an invite to the Senior Bowl and depending on how he does during that time in the combine will really effect his stock.

One of the biggest concerns I hear is strength, and there have been some reports that he can't bench 225 more than 20 times; which would really hurt his draft grade overall if that was the truth.

[Requiem]

Also, his main injury was a stress fracture in one of his feet and for him to play through that all year is a sign of how tough he is. I've been doing some research and the Chicago Tribune said he can bench 225 only 18 times; which is pretty bad for a lineman; so he'll have to get stronger.

Here's a piece on Staley and Free; two guys who I'm really high on.

Neither Northern Illinois’ Doug Free nor Central Michigan’s Joe Staley — two promising OLT prospects — impressed scouts early in the season, but they have played better as the season has progressed and have the physical tools to compete in the pros. Both need to spend more time in the weight room and get stronger so they can better anchor vs. NFL (http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/College+Football/College+Notes/2006/110106.htm#) talent. However, Free suffered a stress facture in his foot in the season opener vs. Ohio State and has played with the injury all year. Too often in scouting, players who decide to play through injuries wind up getting undergraded because scouts are not seeing all of their talent and either are not aware of the injury or are not able to discern their true talent on tape. Durability always needs to be considered, but Free is tough enough and possesses the athletic ability for a big-framed, long-armed athletic lineman to be drafted early. The first round is high for both, but given the difficulty NFL teams have finding offensive linemen, they will both likely ascend through all-star games and could easily wind up in the second round, where Eastern Washington's Michael Roos (41st overall) was drafted two years ago.

[Requiem]

Youcandoit; I think you mentioned this. . . that Free might be a guy who has to move inside and that's possible; sort of like Colledge did for Green Bay. I've been talking to a lot of guys and they feel like he's this year's Eric Winston.

[youcandoit1687]

sounds good. i havent seen any staley so i dont know but from his numbers he fits the broncos mold. im not worried about them bulking up because for the near future we still have meadows lepsis and pears, i look more towards potential, just like eslinger.

[youcandoit1687]

Youcandoit; I think you mentioned this. . . that Free might be a guy who has to move inside and that's possible; sort of like Colledge did for Green Bay. I've been talking to a lot of guys and they feel like he's this year's Eric Winston.


not sure who said that, wasnt me! lol, i mean hes 6'7. are there any 6'7 interior linemen in the NFL? cutler is only 6'3.

[mattob14]

The more I look at the prospects in this year's draft, the more excited I get about picking up Washington's 3rd. There should be a number of good DL, WR and S at that spot, which is exactly what we need. I would think those three positions would be taken with our first three picks, though the order will depend on value. A couple of possible combinations:
Okoye/Wendling/Higgins
Griffin/Crowder/Craig Davis
Ginn (wishful thinking, I know)/Merriweather/Harrell

A couple of those picks may be a stretch, but are not that far off. Add Doug Free at the end of round 3 and the team couple fill four huge holes, get excellent value for their picks, and have a great young talent base.

[youcandoit1687]

very roughly using scott wright's top 100(which i dont think has been updated lately), here are some possible picks for us

1(25th i believe): tank tyler, eric weddle, laron landry, reggie nelson, michael griffin
2(57th): john wendling, johnnie lee higgins, chansi stuckey, adam carriker
3a(70th):brandon mebane, rory johnson, chase pittman
3b(89th):mason crosby, gary russell

it gets a little muddy after that but those look like some good foundation picks, safety, DT, DE, WR, K, and RB as possibilities

[mattob14]

That list looks very close to me. Russell and Crosby at 89 would make it a tough call. I'd love to see both in Orange and Blue. They would both fill needs and provide solid value.

[24champ]

Do we need a safety for a possible Lynch replacement and the fact injuries has hit the Secondary hard this year?

[mattob14]

Do we need a safety for a possible Lynch replacement and the fact injuries has hit the Secondary hard this year?

Those are two reasons, along with the fact that our safeties coverage skills have been below average for years and this is an exceptionally deep class of skilled safteties. It's the perfect time to bring someone in as insurance in case Ferguson doesn't fully recover and to groom for a year as a future starter.

[24champ]

Those are two reasons, along with the fact that our safeties coverage skills have been below average for years and this is an exceptionally deep class of skilled safteties. It's the perfect time to bring someone in as insurance in case Ferguson doesn't fully recover and to groom for a year as a future starter.

Drafting a Safety in the first round probably depends on what the coaches decide on Foxworth and whether its permanent move for him.

[youcandoit1687]

foxworth doesnt have the frame to be a safety, no way its permanent

[elsid13]

No way the key Foxworth at safety. There is a lot of young coverage Safeties that have some pop in this draft.