A little Draft info

[SoonerBronco]

Here is the Scouts top 32

Scouts Inc.'s Top 32
RANK NAME POS CLASS SCHOOL PREV
1. Joe Thomas OT SR Wisconsin 1
2. Calvin Johnson WR JR Georgia Tech 2
3. Alan Branch DT JR Michigan 4
4. Brady Quinn QB SR Notre Dame 3
5. Gaines Adams DE SR Clemson 5
6. Adrian Peterson RB JR Oklahoma 6
7. JaMarcus Russell QB JR LSU 9
8. Glenn Dorsey DT JR LSU 7
9. Leon Hall CB SR Michigan 8
10. Marshawn Lynch RB JR Cal 16
11. LaRon Landry S SR LSU 10
12. Amobi Okoye DT SR Louisville 12
13. Brian Brohm QB JR Louisville 13
14. Ted Ginn Jr. WR JR Ohio State 11
15. Adam Carriker DE SR Nebraska 21
16. DeMarcus Tyler DT SR N.C. State 18
17. Jeff Samardzija WR SR Notre Dame 14
18. Sidney Rice WR JR S. Carolina 17
19. Levi Brown OT SR Penn State 19
20. Eric Wright CB JR UNLV NR
21. Dwayne Jarrett WR JR USC 15
22. Darrelle Revis CB JR Pittsburgh 30
23. Tony Ugoh OT SR Arkansas NR
24. Tim Crowder DE SR Texas 26
25. LaMarr Woodley OLB SR Michigan 27
26. Marcus McCauley CB SR Fresno State 22
27. Quentin Moses DE SR Georgia 23
28. Troy Smith QB SR Ohio State 20
29. Daymeion Hughes CB SR Georgia 24
30. Anthony Spencer DE SR Purdue 31
31. Kenny Irons RB SR Auburn 31
32. Dwayne Bowe WR SR LSU 29


Here are Kipers top 5 Seniors and Juniors by position...

Quarterbacks
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
2. Troy Smith, Ohio State
3. Drew Stanton, Michigan State
4. Matt Moore, Oregon State
5. Trent Edwards, Stanford
5a. Kevin Kolb, Houston


Running Backs
1. Kenny Irons, Auburn
2. Michael Bush, Louisville
3. Tony Hunt, Penn State
4. Selvin Young, Texas
5. Lorenzo Booker, Florida State
5a. Kolby Smith, Louisville


Fullbacks
1. Brian Leonard, Rutgers
2. LeRon McClain, Alabama
3. Stan White Jr., Ohio State
4. Jason Snelling, Virginia
5. Bryson Davis, Mississippi State
5a. Deon Anderson, Connecticut


Wide Receivers
1. Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame
2. Dwayne Bowe, LSU
3. Craig Davis, LSU
4. Aundrae Allison, East Carolina
5. Johnnie Lee Higgins, UTEP


Tight Ends
1. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
2. Scott Chandler, Iowa
3. Joe Newton, Oregon State
4. Clark Harris, Rutgers
5. Ben Patrick, Delaware


Offensive Tackles
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
2. Tony Ugoh, Arkansas
3. Levi Brown, Penn State
4. Joe Staley, Central Michigan
5. James Marten, Boston College
5a. Ryan Harris, Notre Dame


Offensive Guards
1. Ben Grubbs, Auburn
2. Josh Beekman, Boston College
3. Justin Blalock, Texas
4. Arron Sears, Tennessee
5. Tim Duckworth, Auburn


Centers
1. Ryan Kalil, USC
2. Kyle Young, Fresno State
3. Enoka Lucas, Oregon
4. Leroy Harris, NC State
5. Darnell Stapleton, Rutgers
5a. Doug Datish, Ohio State


Defensive Ends
1. Gaines Adams, Clemson
2. Adam Carriker, Nebraska
3. Quentin Moses, Georgia
4. Tim Crowder, Texas
5. Anthony Spencer, Purdue
5a. Ikaika Alama-Francis, Hawaii
5b. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan


Defensive Tackles
1. Amobi Okoye, Louisville
2. Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State
3. Tank Tyler, NC State
4. Turk McBride, Tennessee
5. Ola Dagunduro, Nebraska
5a. Ryan McBean, Oklahoma State
5b. Justin Harrell, Tennessee


Inside Linebackers
1. Patrick Willis, Mississippi
2. Buster Davis, Florida State
3. David Harris, Michigan
4. Zach Diles, Kansas State
5. Zak DeOssie, Brown
5a. Justin Warren, Texas A&M


Outside Linebackers
1. Paul Posluszny, Penn State
2. Michael Okwo, Stanford
3. Earl Everett, Florida
4. Stewart Bradley, Nebraska
5. David Holloway, Maryland
5a. Juwan Simpson, Alabama


Cornerbacks
1. Leon Hall, Michigan
2. Marcus McCauley, Fresno State
3. Daymeion Hughes, California
4. Tanard Jackson, Syracuse
5. Aaron Ross, Texas


Safeties
1. LaRon Landry, LSU
2. Michael Griffin, Texas
3. Eric Weddle, Utah
4. Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame
5. Michael Johnson, Arizona
5a. John Wendling, Wyoming
5b. Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech


Place-Kickers
1. Mason Crosby, Colorado
2. Justin Medlock, UCLA
3. Andrew Wellock, Eastern Michigan
4. Brian Wingert, Northern Iowa
5. Mike Barrow, Idaho


Punters
1. Adam Podlesh, Maryland
2. Daniel Sepulveda, Baylor
3. Kody Bliss, Auburn
4. Adam Graessle, Pittsburgh
5. David Simonhoff, Southeast Missouri State


Top 5 Juniors By Position
Asterisk denotes third-year sophomores eligible for the draft.


Quarterbacks
1. JaMarcus Russell, LSU
2. Brian Brohm, Louisville
3. Chad Henne, Michigan
4. John David Booty, USC
5. Matt Ryan, Boston College
5a. Colt Brennan, Hawaii
5b. Erik Ainge, Tennessee
5c. Josh Johnson, San Diego


Running Backs
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
2. Marshawn Lynch, California
3. Brandon Jackson, Nebraska
4. Antonio Pittman, Ohio State
5. Andre Brown, NC State*
5a. Dwayne Wright, Fresno State
5b. Ryan Torain, Arizona
5c. Mike Hart, Michigan


Fullbacks
1. Peyton Hillis, Arkansas
2. Owen Schmitt, West Virginia
3. Michael Pitre, UCLA
4. Jacob Hester, LSU
5. Doug Jones, Cincinnati
5a. Mike Cox, Georgia Tech


Wide Receivers
1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
2. Ted Ginn Jr., Ohio State
3. Sidney Rice, South Carolina*
4. Dwayne Jarrett, USC
5. Anthony Gonzalez, Ohio State
5a. Limas Sweed, Texas
5b. Andre Caldwell, Florida
5c. DJ Hall, Alabama


Tight Ends
1. Greg Olsen, Miami
2. John Carlson, Notre Dame
3. Zach Miller, Arizona State
4. Martin Rucker, Missouri
5. Fred Davis, USC
5a. Kory Sperry, Colorado State
5b. Jacob Tamme, Kentucky


Offensive Tackles
1. Jake Long, Michigan
2. Sam Baker, USC
3. Kirk Barton, Ohio State
4. Ryan Clady, Boise State*
5. Barry Richardson, Clemson
5a. Pedro Sosa, Rutgers
5b. Jared Gaither, Maryland*
5c. Chris Williams, Vanderbilt


Offensive Guards
1. Will Arnold, LSU
2. Shannon Tevaga, UCLA
3. Brandon Rodd, Arizona State
4. Jordan Grimes, Purdue
5. Andrew Crummey, Maryland


Centers
1. John Sullivan, Notre Dame
2. Tony Brinkhaus, Minnesota
3. Samson Satele, Hawaii
4. Doug Legursky, Marshall
5. Adam Spieker, Missouri


Defensive Ends
1. Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas
2. Charles Johnson, Georgia
3. Lawrence Jackson, USC
4. Jarvis Moss, Florida
5. Chris Long, Virginia
5a. Bruce Davis, UCLA
5b. Quentin Groves, Auburn


Defensive Tackles
1. Glenn Dorsey, LSU
2. Alan Branch, Michigan
3. Frank Okam, Texas
4. Sedrick Ellis, USC
5. Andre Fluellen, Florida State
5a. DeMario Pressley, NC State
5b. Marcus Harrison, Arkansas


Inside Linebackers
1. Jonathan Goff, Vanderbilt
2. Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina
3. Vince Hall, Virginia Tech
4. Brandon Siler, Florida
5. Rory Johnson, Mississippi
5a. Nelson Coleman, Tulsa
5b. J Leman, Illinois


Outside Linebackers
1. Lawrence Timmons, Florida State
2. Dan Connor, Penn State
3. Keith Rivers, USC
4. Ali Highsmith, LSU
5. Shawn Crable, Michigan
5a. Robert Killebrew, Texas


Cornerbacks
1. Zack Bowman, Nebraska
2. Eric Wright, UNLV
3. Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh
4. Dwight Lowery, San Jose State
5. Antoine Cason, Arizona
5a. DeJuan Tribble, Boston College
5b. Terrell Thomas, USC


Safeties
1. Reggie Nelson, Florida
2. Darien Williams, Oklahoma
3. Jamar Adams, Michigan
4. Dennis Keyes, UCLA
5. Josh Barrett, Arizona State
5a. Thomas DeCoud, California
5b. Roger Williams, Florida State


Place-Kickers
1. Brandon Coutu, Georgia
2. Sergio Aguayo, UNLV
3. Chris Nendick, Northern Illinois
4. Alexis Serna, Oregon State
5. Jeremy Ito, Rutgers


Punters
1. Geoff Price, Notre Dame
2. Ken DeBauche, Wisconsin
3. Andrew Larson, California
4. Jimmie Kaylor, Colorado State
5. Kyle Tucker, Kansas

Kiper on Peterson and Lynch...

Now that it's bowl season, my Personnel Points will give way to answering questions about next April's NFL draft. In this week's mail bag, there is a lot of emphasis on running backs, offensive linemen and how underclassmen will impact the draft.


The senior running backs don't exactly excite me. If Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson and Cal's Marshawn Lynch declare for the draft, how high will they go? -- George, Los Angeles

Kiper: Both Peterson and Lynch have the potential to go within the top five to 10 picks, depending on team needs. If Peterson and Lynch come out, they will be the first two running backs taken because I don't expect to see any seniors go in the first round. Lynch has a lot of supporters. Peterson is a great player, but his running style is a little upright and he has had durability issues. If I had to say right now, Peterson would go ahead of Lynch. One of those two will go in the top 10 and the other won't last past the 15th pick.

[Florida_Bronco]

Here is the Scouts top 32
14. Ted Ginn Jr. WR JR Ohio State 11
15. Adam Carriker DE SR Nebraska 21
16. DeMarcus Tyler DT SR N.C. State 18


Come on Shanny, make it happen.

[bendog]

112 days.

Levi Brown, anyone?

[jmz313]

112 days.

Levi Brown, anyone?

Yes, please.

[jmz313]

The skins pick like 5 or 6 right. We could probably trade up into that spot for thier 3rd and courtney brown. They were all over brown when den signed him...

Sports talk radio around DC is basically begging snyder to actually draft players this year and not trade their first rd pick away for an aging vet and a hot dog.

[Ratboy]

The skins pick like 5 or 6 right. We could probably trade up into that spot for thier 3rd and courtney brown. They were all over brown when den signed him...

Sports talk radio around DC is basically begging snyder to actually draft players this year and not trade their first rd pick away for an aging vet and a hot dog.

Courtney Brown has no trade value, none-what-so-ever.

[bpc]

Come on Shanny, make it happen.

Is Carriker that good or is the draft just lousy in terms of depth at DE? His size looks great. I haven't seen that much of him though.

I'm still hoping we get a chance at a guy like Dorsey although I watched the ND game and he didn't really show me much. I haven't watching a ton of the film though.

Branch would be awesome too... don't think we are going to get a chance at him.

I really like Membane, the CAL DT who had an injury plagued senior year. I watched him and he plays with a very low center of gravity like Warren Sapp and has that snap to his movements. I don't know if it will translate in the pro's but I think he has a chance to be a good player in the 2nd or 3rd round.

I'm still hoping for any one of the safeties in this class, Landry, Nelson or Griffin... Marshawn Lynch who I think plays a lot like a Edge when he came out of Miami, or one of the highly touted WR's. I would love to get Jarrett or Ginn here.

[Dempsey Dog]

Here is the Sporting News' Mock Draft.

I am not so sure we would take a CB in the 1st round. We have been burned a few times on that and besides, I think Foxworth has the inside track. I think we would be more inclined to take La'Ron Landry if things were to pan out this way.

Last, from their draft it looks like they are picking the Charges to beat the Bears in the Super Bowl.

MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 1
PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (1) Raiders Brian Brohm* QB Louisville
Owner/GM Al Davis loves wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr.'s electrifying speed but should realize that his team is in desperate need of a quarterback for the future.

2 (2) Lions Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame
Coach Rod Marinelli might stick with quarterback Jon Kitna in '07, but we all know Kitna is not the Lions' long-term answer. The Lions will debate long and hard between Quinn and LSU's JaMarcus Russell, but Quinn would be better suited for coordinator Mike Martz's offense.

3 (3) Browns Adrian Peterson* RB Oklahoma
(pick subject to coin flip) Browns officials will debate long and hard between Peterson, Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas, and Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch but should go with Peterson in the hope his great talent can be harnessed.

4 (4) Buccaneers Joe Thomas T Wis.
(pick subject to coin flip) Thomas is the man the Bucs are certainly targeting and would be quite grateful if he falls this far. He would secure the left side of their line. After using two high picks on good offensive linemen last year, the Bucs' offensive line could become a team strength in '07.

5 (5) Cardinals Justin Blalock G Texas
No matter the Cardinals' new coach, he surely will make improving the offensive line the No. 1 priority. The Cardinals must better protect Matt Leinart and open more holes for Edgerrin James. Taking Blalock here would be a bit of a reach, so the Cardinals could become a candidate to trade down a bit.

6 (6) Redskins Gaines Adams DE Clemson
The Redskins have talent on defense but lack an explosive edge rusher who consistently can threaten the corner.

7 (7) Vikings Calvin Johnson* WR Georgia Tech
The Vikings need firepower, and Johnson is a big receiver who could be a downfield threat and make big plays all over the field.

8 (8) Texans Alan Branch* DT Michigan
The Texans should continue to rebuild their defense. Branch is versatile and could line up in a variety of spots along the line.

9 (9) Dolphins JaMarcus Russell* QB LSU
No matter the Dolphins' new coach, he will not know if Daunte Culpepper ever will be the quarterback he was before tearing up his knee. Joey Harrington and Cleo Lemon aren't long-term answers, though, and it'd be tough to pass up a super talented quarterback such as Russell.

10 (10) Falcons Ted Ginn Jr.* WR Ohio St.
The Falcons again are in the market for a wide receiver to catch the ball and solve quarterback Michael Vick's problems. Ginn is raw but ultra explosive.

11 (11) 49ers Frank Okam* DT Texas
The 49ers need a ton of help along the defensive line. Okam could become a dominant and disruptive interior force.

12 (12) Bills Zach Miller* TE Arizona St.
The Bills have great young talent at running back (Willis McGahee) and wide receiver (Lee Evans). Miller would give J.P. Losman yet another big-play option.

13 (13) Rams Paul Posluszny OLB Penn State
Rams officials would prefer to draft a speed/edge pass rusher, but none figure to be available at this spot. Instead, the team should take the top linebacker on the board.

14 (14) Panthers Greg Olsen* TE Miami (FL)
The Panthers have some concerns at safety and would consider LSU's LaRon Landry if available, but the chance to finally add an explosive tight end to the offense makes too much sense.

15 (15) Steelers Daymeion Hughes CB Cal
The Steelers' secondary was inconsistent and riddled by injuries in '06, and the team would be wise to add the physical and productive Hughes.

16 (16) Packers Kenny Irons RB Auburn
Packers officials want a running back and will debate long and hard about whether to take Irons, Ohio State's Antonio Pittman or Cal's Marshawn Lynch. Irons is the safest option and also has the most big-play speed.

17 (17) Jaguars Quentin Moses DE Georgia
The Jaguars should gamble on Moses, who played like a high first-round prospect in '05 but performed like a fourth-rounder as a senior and thus has slid way down some teams' draft boards.

18 (18) Bengals Glenn Dorsey* DT LSU
The Bengals' defense struggled greatly in '06 and need an active and disruptive force inside. Dorsey would be ideal if he enters the '07 draft.

19 (19) Titans Dwayne Jarrett* WR USC
The Titans improved greatly down the stretch of the '06 season with rookie Vince Young at the helm despite mediocre wide receivers. Jarrett would give Young a major weapon outside as he continues to develop.

20 (20) Giants Marshawn Lynch* RB Cal
The Giants have a surprising number of needs, but Tiki Barber is retiring and the coaches are not sold on backup Brandon Jacobs becoming the featured back. Lynch would be a fine complement to Jacobs.

21 (21) Broncos Leon Hall CB Michigan
In the wake of the tragic death of cornerback Darrent Williams, a second-round pick in '05, the position becomes the team's No. 1 need. Hall is a tall and physical and would be a fine complement to All-Pro Champ Bailey.

22 (22) Patriots LaRon Landry S LSU
(from Seattle) Safety probably isn't the Patriots' No. 1 priority, but coach Bill Belichick wouldn't let a talent like Landry slide past him at this spot.

23 (23) Cowboys Reggie Nelson* S Florida
Cowboys officials will debate whether to take Nelson and Miami's Brandon Meriweather here but should go with the more explosive and safer choice.

24 (24) Chiefs DeMarcus Tyler DT NC State
The Chiefs must improve their interior defensive line, and drafting Tyler at this spot probably would signal the end of the line for 2002 first-round pick Ryan Sims.

25 (25) Saints Tanard Jackson CB Syracuse
The Saints' secondary has had its ups and downs and certainly could use a talent such as Jackson.

26 (26) Jets Marcus McCauley CB Fresno St.
The Jets should take a chance on McCauley even though he struggled through a bad senior season. As a junior, he showed the talent to be a star cornerback. Jets coach Eric Mangini will need to believe he can get McCauley back to that elite level.

27 (27) Eagles Brandon Meriweather S Miami (FL)
The Eagles have a gaping hole alongside All-Pro safety Brian Dawkins. Eagles officials will debate between Meriweather and Virginia Tech's Aaron Rouse and could gamble on Meriweather because of his on-field impact in all aspects of defense.

28 (28) Patriots Zackary Bowman CB Nebraska
The Patriots can afford to gamble on Bowman, who blew out his knee last August, because they would not need him to start in '07 and could give him a full season to work his way back to 100 percent.

29 (29) Colts Baraka Atkins DT Miami (FL)
It's an understatement to say the Colts' run defense needs a lot of help. Atkins is versatile and could help the team at defensive tackle or defensive end. He could play outside on run downs and move inside on pass downs.

30 (30) Ravens Ryan Harris T Notre Dame
The Ravens should take the top-rated offensive lineman on the board. Harris would add athleticism to the offensive line and could become the replacement for Pro Bowl left tackle Jonathan Ogden, 32, down the road.

31 (31) Bears Levi Brown T Penn State
The Bears should take a chance on the inconsistent Brown. If they can get him to play with intensity, he has the talent to be an excellent NFL tackle.

32 (32) Chargers Aaron Rouse S Va. Tech
With Rouse, San Diego could address its only weakness on defense -- a super athletic safety to pair with Marlon McCree.



Here is how they rank their top prospects at each position:
Top 2007 Prospects

Quarterbacks
1. B. Brohm*, Louisville
2. B. Quinn, Notre Dame
3. T. Smith, Ohio St.
4. D. Stanton, Michigan St.
5. J. Palmer, UTEP

Running backs
1. K. Irons, Auburn
2. A. Pittman*, Ohio St.
3. A. Peterson*, Oklahoma
4. M. Lynch*, Cal
5. M. Bush, Louisville

Fullbacks
1. C. Anderson, Tennessee
2. B. Leonard, Rutgers
3. L. McClain, Alabama
4. O. O'Neal, Arkansas St.
5. J. Snelling, Va.

Wide receivers
1. T. Ginn Jr.*, Ohio St.
2. C. Johnson*, Georgia Tech
3. D. Jarrett*, USC
4. A. Caldwell, Florida
5. A. Allison, E. Carolina

Tight ends
1. Z. Miller*, Arizona St.
2. G. Olsen*, Miami (FL)
3. M. Rucker, Missouri
4. B. Patrick, Delaware
5. M. Milner, Georgia

Centers
1. L. Sendlein, Texas
2. E. Lucas, Oregon
3. S. Satele, Hawaii
4. M. Fenton, Colorado
5. R. Kalil, USC

Guards
1. J. Blalock, Texas
2. J. Beekman, Boston Coll.
3. B. Grubbs, Auburn
4. M. Jones, Iowa
5. U. Nwaneri, Purdue

Offensive tackles
1. J. Thomas, Wis.
2. R. Harris, Notre Dame
3. T. Ugoh, Arkansas
4. A. Sears, Tennessee
5. J. Staley, Central Mich.

Defensive tackles
1. F. Okam*, Texas
2. A. Branch*, Michigan
3. B. Atkins, Miami (FL)
4. M. Thomas, Florida
5. C. Ryan, Michigan St.

Defensive ends
1. G. Adams, Clemson
2. V. Abiamiri, Notre Dame
3. I. Alama-Francis, Hawaii
4. L. Woodley, Michigan
5. Q. Moses, Georgia

Inside linebackers
1. P. Willis, Ole Miss
2. J. Durant, Hampton
3. H. Blades, Pitt
4. E. Everett, Florida
5. D. Harris, Michigan

Outside linebackers
1. P. Posluszny, Penn State
2. R. Alexander, Oklahoma
3. J. Simpson, Alabama
4. S. Bradley, Nebraska
5. S. Olajubutu, Arkansas

Cornerbacks
1. D. Hughes, Cal
2. L. Hall, Michigan
3. M. McCauley, Fresno St.
4. T. Jackson, Syracuse
5. Z. Bowman, Nebraska

Safeties
1. L. Landry, LSU
2. B. Meriweather, Miami (FL)
3. A. Rouse, Va. Tech
4. M. Johnson, Arizona
5. K. Payne, La.-Monroe

[Florida_Bronco]

Is Carriker that good or is the draft just lousy in terms of depth at DE? His size looks great. I haven't seen that much of him though.

He's that good. He's not the speed rusher that guys like Freeney and Dumervil are, but he's an everydown DE who does everything well, alot like Courtney Brown. This year he didn't have great stats, but he was getting double and even triple teamed all year, which allowed NU's other DE, Jay Moore, to do alot of damage.

Carriker would be the perfect strongside DE for us. Drafting him would allow us to stick Ekuban/Dumervil/whoever on the weakside to utilize their speed rushing talents.

[Rock Chalk]

D-Will complicates things.

We now need: A DE, two monster DTs, a cover safety, another CB, a stud RB, any RT, A true FB and a punt returner not to mention a desperate need to upgrade the Punter situation and by proxy, the kickoff situation.

[DeusExManning]

Alan Branch, trade up if you have to.

[jmz313]

Courtney Brown has no trade value, none-what-so-ever.

I guess the Sarcasm didn't come over well on the internet,

[Florida_Bronco]

D-Will complicates things.

We now need: A DE, two monster DTs, a cover safety, another CB, a stud RB, any RT, A true FB and a punt returner not to mention a desperate need to upgrade the Punter situation and by proxy, the kickoff situation.

I dunno about all that. We definetly need an DE, but 2 DTs? Warren is just fine, but we do need a wide-body DT to put next to him. I don't see us going after another CB this year, because we still have Foxworth and Paymah.

A stud running back would be great. RT and FB are kinda toss ups IMO. I think Hixon will be given the punt returner spot and Ernster will be given another year or so to get his consistency down to pat.

[bendog]

How big is Hixson? Can he play RB?

[Ratboy]

Cornerback isn't a total need.

Paymah is the front runner next season for the starting cornerback spot. When D-Will was taking a break, Paymah stepped in and did a pretty damn good job. I'd look at taking a CB with a 3rd round pick, Maybe Free Agency.

We need a Defensive End and another Defensive Tackle. Elvis and Warren will improve if we have an elite guy in there. Who knows, Maybe we can package Ian Gold with our first round pick and move up into the draft if a DE falls. I wish we would put DJ Williams back into his natural spot, but he had a heck of a season. I wouldn't mind seeing him at MLB either.

If we're not going with Tatum Bell, we need to trade him. I think we can get a 3rd out of him. Again, Maybe we can package him and trade up. I'd like to look at a runningback. If Peterson dropped, I'd want him. The guy is a monster. I'm sure we could grab Lynch or Bush. Mike Bell is a good goal line back, Maybe we give him a chance to establish himself as a everydown back.

George Foster sucks. Replace him.

[Florida_Bronco]

How big is Hixson? Can he play RB?

I'm not sure on his weight, but he's 6'2 and played some safety in college.

[Mediator12]

Hixson can play Safety and be a returner as well Bendog. WR is not as pressing with Javon and Marshall and Scheffler stepping up.

I really want to see what hixson would look like at Safety.

[Rock Chalk]

I dunno about all that. We definetly need an DE, but 2 DTs? Warren is just fine, but we do need a wide-body DT to put next to him. I don't see us going after another CB this year, because we still have Foxworth and Paymah.

A stud running back would be great. RT and FB are kinda toss ups IMO. I think Hixon will be given the punt returner spot and Ernster will be given another year or so to get his consistency down to pat.

Man Warren is not "just fine". He is, at best, an average DT that is good against the run but cannot collapse the pocket up the middle or close throwing lanes. He gets pushed to the side way to easily on pass plays.

He gets more hype on this board than he deserves. A second tier player on his best days.

As for RT being a toss up, who exactly do we have that is not a revolving door at RT WITHOUT TE help? Umm, no one. That is an immediate need. Ernster is a colossal disappointment and while Hixon may get a shot at punt returner, he clearly wasnt as good or even close to D-Will or he would have been starting.

FB might be a toss up, but whatever back we get would be at least 200 yards a year more with a Lorenzo Neal type fullback back there blowing up LBs.

I think Fox can step up and start, and Paymah can play nickel, but we still need depth now. Going by the last four years, our secondary is going to take some hits next year at some point and having a Roc Alexander back there does not comfort me.

[bendog]

yeah, no help at RB there.

He was slated to replace DWill as PR anyway I think. I recall there was some question of his route discipline when they drafted him. He is definitly special teams material. Den needs atheticism at safety badly.

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=498&contentID=5913

I saw Sean Jones made Dr Z's list, and he was the one I wanted.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Anyone who thinks corner has become Denver's #1 need knows dick about Denver's true needs or the depth they have at corner.

[Mediator12]

Man Warren is not "just fine". He is, at best, an average DT that is good against the run but cannot collapse the pocket up the middle or close throwing lanes. He gets pushed to the side way to easily on pass plays.

He gets more hype on this board than he deserves. A second tier player on his best days.

As for RT being a toss up, who exactly do we have that is not a revolving door at RT WITHOUT TE help? Umm, no one. That is an immediate need. Ernster is a colossal disappointment and while Hixon may get a shot at punt returner, he clearly wasnt as good or even close to D-Will or he would have been starting.

FB might be a toss up, but whatever back we get would be at least 200 yards a year more with a Lorenzo Neal type fullback back there blowing up LBs.

I think Fox can step up and start, and Paymah can play nickel, but we still need depth now. Going by the last four years, our secondary is going to take some hits next year at some point and having a Roc Alexander back there does not comfort me.

1. Totally agree on Warren, have been saying that for some time even before his injury in TC. He is just not a playmaker, with Pryce and Brown occupying a lot of Double teams for him last year he did not do much.

2. Pears and Meadows were very good in spurts and should be better with an offseason and a little more work IMHO. Just becuase they were not ready yet (pears) and a little injured from being out of the game (Meadows) does not mean they can not play at a higher level next year.

3. FB was the least of our Worries running the ball, communication was the main culprit as guys missed zone assignments due to inexperience as a group. The FB's were covering a lot of missed assignments instead of just getting to the next level of defenders in a lot of cases. This OL HAS to be healthy and consistent to be as dominant as it can be. They just were not Healthy at Tackle all year.

4. Depth is an issue at CB now, but I would prefer to use resources to correct the DL situation first and foremost. Fix the one thing that has haunted the defense forever and the DB's will stop having to cover for longer. The guys they have behind Paymah are not stellar, but might be good depth in the short term. Still would be nice to get a vet on his third contract though.

5. First year punters struggle for the most part too. Jason Baker is the Probowl alternate for NFC Punter. Baker is the guy on the roster Denver traded to CAR for Sauerbrun and a seventh. So, Den could have had a very good Punter if they did not pull the trigger on that trade and kept Baker. Ernster was still recovering from his ACL and he has a huge leg, he just needs to be consistent and that may take time.

[Ratboy]

Anyone who thinks corner has become Denver's #1 need knows dick about Denver's true needs or the depth they have at corner.

Bingo. :thumbs:

We're fine with Paymah and Foxworth. Hell, Cox, Abdullah, and Brandon can play corner.

I much rather look at drafting a Safety.

[Liquid Courage]

Here is the Sporting News' Mock Draft.

20 (20) Giants Marshawn Lynch* RB Cal
The Giants have a surprising number of needs, but Tiki Barber is retiring and the coaches are not sold on backup Brandon Jacobs becoming the featured back. Lynch would be a fine complement to Jacobs.

21 (21) Broncos Leon Hall CB Michigan
In the wake of the tragic death of cornerback Darrent Williams, a second-round pick in '05, the position becomes the team's No. 1 need. Hall is a tall and physical and would be a fine complement to All-Pro Champ Bailey.


Man, if we are a pick away and Lynch is still there I'll be having a coronary! And their take on CB now being a #1 priority is suspect at best. We remain at least solid at that position but have glaring weaknesses in others that have already been named (RT, DT, DE, S and a 1st Tier RB).

[Ratboy]

Lets not forget about Kuper, I think he has a shot to play next season.

[Requiem]

The Broncos enter the draft with three selections within the top 70 selections. We'll get three quality players there; unless we use those picks to move up. A lot will depend on free agency. We can't get all of our needs through the draft.

Defensive Line, Offensive Tackle, A "Stud" Running Back, Defensive Back.

Some, including myself see wide receiver as a need; especially a #3 option for the future. Sure, Marshall was impressive; but what happens when Rod retires (eventually) and either Walker or Marshall goes down. We don't have any quality depth there now or for the future.

I expect the Broncos to bring back a cornerback like Roc Alexander to play in dime packages; he'd be cheap and familiar and would be a fine #4/#5 CB for us. Curome Cox provides versatility to play there as well.

I'm not even sure safety gets addressed unless the Broncos Brass take into consideration Ferguson's and Lynch's age.

Lynch, Ferguson, Brandon, Cox and Abdullah (I guess they like the last two kids.) seems like an adequate safety crop for now; and I don't think we'll see a major change to that.

[Ray Finkle]

The sporting news War Room has Denver taking Leon Hall.....

[Ratboy]

No way Shanahan takes a Cornerback in round 1. Shanahan likes Paymah and Foxworth too much.

Shanahan is too hard to predict sometimes.

[Ray Finkle]

No way Shanahan takes a Cornerback in round 1. Shanahan likes Paymah and Foxworth too much.

Shanahan is too hard to predict sometimes.

I agree that they will not take Hall (I like him though) with Laundry, Levi, and Tyler still on the board (according to this mock...)>

[Requiem]

Levi Brown?

If you guys want George Foster II be my guest.

[Ray Finkle]

Levi Brown?

If you guys want George Foster II be my guest.

didn't say I wanted him but just wanted to show how odd their mock was. I would want Laundry or Tyler in that spot.

[Requiem]

The Broncos will have some good talent all over the board to pick at #21 at multiple positions; I just hope they make it count.

[bpc]

Interesting info on Carriker.

[aces11]

so what's the situation for our draft picks with washington?

[SpringStein]

so what's the situation for our draft picks with washington?


Pick #70 this year - #6 in the third
and
their 4th next year.

[Ratboy]

Tons of possibilities.

Package our 1st and 2nd to move up, then package our thirds to move up into 2.

I would love to see us trade down and get some more picks. It all depends on Free Agency, If we can get someone like Justin Smith, We really don't need to trade up.

We need to be active in Free Agency. Justin Smith, Ken Hamlin, and Michael Turner all look good. Ken Hamlin and Smith would be the main guys i'd go after.

[Killericon]

D-Will complicates things.

We now need: A DE, two monster DTs, a cover safety, another CB, a stud RB, any RT, A true FB and a punt returner not to mention a desperate need to upgrade the Punter situation and by proxy, the kickoff situation.

We're not going to get get two monster DTs, since Warren's contract is so fat...

[GonzoLays]

Dewayne Bowe ranked 32 by Scouts, inc? That has got to burn SoCal's ass.

[Kaylore]

Kiper is such a douche. Half these guys aren't the best at their position, they're just the most hyped. Jeff Samardzija isn't the best of that group. I don't like his running back order either. Johnny Harline didn't even make his top five tight-ends.

I'm going to hold off listing some myself until after the combine, but Kiper has always been heavily biased toward hype and big schools when some of the best prospects come from smaller, less popular schools and you really have to evaluate each guy on a case by case basis.

[Wes Mantooth]

Being an Oregon State homer, the TE Newton would be great. He is 6'7" and fast. Because of an acl injury last year, I think he may drop to 3rd. Would be amazing to have him and Scheff!

[Jens1893]

Carriker looks mean.

http://www.huskers.com//pics15/400/GO/GOGILOLZYZZSMMI.20060413174940.JPG

I think I´d still prefer a DT.

[Great13]

Keep an eye on DE Charles Johnson out of Georgia, he'll probably move up the draft boards after workouts and what not, but the kid can play.

[freak6]

Anybody think Ohio St.'s Tony Gonzalez could be converted to TE?

That's where I thought he could be a beast. He runs great routes, has good speed for an NFL TE, and has insane hands.

I checked because I had a feeling, and he is only 6 foot. Oh well, I hope he doesn't go to an AFC W team because he looks like a gamer to me.

[Barry Ramey]

I just don't see the Broncos drafting a CB in the 1st round. Maybe in the mid rounds, but not the top pick.

If Jarrett was still around at the Bronco pick, I think he'd be hard to pass up.

One RB I'm liking who has entered the draft is Fresno St. Dwayne Wright. He's 6'1, 220lbs with speed. He missed '05 with a knee injury and came back this season to get 1,000+ yards. His past knee injury may drop him to the 3rd round and I think he'd be a good pickup then.

Broncos can still get a good safety prospect in the 2,3, or 4th round. Safety is a deep position this year.

Defensive end is not so strong though. I'm not sure about Carriker. He might be a better 3-4 DE than a DE in a 4-3 defense.

Hixon really moved up the charts coming to last years draft. I think he stays at WR, to maybe challenge for the #3 WR spot in a year or two and return punts. I think moving him to safety would be a waste with Cox, Abdullah, and Brandon coming back and the chances are they will draft a safety as well.

DT like Tyler or Omoki make sense in that they need help inside and they may not re-sign Myers and Veal didn't seem to do much this past season either.

[kappys]

I think we have to focus early on D-line help, via draft or FA it must be addressed first. While we could use upgrades at the other positions that Alec mentioned, nowhere is there such an obvious lack of talent as along the D-line.

IMO DT is the number 1 priority. Whoever we line up next to Warren has gotten blown up on every single play. While Lang/Brown are certainly not the answer at LDE, they are at least mediocre. Warren is somewhat above average but no stud. AT RDE the combination of Ekuban and Dumervil is the only thing I like and wouldn't necesariily rush to change that too much.

While a nice rangy FS would be nice, Fergy was average and did a decent job protecting against the deep pass. Little run support there, but letting Lynch play SS and getting closer to the line should help.

CB is not a big issue IMO. There were debates on this board before the tragedy of whether Foxy should start over D-will. Clearly he has shown the ability to be a good cover man and make some timely big plays when he's on the field. Paymah should fill in decently as a nickle bck. Depth is needed here.

OL - This is a mess. I argue for D-line upgrade first only because I think a good, big run stuffing DT and decent run stuffing backup DT would go a long way towards solving that problem. Meadows at RT is slightly below average, and Foster is a waste. Whether or not Foster could move to RG remains to be seen. There is at least potential in that move. Carlilse may be resigned, but I don't like him as a starter. Pears is another ? mark, he potentially could move to RT. While no stud, he played reasonably well for a rookie against some very good pass rushers. Kuper remains a ? mark.

RB - As for this unless a truly beastly RB is available I would upgrade O-line first. I think that would go a big ways towards helping the run game. Obviously if could an LJ type of back then you have to pull the trigger. I fnot then I wonder if a 5th round pick could get us Ricky Williams - not a solution but perhaps a 1-2 season stopgap while we adress other issues. Also bring in Marcel Shipp on the cheap and give him a shot. I like his style and he might get a career rebirth away from the desert ala Thomas Jones.

FB - I liked what Johnson did before he got hurt. No depth here though.

[Barry Ramey]

Being an Oregon State homer, the TE Newton would be great. He is 6'7" and fast. Because of an acl injury last year, I think he may drop to 3rd. Would be amazing to have him and Scheff!


If he can block, sure, but that's the question on him. I think a guy like Patrick of Delaware, a 5th round type, makes more sensee in that he's a good blocker who can catch and is a big type TE.

[Barry Ramey]

Anybody think Ohio St.'s Tony Gonzalez could be converted to TE?

That's where I thought he could be a beast. He runs great routes, has good speed for an NFL TE, and has insane hands.

I checked because I had a feeling, and he is only 6 foot. Oh well, I hope he doesn't go to an AFC W team because he looks like a gamer to me.

He's listed at 195lbs. You seriously think a guy 6', 195lbs could play TE in the NFL? He's a WR and that's where he'll play.

[Barry Ramey]

I think right now, the o-line will be:Lepsis, Hamilton, Nalen, Kuper, and Pears from left to right.

I think they will go after Chris Brown to battle for time at the RB spot.

I just don't see them getting Justin Smith. So many teams will have more cap room than the Broncos and can offer much more and I don't think the guy is worth big-time money anyway. Let someone else overpay for him.

If they did take a safety with the top pick, I'd want Landry. Nelson and Griffin look like fine players, but only Landry I would take with the top pick safety-wise for the Broncos.

I don't want Levi Brown with the top pick. Broncos could get a Free or a Messner, both tackles, in the 3rd round area.

[DivineLegion]

Andre Brown, NC State played his entire carieer behind the worst offensive lines I have ever seen in college football. Was a top 5 prospect out of high school and has shown the ability to single handidly take over games even when the support isent there. Now I know im a little bit of an NC State homer but this is a guy who we can nab late in the third maybe (if he declares and dosent get a combine invite) and watch blosom into an all pro player. If he ends up getting invited to the combine he will probably move up and Shanny wont take a chance but its all good.

[Dempsey Dog]

...bring in Marcel Shipp on the cheap and give him a shot. I like his style and he might get a career rebirth away from the desert ala Thomas Jones.

Living in AZ and watching Shipp, I have often thought that he was way underutilized by the Cards. He has good size at 5-11 and 230 pounds. The guy is shifty, quick, runs hard and does have the ability to catch the ball. I think he would be a great pickup for the Broncos. I do not know if he is the answer, but he certainly would be a good asset.

The one knock on him is that he has fumbled in the past. Unless, that is resolved, we do not need another fumbler on the team.

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/237430

[freak6]

He's listed at 195lbs. You seriously think a guy 6', 195lbs could play TE in the NFL? He's a WR and that's where he'll play.

Yeah I saw that, I didn't know his height or weight, I just watched him play like 5 times this year. He's way to small now. But I know how guys can put on bigtime muscle once they get in the NFL. At 6 foot, too short also. I just love watching him run routes, but I don't think he has the speed to be much more than a good #3. He might not have the speed but he has great hands and is a gamer.

I hope we use the majority of our first day picks in the trenches (T, DT) on both sides of the ball, and then go S, CB, RB, LB on day 2.

[Broncoman13]

D-Will complicates things.

We now need: A DE, two monster DTs, a cover safety, another CB, a stud RB, any RT, A true FB and a punt returner not to mention a desperate need to upgrade the Punter situation and by proxy, the kickoff situation.

Agree all the way accross!

DE (Justin Smith via Free Agency)
DT, I think we only need one monster and a prayer that G-Money starts playing! Okam would be a decent fit but there is no way he lasts until round 2.
Cover Safety... it won't happen now, but there is a very good chance that Meriweather is available in the 2nd round. Considering DWill and Meriweather's history, I don't think Shanny even looks his way. (He was involved in a "shoot-out" while at Miami)
Aaron Ross would be the perfect CB to select in this year's draft. He's a lot like Nathan Vasher (lacks the timed speed, but has the game speed) and he can return punts to boot.
At RB, I'd love to get a guy like Bush, AD or Lynch. More likely though we will have to wait for a guy like Tony Hunt in the 3rd or 4th round. This probably isn't the most popular view around, but Fred Taylor will likely get traded and I'm willing to bet the Jags would take a late 3rd or 4th for him! He will however carry a 3-4mil a year price tag. I personally think he has about 3 good years left in him.
Don't think we're going to get much help at RT. The best we can hope for is a trade with either Tatum, Foster, or Plummer (all have value, how much is Y2BD) for a RT or draft picks that equate to the position. I will say this, it wouldn't suprise me in the least to see Shanny draft a RT fairly early in the draft. He has to protect Cutler

[youcandoit1687]

Andre Brown, NC State played his entire carieer behind the worst offensive lines I have ever seen in college football. Was a top 5 prospect out of high school and has shown the ability to single handidly take over games even when the support isent there. Now I know im a little bit of an NC State homer but this is a guy who we can nab late in the third maybe (if he declares and dosent get a combine invite) and watch blosom into an all pro player. If he ends up getting invited to the combine he will probably move up and Shanny wont take a chance but its all good.


yeah i liked this guy. i saw him against BC i think or one of their primetime weeknight games. he runs pretty well, you think he declares though? if so, and no combine invite, hed be more like a 4th 5th rounder IMO.


edit: i just looked at his stats...did he only play in three games? if so, no way he declares unless there is some sort of underlying problem with the staff or the school.

[DBroncos4life]

just give me a Husker!!!! Jay Moore or Adam Carriker, I don't care anymore/

[SpringStein]

Why isn't this thread in the NFL Draft forum? ;)

[Florida_Bronco]

Man Warren is not "just fine". He is, at best, an average DT that is good against the run but cannot collapse the pocket up the middle or close throwing lanes. He gets pushed to the side way to easily on pass plays.

He gets more hype on this board than he deserves. A second tier player on his best days.

While his play definetly hasn't been where it should be, I feel that this may be the result of the way he's used. Right now we don't have that wide body DT, and I think that the coaching staff is forced into trying to use Warren in that role. I really do think that a big DT is what we need there to really help this line.

As for RT being a toss up, who exactly do we have that is not a revolving door at RT WITHOUT TE help? Umm, no one. That is an immediate need.

Foster could come back and get his act together next year (or he could be moved). Meadows, with a full training camp and a year of being back in football shape, could give us a solid option, as could Pears.

Ernster is a colossal disappointment.

I know Mediator already addressed this, but you just don't give up on a player after 1 bad year.

and while Hixon may get a shot at punt returner, he clearly wasnt as good or even close to D-Will or he would have been starting.

Hixon was injured when he was drafted and the coaching staff wisely (in my opinion) held him out this year to ensure that he was fully healed for next year.

FB might be a toss up, but whatever back we get would be at least 200 yards a year more with a Lorenzo Neal type fullback back there blowing up LBs.

Agreed, but true fullbacks are a dying breed and therefor getting hard to find.

[Rascal]

I want Branch or Okoye.

[youcandoit1687]

i think drafting another DT could improve(mask or bring out) warren's talent(or lack thereof). either way, it wouldnt hurt. there is some credence to the idea that warren's toe injuries were a reason for his lack of initial burst off the line and therefore his getting blown off the line from time to time.

[chaz]

Agree all the way accross!

DE (Justin Smith via Free Agency)
DT, I think we only need one monster and a prayer that G-Money starts playing! Okam would be a decent fit but there is no way he lasts until round 2.
Cover Safety... it won't happen now, but there is a very good chance that Meriweather is available in the 2nd round. Considering DWill and Meriweather's history, I don't think Shanny even looks his way. (He was involved in a "shoot-out" while at Miami)
Aaron Ross would be the perfect CB to select in this year's draft. He's a lot like Nathan Vasher (lacks the timed speed, but has the game speed) and he can return punts to boot.
At RB, I'd love to get a guy like Bush, AD or Lynch. More likely though we will have to wait for a guy like Tony Hunt in the 3rd or 4th round. This probably isn't the most popular view around, but Fred Taylor will likely get traded and I'm willing to bet the Jags would take a late 3rd or 4th for him! He will however carry a 3-4mil a year price tag. I personally think he has about 3 good years left in him.
Don't think we're going to get much help at RT. The best we can hope for is a trade with either Tatum, Foster, or Plummer (all have value, how much is Y2BD) for a RT or draft picks that equate to the position. I will say this, it wouldn't suprise me in the least to see Shanny draft a RT fairly early in the draft. He has to protect Cutler

not to mention a backup veteran qb

[cambrad8085]

*cough* griese *cough*