Bill Johnson set to be appointed Defensive Line Coach

[eddie mac]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_5278527,00.html

Broncos continue coaching maneuvers

With coaches interviewing all around the league in recent days, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan continued to move quickly to fill his available slots.
Having already secured Jim Bates as defensive coordinator this week, Shanahan continued over the weekend to zero in on former Atlanta Falcons defensive line coach Bill Johnson, according to two league sources.

The Broncos and Johnson have agreed in principle and Johnson could be formally announced as soon as Monday as a new Broncos defensive line coach.

Neither Shanahan nor Johnson could be reached for comment Saturday.

Johnson will replace Andre Patterson, who was fired earlier this week, and split duties with long-time Broncos assistant Jacob Burney in the team's defensive front. The Broncos are looking for more production up front in a defense that finished with just 35 sacks this past season.

The 51-year-old Johnson was a long-time college assistant, including stops at Miami (1987), Arkansas (1990-91, 2000) and Texas A&M (1992-99). He had been with the Falcons since 2001.

Falcons defense end Patrick Kerney, who will be an unrestricted free agent in March, has said publicly the Falcons retaining Johnson would be one of the factors he would consider before re-signing in Atlanta.

The Broncos hiring Johnson could give them a chance in free agency at Kerney at what is a need position for the team.

The Broncos are also believed to still be pursuing Pete Rodriguez to join the staff as well.

Rodriguez is one of the most respected special teams coaches in the league and at the moment he's available for the right offer. The Jacksonville Jaguars fired Rodriguez and four other assistants earlier this month when Jack Del Rio re-shuffled his staff in the wake of the team's playoff miss.

However, Rodriguez still has a year remaining on his contract with the Jaguars, and said Thursday he wouldn't be in a hurry to take anything but the right offer.

Rodriguez and Shanahan are long-time friends. Rodriguez was a Los Angeles Raiders assistant in 1988-89, hired by Shanahan when he was the Oakland's head coach. Special teams were a trouble spot for the Broncos this season. Denver was 31st in the league in average drive start after kickoffs, did not have a returner among the AFC's top 12 in punt returns and did not have a returner in the AFC's top 17 on kickoffs.

"I'm going to look at everything,'' Rodriguez said. "I'm just enjoying my time right now.''

Rodriguez, a former Denver Gold assistant and graduate of Western State in Gunnison, has coached five Pro Bowl punters in his career and was named special teams of the decade in the 90s by the Dallas Morning News, which conducts an annual special teams report each season.

The Broncos hired Bates this past week as assistant head coach/defense while Bob Slowik, who is the Broncos secondary coach, was also promoted to defensive coordinator. Slowik and Bates will participate in the game-planning during the week, but Bates is expected to call the plays on gameday.

The Broncos had a similar arrangement on offense this past season with Mike Heimerdinger as assistant head coach and Rick Dennison as offensive coordinator. Heimerdinger coordinated the team's passing game, Dennison the running game with Shanahan calling the bulk of the plays on gameday.

The re-shuffling of the defensive staff came in the wake of the 9-7 finish that did not get the Broncos into the postseason.

The Broncos led the league in scoring defense after six games in '06 and at that point in the year the team was 5-1 and had surrendered just 272 yards per game. However, by the end of the season they had fallen to 14th in total defense, allowing 326.4 yards per game including 359.2 yards per game over the last 10.

The Broncos also surrendered leads of at least eight points in home losses to Indianapolis, San Diego, Seattle and San Francisco over their last five games at Invesco Field at Mile High.

[scorpio]

Cool.

[Rascal]

Don't know much about him or Kerney to frank, but what the hell.

[ukbroncosfan]

Don't know much about him or Kerney to frank, but what the hell.

Bill Johnson was highly regarded in Atlanta.

Mort was on 790 the ticket in Miami and said the Denver defense just got better with these two hires.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Don't know much about him or Kerney to frank, but what the hell.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/stats?playerId=1782

Kearney is solid, missed the last 7 games of this season though.

Atlanta has gone 14th, 14th(t), 1st, 13th(t) working backwards to 2003 in sacks.

[Odysseus]

The guy looks hot on paper but if they cannot make adjustments during the season better than Coyer the result is the same.

[TheChamp24]

Kerney is a very good DE. If he's healthy, I'll take him on the Broncos

[eddie mac]

Kerney was one of the top DE's in the NFC a couple of years ago but his production has dropped the past 2 seasons.

Defensive Stats
Year
1999 Atlanta Falcons 2.5 SACKS
2000 Atlanta Falcons 2.5 SACKS
2001 Atlanta Falcons 12 SACKS
2002 Atlanta Falcons 10.5 SACKS
2003 Atlanta Falcons 6.5 SACKS
2004 Atlanta Falcons 13 SACKS
2005 Atlanta Falcons 6.5 SACKS
2006 Atlanta Falcons 4.5 SACKS
TOTAL 58 SACKS

[ro_50]

Kerney is a very good DE. If he's healthy, I'll take him on the Broncos

I wonder what is Kerney's market value.

Will he get Reggie Hayward type of money ($25 mill over 5 yrs) or more or less?

[-Slap-]

If we're going spend enough to sign Patrick Kerney, we should spend whatever extra it would take to sign Justin Smith. Four years younger and a better all around player.

[eddie mac]

Looks like Courtney's return in 2007 is in doubt as well so at least 1 if not 2 decent DE's are needed this offseason.

This is from Legwold's recent inbox.

Brown's injury, I've said since early in the season, was bigger than most believed because of what it did to the Broncos rotation up front. Brown's extensive injury history certainly meant it was a possibility the Broncos would need to address in '06, but they were banking on the idea Brown could play early downs.

His bulk, power and quickness, when he's healthy, is tough to find and made the Broncos a far better run defense. By the time his season was officially over, the regular season had started and the pool of available defensive linemen was shallow. The Broncos had kept hoping his left knee would respond to treatment.

He had a second microfracture surgery on the knee -- small holes are drilled in the bone to promote the growth of substitute cartilage -- so his return for '07 is in question at the moment.

The Broncos lacked size in early-down run situations when he could not play. Suddenly, they had Kenard Lang, about 25 pounds lighter than Brown, playing full-time at end. Lang had expected to play primarily on passing downs.

Warren also, because of the two injuries, didn't have nearly the year as he did in '05. Some personnel executives in the league believe his conditioning suffered so much from missing most of training camp with a toe injury and then having another toe injury early in the season that he never regained his edge.

Warren disputed this theory late in the season, but it's clear from watching him he did not have the same explosion and consistent push late in games that he showed in '05.

He flashed at times, but just couldn't maintain the level of play he did the year before. He has to be better in '07 if the Broncos are going to improve up front, no matter how many players they add.

As far as positions of need, the Broncos have the basic list of a team that didn't make the postseason. They need help at defensive end, defensive tackle (depending on whether they sign Michael Myers), kick and punt returners, running back and offensive tackle.

Erik Pears would be in the mix at right tackle and depending on the schedule of Matt Lepsis' return from knee surgery at left tackle, they may need to look there as well. In what is considered a down year overall in the draft among senior prospects -- you'll see many underclassmen join in because they will move up the board faster this year -- the group at tackle is actually pretty good.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Was anyone actually counting on Courtney to be able to play next season? I always looked at his return as a bonus due to all his past injuries.

[Clockwork Orange]

I figured that Brown was pretty much finished.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_5278527,00.html

Rodriguez, a former Denver Gold assistant and graduate of Western State in Gunnison, has coached five Pro Bowl punters in his career and was named special teams of the decade in the 90s by the Dallas Morning News, which conducts an annual special teams report each season.

.


Hotrod - Got any WSC dirt you could blackmail him with to get him to Denver?

[ZONA]

I agree - I'd rather draft a top DE then sign Kearney. I'm tired of retreads. It's time we drafted some tough bastards up front this year. Cut Brown to make room, not just cap space but the roster spot will be important to the DL rotation. A 2nd microfracture- he's done. Can some of those Browns linemen and let's overhaul this Dline.

[TheChamp24]

Kerney will get Hayward type money at least probabyl. He is good at rushing the passer and stuffing the run. Heck, why not sign both Kerney and Justin Smith?

[Florida_Bronco]

That's funny, I've heard Brown's injury was progressing better than expected.

[TheDave]

That's funny, I've heard Brown's injury was progressing better than expected.

Microfracture seems to have a 50/50 chance of working for NFL players...Just my opinion, but i wouldn't bet on him playing

[theAPAOps5]

Microfracture seems to have a 50/50 chance of working for NFL players...Just my opinion, but i wouldn't bet on him playing

Even without the microfracture surgery you could say that and most likely be right.

[Rascal]

I'll take the zero for Brown and apply all 100% to Lepsis who also had a microfracture surgery.

[watermock]

Let's try to scout right and get some young guns instead of some washed overpriced DL like a TP.

It's quite typical for both DL and RB to make dramatic drop offs.

[NaptownChief]

If we're going spend enough to sign Patrick Kerney, we should spend whatever extra it would take to sign Justin Smith. Four years younger and a better all around player.



The crazy part about that is I wouldn't be shocked if Kerney gets as much or more money than Smith. He shouldn't be crazier stuff happens every off season.

[-Slap-]

The crazy part about that is I wouldn't be shocked if Kerney gets as much or more money than Smith. He shouldn't be crazier stuff happens every off season.

Kerney has the sexier sack numbers in his past, so that might happen. I would love it. Let Kerney and Freeney suck $100 million out of the marketplace and we can get Smith that much cheaper.

[Barry Ramey]

Looks like a good hire for the DL. I like it.

Kerney would be a good pickup at a reasonable price of course. I don't see the Broncos in the running for Justin Smith. Some other teams with much more cap room will grossly overpay for him.


Courtney Brown is done. I felt that even before the bit from Legwold. Even if Brown could play, not realistic to think he would be offering much with his bad knees. I'd rather they moved on to improve the DL than expect and count on anything from Brown.

[Willynowei]

I think the Broncos should quit the these unrealistic fantasies for FA D-linemen who will always be too expensive. They need to use the draft to get some young talent, and only move on a FA if they can get a good deal. The first step is to get rid of the dead weights from cleveland, the lazy fatass and the injury prone joke need to get the hell out of town.

[eddie mac]

I think the Broncos should quit the these unrealistic fantasies for FA D-linemen who will always be too expensive. They need to use the draft to get some young talent, and only move on a FA if they can get a good deal. The first step is to get rid of the dead weights from cleveland, the lazy fatass and the injury prone joke need to get the hell out of town.

I think the whole Johnson-Kerney thing is the reporter himself putting two and two together and coming up with five. Given the Broncos recent history of hiring a D-Line coach and bringing all his old baggage with him.

[TheDave]

I'll take the zero for Brown and apply all 100% to Lepsis who also had a microfracture surgery.

Lepsis had it? Damn i thought Dan Neil was our last O-Lineman to have it

[BroncoInferno]

If we're going spend enough to sign Patrick Kerney, we should spend whatever extra it would take to sign Justin Smith. Four years younger and a better all around player.

I agree. Kerney is 30 and his production has dropped off the last couple of years, plus he's had some injury problems. I'd rather get someone younger.

[Atlas]

If we're going spend enough to sign Patrick Kerney, we should spend whatever extra it would take to sign Justin Smith. Four years younger and a better all around player.

I agree but Justin Smith is going to get a huge contract. Upwards near $8 million or so.

[Paladin]

FA D? Try Smith and Williams. I think there can be some help in the FA linemen, but there needs to be some decent coaching to go with them....

[nickademus]

I think that smith would be a great pick around 5-6 per year and if he needed a bonus well I almost think you should go the redskins rout on this guy. he would instatly be our best d-lineman.

[JDB7821]

As a Falcon fan, I'll give my insight on both of these guys. Yes, Bill Johnson is a good hire and he was indeed one of the only coaches the Atlanta fans wanted retained when Mora was fired. He's a good overall coach and a good hire by the Broncos. As for Kerney, he's a definite fan favorite and will do his best to get the fans in the game. He is on the downside of his career, but don't let his recent pec injury fool you...he's as sturdy as they come. He was on a great starting streak before that injury happened and played injured to help the team. In 2005 he had a down year because when Brady Smith was hurt, teams focused on him and double teamed him. He will struggle sometimes with double teams and ultimately needs someone on the opposite side, but he's a great hire at the right price. Definitely had the highest motor on the Falcons defense and was a leader the second he stepped on the field. For the right price he's definitely worth it. He has a couple years left in him.

[azbroncfan]

I agree but Justin Smith is going to get a huge contract. Upwards near $8 million or so.


I agree, He won't be paid much less than Freeney will. Freeney will be franchised most likely so we probably will never know.

[footstepsfrom#27]

As a Falcon fan, I'll give my insight on both of these guys. Yes, Bill Johnson is a good hire and he was indeed one of the only coaches the Atlanta fans wanted retained when Mora was fired. He's a good overall coach and a good hire by the Broncos. As for Kerney, he's a definite fan favorite and will do his best to get the fans in the game. He is on the downside of his career, but don't let his recent pec injury fool you...he's as sturdy as they come. He was on a great starting streak before that injury happened and played injured to help the team. In 2005 he had a down year because when Brady Smith was hurt, teams focused on him and double teamed him. He will struggle sometimes with double teams and ultimately needs someone on the opposite side, but he's a great hire at the right price. Definitely had the highest motor on the Falcons defense and was a leader the second he stepped on the field. For the right price he's definitely worth it. He has a couple years left in him.
Thanks for the info...I've stated in here numerous times that D-line guys hit a wall at age 30 and decline rapidly unless they're elite talents like Reggie White or Bruce Smith in most cases. Kerney's fine...as long as he's not to pricey. We need to use our available cap space to either lure somebody's veteran OT here or else find a way to draft a top flight stud to take Georgina Foster's place at ROT and possibly even find Lepsis replacement if he's not able to come back.

Protecting Jay Cutler should be the first priority...but if we can land a plug-in with a year or two left at DE so we don't have to draft one yet...so much the better.

[BroncoBuff]

Kerney will get Hayward type money at least probabyl. He is good at rushing the passer and stuffing the run. Heck, why not sign both Kerney and Justin Smith?
This new assistant is coming in at the hot-spot on the roster. I think we need huge attention and additions on D-line ... but Kerney's too much on the downside for the money he'll command. He, Justin Smith and Adelius Thomas will all get big $$$ ... but Thomas has the added bonus of playing Will LB ... like a Shawne Merriman type. He gets more sacks than the others too ...

We should sign one FA d-line, and look to the draft for TWO of the following: Carriker, Quint Moses, Tim Crowder, that Okam on Texas, Andre Fluellen, maybe even Gaines Adams if we can move up a bit. We can draft 2 of these guys .... Plus Deon Grant or Michael Lewis as a UFA.


THE BRONCOBUFF DOCTRINE: Unless Lepsis is <95%, the only guy we need on offense is a backup QB. Some are talking FB, but Kyle and Cecil seem fine to me ... our running game will be greatly helped by Cutler opening up the playbook - I wanna see Cobbs and Nash ... and this is the best WRs corps in a decade or more - Rod will be great in the slot ... and we're 4-deep, young and cheap at TE. I love a CU/Bronco legacy, but why pay Daniel Graham huge $$$ when we could sign Justin Smith or Adalius Thomas instead? Besides, Graham excels at 1) blocking, 2) red zone receiving. To a slightly lesser and much cheaper extent, SA excels at exactly those two points, and Scheff has the Cutler mojo.

So let's focus on DEFENSE: THREE new D-linemen ... one FA, 2 draft, plus ONE Veteran FA Safety.

[Kaylore]

I wanna see Cobbs and Nash

Man, you people kill me.

[Dudeskey]

I'm liking some of these hires... now Shanny needs to give them the personnel to work with so they can do the best job possible (ahem, D-line).

[BroncoBuff]

Man, you people kill me.
Porque, amigo?

Remember Shanny promoted Nash from PS to start once this year? We haven't really seen him - we acquired him late in pre-season from RB-heavy Tennessee, and he was banged up. Plus - he's a cutback runner.

Some guys just need a chance to actually - heaven forbid - PLAY! ... if Reuben Droughns didn't prove that to you - 2 straight 1000 yard seasons after being moved to fullback and nearly being waived out of the league - then methinks you should open your mind.

I think one of Nash/Cobbs could be a 1000 yard man here .... why not?

Remember Reuben!

[Kaylore]

Nash has a slim chance to play depending on who we bring in. Really that should have just been a clue as to how bad things were with our backs rather than a clue on how totally rockin' awesome Nash is.

As for Cobbs - I'm sorry but what has he done to warrant the Wesley Duke treatment from so many here? The guy was passed up on by a practice squad back. He is not any kind of answer. Let it go. Yes, he was given big holes behind our starting caliber line against third string defenders. So what?

The only back I like that we have is Mike Bell and he needs to condition himself not to wear down and try and get his speed up. I'd really like to invest in a solid, durable back in the draft this year to shore up unit or bring in a an inexpensive veteran that still has something left in the tank.

[BroncoBuff]

Yeah ... I feel the urge, no doubt. And yes, I recall your lukewarm training camp assessments of Cobbs (and you're probably right that his gaudy pre-season numbers were 1st unit aided). I definitely yearn for a new durable back, don't get me wrong ... that kid from West Virgina looks pretty awesome.

But I think we'd win more games if we drafted Adam Carriker or Quinton Moses.

[TheChamp24]

I think we need to look at signing Smith or Kerney, draft a DE or DT and draft a safety. I don't really like the safeties available in FA too much. Michael Lewis got benched in the playoff game.
Also, I say pick up a veteran CB in the FA market.

[Kaylore]

Yeah ... I feel the urge, no doubt. And yes, I recall your lukewarm training camp assessments of Cobbs (and you're probably right that his gaudy pre-season numbers were 1st unit aided). I definitely yearn for a new durable back, don't get me wrong ... that kid from West Virgina looks pretty awesome.

But I think we'd win more games if we drafted Adam Carriker or Quinton Moses.

Well I can appreciate your overall philosophy I just don't agree with all your details. I really don't know what the defense needs. Fankly I'm burned out discussing it. Maybe it's a lights out defensive end. Maybe it's a defensive tackle. Maybe it's just to get our own guys healthy again.

I've heard every explanation/excuse as to why our defense has struggled at certain times and all seem to have some merit to them and then also seem to be easily refutable: Our linebackers are too small, our defensive ends suck, our defensive tackles suck, our coaching sucks, our corners suck, our safeties are too old, our safeties were injured, our scheme is too simple, we don't adjust at the half and on and on and on.

There's one thing I'm a stickler on and it's an area where we were pretty poor this year and that's fundamentals. Tackling, mental focus, decisiveness at the snap. I think if you do all the little things right, the rest will fall into place. Maybe this fresh set of staff will make the difference and get back to basics. Bates always had defenses that played physical and tackled well and if we can at least do that, then we have a good shot to get good again.

[eddie mac]

I think we'll look at both players as well but most likely we'll be put off by the asking prices if the past is anything to go by.

[Rascal]

IMO the D-line needs help at two positions (DT spot opposite Warren and DE opposite Ekuban). This draft is very deep in DE, therefore I hope we get a DT through FA.

[Drek]

THE BRONCOBUFF DOCTRINE: Unless Lepsis is <95%, the only guy we need on offense is a backup QB. Some are talking FB, but Kyle and Cecil seem fine to me ... our running game will be greatly helped by Cutler opening up the playbook - I wanna see Cobbs and Nash ... and this is the best WRs corps in a decade or more - Rod will be great in the slot ... and we're 4-deep, young and cheap at TE. I love a CU/Bronco legacy, but why pay Daniel Graham huge $$$ when we could sign Justin Smith or Adalius Thomas instead? Besides, Graham excels at 1) blocking, 2) red zone receiving. To a slightly lesser and much cheaper extent, SA excels at exactly those two points, and Scheff has the Cutler mojo.

1. You'd want to stick it out with the Bells, Cobbs, and Nash even if we could get Marshawn Lynch in the mid-teens or Michael Bush with our 2nd, maybe even 3A? I guess, sure, if you like seeing a constant parade of 1K yardage system backs. You add Bush or Lynch and you get a better receiving, pass blocking, every down RB who in our system can push for Portis' peak production levels.

2. Totally agree on Adaluis Thomas, he should be given major consideration as a potential RDE candidate who would facilitate a future move to a 3-4 or just moving back to LB when Gold or Williams is gone if Dumervil is looking ready for a more significant role. Thomas is crazy fast for a man his size, true freak athlete, love to have him.

3. Daniel Graham's contract isn't going to be a big money deal. Bubba Franks, former pro-bowler with a similar skillset, got 7 years, $28M last year but only $5.5M of it was guaranteed. Graham won't meet the years, total value, and probably won't meet the same guaranteed money. He's been second banana to Watson for several years now. I'd bet on him getting 3-4 years at $2.5M per with $4M guaranteed. We can easily fit that into the cap while still pursuing other targets.

I'd personally say our off-season goals should be adding a talented RB who can give us the threat we used to have with Portis, adding a DE through the draft or FA since there is likely to be a lot of available talent at the position in both markets, more than we've seen in either for a long time, and getting some DT talent through the draft. Unless we can get Corey Redding on a reasonable deal I don't see a FA DT worth the money. Outside of an early RB and DT, with DE addressed through FA, we should look to add a legit coverage safety early then focus on positions in need of depth, OL, WR, CB in that order.

[azbroncfan]

Trade or cut Gold sign Thomas and he can play SOLB and rush the QB in passing situations. Use him like Seattle uses peterson.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

If Cobbs or Nash had any potential with the Broncos, they would not have been inactive when T Bell limped around on the field with turf toe.

Agree with Drek in that D Graham's contract will not be prohibitively large, especially in light of the fact he will free up a roster spot by taking the place of both Alexander and Jackson.

[BroncoBuff]

1. You'd want to stick it out with the Bells, Cobbs, and Nash even if we could get Marshawn Lynch in the mid-teens or Michael Bush with our 2nd, maybe even 3A? I guess, sure, if you like seeing a constant parade of 1K yardage system backs. You add Bush or Lynch and you get a better receiving, pass blocking, every down RB who in our system can push for Portis' peak production levels.

Outside of an early RB and DT, with DE addressed through FA, we should look to add a legit coverage safety early then focus on positions in need of depth, OL, WR, CB in that order.

Good points, every one. I just think it's 10x easier for us to find "fully serviceable" RBs without expending much resources. You know the list - Terrell Davis to Mike Bell.

BUT: a truly disruptive force on defense - a guy who threatens to knock Rivers on his punk a$$ on every single passing down ... that's what we need to compete!! And you have to 'pay to play' when it comes to pass rush, because affordable, "fully serviceable" d-linemen are not like TD, Droughns, MA or Mike Bell - they're more like Ellis Johnson, Anton Palepoi and over-the-hill types like Raylee Johnson.

I think we have to 'pay to play' in the area of pass rush ... Adelius as FA, plus two in the draft ... just like the '05 draft on CBs, I'd spend '07 on D-Line. Carricker, the two Texas kids, maybe even Woodley(?) from Michigan or Gaines Adams if we can move up.


Coverage safety: Michael Lewis? Deon Grant? Hell I'd settle on signing Kenoy Kennedy back. Lynch's age scares me back there - especially with both Brandon and Ferguson coming off surgeries.


There's one thing I'm a stickler on and it's an area where we were pretty poor this year and that's fundamentals.
Agreed .... but we kicked buttt in one fundamental this year, though it's getting little notice: weren't we in the top 3 or 4 least penalized?

Silver Linings ...

[fontaine]

I have no problem signing Kerney because he's known as a hard worker who doesn't take plays off. However, if that's all we're doing for the DL this offseason then it's a mistake since he's no longer they type of player than can split double teams. He would make a nice addition but hey, we have enough backups. We need a genuine starter in here.

[Rohirrim]

Speaking of STs, anybody see that Yamon Figurs kid from KState in the Hula Bowl yesterday? They said he was hand clocked at 4.28. Sure looked faster than everybody else on the field. He scored Kstate's only points against Rutgers in the Texas Bowl, running back a punt 77 yards.

[Drek]

Good points, every one. I just think it's 10x easier for us to find "fully serviceable" RBs without expending much resources. You know the list - Terrell Davis to Mike Bell.

I think we have to 'pay to play' in the area of pass rush ... Adelius as FA, plus two in the draft ... just like the '05 draft on CBs, I'd spend '07 on D-Line. Carricker, the two Texas kids, maybe even Woodley(?) from Michigan or Gaines Adams if we can move up.
[/COLOR][/B][/I]

My only problem with that approach is you're talking about speed rushers (except Carriker). We have two guys who produced as speed rushers last year in Lang and Dumervil, why flood what is already our best DL asset? We need every down DEs and another starting DT to replace Meyers, who'd make a good backup. Thomas works because at 270 with his speed he can play RDE on both rushing and passing downs.

I think an every down LDE, like Carriker (draft), Charles Grant (FA) or Corey Redding (FA, can also play DT) is what we really need, even more than Thomas or Smith as a stand out RDE. If we get even one of our target DEs I think it'd be a major improvement. Currently we run a rotation between run stoppers (Ekuban, Engelberger, Brown when healthy) and pass rushers (Lang, Dumervil). They're all one dimensional guys. Adding an every down DE pushes them all down the depth chart a notch, reducing their snaps to only ideal situations for their talents. I personally would rather see that every down guy at LDE, as Dumervil has a lot of potential as a long term RDE and LDEs who can rush the passer as well as stop the run is a rare, valuable thing.

Getting the legit DT we need is the hardest part, and should be our #1 target in this draft, but short of getting Branch, Dorsey, or Okoye I don't see any of them work our first rounder. I'd rather wait and grab Tank Tyler or Pittcock in round 2. In that case we need to use our 1st on something, why not get a stand out RB who'll elevate our offense and take significant pressure off Cutler?

[BroncoBuff]

I defer to you - I'm not up on their sepcific styles yet ... but your point is well taken (and you can add Chukwurah to the Dumervil/Lang list). My point is simply that we should be building our team with the Bolts in mind - their offense is what stands in our way over the coming years.

Drek - what have you heard about Bunkley in Philly? Now that their season is over, they might entertain offers for the ingrate. They expressed some interest in Tatum last year ... I was thinking Tatum plus our 2nd rounder? If he can behave himself here, he's a premier first-round sky's the limit talent - on a rookie contract.

[The MVPlaya]

I defer to you - I'm not up on their sepcific styles yet ... but your point is well taken (and you can add Chukwurah to the Dumervil/Lang list). My point is simply that we should be building our team with the Bolts in mind - their offense is what stands in our way over the coming years.

Drek - what have you heard about Bunkley in Philly? Now that their season is over, they might entertain offers for the ingrate. They expressed some interest in Tatum last year ... I was thinking Tatum plus our 2nd rounder? If he can behave himself here, he's a premier first-round sky's the limit talent - on a rookie contract.

Tatum will not be going to Philly. Why would Philly want Tatum with Westbrook? That is not a good investment @ all.

[Kaylore]

Tatum will not be going to Philly. Why would Philly want Tatum with Westbrook? That is not a good investment @ all.

Westbrook wears down late in the year. Tatum could come in in relief duty and if you keep his touches around ten to fifteen, he can be a good player.

[Tredici]

As a Falcon fan, I'll give my insight on both of these guys. Yes, Bill Johnson is a good hire and he was indeed one of the only coaches the Atlanta fans wanted retained when Mora was fired. He's a good overall coach and a good hire by the Broncos. As for Kerney, he's a definite fan favorite and will do his best to get the fans in the game. He is on the downside of his career, but don't let his recent pec injury fool you...he's as sturdy as they come. He was on a great starting streak before that injury happened and played injured to help the team. In 2005 he had a down year because when Brady Smith was hurt, teams focused on him and double teamed him. He will struggle sometimes with double teams and ultimately needs someone on the opposite side, but he's a great hire at the right price. Definitely had the highest motor on the Falcons defense and was a leader the second he stepped on the field. For the right price he's definitely worth it. He has a couple years left in him.


Thanks JDB. Seems like Shanny is bent on setting a new trend with the coach/player combo packages. So far it hasn't worked out so well. But one thing Shanahan will do is be persistant.

[Rascal]

Westbrook wears down late in the year. Tatum could come in in relief duty and if you keep his touches around ten to fifteen, he can be a good player.

Sorry but no.

After Buckhalter stayed healthy all season (and helping Westbrook staying healthy by taking 5-10 carries a game) and Moats development still progressing there is no need for them to trade a first day pick for Tatum. Eagles thrive on draft picks, and RB is not an area that needs to be addressed.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=6501

Official now.

[Atlas]

- I wanna see Cobbs and Nash ...

I want to see Cobbs too. I bet he is just a horrible practice player. The way the running game struggled at times last year and the way Cobbs performed in the preseason there is no reason why Shanny didn't give Cobbs a shot. UNLESS he just isn't a good practice player. Shanny is all about practice that is why he always had a problem with Sharpe.

[Rascal]

Excellent.

[watermock]

I've stopped speculating about what they will do. There is always some coaching turnover...I didn't like seeing Brewster go, but he got a big 10 gig.

Generally, I like the overall moves so far...the draft is soon apon us. I'll turn my eyes there after the SB.

Spider's show "Nakid Trucker" is on....in this episode, Spider trades his rig in for a hybrid tractor and hauls chicken feathers.

[Broncos4Life]

As a Falcon fan, I'll give my insight on both of these guys. Yes, Bill Johnson is a good hire and he was indeed one of the only coaches the Atlanta fans wanted retained when Mora was fired. He's a good overall coach and a good hire by the Broncos. As for Kerney, he's a definite fan favorite and will do his best to get the fans in the game. He is on the downside of his career, but don't let his recent pec injury fool you...he's as sturdy as they come. He was on a great starting streak before that injury happened and played injured to help the team. In 2005 he had a down year because when Brady Smith was hurt, teams focused on him and double teamed him. He will struggle sometimes with double teams and ultimately needs someone on the opposite side, but he's a great hire at the right price. Definitely had the highest motor on the Falcons defense and was a leader the second he stepped on the field. For the right price he's definitely worth it. He has a couple years left in him.

I'm with this guy. I've watched PK during a few games and the guy is a hard worker. He looked like he went 100% on every play. I'm all for going after him if the price doesn't get too high. Plus we have his former d-line coach that should work in our favor.

[Odysseus]

IMO the D-line needs help at two positions (DT spot opposite Warren and DE opposite Ekuban). This draft is very deep in DE, therefore I hope we get a DT through FA.

How many years is this same crap going to be on the wish list? It's like some stupid cartoon on Adult Swim that you watch over and over and still don't get. I'm glad they got Cutler but they seriously need to go shopping for DL.

[watermock]

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/1578602483.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Do we really want a ski jumper that was in a coma for two months as our DC?

[Odysseus]

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/1578602483.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Do we really want a ski jumper that was in a coma for two months as our DC?

Why not? Foster was in a waking coma. Plummer was in a coma (or a zombie depending on your theory) Cutler got invited into the coma club but had to settle for his first concussion. I heard rumor that our special teams was in a coma but they have not been located to be verified.

[want2bAbronco2]

I really hope we get that special teams coach, would help us out a lot. The best thing about the new Dline/DC/and Special teams coach is that they all would help with the draft. They all had great players on there last team and I think they could help us draft Dline/D players a lot better then we have. Shan has sucked at drafting Dline/D players.

[Hotrod]

Hotrod - Got any WSC dirt you could blackmail him with to get him to Denver?

I've got my people working on it ;D

[Hotrod]

Personally give me Justin Smith and a 1st round lardass pocket pushing DT.

[listopencil]

I think we have to 'pay to play' in the area of pass rush ... Adelius as FA, plus two in the draft ... just like the '05 draft on CBs, I'd spend '07 on D-Line. Carricker, the two Texas kids, maybe even Woodley(?) from Michigan or Gaines Adams if we can move up.



Silver Linings ...


Yep. Make it so. I want to see them roll some loaded dice come draft time.

[alkemical]

I defer to you - I'm not up on their sepcific styles yet ... but your point is well taken (and you can add Chukwurah to the Dumervil/Lang list). My point is simply that we should be building our team with the Bolts in mind - their offense is what stands in our way over the coming years.

Drek - what have you heard about Bunkley in Philly? Now that their season is over, they might entertain offers for the ingrate. They expressed some interest in Tatum last year ... I was thinking Tatum plus our 2nd rounder? If he can behave himself here, he's a premier first-round sky's the limit talent - on a rookie contract.



Bunkly just signed a big deal in PHI.

[BigPlayShay]

Sorry but no.

After Buckhalter stayed healthy all season (and helping Westbrook staying healthy by taking 5-10 carries a game) and Moats development still progressing there is no need for them to trade a first day pick for Tatum. Eagles thrive on draft picks, and RB is not an area that needs to be addressed.

I think a perfect place for Tatum would be the Giants.

[Drek]

I defer to you - I'm not up on their sepcific styles yet ... but your point is well taken (and you can add Chukwurah to the Dumervil/Lang list). My point is simply that we should be building our team with the Bolts in mind - their offense is what stands in our way over the coming years.

Drek - what have you heard about Bunkley in Philly? Now that their season is over, they might entertain offers for the ingrate. They expressed some interest in Tatum last year ... I was thinking Tatum plus our 2nd rounder? If he can behave himself here, he's a premier first-round sky's the limit talent - on a rookie contract.
Big problem with Bunkley is that its a top 15 rookie contract, those come with big signing bonuses (in his case over $7M guaranteed) that no one is going to eat after only a year of problems. I don't think Philly will even entertain offers because of that factor alone.

I do wonder where Bunkley's head must be at. I watched a piece on some sports show (ESPN or FSN, can't recall) with the Eagles' DL during pre-season when they were out on the town and of all the fat asses on their DL he was the ONLY one on a eating restriction. A guy knick named "The Bod" at last year's combine and the Eagles were treating him like a sloppy tub who had real weight issues. I get the suspicion that his two week holdout has created some animosity with a coaching staff wanting everyone to toe the line in the wake of T.O.. Add to that their biggest fear in taking Bunkley, that he played big his final year simply for draft value, and its probably not off base to speculate that they jabbed out at him a bit for it in restrictions and playing time. He's a young guy who's motivation was probably easily shaken by it and DT at the NFL level is first and foremost a high motor position.

He's with the Eagles for at least another two years I bet, but I still think he'll work out there given a second chance, which will come next summer during training camp

[alkemical]

YOU CANNOT GO FOR BUNKLEY - (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/eagles/transactions.html)



The dude signed a 7yr deal - it's done - it's out of the question -

08/04/2006 Brodrick Bunkley - Signed / draft choice to Eagles - Six-year contract

[-Slap-]

As a Falcon fan, I'll give my insight on both of these guys. Yes, Bill Johnson is a good hire and he was indeed one of the only coaches the Atlanta fans wanted retained when Mora was fired. He's a good overall coach and a good hire by the Broncos. As for Kerney, he's a definite fan favorite and will do his best to get the fans in the game. He is on the downside of his career, but don't let his recent pec injury fool you...he's as sturdy as they come. He was on a great starting streak before that injury happened and played injured to help the team. In 2005 he had a down year because when Brady Smith was hurt, teams focused on him and double teamed him. He will struggle sometimes with double teams and ultimately needs someone on the opposite side, but he's a great hire at the right price. Definitely had the highest motor on the Falcons defense and was a leader the second he stepped on the field. For the right price he's definitely worth it. He has a couple years left in him.


What's your opinion on Rod Coleman, JDB7821?

[-Slap-]

Rod Coleman (http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/133255) is undersized for a DT and he's going to be 31 years old when the season starts. Jim Bates preference is for a big DTs (like there's a defensive coordinator out there who prefers spindly ones).

That said, Rod Coleman is basically the closest thing the NFL has seen to John Randle in the last 15 years. Coleman’s 28 sacks from 2004-06 marked the highest total by an NFL defensive tackle, 7.5 more than the next closest player, and tied for eighth among all players.

Of course, Rod's position coach during this productive stretch was none other than Bill Johnson.

We need pressure up the guy. A sudden penetrator like Maa Tanuvasa was a very underrated component of our back to back Championship squads.

If Coleman's age and lack of bulk drop his price, I hope we give him a serious look this summer.

[broncs2bowl]

I think we should bring the DT Rod Coleman from the Falcons. The guy played for Bill Johnson and he has the most sacks in the entire league!!!(28) the past three years. He is a good DT! THEN if we have money we should look to sign Smith or Kerney or we just draft a guy like Adam Carriker and not sign Smith or Kerney.