If I Was The Little Man Upstairs

[-Slap-]

13 Step Plan for Home Field Advantage Next Season

Unrestricted Free Agents

G Eric Steinbach Cincinnati

DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Green Bay

WR Kevin Curtis St Louis

DT Bryant Young San Francisco

FB Ovie Mughelli Baltimore

S Michael Lewis Philadelphia

QB Shaun King Las Vegas (AFL)

2007 Draft Picks

Trade 1/21, 2/53 and Jake Plummer to Houston for 1/8 - DT Alan Branch Michigan

3/70 - S John Wendling Wyoming

3/85 - T Joe Staley Central Michigan

Trade 5/148 for RB Ricky Williams Miami/Toronto

6/181 - OLB Prescott Burgess Michigan

7/213 - WR/TE Matt Trannon Michigan State

[JCMElway]

13 Step Plan for Home Field Advantage Next Season

Unrestricted Free Agents

G Eric Steinbach Cincinnati Would be a fantastic pickup

DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Green Bay Also fantastic as to rotate w/ Lang or Brown

WR Kevin Curtis St Louis Can be more productive than Kircus. An good 3rd or 4th WR

DT Bryant Young San Francisco Do we have the cap room? If so it's fantastic for a year or two

FB Ovie Mughelli Baltimore Would love this pickup. Can protect and get short yardage

S Michael Lewis Philadelphia Not sure he's better than Brandon or Ferguson, but if they don't recover it's a good move

QB Shaun King Las Vegas (AFL) Don't like this one. We do need an experienced vet backup, but this guy isn't consistent enough. If he came into a game I'd be terrified.

2007 Draft Picks

Trade 1/21, 2/53 and Jake Plummer to Houston for 1/8 - DT Alan Branch Michigan This would make me ecstatic, but I don;t think there's any way Houstom pulls the trigger.

3/70 - S John Wendling Wyoming I would rather have a ball hawk than a run stuffer here, that's what Lynch is for. Unless you think Lynch will be gone sooner rather than later. This kid seems to be a project. I'd wait til the 5th

3/85 - T Joe Staley Central Michigan Sounds fantastic. Is he available in the late third?

Trade 5/148 for RB Ricky Williams Miami/Toronto I'd pass on Williams. Has shown he does not have the drive or comitment to be a winner.

6/181 - OLB Prescott Burgess Michigan I love htis guy. He is big, strong, and physical. It would definietly take us out of our midget LB mode. Maybe Al Wilson can coach him up

7/213 - WR/TE Matt Trannon Michigan State A great value pick and would give us a helluva receiving option in double TE sets

Overall a very nice plan. My biggest vote against it is Williams. I think a higher pick in the draft at RB is necessary. And the attention paid to the DL is great. Great work.

[spdirty]

you can't trade Plummer.

[-Slap-]

you can't trade Plummer.

Killing him is too risky.

[-Slap-]

Overall a very nice plan. My biggest vote against it is Williams. I think a higher pick in the draft at RB is necessary. And the attention paid to the DL is great. Great work.

Thanks for the detailed writeup. This is really just more of a list of free agents and potential draft picks who intrigue me. I knew throwing Ricky in the mix would alienate most reviewers a little bit.......:)

[SureShot]

13 Step Plan for Home Field Advantage Next Season

Unrestricted Free Agents

G Eric Steinbach Cincinnati

DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Green Bay

WR Kevin Curtis St Louis

DT Bryant Young San Francisco

FB Ovie Mughelli Baltimore

S Michael Lewis Philadelphia

QB Shaun King Las Vegas (AFL)

2007 Draft Picks

Trade 1/21, 2/53 and Jake Plummer to Houston for 1/8 - DT Alan Branch Michigan

3/70 - S John Wendling Wyoming

3/85 - T Joe Staley Central Michigan

Trade 5/148 for RB Ricky Williams Miami/Toronto

6/181 - OLB Prescott Burgess Michigan

7/213 - WR/TE Matt Trannon Michigan State



I'm in.

Getting Branch would make my draft day.

[Orange_Beard]

Branch would be unreal.

Not sure I want any players from MSU.

[ludo21]

Salary Cap experts - how much cap room do we have??

Give me KGB, Young, the other FA would be graaavvyy...

[spdirty]

Killing him is too risky.

depends on who you hire to do it.

[spdirty]

-Is Bryant Young gonna be a backup DT?

-If you sign Curtis, are you saying you don't like Rod or Kircus as a 3rd wideout?

-We don't need a fullback, unless his last name is Neal

-Lewis, Steinbach, KGB would be awesome as Broncos.

-Mike Bell>Ricky Williams

[gunns]

We don't need a fullback

Yes, yes we do.

[dsmoot]

13 Step Plan for Home Field Advantage Next Season

Unrestricted Free Agents

G Eric Steinbach Cincinnati

DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Green Bay

WR Kevin Curtis St Louis

DT Bryant Young San Francisco

FB Ovie Mughelli Baltimore

S Michael Lewis Philadelphia

QB Shaun King Las Vegas (AFL)

2007 Draft Picks

Trade 1/21, 2/53 and Jake Plummer to Houston for 1/8 - DT Alan Branch Michigan

3/70 - S John Wendling Wyoming

3/85 - T Joe Staley Central Michigan

Trade 5/148 for RB Ricky Williams Miami/Toronto

6/181 - OLB Prescott Burgess Michigan

7/213 - WR/TE Matt Trannon Michigan State

I am curious about John Wendling and how his talent level is perceived for the NFL. My son graduated with John and played summer baseball with him for 2 years when they were 15 and 16. John is an outstanding young man and quite an athlete for our Wyoming small town - Rock Springs. He is a polite person and will stop and talk to you about his experiences at Wyoming without giving you the feeling he is the least bit bothered by you. He even stopped on campus and drove a jerk away from my daughter who is a freshman at UW. It isn't tough to believe I think quite alot about him. He has certainly bulked up over the last 5 years and looks a little like John Lynch physically. When you come from a small town, it is difficult to get a measure on someones talent but he has done fairly well at Wyoming.

Any comments on his chances.

[WABronco]

Killing him is too risky.

Bahahahahaha.

Anyways, I could live with that minus Kevin Curtis. I think he'll be significantly over-valued in this thin market, and he's not worth it IMO. If you want to splurge for a 3rd wideout, I'd go with DJ Hackett (though he'd likely cost a draft pick if they don't extend him).

A few minor things too, like the need for a FB in our new offense (I don't know) and trading for Ricky (not a "deal breaker" by any means though).

Overall, good plan.

An OL of Steinbach--Hamilton--Myers would be shag nasty...

[WABronco]

I am curious about John Wendling and how his talent level is perceived for the NFL. My son graduated with John and played summer baseball with him for 2 years when they were 15 and 16. John is an outstanding young man and quite an athlete for our Wyoming small town - Rock Springs. He is a polite person and will stop and talk to you about his experiences at Wyoming without giving you the feeling he is the least bit bothered by you. He even stopped on campus and drove a jerk away from my daughter who is a freshman at UW. It isn't tough to believe I think quite alot about him. He has certainly bulked up over the last 5 years and looks a little like John Lynch physically. When you come from a small town, it is difficult to get a measure on someones talent but he has done fairly well at Wyoming.

Any comments on his chances.

On measurables (height/weight/speed) alone, he's a top prospect. I've seen some concern over his ability to translate those measurables to the gridiron, though. He doesn't always play up to this talent, in other words.

He's got great intangibles though, as you mention.

[Bronco LB 59]

Trade 5/148 for RB Ricky Williams Miami/Toronto I'd pass on Williams. Has shown he does not have the drive or comitment to be a winner.

Ricky is an easy target to mock, but I've read countless praise about his professionalism on the field from both coaches and players.

Denver is a great fit for him both culturally and football wise.

[-Slap-]

Bahahahahaha.

Anyways, I could live with that minus Kevin Curtis. I think he'll be significantly over-valued in this thin market, and he's not worth it IMO. If you want to splurge for a 3rd wideout, I'd go with DJ Hackett (though he'd likely cost a draft pick if they don't extend him).


I really like Kevin Curtis. He's extremely intelligent and he's got very good speed. He's been productive as a backup and a starter. I see him as a great addition to any team, but I also see him as a fairly cheap free agent, even in a thin market. I would much rather sign him than bring Ashley back.

[Jens1893]

Too many Free Agents for my taste. I still don´t quite get why you are pimping KGB so hard and yes, I read the other thread.

[-Slap-]

Too many Free Agents for my taste. I still don´t quite get why you are pimping KGB so hard and yes, I read the other thread.

If he's released, he might give us 10+ sacks at a bargain price.

The only free agent on that list who should command big money is Steinbach.

[Rascal]

13 Step Plan for Home Field Advantage Next Season

Unrestricted Free Agents

G Eric Steinbach Cincinnati

DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Green Bay

WR Kevin Curtis St Louis

DT Bryant Young San Francisco

FB Ovie Mughelli Baltimore

S Michael Lewis Philadelphia

QB Shaun King Las Vegas (AFL)

2007 Draft Picks

Trade 1/21, 2/53 and Jake Plummer to Houston for 1/8 - DT Alan Branch Michigan

3/70 - S John Wendling Wyoming

3/85 - T Joe Staley Central Michigan

Trade 5/148 for RB Ricky Williams Miami/Toronto

6/181 - OLB Prescott Burgess Michigan

7/213 - WR/TE Matt Trannon Michigan State

We can't afford all those FA's, and I doubt Wendling will last till the third.

I say we resign Cooper instead of Steinbach (that will save some money), not sign Kevin Curtis (no need Rod can fulfill #3 and hopefully one of last years rookies can step up after that), and sign Daniel Graham. Plus I think St Louis will make an effort to resign Curtis with Bruce on his last leg.

I like KGB and Bryant though. Not sure about Lewis.

What about Tatum? I'd say trade Tatum for a second to make sure we can get Wendling.

[Pat Bowlen]

Wait, little?

[-Slap-]

Lewis is out of Philly's plans. He's a former Buff and he could probably be had pretty cheap.

Bryant Young will probably be resigned by San Francisco or retire. If he's out of their plans and he wants to come back, I would love to have him, if even for one season. He's one of the best players of his era.

[SoCalBronco]

What about Tatum? I'd say trade Tatum for a second to make sure we can get Wendling.

There's no way in hell we'll get a 2 from anyone for him. I hope we can get a 4 or a late 3.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Wait, little?

Glad to see you woke up from your nap Pat. Now go down stairs and kick some a33 in that scouting department to get those players needed for next season. ;D

[Killericon]

I like it. Ricky for a 5th is worth it...I mean, who would we be getting at that spot that's better than Ricky?

The Ovie Mughelli one is intriguing...in a good way. The Ravens will be wanting to keep him.

Micheal Lewis? No. No, no, no. Unless Lynch Retires or we hire Monte Kiffin, no. Lynch and Lewis? If almost any receiver ran a Streak, it'd be single coverage every time, unless we held them deep, which eliminates their usefulness against the run. He is a great player, and if we didn't already have Lynch, I'd love it, but there is a reason he's being chased out of Philly, and it's not because he helps out against the pass so much...

Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, well, you(-Slap-) already know my stance on him. I'd like him, just so long as the cost isn't too high if it's a trade, and the contract ain't too long if it's FA.

Eric Steinbach is a great idea, but I doubt we can afford to get into a bidding war, and I just know one's gonna break out over this guy.

Bryant Young would be a solid rotational guy, and he would bring veteran leadership to a beleaguered d-line.

Mike Furrey is available...but Kevin Curtis would be good.

Shaun King would be good...He wouldn't have people calling for Cutler's head if, god forbid, he struggles a little. It's a risk though. Might as well go for Jesse Palmer(I'm a sucker for ground breaking Canadians, what can I say?).

No Solution for TE? Why not take a flyer on Eric Johnson, or try for Graham?

[GoHAM]

Seriously, you guys think Wendling will be gone before our pick in the 3rd round? I am a huge Wyoming fan and I am obviously totally homered out on my opinion of any player who has ever worn the Brown and Gold. That being the case I try not to project UW players into the NFL as I always over evaluate their talents. I was expecting Wendling, who has all the measurables you could ask for and a great passion/work ethic, to go early second day, based merely on the perceived stigma of coming out of the mid-major MWC. I would be ecstatic if the Broncos were to call his name come draft weekend.

[-Slap-]

Seriously, you guys think Wendling will be gone before our pick in the 3rd round? I am a huge Wyoming fan and I am obviously totally homered out on my opinion of any player who has ever worn the Brown and Gold. That being the case I try not to project UW players into the NFL as I always over evaluate their talents. I was expecting Wendling, who has all the measurables you could ask for and a great passion/work ethic, to go early second day, based merely on the perceived stigma of coming out of the mid-major MWC. I would be ecstatic if the Broncos were to call his name come draft weekend.

After he goes to the Combine and is tested individually, I think Wendling could rocket up the board.

[Sprout]

Ricky...
Denver is a great fit for him both culturally...

Boulder, maybe. He could rent a second floor apartment above some Pearl Street incense shop.

[SureShot]

Boulder, maybe. He could rent a second floor apartment above some Pearl Street incense shop.

I don't think the smoke he enjoys is of the incense variety. Still, Boulder would make a great fit!

[BroncoBuff]

Killing him is too risky.

Hilarious! ... worthy of the Gonzo Journalist himself.


Seriously Slap - that is well thought out and comprehensive. But are you sure we afford all those UFAs? You didn't list which FAs we keep and which we let go ... though signing Steinbach obv means Cooper is gone.

[BroncoBuff]

Ricky is an easy target to mock, but I've read countless praise about his professionalism on the field from both coaches and players.

Denver is a great fit for him both culturally and football wise.

And if Slap is right - and he can be had for a mere 5th round pick - I say do it - beauty

I'd prefer Adelius Thomas to both KGB and Bryant ... what is Bryant anyway, 40?

Michael Lewis is just what the doctor ordered ...

Kevin Curtis = David Kircus ... don't we already have one of those two? ;D

Steinbach is expensive ... are you doubtful of Kuper? Hamilton? Nalen?

At least you're realistic about what it would take to get the Texans' first-round pick ... but they know we'll be forced to waive Plummer after June 1 ... so why would they pay?

[yavoon]

And if Slap is right - and he can be had for a mere 5th round pick - I say do it - beauty

I'd prefer Adelius Thomas to both KGB and Bryant ... what is Bryant anyway, 40?

Michael Lewis is just what the doctor ordered ...

Kevin Curtis = David Kircus ... don't we already have one of those two? ;D

Steinbach is expensive ... are you doubtful of Kuper? Hamilton? Nalen?

At least you're realistic about what it would take to get the Texans' first-round pick ... but they know we'll be forced to waive Plummer after June 1 ... so why would they pay?

a guy who got benched because he was an extreme coverage liability is just what the doctor ordered?

[BroncoBuff]

Michale Lewis is a Pro-Bowl safety .... I heard nothing about a benching.

[fontaine]

13 Step Plan for Home Field Advantage Next Season

Unrestricted Free Agents

G Eric Steinbach Cincinnati

DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Green Bay

WR Kevin Curtis St Louis

DT Bryant Young San Francisco

FB Ovie Mughelli Baltimore

S Michael Lewis Philadelphia

QB Shaun King Las Vegas (AFL)


Steinbach: I would have no problem with this but when was the last time the FO and Shanahan brought in a top OL in FA and had him start? Not since last century.

KGB: I'll pass. I think he's a situational pass rusher and we have two in Lang/Dumervil. I'd rather bring in a legit DE that will stop the run and provide some pass rush in Charles Grant or Corey Redding.

WR: Kevin Curtis: Hmm. . The WR class is very intriguing this year and I would be open to bringing one in. Maybe DJ Hackett? But Curtis would be fine as long as he's a solid ST guy.

Love the FB and Bryant Young. Even having Young in here for a year would be amazing. The guy is a Hall of Famer IMO.

Michael Lewis? He's a good one but I think Terrence Holt is a better prospect who really excelled in zone coverage this year and is a player who has just started to come on. He'll be cheaper.

The one thing I will say is that I don't want Ricky here. He's absolutely stunk in up in the CFL and really didn't look like the type of player he was a few years ago.

[RunSilentRunDeep]

Let's go big and focus on fewer guys:

Leonard Davis - new LT if Lepsis isn't the same guy. Can play multiple positions.

Kris Dielman - Cheaper the Steinbach but still very solid.

Terdell Sands - His craps are bigger than John Engelberger.

Daniel Graham - Great blocker and character guy. Leadership will be big when Rod leaves.

1/21 - Charles Johnson or Adam Carriker

2/53 - Best WR or S available.

3/70 - Mason Crosby

3/85, 5/148, 6/181, 7/213 - trade for 2008 picks.

Post June 1: Trade 2008 #1, #3 and Tatum Bell to Detroit for Shaun Rogers (2007 contract is $1.5M, he got a $15M bonus in after '04 so the Lions would take a $7.5M cap hit in '08. Rogers could give a lot of that back to make the trade happen then the Broncos could give it back to him by extending his deal which currently runs through 2010. Yes, I think he's that good and would make a huge difference in Bates' D).

Say goodbye to Cooper Carlisle, Micheal Myers, Jason Elam ($2.24M), Ebenzer Ekuban ($2.21M), Jake Plummer ($5.3M), Rod Smith ($5.5M or keep him at $1M), Stephen Alexander ($1.42M).

Total savings: $15.67M to $16.67M (depending what you do with Rod).

[Drek]

Pretty good moves OP, but I question where the money is coming from and if we'd be blocking some of our younger talent with Steinbach (Kuper, Myers) and KGB (Dumervil).

My personal off-season of choice would be:

FA

Leonard Davis (OT) depending on the money he sees. If its within reason he'd be a big addition at RT, making Pears insurance if Lepsis doesn't return from his ACL well.

Daniel Graham (TE) he won't see the money Bubba Franks (pro-bowler) did last year, but they offer similar skills. Franks got $28M over 7 years, only $5.5M guaranteed. I think we could sign Graham for 4 years, $12M with $4M guaranteed, maybe less. He'd be a great compliment to Scheffler (receiving TE) and Mustard (goal line/blocking TE). We cut Jackson and Alexander free.

Terdell Sands (DT) big fella who shouldn't command an enormous price. Would make a great compliment to Warren and boost our interior DL's run stopping huge.
OR
Corey Redding (DE/DT) gives us an every down RDE who can move in and play DT on passing downs, or just be a pass rushing DT compliment to Warren. I'd take him or Sands, whichever comes with a better price.

Cuts
Brown (DL), Alexander (TE), Jackson (TE), Plummer (QB, June 1st), Chukwurah (DL)

UFAs Walking Without Offers
Carlisle (OG), Myers (DT)

Trades
Tatum Bell for a mid to late 3rd round pick

Draft
1: Charles Johnson (DE, UGA) our future full time LDE.

2: Mason Crosby (P, UC) replaces Ernster and is Elam's replacement. Worth this pick because in a year or two he saves us a roster spot and our extra thirds make the high price something we can stomach.

3A: Best RB on the board. Maybe Bush (UL), Jackson (NEB), Pittman (OSU), Irons (AUB), or Hunt (PSU). I think one of them slides to 68 and gives us a value RB to battle Mike Bell for the #1 spot.

3B: Ikaika Alama-Francis (DE, HAW) adds another big DE with great athletecism. Needs coaching and experience, but great project.
Trade 3C down for an early 4th and an extra 5th

4: Brandon Mebane (DT, Cal) pass rushing option who can rotate with Sands and/or Warren, develop him to replace Warren in the near future.

5A: Traded to Chicago for Kyle Orton, our backup QB.

5B: Zak DeOssie (OLB, Brown) big Ivy leaguer with impressive athleticism (268, ESPN lists a potential 40 time of 4.58). Would be a big help on special teams early on, could develop as either a speed rushing end or a monster sized OLB.

6: Yamon Figurs (WR, KSU), crazy speed, experience as a returner, gives us a second option to go with Hixon for next year's return team.

7: Corey Anderson (FB, TEN) good athleticism and strength for such a big guy, can be a threat as a receiver and a capable blocker. His size is something we sorely lack at FB.

[Drek]

Let's go big and focus on fewer guys:

Leonard Davis - new LT if Lepsis isn't the same guy. Can play multiple positions.

Kris Dielman - Cheaper the Steinbach but still very solid.

Terdell Sands - His craps are bigger than John Engelberger.

Daniel Graham - Great blocker and character guy. Leadership will be big when Rod leaves.

1/21 - Charles Johnson or Adam Carriker

2/53 - Best WR or S available.

3/70 - Mason Crosby

3/85, 5/148, 6/181, 7/213 - trade for 2008 picks.

Post June 1: Trade 2008 #1, #3 and Tatum Bell to Detroit for Shaun Rogers (2007 contract is $1.5M, he got a $15M bonus in after '04 so the Lions would take a $7.5M cap hit in '08. Rogers could give a lot of that back to make the trade happen then the Broncos could give it back to him by extending his deal which currently runs through 2010. Yes, I think he's that good and would make a huge difference in Bates' D).

Say goodbye to Cooper Carlisle, Micheal Myers, Jason Elam ($2.24M), Ebenzer Ekuban ($2.21M), Jake Plummer ($5.3M), Rod Smith ($5.5M or keep him at $1M), Stephen Alexander ($1.42M).

Total savings: $15.67M to $16.67M (depending what you do with Rod).

Crazy, didn't even notice this post, lot of similar guys. I wouldn't bail on Rod though, and I don't think DET will move Rogers.

[fontaine]

Pretty good moves OP, but I question where the money is coming from and if we'd be blocking some of our younger talent with Steinbach (Kuper, Myers) and KGB (Dumervil).

My personal off-season of choice would be:

FA

Leonard Davis (OT) depending on the money he sees. If its within reason he'd be a big addition at RT, making Pears insurance if Lepsis doesn't return from his ACL well.

Daniel Graham (TE) he won't see the money Bubba Franks (pro-bowler) did last year, but they offer similar skills. Franks got $28M over 7 years, only $5.5M guaranteed. I think we could sign Graham for 4 years, $12M with $4M guaranteed, maybe less. He'd be a great compliment to Scheffler (receiving TE) and Mustard (goal line/blocking TE). We cut Jackson and Alexander free.

Terdell Sands (DT) big fella who shouldn't command an enormous price. Would make a great compliment to Warren and boost our interior DL's run stopping huge.
OR
Corey Redding (DE/DT) gives us an every down RDE who can move in and play DT on passing downs, or just be a pass rushing DT compliment to Warren. I'd take him or Sands, whichever comes with a better price.

Cuts
Brown (DL), Alexander (TE), Jackson (TE), Plummer (QB, June 1st), Chukwurah (DL)

UFAs Walking Without Offers
Carlisle (OG), Myers (DT)

Trades
Tatum Bell for a mid to late 3rd round pick

Draft
1: Charles Johnson (DE, UGA) our future full time LDE.

2: Mason Crosby (P, UC) replaces Ernster and is Elam's replacement. Worth this pick because in a year or two he saves us a roster spot and our extra thirds make the high price something we can stomach.

3A: Best RB on the board. Maybe Bush (UL), Jackson (NEB), Pittman (OSU), Irons (AUB), or Hunt (PSU). I think one of them slides to 68 and gives us a value RB to battle Mike Bell for the #1 spot.

3B: Ikaika Alama-Francis (DE, HAW) adds another big DE with great athletecism. Needs coaching and experience, but great project.
Trade 3C down for an early 4th and an extra 5th

4: Brandon Mebane (DT, Cal) pass rushing option who can rotate with Sands and/or Warren, develop him to replace Warren in the near future.

5A: Traded to Chicago for Kyle Orton, our backup QB.

5B: Zak DeOssie (OLB, Brown) big Ivy leaguer with impressive athleticism (268, ESPN lists a potential 40 time of 4.58). Would be a big help on special teams early on, could develop as either a speed rushing end or a monster sized OLB.

6: Yamon Figurs (WR, KSU), crazy speed, experience as a returner, gives us a second option to go with Hixon for next year's return team.

7: Corey Anderson (FB, TEN) good athleticism and strength for such a big guy, can be a threat as a receiver and a capable blocker. His size is something we sorely lack at FB.

Nice post. I agree with the FA list except for cuts.

Tatum costs almost nothing against the cap. Why trade him? Especially when the only RB we would then have is Mike Bell. I don't think we should lose Tatum until we have a replacement already in the roster. Ditto for Carlisle. We are going to have a new RT next season. Having a new RG as well would be too much turnover and if Kuper starts then who is the backup?

I like the idea of signing Coop to essentially a one year deal with the big money kicking in 2008 as a roster bonus. If Kuper can beat Carlisle and take his spot then we can still cut Coop next year without a big hit.

[Rascal]

Nice post. I agree with the FA list except for cuts.

Tatum costs almost nothing against the cap. Why trade him? Especially when the only RB we would then have is Mike Bell. I don't think we should lose Tatum until we have a replacement already in the roster. Ditto for Carlisle. We are going to have a new RT next season. Having a new RG as well would be too much turnover and if Kuper starts then who is the backup?

I like the idea of signing Coop to essentially a one year deal with the big money kicking in 2008 as a roster bonus. If Kuper can beat Carlisle and take his spot then we can still cut Coop next year without a big hit.

Cooper can start at RG next year and then when Nalen retires after next season Kuper can start at LG with Carlisle @ RG.

[OrangeShadow]

i dont think branch falls to 8. i think he goes top 5
i do like the michael lewis signing though

[Bronco Billy]

KGB: I'll pass. I think he's a situational pass rusher and we have two in Lang/Dumervil. I'd rather bring in a legit DE that will stop the run and provide some pass rush in Charles Grant or Corey Redding.

Love the FB and Bryant Young. Even having Young in here for a year would be amazing. The guy is a Hall of Famer IMO.


KGB stated in the Green Bay papers that he can't rely on his speed anymore to get to the QB and that he should start learning technique.

I would love Bryant Young. He's always making an impact on plays. (Plus, he's from my high school - he graduated before I got there though.)

[yavoon]

Michale Lewis is a Pro-Bowl safety .... I heard nothing about a benching.

he made it to the pro bowl once yes. but he was benched for considine or whoever, some pretty middling white guy, because the eagles couldn't risk anymore blown coverages.

[fontaine]

Cooper can start at RG next year and then when Nalen retires after next season Kuper can start at LG with Carlisle @ RG.

Let Cooper/Kuper compete for the RG position. Hell, let Hamilton/Kuper fight it out as well. I just don't like the idea of gifting a 2nd year player the starting RG position and letting a starter walk when we could have him for pretty cheap. Cooper graded out very well in 2005 and looked a lot worse because of the turnstyle beside him.

I'm leery of what the coaching staff says about Kuper. I won't believe it until I see it on the field. They've said all the right things on other guys like Clabo, PJ Alexander, Teague, Foster etc etc.

[loborugger]

Geez, and I always thought that the little guy who did all the thinking resided downstairs.

Slap, I am intrigued by some of your FAs, esp on the D Line. I doubt we could dump Plummer, and I dont follow college enough to have a clue about the draft. But a D line with KGB and BY excites me in a way that usually only happens when the little guy downstairs is doing the thinking.

[Steve Sewell]

Bahahahahaha.

Anyways, I could live with that minus Kevin Curtis. I think he'll be significantly over-valued in this thin market, and he's not worth it IMO. If you want to splurge for a 3rd wideout, I'd go with DJ Hackett (though he'd likely cost a draft pick if they don't extend him).

A few minor things too, like the need for a FB in our new offense (I don't know) and trading for Ricky (not a "deal breaker" by any means though).

Overall, good plan.

An OL of Steinbach--Hamilton--Myers would be shag nasty...

Rod Smith is more than fine at 3rd WO. We need to focus our efforts in another direction.

[SoDak Bronco]

Seriously, you guys think Wendling will be gone before our pick in the 3rd round? I am a huge Wyoming fan and I am obviously totally homered out on my opinion of any player who has ever worn the Brown and Gold. That being the case I try not to project UW players into the NFL as I always over evaluate their talents. I was expecting Wendling, who has all the measurables you could ask for and a great passion/work ethic, to go early second day, based merely on the perceived stigma of coming out of the mid-major MWC. I would be ecstatic if the Broncos were to call his name come draft weekend.

I have been a huge fan of drafting Wendling several months ago. He is projected to go Late-2nd, but he is training down in AZ and they basically guarantee to get you to move up in the draft. So he is def. going to be a 1st day pick, I'd say mid 2nd. He has the size, 6"2, and speed 4.4, which is as good as any of the safetys. He also returned punts at Wyoming, which means he is more than a LB type safety, but has ball skills. I think this guy could be a really nice pick if denver can Snag him with the Skins early 3rd round pick..

[zdoor]

13 Step Plan for Home Field Advantage Next Season

Unrestricted Free Agents

G Eric Steinbach Cincinnati
I'd love this but not sure if it would fit in the budget
DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Green Bay
If we didn't go after Steinbach we might be able to afford Justin Smith here, otherwise good situational guy but I'd be afraid we don't have the guy's in front of him to hold up against the run
WR Kevin Curtis St Louis
I like this if Rod retires otherwise I think we could spend the money elsewhere
DT Bryant Young San Francisco
Like this. He's a good locker room presence and a great player with something left in the tank, not sure if he's going to retire though. I also like Terdell Sands out of Oakland to plug the middle.
FB Ovie Mughelli Baltimore
Like this one too
S Michael Lewis Philadelphia
He could probably be had reasonably
QB Shaun King Las Vegas (AFL)
Not sure on this one
2007 Draft Picks

Trade 1/21, 2/53 and Jake Plummer to Houston for 1/8 - DT Alan Branch Michigan
Would make the whole draft right here
3/70 - S John Wendling Wyoming
Like this pick
3/85 - T Joe Staley Central Michigan

Trade 5/148 for RB Ricky Williams Miami/Toronto
I'd love to have Ricky. I think he'd be solid for a couple of years
6/181 - OLB Prescott Burgess Michigan
Not familiar with him
7/213 - WR/TE Matt Trannon Michigan State
Same here
:thumbsup:

[Broncoman13]

13 Step Plan for Home Field Advantage Next Season

Unrestricted Free Agents

G Eric Steinbach Cincinnati

DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Green Bay

WR Kevin Curtis St Louis

DT Bryant Young San Francisco

FB Ovie Mughelli Baltimore

S Michael Lewis Philadelphia

QB Shaun King Las Vegas (AFL)

2007 Draft Picks

Trade 1/21, 2/53 and Jake Plummer to Houston for 1/8 - DT Alan Branch Michigan

3/70 - S John Wendling Wyoming

3/85 - T Joe Staley Central Michigan

Trade 5/148 for RB Ricky Williams Miami/Toronto

6/181 - OLB Prescott Burgess Michigan

7/213 - WR/TE Matt Trannon Michigan State


I like it! But, I don't think Joe Staley makes it to the end of round 3. In fact, it would be a little bit of a shock to see him make it to us in the 2nd. Just our type of lineman though. Rumored to run in the 4.8 range leads you to believe that he is very athletic for a big man. Take a look at Doug Free. I think he's very similar and much more likely to be there at the end of round 3. Also, take out either Burgess or Trannon and sub Ramonce Taylor. He is super fast and has a ton of return skills. Could play either RB or WR. Comes with some off field baggage, but you have Ricky Williams on your list (whom I like and think would fit well) so you could certainly overlook his off field miscues! :D

[freak6]

Bryant Young? Not for me, to old.

I like the idea of my former HS classmate Dan Graham coming back to his hometown of course. A 2 TE set with him and Scheffler would be great, Javon and Brandon Marshall outside, and Michael Bush at RB. I don't know about Michael Lewis anymore, I think he may have played his best football and he is on the downside.

Mason Crosby!!!

[Drek]

Nice post. I agree with the FA list except for cuts.

Tatum costs almost nothing against the cap. Why trade him? Especially when the only RB we would then have is Mike Bell. I don't think we should lose Tatum until we have a replacement already in the roster. Ditto for Carlisle. We are going to have a new RT next season. Having a new RG as well would be too much turnover and if Kuper starts then who is the backup?

I like the idea of signing Coop to essentially a one year deal with the big money kicking in 2008 as a roster bonus. If Kuper can beat Carlisle and take his spot then we can still cut Coop next year without a big hit.

I want to see us take an RB with the 68th overall pick, we'd also bring Nash back as competition, maybe Ron Dayne too ;D . I just don't see Shanahan trusting Tatum again on critical downs, and for good reason, so if we can get a 3rd out of him its worth it. His small contract with very little guaranteed money only helps his trade value.

Carlisle is a guy I'd like to see back, but only at a reasonable cost. I'm not sure that'll happen, with two years worth of starting experience in a zone blocking system that a lot more teams are starting to utilize. I don't think we should give him big money, and Myers now has two years in the system preparing him to challenge Kuper for the starting job with the loser taking over as the backup. If we were to sign Len Davis we would also always have the option of moving him back to guard and going with Pears if injury demanded it.

Don't get me wrong, I'd like to keep Cooper if he's willing to take similar money to what we've been paying him, but I'd be surprised. He took a 2 year, $2M deal with us in '05, I'd bet he'll get at least $2M per season now, probably closer to $3M. I'd be very surprised if he takes a team friendly contract when this is probably the first and only big contract he'll have a shot at. If he's willing to take a discount then sure, sign him up, but I don't want to give him money comprable to what it'd take to sign Sands or pay the better part of Graham's annual salary when he could very well be beat out by Myers or Kuper.

[dsmoot]

I have been a huge fan of drafting Wendling several months ago. He is projected to go Late-2nd, but he is training down in AZ and they basically guarantee to get you to move up in the draft. So he is def. going to be a 1st day pick, I'd say mid 2nd. He has the size, 6"2, and speed 4.4, which is as good as any of the safetys. He also returned punts at Wyoming, which means he is more than a LB type safety, but has ball skills. I think this guy could be a really nice pick if denver can Snag him with the Skins early 3rd round pick..

I know its only Wyoming HS football, but in HS this kid played both DB and RB. At RB, his speed was very impressive leaving people in the dust. In baseball, when he hit a ball in the gap with anyone in front of him, he was on there tail coming around 3rd or home.

Physically, he has bulked up to a point that he is really impressive. I guess it comes down to football instincts at this point.

[TerrElway]

13 Step Plan for Home Field Advantage Next Season

Unrestricted Free Agents

WR Kevin Curtis St Louis


I was part of the broadcast team that covered Kevin Curtis' team in college and I ran into him on a flight from SLC to St Louis last year so we talked for a while.

We talked about playing in St Louis and one of the questions I asked him was about free agency and where else he would like to play. He's from Utah so he would like to get back out this way and he specifically mentioned Denver as a team he would like to play for.

[Rock Chalk]

Killing him is too risky.

I think what he means is that everyone knows Plummer is going to be released, so no one will trade for him.

Now, we might be able to throw in Tatum, our 1st and our 2nd for Houston's #1 but Im highly doubting that Kubiak bites especially if Double D comes back healthy.

And we wont pick up a single one of those free agents. I have zero faith that Shanahan is going to pay for anyone via Free agency and instead will bargain shop and get us some patchwork crap again.

If we get anyone for the lines that will have to be great, it will most likely have to come via the draft because Shanny wont spend on FAs for either line.

[-Slap-]

I was part of the broadcast team that covered Kevin Curtis' team in college and I ran into him on a flight from SLC to St Louis last year so we talked for a while.

We talked about playing in St Louis and one of the questions I asked him was about free agency and where else he would like to play. He's from Utah so he would like to get back out this way and he specifically mentioned Denver as a team he would like to play for.

I guess he's an extremely bright guy. Nailed a 48 out of 50 on the Wonderlic when he came out of college. I think he would quickly become a fan favorite if he came to Denver.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/6615/appatsramskevincurtistddc7.jpg

[Killericon]

Noone liked my Mike Furrey suggestion?

[-Slap-]

Noone liked my Mike Furrey suggestion?

After that season he had, I think someone will pay him starter money.

[eddie mac]

I think what he means is that everyone knows Plummer is going to be released, so no one will trade for him.

Now, we might be able to throw in Tatum, our 1st and our 2nd for Houston's #1 but Im highly doubting that Kubiak bites especially if Double D comes back healthy.

And we wont pick up a single one of those free agents. I have zero faith that Shanahan is going to pay for anyone via Free agency and instead will bargain shop and get us some patchwork crap again.

If we get anyone for the lines that will have to be great, it will most likely have to come via the draft because Shanny wont spend on FAs for either line.

Totally agree with this after the FA debacles of 2005 and 2006. We got lucky in 2006 via trades for players who were busts/mediocre players on other teams and wanted to show the NFL that they deserved respect. One year later they are just the same as the broken down players they were on their previous teams bar Ekuban although some have bigger wallets now.

As for the cap question via a another post, the Broncos are projected to be approx $7.5m under the cap, this number is pretty low compared to the rest of the league but there may well be some major adjustments to that number.

Javon Walker is due an option bonus this offseason in the region of $8m or $9m. I'm not 100% sure whether that's incorporated into the current cap as totally hitting in 2007, if it is you can add another $6m to Denver's cap number because Walker's contract will be restructured and this bonus will be porated which would give them $13.5m or thereabouts.

Then there's Jake Plummer. If he is cut on the 1st June or prior to that and is designated as a June 1st cut we save another $5m or thereabouts.

So in hindsight we're looking at approx $18.5m that's before Shanahan looks at restructuring Bailey or Wilson's massive cap numbers in 2007 or looking at extensions for Ekuban, Elam or Ferguson who are in the final year of their contracts to release further funds.

If my calculation of Walker's cap is correct and Mike wants to shop this offseason he could realisticly have a wallet with $20m-$25m in it.

[BroncoBuff]

Michale Lewis is a Pro-Bowl safety .... I heard nothing about a benching.

Apologies to yavoon .... Michael Lewis is now 2nd on the depth chart to Sean Considine. Weird, he and Ed Reed were the consensus 1st team All Pro safetis in 2005, now he's second string.

I don't get it, but there it is.

[-Slap-]

Apologies to yavoon .... Michael Lewis is now 2nd on the depth chart to Sean Considine. Weird, he and Ed Reed were the consensus 1st team All Pro safetis in 2005, now he's second string.

I don't get it, but there it is.

Don't tell yavoon when he was right about something. He'll start thinking he was right about other stuff, too.

Thanks.

[Killericon]

Apologies to yavoon .... Michael Lewis is now 2nd on the depth chart to Sean Considine. Weird, he and Ed Reed were the consensus 1st team All Pro safetis in 2005, now he's second string.

I don't get it, but there it is.

He was really blowing coverages, and fell out of favour with the coaching staff real fast. Think Adam Archuleta, only quieter because his contract expires this season.

[TheChamp24]

Speaking of Adam ArchYouGonnaLetEmScoreleta, is he still going to be cut? What a signing that was, lol

[Killericon]

After that season he had, I think someone will pay him starter money.

He actually had 2 more yards than Walker.

Speaking of Adam ArchYouGonnaLetEmScoreleta, is he still going to be cut? What a signing that was, lol

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Adam Archuleta was misused in Washington. He is not a cover safety, and they tried to use him in that capacity. He is a great player, and a lot of team would be happy to have him. One that I can think of is Tampa Bay. They might even try to get him to wear #47...:giggle:

He's probably going to be cut.

[TheChamp24]

Thinking of Archuleta, I think of run stuffing safety, not a cover guy. Defintiely misused.

[fontaine]

We need more of a coverage safety than Michael Lewis.

1. Deon Grant: Coming off a great season and the Jags might franchise him. Really improved his hitting and has great size/speed. He'll be looking for top dollar.

2. Darren Sharper: May be let go from Minnesotta as he had some issues there but it still a top defender with natural cover skills and is a very intelligent player.

3. Terrence Holt: Coming off a great year where he kept Daniel Bullocks on the bench. The Lions will let him walk because they have Bullocks there but Holt is pretty good at zone coverage and has good ball skills. He would be my pick since he's going to be pretty cheap and is still only 26. He's the younger brother of Torry so he's got the speed and is a bigger FS than anyone we have in the roster.

[fontaine]

And we wont pick up a single one of those free agents. I have zero faith that Shanahan is going to pay for anyone via Free agency and instead will bargain shop and get us some patchwork crap again.

If we get anyone for the lines that will have to be great, it will most likely have to come via the draft because Shanny wont spend on FAs for either line.

No doubt. For the DL I have no doubt that Shanahan will be sniffing around Albert Haynesworth, Booger MacFarland or Corey Simon to see which one he could pick up cheap.

[fontaine]

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/Whispers/2006/whispers2128.htm

Detroit would love to bring back DL Cory Redding, who racked up all eight of his sacks after making a midseason switch to tackle, but the unrestricted free agent may be looking to get out of Detroit for competitive reasons. The situation may result in the application of a franchise or transition tag.

LOL

I don't blame the guy. Hopefully Millen is too busy scouting WRs for the draft to place a tag on Redding.

[UKBronco]

If I Was The Little Man Upstairs

There's me thinking you were playing God, Slap!! :welcome:

[broncosteven]

13 Step Plan for Home Field Advantage Next Season

Unrestricted Free Agents

G Eric Steinbach Cincinnati
Stay with Kuiper & save some Dough

DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Green Bay
If Cheap & they have given up on China Brown

WR Kevin Curtis St Louis
Love this idea!

DT Bryant Young San Francisco
Was thinking this while freezing my ass off during the 49er game

FB Ovie Mughelli Baltimore
We need to upgrade here

S Michael Lewis Philadelphia
I like Fontains Idea of Sharper, this should be a priority

QB Shaun King Las Vegas (AFL)
Prefer to go with youth, draft guy or practice squad guy Cannot be worse than Jake was in BU role. this is tempting though not sure he could learn WCO

2007 Draft Picks

Trade 1/21, 2/53 and Jake Plummer to Houston for 1/8 - DT Alan Branch Michigan
Don't trade Jake cut him after 6/1 but find a way to up to get a DT stud

3/70 - S John Wendling Wyoming Sounds like a good kid

3/85 - T Joe Staley Central Michigan Don't know him will have to trust you but agree we need young depth here

Trade 5/148 for RB Ricky Williams Miami/Toronto
No thanks, draft best available RB at this slot

6/181 - OLB Prescott Burgess Michigan
Agree we need OLB Depth

7/213 - WR/TE Matt Trannon Michigan State
We need a 2nd TE


Nice post Slap