Broncos Interest in DT Boone part of second phase

[eddie mac]

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_5390616

Interest in DT Boone part of second phase
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 03/09/2007 01:20:37 AM MST


The Broncos are visiting with Chicago defensive tackle Alfonso Boone, his agent Craig Domann confirmed. Boone, 31, played in 12 regular-season games and started the final four games of the season for the NFC champion Bears. The six-year veteran's 6-foot-4, 318-pound frame fits the mold of what new assistant head coach Jim Bates seeks in interior linemen. Bates likes to use tall defensive ends and stout, quick defensive tackles in an attempt to free up the linebackers to make plays.

Denver's interest in Boone may be a sign of uncertainty about whether newly acquired defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson will report. Wilkinson added fuel to speculation he may retire when he said on Wednesday he had issues to address before thinking about playing again. When Wilkinson, who will turn 34 next week, was asked if he planned to retire, he said he had no comment.

Wilkinson was acquired from Miami on March 3 for a sixth-round pick. If he retires, the deal may be void.

Like Wilkinson, Boone would be a part-time player in a rotation. Denver is going to play a technique-based, anchored- down defense without the frequent movement the line was using last season.

The Broncos could turn to their own free agent Michael Myers to fill a tackle spot. Myers, 6-2, 300, is not as big as Denver prefers its defensive linemen.

In addition to Boone, other free agents Denver is considering include cornerback David Macklin and Jets offensive lineman Wade Smith. Denver also may have interest in Dallas tackle Marc Colombo, but he could be too pricey.

Plummer update

An NFL spokesman said the league still hasn't received retirement papers from former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer. The filing of the papers is a formality, and those close to Plummer, 32, maintain he still plans to retire. Plummer's rights were traded to Tampa Bay last Saturday.

Footnotes

Before the signing of backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey became official, the Broncos had just more than $2 million in salary cap room. ... Denver place-kicker Jason Elam turned 37 on Thursday. Elam, coming off his best season, has maintained that he wants to play several more seasons. ... Bates said this week that he'd like free-agent defensive lineman Kenny Peterson back. Peterson, expected to re-sign with Denver, played for Bates in Green Bay. ... New special-teams coach Scott O'Brien said he believes special-teams captain Keith Burns will return to the team. Burns is a free agent. O'Brien also said he likes current return men Domenik Hixon and Quincy Morgan, a free agent who is expected back. O'Brien said he is excited about new additions Troy Fleming and Eddie Moore as coverage unit candidates. ... Denver will stay interested in Philadelphia running back Correll Buckhalter if he wants to be a backup.

[fontaine]

Let's see:

Is Boone over 30?

Check

Are his best playing days behind him?

Check

Now all the FO has to do is check if he's thinking about retiring then boom, make the deal!

[Barry Ramey]

I think they would have interest in Boone whether Wilkinson joins the team or not. I'm not sure on Macklin. Even if just a backup, if he really better than Foxworth or Paymah?

[footstepsfrom#27]

I think they would have interest in Boone whether Wilkinson joins the team or not. I'm not sure on Macklin. Even if just a backup, if he really better than Foxworth or Paymah?
No he's not. I'm not even sure Drey Bly is better than Foxworth. He's known as a gambler...somewhat like D-Will was...and Foxworth IMO is a sold starter. That's not a position of weakness. This is a smokescreen IMO for something else.

[footstepsfrom#27]

In addition to Boone, other free agents Denver is considering include cornerback David Macklin and Jets offensive lineman Wade Smith. Denver also may have interest in Dallas tackle Marc Colombo, but he could be too pricey.
Now there's an interesting thought...Colombo? Wonder where he's getting that from? I thought we were set at OT...at least that's what I keep hearing here. Colombo is 6'8", 320...not the typical Bronco lineman...just like Montrae Holland isn't a typical Bronco lineman.

Interesting...

[Drek]

Why no interest in Ian Scott? He's 25 and beat Boone out for playing time much of last season.

[kappys]

I wonder what the interest will be in Edwin Mulitalo at guard. The guy is 350 lbsand pretty quick, but was injured last year with a triceps tear. I'm guessing the price will be fairly high for him though.

[shaun514]

Now there's an interesting thought...Colombo? Wonder where he's getting that from? I thought we were set at OT...at least that's what I keep hearing here. Colombo is 6'8", 320...not the typical Bronco lineman...just like Montrae Holland isn't a typical Bronco lineman.

Interesting...

He's a guy that I'm wondering why the Cowboys haven't signed yet. They still have close to 17 million in cap space, but reportedly, they only offered him a 2 year 7 million dollar deal. He had a good season last year. I guess the major concern would be his injury history.

[footstepsfrom#27]

I wonder what the interest will be in Edwin Mulitalo at guard. The guy is 350 lbsand pretty quick, but was injured last year with a triceps tear. I'm guessing the price will be fairly high for him though.
The Ravens cut hiim yesterday.

[footstepsfrom#27]

He's a guy that I'm wondering why the Cowboys haven't signed yet. They still have close to 17 million in cap space, but reportedly, they only offered him a 2 year 7 million dollar deal. He had a good season last year. I guess the major concern would be his injury history.
I've been wondering that too. I assume they intend to sign him but they could look to draft an OT high as well. He was thought to be a flop when they brought him in here but proved to be pretty steady.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Wilkinson was acquired from Miami on March 3 for a sixth-round pick. If he retires, the deal may be void.


God, for once make a definitive statement in one of your articles. The deal is void if he retires, not "may be" void.

[fontaine]

Why no interest in Ian Scott? He's 25 and beat Boone out for playing time much of last season.

I know! Apparently we prefer a 34 DT who's borderline retiring and hardly played last year than getting a young up and coming DT who helped Chicago reach the SuperBowl game.

Scott is "only" 300 lb so I guess he's not overweight enough for our defense!
Ha!

[eddie mac]

Now there's an interesting thought...Colombo? Wonder where he's getting that from? I thought we were set at OT...at least that's what I keep hearing here. Colombo is 6'8", 320...not the typical Bronco lineman...just like Montrae Holland isn't a typical Bronco lineman.

Interesting...

Colombo visited Denver at the start of FA, right after he discovered America.LOL

[Rohirrim]

What do I care who they bring in? Fill a bus with these lard buckets, bring them to Dove Valley, and let them fight it out in camp. May the best lard bucket win! All I know is, the Broncos STILL need somebody who can blow up the pocket from the inside and penetrate, forcing the QB out into the slap-down zone. I can't tell you how many times I sat there last year thinking, "Man, this QB has all day. He doesn't even have to move."

[eddie mac]

I know! Apparently we prefer a 34 DT who's borderline retiring and hardly played last year than getting a young up and coming DT who helped Chicago reach the SuperBowl game.

Scott is "only" 300 lb so I guess he's not overweight enough for our defense!
Ha!

Scott will be more expensive.

[fontaine]

Scott will be more expensive.

Good DTs usually are.

[Steve Prefontaine]

Why no interest in Ian Scott? He's 25 and beat Boone out for playing time much of last season.
I was thinking the same damn thing.

[Requiem]

Wilkinson retire, Boone don't sign here.

Force us to get a DT in the draft.

[Barry Ramey]

I'd like Ian Scott even more than Wilkinson, much less Boone, but wonderig his price is too high, plus wondering if the Broncos think he's big enough to what they want at DT?

The Broncos are likely going to draft a DT in the draft no matter what they do in free agency, but do the Broncos expect to draft one and he's ready to start right away?

[bendog]

Wilkinson retire, Boone don't sign here.

Force us to get a DT in the draft.

Why? They need the bodies. Veal and The Slasher don't fit Bates system. Actually neither does Big Money, but he's got the contract. Bates seems more like Rhodes in terms of journeymen fatty tackles to hold the olineman, and pass rush off the end. But i hope Bates will not rush two guys and drop nine in coverage, repeatedly.

[i4jelway7]

Why no interest in Ian Scott? He's 25 and beat Boone out for playing time much of last season.

that is what I want to know, Scott would be the better choice, Boone will be cheaper.. Scott is about 15lbs lighter than Boone

[Garcia Bronco]

I would give wilkinson 3 days....if he hasn't come to a decision in 3 days I would void the trade. The players need to realize they need to make these decisions before the begining of March.

[-Slap-]

Scott will be more expensive.

Ya think?

You know what totally pisses me off? When the Broncos pursue defensive linemen who aren't roughly 27 years old, with unbelievable triangle numbers, no injury history or off-field problems and on the verge of perennial Pro Bowl status.

What the hell is wrong with them?

[kent156]

didn't the broncos try this kind of defense before and as i recall it didn't work out too well

[fontaine]

Ya think?

You know what totally pisses me off? When the Broncos pursue defensive linemen who aren't roughly 27 years old, with unbelievable triangle numbers, no injury history or off-field problems and on the verge of perennial Pro Bowl status.

What the hell is wrong with them?



Maybe if Scott threatens to file his retirement papers?!

Then the FO will take a run at him!
:rofl:

Seriously though, Wilkinson/Boone at over 30 will command good money because vet's minimum increases the older you are. We could fit Scott's cap charge at that cost and get a 25 year old DT that is an up and coming run stuffer. But what the hell do I know.

Someone said that Bates can get good production out of lesser/older talent. That's great, he fits our FO perfectly.

[Atlas]

Why no interest in Ian Scott? He's 25 and beat Boone out for playing time much of last season.

gee i don't know... price maybe???

[bendog]

There's no way shanny throws big money at any defensive lineman until he shows he lacks respect and professionalism and has anger management issues.

[Atlas]

Maybe if Scott threatens to file his retirement papers?!

Then the FO will take a run at him!
:rofl:

Seriously though, Wilkinson/Boone at over 30 will command good money because vet's minimum increases the older you are. We could fit Scott's cap charge at that cost and get a 25 year old DT that is an up and coming run stuffer. But what the hell do I know.

Someone said that Bates can get good production out of lesser/older talent. That's great, he fits our FO perfectly.

Not much. Because Vet minimum although higher counts only as the low minimum against the cap.

[Guessed]

A 38 year old Keith Traylor had better production than Wilkinson last year with Miami. If their looking for a stopgap DT for a year I say let Wilkinson retire and bring back Traylor (currently a free agent) for his third go around with the Broncos and pick up a DT in the first or second round of the draft.. Super Bowl rings seem to follow that guy around (two in Denver and one in New England).

[BroncoInferno]

fontaine, I'm sure they'd prefer the younger guys, the problem is that prices for younger DL are simply too inflated. With the market the way it is, Scott, a borderline starter, will likely get an $8-10 million bonus. My guess is they plan to use Wilkenson or Boone as a stop gap while a rookie develops, as rookie DTs typically take time to get the hang of things. If we don't address the situation in the draft this year, though, I will be much less understanding.

[broncosteven]

I don't think Duh Bears will let Scott walk. They need depth at DT. I didn't like what I saw of him.

I like the short term target of Boone in this rotation. I am hoping they go DL high & often in Draft. Get experienced guys in for short term while the young guys learn.

Boone is a grinder who does not take plays off. He may not be best DT out there but he does not need to be in this scheme.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

A 38 year old Keith Traylor had better production than Wilkinson last year with Miami. If their looking for a stopgap DT for a year I say let Wilkinson retire and bring back Traylor (currently a free agent) for his third go around with the Broncos and pick up a DT in the first or second round of the draft.. Super Bowl rings seem to follow that guy around (two in Denver and one in New England).

Traylor resigned with Miami

[Requiem]

Why? They need the bodies. Veal and The Slasher don't fit Bates system. Actually neither does Big Money, but he's got the contract. Bates seems more like Rhodes in terms of journeymen fatty tackles to hold the olineman, and pass rush off the end. But i hope Bates will not rush two guys and drop nine in coverage, repeatedly.


I'm not a fan of addressing our defensive defensive tackles with over the hill veterans. We need youth there. Those guys (for Bates' system) are hard to come by size wise, but as Coach Johnson said, it's just a premium to have big guys like there on the line, it's better - but it's not the be all end all. As long as there are bodies in there who can hold up and have the strength and ability to take up a few blockers, it'll work.

People are just counting out guys in the draft who aren't more than 310 pounds just because they see bigger guys like Warren and Wilkinson being here. I'm not going to count out any of those guys like Mebane, Tyler, etc. who aren't 315+ due to their size. The kids can play on the field, and that is what matters. No need to overlook players or disregard them just because they aren't huge guys.

I want Denver to find a long-term solution on the defensive line, not a short term fix like it's been through the recent off-season acquisitions.

[broncosteven]

I'm not a fan of addressing our defensive defensive tackles with over the hill veterans. We need youth there. Those guys (for Bates' system) are hard to come by size wise, but as Coach Johnson said, it's just a premium to have big guys like there on the line, it's better - but it's not the be all end all. As long as there are bodies in there who can hold up and have the strength and ability to take up a few blockers, it'll work.

People are just counting out guys in the draft who aren't more than 310 pounds just because they see bigger guys like Warren and Wilkinson being here. I'm not going to count out any of those guys like Mebane, Tyler, etc. who aren't 315+ due to their size. The kids can play on the field, and that is what matters. No need to overlook players or disregard them just because they aren't huge guys.

I want Denver to find a long-term solution on the defensive line, not a short term fix like it's been through the recent off-season acquisitions.

I also hope they draft DL early & often but you still need vets that can guide the rook's so the Rooks can watch them in camp & through their 1st year. It is called mentoring, even if the vet does not take the rook under his wing.

[chaz]

I also hope they draft DL early & often but you still need vets that can guide the rook's so the Rooks can watch them in camp & through their 1st year. It is called mentoring, even if the vet does not take the rook under his wing.

great point. agree fully. you cant bring in couple rookies on d-line and expect them to start right away...they need to learn what it takes in the nfl...

[Guessed]

Makes you wonder about Wilkinsons abilities at this point in his career when a 38 year old keith traylor puts up better numbers on their D line and according to Big Guy just re-signed. I'd prefer Big Daddy retires and the Broncs use the 6th round pick on someone 10 years younger, cheaper, and with a future in front of him.

[alkemical]

Makes you wonder about Wilkinsons abilities at this point in his career when a 38 year old keith traylor puts up better numbers on their D line and according to Big Guy just re-signed. I'd prefer Big Daddy retires and the Broncs use the 6th round pick on someone 10 years younger, cheaper, and with a future in front of him.

Then you aren't spending a 6th round draft pick..... then it turns into a first day pick

[Traveler]

4 different DC and still the same old fiasco of signing over the hill veterans to man the DL. Would surprise me if they didn't address the DL at all in the draft and instead got more weapons for the offense.

[Kaylore]

4 different DC and still the same old fiasco of signing over the hill veterans to man the DL. Would surprise me if they didn't address the DL at all in the draft and instead got more weapons for the offense.

If we drafted anyone besides offensive line early on for offense, I might break something. We need D-line help - maybe even linebacker help.

[Rock Chalk]

No more bargain basement players.

****. Just spend some god damn money on the D-line. Dont have any? Quit pissing it away on over-the-hill Rbs and over-rated TEs.

Jesus.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

These lineman are only goingt o play a handful of snaps a game. Why everyone thinks they are expected to be these 3 down guys is beyond me. They know more than us.