Krieger: Apparently, no rush to fix rush

[dragondawg]

It was late. Dan Reeves was tired. The NFL draft was nearly twice as long then, and he'd had just about enough.

The year was 1983. Reeves was rebuilding from a humbling 2-7 strike-interrupted 1982 season. He had already drafted four cornerbacks, two offensive linemen, a wide receiver, a linebacker, a quarterback (now coach of the Houston Texans), a defensive end and a center.

The John Elway deal hadn't happened yet. Reeves still thought his first-round guy was guard Chris Hinton.

In what amounted to a peace offering to the wretches, with whom he was always quarreling, Reeves said he might let us make his 12th-round pick.

Depended on a few things, but if everyone he liked was gone, we could have it.

Naturally, I began to scour Ivy League rosters for a philosophy major.

Turned out, somebody he liked was still there. He seemed to have forgotten his earlier offer when he came down to announce he'd used the 310th selection on an undersized defensive lineman from Minnesota named Karl Mecklenburg.

If only finding a pass rusher these days were that easy.

Somehow, through all the Broncos' recent drama, through tragedy and quarterback controversies and major trades, their primary need remains.

They still don't have a pass rush.

This is a little hard to explain. They have been one of the most active teams in the NFL remaking their roster this offseason, not to mention overhauling the coaching staff.

Responding to the shooting death of cornerback Darrent Williams on New Year's Day, they pulled off a major trade for a replacement, although Dré Bly has been conspicuous since then only by his absence.

It looked from afar like they gave up a lot - starters George Foster, a former first-round draft pick, and Tatum Bell, a former second - but in fact, these guys had been in Mike Shanahan's doghouse so long they were thinking about redecorating.

The Broncos signed Montrae Holland and Daniel Graham to beef up the offensive line and Travis Henry to replace Bell. They may or may not have obtained Dan Wilkinson, depending on whether he reports and passes a physical, but the 14-year veteran is way past his pass-rushing days in any case. At best, he's another big body in the tackle rotation.

All this activity, and still no pass rusher.

They did make a run at Patrick Kerney, the top rusher on the free-agent market, just as they made a run at John Abraham a year ago. In both cases, they thought the eventual price too steep.

Oddly, after allowing the Seahawks to outbid them for Kerney, the Broncos determinedly outbid Seattle for Graham, perhaps overpaying.

No knock on Graham, who was an important part of one of the best offensive lines in college football while at CU. But pass rusher is a much more pronounced need for the Broncos than another tight end.

As it is, Graham will likely supplant last year's starter, Stephen Alexander, as the blocking tight end while Tony Scheffler tries to assume the Shannon Sharpe role as pass receiver in a tight end's body. Graham is an upgrade as a blocker and should help the running game.

Still, Alexander is a solid pro. This was not a major need.

With Kerney off the market, free agency no longer offers much help, so the Broncos must turn to the draft in their search for a pass rusher. This is where things get complicated.

No. 21, the Broncos' position in the first round at the moment, is not high enough for Gaines Adams of Clemson or Jamaal Anderson of Arkansas.

It's probably too high for Jarvis Moss of Florida or Anthony Spencer of Purdue, depending on which way football's fickle finger of fate points over the next six weeks.

Adam Carriker of Nebraska might be there. He's a tough, blue-collar defensive lineman, but he lacks the speed off the edge NFL teams are looking for from ends these days. In fact, some scouts think he'll wind up playing tackle.

This is where the Bly situation becomes intriguing. Unlike Champ Bailey, with whom he would be paired in the secondary, Bly did not come to town for an introductory news conference following his trade from Detroit. Rumors persist that he would prefer to play in Washington.

It just so happens that the Redskins have the sixth pick in the draft, a pretty good place to nab Adams, a speed rusher off the edge in the mold of Jevon Kearse. The last time the Broncos drafted a defensive lineman from Clemson in the first round, it worked out pretty well.

Of course, there would be other temptations way up there, including prototype safety LaRon Landry of LSU and cornerback Leon Hall of Michigan, especially if they're losing Bly in the bargain.

Over time, you can almost bet these alternatives would start to look better and better. For some reason, the Broncos always seem to feel that rushing the passer can wait.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/sports_columnists/article/0,1299,DRMN_83_5427879,00.html

[Kaylore]

Every year Krieger complains that Shanahan isn't doing enough or taking enough chances. Last year he was whining that Shanahan was too afraid to move up to take Vince Young. Then Shanahan moves up and takes Cutler and Krieger has egg on his face. I think I remember him moaning out loud about things before the Champ for Portis trade. Every year he whines early, and every year he looks stupid when the concern is address.

That said, we haven't made a legitimate attempt to draft defensive linemen in forever, so it would be nice Shanahan gave it a shot for once.

[Atlas]

Every year Krieger complains that Shanahan isn't doing enough or taking enough chances. Last year he was whining that Shanahan was too afraid to move up to take Vince Young. Then Shanahan moves up and takes Cutler and Krieger has egg on his face. I think I remember him moaning out loud about things before the Champ for Portis trade. Every year he whines early, and every year he looks stupid when the concern is address.

That said, we haven't made a legitimate attempt to draft defensive linemen in forever, so it would be nice Shanahan gave it a shot for once.

Sounds like a lot of members of the Orangemane

[Florida_Bronco]

The last time the Broncos drafted a defensive lineman from Clemson in the first round, it worked out pretty well.

Oh really?

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/396035

[Atlas]

What's funny is that Shanny drafted Pryce in the first round BUT he wasn't agressive. Shanny stayed where he was and drafted Pryce with the 30th selection I believe. People were saying that Pryce was a reach and was lazy.

[Clockwork Orange]

Oh really?

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/396035

McNeal wasn't a 1st rounder.

[Clockwork Orange]

People were saying that Pryce was a reach and was lazy.

I don't remember hearing it firsthand, but that's what I've been told that Kiper said about him.

[Kaylore]

Sounds like a lot of members of the Orangemane

Yeah, though it's not as bad this year...though I guess we blew our wad like everyone wanted so there wasn't anything to complain about as usual.

[CSU Husker]

So let me get this right. Reeves was going to let some writers make a draft pick?!?!?!?!

[Florida_Bronco]

McNeal wasn't a 1st rounder.

Well don't I look stupid now? Thats what I get for trying to be a smartass.

[footstepsfrom#27]

What did he say that wasn't true? We do lack a pass rush and we never seem to do much about it except plug in aging vets and temporary fixes.

[watermock]

Whiney biatches including Krieger amuse me. When Griese was run out on a virtual rail to Aushwitz we took the best available alternative. Was Jake the answer? No, but he was the best available stopgap.

Teams just don't crap out elite DL unless they are overpaid or over the hill..period. Denver is doing EXACTLY what it should be doing, and is doing it well...

This isn't a french bistro where you can just pull out your Diner's Club Card and order what you want regardless of the price. For a team that supposedly had 2.8 million to work with the accomplishments are incredible IMO.

Any moron can write that Denver needs to get more pressure on the QB. Here is where Krieger shows his utter stupidity and incompetence.

Denver was unhappy with Lelie...he vanishes for two decent picks. In comes Walker. done.

Denver got it's QBOTF and should of gotten a 4th rounder. Is that our fault? Gruden isn't exactly a doofus regarding QB's. done.

Denver was unhappy for obvious reasons with Tater Tot and Foster Lager. Done...in comes Travis Henry.

We needed a set to combat the 3-4...enter Graham.

We needed a backup QB that could make power throws like Jay...enter Ramsey..done.

Young corners sans DWill, *sigh*...kinda done.

What does this mean? Now Denver CAN concentrate on young DL in this draft, when a DL can make an immediate impact unlike many other positions.

I didn't hear Shiathead Krieger giving credit to Rod Smith for wiping 10m off the books in the next two years, or Warren taking a cut. If we don't shoot the wad in this draft we can draft 4 DL and christ, we are due to find one finally. I'm pretty dam happy honestly...we have a full draft and our franchise QB and a franchise WR. And more.

We patched some potholes, now we can go get some DL...That idiot doesn't know shiat.

I guess I'm pissed...for good reason..

Rant over.

[watermock]

One other thing...does anyone realize Denver hasn't given up crap other than a conditional 6th for the former first overall pick in the draft?

[BroncoInferno]

Well, my biggest concern is that we only have two defensive tackles on the roster who have ever gotten any serious playing time in their careers...Warren and Veal, and the latter doesn't seem to be a great fit for Bates' scheme. Even if Wilkinson reports, that's still only three guys. Maybe they are high on Burton? At the very least, there are not enough bodies at DT. I'm less concerned about DE, though it'd be nice to get some more youth at the position. If no other moves are made in FA, I don't see how we can trade away draft picks in an effort to get Adams. That would likely leave us with 0 or 1 first day pick at the most, and therefore leave us without many alternatives at DT. Maybe there is some kind of trade in the works (Haynesworth for a 3rd?)? I am not in panic mode, but we need some live bodies at the very least.

[Atlas]

Well, my biggest concern is that we only have two defensive tackles on the roster who have ever gotten any serious playing time in their careers...Warren and Veal, and the latter doesn't seem to be a great fit for Bates' scheme. Even if Wilkinson reports, that's still only three guys. Maybe they are high on Burton? At the very least, there are not enough bodies at DT. I'm less concerned about DE, though it'd be nice to get some more youth at the position. If no other moves are made in FA, I don't see how we can trade away draft picks in an effort to get Adams. That would likely leave us with 0 or 1 first day pick at the most, and therefore leave us without many alternatives at DT. Maybe there is some kind of trade in the works (Haynesworth for a 3rd?)? I am not in panic mode, but we need some live bodies at the very least.


Don't worry there will be more DTs on the roster after the draft.

[BroncoInferno]

Don't worry there will be more DTs on the roster after the draft.

Well, that's what I mean about trading up for Adams or Anderson as Kreiger suggests. It would likely leave us bare of the resources to effectively address DT. Heck, even if we stay put use our 1st and 2nd rounders both on DTs, players at the position usually take some time to adjust to the pro game (true of all players, I know, but for whatever reason DT is one of those positions where the developmental curve is particularly pronounced). So, the youngsters probably would not be ready to contribute until later in the season or maybe not until 2008 (or, hell, maybe never). Hopefully, Wilkinson will show up so we will at least have a veteran stop gap who fits Bates' scheme until the young guys we will (hopefully) draft are ready to contribute. We probably need a second veteran stop gap, too, given that Veal at 288 pounds probably does not fits Bates' scheme. We'll see how it pans out. Like I said, maybe we'll get involved in another trade for (perhaps) a tagged player or somebody like Haynesworth.

[Atlas]

Well, that's what I mean about trading up for Adams or Anderson as Kreiger suggests. It would likely leave us bare of the resources to effectively address DT. Heck, even if we stay put use our 1st and 2nd rounders both on DTs, players at the position usually take some time to adjust to the pro game (true of all players, I know, but for whatever reason DT is one of those positions where the developmental curve is particularly pronounced). So, the youngsters probably would not be ready to contribute until later in the season or maybe not until 2008 (or, hell, maybe never). Hopefully, Wilkinson will show up so we will at least have a veteran stop gap who fits Bates' scheme until the young guys we will (hopefully) draft are ready to contribute. We probably need a second veteran stop gap, too, given that Veal at 288 pounds probably does not fits Bates' scheme. We'll see how it pans out. Like I said, maybe we'll get involved in another trade for (perhaps) a tagged player or somebody like Haynesworth.

Shanny isn't going to trade up for a DT. If he does it will be for Ginn JR. There are plenty of DT and DE's at 21. He could even trader down if he wanted. DOn't rule him out going for Ginn though. This is my own little opinion. To get Ginn he would have to trade a 1st, 3rd and maybe a 5th.

[Barry Ramey]

Why would the Broncos trade up for Ginn? Sure, he should be a really good return guy, but as a WR, I don't think he'll make that big an impact unless you just want him to run fly patterns all game long.

[Atlas]

Why would the Broncos trade up for Ginn? Sure, he should be a really good return guy, but as a WR, I don't think he'll make that big an impact unless you just want him to run fly patterns all game long.


HE is lightning in a bottle. HE is a play maker and a game changer. He could learn a year behind Rod and return kicks and be the 4th WR.

It probably won't happen BUT that is the kinda guy that Shanny would make a move for. HE isn't going to trade up so he can draft some fat guy to clog up the middle.

[Atlas]

Why would the Broncos trade up for Ginn? Sure, he should be a really good return guy, but as a WR, I don't think he'll make that big an impact unless you just want him to run fly patterns all game long.


This is why Shanny would trade up to get Ginn.

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[BroncoInferno]

Ginn would be an awful move even if he's available @ 21. He'd improve the return game, but you don't take return guys in round one. As a WR, he's Lelie Part Deux. Hell, some scouts think he should play CB in the pros and don't conmsidrer him legit WR prospect! Guy is waaaaaaaay too skinny.

[Broncojef]

Shanny isn't going to trade up for a DT. If he does it will be for Ginn JR. There are plenty of DT and DE's at 21. He could even trader down if he wanted. DOn't rule him out going for Ginn though. This is my own little opinion. To get Ginn he would have to trade a 1st, 3rd and maybe a 5th.

I seem to recall a Pro Bowler in the third comment in another thread now we use a first, a third and a fifth to get Ginn? No thanks if you use that kind of ammo it had better be for Landry, Carriker or someone that can make a difference. No way do we move anywhere to get this guy.

[Atlas]

I seem to recall a Pro Bowler in the third comment in another thread now we use a first, a third and a fifth to get Ginn? No thanks if you use that kind of ammo it had better be for Landry, Carriker or someone that can make a difference. No way do we move anywhere to get this guy.

It depends how far you want to move up. Ginn is scheduled to go between 9 and 15.

[Broncojef]

It depends how far you want to move up. Ginn is scheduled to go between 9 and 15.

I agree the third and fifth would get you in the ballpark I guess but do you really think Ginn would be a target? just asking, he's not high on my list but in honesty I guess a guy I never considered either. I could see the move up to that level if Landry fell or they really wanted to secure a guy like Carriker....Ginn hhmmmm just not sure.

[Atlas]

I agree the third and fifth would get you in the 9-15 territory but do you really think Ginn would be a target? just asking, he's not high on my list but in honesty I guess a guy I never considered either. I could see the move up to that level if Landry fell or they really wanted to secure a guy like Carriker....Ginn hhmmmm just not sure.

I'm thinking like Shanny. Do you think he is going to move up in the draft to get a fat ass?? I don't think Denver is moving up, but if they do I believe it will be for Ginn, Johnson or Gaines. I suppose there is a chance he might move up a couple spots so he could ensure getting Carricker but any major movement will be to get a playmaker. THat's just what I think. Look what Hester did for the Bears, He doesn't have a position, yet how many teams would if they could turn the clock back draft him in the 1st round.

If Denver wants to make a Super Bowl what could make a bigger impact this year than a guy that can make the plays that Gin can?

If you watch that Ginn video notice all the times he returned a kick when the score was 0-0? Quite a few. HE could turn the tide of a game in a heartbeat.

[Barry Ramey]

I just think trading up to get Ginn and essentially leaving yourself with no draft making that trade is pretty dumb. Sure, a big-time returner would be great to have, but the Broncos have not been able to address their DL issues in free agency or trades to this point, so they will need draft picks to do that. Besides, the Broncos don't have a 5th rounder anyway.

I would expect the Broncos to trade down before trading up. Finding an impact DL is more important than a return guy at this point and I'm not confident Ginn would be anymore than a return guy in the Bronco offense.

If Ginn is there at #21, then I could see the argument, but to trade up to get him, I don't.

[Atlas]

I just think trading up to get Ginn and essentially leaving yourself with no draft making that trade is pretty dumb. Sure, a big-time returner would be great to have, but the Broncos have not been able to address their DL issues in free agency or trades to this point, so they will need draft picks to do that. Besides, the Broncos don't have a 5th rounder anyway.

I would expect the Broncos to trade down before trading up. Finding an impact DL is more important than a return guy at this point and I'm not confident Ginn would be anymore than a return guy in the Bronco offense.

If Ginn is there at #21, then I could see the argument, but to trade up to get him, I don't.

Denver has two 3rd rounders. Move up giving your 1st, 3rd and 6th. then Draft Ginn, DT in the 2nd DE in the 3rd, S in the 5th ETC...

[Requiem]

I just think Denver feels they're only a "few" players away from the Super Bowl, so I think a trade up would be realistic. I don't know if trading to #6 with Washington is the most probable, but it's more realistic to than the Lions at #2.

#21 is valued at 800 points, #6 is 1,800. Denver has to come up with that value somewhere. They'll probably actually have to give up around 200 points more for the Redskins to even consider the trade.

Denver tosses #21 to them, okay. Now they need 800 to 1000 more points. Have to toss in #56 too and that's 340 points. Now where do they get the other 460+ points? Maybe a guy named Dre' Bly - giving him that hefty of a # puts his value as a second-rounder, and I think that's a little high, but for the sake of this let's just say it works.

That'd leave Denver with the #70 and #86 picks after that trade. I'm guessing Denver would have to throw in a future pick (perhaps as high as a third) to get to #6. Is it worth it, who knows? But Denver already has Washington's fourth next year so I could live without a future third.

Denver sends #21, #56, Future Third-Rounder and Dre' Bly to the Skins for #6.

It's the only realistic way I even see Denver getting that pick, and even that might not be enough.

If that was the case Denver can still get three good players at #6, #70 and #86.

#6 offers Amobi Okoye, Gaines Adams or Jamaal Anderson. Pick your poison, it's a hard decision. I'd be more happy with Okoye and Adams over Anderson, and I think those would be the likely picks.

With our two third-rounders, you can look for additional help on the defensive line, offensive line and at safety. Whatever the Broncos prefer.

Realistically, Denver is probably going to only wind up with 3 first-day selections after a trade up anyways, so why not move up as high as you can go? I realize you give up Bly in the process (but I'm guessing he'd just play one year here anyways) and a future third but that's the price you pay.

At #21, Denver has to wait and see what falls if they don't make a move. By that time, most of the elite lineman could be gone, but very good ones would be left. It's all really preference, but I think the Broncos are going to try and make a big splash. Like Wabbit said, if there's even a little part of a door open, Shanahan will try and go through it.

This next month will be interesting and I expect some sort of trade deal involving picks to be completed by early April.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I think a move up of 5-6 spots is much more likely than either a trade for 2 or 6.

Trevor Price was only available for the Broncos because he was inexperienced as a defensive end. He only player DE one year at Clemson. He played linebacker at Michigan for two years.

[Odysseus]

Ginn would be an awful move even if he's available @ 21. He'd improve the return game, but you don't take return guys in round one. As a WR, he's Lelie Part Deux. Hell, some scouts think he should play CB in the pros and don't conmsidrer him legit WR prospect! Guy is waaaaaaaay too skinny.

I have no idea why fans are enamored with this skinny sucker.

[bendog]

I think a move up of 5-6 spots is much more likely than either a trade for 2 or 6.

Trevor Price was only available for the Broncos because he was inexperienced as a defensive end. He only player DE one year at Clemson. He played linebacker at Michigan for two years.

Me too. And assuming they're going defense, I'd think they were targeting Nelson. I just don't see moving up to take Carriker. He's a fine prospect, but he's more a runstuff/LS DE. I could also see trading down, except Den already has picks, and with the FA signings ...

Anybody like the cornerback Revis?

[Requiem]

Maybe why some people like Ted Ginn, Jr.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGyrgqOKZLg

[Barry Ramey]

Denver has two 3rd rounders. Move up giving your 1st, 3rd and 6th. then Draft Ginn, DT in the 2nd DE in the 3rd, S in the 5th ETC...

So the Broncos basically go with the same starters at DL except for Wilkinson instead of Myers at DT? You think they can find a DE who would start right away in the 3rd round? Again, Broncos do not have a 5th rounder, so there would be no 5th rounder to take a safety.

[BroncoInferno]

Maybe why some people like Ted Ginn, Jr.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGyrgqOKZLg

Why I don't want him in the 1st round was in the first frame:

Ted Ginn Jr. 6'1" 175 lbs.

He has great skills in the open field, to be sure, but you cannot be a consistent WR in the NFL if you cannot consistently get off the line of scrimmage, and he is not going to be able to do that at 175 lbs.

[RunSilentRunDeep]

Why I don't want him in the 1st round was in the first frame:
but you cannot be a consistent WR in the NFL if you cannot consistently get off the line of scrimmage ...

Please repeat that to everyone who thinks David Kircus is worth a crap.

[KipCorrington25]

Price was lazy.

He was smart and had a lot of God given athletic ability so he succeeded in spite of that.

[DB-Freak]

Ginn would be an awful move even if he's available @ 21. He'd improve the return game, but you don't take return guys in round one. As a WR, he's Lelie Part Deux. Hell, some scouts think he should play CB in the pros and don't conmsidrer him legit WR prospect! Guy is waaaaaaaay too skinny.

Desmond Howard...

[fdf]

This is why Shanny would trade up to get Ginn.



Wow. Great acceleration. He looks like a man among boys out there.

[azbroncfan]

I believe people who bitch about getting Graham instead of Kearny don't know their football too well. Kerney is a 30 year old WHITE(not that I hold that against him), coming off an injury year, puts up 10 sacks or 2 sacks (so kind of streaky) defensive end. In the long run Kerney will never play up to his contract in my opinion but only time will tell. Fixing the pass rush is in need of more than one player.

[telluride]

Perhaps they should not have used "Black Betty" as the soundtrack for that Ginn clip....

[ayjackson]

I would concede that Shanahan would be extremely tempted to take Ginn IF he fell to 21. He is bent on building the premier offence in the game for Jay, defence be damned.

I think two things hold him back though. First, Ginn is a great return guy, trick play receiver to have in the slot, but we drafted one in the fourth round last year and haven't seen what he can do. Second, I didn't see one fly route on that 5-minute video. I think we'd want the third reciever to be able to go over the top and not just YAC all the time.

In the end, we'll wait to see who falls to 21 and then decide whether to pick or trade down. The trade down prize would be Harrel. The stay put prize would be Willis/Branch.

[orinjkrush]

I just think Denver feels they're only a "few" players away from the Super Bowl, so I think a trade up would be realistic. I don't know if trading to #6 with Washington is the most probable, but it's more realistic to than the Lions at #2.

#21 is valued at 800 points, #6 is 1,800. Denver has to come up with that value somewhere. They'll probably actually have to give up around 200 points more for the Redskins to even consider the trade.

Denver tosses #21 to them, okay. Now they need 800 to 1000 more points. Have to toss in #56 too and that's 340 points. Now where do they get the other 460+ points? Maybe a guy named Dre' Bly - giving him that hefty of a # puts his value as a second-rounder, and I think that's a little high, but for the sake of this let's just say it works.

That'd leave Denver with the #70 and #86 picks after that trade. I'm guessing Denver would have to throw in a future pick (perhaps as high as a third) to get to #6. Is it worth it, who knows? But Denver already has Washington's fourth next year so I could live without a future third.

Denver sends #21, #56, Future Third-Rounder and Dre' Bly to the Skins for #6.

It's the only realistic way I even see Denver getting that pick, and even that might not be enough.

If that was the case Denver can still get three good players at #6, #70 and #86.

#6 offers Amobi Okoye, Gaines Adams or Jamaal Anderson. Pick your poison, it's a hard decision. I'd be more happy with Okoye and Adams over Anderson, and I think those would be the likely picks.

With our two third-rounders, you can look for additional help on the defensive line, offensive line and at safety. Whatever the Broncos prefer.

Realistically, Denver is probably going to only wind up with 3 first-day selections after a trade up anyways, so why not move up as high as you can go? I realize you give up Bly in the process (but I'm guessing he'd just play one year here anyways) and a future third but that's the price you pay.

At #21, Denver has to wait and see what falls if they don't make a move. By that time, most of the elite lineman could be gone, but very good ones would be left. It's all really preference, but I think the Broncos are going to try and make a big splash. Like Wabbit said, if there's even a little part of a door open, Shanahan will try and go through it.

This next month will be interesting and I expect some sort of trade deal involving picks to be completed by early April.

good analysis! but if they do this i will positively throw up. on top of all these machinations you have the hefty salary of a high first rounder. yuck.

[telluride]

Also, if they do that, who plays opposite Champ?

[ayjackson]

Also, if they do that, who plays opposite Champ?

This was my thought too. If we trade to number 6, not only do we reduce to three day one picks, we lose our starting corner, and have to spend one of those first day picks on a CB (even if Foxworth replaces Bly, we'd probably still go day one corner). So effectively, we'd only have two first day picks. Is Gaines Adams worth that? Especially if a Carriker, Branch, Willis, or Anderson could slide to within striking distance of 21?

[Dudeskey]

Ginn would be an awful move even if he's available @ 21. He'd improve the return game, but you don't take return guys in round one. As a WR, he's Lelie Part Deux. Hell, some scouts think he should play CB in the pros and don't conmsidrer him legit WR prospect! Guy is waaaaaaaay too skinny.

Ginn = Todd Pinkston

[NFLBRONCO]

As bad as our ST's has been lately like it or not I could see Denver selecting Ginn very easily. I've wanted to go DL high since forever and we haven't I will never 100% assume we go DL at 21 this year. I'm actually thinking S even in a trade up is the way we end up going.

I think our drafting is alot better these days so I'm not concerned like I was a few years ago.

[Killericon]

Grant Wistrom? Please?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Sounds like Wistrom is retiring. Knees are shot.

[Willynowei]

Nice point about the 3-4 mock.

If Graham really can stretch out there and make a difference against the 3-4, then that upgrades the offense tremendously for playoff action as most top teams in the AFC play 3-4.

For the D-line, I bet if they threw three first day picks at the position, one will stick :)

[broncolife]

I'm thinking like Shanny. Do you think he is going to move up in the draft to get a fat ass?? I don't think Denver is moving up, but if they do I believe it will be for Ginn, Johnson or Gaines. I suppose there is a chance he might move up a couple spots so he could ensure getting Carricker but any major movement will be to get a playmaker. THat's just what I think. Look what Hester did for the Bears, He doesn't have a position, yet how many teams would if they could turn the clock back draft him in the 1st round.

If Denver wants to make a Super Bowl what could make a bigger impact this year than a guy that can make the plays that Gin can?

If you watch that Ginn video notice all the times he returned a kick when the score was 0-0? Quite a few. HE could turn the tide of a game in a heartbeat.

I didnt want a reciever in round one, but it would be nice to have a return guy like him. He could be our x factor.The thing I love about that video it shows how great of balance the guy has. I mean T. Bell would have tripped over his own feet if he was put in the same situation as Ginn was.I still want a good d-line man or a S in the first. But I wouldnt be that disapointed if we got Ginn. Because he would help our special teams greatly. I mean every kickoff return,punt return and reverse would be exicting. I could even see us pitching it to him like the Chargers did with Tim Dwight.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Ginn is exactly the player we could have used last year to inject some life into our offense. Having said that, I believe a guy like this is more of a luxury and we have greater needs to fill.

[Atlas]

Good news maybe for Denver Ginn is slipping in the draft!!

2. Is Ted Ginn Jr.'s injury threatening his first-round grade?

It depends on which team you talk to. The mid-foot sprain that Ginn suffered in the BCS title game loss to Florida has now idled him for both the combine and Ohio State's March 10 pro day. His goal is to be healthy enough to run a 40 at a private workout in early April, but he reportedly still has pain his right foot when he runs lightly, so that target date may be too optimistic. Once thought to be a solid top-10 pick, Ginn now is considered a bit of a risk in the top half of the first round. Some mock drafts have him still on the board when San Diego's turn comes up at No. 30.

Ginn's speed and elusiveness leave him with no peer in this draft on that front, but some view him as more of a return threat who also plays receiver rather than the other way around. While the success of Chicago rookie Devin Hester last season proved there's a high-profile place for a talent like that in the NFL, Ginn's stock is dropping because his lingering injury is giving scouts the chance to both question his toughness and durability. They may classify him as a bit of a specialist/luxury pick rather than a fulltime player.

[Atlas]

I would really hate to see Ginn go to the Chargers! Him and V. Jackson could really set the Chargers up for years to come.

[BroncoInferno]

Great. His injury status just made him a lock for Denver Uhh

[Jens1893]

I want football players, not track stars or workout warriors. FOOTBALL PLAYERS!

[fontaine]

The strange thing is though that with the uncertainty around Wilkinson we could conceiveably go into the draft with only two DTs in Warren/Veal which would suck because it would back us into a corner and force the team to draft at least two DTs in a draft that is only average at that position.

This is why I was hopeful that we would land Ian Scott since he would provide us to with a starting combination with Veal as backup and Myers still available to come in.

[Atlas]

The strange thing is though that with the uncertainty around Wilkinson we could conceiveably go into the draft with only two DTs in Warren/Veal which would suck because it would back us into a corner and force the team to draft at least two DTs in a draft that is only average at that position.

This is why I was hopeful that we would land Ian Scott since he would provide us to with a starting combination with Veal as backup and Myers still available to come in.

Fontaine there are plenty of DTs left on the FA market. Denver won't be backed into a corner.


Player Pos. FA Type Ht. Wt. Exp. 2006 Team 2007 Team Grade Comment
Anthony Adams DT UFA 6-0 297 4 49ers Insiders Only
Kenderick Allen DT UFA 6-5 328 4 Packers Insiders Only
Tim Anderson DT RFA 6-3 304 3 Bills Insiders Only
Alfonso Boone DT UFA 6-4 318 6 Bears Chiefs Insiders Only
Ryan Boschetti DT Released 6-4 305 3 Redskins Redskins Insiders Only
Jordan Carstens DT UFA 6-5 300 3 Panthers Insiders Only
Lional Dalton DT UFA 6-1 315 9 Texans Insiders Only
Nick Eason DT UFA 6-3 305 4 Browns Insiders Only
Ron Edwards DT UFA 6-3 315 6 Chiefs Chiefs Insiders Only
Jason Fisk DT UFA 6-3 300 12 Rams Insiders Only
Aubrayo Franklin DT UFA 6-1 320 4 Ravens 49ers Insiders Only
Tyoka Jackson DT Released 6-2 280 12 Lions Insiders Only
Spencer Johnson DT RFA 6-3 286 3 Vikings Insiders Only
Ethan Kelley DT RFA 6-2 320 2 Browns Insiders Only
Tommy Kelly DT RFA 6-6 300 3 Raiders Insiders Only
Cedric Killings DT UFA 6-2 310 4 Texans Insiders Only
Dan Klecko DT UFA 5-11 275 4 Colts Insiders Only
Ross Kolodziej DT UFA 6-3 292 5 Vikings Insiders Only
Antwan Lake DT UFA 6-4 308 4 Saints Saints Insiders Only
Lance Legree DT UFA 6-1 300 6 NY Giants Buccaneers Insiders Only
Player Pos. FA Type Ht. Wt. Exp. 2006 Team 2007 Team Grade Comment
Rodney Leisle DT RFA 6-3 315 3 Saints Insiders Only
Rien Long DT UFA 6-6 300 4 Titans Titans Insiders Only
Alvin McKinley DT UFA 6-3 294 7 Browns Insiders Only
Rashad Moore DT RFA 6-3 324 3 NY Jets Insiders Only
Kindal Moorehead DT UFA 6-2 285 4 Panthers Insiders Only
Michael Myers DT UFA 6-2 300 9 Broncos Insiders Only
Seth Payne DT Released 6-4 303 10 Texans Insiders Only
Cleveland Pinkney DT Released 6-1 300 3 Lions Lions Insiders Only
Michael Quarshie DT Released 6-3 285 1 Raiders Insiders Only
Montae Reagor DT Released 6-3 285 8 Colts Insiders Only
Cory Redding DT RFA 6-4 290 4 Lions Insiders Only
James Reed DT UFA 6-0 286 6 Chiefs Insiders Only
Ian Scott DT UFA 6-3 302 4 Bears Insiders Only
Shaun Smith DT RFA 6-2 315 3 Bengals Browns Insiders Only
Randy Starks DT RFA 6-3 312 3 Titans Insiders Only
Craig Terrill DT RFA 6-3 287 3 Seahawks Insiders Only
Keith Traylor DT UFA 6-2 337 16 Dolphins Dolphins Insiders Only
Kevin Vickerson DT Released 6-5 305 2 Dolphins Dolphins Insiders Only
Tony Williams DT UFA 6-2 296 9 Jaguars Insiders Only
Jeff Zgonina DT UFA 6-2 290 14 Dolphins Texans

Most of these guys are still unsigned.

[fontaine]

Fontaine there are plenty of DTs left on the FA market. Denver won't be backed into a corner.

Guess again. Out of that list, the good DTs are gone and there's nobody that fits Bates' scheme of big bodied DTs. Why do you think we traded for a 34 year Big Daddy with a lousy knee and let Myers walk?

Either we end up reaching in the draft for some Wilkinson type DT or we just sign the best DT available (Ian Scott) and the team has already passed on Scott so get ready for a draft reach.