dragondawg
03-19-2007, 06:39 AM
Broncos Team Report
Lee Rasizer
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS
The switch to Jim Bates at defensive coordinator will necessitate more classroom time this offseason for the players who'll need to get acclimated to his scheme. The coaching staff will keep on-field identifying terms of offensive formations the same, which should smooth the transition some. But the most complicated aspect should come in getting everyone aligned properly and assignment-ready in pass coverage. Some players, such as FS John Lynch, already have done some film work in preparation for spring camps. Bates' offseason tutoring sessions also will stress proper technique up front as part of his gap-control approach to run defense.
The experiment with DE Elvis Dumervil playing inside at tackle in the nickel defense that Denver employed some last season has ended. And while new defensive line coach Bill Johnson admitted he had some questions about whether Dumervil could handle early downs in the NFL, those fears were allayed last season. Dumervil should remain a valuable asset in the pass rush, regardless of what the Broncos add at the position in the draft.
The Broncos are continuing to count upon Dan Wilkinson reporting and playing an integral part of their interior defensive line. But the team also has hedged its bets by continuing to host free agent defensive tackles in case Wilkinson retires or insists on being a no-show at their offseason program.
DRAFT BUZZ
The Broncos extensive work via trades and in the free agent market has shored up the offense to the point that they could focus almost exclusively on the other side of the ball in the draft. The draft is strong on the defensive line, particularly at end, where the team could use the most help. So it wouldn't be surprising to see Nebraska's Adam Carriker, Purdue's Anthony Spencer or Georgia's Charles Johnson taken with the No. 21 overall pick. But with an extra third-rounder to play with, including Washington's high No. 3 obtained in the Ashley Lelie trade, the Broncos could be aggressive in moving up to pick up a top-tier tackle, such as Michigan's Alan Branch or Louisville's Amobi Okoye. Denver likely won't take a first-round safety, but it could take one in the second.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=188835
Lee Rasizer
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS
The switch to Jim Bates at defensive coordinator will necessitate more classroom time this offseason for the players who'll need to get acclimated to his scheme. The coaching staff will keep on-field identifying terms of offensive formations the same, which should smooth the transition some. But the most complicated aspect should come in getting everyone aligned properly and assignment-ready in pass coverage. Some players, such as FS John Lynch, already have done some film work in preparation for spring camps. Bates' offseason tutoring sessions also will stress proper technique up front as part of his gap-control approach to run defense.
The experiment with DE Elvis Dumervil playing inside at tackle in the nickel defense that Denver employed some last season has ended. And while new defensive line coach Bill Johnson admitted he had some questions about whether Dumervil could handle early downs in the NFL, those fears were allayed last season. Dumervil should remain a valuable asset in the pass rush, regardless of what the Broncos add at the position in the draft.
The Broncos are continuing to count upon Dan Wilkinson reporting and playing an integral part of their interior defensive line. But the team also has hedged its bets by continuing to host free agent defensive tackles in case Wilkinson retires or insists on being a no-show at their offseason program.
DRAFT BUZZ
The Broncos extensive work via trades and in the free agent market has shored up the offense to the point that they could focus almost exclusively on the other side of the ball in the draft. The draft is strong on the defensive line, particularly at end, where the team could use the most help. So it wouldn't be surprising to see Nebraska's Adam Carriker, Purdue's Anthony Spencer or Georgia's Charles Johnson taken with the No. 21 overall pick. But with an extra third-rounder to play with, including Washington's high No. 3 obtained in the Ashley Lelie trade, the Broncos could be aggressive in moving up to pick up a top-tier tackle, such as Michigan's Alan Branch or Louisville's Amobi Okoye. Denver likely won't take a first-round safety, but it could take one in the second.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=188835