dragondawg
05-24-2007, 12:02 AM
This is what I like about the Denver Broncos' offseason moves: Mike Shanahan has been bolder and more aggressive in shaking up his roster than at any other time since 1998, the season he led the Broncos to their second of back-to-back Super Bowl victories. He will not rest until he gets a third ring, which is the reason the team was extremely active in acquiring players via free agency and trade.
The Broncos' most important offseason move was picking up free-agent running back Travis Henry from the Tennessee Titans. Henry is a game-breaking force whose willingness to keep fighting for every extra inch also makes him effective in grinding out the clock. The Broncos' unwavering commitment to the run and blocking scheme that consistently opens holes has brought out the best in far less talented backs.
Cornerback Dre' Bly, acquired in a trade with the Detroit Lions, should be a strong complement to Champ Bailey. The circumstances that created the urgent need for a cornerback -- the murder of Darrent Williams -- have left a lingering sadness around the team, but the Broncos were fortunate to land a player of Bly's skills as a replacement.
Tight end Daniel Graham, a free agent from the New England Patriots, provides a nice, reliable, underneath target that should help bring a sense of security to young quarterback Jay Cutler. In addition, Graham will contribute as a solid run-blocker.
The Broncos took a significant step toward putting more teeth into their ability to pressure the quarterback by trading up to make former Florida defensive end Jarvis Moss their first-round draft pick. Moss has the talent, speed, explosiveness and athleticism to provide the consistent pass-rushing force Courtney Brown and Kenard Lang failed to deliver after the Broncos acquired them from Cleveland.
The Broncos made a surprising decision by selecting another defensive end, Tim Crowder of Texas, with their second-round pick. But they are desperate to upgrade their defensive front. If Crowder can realize some of the unfulfilled potential that his impressive combination of size (6-foot-3-plus, 272 pounds), strength and athleticism suggests he has, he should provide strong depth immediately and eventually work his way into a starting role.
The interior of Denver's defensive line could get a major boost if tackle Marcus Thomas, a fourth-round pick from Florida, avoids the off-field problems that made him a character risk.
Third-rounder Ryan Harris, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame, has exceptionally quick feet and athleticism -- perfect ingredients for a scheme that emphasizes linemen making blocks on the move. Harris had thorough-enough, NFL-style preparation from Charlie Weis' offense to contribute right away, especially if veteran tackle Matt Lepsis has any problems in the aftermath of the second major knee operation of his career.
This is what concerns me: For all of the changes the Broncos have made, they still don't have a dynamic playmaker on offense. They were unable to pull off a much-discussed trade to move high enough in the first round to snag wide receiver Calvin Johnson, whom the Detroit Lions made the No. 2 overall choice. Rod Smith 's ailing left hip, which he says cost him a step last year, shouldn't make them feel any better about falling short in their pursuit of Johnson.
Parting ways with middle linebacker Al Wilson was a blow, but unavoidable for salary cap and health reasons. The Broncos will miss his Pro Bowl-level talent and tremendous leadership.
The team could end up losing a difference-making player on offense and special teams if receiver David Kircus is convicted of the assault charges brought against him after an alleged confrontation with another man at a party. Kircus had been putting together a remarkable success story, going from fast-food shop employee to the NFL last year. He led the Broncos with a 20.8-yard average on nine pass receptions and returned six punts for an average of 14.3 yards. However, Shanahan is fully prepared to say good-bye to Kircus "if he didn't handle himself the right way."
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10193502
The Broncos' most important offseason move was picking up free-agent running back Travis Henry from the Tennessee Titans. Henry is a game-breaking force whose willingness to keep fighting for every extra inch also makes him effective in grinding out the clock. The Broncos' unwavering commitment to the run and blocking scheme that consistently opens holes has brought out the best in far less talented backs.
Cornerback Dre' Bly, acquired in a trade with the Detroit Lions, should be a strong complement to Champ Bailey. The circumstances that created the urgent need for a cornerback -- the murder of Darrent Williams -- have left a lingering sadness around the team, but the Broncos were fortunate to land a player of Bly's skills as a replacement.
Tight end Daniel Graham, a free agent from the New England Patriots, provides a nice, reliable, underneath target that should help bring a sense of security to young quarterback Jay Cutler. In addition, Graham will contribute as a solid run-blocker.
The Broncos took a significant step toward putting more teeth into their ability to pressure the quarterback by trading up to make former Florida defensive end Jarvis Moss their first-round draft pick. Moss has the talent, speed, explosiveness and athleticism to provide the consistent pass-rushing force Courtney Brown and Kenard Lang failed to deliver after the Broncos acquired them from Cleveland.
The Broncos made a surprising decision by selecting another defensive end, Tim Crowder of Texas, with their second-round pick. But they are desperate to upgrade their defensive front. If Crowder can realize some of the unfulfilled potential that his impressive combination of size (6-foot-3-plus, 272 pounds), strength and athleticism suggests he has, he should provide strong depth immediately and eventually work his way into a starting role.
The interior of Denver's defensive line could get a major boost if tackle Marcus Thomas, a fourth-round pick from Florida, avoids the off-field problems that made him a character risk.
Third-rounder Ryan Harris, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame, has exceptionally quick feet and athleticism -- perfect ingredients for a scheme that emphasizes linemen making blocks on the move. Harris had thorough-enough, NFL-style preparation from Charlie Weis' offense to contribute right away, especially if veteran tackle Matt Lepsis has any problems in the aftermath of the second major knee operation of his career.
This is what concerns me: For all of the changes the Broncos have made, they still don't have a dynamic playmaker on offense. They were unable to pull off a much-discussed trade to move high enough in the first round to snag wide receiver Calvin Johnson, whom the Detroit Lions made the No. 2 overall choice. Rod Smith 's ailing left hip, which he says cost him a step last year, shouldn't make them feel any better about falling short in their pursuit of Johnson.
Parting ways with middle linebacker Al Wilson was a blow, but unavoidable for salary cap and health reasons. The Broncos will miss his Pro Bowl-level talent and tremendous leadership.
The team could end up losing a difference-making player on offense and special teams if receiver David Kircus is convicted of the assault charges brought against him after an alleged confrontation with another man at a party. Kircus had been putting together a remarkable success story, going from fast-food shop employee to the NFL last year. He led the Broncos with a 20.8-yard average on nine pass receptions and returned six punts for an average of 14.3 yards. However, Shanahan is fully prepared to say good-bye to Kircus "if he didn't handle himself the right way."
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10193502