Let's see how split the Mane is on our needs

[Gcver2ver3]

Nice debate going on this....can't seem to get a consensus...

Let's put it to a vote....


With our 1st pick...what should we draft?

Of course this is barring any potential free agent acquisitions....

[Doggcow]

Oline

[Los Broncos]

Offensive line.

[want2bAbronco2]

I picked BA, take the best at anyone of those positions would work for me.

[Tombstone RJ]

No thanks on the oline in the first round.

Oline should be addressed in later rounds and especially in FA. The Broncos have a great history under Shanny for bringing in FA olineman like Zimmerman and Schlereth, and I think Habib was a FA too.

[rovolution]

OT.

with Slowicks promotion it looks like were going back to the Coyer blitz defense of 2005.

Talented D-linemen are not a priority in that scheme.

Pears is a joke at tackle and Harris is an untested 3rd rounder, so a first round stud at OT would be great to protect Jay.

[rovolution]

No thanks on the oline in the first round.

Oline should be addressed in later rounds and especially in FA. The Broncos have a great history under Shanny for bringing in FA olineman like Zimmerman and Schlereth, and I think Habib was a FA too.

Zimmerman was brought in a trade by Wade Phillips and Habib was signed by Wade.

[Drek]

No thanks on the oline in the first round.

Oline should be addressed in later rounds and especially in FA. The Broncos have a great history under Shanny for bringing in FA olineman like Zimmerman and Schlereth, and I think Habib was a FA too.

And that mindset is exactly what is screwing us over now.

Back in the 90s linemen where either big and strong or athletic and quick. Now you can get big maulers who can still move well enough for the ZBS. Everyone else has been drafting them, but we keep relying on weak but mobile late rounders and UDFAs.

Add that our team should move to a style that relies less on the ZBS because 1. its being milked around the league and teams are getting better at stopping it and 2. Cutler is a good enough QB that he should be the center of our offense.

I chose OT because that will be the best available talent at #12 if we stay there. But if we move down it should be all about best reasonable talent. Don't go drafting a QB or something, but if we're looking at an OT, LB, DT, and S then take the best available.

[yavoon]

And that mindset is exactly what is screwing us over now.

Back in the 90s linemen where either big and strong or athletic and quick. Now you can get big maulers who can still move well enough for the ZBS. Everyone else has been drafting them, but we keep relying on weak but mobile late rounders and UDFAs.

Add that our team should move to a style that relies less on the ZBS because 1. its being milked around the league and teams are getting better at stopping it and 2. Cutler is a good enough QB that he should be the center of our offense.

I chose OT because that will be the best available talent at #12 if we stay there. But if we move down it should be all about best reasonable talent. Don't go drafting a QB or something, but if we're looking at an OT, LB, DT, and S then take the best available.

I agree, many more ppl run zone blocking now, and they do it w/ real mansized olineman. though you can still be small(indy's oline is puny), we atleast have to stop the gimmick and recognize the importance of pass blocking.

[Inkana7]

Don't be surprised to see Kenny Phillips playing S next year.

[Northman]

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=65291

[RhymesayersDU]

You really should have added QB to the list, just to mess with people.

[Kaylore]

Don't be surprised to see Kenny Phillips playing S next year.

Of course he's going to play safety next year. He's probably going to be the first safety off the board.

[Tombstone RJ]

And that mindset is exactly what is screwing us over now.

Back in the 90s linemen where either big and strong or athletic and quick. Now you can get big maulers who can still move well enough for the ZBS. Everyone else has been drafting them, but we keep relying on weak but mobile late rounders and UDFAs.

Add that our team should move to a style that relies less on the ZBS because 1. its being milked around the league and teams are getting better at stopping it and 2. Cutler is a good enough QB that he should be the center of our offense.

I chose OT because that will be the best available talent at #12 if we stay there. But if we move down it should be all about best reasonable talent. Don't go drafting a QB or something, but if we're looking at an OT, LB, DT, and S then take the best available.

I disagree. Look at the Broncos statistics for running the ball and sacks the last 10 years and you will not see a significant drop off this year in running and sacks.

Hell, peeps on this board were bitching and moaning about the oline back when Griese was getting sacked all the damn time. FACT IS, Griese was immobile and he couldn't evade a sack so he got dropped alot.

The only real difference is RED ZONE SCORING. Not rushing, not receptions, not sacks, just scoring points.

[Inkana7]

Of course he's going to play safety next year. He's probably going to be the first safety off the board.

....for us. Sorry.

[Tombstone RJ]

Zimmerman was brought in a trade by Wade Phillips and Habib was signed by Wade.

Cool. At least Wade did two things right.

[Kaylore]

....for us. Sorry.

Ah. A lot of people have us taking him in round one. I really don't like taking safeties, tight ends, guards and running backs higher than pick twenty. Frankly I'd rather use a first round pick on any position than those. I suppose if he was the best available it would be ok, but I'm not real jazzed about him. Ask Miami fans what they think of him and you'll hear words like "disappointing" and "underachieved."

I'd like to trade down and look at offensive line or receiver.

[2KBack]

Cool. At least Wade did two things right.

I believe he also picked up Rod

[Blueflame]

In the first round, we need help "in the trenches". However, if a very good LB or S is available, I would not be unhappy at all if they took him.

[Tombstone RJ]

I believe he also picked up Rod

The man was a genius.

[Gcver2ver3]

You really should have added QB to the list, just to mess with people.

sadly it would've gotten a few votes....

[Gcver2ver3]

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=65291

no "Best Available" option....

[rovolution]

I believe he also picked up Rod

he also drafted Elam and Nalen

drafted Allen Aldridge, signed Ray Crockett...

Wade did alot for this ballclub personell-wise

[Triplelefthook]

OT or DT

[Spider]

Iam thinking along the lines of Cheerleaders

[brncs_fan]

I think our two biggest needs are in the trenches. Historically, d-lineman have taken atleast a year to get into fulfilling any kind of potential. Since we need to sure that up that side now, I think that leaves OT.

You could maybe make a case for the other positions on that list, but I think we have too much tied up in the RB position to really go after someone that high, LB spots will be taken care of via FA, and safety will be a later round selection.

I like the anology of the Browns. They were suppose to be a laughing stock again this year, but ended up competing for a playoff spot, of which they almost secured. The reason for their success was the drafting and FA aquisition of O-lineman. Go ask them if they would take Adrian Peterson over Joe Thomas if they had it to do all over again.

[yavoon]

I think our two biggest needs are in the trenches. Historically, d-lineman have taken atleast a year to get into fulfilling any kind of potential. Since we need to sure that up that side now, I think that leaves OT.

You could maybe make a case for the other positions on that list, but I think we have too much tied up in the RB position to really go after someone that high, LB spots will be taken care of via FA, and safety will be a later round selection.

I like the anology of the Browns. They were suppose to be a laughing stock again this year, but ended up competing for a playoff spot, of which they almost secured. The reason for their success was the drafting and FA aquisition of O-lineman. Go ask them if they would take Adrian Peterson over Joe Thomas if they had it to do all over again.

yah well joe thomas was taken 4 spots ahead of adrian peterson and for the first year looks to have been the best player in the draft at the second most valuable position in the NFL.....so....ummmmm. yah.

[Punisher]

I went with Best Available :)

[JCMElway]

Where is the Foneco option?!?

[listopencil]

Ot/dt/lb

[Gcver2ver3]

Where is the Foneco option?!?

my bad...

[brncs_fan]

yah well joe thomas was taken 4 spots ahead of adrian peterson and for the first year looks to have been the best player in the draft at the second most valuable position in the NFL.....so....ummmmm. yah.

Thank you for proving my point?

[yavoon]

Thank you for proving my point?

kind of an academic point don't u think? who would argue against u? franchise LT's are only surpassed by franchise QB's, so yes, obviously no1 would trade one for a rb.

[montrose]

OT for a number of reasons:

1) Pass protection is quickly becoming the most integral factor for success in today's NFL.

2) It's the Broncos weakest position.

3) It is necessary to protect the Broncos best asset, Jay Cutler.

[brncs_fan]

kind of an academic point don't u think? who would argue against u? franchise LT's are only surpassed by franchise QB's, so yes, obviously no1 would trade one for a rb.

So using that logic then, we should all be on the bandwagon for drafting a LT since they are only surpassed by a franchise QB (which we already have).

[yavoon]

So using that logic then, we should all be on the bandwagon for drafting a LT since they are only surpassed by a franchise QB (which we already have).

only if u were to assume the LT is really really good, which is a pretty big assumption to make.

[Gcver2ver3]

Wow...OT is running away in votes so far...

judging from the earlier threads i thought the poll would be a little more split....

not as many votes for RB now that we can see people's opinion on a poll......

maybe some of the voters for RB voted best available....

[brncs_fan]

only if u were to assume the LT is really really good, which is a pretty big assumption to make.

It is the assumption of every front office that your 1st rounder is going to be really really good.

I am pretty sure that the Browns thought that a lot of people could be really really good, but shored up their offensive line anyways. Otherwise, they could have had AP running into a wall of defenders.

[broncocalijohn]

he also drafted Elam and Nalen

drafted Allen Aldridge, signed Ray Crockett...

Wade did alot for this ballclub personell-wise


Dont forget that he let Elway be the Elway as he should have been used under Reeves. I went with Defensive Line.

[SteveTensi13]

he also drafted Elam and Nalen

drafted Allen Aldridge, signed Ray Crockett...

Wade did alot for this ballclub personell-wise

Sorta a later day John Ralston.

[NFLBRONCO]

What if Clady is gone by 12 you want to burn 12th pick on Otah just because he plays OT? DT I don't see any available worth 12th pick. S we could go Phillips. LB I think we should draft one but, not in round 1.

[Blueflame]

Wow...OT is running away in votes so far...

judging from the earlier threads i thought the poll would be a little more split....

not as many votes for RB now that we can see people's opinion on a poll......

maybe some of the voters for RB voted best available....

As the O-line goes, so goes the QB in most cases. So beefing up the O-line means Cutler's performance will be better and also, he's less likely to take quite as much abuse; hence, stay healthier.

[Paladin]

Of course he's going to play safety next year. He's probably going to be the first safety off the board.

Smart-arse. You know what he meant.......

[~Crash~]

for once we got a great drop back passer so people need to let go the mobile QB bs and about 5 years ago the NFL banned our Ideas ...RB what are they ?

[broncocalijohn]

Now i think about it, picking an DL when we have needs at 3 positions for the first round. Best available is the option but i thought it was best available regardless of position ie. QB. At our position, we have so many prospects at our disposal. Too late to change though so i am writing it in.

[Paladin]

REALITY CHECK:

In a separate thread, I'd like to see whom you all think SHANHAN and SUDQUIST will pick. I'd do it, but I don't know how to set up a poll. I'd include a trade down option, and a trade up option.....

[CSU Husker]

My thoughts are that the Dline probably has less talent than the Oline, but the Oline is holding us back more right now. The oline is a major weak link in an otherwise strong offense. If we strenthen that, we could get back to an "outscore you" type team next year, resulting in more wins than if we try to build the D line. Then again, what the hell do I know?!?!?!?

[~Crash~]

My thoughts are that the Dline probably has less talent than the Oline, but the Oline is holding us back more right now. The oline is a major weak link in an otherwise strong offense. If we strenthen that, we could get back to an "outscore you" type team next year, resulting in more wins than if we try to build the D line. Then again, what the hell do I know?!?!?!?

if we are to lose a year should we not try to keep our QB alive ? say this to youself Cutler is in the pocket dange he has all day wow he really seems to be progressing in his reads :thumbsup:

[Drek]

I disagree. Look at the Broncos statistics for running the ball and sacks the last 10 years and you will not see a significant drop off this year in running and sacks.

Hell, peeps on this board were b****ing and moaning about the oline back when Griese was getting sacked all the damn time. FACT IS, Griese was immobile and he couldn't evade a sack so he got dropped alot.

The only real difference is RED ZONE SCORING. Not rushing, not receptions, not sacks, just scoring points.

I'd say success inside the 20's period. When it gets to a power game situation our line caves.

Also, you give too much credit to a line that gets bailed out by mobile QBs with quick releases. Just because Cutler and Plummer can unload the ball fast enough to avoid the sack it doesn't mean they're being allowed to throw good passes.

Get us a franchise LT and a legitimate RT for next season and Cutler will become a better QB, with better red zone completion rates, immediately.

What if Clady is gone by 12 you want to burn 12th pick on Otah just because he plays OT? DT I don't see any available worth 12th pick. S we could go Phillips. LB I think we should draft one but, not in round 1.

I would be surprised if Clady isn't at 12, but if he goes sooner that means someone else has slid into our laps. Ellis and Phillips are likely in that scenario, not bad picks. Maybe Jake Long if Clady is taken before him, maybe Chris Long if his combine numbers don't impress.

[crazyhorse]

Given the recent past drafts for the Broncos, they can ill afford to reach for a player. Instead they need to start getting quality in quantity. So, in my honest opinion the Broncos should take the best player available. Especially with no 3rd rounder this year.

I think the Broncos throwing thier entire draft at 4 players last season will bite them in the ass in the long term. Especially if those guys dont step up.

[Crushaholic]

I'm going to play devil's advocate. Some (many) people have advocated moving DJ back to the weak side and drafting a middle linebacker. If that's the case, we need to draft the best TRUE middle linebacker available. If we need to spend the 12th pick on a MLB who would be a good fit in Denver, we should do it...

[cmhargrove]

I'm going to play devil's advocate. Some (many) people have advocated moving DJ back to the weak side and drafting a middle linebacker. If that's the case, we need to draft the best TRUE middle linebacker available. If we need to spend the 12th pick on a MLB who would be a good fit in Denver, we should do it...

I don't think there is any MLB that deserves the 12 pick. In that case, you trade down and pick up our missing third rounder in the process. I wouldn't be disappointed at all with that.

We have so many needs, that trading down and getting our third rounder back is looking better all the time.

[oubronco]

I don't think there is any MLB that deserves the 12 pick. In that case, you trade down and pick up our missing third rounder in the process. I wouldn't be disappointed at all with that.

We have so many needs, that trading down and getting our third rounder back is looking better all the time.

exactly unless a really good OT or DT is sitting there

[Gcver2ver3]

As the O-line goes, so goes the QB in most cases. So beefing up the O-line means Cutler's performance will be better and also, he's less likely to take quite as much abuse; hence, stay healthier.

i don't disagree....

i voted best available....so i'm saying that if at #12 there isn't a OT worth the 12th pick then don't "stretch" to fill a need...

go with best available OR trade down and get your targeted OT later in the round.....

i want an OT too....but lets not overspend to get one....

bang for the buck...

[ElwayMD]

Imagine if Jake Long fell far enough in the draft for us to get him. Not only is he a house but he blocked in a zone blocking system at Michigan. That could shore up a hole in the Oline for years to come.

[sixtimeseight]

Jake Long isn't going to fall past #2, let alone #12.

[alkemical]

I went with BPA - just due to the holes we have on this team. If there is a LB/OT/S at 12 - we might as well take the best one, it's not like we don't need 'em.

[snowtrx]

I failed to realize Wade Phillips was our Coach and GM. You guys have completly changed my oppinion of him. He deserves a couple honorary rings for his tremendouse efforts as GM for the Broncos. Do us a favor Wade and give Shanny the GM your number, he could use your advise :thumbs:

[DBroncos4life]

Best player at one of the positions of need.

[alkemical]

wade is a fine D-coord

[rovolution]

I failed to realize Wade Phillips was our Coach and GM. You guys have completly changed my oppinion of him. He deserves a couple honorary rings for his tremendouse efforts as GM for the Broncos. Do us a favor Wade and give Shanny the GM your number, he could use your advise :thumbs:

i believe it was a combination of Wade and our longtime GM John Beake.

[Old Dude]

In order of priority:

1. DT
2. OT
3. LB (any)
4. DE
5. S
6. RB

But the particular positions are not such a high priority that I would "reach" very far to fill any particular slot. And, by the same token, if a true blue diamond chip prospect at any of those spots fell into our laps, I think I'd grab him, regardless of the other priorities.