The Denver Broncos Select: Branden Albert, OG/OT, Virginia

[SouthStndJunkie]

I went back last night and watched Virginia versus Miami.

I have to tell you....Branden Albert is very impressive. I have him ahead of Clady now. He is #2 overall for offensive lineman behind Jake Long on my board.

I would have no problem taking him at 12. None. He could play tackle in the NFL very easily.

Albert is one of the only guys that I think could come in and start from day one on the offensive line. Jake Long is the other.

People are going to be surprised at how high he is selected come draft day.

[goldengopher1976]

If he had to scrimmage every day against Chris Long, that would have been a good start to being NFL ready...

[chaz]

I was just thinking this yesterday!! Albert at 12 could end up being a great pick! He offers so much versatility with being able to play guard, or pop out and play (either side IMO) at tackle.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Worse case scenario....he is a great guard in the pros. Albert can get up and move when he pulls.

I am sure he can play tackle in the NFL though.

[Ray Finkle]

I don't think he will make it as a OT and 12 is about 10 spots too high for him.

[peacepipe]

Hell yeah, the guy is 6'7",300+ lbs. & mobile(for his size).

[goldengopher1976]

I don't think he will make it as a OT and 12 is about 10 spots too high for him.

Sounds like the beginnings of another trade-down scenario...

I'm all in favor of trading down if we get a good offer, but a growing part of me feels we're going to be stuck right where we are, and that we are going to need to simply take the player we think can come in and immediately fill one of our voids. If Albert can do it, then no matter where he's projected, he would be a good pick for us.

[CBF1]

Interesting take. Good to see someone thinking outside the box :thumbs:

[Traveler]

After watching some clips, I too would have no problem selecting Albert if we traded back.

[Scarface]

Charlie Casserly on Total Access said don't be surprised if he's selected Top 10 as a LT. I'm hoping we can grab him at 12.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff302/ScarfaceBroncos2007/NFL%20Draft%2008/LT/brandonalbert.jpg
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff302/ScarfaceBroncos2007/NFL%20Draft%2008/LT/HOJYKUZCNJMHFSL20071029225325.jpg

[SouthStndJunkie]

Charlie Casserly on Total Access said don't be surprised if he's selected Top 10 as a LT. I'm hoping we can grab him at 12.


It would not shock me at all to see him go in the top ten. All teams have to do is put on the film and watch. He can play LT. If we trade down, there is a good chance he will be gone by then. You may as well take the guy you want at 12 instead of trading down just to see your player taken.

[Northman]

I would have no problem with that.

[goldengopher1976]

I would have no problem with that.

If he goes top 10, then it is likely that someone like Clady could drop to us. In the end, the draft seems to be shaping up in a way that will afford us a chance at a good offensive lineman at the 12 spot. (assuming, of course, we're going to choose one).

[Traveler]

If he goes top 10, then it is likely that someone like Clady could drop to us. In the end, the draft seems to be shaping up in a way that will afford us a chance at a good offensive lineman at the 12 spot. (assuming, of course, we're going to choose one).

Mayock has him in the top 10.

[MileHighMagic]

Mayock really sold me on this kid. I would not mind at all if we grabbed Albert @ 12. :thumbsup:

[SouthStndJunkie]

I have not been watching the NFL Network that much since the Combine.

If Mayock is still talking him up, that is a good sign. Mayock is not afraid to place guys up and down the list further than the norm.

[Cmac821]

Every one praising him so we should trade back (not to dallas) because we are cheap and wont pay a 12th pick.

And who knows maybe Shany well play OL along with K/P and Gm

[want2bAbronco2]

I love C. Williams and want him at 12, but I have watched Bramdem Albert and he was a freak at OG, and he kicked out to LT 2x and destroyed the other players. Wouldnt be mad if we took him either.

[wabbit]

The more I read & see this fellow, the more I agree he wouldn't be a bad choice...even at 12.

I'm getting the sense that more teams inside the top 11 are going to take OT's than are letting on, and there are indications that some teams may be willing to trade up to get in the mix as well, so Albert may be the only really elite O-lineman left on the board at 12.

An excellent prospect to be sure and Shanahan loves that versatility.

[thumpc]

Is there any reason he played guard instead of tackle in college?

[illbroncsfn]

I think it is Branden Albert's versatility to play both G and T that could prompt the Broncos to pluck him at 12 in round 1. Highlights show him to be fairly athletic- if we pick Albert to me that shows we don't have tremendous faith in Chris Kuper and feel that Albert is a better player in that they are both now being viewed as Swing players between G and T.

[Ray Finkle]

The more I read & see this fellow, the more I agree he wouldn't be a bad choice...even at 12.

I'm getting the sense that more teams inside the top 11 are going to take OT's than are letting on, and there are indications that some teams may be willing to trade up to get in the mix as well, so Albert may be the only really elite O-lineman left on the board at 12.

An excellent prospect to be sure and Shanahan loves that versatility.

I don't think he does well enough on at tackle....the wife, bother in law AND sister in law have all gone to UVA, so I get to watch most these games....

OG, yes, OT, no.....and not at 12....5 or 10 spots down, I love this pick.

[Dedhed]

Is there any reason he played guard instead of tackle in college?
He was next to D'Brickashaw Ferguson at LT for his career until last year, I imagine that had something to do with it.

[skmoser]

He's listed as being 24 years old in November on his bio page at Virginia University. Does his age, while being a junior, concern anyone?

[SouthStndJunkie]

Is there any reason he played guard instead of tackle in college?

He started a few games at left tackle because of injuries last year and did well.

He was a LT in high school, but when he went to Virginia they had 2 seniors starting at both tackle positions (one being D'Brickashaw Ferguson). They stuck him at guard and he dominated, so they kept him there.

[SouthStndJunkie]

He's listed as being 24 years old in November on his bio page at Virginia University. Does his age, while being a junior, concern anyone?

No...that means he is 23 years and 4 months old right now. Age does not really concern me with draft picks....unless they are 25 or older.

[CHANGSTER]

Could he realistically play RT?

[That One Guy]

He seems to have the mass, strength, and mobility to play RT. As long as they'd be willing to put him there to really learn the position and not move him around every year, I'm sure he'd be fine there once he got used to it. The moving people around positions has got to hinder these guys' potential.

[peacepipe]

Ryan Harris could play RT, Harris I believe played RT a game or 2 last year. Albert has played on the left side his entire career so far primarily at LG but was a LT in HS. As some have mentioned only played guard due to fergonson aready an established LT at Virginia.

[Northman]

He's listed as being 24 years old in November on his bio page at Virginia University. Does his age, while being a junior, concern anyone?

should it?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Ryan Harris could play RT, Harris I believe played RT a game or 2 last year. Albert has played on the left side his entire career so far primarily at LG but was a LT in HS. As some have mentioned only played guard due to fergonson aready an established LT at Virginia.

Harris played one play at Rt when Pears wobbled off the field against Detroit and one play at LT when Lepsis lind up as a TE/Tackle eligible on a goal line play. Those were the only two times he got on the field last year.

[BroncoBuff]

Branden Albert would be fine ... guy's a real beast.

Either he or Kuper at RT, the other at LG.

[chaz]

Branden Albert would be fine ... guy's a real beast.

Either he or Kuper at RT, the other at LG.

no confidence in hamilton's return?

[Cmac821]

no confidence in hamilton's return?

Did he not retire??

[SouthStndJunkie]

Did he not retire??

Hamilton is coming back this year. I have my doubts as to how long he will last. He had some serious concussion issues.

[Cmac821]

Hamilton is coming back this year. I have my doubts as to how long he will last. He had some serious concussion issues.

Can't say I knew that. :thumbsup:

[SouthStndJunkie]

Can't say I knew that. :thumbsup:

Here is an article about it:

With clear head, Broncos' Hamilton is back at work

Guard claims his post-concussion problems are over

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/mar/23/broncos-hamilton-cleared-workout-program/

[peacepipe]

Hamilton as far as know is being groomed to take over for Nalen when he retires. Nalen isn't that far away from retirment.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Hamilton as far as know is being groomed to take over for Nalen when he retires. Nalen isn't that far away from retirment.

Groomed may not be the appropriate word anymore. Hamilton will be 31 this year. I can't see Nalen playing more than 1....maybe 2 years if all goes well.

By that time Hamilton will be 32 or 33.

Center has always been Hamilton's best fit and he was being groomed to replace Nails....but even if he did slide to center when Nalen retires, he would not be more than a year or two solution.

[peacepipe]

Groomed may not be the appropriate word anymore. Hamilton will be 31 this year. I can't see Nalen playing more than 1....maybe 2 years if all goes well.

By that time Hamilton will be 32 or 33.

Center has always been Hamilton's best fit and he was being groomed to replace Nails....but even if he did slide to center when Nalen retires, he would not be more than a year or two solution. Nalen is 37 yrs old & comming off an injury. If as you say nalen can play 1-2 more yrs,that would mean hamilton has 5-6 yrs ahead of him at center.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Nalen is 37 yrs old & comming off an injury. If as you say nalen can play 1-2 more yrs,that would mean hamilton has 5-6 yrs ahead of him at center.

It is very rare for someone to play center until they are 37. I think he plays one more year.....maybe 2 if all goes well.

That does not mean Hamilton can play until he is as old as Nalen. Some guys break down or age faster than others. For all we know, Hamilton may not make it out of training camp if he gets cracked in the melon real good. That said, I would love nothing more than to see Hamilton come back and play several more years.

[cmhargrove]

I don't think he does well enough on at tackle....the wife, bother in law AND sister in law have all gone to UVA, so I get to watch most these games....

OG, yes, OT, no.....and not at 12....5 or 10 spots down, I love this pick.

This would be the perfect scenario for Albert. If we could trade down, pick up a third, and still get him in the first it would be huge. I think he has all the tools to play guard and tackle, and they guy can seriously move. I love his downfield blocking.

[peacepipe]

Brandon albert is really starting to catch people eyes Charles Davis & Mike Maylock have him getting drafted in the top 10.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Brandon albert is really starting to catch people eyes Charles Davis & Mike Maylock have him getting drafted in the top 10.

I figured as much. I think he is a better prospect than Clady and I think Clady is going to be good.

[RocBronc]

The big question I have is, is Albert is the type of lineman that would fit in the Broncos zone blocking scheme??? If he isn't, I don't care how "good" he is, if he's not a good fit for us, we won't be drafting him.

[That One Guy]

One of Albert's best qualities is how well he moves despite being as big as he is. His downfield blocking is top of the line.

[kmonty]

Albert's rise on draft charts concerns me. I watched a few short highlight films on the guy and didn't see anything at all that blew me away. Most of the times these short film studies are filled with some of the guy's best work.

I'd have to dig a little deeper, but I don't like to just piggy back off the opinions of others. I want to see it for myself, and after a few minutes of flim study I saw nothing to suggest top 10 prospect.

[That One Guy]

As of two weeks ago the guy wasn't top 10 prospect but then a few started touting him and the masses piggy backed on em. I always wonder when guys have already completed everything and then out of nowhere start climbing. Maybe scouts have the guy rated higher but I'm just flagging him a product of the wagon. One guy says he's good and another guy repeats it so the first guy feels his opinion is substantiated and the talk continues until it becomes, "OMG!! Draft HIM or die!!!!"

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Classic herd mentality. We see it every year.

[ICON]

The last time a guard was a high first-round pick was in 2001, when the Cardinals chose Leonard Davis second overall. Davis has been a fine guard for most of his N.F.L. career, but he played left tackle in his last two years at Texas, and the Cardinals drafted him second overall because they hoped he could move there some day. In the six N.F.L. drafts since the Cardinals picked Davis, only four guards have been chosen in the first round, and none of them were chosen higher than 23rd.

I believe that if Albert is available @ 12 I would be all for Denver picking him.


Here is a video made about Albert that aired on NFL Network.
<div><object width="420" height="339"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x4vdsz" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x4vdsz" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="339" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always"></embed></object><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x4vdsz">Branden albert</a></b><br /><i> (<div><object width="420" height="339"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x4vdsz" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x4vdsz" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="339" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always"></embed></object><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x4vdsz">Brandenalbert</a></b><br /><i>by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/iggle36">iggle36</a></i></div>)

[That One Guy]

Exactly, guards only go that high if they think they're capable of moving to tackle. So, then, guards aren't drafted that high. Tackles are. If this guy turns out to be simply a guard in the NFL, is he worth a top 15 pick?

[listopencil]

From what I've seen the guy has very good arm/hand movement and very good foot speed while maintaining his blocking technique. He carries a lot of weight but it's good weight. I wouldn't be pissed if we drafted him. OK, I'd still be pissed because he's not a DT but you can't have everything.

[Dedhed]

I'm all for Albert at #12. I think he has the tools to be a dominant left tackle in the NFL, and at the absolute worst, he'll be a pro-bowl RT or guard. I think he's got more upside than Clady, and will be a better overall LT than Chris Williams (who I love as a pass protector). I think he fits our scheme very well while adding some size and strength in the running game.

The one downside to Albert is that he may not start at LT next year. Clady and Williams would be day one starters there, but Albert may have to spend a year inside, or on the right side. However, I think Albert would be a better LT by year 2 than both the other candidates.

[montrose]

I like both Williams and Albert better than Clady for our system. Both seem to be more athletic and from all reports - are more consistent.

[dreasher54]

i think he would be a great fit. worse comes to worse he could play as a guard. but i bet he could play tackle after all he did have to guard chris long in practice.

[mattob14]

I'm all for Albert at #12. I think he has the tools to be a dominant left tackle in the NFL, and at the absolute worst, he'll be a pro-bowl RT or guard. I think he's got more upside than Clady, and will be a better overall LT than Chris Williams (who I love as a pass protector). I think he fits our scheme very well while adding some size and strength in the running game.

The one downside to Albert is that he may not start at LT next year. Clady and Williams would be day one starters there, but Albert may have to spend a year inside, or on the right side. However, I think Albert would be a better LT by year 2 than both the other candidates.

6 weeks ago this guy was a 2nd-3rd rounder and now his downside is Pro Bowl RT or Guard? Albert's a good prospect who brings versatility and a nice upside, but let's not start punching his ticket to Honolulu yet.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

I chose Albert as the #12 pick in our mock draft on ESPN Radio here in Dallas.

Matt Mosley is going to post the picks on his Hashmarks blog on ESPN.com this evening.

Good times.

[SpringStein]

I chose Albert as the #12 pick in our mock draft on ESPN Radio here in Dallas.

Matt Mosley is going to post the picks on his Hashmarks blog on ESPN.com this evening.

Good times.

Curious who your other available options were?

[Broncojef]

I chose Albert as the #12 pick in our mock draft on ESPN Radio here in Dallas.

Matt Mosley is going to post the picks on his Hashmarks blog on ESPN.com this evening.

Good times.

Kuiper has Albert going to KC #5 overall now in his latest mock draft, have to say he is now the guy I'm hoping for more than a trade down.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Curious who your other available options were?

Williams was there, Otah was there, and I felt that any D-lineman would have been a reach at that point. I agree with these reports of Denver trading down, if possible.

[SpringStein]

I'd certainly take Albert over Otah, Williams/Albert would be a tough choice for sure!