Kuper a Workout Warrior at LT

[Peepers]

Looking back at Chris Kuper's workout numbers as a NFL prospect, I think we can take a lot of solace that he's likely to have the speed, quickness and athleticism to succeed at left tackle.


40 YD Dash

1. Chris Kuper---5.10
2.a Chris Williams---5.17
2.b Jake Long------5.17
3. Ryan Clady------5.18
4. Jeff Otah--------5.56




10 YD Dash

1. Long--------1.76
2.a Kuper------1.78
2.b Williams----1.78
3. Clady-------1.81




20 YD Dash

1.a Kuper-----2.96
1.b Clady-----2.96
2. Long-------2.97
3. Williams----2.98




Short Shuttle
(Joe Thomas ran a 4.88, but, to be fair, this is one of two exercises that Kuper beats him at. Thomas ran a 4.88.)
1. Kuper------4.60
2.a Clady-----4.73
2.b Long------4.73
3. Williams----4.85
4. Thomas----4.88




3 Cone

1. Clady------7.09
2. Long-------7.44
3. Kuper------7.59
4. Cherlius----7.60
5.a Williams---7.95
5.b Thomas---7.95




Bench

1. Long---------37
2.a Kuper-------24
2.b Clady-------24
3. Williams------21




Vertical Jump

1. Clady---------31''
2. Kuper---------30''
3. Long----------27.5''
4. Williams-------25''
5. Cherlius-------23''
6. Otah----------22.5''




Long Jump

1. Kuper--------9'1''
2. Clady----------9'
3. Williams------8'7''
4.a Long--------8'6''
4.b Cherlius-----8'6''


So, in each athletic drill, Kuper puts up an amazing number. If any of this year's hyped up prospects had pulled this at the combine, his stock would have absolutely skyrocketed to another level. Having said all that, I'm still not sure we shouldn't draft OL anyway. But it's good to know that, if necessary, Kuper is likely to be a very able tackle.



Links:
http://www.900footballlinks.net/brownsframe.htm
http://900footballlinks.net/2008draftoffensiverankings.htm#OT
http://www.900footballlinks.net/broncosframe.htm

[WABronco]

Wow that is interesting, thanks.

[Killericon]

That makes me feel worse.

[DelBronco]

Great info, thanks. Puts things in a different light, IMO.

[RunSilentRunDeep]

No, No, No!!! He has to play right tackle because he's stronger than Harris. All strong people play the right side. And since he came from a small school, he can't have the necessary athleticism to play on the left. Don't let your silly facts and apples-to-apples comparisons mess up the myopic group thought of the Mane!

[Killericon]

No, No, No!!! He has to play right tackle because he's stronger than Harris. All strong people play the right side. And since he came from a small school, he can't have the necessary athleticism to play on the left. Don't let your silly facts and apples-to-apples comparisons mess up the myopic group thought of the Mane!

What concerns me about this is that he put up these combine numbers and went in the 5th.

[crazyhorse]

This is gonna be a tough year for Donk fans.

[no-pseudo-fan]

"Even a journey of a 1000 miles, starts with 1 step"

Denver is going to be better this year, 10-6 at least. Can not say as much for the Cheifs.

[Drek]

No, No, No!!! He has to play right tackle because he's stronger than Harris. All strong people play the right side. And since he came from a small school, he can't have the necessary athleticism to play on the left. Don't let your silly facts and apples-to-apples comparisons mess up the myopic group thought of the Mane!

I think the desire to having him play RT comes from the fact that Harris and Pears both aren't strong enough to handle RT, not that Kuper can't handle LT.

We saw it last year with Pears, the bigger ends on that side punked him every game. Harris could handle it if he gets fully healthy again, but after two back surgeries and spending most of his senior season over 20 pounds underweight I'll believe it when I see it.

[TheReverend]

The most important thing about these numbers are not one specific drill, or showing lateral movement or even fluid hips...

What IS important about these numbers is that they show GREAT explosion from him.

[crazyhorse]

"Even a journey of a 1000 miles, starts with 1 step"

Denver is going to be better this year, 10-6 at least. Can not say as much for the Cheifs.
10-6?

No way.

[alkemical]

at my very most optimistic i see this as HOPEFULLY being like another Lepsis.

That being said, i want a T drafted. I don't care, you need talent and pears sucks, and really who the hell knows how kuper & harris will pan out either.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Ask Mike Malamula how meaningful combine stats are

[Atlas]

Well, if he can't play tackle I guess he can be on Battle of the network stars.

[Paladin]

I think maybe there are some members of this board who are just crying wolf. I cannot believe that the coaching staff don't have an idea of what they are doing, nor what the potential of the players might be. There was a time when Kuper's selection was touted here so highly, that you'd thought the Broncos had drafted the future GOAT Lineman. Now he is coming into his own, and he gets bad press and is scoffed at here. I hope he is all-pro at the position soon....

I still think the Broncos will go for Mendenhall at 1, and an OT in 2, maybe a DT if they don't sign Robertson..........

[Beantown Bronco]

Ask Mike Malamula how meaningful combine stats are

They were pretty meaningful for his bank account. :contract:

[cmhargrove]

Great post, go Kupe!

Maybe we can draft a big nasty RT in the second.

[Anaximines]

very interesting, thanks for sharing. Makes me feel better. Not every solid OL starter has gone on the first day.

[Kaylore]

Super Kuper!!!!

;D

[kmonty]

This is no 'group think' - I watched the offensive line closely last year. I watched a DVR'd version of the Chargers Christmas Eve game as late as last week. Kuper at LT seriously scares me. I'm not confident in any way that he could make that transition. I could be wrong, but I didn't see anything to make me believe that.

So I think Denver has a rare opportunity where the highest person on their board might just be among their very large needs. This tackle class is deep and talented, and it just seems to me like too good an opportunity to pass up.

Hell, if they traded up for Clady I'd be stoked. The guy's a beast.

[Kaylore]

This is no 'group think' - I watched the offensive line closely last year. I watched a DVR'd version of the Chargers Christmas Eve game as late as last week. Kuper at LT seriously scares me. I'm not confident in any way that he could make that transition. I could be wrong, but I didn't see anything to make me believe that.
What games did you watch? By the end of the season Kuper and Myers were killing people.

[SoDak Bronco]

Super Kuper!!!!

;D

Haha that is nice..That is the name of my son, and what I call him, although it is spelled, super COOPER!!!

[Beantown Bronco]

This is no 'group think' - I watched the offensive line closely last year. I watched a DVR'd version of the Chargers Christmas Eve game as late as last week. Kuper at LT seriously scares me. I'm not confident in any way that he could make that transition. I could be wrong, but I didn't see anything to make me believe that.

Guys whose only job is to evaluate professional linemen can't reliably determine how a guy will fare at offensive tackle facing DEs as opposed to playing offensive guard while facing the DTs......but you can. Interesting.

[BowlenBall]

Looking back at Chris Kuper's workout numbers as a NFL prospect, I think we can take a lot of solace that he's likely to have the speed, quickness and athleticism to succeed at left tackle.


40 YD Dash

1. Chris Kuper---5.10
2.a Chris Williams---5.17
2.b Jake Long------5.17
3. Ryan Clady------5.18
4. Jeff Otah--------5.56




10 YD Dash

1. Long--------1.76
2.a Kuper------1.78
2.b Williams----1.78
3. Clady-------1.76




20 YD Dash

1.a Kuper-----2.96
1.b Clady-----2.96
2. Long-------2.97
3. Williams----2.98




Short Shuttle
(Joe Thomas ran a 4.88, but, to be fair this is one of two exercises that Kuper beats him at. Thomas ran a 4.88.)
1. Kuper------4.60
2.a Clady-----4.73
2.b Long------4.73
3. Williams----4.85
4. Thomas----4.88




3 Cone: 7.59

1. Clady------7.09
2. Long-------7.44
3. Kuper------7.59
4. Cherlius----7.60
5.a Williams---7.95
5.b Thomas---7.95




Bench

1. Long---------37
2.a Kuper-------24
2.b Clady-------24
3. Williams------21




Vertical Jump

1. Clady---------31''
2. Kuper---------30''
3. Long----------27.5''
4. Williams-------25''
5. Cherlius-------23''
6. Otah----------22.5''




Long Jump: 9'1''

1. Kuper--------9'1''
2. Clady----------9'
3. Williams------8'7''
4.a Long--------8'6''
4.b Cherlius-----8'6''


So each in athletic drill, Kuper puts up together an amazing number. If any of this year's hyped up prospects had pulled this at the combine, his stock would have absolutely skyrocketed to another level. Having said all that, I'm still not sure we shouldn't draft OL anyway. But it's good to know that, if necessary, Kuper is likely to be a very able tackle.



Links:
http://www.900footballlinks.net/brownsframe.htm
http://900footballlinks.net/2008draftoffensiverankings.htm#OT
http://www.900footballlinks.net/broncosframe.htm

Great post -- very interesting comparison between Kuper and the 'premium' offensive tackles in the last two drafts.

You've got me sold -- let's try Kuper at left tackle, and steal Cherilus in the 2nd round of this year's draft for our RT....

[lex]

When he played LT in preseason, I didnt think he did that bad. I dont remember if it was against starters though. I definitely know he played a little left tackle against Cleveland in the preseason.

[~Crash~]

I think the desire to having him play RT comes from the fact that Harris and Pears both aren't strong enough to handle RT, not that Kuper can't handle LT.

We saw it last year with Pears, the bigger ends on that side punked him every game. Harris could handle it if he gets fully healthy again, but after two back surgeries and spending most of his senior season over 20 pounds underweight I'll believe it when I see it.

this is a spot on post rep:notworthy

[no-pseudo-fan]

10-6?

No way.

Yes. Wey!.

Denver is usually hovering around that make anyway. If we didn't give games away last year we would have been around 10-6. 7-9, Chicago +1, Green Bay +1, and that is just off the top. We should be better this year, and the young guys should take another step forward, this includes Cutler, Marshall, Schefler, Moss, Crowder, Thomas, and scary as it may seem Dumervil. So I think 10-6 is attainable.

Now what about the Cheifs? There was no response to that part.

[~Crash~]

Looking back at Chris Kuper's workout numbers as a NFL prospect, I think we can take a lot of solace that he's likely to have the speed, quickness and athleticism to succeed at left tackle.


40 YD Dash

1. Chris Kuper---5.10
2.a Chris Williams---5.17
2.b Jake Long------5.17
3. Ryan Clady------5.18
4. Jeff Otah--------5.56




10 YD Dash

1. Long--------1.76
2.a Kuper------1.78
2.b Williams----1.78
3. Clady-------1.81




20 YD Dash

1.a Kuper-----2.96
1.b Clady-----2.96
2. Long-------2.97
3. Williams----2.98




Short Shuttle
(Joe Thomas ran a 4.88, but, to be fair this is one of two exercises that Kuper beats him at. Thomas ran a 4.88.)
1. Kuper------4.60
2.a Clady-----4.73
2.b Long------4.73
3. Williams----4.85
4. Thomas----4.88




3 Cone

1. Clady------7.09
2. Long-------7.44
3. Kuper------7.59
4. Cherlius----7.60
5.a Williams---7.95
5.b Thomas---7.95




Bench

1. Long---------37
2.a Kuper-------24
2.b Clady-------24
3. Williams------21




Vertical Jump

1. Clady---------31''
2. Kuper---------30''
3. Long----------27.5''
4. Williams-------25''
5. Cherlius-------23''
6. Otah----------22.5''




Long Jump

1. Kuper--------9'1''
2. Clady----------9'
3. Williams------8'7''
4.a Long--------8'6''
4.b Cherlius-----8'6''


So each in athletic drill, Kuper puts up an amazing number. If any of this year's hyped up prospects had pulled this at the combine, his stock would have absolutely skyrocketed to another level. Having said all that, I'm still not sure we shouldn't draft OL anyway. But it's good to know that, if necessary, Kuper is likely to be a very able tackle.



Links:
http://www.900footballlinks.net/brownsframe.htm
http://900footballlinks.net/2008draftoffensiverankings.htm#OT
http://www.900footballlinks.net/broncosframe.htm

Thank you I really think these numbers opened up my eyes !!!!!!!!!!!! I think Kuper will do great at LT !!! :flower: I reposted the numbers at another site and told them to thank you not me ...

[~Crash~]

This is gonna be a tough year for Donk fans.

chieves win the SB :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[footstepsfrom#27]

I don't care what his combine numbers say, if he could play LT why hasn't he done so yet? He played against inferior competition in college and has never played the position. I'll take the guy with three years experience who gave up 1 sack in 850 snaps against the SEC over the guy from North Dakota State who started one year at guard for the Broncos. There's a reason Williams is considered a top 15 or higher pick and Kuper went in the 5th round. I'm not saying he couldn't do it...Lepsis was a UFA of course...but by all accounts Williams is going to be something special and we just never get these guys. We always have to go with a system player instead. The fact that he's athletically gifted only makes me worry more about what Shanny will think of using the 12th pick on an OT when he could grab a 168 pound receiver instead.

[~Crash~]

I don't care what his combine numbers say, if he could play LT why hasn't he done so yet? He played against inferior competition in college and has never played the position. I'll take the guy with three years experience who gave up 1 sack in 850 snaps against the SEC over the guy from North Dakota State who started one year at guard for the Broncos. There's a reason Williams is considered a top 15 or higher pick and Kuper went in the 5th round. I'm not saying he couldn't do it...Lepsis was a UFA of course...but by all accounts Williams is going to be something special and we just never get these guys. We always have to go with a system player instead. The fact that he's athletically gifted only makes me worry more about what Shanny will think of using the 12th pick on an OT when he could grab a 168 pound receiver instead.

one word for you . "Mobley"

[footstepsfrom#27]

one word for you . "Mobley"
Orson or John? If you mean John, he was a 1st round pick. Again...I get that we've been able to fit system guys into these slots and be functional, but the rest of the league has started catching on to the system because half a dozen teams now use it. If combine numbers were what it took to play LT, you'd never see any of these high picks get cut at the position. I'm just saying I prefer somebody's whose shown they can do it to somebody whose never played there. Besides...Kuper was looking good at guard so I'd rather not have to move him and plug another guy into his spot. Lost in all this discussion for the most part is the fact that we need not one but TWO OT's...unless you're a big Eric Pears fan of course.

[Kaylore]

this is a spot on post rep:notworthy

I think it's really dumb, personally. Basically you guys are saying "Let's put our weakest player at left tackle! Kuper is strong and the other two guys aren't! Right tackles need to be strong! Kuper should play right tackle!"

Where is it written that Left tackles don't need to be strong? And where are you guys getting that the inferior Pears and relative unknown in Harris should be starting on Cutler's blind side over the guy that has a year of starting experience on the line? I'm sorry but you guys are being completely counter-intuitive here.

If you guys want to say you don't like anyone we have right now at left tackle, then Fine ( I disagree) but fine. However those who try and argue that we'd be better with him at Right tackle and a scrub and an injured unknown at Cutler's blindside are completely insane.

[no-pseudo-fan]

I think it's really dumb, personally. Basically you guys are saying "Let's put our weakest player at left tackle! Kuper is strong and the other two guys aren't! Right tackles need to be strong! Kuper should play right tackle!"

Where is it written that Left tackles don't need to be strong? And where are you guys getting that the inferior Pears and relative unknown in Harris should be starting on Cutler's blind side over the guy that has a year of starting experience on the line? I'm sorry but you guys are being completely counter-intuitive here.

If you guys want to say you don't like anyone we have at right now at left tackle, then Fine ( I disagree) but fine. However those who try and argue that we'd be better with him at Right tackle and a scrub and an injured unknown at Cutler's blindside are completely insane.

Agreed. We can end this with, the best combo of line should play.

We do not know what we have in Harris. Maybe he is our LT maybe our RT. We don't know. Is Hamilton going to be good to go when the season starts? What about Fenton? We speculate, we guess, we say 'History tells us...", but we really don't know. I think that our line will not be as much of an issue this year.

[kupesdad]

No, No, No!!! He has to play right tackle because he's stronger than Harris. All strong people play the right side. And since he came from a small school, he can't have the necessary athleticism to play on the left. Don't let your silly facts and apples-to-apples comparisons mess up the myopic group thought of the Mane!

The reason he played at a small school was due largely to the fact that he:

1) Came from Alaska..not a lot of recruiting due to how far away we were

2) Core grades in HS and ACT/SAT scores made him marginal as far as D1 schools although he was eligible.

3) we decided that UND was a better fit due to the size of the school and the fact that he had the opportunity to be a 4 year starter.

He was recruited by a number of d1AA and D1 schools (colorado, Oregon, Cal, Idaho State, Reno but we didn't want him to get swallowed up by the numbers.

[Drek]

I think it's really dumb, personally. Basically you guys are saying "Let's put our weakest player at left tackle! Kuper is strong and the other two guys aren't! Right tackles need to be strong! Kuper should play right tackle!"

Where is it written that Left tackles don't need to be strong? And where are you guys getting that the inferior Pears and relative unknown in Harris should be starting on Cutler's blind side over the guy that has a year of starting experience on the line? I'm sorry but you guys are being completely counter-intuitive here.

If you guys want to say you don't like anyone we have at right now at left tackle, then Fine ( I disagree) but fine. However those who try and argue that we'd be better with him at Right tackle and a scrub and an injured unknown at Cutler's blindside are completely insane.

I totally agree that Kuper has the biggest upside at LT, and that if the FO thinks he's likely to achieve that level in relatively short order then there is no doubt, he should be our LT.

But at the same time if that is the move we need to address RT.

Look at it this way, lets grade these guys potential a la scouts inc, on a scale of 0-100 with 90-100 being for pro bowlers, 80-89 being above average starters, 70-79 being average starters, etc.

Now an important part of this is considering that some guys don't play RT as well as LT and vice versa.

Kuper? I'd give him a solid 90 or so at both LT and RT. I really see all pro potential in him, even at tackle. Hell, I was suggesting that we'd move Kuper to OT months ago. I didn't care for it then and still don't to some degree because I have big questions in regards to Hamilton and Nalen, and I think Kuper would reach a dominant level at OG faster. However, my final grade at LT/RT = 90/90.

Harris? I'd say about an 85-90 at LT, about 80 at RT. He's never had the strength you look for in an RT. Not sure if he ever will, especially after two back surgeries and having a hard time maintaining his ideal playing weight of 300-310. But at LT where power is less important and agility and technique reign supreme he profiles pretty well. I doubt he'll be a pro-bowl level guy, but maybe, and he should be a better than average LT, a la Matt Lepsis.

Erik Pears? He was passable at LT in '06 (with some help). He was horrible at RT in '07 (with even more help). So I'd have to give him something like a 70 at LT and at best a 60 at RT. That means he could at best be a league average starter, but only at LT. You put him on the more power oriented side and he gets pushed around all day, absolutely backup only level.

So what combination seems best at our tackle spots? A potential 85-90 LT and a 90 RT, or a potential 90 LT and 80 RT?

What Kuper being leaned towards LT tells me is that A. that we'll probably look for more of an RT type in the draft, probably a middle rounder like Zuttah, and that B. we'll probably open up the LT position to full out competition between Kuper, Harris, Pears, and whomever else we might draft.

It isn't the best solution to get our line rolling strong in '08, but long term I'm fine with it. We need to see what we have with Kuper, Harris, etc. this year. People are so excited by this year's deep OT class that they're overlooking how deep the class will be next year. Its at least as good as this one at the top level, so we can afford to play it out and see what we have. RB and DT are the strengths of this class that we won't be able to address nearly as well next year.

[Dos Rios]

I think it's really dumb, personally. Basically you guys are saying "Let's put our weakest player at left tackle! Kuper is strong and the other two guys aren't! Right tackles need to be strong! Kuper should play right tackle!"

Where is it written that Left tackles don't need to be strong? And where are you guys getting that the inferior Pears and relative unknown in Harris should be starting on Cutler's blind side over the guy that has a year of starting experience on the line? I'm sorry but you guys are being completely counter-intuitive here.

If you guys want to say you don't like anyone we have right now at left tackle, then Fine ( I disagree) but fine. However those who try and argue that we'd be better with him at Right tackle and a scrub and an injured unknown at Cutler's blindside are completely insane.

I disagree. It's not a comparative question of Harris v. Pears v. Kuper. If those are the only options, yes, put the best of the lot at LT. It's a DJ Williams issue: put players at the position where they can reach their best potential. If they can't cut it, get a better player at that position (like a LT at #12 in the draft), rather than moving another good player out of position. Pears is a relatively tall, nimble, rangy tackle. Conventional wisdom says his best shot in the NFL is at LT. Kuper may be better than Pears (or Harris) at either tackle spot, but that's beside the point. The question is where would Kuper have a bigger impact in the NFL? If it's on the right, or inside, then leave him there and go out and get something better at LT.

I hope you and the staff are right that Kuper will fit great at LT. But the team has a credibility issue on moving players around because they've shown a tendency in the past to put square pegs in round holes. That's the worry I see being expressed now with Kuper at LT (right or wrong).

[Beantown Bronco]

But the team has a credibility issue on moving players around because they've shown a tendency in the past to put square pegs in round holes.

People only believe that because they ignore the numerous cases of people that have switched positions and succeeded. It's much easier to point out the guys that moved and didn't succeed at the new positions. That's just lazy.

Let's also not forget that many players who have moved did so because they simply weren't good enough to play their "original" position any more, and the team simply thought that they had earned the opportunity to compete at another position. It's not always a case of "let's get our best guys on the field regardless of whether they are a natural fit."

[Liquid Courage]

Just to ensure that our comparison is thorough; I've added where Harris is on this list, as well. I'm not sure measurables have much bearing on reality, but here's to hoping!! My take, we've got two pretty athletic kids that need to continue to prove themselves and work their butts off!!

I can't wait to see this play out during Training Camp!! :thumbsup:

Source: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=15884


40 YD Dash

1A. Ryan Harris ----5.09
1B. Chris Kuper---5.10
2.a Chris Williams---5.17
2.b Jake Long------5.17
3. Ryan Clady------5.18
4. Jeff Otah--------5.56




10 YD Dash

NEW 1. Harris----1.75
1. Long--------1.76
2.a Kuper------1.78
2.b Williams----1.78
3. Clady-------1.81




20 YD Dash

1.a Kuper-----2.96
1.b Clady-----2.96
1.c Harris----2.96
2. Long-------2.97
3. Williams----2.98

Short Shuttle
NEW 1. Harris----4.52
1. Kuper------4.60
2.a Clady-----4.73
2.b Long------4.73
3. Williams----4.85
4. Thomas----4.88


3 Cone

1. Clady------7.09
2. Long-------7.44
3. Kuper------7.59
4. Cherlius----7.60
NEW 5. Harris--7.78
5.a Williams---7.95
5.b Thomas---7.95

Bench

1. Long---------37
NEW 2. Harris----25
2.a Kuper-------24
2.b Clady-------24
3. Williams------21




Vertical Jump

1. Clady---------31''
2. Kuper---------30''
3. Long----------27.5''
NEW 4. Harris----25.5"
4. Williams-------25''
5. Cherlius-------23''
6. Otah----------22.5''




Long Jump

1. Kuper--------9'1''
2. Clady----------9'
3. Williams------8'7''
4.a Long--------8'6''
4.b Cherlius-----8'6''
6. Harris--------8'4"

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

However those who try and argue that we'd be better with him at Right tackle and a scrub and an injured unknown at Cutler's blindside are completely insane.

You know I have always been a Kuper supporter and I will continue to be so. I would like to see him have an opportunity at RT, but not at the expense of "a scrub and an injured unknown " protecting Cutler's backside. Contrary to popular belief, Pears did not fair well on the left side two years ago. The Broncos had both Alexander and the FB helping him on almost every passing play and they designed plays to minimize the weakness. As for Harris, he was a desparation pick last year. There were only 2 quality LTs in the draft and the Broncos had to have someone. His skill level is about equal to tackles that will be drafted in the 6th and 7th round this year. Just use this opportunity to draft a LT who will man the position for the next ten plus years and move Kuper to RT if they feel Hamilton's return is certain.

[Dos Rios]

People only believe that because they ignore the numerous cases of people that have switched positions and succeeded. It's much easier to point out the guys that moved and didn't succeed at the new positions. That's just lazy.

Let's also not forget that many players who have moved did so because they simply weren't good enough to play their "original" position any more, and the team simply thought that they had earned the opportunity to compete at another position. It's not always a case of "let's get our best guys on the field regardless of whether they are a natural fit."

You don't have to ignore the successful switches to note the failed switches. You're absolutely right that it works sometimes (Lepsis). Personally, I'm happy to give the team the benefit of the doubt on Kuper - they know a hell of a lot more about football than I. I'm a big Kuper fan. Hope this is one of the good switches. Also hope he sticks at one position in the next year or two, because he could be a 10-year fixture rather than a jack-of-all-trades.

I just thought Khan was setting up a false argument of comparing the 3 guys without acknowledging that the initial skepticism on a position switch, whether ultimately right or wrong on Kuper, has some grounding in reality. For every Lepsis switch, we've had a DJ Williams to strong side, Mike Anderson to fullback, Deltha O'Neal to wide receiver, etc. It ain't lazy to be skeptical here; it's well-earned.

[2KBack]

Just to ensure that our comparison is thorough; I've added where Harris is on this list, as well. I'm not sure measurables have much bearing on reality, but here's to hoping!! My take, we've got two pretty athletic kids that need to continue to prove themselves and work their butts off!!

I can't wait to see this play out during Training Camp!! :thumbsup:

Source: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=15884
]

Hmmm, this leads me to believe that despite all the talk about where guys are physically suited, Harris and Kuper have similar athletic skills. This is also before Harris' surgery. Hopefully whatever cack problems he was having have been successfully fixed, or at least minimized. That would mean that Harris might be a beast after all.

[~Crash~]

I think it's really dumb, personally. Basically you guys are saying "Let's put our weakest player at left tackle! Kuper is strong and the other two guys aren't! Right tackles need to be strong! Kuper should play right tackle!"

Where is it written that Left tackles don't need to be strong? And where are you guys getting that the inferior Pears and relative unknown in Harris should be starting on Cutler's blind side over the guy that has a year of starting experience on the line? I'm sorry but you guys are being completely counter-intuitive here.

If you guys want to say you don't like anyone we have right now at left tackle, then Fine ( I disagree) but fine. However those who try and argue that we'd be better with him at Right tackle and a scrub and an injured unknown at Cutler's blindside are completely insane.

RT Draft in the secound round

[Kaylore]

I disagree. It's not a comparative question of Harris v. Pears v. Kuper. If those are the only options, yes, put the best of the lot at LT. It's a DJ Williams issue: put players at the position where they can reach their best potential. If they can't cut it, get a better player at that position (like a LT at #12 in the draft), rather than moving another good player out of position. Pears is a relatively tall, nimble, rangy tackle. Conventional wisdom says his best shot in the NFL is at LT. Kuper may be better than Pears (or Harris) at either tackle spot, but that's beside the point. The question is where would Kuper have a bigger impact in the NFL? If it's on the right, or inside, then leave him there and go out and get something better at LT.
And my deal is put the best player we can on Cutler's blind side first. I mean that's the point of offensive linemen in the first place. You don't grow guys in where they should play regardless of their ability. I'd like to know what is it about Kuper at right tackle that makes more sense than him at left other than other guys can't play right tackle.


You know I have always been a Kuper supporter and I will continue to be so. I would like to see him have an opportunity at RT, but not at the expense of "a scrub and an injured unknown " protecting Cutler's backside. Contrary to popular belief, Pears did not fair well on the left side two years ago. The Broncos had both Alexander and the FB helping him on almost every passing play and they designed plays to minimize the weakness. As for Harris, he was a desparation pick last year. There were only 2 quality LTs in the draft and the Broncos had to have someone. His skill level is about equal to tackles that will be drafted in the 6th and 7th round this year. Just use this opportunity to draft a LT who will man the position for the next ten plus years and move Kuper to RT if they feel Hamilton's return is certain.
And I get that. I would like your opinion on why you think Kuper would make a better RT than an LT, but saying you want him to move to the right side and us to draft a new LT makes sense. You've also been consistently recommending this all offseason.

What I don't understand is why people would feel better about him at RT and putting Harris or the underwhelming Pears on Cutler's blind side. That makes no sense at all. You can say you want Kuper at RT and want to draft a LT. You can say moving him around will hurt his development. You can say they all suck and you want new ones. But the arguments for Pears and Harris on the left side over Kuper being voiced (Pears and Harris are too weak to play RT? Kuper is big and so makes a better RT? Pears and Harris can't play that position? How are these mandates to move them over?) are ridiculous.

[Jetmeck]

This is gonna be a tough year for Donk fans.


People should clean up their own backyard before bitching about the neighbors !

[TheDave]

Just Draft Williams at #12 and let the best man win.

[kmonty]

Guys whose only job is to evaluate professional linemen can't reliably determine how a guy will fare at offensive tackle facing DEs as opposed to playing offensive guard while facing the DTs......but you can. Interesting.

How do you take me saying, "I don't feel confident Kuper can make the transition to LT" into me claiming to be a pro scout? Just giving my opinion buddy.

I don't think Kuper played incredibly well last year, honestly. The game I most recently re-watched was the Chargers game. I started it up just to take a look at Kuper as a potential LT. He missed assignments in both the running game and in pass protection, and when he was blocking one-on-one in space he struggled to hold up against a speed rush on his left side. Maybe he'll be a better LT than LG, and that would be GREAT. But I came away unimpressed and worried about him as a starting left tackle.

What games did you watch? By the end of the season Kuper and Myers were killing people.

They played very well against the Vikings to end the season. The Chargers game is the one I just re-watched when posting the comment and it was the polar opposite. Another game that comes to mind, although I'd really like to re-watch that before commenting further, is the 2nd Raiders game.

On another note, it's really funny to hear Jaworski and Kornheiser talk about Giants and Pats Week 17 the whole game. ROFL! Jaws keeps insisting the Giants should sit the bench. And Kornholio only wants the Giants to play to prevent history.

[Inkana7]

They played very well against the Vikings to end the season. The Chargers game is the one I just re-watched when posting the comment and it was the polar opposite. Another game that comes to mind, although I'd really like to re-watch that before commenting further, is the 2nd Raiders game.


They really were killing people. The Chargers game O-Line embarassment was mainly do to Pears (I hate that ****er) and Holland. Myers Especially was manhandling anyone who he was up against. I'm still pissed we let him go.

[kmonty]

Holland? What? Yeah, they showed a highlight a few times over and over of one play where he got bullrushed by Castillo, but he had a solid game as usual.

[FireFly]

What games did you watch? By the end of the season Kuper and Myers were killing people.

Don't remind me. I'm still cheesed that we let him go. He will start for the Texans. Nalen will retire and we will lament the fact.

[Punisher]

Super Kuper!!!!

;D

:spit: LMAO

[cabronco]

I think the desire to having him play RT comes from the fact that Harris and Pears both aren't strong enough to handle RT, not that Kuper can't handle LT.

We saw it last year with Pears, the bigger ends on that side punked him every game. Harris could handle it if he gets fully healthy again, but after two back surgeries and spending most of his senior season over 20 pounds underweight I'll believe it when I see it.

I thought Harris had one back surgery ? What was the nature of the injury to require two, besides correcting something ? Any links ?

[Drek]

I thought Harris had one back surgery ? What was the nature of the injury to require two, besides correcting something ? Any links ?

He had one prior to his senior season in college and then he had one at the beginning of his rookie year last year.

If I recall they've both been to fix a problem with a bulging disk, but I'm not a physician, let alone his physician, so I really can't say and I'm just trying to pull from recollection. However, it was widely discussed amongst ND fans that his pre-senior season surgery is what caused him to drop over 20 pounds coming into the year, so instead of playing in his ideal weight range of 300-310 he was more like 280.

Harris at 300 lbs. plus is a damn good OT prospect with great agility and technique with an average power game. Harris at 280 with a balky back wasn't even a very good starter in college. We'll have to see how healthy he can stay.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Kuper really did alright last season. He is more athletic than most.

Where he struggled was in using hand techniques to gain control or to counter the moves of his opposition. He has skinny arms.

[Kaylore]

Kuper really did alright last season. He is more athletic than most.

Where he struggled was in using hand techniques to gain control or to counter the moves of his opposition.
I think he just needs to use them better. Part of it is learning to react quickly to what the defenders are doing.

[epicSocialism4tw]

I think he just needs to use them better. Part of it is learning to react quickly to what the defenders are doing.

That's true.

He will see a plethora of well executed moves by players of a calibur that he never saw in college. He had struggles with big, strong guys who could lock up his pads with a straight arm push. They could move him around, but he could stay in front of them. He has some talent.

[SureShot]

The reason he played at a small school was due largely to the fact that he:

1) Came from Alaska..not a lot of recruiting due to how far away we were

2) Core grades in HS and ACT/SAT scores made him marginal as far as D1 schools although he was eligible.

3) we decided that UND was a better fit due to the size of the school and the fact that he had the opportunity to be a 4 year starter.

He was recruited by a number of d1AA and D1 schools (colorado, Oregon, Cal, Idaho State, Reno but we didn't want him to get swallowed up by the numbers.


Link?

[Beantown Bronco]

Link?

In case you didn't notice, his username is his link.

[SureShot]

In case you didn't notice, his username is his link.

Really? That was kind of the joke.

[Beantown Bronco]

Really? That was kind of the joke.

Your sarcasm button must be broken.

[SureShot]

I better get that looked at.

[epicSocialism4tw]

The reason he played at a small school was due largely to the fact that he:

1) Came from Alaska..not a lot of recruiting due to how far away we were

2) Core grades in HS and ACT/SAT scores made him marginal as far as D1 schools although he was eligible.

3) we decided that UND was a better fit due to the size of the school and the fact that he had the opportunity to be a 4 year starter.

He was recruited by a number of d1AA and D1 schools (colorado, Oregon, Cal, Idaho State, Reno but we didn't want him to get swallowed up by the numbers.

Thanks for contributing. :)

Your son looks to me like one of the better line prospects on the Broncos' roster. I was sort of shocked when I saw his game film at last years draft. He was certainly a man among boys on the field against that competition the same way that guys like Steve McNair or other lower level college players look against inferior competition. He looked like a round 2 guard prospect because of his athletic blessings.

[epicSocialism4tw]

I think it's really dumb, personally. Basically you guys are saying "Let's put our weakest player at left tackle! Kuper is strong and the other two guys aren't! Right tackles need to be strong! Kuper shouldplay right tackle!"
Where is it written that Left tackles don't need to be strong? And where are you guys getting that the inferior Pears and relative unknown in Harris should be starting on Cutler's blind side over the guy that has a year of starting experience on the line? I'm sorry but you guys are being completely counter-intuitive here.
If you guys want to say you don't like anyone we have right now at left tackle, then Fine ( I disagree) but fine. However those who try and argue that we'd be better with him at Right tackle and a scrub and an injured unknown at Cutler's blindside are completely insane.


Kuper can move. That's his top attribute, IMO. I believe that we were probably slotting him as a pulling guard when drafted.

Im not sure where the idea that Kuper cant move came from.

[lex]

The reason he played at a small school was due largely to the fact that he:

1) Came from Alaska..not a lot of recruiting due to how far away we were

2) Core grades in HS and ACT/SAT scores made him marginal as far as D1 schools although he was eligible.

3) we decided that UND was a better fit due to the size of the school and the fact that he had the opportunity to be a 4 year starter.

He was recruited by a number of d1AA and D1 schools (colorado, Oregon, Cal, Idaho State, Reno but we didn't want him to get swallowed up by the numbers.

You know Ive been on board with your son being a Bronco for a long time now. It must be satisfying to see him get this kind of attention or appreciation now...I know its a little satisfying for me since Ive been doting on him for a while...I cant even imagine how pleased you must be.

[kupesdad]

You know Ive been on board with your son being a Bronco for a long time now. It must be satisfying to see him get this kind of attention or appreciation now...I know its a little satisfying for me since Ive been doting on him for a while...I cant even imagine how pleased you must be.

It is always nice to have your children earn the ability to live their dream. As his coach from birth till high school it is gratifying to see the fruit of a lot of hard work and sacrifice that we made as a family. My skin has even gotten thicker from taking so much $hit from you f%$&*#@s. Of course I use that word as a term of endearment. I believe that as hard a worker he is he will be successful at tackle. If you look at the tape from the Houston game last year he had a very good game against both Mario Williams and the Okoye kid. Thanks for the kind words from everyone and for the non-believers f%$#off.
(just kidding). Go Broncos!!