Was There a Theme to This Year's Draft?

[Rohirrim]

Broncos call audible to clean image
Denver places a high priority on good character in its draft class of 2008
By Jim Armstrong
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 04/28/2008 12:01:11 AM MDT


How important was character in the Broncos' draft of 2008? Let's put it this way: They had better have a lot of milk at their training table.
After signing or drafting some questionable characters through the years, the Broncos ran a reverse Saturday and Sunday. None of their nine draftees is known to have a speck of dust on his record, much less a scrape with the law or a confrontation with a coach.
The list starts with first-rounder Ryan Clady, whose family values were apparent Sunday when he showed up at Dove Valley with his father, Ross, at his side. By Sunday night, several other team captains, born leaders and solid citizens had followed Clady off the Broncos' draft board.
One of the nine picks, fifth-rounder Carlton Powell, missed the early stages of Saturday's first round because he was with family members at a Bible study.
"Faith is my whole life," Powell said. "It's definitely going to play a big part in my career because I know I wouldn't get to do anything in this world if it wasn't for my Lord and savior. I just want to give it up to my family and everybody who prayed with me and had faith in me."
Another Broncos draftee, sixth-rounder Spencer Lar-sen, spent two years in Chile on a Mormon mission. Another, fourth-rounder Jack Wil-liams, monitored teammates at Kent State to make sure they were attending class. And another, seventh-rounder Josh Barrett, won an award at Arizona State for his hard work in the team's offseason conditioning program.
Many NFL teams downgraded Larsen because he's 24, but he fit right in with this Broncos draft class. He not only is married with a son and is devoutly religious, he earned academic all-conference honors at Arizona with a 3.65 grade-point average.
Said Larsen: "I'm probably the happiest kid today to ever get drafted. I feel like I bring a little maturity and a passion for the game. I just love to play."
Larsen isn't the only father among the Broncos' draft class. Fourth-round pick Kory Lichtensteiger is married with a son. Lichtensteiger was such a leader at Bowling Green, he was named a team captain and 2006 co-MVP — as an offensive lineman.
Then there's second-rounder Eddie Royal, who emerged as an inspirational figure in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shooting tragedy, helping the players be, as he put it, "strong for the university."
"I'm a family guy," Royal said. "I have six brothers and sisters, and it's just my mom, so I'm real close to my family. I feel like I've had to grow up a lot faster. I feel I act older than my age. Hopefully that will help me as a professional, coming in and learning the playbook and doing all the right things on and off the field."
Bringing in players with character and a positive attitude is important to the Broncos these days. Various team insiders, most notably Rod Smith and owner Pat Bowlen, have acknowledged that attitude problems have been an issue in recent years. And the issue has the potential to grow, with the Broncos facing a crossroads season after back-to-back years without a playoff appearance.
"I'm very happy with our draft class, with the type of character we did draft," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "We've got some quality individuals. Most of those (type of) guys, we have on our football team. There are always a few exceptions to any football team, but that's been a big emphasis for us since we've been here. . . . If they don't stand up and do the right things, they won't be with us very long."

[lex]

The theme is that we only send our scouts to two different states. This year it was Virginia and Arizona.

And also that Shanahan likes bargain basement running backs because when they do well, everyone talks about how smart he is.

[Bronco Jamus]

Great picks. I am really happy with all of them and hope all of them make the team.

[Bladerunner]

The theme is that we only send our scouts to two different states. This year it was Virginia and Arizona.

And also that Shanahan likes bargain basement running backs because when they do well, everyone talks about how smart he is.

lol...you're pretty much a sourpuss these days, but that crack was at least a little funny...

[Popps]

I'm luke-warm on this draft but I love that we drafted good, character kids. It's nice to have some people you actually want to root for.

Hope Larson works out. His scouting report reminds me of Al Wilson, a bit.

[lex]

lol...you're pretty much a sourpuss these days, but that crack was at least a little funny...

Thanks. Thats all I can hope for...I just want to be loved by everyone.

[Northman]

And also that Shanahan likes bargain basement running backs because when they do well, everyone talks about how smart he is.

Well, at least everyone knows that you felt the same about Terrell Davis before he actually performed on the field. Good thing for great guys like TD that Shanahan and company dont think like you do.

[Florida_Bronco]

The theme is that we only send our scouts to two different states. This year it was Virginia and Arizona.

And also that Shanahan likes bargain basement running backs because when they do well, everyone talks about how smart he is.

Seriously lex, can't you go bitch and moan in another thread? This thread is all about the positives of the people we drafted. If you want to complain, please do it in one of the other threads discussing the draft. Theres no need for you to poison this thread too.

[lex]

Well, at least everyone knows that you felt the same about Terrell Davis before he actually performed on the field. Good thing for great guys like TD that Shanahan and company dont think like you do.


Dont tell me what I thought of those drafts back in the 90s. First of all, I didnt even watch those drafts. I wasnt even living in country back then, so I had very limited access. Second of all, there is a massive difference in how we looked at our running game then vs now. At the time we didnt know we were on the verge of becoming a good running team, so the expectations for maximizing a strength wasnt the same. Nice try though.

[Old Dude]

Broncos call audible to clean image
Denver places a high priority on good character in its draft class of 2008
By Jim Armstrong
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 04/28/2008 12:01:11 AM MDT


How important was character in the Broncos' draft of 2008? Let's put it this way: They had better have a lot of milk at their training table.
After signing or drafting some questionable characters through the years, the Broncos ran a reverse Saturday and Sunday. None of their nine draftees is known to have a speck of dust on his record, much less a scrape with the law or a confrontation with a coach.
The list starts with first-rounder Ryan Clady, whose family values were apparent Sunday when he showed up at Dove Valley with his father, Ross, at his side. By Sunday night, several other team captains, born leaders and solid citizens had followed Clady off the Broncos' draft board.
One of the nine picks, fifth-rounder Carlton Powell, missed the early stages of Saturday's first round because he was with family members at a Bible study.
"Faith is my whole life," Powell said. "It's definitely going to play a big part in my career because I know I wouldn't get to do anything in this world if it wasn't for my Lord and savior. I just want to give it up to my family and everybody who prayed with me and had faith in me."
Another Broncos draftee, sixth-rounder Spencer Lar-sen, spent two years in Chile on a Mormon mission. Another, fourth-rounder Jack Wil-liams, monitored teammates at Kent State to make sure they were attending class. And another, seventh-rounder Josh Barrett, won an award at Arizona State for his hard work in the team's offseason conditioning program.
Many NFL teams downgraded Larsen because he's 24, but he fit right in with this Broncos draft class. He not only is married with a son and is devoutly religious, he earned academic all-conference honors at Arizona with a 3.65 grade-point average.
Said Larsen: "I'm probably the happiest kid today to ever get drafted. I feel like I bring a little maturity and a passion for the game. I just love to play."
Larsen isn't the only father among the Broncos' draft class. Fourth-round pick Kory Lichtensteiger is married with a son. Lichtensteiger was such a leader at Bowling Green, he was named a team captain and 2006 co-MVP — as an offensive lineman.
Then there's second-rounder Eddie Royal, who emerged as an inspirational figure in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shooting tragedy, helping the players be, as he put it, "strong for the university."
"I'm a family guy," Royal said. "I have six brothers and sisters, and it's just my mom, so I'm real close to my family. I feel like I've had to grow up a lot faster. I feel I act older than my age. Hopefully that will help me as a professional, coming in and learning the playbook and doing all the right things on and off the field."
Bringing in players with character and a positive attitude is important to the Broncos these days. Various team insiders, most notably Rod Smith and owner Pat Bowlen, have acknowledged that attitude problems have been an issue in recent years. And the issue has the potential to grow, with the Broncos facing a crossroads season after back-to-back years without a playoff appearance.
"I'm very happy with our draft class, with the type of character we did draft," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "We've got some quality individuals. Most of those (type of) guys, we have on our football team. There are always a few exceptions to any football team, but that's been a big emphasis for us since we've been here. . . . If they don't stand up and do the right things, they won't be with us very long."


Also, Barrett, Larsen and Lichtensteiger were academic all-conference players.

[Kaylore]

Value and Character.

[lex]

Seriously lex, can't you go b**** and moan in another thread? This thread is all about the positives of the people we drafted. If you want to complain, please do it in one of the other threads discussing the draft. Theres no need for you to poison this thread too.

That would be fair if you could guarantee that someone wouldnt voice opposition toward in one of the more negative slanted threads. You know and I know that wont happen. It cuts both ways.

[Mediator12]

That would be fair if you could guarantee that someone wouldnt voice opposition toward in one of the more negative slanted threads. You know and I know that wont happen. It cuts both ways.

Dude, Life is not fair lex ;D At least, you could make it more fair in your favor ;) Or, maybe show some grace every once in awhile.

[Florida_Bronco]

That would be fair if you could guarantee that someone wouldnt voice opposition toward in one of the more negative slanted threads. You know and I know that wont happen. It cuts both ways.

No it doesn't lex. This isn't about if they are good players or not, it's about their character. If you want to trash the way they play, take it in one of the other threads.

[Dagmar]

Thanks. Thats all I can hope for...I just want to be loved by everyone.

Stop being such a tool and we'll see what we can do.

[lex]

No it doesn't lex. This isn't about if they are good players or not, it's about their character. If you want to trash the way they play, take it in one of the other threads.

It was an open ended question about a theme in this years draft. The glaring thing for me was what I posted. You can post your own thoughts on the theme.

[TheReverend]

I hope a lot of this is squeaky clean media posturing.

If I were on this team and these guys came in with non-stop praise the Lord chatter, I'd quit.

[TheReverend]

On second thought, that's good odds of having a DD and other people to do the charity work I don't want to.

[NYC Bronco]

how about speed.......some of these guys can fly

special teams will be much better this year

[Rohirrim]

Judging by the scandals involving the overtly religious over the last couple of decades, being religious is no guarantee of good character. Some of the biggest douchebags are the most religious people. Can't blame Shanahan for trying, though. But it must be tough to be a non-religious guy and be in a lockerroom full of guys who just can't wait for the after-practice prayer circle. It would give me the hives.

[thumpc]

The religious thing is there with a couple of them, but off field character is not the whole story. Shanny drafted nine football NERDS, then signed some more. All these guys study film as their hobby. They can all play multiple positions and know them inside and out. They made the secondary calls, the Oline calls and the Dline calls. Woodyard, Jack Williams and Powell particularly like to study film and project it to the field easily. Mental struggles keep rookies off the field, these guys can suit up early in the season.
Throw in some real talent and speed, and we get some picks in some places none of us saw coming. A cohesive strategy.

[SureShot]

The theme is that we only send our scouts to two different states. This year it was Virginia and Arizona.

And also that Shanahan likes bargain basement running backs because when they do well, everyone talks about how smart he is.


Go post your drivel in your "Disown a Bronco" thread. I believe it is in the butt.

[no-pseudo-fan]

Theme? We drafted value guys in every round, is that a theme.

[azbroncfan]

Second of all, there is a massive difference in how we looked at our running game then vs now. At the time we didnt know we were on the verge of becoming a good running team, so the expectations for maximizing a strength wasnt the same. Nice try though.

Yes the running game back then was much better due to the OL(HOF LT). It was the OL more than TD that made the run game back then.

[lex]

Yes the running game back then was much better due to the OL(HOF LT). It was the OL more than TD that made the run game back then.

If that were true, we could have just plugged the backup in in the the SB against the Green Bay when Terrell was having migraines. The offense didnt quite function as well without Terrell though, even with the line. Nice try though.

[broncosteven]

The theme is that we only send our scouts to two different states. This year it was Virginia and Arizona.

And also that Shanahan likes bargain basement running backs because when they do well, everyone talks about how smart he is.

Bears fans and ESPN1000 are saying same thing about Angelo taking Vandy guys.

[wolf754life]

this was a poor draft, reminescent of the 2003 draft class. This one may finally get the Rat canned and shipped out of denver, or make him bunker up in his 16,000 square feet...................

[broncosteven]

The theme is that we only send our scouts to two different states. This year it was Virginia and Arizona.

And also that Shanahan likes bargain basement running backs because when they do well, everyone talks about how smart he is.

This years theme is LEX pissing in the OM Wheaties.

[SureShot]

I wonder when Lex, wolf and Telluride get together for a circle jerk, who's the pivot man?

[lex]

Bears fans and ESPN1000 are saying same thing about Angelo taking Vandy guys.

Thats funny. Too true. I wish we would have taken Goff at 5, but then that wouldnt have left the door open for the Torain-Larsen-Barrret Arizona tri-fecta.

[rugbythug]

I wonder when Lex, wolf and Telluride get together for a circle jerk, who's the pivot man?


While my experiance with male group masturbation is a big 0 I do believe the concept of the circle keeps everyone happy.

[TheReverend]

this was a poor draft, reminescent of the 2003 draft class. This one may finally get the Rat canned and shipped out of denver, or make him bunker up in his 16,000 square feet...................

You can either cite some examples or continue to end up looking like a jerk off.

[broncosteven]

I wonder when Lex, wolf and Telluride get together for a circle jerk, who's the pivot man?

I would guess that they would be too busy complaining about each others penis's to ever get started.

"Lex - Yours is too small, Wolf- yours swings too far to the left, Tell- there is a big scab on yours!" etc...

[Drek]

The theme is that we only send our scouts to two different states. This year it was Virginia and Arizona.

And also that Shanahan likes bargain basement running backs because when they do well, everyone talks about how smart he is.

What pick do you dislike so much, other than Ryan Torian?

One pick of nine that you can make a solid argument against. Thats a pretty solid draft if you ask me.

Also, I know you really liked Charles and several other highly rated RBs, I did too man, I was looking forward to Mendenhall or Stewart unseating Henry from day one, or if not that Ray Rice in the 2nd taking over next year.

The FO didn't see the need to go that way though. I don't like that Henry probably can't be counted on for more than this season myself, but he was a stud here for his first four games last year, so I can live with us giving him a second chance to be productive.

Lets not completely discount Ryan Torian either. He's a big power back that Kiper had rated as the #2 RB in this class during the early part of the collegiate season. A bad luck injury derailed him from probably being a sure fire first 3 rounds pick. He's supposed to be healthy and if he is we got pretty good value in the 5th.

[worm]

First and foremost...even more important than winning....is having the Broncos be a team that never quits. A team that can overcome adversity and continue to fight and scrap. I can take being less talented....but giving up should NEVER be an option.

IMO, the Broncos gave up at times last year. At least that is how some of the games appeared to me. That isn't due to a lack of talent ...that is character-driven and the Broncos appeared sorely lacking in it.

When the Broncos completed their end of year assessment...character should have been called-out, highlighted, underscored and made a priority.

With this draft the Broncos have added players that...on the surface...appear to be real football players, team leaders and people with inner fortitude.

This team might still be working to get into the same league as SD is on a talent basis.....but this team should fight for four quarters no matter what the scoreboard says.

Which would be a welcome change from some of the games last year.

[ColoradoBuff]

this was a poor draft, reminescent of the 2003 draft class. This one may finally get the Rat canned and shipped out of denver, or make him bunker up in his 16,000 square feet...................

Who crapped in your oatmeal ? Negative bastard!!!!

[lex]

What pick do you dislike so much, other than Ryan Torian?

One pick of nine that you can make a solid argument against. Thats a pretty solid draft if you ask me.

Also, I know you really liked Charles and several other highly rated RBs, I did too man, I was looking forward to Mendenhall or Stewart unseating Henry from day one, or if not that Ray Rice in the 2nd taking over next year.

The FO didn't see the need to go that way though. I don't like that Henry probably can't be counted on for more than this season myself, but he was a stud here for his first four games last year, so I can live with us giving him a second chance to be productive.

Lets not completely discount Ryan Torian either. He's a big power back that Kiper had rated as the #2 RB in this class during the early part of the collegiate season. A bad luck injury derailed him from probably being a sure fire first 3 rounds pick. He's supposed to be healthy and if he is we got pretty good value in the 5th.

I pretty much go into it here:

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showpost.php?p=1961436&postcount=23

The way the running back situation was handled caused me to dock both the Royal pick and the Larsen pick. So that one pick caused me to like the Royal pick and the Larsen pick less even though Im very high on both of those players. I thought we should have gone with Albert or Williams over Clady. The problem I have with him being the best of the LTs in five years is that we need a LT now, and I think the other two are more ready both from what Ive read and based on the fact that Albert and Williams play tougher competition. Its not saying Clady will be a bad player,...you should pretty much expect anyone taken in the first round to be good but, again, I would have gone with Albert or Williams. Plus the wonderlic kind of bothered me. It doesnt always matter but when you have guys who are fairly close, its something to consider.

Im glad we took Royal over Jackson, but not at the expense of our running game. Had it not precluded taking a running back, I would have given it a 4 but since it pre-empted a greater need because of Shanahans ahab-like quest to get Devin Hester, I had to dock it.

I was kind of meh on the CB. We have 4 CBs already and Im a little tired of Shanahans obsession over CBs. I think he hangs out with the CBs on the weekends...he probably goes to the club with them...who knows.

The lasting image of Lichtensteiger I have is of him at the Sr Bowl getting worked by Ellis. I thought it was kind of a reach considering this class of interior linemen isnt that great.

I hated the Torain pick, needless to say.

Where Larsen is concerned, Im very high on him, but Goff would have been a better choice at 5, where we took Torain. So even though I like Larsen, I had to dock that pick because if we were going to take a MLB, taking Goff and not Torain made more sense.

I have nothing bad to say about the 7th round picks.

[Atlas]

Well, at least everyone knows that you felt the same about Terrell Davis before he actually performed on the field. Good thing for great guys like TD that Shanahan and company dont think like you do.

Terrell Davis sucked. Like Lex says it was the system. Davis was nothing but a slow plodder.

[That One Guy]

I hope a lot of this is squeaky clean media posturing.

If I were on this team and these guys came in with non-stop praise the Lord chatter, I'd quit.

LOL that was funny and then I noticed it was "The Reverend" saying it and it made me chuckle.

[lex]

Terrell Davis sucked. Like Lex says it was the system. Davis was nothing but a slow plodder.


Whoa, I cant believe you think Torain is Terrell Davis...not thats bold. Way to put that out there. Im going to hold you to that.

[Northman]

The problem I have with him being the best of the LTs in five years is that we need a LT now,

Uh, why? This team is full of young players. Are you expecting a SB next year? Ha!

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Having great character doesn't have anything to do with religion. The two are not mutually exclusive either. Bowlen, Bailey, Smith and Cutler were all crying out in public for better character. I haven't observed any overt religious demonstrations from any of them. I have no ties to any religion, but I would much rather have a guy cross himself when scoring a TD than a guy running over policewomen directing traffic just for fun.

[Rohirrim]

Having great character doesn't have anything to do with religion. The two are not mutually exclusive either. Bowlen, Bailey, Smith and Cutler were all crying out in public for better character. I haven't observed any overt religious demonstrations from any of them. I have no ties to any religion, but I would much rather have a guy cross himself when scoring a TD than a guy running over policewomen directing traffic just for fun.

You're preaching to the choir. ;D

[oubronco]

Funny stuff about the idiot commentators

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl#