We need to put more talent into the running game.

[lex]

OK, its long been the case that Shanahan, through his own arrogance, was committed to making the running game work with mid to low round talent. And we are doing that now, which is kind of hard to explain considering we paid Daniel Graham top dollar, whose best strength is as a blocker. So why not draft an interior offensive lineman with a top pick? Why not use a high draft pick on the position that actually carries the ball? It goes back to Shanahans act of hubris and this egotistical obsession he has with trying to get a lot out of low round talent.

Its such that we committed the majority of our offseason acquisitions on helping the passing game. Im not going to complain about Royal or Clady, but does anyone think it was a mistake to put so much on Jays back? I realize thats water under the bridge and also that we can only do so much in one offseason. But at the same time, I think we can all see the end result of making ourselves a passing team with such a young QB.

I would just like to know why the insistence on trying to get by in the running game with so little all this time? We won a SB as a team whose identity was running the football. Why fight it? Why not embrace it and try to be the best at that we can going forward? I think it would definitely help smooth out the inconsistency we're seeing in the offense currently. And the people who are complaining about the running game, should realize that our emphasis on the passing game in the offseason has an end result of us being more of a passing team.

[TheChamp24]

You don't need a 1st round RB to have a good ground game. Hell, even 2nd round. Brian Westbrook was a 3rd round pick, Willie Parker went undrafted.
Hell, out of the top 10 rushing leaders, 5 were drafted on day 2 I believe.

What we need is someone who is good in our system, and also upgrading the interior of the line because I really think Hamilton is a weak point in our offense.

[lex]

You don't need a 1st round RB to have a good ground game. Hell, even 2nd round. Brian Westbrook was a 3rd round pick, Willie Parker went undrafted.
Hell, out of the top 10 rushing leaders, 5 were drafted on day 2 I believe.

What we need is someone who is good in our system, and also upgrading the interior of the line because I really think Hamilton is a weak point in our offense.


Im not even talking about round 1 per se but we definitely shouldnt avoid improving the running game in rd 1 out of arrogance. But this 5th, 6th, and 7th round stuff is getting old. And I wasnt just talking about RB. Ive been an advocate of drafting interior OL in Rd 1. And I agree with you about Hamilton. People get bent out of shape when you point out how he can be ragdolled. But its true. I agree that he is a weak link and we could actually also improve C.

[Tombstone RJ]

OK, its long been the case that Shanahan, through his own arrogance, was committed to making the running game work with mid to low round talent. And we are doing that now, which is kind of hard to explain considering we paid Daniel Graham top dollar, whose best strength is as a blocker. So why not draft an interior offensive lineman with a top pick? Why not use a high draft pick on the position that actually carries the ball? It goes back to Shanahans act of hubris and this egotistical obsession he has with trying to get a lot out of low round talent.

Its such that we committed the majority of our offseason acquisitions on helping the passing game. Im not going to complain about Royal or Clady, but does anyone think it was a mistake to put so much on Jays back? I realize thats water under the bridge and also that we can only do so much in one offseason. But at the same time, I think we can all see the end result of making ourselves a passing team with such a young QB.

I would just like to know why the insistence on trying to get by in the running game with so little all this time? We won a SB as a team whose identity was running the football. Why fight it? Why not embrace it and try to be the best at that we can going forward? I think it would definitely help smooth out the inconsistency we're seeing in the offense currently. And the people who are complaining about the running game, should realize that our emphasis on the passing game in the offseason has an end result of us being more of a passing team.

I've been a proponent of getting a blue chip running back for a long time. I've pointed out over and over that the offensive line has been consistently good, but that the running backs have not been so good. But, for whatever reason, some posters here wanted claim the offenses problems were in the oline.

Well, the Broncos have a great oline, perhaps the best oline since the days of Zimmerman. Yet, the running games stinks worse than ever.

Hmmmm.

I sound like a broken record. I'm tired of telling people that in order for Jay to reach his full potential, the Broncos need a running back that compliment his talents.

The Broncos have a stud LT. Now, they need a stud RB. Elway didn't win a ring until TD came along. Now Jay needs a great young RB to take the pressure off of him.

This team needs alot of help on defense, that is true. But I think an early round pick should be spent on a RB. I wanted a RB in the first round this last draft, and I'm still in favor of taking a great young RB in this next draft.

Alot of woes can be cured by a running game that eats up the clock and has scores points, and that opposing defenses have to game plan around.

[Doggcow]

Ringer 09!

[lex]

I've been a proponent of getting a blue chip running back for a long time. I've pointed out over and over that the offensive line has been consistently good, but that the running backs have not been so good. But, for whatever reason, some posters here wanted claim the offenses problems were in the oline.

Well, the Broncos have a great oline, perhaps the best oline since the days of Zimmerman. Yet, the running games stinks worse than ever.

Hmmmm.

I sound like a broken record. I'm tired of telling people that in order for Jay to reach his full potential, the Broncos need a running back that compliment his talents.

The Broncos have a stud LT. Now, they need a stud RB. Elway didn't win a ring until TD came along. Now Jay needs a great young RB to take the pressure off of him.

This team needs alot of help on defense, that is true. But I think an early round pick should be spent on a RB. I wanted a RB in the first round this last draft, and I'm still in favor of taking a great young RB in this next draft.

Alot of woes can be cured by a running game that eats up the clock and has scores points, and that opposing defenses have to game plan around.


I agree with what most of what yorue saying and its true Clady has done a great job but most of our acquisitions on the OLine recently are better at pass blocking than run blocking. I think Kuper is an ok run blocker but the rest of the interior guys are suspect. And the interior is where the emphasis of run blocking is placed. Im also for getting a RB but it depends on who it is and where theyre available. If that part of it doesnt line up. Im for fixing the interior OL. Thats an undervalued position in the draft and yet its something that we need.

[socalorado]

Im not even talking about round 1 per se but we definitely shouldnt avoid improving the running game in rd 1 out of arrogance. But this 5th, 6th, and 7th round stuff is getting old. And I wasnt just talking about RB. Ive been an advocate of drafting interior OL in Rd 1. And I agree with you about Hamilton. People get bent out of shape when you point out how he can be ragdolled. But its true. I agree that he is a weak link and we could actually also improve C.

I would like to draft or aquire 2 new Rbs for next year.
Dont care how DEN does it, but that is what i think the team needs.
here are my choices/options.
DRAFT
Arian Foster, Tennessee
Height: 6-1. Weight: 217.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.


C.J. Spiller*, Clemson
Height: 5-11. Weight: 192.
Projected 40 Time: 4.37.
Projected Round (2009): 2.


LeSean McCoy**, Pittsburgh
Height: 5-11. Weight: 207.
Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
Projected Round (2009): 1-2.

McCoy kinda reminds me of Marshawn Lynch.
C.J spiller reminds me of a player similiar to Chris Johnson. And i think we all can see what he is doing right now in TEN.
I like Foster because he is a big, bruiser who can get tough yards. I know he has the "jimmy hands" but that can be corrected.

As for FA, heres the list. MEH.

Brandon Jacobs,UFA, New York Giants
J.J. Arrington, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Correll Buckhalter, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Jesse Chatman, UFA, New York Jets
Heath Evans, UFA, New England Patriots
Ryan Moats, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Maurice Morris, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Darren Sproles, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Aaron Stecker, UFA, New Orleans Saints
Ricky Williams, UFA, Miami Dolphins

[socalorado]

Ringer 09!

yeah, like his production of late. keep an eye on him.

[TonyR]

Here's the problem: we have too many holes to fill and we can't use high picks on every position. Look at the upcoming offseason. We need a MLB, we need 2 safties, we could use more depth at CB, we could use at least one more DT and DE, we need to upgrade OG, and we need a RB. Where to begin? The one primary area Shanahan has had success in the past drafting day 2 is at RB. So if we go day 1 RB in the next draft, which other need area do we push down in priority?

I'd also like to point out that Miami went 1-15 last year and yet somehow upgraded their D significantly in one offseason. How did they do that?

[Tombstone RJ]

I agree with what most of what yorue saying and its true Clady has done a great job but most of our acquisitions on the OLine recently are better at pass blocking than run blocking. I think Kuper is an ok run blocker but the rest of the interior guys are suspect. And the interior is where the emphasis of run blocking is placed. Im also for getting a RB but it depends on who it is and where theyre available. If that part of it doesnt line up. Im for fixing the interior OL. Thats an undervalued position in the draft and yet its something that we need.

At the NFL level, running the ball is all about attitude. That is, the offensive line and the offensive game plan has to make it a high priority. This offensive line is just fine. But, for whatever reason, the running game is stalling.

I think it's because there is not a go-to guy in the back field.

You'd be be very suprised at how hard an oline will block for a guy they believe in, as opposed to blocking for a guy that they don't believe in.

[socalorado]

Here's the problem: we have too many holes to fill and we can't use high picks on every position. Look at the upcoming offseason. We need a MLB, we need 2 safties, we could use more depth at CB, we could use at least one more DT and DE, we need to upgrade OG, and we need a RB. Where to begin? The one primary area Shanahan has had success in the past drafting day 2 is at RB. So if we go day 1 RB in the next draft, which other need area do we push down in priority?

I'd also like to point out that Miami went 1-15 last year and yet somehow upgraded their D significantly in one offseason. How did they do that?

No one here is saying DEN should spend their 1st 3 picks on Rbs, but the running game s HORRID!
DEN can go
1st MLB
2nd S
2nd RB
3rd S
4th WR
5th DT
5th DT
6th DT
7th you gettin this?

DEN NEEDS to make a move back into the 2nd round. They NEED to get another quality player high in the draft. DEN must do this to rebuild the defense, and keep the offense running correctly.
its really a matter of aquiring another 2nd rounder to me. or something like that.

[NFLBRONCO]

No one here is saying DEN should spend their 1st 3 picks on Rbs, but the running game s HORRID!
DEN can go
1st MLB
2nd S
2nd RB
3rd S
4th WR
5th DT
5th DT
6th DT
7th you gettin this?

DEN NEEDS to make a move back into the 2nd round. They NEED to get another quality player high in the draft. DEN must do this to rebuild the defense, and keep the offense running correctly.
its really a matter of aquiring another 2nd rounder to me. or something like that.

How is RB class in 09?

[TheChamp24]

Guys, before we talk about drafting a RB, can we at least see if Torain is worth anything?
I really think we have a lot of upgrades we need to do, but only so little to do them.
No question the biggest 2 positions of upgrade should be safety and MLB. After that, I think OG should be looked at.

[NFLBRONCO]

Here's the problem: we have too many holes to fill and we can't use high picks on every position. Look at the upcoming offseason. We need a MLB, we need 2 safties, we could use more depth at CB, we could use at least one more DT and DE, we need to upgrade OG, and we need a RB. Where to begin? The one primary area Shanahan has had success in the past drafting day 2 is at RB. So if we go day 1 RB in the next draft, which other need area do we push down in priority?

I'd also like to point out that Miami went 1-15 last year and yet somehow upgraded their D significantly in one offseason. How did they do that?

We have given up 4 sacks all year we should be tearing D's up but, without any threat in backfield Cutler will continue to struggle.

[Florida_Bronco]

Guys, before we talk about drafting a RB, can we at least see if Torain is worth anything?
I really think we have a lot of upgrades we need to do, but only so little to do them.
No question the biggest 2 positions of upgrade should be safety and MLB. After that, I think OG should be looked at.

Look at the thread starter's signature. He's harbored an unusual and unexplained hatred of Torain since we drafted him.

[lex]

At the NFL level, running the ball is all about attitude. That is, the offensive line and the offensive game plan has to make it a high priority. This offensive line is just fine. But, for whatever reason, the running game is stalling.

I think it's because there is not a go-to guy in the back field.

You'd be be very suprised at how hard an oline will block for a guy they believe in, as opposed to blocking for a guy that they don't believe in.


I dont totally agree but you make a good point. An elite RB makes a difference in a variety of ways and youve correctly identified one of them. Another one is that they have some combination of vision, balance, strength, and speed that makes them better than the guys drafted in the lower rounds. Its true that you can occasionally get lucky and find a hidden gem later but weve been waiting to win that lottery again for the last 5 years.

[Tombstone RJ]

Torain is really a wild card right now. He can be the guy that turns the offense around, but he has to stay healthy.

[Cito Pelon]

The O is a passing O right now. Lot's of shotgun. It's only once in a while Cutler tries to sell the playaction.

[SoCalBronco]

Here's the problem: we have too many holes to fill and we can't use high picks on every position.

Ofcourse, we'd have alot more picks if we'd start trading replaceables and agreeing to settle for equal chart value in trades down (foregoing the premium), or even somewhat less than equal chart value in order to make the deal happen.

But we definitely need them. I've been harping on this for years to no avail. Now we need RB, two DEs, probably another DT, at least 1 LB, another young CB, two Ss and at least one more interior OL.

All of that needs to be addressed relatively early, not late in the draft. You can't get the horses if you don't have the ammo. I don't know how we're going to get the ammo.

[rugbythug]

I dont totally agree but you make a good point. An elite RB makes a difference in a variety of ways and youve correctly identified one of them. Another one is that they have some combination of vision, balance, strength, and speed that makes them better than the guys drafted in the lower rounds. Its true that you can occasionally get lucky and find a hidden gem later but weve been waiting to win that lottery again for the last 5 years.

Clinton Portis 2nd round
Tatum Bell 2nd round
Maruice Clarrett 3rd
Travis Henry Big Cash

Seems to me you have a friend in Shanahan he has been trying to hit Home Runs on RB's too.

[lex]

Torain is really a wild card right now. He can be the guy that turns the offense around, buthe has to stay healthy.



Good luck on that one.

[socalorado]

Good luck on that one.

So who you got?

[lex]

Clinton Portis 2nd round
Tatum Bell 2nd round
Maruice Clarrett 3rd
Travis Henry Big Cash

Seems to me you have a friend in Shanahan he has been trying to hit Home Runs on RB's too.

The Clarett pick was a joke. And since the Portis pick, we have been trying to replace him because we thought we could plug anyone in there. Guess what. Its not that easy and talent does matter...even in Denver.

[Tombstone RJ]

Clinton Portis 2nd round
Tatum Bell 2nd round
Maruice Clarrett 3rd
Travis Henry Big Cash

Seems to me you have a friend in Shanahan he has been trying to hit Home Runs on RB's too.

Portis was a steal and the Broncos were lucky to get him, he was just sitting there so the Broncos took him. Bell was Shanny saying "see Portis, I can replace you with this guy" and it didn't work.

Clarrett was a gamble that didn't pay off. Henry IS a good RB, he just has a 10cent head.

[lex]

So who you got?

I dont know. I like Spiller but I think he may actually be going back for his senior year. I like McCoy but not in the 1st. If we could get Beanie Wells, I would not complain. Highly doubtful that this happens though. Moreno could be a good RB but I would almost rather draft Mack.

[NFLBRONCO]

Ofcourse, we'd have alot more picks if we'd start trading replaceables and agreeing to settle for equal chart value in trades down (foregoing the premium), or even somewhat less than equal chart value in order to make the deal happen.

But we definitely need them. I've been harping on this for years to no avail. Now we need RB, two DEs, probably another DT, at least 1 LB, another young CB, two Ss and at least one more interior OL.

All of that needs to be addressed relatively early, not late in the draft. You can't get the horses if you don't have the ammo. I don't know how we're going to get the ammo.


As usual I agree we need ammo to retool this squad

[socalorado]

I dont know. I like Spiller but I think he may actually be going back for his senior year. I like McCoy but not in the 1st. If we could get Beanie Wells, I would not complain. Highly doubtful that this happens though. Moreno could be a good RB but I would almost rather draft Mack.

Quick question

Can Dansby play MLB? Did he at Auburn? Hes 6-4 250.
If he can, then getting him would solve the glaring hole there.
Then drafting a RB in the 1st wouldnt be such a big deal.
Moreno would be there at 11- 15, more than likely.

Its late, and i am just trying to come up with something that would allow for DEN to feasibly solve this mess.

[lex]

Quick question

Can Dansby play MLB? Did he at Auburn? Hes 6-4 250.
If he can, then getting him would solve the glaring hole there.
Then drafting a RB in the 1st wouldnt be such a big deal.
Moreno would be there at 11- 15, more than likely.

Its late, and i am just trying to come up with something that would allow for DEN to feasibly solve this mess.

No. We have a bigger need on the Dline. And since thats a more risky position to select in the draft, Id rather just spend the money on a guy we know can play. I think Dansby in addition to Peppers or Suggs would be too expensive.

[Tombstone RJ]

I think Woodyard can play MLB if he can add some wait. He's about the same size as Zach Thomas, he just needs a chance to prove himself.

[lex]

I think Woodyard can play MLB if he can add some wait. He's about the same size as Zach Thomas, he just needs a chance to prove himself.

I dont know about that but he may get a chance to play some will since DJ will be out.

[Blart]

11 carries in the dolphin game. 11. Most of those came early in the game.

Hard to develop a rushing game with only 11 tries.

[SoCalBronco]

As usual I agree we need ammo to retool this squad

I don't see a viable way to do it, though, without sacrificing guys that we need.

I'm more than willing to sacrifice Graham and take the short term cap hit, but that doesn't get us very far. That gets us about a 4th. Well, we still need another 2nd and 3rd.

[socalorado]

No. We have a bigger need on the Dline. And since thats a more risky position to select in the draft, Id rather just spend the money on a guy we know can play. I think Dansby in addition to Peppers or Suggs would be too expensive.

Well,i would love to see Haynesworth come in, but that would pretty much wrap up FA spending, cause he will cost a boat load.
I would also love to see Dawan landry as well, but i think BALT makes a move to keep him, and if he did go, he will cost some coin. same with Jermaine Phillips.

McCoy, Foster or Ringer seem to be the best options as of right now.

[socalorado]

I think Woodyard can play MLB if he can add some wait. He's about the same size as Zach Thomas, he just needs a chance to prove himself.

Sorry, man. i dont think that happens. Shoot, he may end up being a better SS when its all said and done! WILL sure!

[Rock Chalk]

Good players cost money.

You people are terrified of spending money on a good player on defense.

We cant draft for **** on defense. No one wants to spend good money on good players on defense.

So, we have a ****ty defense.

****ing deal with it.

[lex]

Well,i would love to see Haynesworth coem in, but that would pretty much wrap up FA spending, cause he will cost a boat load.
I would also love to see Dawan landry as well, but i think BALT makes a move to keep him, and if he did go, he will cost some coin. same with Jermaine Phillips.

McCoy, Foster or Ringer seem to be the best options as of right now.

Foster is a fumbler. Id rather go after Spiller than take Ringer.

[SoCalBronco]

Foster is a fumbler.

His last name disqualifies him as well. :)

[Tombstone RJ]

I dont know about that but he may get a chance to play some will since DJ will be out.

Just get him on the field, thats all I want to see. My man Larsen can play MLB:thumbs:

[Elway777]

I think Derrick Ward is a guy the Broncos should target next year in free agency. I think the Broncos could sign him for about 2 or 3 million. Then the Broncos should also target a running back in round 3 round. Shonn Green ,Stafon Johnson, Greg Davis or Donald Brown could be their in the 3 round. The Broncos use the first 2 pick on defensive. I don't think Shonn Green will be their in the 3 round ,so I have the Broncos taking Stafon Johnson in the 3 round . The Broncos keep 5 running backs next year Torrain,Ward,Young, Johnson and Hillis.

[Popps]

Again, I don't know if I can bear to watch this game again, but it sure looks to me like there are absolutely no running lanes... ever.

Honestly, when was the last time you saw that big running-lane for our guy to get through that our blocking scheme is supposed to open up?

It's been at least three games.

[Dexter]

Isn't Darren Sproles a FA this off-season? If SD lets him walk and Torain ends up being a good bruiser, a Sproles pickup would be alright. A Reggie Bush or Darren Sproles type open field play making factor would be nice for this team to have. Anthony Alridge could fit that mold, but he's pretty much unproven and would be coming off an injury.

I do like CJ spiller in the next draft also.

The only 3 things I feel that could use an upgrade for offense would be:

RB
G
C

Personally if we don't draft pure defense with our first 3 picks I wouldn't mind seeing:

1.MLB
2.RB
3.S
4.C or G

Rest : defense, and maybe a value WR pick if its there.

Drafting a first round talent RB would be alright too, maybe we just need to bite the bullet on that one. If Clady was gone, it was rumored that we may take Jonathan Stewart last year, so maybe this year is the year we do it. Although I do think we need more first round talent on our defense.

[extralife]

I haven't been onboard with the idea of using a high round pick on a back in the past, but I think I'm coming around to it now. Our defense is going to take more than a couple high picks to fix, and virtually no one thinks the schemes we run are competent enough to fascilitate that improvement. Furthermore, Jay is regressing and probably needs some help. It could also be argued that the biggest upgrade to our defense at this point would be to keep them off the field with a running game. It's no coincidences that teams that win with defense also tend to win with the running game.

[lex]

Isn't Darren Sproles a FA this off-season? If SD lets him walk and Torain ends up being a good bruiser, a Sproles pickup would be alright. A Reggie Bush or Darren Sproles type open field play making factor would be nice for this team to have. Anthony Alridge could fit that mold, but he's pretty much unproven and would be coming off an injury.

I do like CJ spiller in the next draft also.

The only 3 things I feel that could use an upgrade for offense would be:

RB
G
C

Personally if we don't draft pure defense with our first 3 picks I wouldn't mind seeing:

1.MLB
2.RB
3.S
4.C or G

Rest : defense, and maybe a value WR pick if its there.

Drafting a first round talent RB would be alright too, maybe we just need to bite the bullet on that one. If Clady was gone, it was rumored that we may take Jonathan Stewart last year, so maybe this year is the year we do it. Although I do think we need more first round talent on our defense.

I agree, which is why Ive been an advocate of drafting Robinson but more recently Mack. I think we should sign Peppers or Suggs and then look at trading Dumervil or Scheffler or both. I know it sucks to lose guys from the 06 draft class but Scheffler is always hurt and with Peppers or Suggs, that would make Moss and Doom tradeable and Doom would get more. There are a lot of receiving TEs in the draft too.