Sleeper HB... are we going to draft one? - The Orange Mane

bpc · 03-28-2005, 11:00 PM

We have in years past... with Shanahan's track record drafting HB's I imagine we'll see another one taken. Here are my two sleeper picks I would love to see us find room for.

Brandon Jacobs- HB- SIU

Strengths: He has exceptional size and good straight-line speed for his size. He's a powerful runner that will simply run over defenders in space. He can push the pile in the running game. When he gets a head of steam he is very difficult to bring down in the open field. He's a smooth athlete for his size. Has soft hands and can catch the football out of the backfield. Also has lots of potential as a pass blocker if given more experience.

Weaknesses: Is raw and inexperienced. Never had a chance to prove what he can do as a fulltime load-carrying back at DI-A level and split carries as a senior at DI-AA level. Has good speed for his size, but not necessarily good speed for a RB. He takes a little while to get going and lacks ideal initial burst. Is not elusive in the open field and won't run away from defenders. Has a lot of work still to do in terms of his awareness and assignment understanding as a pass blocker. Also is unpolished as a route runner in the passing game.

Overview: Jacobs started out at Coffeyville Junior College before transferring to Auburn in December, 2002. He played in all 13 games in a rotation with Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown in '03 and finished with 446 yards on 72 carries, but when Williams and Brown elected to both return for their respective careers, Jacobs decided to transfer to Southern Illinois (DI-AA) so he could play in '04 rather than sit out a year at a different DI-A school. Jacobs is a phenom in terms of his physical skills. He has extraordinary size and very good speed and athleticism for his size, but he has never found a niche or been given enough of an opportunity to prove himself. From what we've seen of him on film, Jacobs has the potential to play a versatile role as a RB/FB who can handle short-yardage situations in the NFL. He also has the size/speed combination to be a good special teams player. However, Jacobs does not have the explosiveness or the speed to ever become a premier back in the NFL, so his best fit might be as a versatile FB or possibly even an H-back type. Jacobs is likely to be a mid-round developmental draft selection in '05.

Along with have a very successful senior season in which SIU won the Gateway Conference, he also dominated the East/West All-Star game running for 100 yds on 11 carries.

Pro Day Results:

Brandon Jacobs RB Jacobs (6-4, 264) ran his 40s in 4.58 and 4.56. He also ran the short shuttle in 4.37 seconds and the three-cone drill in 7.53. He had a 9-foot-10 broad jump and 23 bench presses.

His size is huge and he would be a great compliment to Tatum in short yardage situations. Plus, 4.6 at that size is nothing to snear about. I think this guy has just been covered up but is primed to be an effective back on the next level.

delany · 03-28-2005, 11:07 PM

Instead of a HB this year...how about the FB from Navy? Pick him in round 5 say....let him go off for his two years and compete with KJ when he gets back.

SoCalBronco · 03-28-2005, 11:08 PM

the problem is that i think our needs are so acute elsewhere that it would be unwise to take a RB before our 6th and 7th round selection. I really would not be happy if we spent one of those compensatory third's on one.

Atlas · 03-28-2005, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

the problem is that i think our needs are so acute elsewhere that it would be unwise to take a RB before our 6th and 7th round selection. I really would not be happy if we spent one of those compensatory third's on one.

I agree. Maybe Shanny will target 2 or 3 different backs for the 7th round. When the 7th round gets there either take one or hope that you can sign him as an undrafted FA.

labronco · 03-28-2005, 11:24 PM

oh, we'll pick a running back. that's a given. remember, no one make 'em like we do.

Ray Finkle · 03-29-2005, 06:11 AM

I think it will be either
Cedric Houston
War Room analysis
Strengths: Uses both size and power as a tough runner. Shows good burst. Finds cutback lanes. Can break tackles and wear down defenses. Excels at pass blocking. Is fluid, comfortable and confident catching the ball. Shows the concentration and hands to make spectacular catches.

Weaknesses: Lingering injuries make durability a concern. Fumbling is a minor problem. Lacks explosiveness and elusiveness. Shows little finesse.

Bottom line: Houston, a three-year college starter, is a solid running, receiving and blocking back when healthy. His lingering injuries and lack of top-end speed limit his potential. At best, he is an early-Day 2 pick.

Dan Pompei analysis
Effective between the tackles. Runs hard. Has good vision and feet. Lacks a second gear. Has no special trait. Isn't overly fast or explosive.

or
Vernand Morency
War Room analysis

Inside running: Shows good initial burst and explosiveness through the hole. Has adequate size but lacks strength. Must improve his lower-body power and run more aggressively. Runs too high, takes too many body shots. Grade: 7.4.

Outside running: Has excellent speed and is an explosive threat when running wide. Has a second gear and will out-run many defensive backs. Is elusive and effective when one-on-one. Grade: 8.8.

Blocking: Needs work as a blocker. Lacks great lower-body strength and power. Awareness and technique must improve. Must become more aggressive and physical. Lacks experience. Grade: 7.1.

Hands/routes: Was little used as a receiver. Needs experience and polish in running routes. Has explosive speed and can create mismatches. Hands are reliable; can catch on the run and adjust to poor passes. Grade: 8.4.

Durability: Missed most of the 2002 season with an ankle injury. A knee injury in 2004 cost him one game. Grade: 7.5.

Bottom line: Morency played minor league baseball for three years before enrolling at Oklahoma State in 2002. After a slow start because of an ankle injury in his freshman year, Morency became a starter in 2004 and had a breakout season. He is 24 years old with limited experience. He must get stronger and be more aggressive. Morency has the size, speed, explosiveness and hands to become an NFL starter. He needs work but has talent and should be an early Day 1 selection.

Dan Pompei analysis
Jitterbug-type runner who has some burst, speed, body control and change of direction but isn't exceptional in any one category. Is explosive and can elude defenders. Was very productive. Goes down too easily at times. Is a so-so blocker. Wasn't used much as a receiver, but appears to have the skills to catch. Left school after junior season. Played minor league baseball and is older than NFL teams prefer.

News
Morency did his pro day workout with Miami (Fla.) prospects on March 3. He did not show well in the workout. His 40 times were slow, and he might slip out of Day 1 unless he does something else before the draft to rebuild his value.

Broncoblood · 03-29-2005, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delany

Instead of a HB this year...how about the FB from Navy? Pick him in round 5 say....let him go off for his two years and compete with KJ when he gets back.

I agree with the fact the broncos should go after a fullback. The last time we had an effective fullback, we won a couple of rings and had a guy rush for over 2k, not saying TD isn't the shizznit, but a pure fullback is greatly in demand for the broncs. I am getting sick and tired of seeing TE having to play this position and either whiff on blocks, or get knocked on their a$$. FullBack in the middle rounds please!!

Crushaholic · 03-29-2005, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Finkle

Vernand Morency
War Room analysis

Inside running: Shows good initial burst and explosiveness through the hole. Has adequate size but lacks strength. Must improve his lower-body power and run more aggressively. Runs too high, takes too many body shots. Grade: 7.4.

Outside running: Has excellent speed and is an explosive threat when running wide. Has a second gear and will out-run many defensive backs. Is elusive and effective when one-on-one. Grade: 8.8.

Blocking: Needs work as a blocker. Lacks great lower-body strength and power. Awareness and technique must improve. Must become more aggressive and physical. Lacks experience. Grade: 7.1.

Hands/routes: Was little used as a receiver. Needs experience and polish in running routes. Has explosive speed and can create mismatches. Hands are reliable; can catch on the run and adjust to poor passes. Grade: 8.4.

Durability: Missed most of the 2002 season with an ankle injury. A knee injury in 2004 cost him one game. Grade: 7.5.

Bottom line: Morency played minor league baseball for three years before enrolling at Oklahoma State in 2002. After a slow start because of an ankle injury in his freshman year, Morency became a starter in 2004 and had a breakout season. He is 24 years old with limited experience. He must get stronger and be more aggressive. Morency has the size, speed, explosiveness and hands to become an NFL starter. He needs work but has talent and should be an early Day 1 selection.

Dan Pompei analysis
Jitterbug-type runner who has some burst, speed, body control and change of direction but isn't exceptional in any one category. Is explosive and can elude defenders. Was very productive. Goes down too easily at times. Is a so-so blocker. Wasn't used much as a receiver, but appears to have the skills to catch. Left school after junior season. Played minor league baseball and is older than NFL teams prefer.

News
Morency did his pro day workout with Miami (Fla.) prospects on March 3. He did not show well in the workout. His 40 times were slow, and he might slip out of Day 1 unless he does something else before the draft to rebuild his value.

I would love to get Morency, but only if he lasts into Day 2. We needed a RB more last year because of the questions created from the Portis trade. I think we're good in that area this year and I want to concentrate on both lines this time around.

ozomulsion · 03-29-2005, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crushaholic

I would love to get Morency, but only if he lasts into Day 2. We needed a RB more last year because of the questions created from the Portis trade. I think we're good in that area this year and I want to concentrate on both lines this time around.

Morency lasting until day 2? That's a very wet dream to say the least. 0% chance we get Morency. Walter Reyes is our man. I really hope we get him.

Crushaholic · 03-29-2005, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozomulsion

Morency lasting until day 2? That's a very wet dream to say the least. 0% chance we get Morency. Walter Reyes is our man. I really hope we get him.

That's part of my point. He won't last until Day 2, so it's best to look at other needs.

27atwater · 03-29-2005, 12:27 PM

Houston would be GREAT. I'm a UT fan, and thus buased, but he's got all the tools. The history of UT RBs alone makes him worth a look.

Kaylore · 03-29-2005, 12:39 PM

OMG WE NEED MAURICE CLARRETT!!!1 HE IS TEH UBER!!! hE PLAYED TWO YEARS AGO AND WAS GUD! CLARRIT 4 TEH WINZ0R1!!

epicSocialism4tw · 03-29-2005, 12:45 PM

Tatum Bell is our sleeper HB.

bronco militia · 03-29-2005, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaylore

OMG WE NEED MAURICE CLARRETT!!!1 HE IS TEH UBER!!! hE PLAYED TWO YEARS AGO AND WAS GUD! CLARRIT 4 TEH WINZ0R1!!

bwhahaha!

bronco militia · 03-29-2005, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryllama

Tatum Bell is our sleeper HB.

Bill Williamson, is that you?

epicSocialism4tw · 03-29-2005, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaylore

OMG WE NEED MAURICE CLARRETT!!!1 HE IS TEH UBER!!! hE PLAYED TWO YEARS AGO AND WAS GUD! CLARRIT 4 TEH WINZ0R1!!

That could be the funniest thing I have ever seen on this board!

03-28-2005, 11:00 PM	#1
bpc "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" 1 sword keeps another in the sheath Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 12,580 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	Sleeper HB... are we going to draft one? We have in years past... with Shanahan's track record drafting HB's I imagine we'll see another one taken. Here are my two sleeper picks I would love to see us find room for. Brandon Jacobs- HB- SIU Strengths: He has exceptional size and good straight-line speed for his size. He's a powerful runner that will simply run over defenders in space. He can push the pile in the running game. When he gets a head of steam he is very difficult to bring down in the open field. He's a smooth athlete for his size. Has soft hands and can catch the football out of the backfield. Also has lots of potential as a pass blocker if given more experience. Weaknesses: Is raw and inexperienced. Never had a chance to prove what he can do as a fulltime load-carrying back at DI-A level and split carries as a senior at DI-AA level. Has good speed for his size, but not necessarily good speed for a RB. He takes a little while to get going and lacks ideal initial burst. Is not elusive in the open field and won't run away from defenders. Has a lot of work still to do in terms of his awareness and assignment understanding as a pass blocker. Also is unpolished as a route runner in the passing game. Overview: Jacobs started out at Coffeyville Junior College before transferring to Auburn in December, 2002. He played in all 13 games in a rotation with Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown in '03 and finished with 446 yards on 72 carries, but when Williams and Brown elected to both return for their respective careers, Jacobs decided to transfer to Southern Illinois (DI-AA) so he could play in '04 rather than sit out a year at a different DI-A school. Jacobs is a phenom in terms of his physical skills. He has extraordinary size and very good speed and athleticism for his size, but he has never found a niche or been given enough of an opportunity to prove himself. From what we've seen of him on film, Jacobs has the potential to play a versatile role as a RB/FB who can handle short-yardage situations in the NFL. He also has the size/speed combination to be a good special teams player. However, Jacobs does not have the explosiveness or the speed to ever become a premier back in the NFL, so his best fit might be as a versatile FB or possibly even an H-back type. Jacobs is likely to be a mid-round developmental draft selection in '05. Along with have a very successful senior season in which SIU won the Gateway Conference, he also dominated the East/West All-Star game running for 100 yds on 11 carries. Pro Day Results: Brandon Jacobs RB Jacobs (6-4, 264) ran his 40s in 4.58 and 4.56. He also ran the short shuttle in 4.37 seconds and the three-cone drill in 7.53. He had a 9-foot-10 broad jump and 23 bench presses. His size is huge and he would be a great compliment to Tatum in short yardage situations. Plus, 4.6 at that size is nothing to snear about. I think this guy has just been covered up but is primed to be an effective back on the next level.

03-28-2005, 11:07 PM	#2
delany Uber Bronco Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 780	Instead of a HB this year...how about the FB from Navy? Pick him in round 5 say....let him go off for his two years and compete with KJ when he gets back. Last edited by delany; 03-28-2005 at 11:10 PM..

03-28-2005, 11:08 PM	#3
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,498 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	the problem is that i think our needs are so acute elsewhere that it would be unwise to take a RB before our 6th and 7th round selection. I really would not be happy if we spent one of those compensatory third's on one. __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

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03-28-2005, 11:24 PM	#5
labronco Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,015	oh, we'll pick a running back. that's a given. remember, no one make 'em like we do.

03-29-2005, 06:11 AM	#6
Ray Finkle DOOONNNTTTTT CAAARRREEE! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 7,460	I think it will be either Cedric Houston War Room analysis Strengths: Uses both size and power as a tough runner. Shows good burst. Finds cutback lanes. Can break tackles and wear down defenses. Excels at pass blocking. Is fluid, comfortable and confident catching the ball. Shows the concentration and hands to make spectacular catches. Weaknesses: Lingering injuries make durability a concern. Fumbling is a minor problem. Lacks explosiveness and elusiveness. Shows little finesse. Bottom line: Houston, a three-year college starter, is a solid running, receiving and blocking back when healthy. His lingering injuries and lack of top-end speed limit his potential. At best, he is an early-Day 2 pick. Dan Pompei analysis Effective between the tackles. Runs hard. Has good vision and feet. Lacks a second gear. Has no special trait. Isn't overly fast or explosive. or Vernand Morency War Room analysis Inside running: Shows good initial burst and explosiveness through the hole. Has adequate size but lacks strength. Must improve his lower-body power and run more aggressively. Runs too high, takes too many body shots. Grade: 7.4. Outside running: Has excellent speed and is an explosive threat when running wide. Has a second gear and will out-run many defensive backs. Is elusive and effective when one-on-one. Grade: 8.8. Blocking: Needs work as a blocker. Lacks great lower-body strength and power. Awareness and technique must improve. Must become more aggressive and physical. Lacks experience. Grade: 7.1. Hands/routes: Was little used as a receiver. Needs experience and polish in running routes. Has explosive speed and can create mismatches. Hands are reliable; can catch on the run and adjust to poor passes. Grade: 8.4. Durability: Missed most of the 2002 season with an ankle injury. A knee injury in 2004 cost him one game. Grade: 7.5. Bottom line: Morency played minor league baseball for three years before enrolling at Oklahoma State in 2002. After a slow start because of an ankle injury in his freshman year, Morency became a starter in 2004 and had a breakout season. He is 24 years old with limited experience. He must get stronger and be more aggressive. Morency has the size, speed, explosiveness and hands to become an NFL starter. He needs work but has talent and should be an early Day 1 selection. Dan Pompei analysis Jitterbug-type runner who has some burst, speed, body control and change of direction but isn't exceptional in any one category. Is explosive and can elude defenders. Was very productive. Goes down too easily at times. Is a so-so blocker. Wasn't used much as a receiver, but appears to have the skills to catch. Left school after junior season. Played minor league baseball and is older than NFL teams prefer. News Morency did his pro day workout with Miami (Fla.) prospects on March 3. He did not show well in the workout. His 40 times were slow, and he might slip out of Day 1 unless he does something else before the draft to rebuild his value.

03-29-2005, 12:27 PM	#11
27atwater THANK U! sphincter says "what"? Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Sharon, Pa Posts: 1,594	Houston would be GREAT. I'm a UT fan, and thus buased, but he's got all the tools. The history of UT RBs alone makes him worth a look.

03-29-2005, 12:39 PM	#12
Kaylore 6-37, Raider fans. Yummy birds and snow! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ceti Alpha V Posts: 41,306 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Duke	OMG WE NEED MAURICE CLARRETT!!!1 HE IS TEH UBER!!! hE PLAYED TWO YEARS AGO AND WAS GUD! CLARRIT 4 TEH WINZ0R1!!

03-29-2005, 12:45 PM	#13
epicSocialism4tw Tebowing the long haul all the way to the title Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: TX, USA Posts: 37,072 Adopt-a-Bronco: Champ Bailey	Tatum Bell is our sleeper HB.