Broncos not required to get specific in draft

[HEAV]

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3640063

By Bill Williamson
Denver Post NFL, Broncos Beat Reporter

When the Broncos made their way into the three-way trade with the New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons last week - and achieved draft position as good as any team in the NFL - the consensus was they were targeting a player.

Don't count on it, but trust this: The Broncos will spend the next five weeks preparing for anything. The team has all kinds of flexibility in the draft. It can package the Nos. 15 and 22 picks for a higher selection - perhaps moving into the top five or six - then take a player it targets. Maryland tight end Vernon Davis, sure to go among the first seven choices, would look pretty good in Denver. Or the Broncos can trade down one of their first-round picks and stockpile later first-day selections.

Or they simply can stay put and nab two impact players.

With needs at receiver, running back, tight end and defensive end, the Broncos are in position for two instant-impact players.

It's all about flexibility. Don't believe the talk there is one specific player the team is looking at. Sure, Southern California tailback LenDale White, Florida receiver Chad Jackson and Ohio State receiver Santonio Holmes will be tempting, and all are plausible choices, but the team doesn't have its heart set on anybody.

That is particularly true at quarterback. Forget any speculation that the Broncos were targeting a quarterback, perhaps Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler. First of all, Cutler's stock has soared, and he likely will be a top-six pick.

Second, the Broncos believe they will reach the Super Bowl next season. Why would they take the quarterback of the future in the first round? Now, if Cutler somehow slid to No. 15, the Broncos could think about it, since they have another first-round pick.

The result of the trade means the Broncos will have options on April 29. But that's all it means.
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I swear. The fat guy is here on the mane among us........

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by HEAV

I swear. The fat guy is here on the mane among us........

Indeed. We have tought Bill well.

[Taco John]

Bill parroting the company line as usual.

He's not saying much until you read between the lines.

I'd like to thank Bill for his part in creating over-inflated hype by using words like "instant impact players" that gives fans the wrong ideas about what the draft is all about. There are few players that we could nab that would be instant impact, and none of them will likely fall to 15.

[extralife]

You're being too pessimistic. Plenty of rookies have impacts--even rookies on good teams! Just look at the Super Bowl this year, even. Pittsburgh had Heath Miller, and Seattle had Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill. If you want to win a Super Bowl, you look to improve every way you can. You don't just throw your hands up and say no one you draft is going to matter for two years.

[Drek]

Originally Posted by Taco John

Bill parroting the company line as usual.

He's not saying much until you read between the lines.

I'd like to thank Bill for his part in creating over-inflated hype by using words like "instant impact players" that gives fans the wrong ideas about what the draft is all about. There are few players that we could nab that would be instant impact, and none of them will likely fall to 15.

We'll have a shot at instant impact players as late as the 2nd round if you ask me, but its not the impact everyone is hoping for.

If we want a solid TE we could probably get Fasano in round two, he'd be the best combo of blocking and recieving skills we've seen from a TE in years. He might not have a whole lot of upside but he's a solid Bubba Franks type TE.

For pass rush we could grab Kamerion Wimbley or Manny Lawson at the 22nd spot, both would make great situational pass rushers who could probably get 5-10 sacks on the season as well as being a vital part of our kick/punt coverage.

We could draft Bloom, Hester, or a host of other players and get a legitimate KR/PR now that Williams has elevated himself to #2 CB. Such a player could make an immediate impact as well.

One dimensional guys can have an impact, finished product highly polished college guys can have an impact, but its an impact like a solid veteran can provide, not the dramatic difference of a pro bowler, which I think most people are now expecting out of the 15th pick, if not the 22nd as well. Thats a real long shot, and people should lay off that pipe dream.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Originally Posted by extralife

You're being too pessimistic. Plenty of rookies have impacts--even rookies on good teams! Just look at the Super Bowl this year, even. Pittsburgh had Heath Miller, and Seattle had Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill. If you want to win a Super Bowl, you look to improve every way you can. You don't just throw your hands up and say no one you draft is going to matter for two years.

People still aren't getting this. TJ isn't talking about a MMQB thing where everyone looks back at the end of the season and says players A and B ended up being impact players this season, even though they were taken in the 2nd and 4th rounds. Williamson is talking about players, who from the second they are drafted, are expected to be impact players and contribute in their rookie season. You don't find many of those outside the Top 10. Shanahan does not for this season, he drafts for the future. Any contribution a rookie makes this season is gravy.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Originally Posted by Taco John

Bill parroting the company line as usual.

He's not saying much until you read between the lines.

I'd like to thank Bill for his part in creating over-inflated hype by using words like "instant impact players" that gives fans the wrong ideas about what the draft is all about. There are few players that we could nab that would be instant impact, and none of them will likely fall to 15.

He wouldn't be honest about why Denver hasn't been active in free agency, why would he tell the truth about how Shanahan drafts?

[BroncoInferno]

Originally Posted by Taco John

Bill parroting the company line as usual.

He's not saying much until you read between the lines.

I'd like to thank Bill for his part in creating over-inflated hype by using words like "instant impact players" that gives fans the wrong ideas about what the draft is all about. There are few players that we could nab that would be instant impact, and none of them will likely fall to 15.

Taco, there are numerous players in the draft every year who make an instant impact, and a lot of them aren't top 10 picks, or even 1st rounders fro that matter. Hell, we got instant impact from our 2nd and 3rd rounders last season, and this is a deeper draft. I guess it depends on what your definition is of 'instant impact'. Idf you mean superstar production, you are probably right. But if you mean guys who can give a solid contribution and make your team better overall, you are simply wrong. It really depends on the position and the player. If ,for instance, we take Chad Jackson at 15, we probably won't get much of an impact in year one because even top 10 WRs often take a year or two to develop. If , on the other hand, we taook LenDale White, we could and probably would get an instant impact, maybe even a star quality impact, because there is a long history of rookie RBs making significant impacts as a rookie. TE is another position where we could get instant help. You don't think Leonard Pope could come in as a rookie and trump Putz's 37 catches and 0 TDs? C'mon. I see your point to an extent. Certain positions do often times take more time to develop. But to say there isn't a fairly solid chance to get instant production in round one this season is wrong. It just really depends on what positions we go for.

[BroncoInferno]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

He wouldn't be honest about why Denver hasn't been active in free agency, why would he tell the truth about how Shanahan drafts?

What is the real reason? We had cap space, and we probably could have squeezed Abraham or Carter into the cap, but chose not to. Why? Seems obvious to me. The cost effective approach taken by teams like Philly and NE keep you competitive year in and year out, while the Dan Snyder approach forces you to cut corners depth wise and also pins you against the wall with the cap in future seasons.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

They're unwilling to come out and say that even after cutting 3 starters, they think this team can win it as is, and that's why they're not active in free agency. You're right they have cap room and could create more if they wanted too, but it's easier to say they don't have any money to spend because most fans are ignorant when it comes to their team's cap situation.

[x123z]

Maybe not specfic names, but specfic positions, defense end and receiver.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Originally Posted by x123z

Maybe not specfic names, but specfic positions, defense end and receiver.

Sweet. They traded up to 15 for guys that most likely would have been available at #22 also.

[BroncoInferno]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

They're unwilling to come out and say that even after cutting 3 starters, they think this team can win it as is, and that's why they're not active in free agency. You're right they have cap room and could create more if they wanted too, but it's easier to say they don't have any money to spend because most fans are ignorant when it comes to their team's cap situation.

I thought someone posted an article where Sundquist did come out and state something to that effect?

[brother love]

Originally Posted by BroncoInferno

What is the real reason? We had cap space, and we probably could have squeezed Abraham or Carter into the cap, but chose not to. Why? Seems obvious to me. The cost effective approach taken by teams like Philly and NE keep you competitive year in and year out, while the Dan Snyder approach forces you to cut corners depth wise and also pins you against the wall with the cap in future seasons.

Great point!
The younger players are the ones that always have the big contracts thrown at them. Teams like New England wait later in free agency for veteran cuts.
The thing that helps down the stretch is big game experience which is why they are so tough to beat in the playoffs.
Shanny is starting to realize this!
As good as Darrent Williams and Foxworth played at times their inexperience really hurt us in that AFC championship game.
Our time is coming we are damn close to getting the deal done!!

[BroncoInferno]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

Sweet. They traded up to 15 for guys that most likely would have been available at #22 also.

Well, Jackson's stock has apparently risen to the point where he would not be there at 22. Mimai is rumored to be very interested in him at their spot. I'm not too excited about the prospect of picking him, but if that's a guy they want, they probably did need to move up. With the DEs, it's hard to say. The mock drafts generally have Kiwi and/or Hali available, but teams are so desperate for lineman it would not surprise if they were both gone by picks 19 or 20. Plus, the rumors are that Shanny and Sundquist aren't that enamoured with any of the DL prospects likely to available, for whatever that's worth (I know, rumors aren't worth much when you are talking about Shanny). We'll see who they come away with. I'm pulling for LenDlae or DeAngelo @ 15 and Pope at 22. Instant red zone improvement.

[baja]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

They're unwilling to come out and say that even after cutting 3 starters, they think this team can win it as is, and that's why they're not active in free agency. You're right they have cap room and could create more if they wanted too, but it's easier to say they don't have any money to spend because most fans are ignorant when it comes to their team's cap situation.

I don't know what is so difficult about this move. They gained a free second round pick (points equivalent). They could just as easily trade back down on draft day and realize the extra point value that way.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Originally Posted by baja fan

I don't know what is so difficult about this move. They gained a free second round pick (points equivalent). They could just as easily trade back down on draft day and realize the extra point value that way.

WTF does this have to do with my post?

[baja]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

WTF does this have to do with my post?

After reading it again not much, I think I might have hit the wrong quote button. I though I was rsponding to someone saying we traded up to this or that. I think we traded up because it was a great deal period. Sorry Hurc..

[labronx]

Originally Posted by BroncoInferno

Well, Jackson's stock has apparently risen to the point where he would not be there at 22. Mimai is rumored to be very interested in him at their spot. I'm not too excited about the prospect of picking him, but if that's a guy they want, they probably did need to move up. With the DEs, it's hard to say. The mock drafts generally have Kiwi and/or Hali available, but teams are so desperate for lineman it would not surprise if they were both gone by picks 19 or 20. Plus, the rumors are that Shanny and Sundquist aren't that enamoured with any of the DL prospects likely to available, for whatever that's worth (I know, rumors aren't worth much when you are talking about Shanny). We'll see who they come away with. I'm pulling for LenDlae or DeAngelo @ 15 and Pope at 22. Instant red zone improvement.

How about Maroney at RB?

[BroncoInferno]

Originally Posted by labronx

How about Maroney at RB?

I like Maroney, but we probably could have had him @ 29. Although, he did run a 4.47 40 at his workout, and coupling that with his sturdy frame could move him up some boards, maybe even ahead of LenDale. Not at 15, but at 22 I would not mind taking Maroney.

[labronx]

Originally Posted by BroncoInferno

I like Maroney, but we probably could have had him @ 29. Although, he did run a 4.47 40 at his workout, and coupling that with his sturdy frame could move him up some boards, maybe even ahead of LenDale. Not at 15, but at 22 I would not mind taking Maroney.

I really think this guy CAN be that all pro diference maker. He reminds me allot of TD. I subtle ways.

[BroncoInferno]

Originally Posted by labronx

I really think this guy CAN be that all pro diference maker. He reminds me allot of TD. I subtle ways.

I'm beginning to lean a little towards DW2 because of the receiving demension he brings to the table, but any of the three would be a great addition.

[RMT]

Originally Posted by BroncoInferno

I'm beginning to lean a little towards DW2 because of the receiving demension he brings to the table, but any of the three would be a great addition.

I am, too. I'm not as sold on Lendale as everyone else is. He has work ethic and smarts issues.

[Taco John]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

People still aren't getting this. TJ isn't talking about a MMQB thing where everyone looks back at the end of the season and says players A and B ended up being impact players this season, even though they were taken in the 2nd and 4th rounds. Williamson is talking about players, who from the second they are drafted, are expected to be impact players and contribute in their rookie season. You don't find many of those outside the Top 10. Shanahan does not for this season, he drafts for the future. Any contribution a rookie makes this season is gravy.

Exactly.... You and I are constantly on the same page about so much of this stuff from draft to free agency... to even needs evaluation.

I need have a beer with you sometime.

[Requiem]

There's nothing wrong with hoping that players drafted this year can contribute in a big way.