PFW Donk article - The Orange Mane

NW Bolt Fan · 03-15-2007, 03:50 PM

Here's the http://profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL...glin031507.htm link.

I should have listened. I figured the Broncos would stand pat this offseason, for the most part. I was wrong.

Set with what appeared to be one of the more solid rosters in the NFL and not a ton of cap space, I figured the Broncos, after a busy offseason in 2006 in which they had to re-sign OT Matt Lepsis, C Tom Nalen and DT Gerard Warren, as well as give a monster deal to new WR Javon Walker, would settle in at the beginning of this year’s free-agency period, maybe grab a few role players at medium-to-bargain prices, release a few others and then focus on preparing for the draft.

That’s what I assumed. But I was told, by more than one trustworthy person in the league, that the Broncos would come out with guns blazin’. And that’s exactly what they did, busting down the door at the start of the NFL’s official “offseason” on March 2 and making enough noise to cause a stir around the league.

First, it was the trade to send RB Tatum Bell, ORT George Foster and a fifth-round draft pick to Detroit for CB Dré Bly and a sixth-rounder. Bly and Champ Bailey will make up the league’s best CB tandem. It may end up not even being much of a competition.

Then, it was the trading of QB Jake Plummer to Tampa Bay. Hardly unexpected, given his high cap number and the fact the future, both the immediate and long-term versions, belongs to Jay Cutler, but Plummer’s corresponding retirement was a mild surprise. The Broncos brought in strong-armed Patrick Ramsey as insurance for Cutler.

The Broncos weren’t done there. They traded for Dan “Big Daddy” Wilkinson, made a strong push for Falcons DE Patrick Kerney (before eventually losing out to the Seahawks) and then signed Patriots TE Daniel Graham and what should be the crown jewel of March, former Titans RB Travis Henry.

OK, so Wilkinson, at 34 and a former bust of a first-round pick, is no more than a rotational guy who gives you 10 or 15 good plays per game. And that’s if he doesn’t retire first. But Graham and Henry are immediate impact players. Graham, despite only catching 21 of Tom Brady’s passes last year, is capable of more, and he is a phenomenal blocker, something Denver hasn’t really had at the position since Desmond Clark several years ago. Graham's presence in two-TE sets with the promising Tony Scheffler will create plenty of mismatches, both in the running game and the passing game. With Walker, Brandon Marshall, Rod Smith, Scheffler and Graham, Cutler is going to feel like a kid in a candy store.

And then there's Henry. Let’s just get started on what this bowling ball of a runner might do in the Broncos’ one-cut, downhill scheme. Mike Shanahan has long desired what scouts call a bell-cow back. A guy who can get the tough yards when the game is on the line. A reliable, every-down power back who moves the chains in the fourth quarter and protects the lead.

Broncos fans don’t need to be reminded about protecting leads. Denver surrendered fourth-quarter leads in all four of its home losses in 2006. Now, Henry gets a chance to finally stabilize his career. In previous stops in Buffalo and Tennessee, despite his success, it seemed like he was always being replaced. First, by Willis McGahee, then by LenDale White. Mike Bell, solid as an undrafted rookie last season, will get a few cracks a game, but this is Henry’s job, in the pre-eminent rushing offense in the league. And he's just a bit excited.

“It was a no-brainer for me,” Henry said. “Once I stepped off that plane and got a chance to meet with the coaches, I just had a good feeling about it. Meeting with Coach Shanahan, talking, getting a feel for what they've got going on here.

“I knew it was a no-brainer. I knew I wanted to be here, to be a part of something. To run the ball the way they do, to have a chance to win a championship. I believe I can do that here. And maybe the most important thing is, they believe I can do that here.”

Meanwhile, the offensive line should be fine, as long as OLT Matt Lepsis returns healthy from a season-ending knee surgery. Unknown youngster Erik Pears filled in admirably for Lepsis last fall and has a bright future, but the Broncos would prefer to have him slide over to the right side to replace the underachieving Foster, who would have been cut anyway. (It’s a sign of a shrewd front office when you can get value in a trade for someone who would have been released in a matter of weeks.) OG Cooper Carlisle was allowed to walk as a free agent, but the Broncos are high on young Chris Kuper, and who are we to question them? With their ridiculous run of success, it’s safe to think they know what kind of blocker fits their unique system. They also added former Saints OG Montrae Holland for some added beef.

And let’s not forget the hiring of defensive coordinator Jim Bates. While Larry Coyer is a good guy and was liked by his players, his views didn’t match up all that well with the Broncos’ talent, and they had trouble protecting leads and creating pressure under his guidance. Jim Bates, though out of the league in ’06, is a well-regarded defensive mind who should make stars out of a talented LB corps that fell short last season. Coyer was more reactionary. Bates, in contrast, is a go-getter who will impose his will on the opposing offense. Bump-and-run, here we come (Bly is smiling). Check Bates’ run of success wherever he’s been and talk to his former players. This is a major coup for Shanahan that should not be understated.

As impressed as I’ve been with their many offseason maneuverings, the work is not done. They need major help at the DE position, as an anemic pass rush is really the only thing that has held this defense back in recent years. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them try to move up from their No. 21 spot to have a chance at one of the elite pass rushers, like Clemson’s Gaines Adams, Florida’s Jarvis Moss or Georgia’s Quentin Moses. I think they’ll grab at least two guys who can get after the passer in the draft.

Also on the list of needs is a safety with range whom they can groom behind John Lynch and Nick Ferguson. Injuries ravaged this position last season, and though the depth is OK when the players are healthy, they need a difference-maker back there for sure. Someone who can cover a lot of ground in coverage but also come up and support the run with a mean streak.

Still, though, the Broncos have made plenty of noise and have their sights set on catching the Chargers. And I should have listened.

azbroncfan · 03-15-2007, 04:00 PM

Sounds like they got all the info from the mane. Pretty good accurate article in my opinion.

NW Bolt Fan · 03-15-2007, 04:06 PM

I do have to say I'm bummed about your D-coordinator acquistion.

footstepsfrom#27 · 03-15-2007, 04:58 PM

“I knew it was a no-brainer. I knew I wanted to be here, to be a part of something. To run the ball the way they do, to have a chance to win a championship. I believe I can do that here. And maybe the most important thing is, they believe I can do that here.”--Travis Henry

That's what we need...players who WANT to be here.

watermock · 03-15-2007, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Denver surrendered fourth-quarter leads in all four of its home losses in 2006.

I have screamed this constantly...Cutler bashers forget the Marshal run or his 98 yard Elwayesque drive to send two games into OT. We easily could of been 4-1 under Jay if we didn't play prevent in OT. It was ludicrous and cost Coyer his job.

Garcia Bronco · 03-15-2007, 05:10 PM

bull**** alert:

"something Denver hasn’t really had at the position since Desmond Clark several years ago. Graham's presence in two-TE sets with the"

BlaK-Argentina · 03-15-2007, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

I have screamed this constantly...Cutler bashers forget the Marshal run or his 98 yard Elwayesque drive to send two games into OT. We easily could of been 4-1 under Jay if we didn't play prevent in OT. It was ludicrous and cost Coyer his job.

Exactly Mock, I was just rewatching the final drive of regulation time vs. San Francisco and Jay looked SO comfortable, standing tall in the pocket and delivering his passes with confidence. You couldn't tell that he was a rookie playing with the whole season on his shoulders.

He will be very very very good. Maybe not Manning like, but when it matters the most, he will deliver. I have no doubt of that.

Garcia Bronco · 03-15-2007, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

I have screamed this constantly...Cutler bashers forget the Marshal run or his 98 yard Elwayesque drive to send two games into OT. We easily could of been 4-1 under Jay if we didn't play prevent in OT. It was ludicrous and cost Coyer his job.

In retrospect we should have dumped Plummer before the season. He was almost a complete waste this season.

watermock · 03-15-2007, 05:22 PM

" Denver doesn't have enough cap room to buy a toad this offseason..."

I got chipmunks working round the clock on sugar water and ephedrine on the draft...Beezer is staring at them menacingly in their cages as a slavemaster.

A good draft and we are rollin' again troops. Good thing about DL is you can bring in some beast and just basically say sickem', expecially with the new scheme. It would of been awsome to have DWill playing nickle but it wasn't meant to be. Still bothers me oddly enough. I guess it's the senslessness.

Anyway, I'll be putting up a mock soon so everyone wait with baited breath.

backup qb · 03-15-2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garcia Bronco

bull**** alert:

"something Denver hasn’t really had at the position since Desmond Clark several years ago. Graham's presence in two-TE sets with the"

Ha ha. I thought the same thing when I saw that Garcia. Nice catch.

Garcia Bronco · 03-15-2007, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backup qb

Ha ha. I thought the same thing when I saw that Garcia. Nice catch.

The guy thinks Clark was the player he is now.

Los Broncos · 03-15-2007, 05:53 PM

Dam, i cant for preseason to start.

SonOfLe-loLang · 03-15-2007, 05:53 PM

Is Clark known as a devestating blocker now? Maybe he meant Carswell and made a mistake

Pendejo · 03-15-2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garcia Bronco

The guy thinks Clark was the player he is now.

He had as a good a season with the Donks in 2001 than he's had since. He was already productive when he left.

maven · 03-15-2007, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

It was ludicrous and cost Coyer his job.

I'm glad it did cost Coyer his job. Good riddance.

broncolife · 03-15-2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garcia Bronco

bull**** alert:

"something Denver hasn’t really had at the position since Desmond Clark several years ago. Graham's presence in two-TE sets with the"

Ditto! I couldnt believe he said that. Maybe he got Carswell and Clark mixed up.

cutthemdown · 03-15-2007, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garcia Bronco

In retrospect we should have dumped Plummer before the season. He was almost a complete waste this season.

It would have been nice to just see the future and dump him before the roster bonus we gave him.

-Slap- · 03-16-2007, 01:15 AM

Its a credit to this board when you spot a one sentence mistake in a long article and there are five people talking about it.

cutthemdown · 03-16-2007, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

" Denver doesn't have enough cap room to buy a toad this offseason..."

I got chipmunks working round the clock on sugar water and ephedrine on the draft...Beezer is staring at them menacingly in their cages as a slavemaster.

A good draft and we are rollin' again troops. Good thing about DL is you can bring in some beast and just basically say sickem', expecially with the new scheme. It would of been awsome to have DWill playing nickle but it wasn't meant to be. Still bothers me oddly enough. I guess it's the senslessness.

Anyway, I'll be putting up a mock soon so everyone wait with baited breath.

A watermock mock........well I can't mock that I can't wait. My mock based on just looking at Mocks mock and then tweaking it a little bit will follow right after.

watermock · 03-16-2007, 02:41 AM

I plan on taking a QB in the first round...Cutler obviously isn't NFL Material.

Second round I am going to try to trade up for Godzilla...He needs a first name...Gary maybe.I don't think the NFL has rules against swating OT's into the stands with your tail.

dbfan21 · 03-16-2007, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azbroncfan

Sounds like they got all the info from the mane. Pretty good accurate article in my opinion.

I was thinking the same thing as I was reading it. I wonder if reporters come to message boards like the mane to get some insight.

Garcia Bronco · 03-16-2007, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pendejo

He had as a good a season with the Donks in 2001 than he's had since. He was already productive when he left.

You'd be wrong. He like to drop passes on 3rd down that hit him where he works.

bronco militia · 03-16-2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garcia Bronco

bull**** alert:

"something Denver hasn’t really had at the position since Desmond Clark several years ago. Graham's presence in two-TE sets with the"

lol...no doubt.

broncswin · 03-16-2007, 10:37 AM

Here's to 07' may it treat us better than 06', and by the way I think Big DADDY sunk while on his cruise, but the wait on his word is too much for me to handle

BroncoInferno · 03-16-2007, 10:45 AM

Clark was a terrible blocker, which is pretty much the reason why no effort was made to retain him after 2001. He must have meant Carswell.

03-15-2007, 03:50 PM	#1
NW Bolt Fan Ring of Famer San Diego, AFC WEST CHAMPS Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,165	PFW Donk article Here's the http://profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL...glin031507.htm link. I should have listened. I figured the Broncos would stand pat this offseason, for the most part. I was wrong. Set with what appeared to be one of the more solid rosters in the NFL and not a ton of cap space, I figured the Broncos, after a busy offseason in 2006 in which they had to re-sign OT Matt Lepsis, C Tom Nalen and DT Gerard Warren, as well as give a monster deal to new WR Javon Walker, would settle in at the beginning of this year’s free-agency period, maybe grab a few role players at medium-to-bargain prices, release a few others and then focus on preparing for the draft. That’s what I assumed. But I was told, by more than one trustworthy person in the league, that the Broncos would come out with guns blazin’. And that’s exactly what they did, busting down the door at the start of the NFL’s official “offseason” on March 2 and making enough noise to cause a stir around the league. First, it was the trade to send RB Tatum Bell, ORT George Foster and a fifth-round draft pick to Detroit for CB Dré Bly and a sixth-rounder. Bly and Champ Bailey will make up the league’s best CB tandem. It may end up not even being much of a competition. Then, it was the trading of QB Jake Plummer to Tampa Bay. Hardly unexpected, given his high cap number and the fact the future, both the immediate and long-term versions, belongs to Jay Cutler, but Plummer’s corresponding retirement was a mild surprise. The Broncos brought in strong-armed Patrick Ramsey as insurance for Cutler. The Broncos weren’t done there. They traded for Dan “Big Daddy” Wilkinson, made a strong push for Falcons DE Patrick Kerney (before eventually losing out to the Seahawks) and then signed Patriots TE Daniel Graham and what should be the crown jewel of March, former Titans RB Travis Henry. OK, so Wilkinson, at 34 and a former bust of a first-round pick, is no more than a rotational guy who gives you 10 or 15 good plays per game. And that’s if he doesn’t retire first. But Graham and Henry are immediate impact players. Graham, despite only catching 21 of Tom Brady’s passes last year, is capable of more, and he is a phenomenal blocker, something Denver hasn’t really had at the position since Desmond Clark several years ago. Graham's presence in two-TE sets with the promising Tony Scheffler will create plenty of mismatches, both in the running game and the passing game. With Walker, Brandon Marshall, Rod Smith, Scheffler and Graham, Cutler is going to feel like a kid in a candy store. And then there's Henry. Let’s just get started on what this bowling ball of a runner might do in the Broncos’ one-cut, downhill scheme. Mike Shanahan has long desired what scouts call a bell-cow back. A guy who can get the tough yards when the game is on the line. A reliable, every-down power back who moves the chains in the fourth quarter and protects the lead. Broncos fans don’t need to be reminded about protecting leads. Denver surrendered fourth-quarter leads in all four of its home losses in 2006. Now, Henry gets a chance to finally stabilize his career. In previous stops in Buffalo and Tennessee, despite his success, it seemed like he was always being replaced. First, by Willis McGahee, then by LenDale White. Mike Bell, solid as an undrafted rookie last season, will get a few cracks a game, but this is Henry’s job, in the pre-eminent rushing offense in the league. And he's just a bit excited. “It was a no-brainer for me,” Henry said. “Once I stepped off that plane and got a chance to meet with the coaches, I just had a good feeling about it. Meeting with Coach Shanahan, talking, getting a feel for what they've got going on here. “I knew it was a no-brainer. I knew I wanted to be here, to be a part of something. To run the ball the way they do, to have a chance to win a championship. I believe I can do that here. And maybe the most important thing is, they believe I can do that here.” Meanwhile, the offensive line should be fine, as long as OLT Matt Lepsis returns healthy from a season-ending knee surgery. Unknown youngster Erik Pears filled in admirably for Lepsis last fall and has a bright future, but the Broncos would prefer to have him slide over to the right side to replace the underachieving Foster, who would have been cut anyway. (It’s a sign of a shrewd front office when you can get value in a trade for someone who would have been released in a matter of weeks.) OG Cooper Carlisle was allowed to walk as a free agent, but the Broncos are high on young Chris Kuper, and who are we to question them? With their ridiculous run of success, it’s safe to think they know what kind of blocker fits their unique system. They also added former Saints OG Montrae Holland for some added beef. And let’s not forget the hiring of defensive coordinator Jim Bates. While Larry Coyer is a good guy and was liked by his players, his views didn’t match up all that well with the Broncos’ talent, and they had trouble protecting leads and creating pressure under his guidance. Jim Bates, though out of the league in ’06, is a well-regarded defensive mind who should make stars out of a talented LB corps that fell short last season. Coyer was more reactionary. Bates, in contrast, is a go-getter who will impose his will on the opposing offense. Bump-and-run, here we come (Bly is smiling). Check Bates’ run of success wherever he’s been and talk to his former players. This is a major coup for Shanahan that should not be understated. As impressed as I’ve been with their many offseason maneuverings, the work is not done. They need major help at the DE position, as an anemic pass rush is really the only thing that has held this defense back in recent years. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them try to move up from their No. 21 spot to have a chance at one of the elite pass rushers, like Clemson’s Gaines Adams, Florida’s Jarvis Moss or Georgia’s Quentin Moses. I think they’ll grab at least two guys who can get after the passer in the draft. Also on the list of needs is a safety with range whom they can groom behind John Lynch and Nick Ferguson. Injuries ravaged this position last season, and though the depth is OK when the players are healthy, they need a difference-maker back there for sure. Someone who can cover a lot of ground in coverage but also come up and support the run with a mean streak. Still, though, the Broncos have made plenty of noise and have their sights set on catching the Chargers. And I should have listened.

03-16-2007, 02:41 AM	#20
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	I plan on taking a QB in the first round...Cutler obviously isn't NFL Material. Second round I am going to try to trade up for Godzilla...He needs a first name...Gary maybe.I don't think the NFL has rules against swating OT's into the stands with your tail. Last edited by watermock; 03-16-2007 at 02:49 AM..

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03-15-2007, 04:00 PM	#2
azbroncfan Ring of Famer Angry guntoting,meateating AMERICAN Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 8,669 Adopt-a-Bronco: TEBOW	Sounds like they got all the info from the mane. Pretty good accurate article in my opinion.

03-15-2007, 04:06 PM	#3
NW Bolt Fan Ring of Famer San Diego, AFC WEST CHAMPS Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,165	I do have to say I'm bummed about your D-coordinator acquistion.

03-15-2007, 04:58 PM	#4
footstepsfrom#27 helmet to helmet hitter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 16,126 Adopt-a-Bronco: Joe Mays	“I knew it was a no-brainer. I knew I wanted to be here, to be a part of something. To run the ball the way they do, to have a chance to win a championship. I believe I can do that here. And maybe the most important thing is, they believe I can do that here.”--Travis Henry That's what we need...players who WANT to be here.

03-15-2007, 05:10 PM	#6
Garcia Bronco Hokie since 1993 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 46,001 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tom Jackson	bull**** alert: "something Denver hasn’t really had at the position since Desmond Clark several years ago. Graham's presence in two-TE sets with the"

03-15-2007, 05:22 PM	#9
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	" Denver doesn't have enough cap room to buy a toad this offseason..." I got chipmunks working round the clock on sugar water and ephedrine on the draft...Beezer is staring at them menacingly in their cages as a slavemaster. A good draft and we are rollin' again troops. Good thing about DL is you can bring in some beast and just basically say sickem', expecially with the new scheme. It would of been awsome to have DWill playing nickle but it wasn't meant to be. Still bothers me oddly enough. I guess it's the senslessness. Anyway, I'll be putting up a mock soon so everyone wait with baited breath.

03-15-2007, 05:53 PM	#12
Los Broncos Flaw Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Utah Posts: 18,803 Adopt-a-Bronco: Ryan Clady	Dam, i cant for preseason to start.

03-15-2007, 05:53 PM	#13
SonOfLe-loLang Young Buck Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 13,428 Adopt-a-Bronco: Thunder (RIP)	Is Clark known as a devestating blocker now? Maybe he meant Carswell and made a mistake

03-16-2007, 01:15 AM	#18
-Slap- Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 31,895	Its a credit to this board when you spot a one sentence mistake in a long article and there are five people talking about it.

03-16-2007, 10:37 AM	#24
broncswin God I love those Broncos Bring back the hardware Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Broncos Fantasy Land Posts: 2,017 Adopt-a-Bronco: three amigos	Here's to 07' may it treat us better than 06', and by the way I think Big DADDY sunk while on his cruise, but the wait on his word is too much for me to handle

03-16-2007, 10:45 AM	#25
BroncoInferno Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: South Carolina Posts: 13,033	Clark was a terrible blocker, which is pretty much the reason why no effort was made to retain him after 2001. He must have meant Carswell.