Bly Not Shy/49ers could dictate Denver pick

[dragondawg]

Bly not shy cornering friendship with "Mr. B"
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Broncos, NFL Beat Reporter



Dré Bly was at Dove Valley for a couple of hours, and the guy looked like he owned the place. You've got to love that in a cornerback.

Bly was just finishing a radio interview Monday, shortly after he signed a five- year extension cementing his stay in Denver, when Broncos owner Pat Bowlen walked through the Dove Valley lobby.

"Mr. B, meet my wife," Bly called out.

How about that. The guy is already calling Bowlen "Mr. B."

Bly and his wife, Kristyn, engaged his new employer in a spirited and lively conversation. How many of us would feel confident enough to call the person who signs our checks by a nickname the first day on the job?

But Bly is a cornerback. The guy has confidence, and he'll need it.

It is apparent the Broncos got a big-league player in Bly. Simply having the gumption to call Bowlen "Mr. B" so early in his Denver career doesn't mean Bly will be a shut-down cornerback. But it shows the guy believes in himself.

"I'm a social guy," Bly said later. "I love people. I know what I can bring here, and I want people to know I feel good about this."

For the month of March, it appeared Bly wasn't going to be happy in Denver after his trade from Detroit. He originally wanted to play for the Washington Redskins. But by all appearances, Bly is comfortable here now.

Just ask Mr. B.

High pick expected in town

Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas was expected to spend the weekend in Denver to relax before three hectic weeks leading up to the NFL draft. Thomas likely will be the second pick.

Thomas' agent is Denver-based Peter Schaffer, who scheduled Thomas to come in to unwind and prepare for the April 28-29 draft. Schaffer said it's a good diversion for Thomas as he readies for his life to change.

Thomas visited Tampa Bay last week and is expected to travel to Detroit and Washington, too. The Lions have the No. 2 choice, but they likely will trade it to a team targeting Thomas.

49ers could dictate Denver pick

It appears the 49ers are looking at Nebraska defensive end Adam Carriker for their top pick. That will interest Denver, which is studying the lineman known for his pass-rushing skills and high motor. If Carriker is gone, Denver, which has the No. 21 pick, could zone in on Purdue defensive end Anthony Spencer, a pass rusher on the rise.

It will be interesting to see if Mississippi inside linebacker Patrick Willis lasts until the 49ers' pick at No. 11. If so, they likely will take him. Detroit also is interested in trading down from No. 2 and taking Willis.

Shell back with league office

Former Oakland coach Art Shell again is working for the NFL on a special project. Shell is reviewing appeals remaining from the 2006 season. Shell previously had that role as part of his duties before returning to the Raiders for a one-year stint as their head coach. Ted Cottrell held the job until being named the defensive coordinator for San Diego in January.

Around the league

There was talk last year that the Broncos were intrigued by San Francisco guard Justin Smiley. The 49ers are said to be shopping him, but it's unlikely Denver would make another run because of cost issues and less need. ... It's a stretch to think Denver will take a hard look at Ricky Williams, should the NFL reinstate the running back. The Broncos once liked him, but with Travis Henry - and Williams' issues and age - that perspective has likely changed. ... Former CU running back Chris Brown is talking to three teams: Buffalo, Tennessee and Green Bay. If he stays with the Titans, he will compete with Denver native LenDale White. Word is White still needs to trim about 10 pounds before training camp. ... Expect the Broncos to continue exploring a move up in the draft, but since the team has spent so much money in free agency, a top-10 move might not happen. It is more likely to be top 15. ... Denver could jump on Atlanta nose tackle Grady Jackson if he is cut.

Jackson is in the middle of a lawsuit against the Falcons.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_5618715

[watermock]

Waffle Willy is such an idiot he can't differenciate between a compliment and arrogance.

[Vladimir]

I really want Adam Carriker.

[watermock]

I want Brittany Spears 10 years ago.

No way I move up for Carriker.

[NFLBRONCO]

I want Nelson Meriweather or DE in round 1.

[Florida_Bronco]

Originally Posted by Vladimir

I really want Adam Carriker.

IMO, he's exactly what this D-line needs. I think Carriker will be a stud in the NFL.

[Kaylore]

could zone in on Purdue defensive end Anthony Spencer, a pass rusher on the rise.

I would throw up. He is not a first round pick.

[Requiem]

Not going to buy into the Carriker talk, even though Wabbit has been stating he's a target. Chad Jackson was that guy last year, and obviously he wasn't the man - so I'm going to be safe and assume it's someone else. I like Carriker, but not as much as a lot of people on here. I think he's workout very well, but he will not perform well in the NFL because of how he times.

I'd be happy with him, but no trading up for him. Not worth it.

[Requiem]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

I would throw up. He is not a first round pick.

Outside Adams, Anderson and Carriker, all of them are borderline first-round talent and that's just the truth.

Moss will go in the first due to upside, but he has big question marks.

Spencer is a smart, instinctive player who can play the run and rush the passer, but is he a true DE or a tweener?

Abiamiri and Crowder work the part, but can they play it in the NFL?

Can Moses be a end threat in the NFL?

Is Charles Johnson going to be the next Charles Grant, or is most of his potential already tapped?

Best option here, trade down several spots - gain additional picks and take one of the guys who aren't the top three. Grades in my opinion are relatively the same (some higher than others, but not much higher) and probably will all have similar pro careers.

[NFLBRONCO]

Originally Posted by Requiem

Not going to buy into the Carriker talk, even though Wabbit has been stating he's a target. Chad Jackson was that guy last year, and obviously he wasn't the man - so I'm going to be safe and assume it's someone else. I like Carriker, but not as much as a lot of people on here. I think he's workout very well, but he will not perform well in the NFL because of how he times.

I'd be happy with him, but no trading up for him. Not worth it.

I'm with you on this one.

[Requiem]

My defensive line rankings for right now, nothing will probably change unless something major happens before the draft.

Req's End Rankings

1) Gaines Adams
2) Jamaal Anderson
3) Adam Carriker
4) Jarvis Moss
5) Tim Crowder
6) Anthony Spencer
7) Quentin Moses
8) Victor Abiamiri
9) Charles Johnson

And a screwball at #10, Baraka Atkins - maybe more as a 3-4 guy - but he rounds her off.

[NFLBRONCO]

Originally Posted by Requiem

My defensive line rankings for right now, nothing will probably change unless something major happens before the draft.

Req's End Rankings

1) Gaines Adams
2) Jamaal Anderson
3) Adam Carriker
4) Jarvis Moss
5) Tim Crowder
6) Anthony Spencer
7) Quentin Moses
8) Victor Abiamiri
9) Charles Johnson

And a screwball at #10, Baraka Atkins - maybe more as a 3-4 guy - but he rounds her off.

How do you rank S?

[Requiem]

Defensive End, Safety and Wide Receiver are the only positions I'm keeping really in depth rankings on, because I think these are positions that the Broncos are likely to target, and the positions I know most about the prospects at each. I'll do my top ten guys at safety.

Req's Safety Rankings

1) LaRon Landry
2) Michael Griffin
3) Reggie Nelson
4) Eric Weddle
5) Josh Gattis
6) Brandon Merriweather
7) Michael Johnson
8) Sabby Piscitelli
9) John Wendling
10) Aaron Rouse

[Atlas]

Originally Posted by watermock

I want Brittany Spears 10 years ago.

What's wrong with her now? She is just a little crazier... I like that in a girl.

One day she is blond the next day she has no hair......that is sexy!!

[Broncos4Life]

Yeah I really want to c us draft mr. carriker as well. Dude would really give us an extra spark to the line.

[dragondawg]

i could see us trading our first and our third to move up

[watermock]

Unfortunately, their sexual libido is inversely proportional to their insanity. Trust me.

[BroncoFiend]

Originally Posted by watermock

I want Brittany Spears 10 years ago.

No way I move up for Carriker.

10 years ago Brittany Spears was under age...FREAK

[joe9999]

Originally Posted by Requiem

My defensive line rankings for right now, nothing will probably change unless something major happens before the draft.

Req's End Rankings

1) Gaines Adams
2) Jamaal Anderson
3) Adam Carriker
4) Jarvis Moss
5) Tim Crowder
6) Anthony Spencer
7) Quentin Moses
8) Victor Abiamiri
9) Charles Johnson

And a screwball at #10, Baraka Atkins - maybe more as a 3-4 guy - but he rounds her off.

I like reading your posts. I compared your rankings to those of Rick Gosselin, who is recognized as one of the best at picking draft postion. Here is his rankings. You can see that he has Carriker rated lower.

DEFENSIVE END
Player School Ht. Wt.
1. Gaines Adams Clemson 6-4½ 258
2. Jamaal Anderson Arkansas 6-5 288
3. Jarvis Moss Florida 6-6½ 250
4. Anthony Spencer Purdue 6-2½ 261
5. Adam Carriker Nebraska 6-6 296

His other position rankings are here:

http://sports.outsidethebeltway.com/...raft-rankings/

[theAPAOps5]

Originally Posted by BroncoFiend

10 years ago Brittany Spears was under age...FREAK

He knows thats why he said that.

[BroncoInferno]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

I would throw up. He is not a first round pick.

Yeah, we don't need a guy with 26 tackles for loss as a senior playing on our line

He would be an excellent pick and a perfect fit for Bates' ends-up-the-field-scheme.

[Barry Ramey]

The problem with Carriker is while a 4.9 is not bad for a guy 6'6, 290+lbs, which is what he ran at the combine, it's not very good for a DE and one has to question if he can turn the corner and beat very many OT's in the NFL. Moss and Spencer both ran 4.7's and that's the kind of speed at least to be a pass rushing DE in the NFL. I still like Carriker as a DT, though not sure Carriker is that good a fit in Bates' system since he seems to like speedy DE's and big DT's that take up space, so not sure where Carriker fits in that. But I do think Carriker will be more effective inside in most defenses.

[BroncoInferno]

I agree with those who think Carriker may be a smoke screen. He really doesn't seem to fit the mold of a DE or DT in a Bates scheme. He is not a super speedy, up-the-field one-gapper as an end, and not a big fat blocker-occupier as a DT. Then again, if they like him enough, they'll find a way to make him fit. But I'd expect someone like Spencer or Moss if we go DE.

[Barry Ramey]

Originally Posted by Requiem

Outside Adams, Anderson and Carriker, all of them are borderline first-round talent and that's just the truth.

Moss will go in the first due to upside, but he has big question marks.

Spencer is a smart, instinctive player who can play the run and rush the passer, but is he a true DE or a tweener?

Abiamiri and Crowder work the part, but can they play it in the NFL?

Can Moses be a end threat in the NFL?

Is Charles Johnson going to be the next Charles Grant, or is most of his potential already tapped?

Best option here, trade down several spots - gain additional picks and take one of the guys who aren't the top three. Grades in my opinion are relatively the same (some higher than others, but not much higher) and probably will all have similar pro careers.

Yep, I have stated I would rather they traded down myself. Some argue it's not a deep draft, so not worth trading down, but I disagree. If you have done your homework, you can find gems in the mid to later rounds no matter the depth of the draft.

[BroncoInferno]

Originally Posted by Barry Ramey

The problem with Carriker is while a 4.9 is not bad for a guy 6'6, 290+lbs, which is what he ran at the combine, it's not very good for a DE and one has to question if he can turn the corner and beat very many OT's in the NFL. Moss and Spencer both ran 4.7's and that's the kind of speed at least to be a pass rushing DE in the NFL. I still like Carriker as a DT, though not sure Carriker is that good a fit in Bates' system since he seems to like speedy DE's and big DT's that take up space, so not sure where Carriker fits in that. But I do think Carriker will be more effective inside in most defenses.

I agree. He sort of reminds me of Pryce in a way. Certainly not a thing wrong with that in terms of a skill set stand point but, as you said, he's probably going to be most effective as either a DT in a one-gap scheme or as a 3-4 DE.