Time to Reload?

[mattob14]

I know everyone is ready for this team to make a push in the playoffs, but would the Broncos be better off treating this season as a chance to reload and make a run in 2008? There are a lot of question marks this season and I don't think we can fill all of the holes through the draft.

Offense- There's a lot of youth at the skill positions (Cutler, Sheffler, and Marshall) and turnover at several others (Henry, Graham, Pears at RT, Kuper, and Lepsis returning). I don't think the offense will be bad at all, but will they be able to carry a top-5 team?

Defense- A new scheme always takes adjustment time and currently, they're trying to do it with a patchwork D. The corners are great, but the safeties are aging and slow. LB is a mess, with DJ and Gold the only quality talents, and they play the same position. If DJ can play MLB, that changes the picture some, but I'm not sure if that's the case. Finally, there's only one legitamite DT on the roster in Warren and the DE's are average at best. Dumerville is the only one that actually fits the new scheme, so 1-2 more DE's are going to have to be added.

Should Denver try to go BPA in this draft and add talent without focusing on need, then fill the holes next offseason with the cap room that's been freed up? I don't think that's a bad idea and would pay dividends in the long run, but if a couple of the key holes aren't filled, this season may be somewhat of a dissappointment.

[watermock]

No No and NO!

We have a whole flock of men coming into their second season, several free agent signings and several players coming back from injury.

If you didn't notice, we have about 16 players coming back or returning from injury along with several free agents. We also have a draft to get some DL and maybe a LB.

I suggest you ask Shanahan if he's planning on tanking.

[Inkana7]

Originally Posted by watermock

No No and NO!

We have a whole flock of men coming into their second season, several free agent signings and several players coming back from injury.

If you didn't notice, we have about 16 players coming back or returning from injury along with several free agents. We also have a draft to get some DL and maybe a LB.

I suggest you ask Shanahan if he's planning on tanking.

I don't know, mock, he brings up a good point. Talent-wise, our defense is junk. We have Champ, Bly, DJ, Lynch and Dumervil as the only really "good" players on D. This could be Lynch's last year too. Ferguson is coming back from a knee injury, and I'm not that impressed with him to begin with. Gold starts off the season pretty well and ends it as a worthless midget. We don't have a 3rd Linebacker to mention in any good light. Our D-Line..well, enough said. A lot of people here like Lang, but he's not meant to start for any team. I have faith in Warren and Ekuban, but I think this is Warren's last chance to prove himself.

We need help bad. Will we get any instant impact players in the draft? I don't know. But as it stands now, we're not in a position to win anything.

My dream would be to get Kris Jenkins for a 3rd, and then draft The Pos at #21. Add a DE in Round 2 and a safety like Aaron Rouse in the 3rd, and I think we have a chance. But unless something is done, our defense will not be pretty to watch this year. Hell, it wasn't pretty to watch last year.

[mattob14]

The last thing I want to see is the Broncos tank the season. I just don't want to see a draft based on filling needs with average players, which has happened in the past.

[bpc]

We will never tank the season. I have to agree though, we are creating more holes than we are fixing right now. I'm just starting to feel now more than ever... if Guard is going to be a long term problem for our offense pass blocking, lets take one of those... or if Jay is our guy and WR is the BPA lets go that way and play to our strengths. I think if nothing else, we should go into the draft being one of the most unpredictable teams.

OG, OT, WR, DE, DT, LB, and S are all spots I would like to see us draft at.

My short list of players for our 1st round pick is growing larger.

[nickademus]

I think we are looking at a decent season maybe 10-6 but I agree that there are some serious holes on our d as it stands. if we sign kris jenkins pick up a strong side lb a saftey and a DE in no particular order. throw in the bpa at wr or G and then take a chance on the second day with our remaining picks. I would rather loose a later rounder and a conditional future pick for jenkins than a third in this draft.

[telluride]

aim for the super bowl every season.

[ScottXray]

Originally Posted by superceriani

I think we are looking at a decent season maybe 10-6 but I agree that there are some serious holes on our d as it stands. if we sign kris jenkins pick up a strong side lb a saftey and a DE in no particular order. throw in the bpa at wr or G and then take a chance on the second day with our remaining picks. I would rather loose a later rounder and a conditional future pick for jenkins than a third in this draft.

Any pick in the draft is a CHANCE at a great player , and a chance at a BUST. I wish I knew whether Jenkins is healthy, but what I DO know is that he is a PROVEN NFL player that would have an immediate impact on our DL. Even our first pick would not be a wasted pick or bust (IF health is not an issue...but thats why we have doctors to check players out) and any immediate help is usually only gotten by trading up. Jenkins wouldn't require that, and he solidifies our D- line.

In my opinion we should do whatever it takes to get the Jenkins deal done...before the draft. Then we know what picks we have and the other positions we need shift in emphasis...from DL to LB for our highest remaining pick, and then Safety then WR/DL etc...
But first we have to get Jenkins. Without that solid middle our LB's/ whole defense are gonna get really beat up ...It will be last year all over again.

[NFLBRONCO]

Originally Posted by bpc

We will never tank the season. I have to agree though, we are creating more holes than we are fixing right now. I'm just starting to feel now more than ever... if Guard is going to be a long term problem for our offense pass blocking, lets take one of those... or if Jay is our guy and WR is the BPA lets go that way and play to our strengths. I think if nothing else, we should go into the draft being one of the most unpredictable teams.

OG, OT, WR, DE, DT, LB, and S are all spots I would like to see us draft at.

My short list of players for our 1st round pick is growing larger.

Now you know why alot of us want more picks in this draft.

[nickademus]

I understand that draft picks can and often do bust and that jenkins is a proven commodity but he hasnt reported for any of the off season workouts and there is speculation he is still out of shape. that said he would still be an up grade over our entire d-line. so is he worth the third round asking price? sure but why pay it if you dont have to?

[phibacka31]

Everyone need to CHILL out. Damn guys. Have you seen our O? I understand you talkin D ,but if the guys come together on O we wil have an Amazing O. O yeah I forgot we had Champ "the man" Bailey, Lynch, and Bly in our secondary. NO team and i mean NO team will pick apart the secondary. We will get some help on the DLINE. We also have two quality LBs. O by the way I DONT like gold. Put Vaughn in there and see what happens. I seem to remember MEDIATOR, someone I REALLY respect, seemed to like him last training camp. I could be wrong though. Pat WILLIs if possible, but first get Jenkins. We get him our DLINE goes from suppar to past Par, sorry lost the word for it.Anyhow I can't take this gloom and doom for 5 odd months. Reallt guys. Take a breathe

[bpc]

How many years does Jenkins still have on his contract? I definitely wouldn't overpay for him by any means. He is a good player when healthy but his attitude thus far is already annoying. Why would Carolina be so willing to part with him? One man's trash... who knows?

I'm just of the belief that we should be looking at the best players available at any position NOW.

I really like two offensive linemen. Sears from UT is going to be a poor man's Shawn Andrews at LG. I know we already have Ben Hamilton but aren't we going for a more productive pass blocking unit? Hamilton has trouble a lot in one on one blocking.

Justin Blalock from UT plays like Will Shields. He could lose a few pounds but he is going to be a great guard as well.

Should we pass up guys like this because have a need elsewhere?

Meachem, Ginn and Jarrett are worth a look at #21.

We have drafted a franchise QB... we have added talent but some questions still remain... can we block for him throwing it up 35 times a game?

My short list is longer than ever:

Ted Ginn Jr. (I'm starting to think that he has torn cartilage in his ankle and maybe even tore his achilles during the national championship game.)
Robert Meachem: The more film on this guy I watch, the more I think he could be a great receiver in this league. I hate that he only really produced for one season though.
Dewayne Bowe: He'll bring another physical element to our team. CB's bounce on him when trying to tackle.
Justin Blalock: A young Will Shields at right or left guard.
Tony Sears: Could block at RT or LG easily. The guy is a very good player.
Levi Brown: *** Stock is starting to slide at JOE STALEY is moving up the board. Some have replaced Brown with Staley as the number 2 tackle on the board. THIS IS GREAT FOR US. ***
Alan Branch: The guy just isn't a workout freak during the offseason. You cannot argue with his potential. Like Brown he is sliding.
Justin Harrell: Also a huge big body type. Branch makes him look small even though he is very large.
Charles Johnson: I'm really starting to come around on this guy after watching him on film. Very impressive burst getting to running backs and QB's. He is built very low to the ground which gives him leverage but he is strong.
Jarvis Moss: The more I watch him the more he looks like a Trevor PRYCE clone with a better burst.
Michael Griffin and Reggie Nelson: I think enough has been spoken about these two.

[Rascal]

Originally Posted by bpc

We will never tank the season. I have to agree though, we are creating more holes than we are fixing right now. I'm just starting to feel now more than ever... if Guard is going to be a long term problem for our offense pass blocking, lets take one of those... or if Jay is our guy and WR is the BPA lets go that way and play to our strengths. I think if nothing else, we should go into the draft being one of the most unpredictable teams.

OG, OT, WR, DE, DT, LB, and S are all spots I would like to see us draft at.

My short list of players for our 1st round pick is growing larger.

I think Guard is just fine with Kuper, Holland, Hamilton.

Hamilton will probably compete with Eslinger at center when Nalen retires. Plus we have Myers who is still developing.

If you want to talk about tackle, then I can understand that with Lepsis being old and coming back from an injury, but that is 1-2 years down the road till he retires and Pears appears to be the RT of the future.

[Rascal]

Originally Posted by bpc

How many years does Jenkins still have on his contract? I definitely wouldn't overpay for him by any means. He is a good player when healthy but his attitude thus far is already annoying. Why would Carolina be so willing to part with him? One man's trash... who knows?

I'm just of the belief that we should be looking at the best players available at any position NOW.

I really like two offensive linemen. Sears from UT is going to be a poor man's Shawn Andrews at LG. I know we already have Ben Hamilton but aren't we going for a more productive pass blocking unit? Hamilton has trouble a lot in one on one blocking.

Justin Blalock from UT plays like Will Shields. He could lose a few pounds but he is going to be a great guard as well.

Should we pass up guys like this because have a need elsewhere?

Meachem, Ginn and Jarrett are worth a look at #21.

We have drafted a franchise QB... we have added talent but some questions still remain... can we block for him throwing it up 35 times a game?

My short list is longer than ever:

Ted Ginn Jr. (I'm starting to think that he has torn cartilage in his ankle and maybe even tore his achilles during the national championship game.)
Robert Meachem: The more film on this guy I watch, the more I think he could be a great receiver in this league. I hate that he only really produced for one season though.
Dewayne Bowe: He'll bring another physical element to our team. CB's bounce on him when trying to tackle.
Justin Blalock: A young Will Shields at right or left guard.
Tony Sears: Could block at RT or LG easily. The guy is a very good player.
Levi Brown: *** Stock is starting to slide at JOE STALEY is moving up the board. Some have replaced Brown with Staley as the number 2 tackle on the board. THIS IS GREAT FOR US. ***
Alan Branch: The guy just isn't a workout freak during the offseason. You cannot argue with his potential. Like Brown he is sliding.
Justin Harrell: Also a huge big body type. Branch makes him look small even though he is very large.
Charles Johnson: I'm really starting to come around on this guy after watching him on film. Very impressive burst getting to running backs and QB's. He is built very low to the ground which gives him leverage but he is strong.
Jarvis Moss: The more I watch him the more he looks like a Trevor PRYCE clone with a better burst.
Michael Griffin and Reggie Nelson: I think enough has been spoken about these two.

There is simply no need to take a WR in the first. We have Marshall and Walker who provide a very good top WR combo, plus we have Stokley and Rod to play #3 (whichever is healthy). Our RB years we had Rod and Eddie mac...IMO Walker and Marshall are up to the same level.

I seriously don't understand people's infatuation with wasting, yes wasting, a first round pick on a #3 WR who might see 10-15 snaps a game when we have glaring holes at positions that would see 30-40 snaps a game (ESPECIALLY THE DAMN ****ING D-LINE).

[Rascal]

My list for the first round:
Jamaal Anderson, Alan Branch, Amboi Okoye, Reggie Nelson, Michael Griffin, Justin Harrell, Patrick Willis, Jon Beason, Lawrence Timmons, and Paul Poslunszny.

I feel confident that one of these guys will be available at 21, or several of them, and they are all a position of need (DT, DE, OLB, ILB..depending on DJ, FS).

[mattob14]

Originally Posted by phibacka31

Everyone need to CHILL out. Damn guys. Have you seen our O? I understand you talkin D ,but if the guys come together on O we wil have an Amazing O. O yeah I forgot we had Champ "the man" Bailey, Lynch, and Bly in our secondary. NO team and i mean NO team will pick apart the secondary. We will get some help on the DLINE. We also have two quality LBs. O by the way I DONT like gold. Put Vaughn in there and see what happens. I seem to remember MEDIATOR, someone I REALLY respect, seemed to like him last training camp. I could be wrong though. Pat WILLIs if possible, but first get Jenkins. We get him our DLINE goes from suppar to past Par, sorry lost the word for it.Anyhow I can't take this gloom and doom for 5 odd months. Reallt guys. Take a breathe

I don't think it's gloom and doom, but I'll be honest, I'm starting to worry that the FO will give up our entire first day for Jenkins and Willis, trying to patch the holes. We'll be OK next year with them, but that still leaves DJ playing out of position on the strong-side, huge holes at both DE spots, and aging safeties who are weak in coverage, with one of them coming off a serious knee injury. While I'd love to pick up Jenkin for either of our 3rds, it seems like a perfect year to have at least 3-4 first day picks and add some quality talent/depth for the future. We can then fill any glaring holes in FA next offseason and compete for the next several years.

[bpc]

Originally Posted by NFLBRONCO

Now you know why alot of us want more picks in this draft.

Dolphins, Falcons, Bucs, and Jets all have two 2nd round picks.

Our 21st selection is worth 800 pts.

Falcons 39/44: 970pts
Bucs 35/64: 820
Dolphins 40/60: 700
Jets 59/63: 586

The Bucs provide the best straight up trade partner.

#35: Charles Johnson - DE - UGA
#56: Jason Hill - WR - WSU
#60: Josh Gattis - S - WakeForest
#70: Quinton Moses - DE - UGA
#86: Brandon Mebane - DT - CAL

Now THAT draft would kick ass.

[bpc]

I could put Quincy Black anywhere in there and be very happy as well.

[bpc]

Originally Posted by Rascal

There is simply no need to take a WR in the first. We have Marshall and Walker who provide a very good top WR combo, plus we have Stokley and Rod to play #3 (whichever is healthy). Our RB years we had Rod and Eddie mac...IMO Walker and Marshall are up to the same level.

I seriously don't understand people's infatuation with wasting, yes wasting, a first round pick on a #3 WR who might see 10-15 snaps a game when we have glaring holes at positions that would see 30-40 snaps a game (ESPECIALLY THE DAMN ****ING D-LINE).

You assume that

A. BMarsh is going to be a great player.
B. Walker is going to be the same player he was last year AFTER having a teamate die in his lap.
C. Rod Smith will be able to contribute after having UNBRIDALMENT surgery on his hip directly dealing with his explosiveness.
D. That Brandon Stokely will even be able to play before WEEK 8. He is coming off a torn achilles tendon.

We are assuming a lot here and while I don't think that WR should be a top priority like LB, DL, or safety now, we should take some precautions. Can we count on Brandon Stokely or Rod Smith this season? In two years? Its not likely. We just spent a lot of resources to get Jay Cutler into Denver. We would be dumb NOT to surround him with extra talent.

Peyton Manning went to Indy and he had Marvin Harrison who was great on his own and a host of other solid players. They went out and drafted Reggie Wayne. Not because it was a need but because it put a lot of pressure on opposing teams trying to take away the Colts #1 WR and Peyton's top target.

We have since been beat down by this squad over and over with either one or the other tearing us apart. We would be smart to learn, adapt and copy. Just my opinion on the matter.

[BroncoInferno]

Our offense will be a top 5 unit this season with the new additions (Graham, Henry), the talented youngsters (Cutler, Marshall, Scheffler), and the return of Lepsis. That will be good enough for at least 10 wins. I think the defense will be no worse than mediocre.

[NFLBRONCO]

Originally Posted by bpc

Dolphins, Falcons, Bucs, and Jets all have two 2nd round picks.

Our 21st selection is worth 800 pts.

Falcons 39/44: 970pts
Bucs 35/64: 820
Dolphins 40/60: 700
Jets 59/63: 586

The Bucs provide the best straight up trade partner.

#35: Charles Johnson - DE - UGA
#56: Jason Hill - WR - WSU
#60: Josh Gattis - S - WakeForest
#70: Quinton Moses - DE - UGA
#86: Brandon Mebane - DT - CAL

Now THAT draft would kick ass.

Thanks for breakdown I'd consider Falcon's Dolphins or Bucs.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

You don't shell out all the guaranteed money the Broncos did this offseason, only to have a "reload" draft.

[SpringStein]

Originally Posted by bpc

Dolphins, Falcons, Bucs, and Jets all have two 2nd round picks.

Our 21st selection is worth 800 pts.

Falcons 39/44: 970pts
Bucs 35/64: 820
Dolphins 40/60: 700
Jets 59/63: 586

I have a feeling that Tampa will trade up from 4 to 2 to get CJ - and one of our new trading partners, the Lions will be flush in picks. I know they aren't on this list currently, but I'd keep an eye on them as a possible trade down partner if they move out of the second slot.