Broncos could follow Vikings' lead in draft

[dragondawg]

By FRANK SCHWAB
THE GAZETTE

ENGLEWOOD - If the Denver Broncos want some optimism for 2008, they can look across the field at how one rookie has given the Minnesota Vikings a huge jolt.

There wasn’t much hope in Minnesota at the end of last year. The Vikings’ 2006 season was much like Denver’s this year. Minnesota was 6-10, lost four of its last five and ended on a three-game losing streak. Denver is 6-9, and a loss today will give it a 1-4 record and a three-game losing streak to finish the season.

The Vikings used their high draft pick, seventh overall, on running back Adrian Peterson and started to turn their fortunes. Peterson, who will win Offensive Rookie of the Year, has 1,305 yards, and the 8-7 Vikings are alive for a playoff spot.

“You knew he was going to be a special guy,” Vikings coach Brad Childress said.

Many teams have improved after drafting high in April. Among the teams that drafted in the top 10 this year, six (Detroit, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Washington, Minnesota and Houston) took a player who has started, made a significant impact and helped them improve to at least seven wins this season.

Denver will have a good draft pick in April — especially if it loses today — and a chance to pick an impact player.

Eight teams enter the final day of the season with a worse record than Denver’s 6-9 mark. Four teams — Denver, Cincinnati, Chicago and Carolina — are 6-9. Strength of schedule is the first tiebreaker. The team that plays the weakest schedule among tied teams gets the best pick. With a loss today, Denver could draft in the top 10. A win could knock them back into the teens.

The Broncos’ biggest needs are probably defensive line, linebacker, safety and offensive line. However, as Minnesota proved, taking the best available talent can work out. Running back Chester Taylor was coming off a respectable 1,216-yard season, but Minnesota took Peterson anyway.

“I don’t think you can ever have too many weapons at that position,” Childress said. “That’s a high-impact position. But what we really needed to add was explosive plays.”

Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey warned that having a high draft pick doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get a great player.

“First-round picks are hit or miss,” Bailey said. “You never know. It’s hard to say.”

Peterson was worth the pick. Minnesota can make the playoffs — something very few predicted — with a win over Denver and a Redskins’ loss to the Cowboys.

On Nov. 4, Peterson set the NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards against a San Diego defense that has given Denver trouble twice this season. He is third in the league in rushing yards — 113 behind the Chargers’ LaDainian Tomlinson — despite missing two games because of a knee injury.

“He sure doesn’t look like a rookie,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said.

Many major colleges are run similarly to pro teams, and NFL teams want rookies to play right away so it’s not unusual for rookies to make an impact anymore.

Peterson said Vikings running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, who played at the University of Colorado, put him through tireless meetings in the offseason to get him ready.

“I knew what I was bringing to the table,” Peterson said. “I’m pretty sure those guys knew by drafting me. I came in with the attitude to just contribute any way I could.”

http://www.gazette.com/sports/denver...minnesota.html

[lex]

It would definitely be nice for us to get McFadden. And regarding what Champ said, I think he is the surest thing in this draft.

[oubronco]

Originally Posted by lex

It would definitely be nice for us to get McFadden. And regarding what Champ said, I think he is the surest thing in this draft.

BEEF up the lines............ that is all

[Traveler]

Just a guess, but, Champ may have said that because he wants more help defensively.

[lex]

Originally Posted by oubronco

BEEF up the lines............ that is all

I agree we should beef up the offensive line too.

[lex]

Originally Posted by Traveler

Just a guess, but, Champ may have said that because he wants more help defensively.

Were already waiting/hoping for a young defensive line to improve and we already invested a lot of picks in them last year. And a lot of Champs help rests with that. Drafting a DT would only further extend the learning curve. Perhaps he is talking about S or OLB.

[orinjkrush]

beefing up both lines will multiply the strengths of our skill positions

[theAPAOps5]

If we spend our whole draft on OL, DL, S, and LB I will be a happy, happy Bronco fan.

[Broncoman13]

Originally Posted by oubronco

BEEF up the lines............ that is all

Yeah, the Vikes aren't running the ball so well b/c of Peterson and Taylor... they're running the ball well b/c of guys like Hutch and McKinnie. You want to improve your running game, address the weaknesses up front. This also helps your passing game. Travis Henry and Selvin Young are the right personnel to run the ball in Denver. Hell, even Andre Hall can be the man. But we need guys up front that can plow and open holes and at the same time protect Jay. The Broncos would be wise to draft an OT high. Go after Foneco (, I don't even remember the guy's real name now... thanks!). Go after Jordan Gross. Yeah, I know that we're thin at DT. We need to address the position. The draft isn't great for DT's this year. The team will have to figure out a way to balance the $$$, but 90% (FA $$$) should be spent on the OL and DT. 60% on OL and 30% DT.

[frerottenextelway]

The Vikings spent big money make both sides of their lines superior before going after Peterson.

[RhymesayersDU]

Originally Posted by orinjkrush

beefing up both lines will multiply the strengths of our skill positions

^^

[Rohirrim]

Given that last week Cutler spent most of the game running for his life, perhaps we should look to the Oline? Nahhh.

[rovolution]

they made a fantastic FA move a couple of seasons ago when they got Big Pat Williams.

I think trade will be our route.

Dont be surprised if the big man, Shaun Rodgers, is suiting up for the orange and blue next season.

I still wont forget what he did to us.

[Northman]

Originally Posted by OSKIE!!!

Yeah, the Vikes aren't running the ball so well b/c of Peterson and Taylor... they're running the ball well b/c of guys like Hutch and McKinnie. You want to improve your running game, address the weaknesses up front. This also helps your passing game. Travis Henry and Selvin Young are the right personnel to run the ball in Denver. Hell, even Andre Hall can be the man. But we need guys up front that can plow and open holes and at the same time protect Jay. The Broncos would be wise to draft an OT high. Go after Foneco (, I don't even remember the guy's real name now... thanks!). Go after Jordan Gross. Yeah, I know that we're thin at DT. We need to address the position. The draft isn't great for DT's this year. The team will have to figure out a way to balance the $$$, but 90% (FA $$$) should be spent on the OL and DT. 60% on OL and 30% DT.

Exactly.

[NFLBRONCO]

Denver needs difference makers if they can get them. Since Denver's O is geared around running game trying for McFadden is a no brainer. If that fails bolster T and DT positions. Well duh we all know we need to bolster lines still even with McFadden.

[lex]

Lepsis is done and Pears is a practice squad special. For where we're at, you could seriously upgrade the line by taking someone 1-5.

[Northman]

Originally Posted by NFLBRONCO

Denver needs difference makers if they can get them. Since Denver's O is geared around running game trying for McFadden is a no brainer. If that fails bolster T and DT positions. Well duh we all know we need to bolster lines still.

Denver will not get McFadden. So the best logical step is to get what is a real possibility and that is Offensive and Defensive line help.

[NFLBRONCO]

Originally Posted by Anubis

Denver will not get McFadden. So the best logical step is to get what is a real possibility and that is Offensive and Defensive line help.

Yeah probably but, I was saying look into it at least. Of course we need to stay at 9 to have a shot.

[Northman]

Originally Posted by NFLBRONCO

Yeah probably but, I was saying look into it at least. Of course we need to stay at 9 to have a shot.

Oh, Denver will look into it but it would cost us too much to achieve him. And Denver really cant afford to lose more than gain at this point. I have a feeling either Denver is going to take the best available player that they need at #9 or will trade down for more picks to fullfill those needs.

[NFLBRONCO]

You don't think 08 #1 and 09 #1 wouldn't do it?

[lex]

Originally Posted by NFLBRONCO

You don't think 08 #1 and 09 #1 wouldn't do it?

If we could get away with that, it would easily be worth it. And it actually might work. Some team like the Rams who wants to draft an OLineman might go for it since there are some good tackles available at 9.

[Northman]

Originally Posted by NFLBRONCO

You don't think 08 #1 and 09 #1 wouldn't do it?

It might persuade a team to bite but Shanahan wont do it. This team needs a lot of help in a lot of areas. We need every draft pick possible the next couple of years.

[ColoradoDarin]

Originally Posted by OSKIE!!!

Yeah, the Vikes aren't running the ball so well b/c of Peterson and Taylor... they're running the ball well b/c of guys like Hutch and McKinnie. You want to improve your running game, address the weaknesses up front. This also helps your passing game. Travis Henry and Selvin Young are the right personnel to run the ball in Denver. Hell, even Andre Hall can be the man. But we need guys up front that can plow and open holes and at the same time protect Jay. The Broncos would be wise to draft an OT high. Go after Foneco (, I don't even remember the guy's real name now... thanks!). Go after Jordan Gross. Yeah, I know that we're thin at DT. We need to address the position. The draft isn't great for DT's this year. The team will have to figure out a way to balance the $$$, but 90% (FA $$$) should be spent on the OL and DT. 60% on OL and 30% DT.

Absolutely right, just look at Seattle's running game. It isn't the same since they gave the big bucks to Alexander and let Hutch go. Line >>> RB

[lex]

Originally Posted by ColoradoDarin

Absolutely right, just look at Seattle's running game. It isn't the same since they gave the big bucks to Alexander and let Hutch go. Line >>> RB

Also, a lot of the long runs by Selvin Young where he didnt make the end zone, would have been taken to the house by McFadden. There would also probably be more chances at longer runs with McFadden. Our longest TD run until the KC game was 9 yards. Its not like you cant say theres no value in a RB who can take it to the house when making it to the next level.

[OrangeShadow]

well i think we should wait until we see what we do in free agency