Broncos May Get Offensive Boost - The Orange Mane

Broncojef · 02-25-2008, 06:09 AM

Broncos may get offensive boost
First-round pick not tied to defense
By Bill Williamson
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 02/24/2008 11:19:10 PM MST

INDIANAPOLIS — It's clear the Broncos' greatest needs are on defense.

Yet, as the draft preparation for the Broncos hit full swing during the NFL scouting combine, an interesting dilemma unfolded. It's apparent there will be more value on offense when the Broncos are scheduled to pick with the 12th selection of the first round on April 26.

"This draft looks to be very strong at some key positions on offense," Pittsburgh Steelers executive Kevin Colbert said. "There's talent there."

The Broncos might be stuck in a defensive no man's land, but they are in position to acquire one of several intriguing offensive players.

Defensive stalwarts such as tackles Glenn Dorsey of LSU and Sedrick Ellis of USC and end Chris Long of Virginia are sure top-10 picks. But then the defensive talent thins out.

The Broncos need a defensive tackle, a linebacker and a safety. But at No. 12, it might not make much sense to select at those positions.

North Carolina defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer excites some teams, but he might be best suited for a 3-4 defense and is considered raw. At linebacker, Penn State's Dan Connor and USC's Keith Rivers are considered first-round players, but both could be a reach at No. 12.

The Broncos, who are putting the finishing touches on their plan for the start of free agency Friday, believe safety is a weak position in the draft. With veteran John Lynch potentially closing in on departure this week, the Broncos likely will attempt to solve their safety concerns, as well as other defensive needs, in free agency.

The Broncos' biggest desires offensively are on the line, where the youth movement continues, and at wide receiver. Javon Walker will be traded or cut by March 4, when he is due a large option bonus.

The Broncos are sure to be able to fuel their offensive needs at No. 12. This is considered to be one of the strongest groups of offensive tackles available in years. The Broncos lost left tackle Matt Lepsis to retirement the day after the season. The current plan is for 2007 third-round pick Ryan Harris, who also can play right tackle, to take over. The top choices at offensive tackle are Boise State's Ryan Clady, Pitt's Jeff Otah and Vanderbilt's Chris Williams, who played with Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler for two years, and USC's Sam Baker.

Clady says he fits the Broncos' mold very well.

"We were primarily a zone team, and I'm kind of like a Denver Broncos-type offensive lineman," Clady said. "We cut a lot and position block."

Added Otah, "I think I would fit what the Broncos do, and they are looking at linemen."

In recent years, the Broncos have shown interest in trading in the first round. At this point, trading down could be a more likely scenario because of the talent available at No. 12 and because the Broncos, who don't have a third-round pick, are interested in compiling more higher-round picks. If they choose to move up via a trade, Ellis and Dorsey likely would be the targets.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8354595

Gcver2ver3 · 02-25-2008, 08:15 AM

this article is trying to remind me to bring my barf bag to April's draft...

good lookin out...

Dendave · 02-25-2008, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broncojef

The top choices at offensive tackle are Boise State's Ryan Clady, Pitt's Jeff Otah and Vanderbilt's Chris Williams, who played with Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler for two years, and USC's Sam Baker.

I guess Billy boy has never heard of Jake Long

Paladin · 02-25-2008, 09:19 AM

No shot at him. Why bother?

This is another piece designed to fill space. Not much new.

cmhargrove · 02-25-2008, 09:40 AM

I can't believe he didn't even throw Mendenhall into the mix.

I know the team has other needs, but if the title talks about an offensive boost, and getting value at #12, you have to look at Mendenhall. I think we have other needs, and would do a little yelling at that pick, but on the other hand it would be pretty exciting.

elsid13 · 02-25-2008, 10:22 AM

I can not wait for the board reaction when Shanahan drafts a WR in the first. Desean Jackson here we come!

bronco militia · 02-25-2008, 10:36 AM

The Broncos could use a OT, WR, or RB so I wouldn't be pissed if they grabbed one in the 1st round.

Gcver2ver3 · 02-25-2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronco militia

The Broncos could use a OT, WR, or RB so I wouldn't be pissed if they grabbed one in the 1st round.

if we reach by taking for one of those overrated WRs with our 12th pick i'll throw my pizza at the televison...

bronco militia · 02-25-2008, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcver2ver3

if we reach by taking for one of those overrated WRs with our 12th pick i'll throw my pizza at the televison...

...that sounds like me after the Maurice Clarret pick

if the WR is not named Desean Jackson, I'll be pissed

elsid13 · 02-25-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronco militia

...that sounds like me after the Maurice Clarret pick

if the WR is not named Desean Jackson, I'll be pissed

That one guy in the first that I want no part of. You don't pick a slot WR in the first. Beside I think you get better value with guy like Royal (VT) in the fourth, same type of skills sets.

The only WRs I would be happy with are Kelly or Hardy

Gcver2ver3 · 02-25-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronco militia

...that sounds like me after the Maurice Clarret pick

if the WR is not named Desean Jackson, I'll be pissed

oh yeah the Mo Clo debacle...don't get me started on that...

even Desean Jackson would be a poor pick that high...

people will disagree with me but he's Ted Ginn Jr revisited...

He is a little more polished at WR than Ginn but there aren't any real top flight WRs in this draft....

If we want a WR badly enough through the draft than we'd get more value at pick number 42...

you may be a bit surprised how many WRs slip to that pick...

Manningham will prolly be there due to his slow 40 time...heck he prolly wasn't going in the 1st round anyway...in pads he's plays very fast...i'd consider him at 42 rather than ANY WR at 12...

bronco militia · 02-25-2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcver2ver3

oh yeah the Mo Clo debacle...don't get me started on that...

even Desean Jackson would be a poor pick that high...

people will disagree with me but he's Ted Ginn Jr revisited...

He is a little more polished at WR than Ginn but there aren't any real top flight WRs in this draft....

If we want a WR badly enough through the draft than we'd get more value at pick number 42...

you may be a bit surprised how many WRs slip to that pick...

Manningham will prolly be there due to his slow 40 time...heck he prolly wasn't going in the 1st round anyway...in pads he's plays very fast...i'd consider him at 42 rather than ANY WR at 12...

IMO, when you figure in his return talents, he's worth the #12 for the Broncos.

but I hope they address the OT position if Elis, Dorsey, or Long don't slip out of the top 10

Gcver2ver3 · 02-25-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronco militia

IMO, when you figure in his return talents, he's worth the #12 for the Broncos.

but I hope they address the OT position if Elis, Dorsey, or Long don't slip out of the top 10

fair enough....

Atlas · 02-25-2008, 11:11 AM

I'll pass a a 1st round WR. That postion produces the most 1st round busts. There are plenty of speed WRs that will be available later in the draft. I say trade down and get a DT. Okam!!! Plus Denver could get another 2nd rounder.

Gcver2ver3 · 02-25-2008, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

I'll pass a a 1st round WR. That postion produces the most 1st round busts. There are plenty of speed WRs that will be available later in the draft. I say trade down and get a DT. Okam!!! Plus Denver could get another 2nd rounder.

TBO...I'd hate to see us draft at WR at all...

Let's go through free agency for a cost effective deep threat or trade a player from our current roster to land a deep threat...

the only way i'd be okay with drafting WR is if the value is too much to overlook...

If one of the projected top 7 or so WRs somehow slip to the 4th round...which of course i don't see happening...

Atlas · 02-25-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcver2ver3

TBO...I'd hate to see us draft at WR at all...

Let's go through free agency for a cost effective deep threat or trade a player from our current roster to land a deep threat...

the only way i'd be okay with drafting WR is if the value is too much to overlook...

If one of the projected top 7 or so WRs somehow slip to the 4th round...which of course i don't see happening...

If Denver trades down and gets a 3rd round pick I wouldn't mind seeing them draft WR Andre Caldwell he has good size (6-0, 200) and he is fast. He would be a great addition to the team. Plus he is a Florida Gator and we know how much Shanny likes Gators!!

Gcver2ver3 · 02-25-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

I'll pass a a 1st round WR. That postion produces the most 1st round busts. There are plenty of speed WRs that will be available later in the draft. I say trade down and get a DT. Okam!!! Plus Denver could get another 2nd rounder.

yeah the more i read college player articles...

and look at mock drafts and watch the combine....the more i think we should trade down if possible...

sitting at 12 is just low enough to miss out on the players we covet IMO...

i don't believe we'll get fair value at 12...

but you never know....

Gcver2ver3 · 02-25-2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

If Denver trades down and gets a 3rd round pick I wouldn't mind seeing them draft WR Andre Caldwell he has good size (6-0, 200) and he is fast. He would be a great addition to the team. Plus he is a Florida Gator and we know how much Shanny likes Gators!!

yeah...

if we land another draft pick...i'd be good with that too...

Broncojef · 02-25-2008, 12:29 PM

The post ran this article in conjunction with a DeShauwn Jackson piece. We need trench strength. I'm not against trading back for a DT like Robertson or Shaun Rogers so long as we get another key starting cog later in the first. We need some talented fat boys if we are going anywhere this year. This Offensive boost scares me if its not for an OT to protect Jay.

orinjkrush · 02-25-2008, 12:31 PM

trade #12 (1200 pts) down for around 31 and 32 (about 600 pts each). then take an OL and a DT, LB or Safety with those two picks.

CBF1 · 02-25-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elsid13

That one guy in the first that I want no part of. You don't pick a slot WR in the first. Beside I think you get better value with guy like Royal (VT) in the fourth, same type of skills sets.

The only WRs I would be happy with are Kelly or Hardy

Kelley and Hardy will be around in the 2nd.

theAPAOps5 · 02-25-2008, 12:45 PM

I smell a laptop being chucked out of a window on draft day scenario shaping up!

CBF1 · 02-25-2008, 12:46 PM

Caldwell is a speedster as well. He ran a 4:31 40

Beantown Bronco · 02-25-2008, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orinjkrush

trade #12 (1200 pts) down for around 31 and 32 (about 600 pts each). then take an OL and a DT, LB or Safety with those two picks.

that would be great.....if the same team held both the 31st and 32nd picks.

Los Broncos · 02-25-2008, 12:55 PM

Please go OL or S, not a WR.

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02-25-2008, 06:09 AM	#1
Broncojef Ring of Famer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Great White North Posts: 3,020	Broncos May Get Offensive Boost Broncos may get offensive boost First-round pick not tied to defense By Bill Williamson The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 02/24/2008 11:19:10 PM MST INDIANAPOLIS — It's clear the Broncos' greatest needs are on defense. Yet, as the draft preparation for the Broncos hit full swing during the NFL scouting combine, an interesting dilemma unfolded. It's apparent there will be more value on offense when the Broncos are scheduled to pick with the 12th selection of the first round on April 26. "This draft looks to be very strong at some key positions on offense," Pittsburgh Steelers executive Kevin Colbert said. "There's talent there." The Broncos might be stuck in a defensive no man's land, but they are in position to acquire one of several intriguing offensive players. Defensive stalwarts such as tackles Glenn Dorsey of LSU and Sedrick Ellis of USC and end Chris Long of Virginia are sure top-10 picks. But then the defensive talent thins out. The Broncos need a defensive tackle, a linebacker and a safety. But at No. 12, it might not make much sense to select at those positions. North Carolina defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer excites some teams, but he might be best suited for a 3-4 defense and is considered raw. At linebacker, Penn State's Dan Connor and USC's Keith Rivers are considered first-round players, but both could be a reach at No. 12. The Broncos, who are putting the finishing touches on their plan for the start of free agency Friday, believe safety is a weak position in the draft. With veteran John Lynch potentially closing in on departure this week, the Broncos likely will attempt to solve their safety concerns, as well as other defensive needs, in free agency. The Broncos' biggest desires offensively are on the line, where the youth movement continues, and at wide receiver. Javon Walker will be traded or cut by March 4, when he is due a large option bonus. The Broncos are sure to be able to fuel their offensive needs at No. 12. This is considered to be one of the strongest groups of offensive tackles available in years. The Broncos lost left tackle Matt Lepsis to retirement the day after the season. The current plan is for 2007 third-round pick Ryan Harris, who also can play right tackle, to take over. The top choices at offensive tackle are Boise State's Ryan Clady, Pitt's Jeff Otah and Vanderbilt's Chris Williams, who played with Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler for two years, and USC's Sam Baker. Clady says he fits the Broncos' mold very well. "We were primarily a zone team, and I'm kind of like a Denver Broncos-type offensive lineman," Clady said. "We cut a lot and position block." Added Otah, "I think I would fit what the Broncos do, and they are looking at linemen." In recent years, the Broncos have shown interest in trading in the first round. At this point, trading down could be a more likely scenario because of the talent available at No. 12 and because the Broncos, who don't have a third-round pick, are interested in compiling more higher-round picks. If they choose to move up via a trade, Ellis and Dorsey likely would be the targets. http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8354595

02-25-2008, 08:15 AM	#2
Gcver2ver3 Ring of Famer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tampa Bay, FL Posts: 6,629 Adopt-a-Bronco: not Lance Ball	this article is trying to remind me to bring my barf bag to April's draft... good lookin out...

02-25-2008, 09:19 AM	#4
Paladin Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 9,150	No shot at him. Why bother? This is another piece designed to fill space. Not much new.

02-25-2008, 09:40 AM	#5
cmhargrove Is this thing on??? Travis Henry's love child... Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 6,410 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Hillis	I can't believe he didn't even throw Mendenhall into the mix. I know the team has other needs, but if the title talks about an offensive boost, and getting value at #12, you have to look at Mendenhall. I think we have other needs, and would do a little yelling at that pick, but on the other hand it would be pretty exciting.

02-25-2008, 10:22 AM	#6
elsid13 Lost In Space Bóg, Honor, Ojczyzna Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: DC Posts: 19,087	I can not wait for the board reaction when Shanahan drafts a WR in the first. Desean Jackson here we come!

02-25-2008, 10:36 AM	#7
bronco militia Ring of Famer THE GREATEST Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: colorado springs, co Posts: 22,591	The Broncos could use a OT, WR, or RB so I wouldn't be pissed if they grabbed one in the 1st round.

02-25-2008, 11:11 AM	#14
Atlas Draft Defense Early&Often Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 18,526	I'll pass a a 1st round WR. That postion produces the most 1st round busts. There are plenty of speed WRs that will be available later in the draft. I say trade down and get a DT. Okam!!! Plus Denver could get another 2nd rounder.

02-25-2008, 12:29 PM	#19
Broncojef Ring of Famer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Great White North Posts: 3,020	The post ran this article in conjunction with a DeShauwn Jackson piece. We need trench strength. I'm not against trading back for a DT like Robertson or Shaun Rogers so long as we get another key starting cog later in the first. We need some talented fat boys if we are going anywhere this year. This Offensive boost scares me if its not for an OT to protect Jay.

02-25-2008, 12:31 PM	#20
orinjkrush ... Prospects for the future... Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: DistrictOfCorruption Posts: 4,914 Adopt-a-Bronco: Ben Garland	trade #12 (1200 pts) down for around 31 and 32 (about 600 pts each). then take an OL and a DT, LB or Safety with those two picks.

02-25-2008, 12:45 PM	#22
theAPAOps5 A new beginning! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 26,058 Adopt-a-Bronco: Watermock - RIP	I smell a laptop being chucked out of a window on draft day scenario shaping up!

02-25-2008, 12:46 PM	#23
CBF1 Ring of Famer No avatar is the new avatar Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 14,907 Adopt-a-Bronco: Jack Del rio	Caldwell is a speedster as well. He ran a 4:31 40

02-25-2008, 12:55 PM	#25
Los Broncos Ring of farmers Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Anaheim Hills, Santa Ana Mountains CA Posts: 18,766 Adopt-a-Bronco: Ryan Clady	Please go OL or S, not a WR.