“You’ve got to protect your quarterback; you’ve got to protect your franchise.” - The Orange Mane

bpc · 04-17-2008, 02:19 AM

Says Texans coach Gary Kubiak of finding a left tackle.

IF IF IF we go in any other direction, it would irresponsible and stupid. Gary gets it. He probably understands why it's been been so long since Denver has been a "TRUE" factor on offense against other teams around the league.

We have a special QB in place... are we actually going to take the time and invest in protecting him?

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/5704383.html

Kubiak knows importance of left tackle
Draft might bring long-term answer to what has been problem area for Texans' offense

By MEGAN MANFULL
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

For the first time in nearly 18 months of rehabilitation, Charles Spencer is finally able to feel what it's like to run with grass under his feet again.

He continues rehab on a field adjacent to the rest of his teammates, waiting for his chance finally to play football again. His absence over the last 30 games is just one more reminder of the Texans' misfortune at left tackle.

The Texans hope to remedy the situation this month by taking advantage of an NFL draft rich with talented offensive tackles. As the Texans have learned, however, it's not so easy to reverse a problem that started six years ago when the franchise selected Tony Boselli with the No. 1 pick in its expansion draft.

"I think that those things happen in football," coach Gary Kubiak said. "I mean, you make mistakes, whether it's the draft, free agency or whatever, and you pay for them for a long time.

"I think the thing about left tackle is that that is a 'must' position in this league. You've got to protect your quarterback; you've got to protect your franchise, so to speak. And those guys are hard — hard — to find. I mean, they don't fall off of trees. You don't make one. They're a special breed."

Plagued by injuries
Boselli never played a down for the Texans because of chronic shoulder problems. Spencer, who suffered a serious knee injury two weeks into his rookie season of 2006, is still trying to return.

"I don't know what other guys live and die by, but that's how I live — I've never doubted myself," said Spencer, who started running outside only within the past month. "I'm excited. I was dealing with a lot, but I've never second-guessed myself, never doubted myself through the whole process. I look forward to contributing to this team."

The Texans want the same. They anticipate Spencer's joining football drills during offseason training activities in May or training camp in late July. If they could get Spencer back on the field and find a young tackle in the draft for Ephraim Salaam to groom, their misfortune at left tackle could quickly turn around.

It's impossible to gauge which tackles will be available when the Texans pick at No. 18. A slew of teams are in need of a tackle, and the Texans simply hope one of the elite ones remains. They aren't counting on it, though.

"There are some very good tackles out there," Kubiak said. "But at the same time, if you as an organization go and reach on a kid because you need that position, you can make a big mistake. So we've got to prepare for this draft for every position, just like we always have."

Spencer was a third-round pick in 2006 and quickly won the starting job. The Texans could find a similar talent this season with their second pick, which is in the third round.

Salaam concedes nothing
Of course, Salaam has no intention of giving up the job he has held since Spencer was hurt in 2006. Salaam was signed two years ago as a veteran capable of providing depth, but he has played an integral role in the line's improvement.

If Salaam ends up starting at Pittsburgh on Sept. 7, it will be only the second time in franchise history the Texans have had the same left tackle start consecutive season openers. Chester Pitts, now the team's left guard, started there in 2002 and 2003, Seth Wand in 2004, Victor Riley in 2005 and Spencer in 2006.

The Texans will continue to keep their eye on the future, though.

"We have to have somebody to protect that edge for a long time," Kubiak said. "Look who we play in our division — Dwight Freeney (Colts) and Kyle Vanden Bosch (Titans) twice a year. You better be damn good at protecting the quarterback.

"We're looking for guys who can get people on the ground and work hard on the second level. That's what we'll demand."

fontaine · 04-17-2008, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpc

I think the thing about left tackle is that that is a 'must' position in this league. You've got to protect your quarterback; you've got to protect your franchise, so to speak. And those guys are hard — hard — to find. I mean, they don't fall off of trees. You don't make one. They're a special breed."

For a guy that might be starting Ephraim Salaam at LT, Kubiak sure talks a load of bull.

Tombstone RJ · 04-17-2008, 07:25 AM

I wonder if Kubes is willing to trade with the Broncos to get that special talent at LT. I can see the Broncos trading down to 18, but the Texans don't have a second round pick to package in the trade. Maybe the Broncos get the Texans 3rd round pick this year, and another pick in next year's draft.

Billy Clyde Puckett · 04-17-2008, 07:47 AM

Kubiak is on the money. Hope Spencer can return for him. He was a beast before he got hurt.

400HZ · 04-17-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpc

By MEGAN MANFULL

brncs_fan · 04-17-2008, 08:47 AM

Listen to the man. He only speaks the truth.

kmartin575 · 04-17-2008, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fontaine

For a guy that might be starting Ephraim Salaam at LT, Kubiak sure talks a load of bull.

Yeah, since we already know he has no plans of upgrading at tackle through this years draft.

Atlas · 04-17-2008, 08:57 AM

Whose to say Harris isn't the guy to do it?? You don't know anything about him or his practices. He might be a probowl player this year. If Shanny thinks he can be a probowler than Denver doesn't have to draft a OT in the 1st round.

To say that Denver has to draft here or has to get this guy or that guy is totally on the basis that you don't know what you are talking about, your just guesing. Maybe Denver does need a OT and maybe shanny does draft one in the first round but IF Ellis or DORSEY slip to Denver, You won't bettingh that OLman you want so bad.

The thing is even if Denver does draft Clady the odds are that he won't play one snap of significant time this season. There are lots of other players out there that will make a much more immediate impact than any OL Denver drafts.

fontaine · 04-17-2008, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmartin575

Yeah, since we already know he has no plans of upgrading at tackle through this years draft.

Dude went into 2006 with Salaam and a third round rookie at LT and last year just with Salaam.

lex · 04-17-2008, 09:25 AM

With Harris, Pears on the roster plus with Kuper emerging as a LT (especially after someone posted his combine stats, which are stellar), there are three guys theyre looking at to play left tackle. Lets say its Kuper. Why would they want to go with Kuper over drafting someone? Because a bird in the hand is worth more than one in the bush and if they like Kuper, they could also draft a RT but it isnt as imperative to draft a RT at 12.

brncs_fan · 04-17-2008, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

Whose to say Harris isn't the guy to do it?? You don't know anything about him or his practices. He might be a probowl player this year.If Shanny think he can be a probowler than Denver doesn't to draft a OT in the 1st round.

To say that Denver has to draft here or has to get this guy is totally on the basis that you don't know what you are talking about, your just guesing. Maybe Denver does need a OT and maybe shanny does draft one in the first round but IF Ellis or DORSEY slip to Denver, You won't bettingh that OLman you want so bad.

I would be just as happy going DT in the first as I would OT. Ellis or Dorsey would make me very happy. Then we could get an OT in round two.

I just don't want to see us bring in a RB or WR in round one.

bronco militia · 04-17-2008, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fontaine

For a guy that might be starting Ephraim Salaam at LT, Kubiak sure talks a load of bull.

spdirty · 04-17-2008, 10:07 AM

Well I thought Salaam was pretty damn good when he was here. Dont have an opinion on his play since he left though.

bpc · 04-17-2008, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

Whose to say Harris isn't the guy to do it?? You don't know anything about him or his practices. He might be a probowl player this year. If Shanny thinks he can be a probowler than Denver doesn't have to draft a OT in the 1st round.

Neither do you. You also don't know how bad his back injury is. TO ignore an elite LT because we got some off-injured undersized one last year in the 3rd round just to justify the pick would be stupid as all hell. Put it this way, say we draft a tackle... pick one, Clady, Williams, Otah, WHOMEVER... and Ryan Harris turns out to be a beast at LT. How does this hurt us? Do we really have a guy that you can say is dominant at the right tackle position? OF ALL the positions on the field, how can it remotely hurt you to have more than enough good blockers on the LOS, especially when a franchise like Denver has made Jay Cutler it's franchise? The FOUNDATION OF OUR TWO SUPER BOWL RINGS WERE BASED ON THE ABILITY OF OUR FRONT LINE TO ABSOLUTELY DOMINATE EVERY DEFENSE. We probably have a 1/4 of the talent we had on that team right now because of age, inexperience and just overall crappy players.

Quote:

To say that Denver has to draft here or has to get this guy or that guy is totally on the basis that you don't know what you are talking about, your just guesing. Maybe Denver does need a OT and maybe shanny does draft one in the first round but IF Ellis or DORSEY slip to Denver, You won't bettingh that OLman you want so bad.

NO, it doesn't. I've watched the film. We have holes all over the field. Take your pick of the positions we need to upgrade. HOWEVER as a statement to this franchise, it's fans, the state of Colorado, two years ago Shanahan decided to deal up and get a franchise QB. What good is Cutler to Denver if he can't stay on the field because he gets blown up? Schemes and other systems can protect defenses and cover up holes. Taking our 6 million dollar TE (Graham) and flanking him to the left of our LT every play only buys us so much time. We need to get an answer for this position. Now if Ellis or Dorsey fall to our selection, then we'll have to go to the highest grade player. Let's be honest though, Denver will not be sniffing either one of those guys.

Quote:

The thing is even if Denver does draft Clady the odds are that he won't play one snap of significant time this season. There are lots of other players out there that will make a much more immediate impact than any OL Denver drafts.

How do you come up with this explanation? Because we didn't play George Foster as a rookie? Foster sucked. That's our own fault for taking him so high. You want to point to Ryan Harris next? The man has back issues. He had them at Notre Dame, yet we took him anyways. You think those back issues are going to get any better when our main goal for him is to gain weight? No.

We are talent deprived at tackle. SO much so that I think a player could in within the first four weeks of the season and start for us. Ryan Harris and Erik Pears are the competition? Anybody with a pulse in the passing game will beat out Pears. And anybody drafted this year has almost as many professional snaps as Ryan Harris. The inexperience works both ways.

The answer to some of our problems is right in front of our faces.

DRAFT OL!

footstepsfrom#27 · 04-17-2008, 11:14 AM

Chris Williams PLEAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZEEEEEEE Shanny.

kmonty · 04-17-2008, 11:22 AM

We need two OT's. Right now we have a RT who pretty much sucks, and two unknowns competing for LT.

How anyone can argue that we don't need a tackle in this draft is beyond me. I'm counting on either Kuper or Harris to step up, not both. Draft Ryan Clady.

BroncoMan4ever · 04-17-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tombstone RJ

I wonder if Kubes is willing to trade with the Broncos to get that special talent at LT. I can see the Broncos trading down to 18, but the Texans don't have a second round pick to package in the trade. Maybe the Broncos get the Texans 3rd round pick this year, and another pick in next year's draft.

Is 6 spots up really worth a 2nd round pick? I haven't seen the points scale but i would have thought moving back to 18 and getting their 3rd is a very good deal

mhgaffney · 04-17-2008, 09:03 PM

They say it cause they are in denial. Simple.

Taco John · 04-17-2008, 09:19 PM

If only we had the 2001-2003 archives here. I could compile every other post of mine in that time and sell a book called "whining about needing a left tackle, volume I."

Of course, a lot of good that did me. George Foster turned up bust.

Vegas_Bronco · 04-17-2008, 09:25 PM

Personally, Oline is just one of those positions I would never draft for in the 1-2 rounds. I firmly believe that you can find a good LB, S/FS, RB, TE 10 times more often than you can an OL, WR, CB, QB, DL. I just don't know why you take the chance on this.

Go to the FA pool if you need one of these:
OL, WR, CB, QB, DL

And draft these:
LB, S/FS, RB, TE

It really is pretty simple to keep a competitive team on the field but most importantly, you have to know where to spend your resources. We just haven't been up to par in this area since our SB wins.

Vegas_Bronco · 04-17-2008, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400HZ

by, Megan Manful

I wonder who the lucky guy is that gave her that last name?

brncs_fan · 04-17-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

If only we had the 2001-2003 archives here. I could compile every other post of mine in that time and sell a book called "whining about needing a left tackle, volume I."

Of course, a lot of good that did me. George Foster turned up bust.

In your defense, Foster was a RT.

Billy Clyde Puckett · 04-17-2008, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas_Bronco

Personally, Oline is just one of those positions I would never draft for in the 1-2 rounds. I firmly believe that you can find a good LB, S/FS, RB, TE 10 times more often than you can an OL, WR, CB, QB, DL. I just don't know why you take the chance on this.

Go to the FA pool if you need one of these:
OL, WR, CB, QB, DL

And draft these:
LB, S/FS, RB, TE

It really is pretty simple to keep a competitive team on the field but most importantly, you have to know where to spend your resources. We just haven't been up to par in this area since our SB wins.

OT has one of the lowest bust rates in the first round

Vegas_Bronco · 04-17-2008, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy Clyde Puckett

OT has one of the lowest bust rates in the first round

OL or OT - Generally speaking yes, as it painstakingly applies to us, I'd say no!

SureShot · 04-17-2008, 11:21 PM

I think the Broncos only go as far as the Cutler takes them. It is obvious that great lines win SBs, either OL or DL it only takes one. However, enventually you have to let the young players play, to see if they are worth a second contract. Kuper looked pretty good playing out of position, lets see what he can do in his natural position. I think they should move up and get a DT, or trade down for a RT, unless they think Albert can play RT.

04-17-2008, 02:19 AM	#1
bpc "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" 1 sword keeps another in the sheath Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 12,574 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	“You’ve got to protect your quarterback; you’ve got to protect your franchise.” Says Texans coach Gary Kubiak of finding a left tackle. IF IF IF we go in any other direction, it would irresponsible and stupid. Gary gets it. He probably understands why it's been been so long since Denver has been a "TRUE" factor on offense against other teams around the league. We have a special QB in place... are we actually going to take the time and invest in protecting him? http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/5704383.html Kubiak knows importance of left tackle Draft might bring long-term answer to what has been problem area for Texans' offense By MEGAN MANFULL Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle For the first time in nearly 18 months of rehabilitation, Charles Spencer is finally able to feel what it's like to run with grass under his feet again. He continues rehab on a field adjacent to the rest of his teammates, waiting for his chance finally to play football again. His absence over the last 30 games is just one more reminder of the Texans' misfortune at left tackle. The Texans hope to remedy the situation this month by taking advantage of an NFL draft rich with talented offensive tackles. As the Texans have learned, however, it's not so easy to reverse a problem that started six years ago when the franchise selected Tony Boselli with the No. 1 pick in its expansion draft. "I think that those things happen in football," coach Gary Kubiak said. "I mean, you make mistakes, whether it's the draft, free agency or whatever, and you pay for them for a long time. "I think the thing about left tackle is that that is a 'must' position in this league. You've got to protect your quarterback; you've got to protect your franchise, so to speak. And those guys are hard — hard — to find. I mean, they don't fall off of trees. You don't make one. They're a special breed." Plagued by injuries Boselli never played a down for the Texans because of chronic shoulder problems. Spencer, who suffered a serious knee injury two weeks into his rookie season of 2006, is still trying to return. "I don't know what other guys live and die by, but that's how I live — I've never doubted myself," said Spencer, who started running outside only within the past month. "I'm excited. I was dealing with a lot, but I've never second-guessed myself, never doubted myself through the whole process. I look forward to contributing to this team." The Texans want the same. They anticipate Spencer's joining football drills during offseason training activities in May or training camp in late July. If they could get Spencer back on the field and find a young tackle in the draft for Ephraim Salaam to groom, their misfortune at left tackle could quickly turn around. It's impossible to gauge which tackles will be available when the Texans pick at No. 18. A slew of teams are in need of a tackle, and the Texans simply hope one of the elite ones remains. They aren't counting on it, though. "There are some very good tackles out there," Kubiak said. "But at the same time, if you as an organization go and reach on a kid because you need that position, you can make a big mistake. So we've got to prepare for this draft for every position, just like we always have." Spencer was a third-round pick in 2006 and quickly won the starting job. The Texans could find a similar talent this season with their second pick, which is in the third round. Salaam concedes nothing Of course, Salaam has no intention of giving up the job he has held since Spencer was hurt in 2006. Salaam was signed two years ago as a veteran capable of providing depth, but he has played an integral role in the line's improvement. If Salaam ends up starting at Pittsburgh on Sept. 7, it will be only the second time in franchise history the Texans have had the same left tackle start consecutive season openers. Chester Pitts, now the team's left guard, started there in 2002 and 2003, Seth Wand in 2004, Victor Riley in 2005 and Spencer in 2006. The Texans will continue to keep their eye on the future, though. "We have to have somebody to protect that edge for a long time," Kubiak said. "Look who we play in our division — Dwight Freeney (Colts) and Kyle Vanden Bosch (Titans) twice a year. You better be damn good at protecting the quarterback. "We're looking for guys who can get people on the ground and work hard on the second level. That's what we'll demand."

04-17-2008, 08:57 AM	#8
Atlas Draft Defense Early&Often Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 18,526	Whose to say Harris isn't the guy to do it?? You don't know anything about him or his practices. He might be a probowl player this year. If Shanny thinks he can be a probowler than Denver doesn't have to draft a OT in the 1st round. To say that Denver has to draft here or has to get this guy or that guy is totally on the basis that you don't know what you are talking about, your just guesing. Maybe Denver does need a OT and maybe shanny does draft one in the first round but IF Ellis or DORSEY slip to Denver, You won't bettingh that OLman you want so bad. The thing is even if Denver does draft Clady the odds are that he won't play one snap of significant time this season. There are lots of other players out there that will make a much more immediate impact than any OL Denver drafts. Last edited by Atlas; 04-17-2008 at 10:05 AM..

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04-17-2008, 07:25 AM	#3
Tombstone RJ Ring of Famer Old School Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: In the Tetons! Posts: 19,313 Adopt-a-Bronco: WorrellWilliams	I wonder if Kubes is willing to trade with the Broncos to get that special talent at LT. I can see the Broncos trading down to 18, but the Texans don't have a second round pick to package in the trade. Maybe the Broncos get the Texans 3rd round pick this year, and another pick in next year's draft.

04-17-2008, 07:47 AM	#4
Billy Clyde Puckett Billy=Semi Tough Big Guy Looking down on KC, SD and Oakland Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: between 5,000 and 10,000 feet elevation Posts: 12,665 Adopt-a-Bronco: John Elway	Kubiak is on the money. Hope Spencer can return for him. He was a beast before he got hurt.

04-17-2008, 08:47 AM	#6
brncs_fan How about some Tapenade! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: The Coaches Cradle...Eastern Illinois University Posts: 5,490 Adopt-a-Bronco: Manti Teo	Listen to the man. He only speaks the truth.

04-17-2008, 09:25 AM	#10
lex Bowlen Sold Us Out! The Broncos have been DisemBowlened Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chi-Town Posts: 10,253 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	With Harris, Pears on the roster plus with Kuper emerging as a LT (especially after someone posted his combine stats, which are stellar), there are three guys theyre looking at to play left tackle. Lets say its Kuper. Why would they want to go with Kuper over drafting someone? Because a bird in the hand is worth more than one in the bush and if they like Kuper, they could also draft a RT but it isnt as imperative to draft a RT at 12.

04-17-2008, 10:07 AM	#13
spdirty Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bailey Posts: 13,904 Adopt-a-Bronco: Koppen	Well I thought Salaam was pretty damn good when he was here. Dont have an opinion on his play since he left though.

04-17-2008, 11:14 AM	#15
footstepsfrom#27 helmet to helmet hitter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 16,122 Adopt-a-Bronco: Joe Mays	Chris Williams PLEAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZEEEEEEE Shanny.

04-17-2008, 11:22 AM	#16
kmonty BT Blogger Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Posts: 1,113 Adopt-a-Bronco: Sweet Feet	We need two OT's. Right now we have a RT who pretty much sucks, and two unknowns competing for LT. How anyone can argue that we don't need a tackle in this draft is beyond me. I'm counting on either Kuper or Harris to step up, not both. Draft Ryan Clady.

04-17-2008, 09:03 PM	#18
mhgaffney Ring of Famer Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 9,782	They say it cause they are in denial. Simple.

04-17-2008, 09:19 PM	#19
Taco John 24/7 Broncos In Elway I Trust Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 49,708 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Manning	If only we had the 2001-2003 archives here. I could compile every other post of mine in that time and sell a book called "whining about needing a left tackle, volume I." Of course, a lot of good that did me. George Foster turned up bust.

04-17-2008, 09:25 PM	#20
Vegas_Bronco Ring of Famer Fear is a lack of preparation. Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 63 Yards Out Posts: 4,031 Adopt-a-Bronco: 1 Elam 1	Personally, Oline is just one of those positions I would never draft for in the 1-2 rounds. I firmly believe that you can find a good LB, S/FS, RB, TE 10 times more often than you can an OL, WR, CB, QB, DL. I just don't know why you take the chance on this. Go to the FA pool if you need one of these: OL, WR, CB, QB, DL And draft these: LB, S/FS, RB, TE It really is pretty simple to keep a competitive team on the field but most importantly, you have to know where to spend your resources. We just haven't been up to par in this area since our SB wins.

04-17-2008, 11:21 PM	#25
SureShot Te-believer Join Date: May 2006 Location: Paradise Divide Posts: 5,996 Adopt-a-Bronco: Matt Russell	I think the Broncos only go as far as the Cutler takes them. It is obvious that great lines win SBs, either OL or DL it only takes one. However, enventually you have to let the young players play, to see if they are worth a second contract. Kuper looked pretty good playing out of position, lets see what he can do in his natural position. I think they should move up and get a DT, or trade down for a RT, unless they think Albert can play RT.