Major props to the front office for an outstanding rookie class - The Orange Mane

montrose · 12-01-2008, 06:33 AM

Watching the highlights from yesterday's game, we're really being powered right now by this year's rookie class. It may not have the star power of 2006, but the depth of this class is great:

Ryan Clady: Our franchise LT already playing like a Pro Bowler at one of the toughest rookie positions in the league.

Eddie Royal: Not only do we finally have a dangerous return man, but the arguably the best #2 WR in football.

Peyton Hillis - Coming huge at the RB spot, he was blocking and catching passes well at FB and is a major cog for the future.

Spencer Larsen - Filling in well at MLB and could compete for a starting job next year. Can play some fullback in a pinch and a monster on special teams.

Wesley Woodyard - Another special teams monster that's doing a great job subbing for the injured DJ Williams.

Josh Bell - Nice midseason pickup that's doing a very admirable job filling in for Champ and looks like a keeper in the long run.

Ryan Torain - The injury history is extremely concerning but there's no denying his talent that he showed in limited action.

Jack "Mother ****ing" Williams - Probably best suited for covering slot guys in the nickel, he's made some plays in the dime package and on special teams.

Josh Barrett - Getting his first action he was active on special teams and made some nice plays at the safety spot. Looked better than our veteran crap has all year.

Brett Kern - Not only punting for solid average and doing a good job pinning teams deep, but did you see the play he made on the bad snap yesterday?

Kory Lichtensteiger - Has already worked himself into the lineup in goal-line packages and has the look of our future starting center or left guard.

Anthony Alridge - Was probably IR'ed because of our depth at RB but he was looking like a nice little toy to play with in the future. Prehaps our Darren Sproles...

I want to see Carlton Powell!!!

Garcia Bronco · 12-01-2008, 07:04 AM

Powell will be awesome. Just wait.

lostknight · 12-01-2008, 07:05 AM

Just remember, the cost of using all these rookies is inconstancy. That being said, we need to give the coach and FO major props here. They pointed out on TV that the team we are fielding right now is the youngest team Mike has ever coached. Being 2 games away from post-season in a rebuilding year is awesome.

Archie · 12-01-2008, 07:05 AM

This is no doubt the most impact a rookie class has had in Denver (and sure injuries are a big part of that but you still have to give the props when they come in and perform). And when you add this to the 2006 draft class you have to start giving Shanny some "GM Credit".

I'm excited for the rest of the this year but WOW I'm really excited for what our future looks like especially if we can build a defense...

Kaylore · 12-01-2008, 07:13 AM

Kern really deserves some love. No one has talked about him, but he's one of the rookies as well. FYI He's third best in punt return average and seventh in net average, which is partially do to high turnover on our special teams. It looks like we found a nice punter. And major props to O'brien for making the pieces work and developing out two young kickers.

Garcia Bronco · 12-01-2008, 07:15 AM

I think we are building a core group of guys that will be a force in the NFL. I really do. I just hope they continue to get opportunities.

bronco militia · 12-01-2008, 07:15 AM

Ryan Torain - The injury history is extremely concerning but there's no denying his talent that he showed in limited action.

lol....that's a reach

bronco militia · 12-01-2008, 07:16 AM

but, a very nice draft class

Spider · 12-01-2008, 07:41 AM

yeah , I wouldnt be shocked to see alot of these guys as starters ......

Smiling Assassin27 · 12-01-2008, 08:00 AM

both lb kids are relying on hustle and heart. both are limited in either size or speed, so i don't know about them as long term starters at their positions, but woodie reminds me of ian gold with instincts and tackling ability. larsen reminds me of a zach thomas-type guy who, once he learns the speed of the nfl, finds a bit of nastiness, and learns the physical rigors of being a starting MLB, can be a more consistent factor for us. as for their special teams value--the sky's the limit.

snowspot66 · 12-01-2008, 08:13 AM

They may not be physically perfect but they can tackle and get to the ball. That's really all it comes down to. If they do that they'll be good solid players. I think we all forget that there are only a few pro Bowl quality players at any position and the teams that win aren't stacked with Pro Bowl players but are filled with solid players across the field with one or two great players here and there.

want2bAbronco2 · 12-01-2008, 08:18 AM

I love the rookies. FO did a great job last few years. Just wish we could get a DC worth a darn. Was so mad seeing 3rd and 7 yesterday and our CBs again were 12yds off =/

gyldenlove · 12-01-2008, 08:43 AM

Wesley Woodyard was undersized in the SEC and still made plays all over the place. He has a good head for football and he has the work ethic you need. I am pretty sure Shanahan said it would only be a matter of time before he is a starter (an actual starter not just an injury replacement).

Kern deserves major props, he is in the top 10 in the league among punters, except for the poor punt against the Raiders that Higgins took back he has not had a major foulup all year. The play he made yesterday with the bad snap and someone coming right at him was amazing.

Speaking of amazing plays though, how cool was it to see Paymah swat the punt out of the end zone so it was downed inside the 5? That was hustle.

backup qb · 12-01-2008, 08:44 AM

As much grief as we've all given the FO(and rightfully so) major props are indeed in order. Lets keep the momentum going.

TonyR · 12-01-2008, 08:46 AM

When did the Goodman's officially take over talent eval, does anybody know? And is it safe to assume they are the reason for the complete turnaround we've made in drafting after 5 terrible years?

SonOfLe-loLang · 12-01-2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gyldenlove

Wesley Woodyard was undersized in the SEC and still made plays all over the place. He has a good head for football and he has the work ethic you need. I am pretty sure Shanahan said it would only be a matter of time before he is a starter (an actual starter not just an injury replacement).

Kern deserves major props, he is in the top 10 in the league among punters, except for the poor punt against the Raiders that Higgins took back he has not had a major foulup all year. The play he made yesterday with the bad snap and someone coming right at him was amazing.

Speaking of amazing plays though, how cool was it to see Paymah swat the punt out of the end zone so it was downed inside the 5? That was hustle.

I don't know that booming a 60 yarder to higgins classifies as a "poor punt." Perhaps not the greatest decision in the world, but i'll still blame crap coverage for that one.

Dudeskey · 12-01-2008, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyR

When did the Goodman's officially take over talent eval, does anybody know? And is it safe to assume they are the reason for the complete turnaround we've made in drafting after 5 terrible years?

Sure makes Sundquist look like he was incompetent...™

Hercules Rockefeller · 12-01-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montrose

Eddie Royal: Not only do we finally have a dangerous return man, but the arguably the best #2 WR in football.

Fitzgerald/Boldin
TO/Roy Williams
Moss/Welker

Dude's been great, but are there any GM's in the league who would take ER over those 3 #2's? Maybe Welker, but not Boldin or Williams.

gyldenlove · 12-01-2008, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonOfLe-loLang

I don't know that booming a 60 yarder to higgins classifies as a "poor punt." Perhaps not the greatest decision in the world, but i'll still blame crap coverage for that one.

It looked like a line drive to me, if you are going to boot a 60 yarder you need to make sure you have the hang time. Since a 40 yard time for most players in this league is in the 4.5 range, you can't boot a 60 yarder with a hang time of less than 5 seconds or the coverage simply won't have time to make it doen field. That is what happened on that punt.

Garcia Bronco · 12-01-2008, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

Fitzgerald/Boldin
TO/Roy Williams
Moss/Welker

Dude's been great, but are there any GM's in the league who would take ER over those 3 #2's? Maybe Welker, but not Boldin or Williams.

I would.

TonyR · 12-01-2008, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

Fitzgerald/Boldin
TO/Roy Williams
Moss/Welker

Dude's been great, but are there any GM's in the league who would take ER over those 3 #2's? Maybe Welker, but not Boldin or Williams.

Nobody would take ER over Boldin but you could make a case for the other two, particularly since ER is young and is going to get better.

CBF1 · 12-01-2008, 10:18 AM

Eddie Royal: Not only do we finally have a dangerous return man, but the arguably the best #2 WR in football.

I guess you forgot about Arizona with Boldin and Fitzgerald.

epicSocialism4tw · 12-01-2008, 10:25 AM

This rookie class stinks. We only drafted one potentian hall-of-fame level player.

PRBronco · 12-01-2008, 10:27 AM

I was checking the team's stats this morning, we have a tie for leading scorer at 5 TDs, both rookies

Kaylore · 12-01-2008, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McSkillet

This rookie class stinks. We only drafted one potentian hall-of-fame level player.

What horrible draft class! We should have drafted Bronco Mendenhall!!! I'm going to start a thread saying I hate Ryan Torain.

/Lex

12-01-2008, 06:33 AM	#1
montrose Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 6,095 Adopt-a-Bronco: VP John Elway	Major props to the front office for an outstanding rookie class Watching the highlights from yesterday's game, we're really being powered right now by this year's rookie class. It may not have the star power of 2006, but the depth of this class is great: Ryan Clady: Our franchise LT already playing like a Pro Bowler at one of the toughest rookie positions in the league. Eddie Royal: Not only do we finally have a dangerous return man, but the arguably the best #2 WR in football. Peyton Hillis - Coming huge at the RB spot, he was blocking and catching passes well at FB and is a major cog for the future. Spencer Larsen - Filling in well at MLB and could compete for a starting job next year. Can play some fullback in a pinch and a monster on special teams. Wesley Woodyard - Another special teams monster that's doing a great job subbing for the injured DJ Williams. Josh Bell - Nice midseason pickup that's doing a very admirable job filling in for Champ and looks like a keeper in the long run. Ryan Torain - The injury history is extremely concerning but there's no denying his talent that he showed in limited action. Jack "Mother ****ing" Williams - Probably best suited for covering slot guys in the nickel, he's made some plays in the dime package and on special teams. Josh Barrett - Getting his first action he was active on special teams and made some nice plays at the safety spot. Looked better than our veteran crap has all year. Brett Kern - Not only punting for solid average and doing a good job pinning teams deep, but did you see the play he made on the bad snap yesterday? Kory Lichtensteiger - Has already worked himself into the lineup in goal-line packages and has the look of our future starting center or left guard. Anthony Alridge - Was probably IR'ed because of our depth at RB but he was looking like a nice little toy to play with in the future. Prehaps our Darren Sproles... I want to see Carlton Powell!!!

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12-01-2008, 07:04 AM	#2
Garcia Bronco Hokie since 1993 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 45,987 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tom Jackson	Powell will be awesome. Just wait.

12-01-2008, 07:05 AM	#3
lostknight In The Arena ohwaitwtf Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,362 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tim Tebow	Just remember, the cost of using all these rookies is inconstancy. That being said, we need to give the coach and FO major props here. They pointed out on TV that the team we are fielding right now is the youngest team Mike has ever coached. Being 2 games away from post-season in a rebuilding year is awesome.

12-01-2008, 07:05 AM	#4
Archie R Gang Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 1,151 Adopt-a-Bronco: Keith Bishop	This is no doubt the most impact a rookie class has had in Denver (and sure injuries are a big part of that but you still have to give the props when they come in and perform). And when you add this to the 2006 draft class you have to start giving Shanny some "GM Credit". I'm excited for the rest of the this year but WOW I'm really excited for what our future looks like especially if we can build a defense...

12-01-2008, 07:13 AM	#5
Kaylore 6-37, Raider fans. Yummy birds and snow! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ceti Alpha V Posts: 41,008 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Duke	Kern really deserves some love. No one has talked about him, but he's one of the rookies as well. FYI He's third best in punt return average and seventh in net average, which is partially do to high turnover on our special teams. It looks like we found a nice punter. And major props to O'brien for making the pieces work and developing out two young kickers.

12-01-2008, 07:15 AM	#6
Garcia Bronco Hokie since 1993 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 45,987 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tom Jackson	I think we are building a core group of guys that will be a force in the NFL. I really do. I just hope they continue to get opportunities.

12-01-2008, 07:15 AM	#7
bronco militia Ring of Famer THE GREATEST Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: colorado springs, co Posts: 22,567	Ryan Torain - The injury history is extremely concerning but there's no denying his talent that he showed in limited action. lol....that's a reach

12-01-2008, 07:16 AM	#8
bronco militia Ring of Famer THE GREATEST Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: colorado springs, co Posts: 22,567	but, a very nice draft class

12-01-2008, 07:41 AM	#9
Spider Mr Diplomacy I survived Tebow Mania at the Mane Join Date: May 2001 Location: Elway was just an arm =MacGruder Posts: 84,438 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	yeah , I wouldnt be shocked to see alot of these guys as starters ......

12-01-2008, 08:00 AM	#10
Smiling Assassin27 STOP! KIPER TIME! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: In a van down by the river Posts: 10,955 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	both lb kids are relying on hustle and heart. both are limited in either size or speed, so i don't know about them as long term starters at their positions, but woodie reminds me of ian gold with instincts and tackling ability. larsen reminds me of a zach thomas-type guy who, once he learns the speed of the nfl, finds a bit of nastiness, and learns the physical rigors of being a starting MLB, can be a more consistent factor for us. as for their special teams value--the sky's the limit.

12-01-2008, 08:13 AM	#11
snowspot66 Ring of Famer Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 4,642	They may not be physically perfect but they can tackle and get to the ball. That's really all it comes down to. If they do that they'll be good solid players. I think we all forget that there are only a few pro Bowl quality players at any position and the teams that win aren't stacked with Pro Bowl players but are filled with solid players across the field with one or two great players here and there.

12-01-2008, 08:18 AM	#12
want2bAbronco2 Pro Bowler Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 618	I love the rookies. FO did a great job last few years. Just wish we could get a DC worth a darn. Was so mad seeing 3rd and 7 yesterday and our CBs again were 12yds off =/

12-01-2008, 08:43 AM	#13
gyldenlove Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: London, ON Posts: 10,010 Adopt-a-Bronco: Spencer Larsen	Wesley Woodyard was undersized in the SEC and still made plays all over the place. He has a good head for football and he has the work ethic you need. I am pretty sure Shanahan said it would only be a matter of time before he is a starter (an actual starter not just an injury replacement). Kern deserves major props, he is in the top 10 in the league among punters, except for the poor punt against the Raiders that Higgins took back he has not had a major foulup all year. The play he made yesterday with the bad snap and someone coming right at him was amazing. Speaking of amazing plays though, how cool was it to see Paymah swat the punt out of the end zone so it was downed inside the 5? That was hustle.

12-01-2008, 08:44 AM	#14
backup qb Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shelbyville,Il Posts: 1,244	As much grief as we've all given the FO(and rightfully so) major props are indeed in order. Lets keep the momentum going.

12-01-2008, 08:46 AM	#15
TonyR Franchise Poster Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Mid-Atlantic Posts: 15,542	When did the Goodman's officially take over talent eval, does anybody know? And is it safe to assume they are the reason for the complete turnaround we've made in drafting after 5 terrible years?

12-01-2008, 10:18 AM	#22
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	Eddie Royal: Not only do we finally have a dangerous return man, but the arguably the best #2 WR in football. I guess you forgot about Arizona with Boldin and Fitzgerald.

12-01-2008, 10:25 AM	#23
epicSocialism4tw Tebowing the long haul all the way to the title Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: TX, USA Posts: 37,072 Adopt-a-Bronco: Champ Bailey	This rookie class stinks. We only drafted one potentian hall-of-fame level player.

12-01-2008, 10:27 AM	#24
PRBronco FML less Join Date: May 2004 Location: North Vancouver Posts: 4,206 Adopt-a-Bronco: I'm so alone	I was checking the team's stats this morning, we have a tie for leading scorer at 5 TDs, both rookies