Joe Mays - The Orange Mane

bap454 · 03-28-2011, 10:58 AM

• We hear Broncos LB Joe Mays(notes) has likely earned a larger role on the team next year. Mays, who was acquired when Denver shipped RB J.J. Arrington(notes) to the Eagles prior to the 2010 season, has been a standout on special teams since arriving in Denver. He made 30 tackles in four consecutive starts at an ILB position last season before a knee injury ended his season. He is currently being considered a starter in head coach John Fox's new 4-3 defensive scheme.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_yl...eturning_to_je

This guy was a beast last year. Does this eliminate a need for an ILB in the draft?? Regardless - with Mays in the middle, Doom on the edge, and Marcel Dareus on the line, the defense will be much improved. Thoughts?

LonghornBronco · 03-28-2011, 10:59 AM

I like this!

mhgaffney · 03-28-2011, 11:01 AM

We still need help at LB.

BroncoMan4ever · 03-28-2011, 11:12 AM

we still need a young guy. Mays is good but he isn't an every down player.

oubronco · 03-28-2011, 11:13 AM

DJ, Mays, Haggan are the starters as of now

Do you think we need an upgrade?

Beantown Bronco · 03-28-2011, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oubronco

DJ, Mays, Haggan are the starters as of now

Do you think we need an upgrade?

IMO, yes.

Although I don't see anyone in the draft or FA (unless the new CBA retroactively allows all 5th and 6th year guys to become UFAs) that would be a significant enough upgrade to invest heavily in the position. This is a terrible draft for LBs, so unless they're in love with Von Miller and trade down some to get him, I just don't see any real investment in this position until a new CBA is hammered out and free agency and trades start up again.

jsco70 · 03-28-2011, 11:19 AM

I thought he played very well last year and would like to see him get a shot as starter. He reminds me of Woodyard in that both have physical deficiencies (Woodyard - size, Mays - speed) but they have an intangible that causes them to succeed.

bap454 · 03-28-2011, 11:23 AM

No problem with mays/dj. Haggan could Definately be upgraded. The one guy that is absolute garbage is hunter. Not exactly sure where he fits in a 4-3 alignment? The man would quit on plays, no hustle,- just no damn fight. Waste of roster spot.

montrose · 03-28-2011, 11:33 AM

Not sure Mays has the speed to be a 4-3 MLB, thought he was best suited as a 3-4 SILB. That said, he's probably the best option Denver has (the next being moving DJ inside and starting Woody at WLB). DJ's best position is 4-3 WLB and Fox has already spoken glowingly about him and I think Haggan should be good enough at 4-3 SLB. Mays is a sick north-south run stuffer so as long as either Woody or Haggan can flank DJ in the nickel I think Denver can be okay at the position although I'd like to see a few guys brought in via free agency and the draft.

bronco militia · 03-28-2011, 11:40 AM

didn't Mays tear his ACL? that's a tough one to come back from in one offseason

oubronco · 03-28-2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montrose

Not sure Mays has the speed to be a 4-3 MLB, thought he was best suited as a 3-4 SILB. That said, he's probably the best option Denver has (the next being moving DJ inside and starting Woody at WLB). DJ's best position is 4-3 WLB and Fox has already spoken glowingly about him and I think Haggan should be good enough at 4-3 SLB. Mays is a sick north-south run stuffer so as long as either Woody or Haggan can flank DJ in the nickel I think Denver can be okay at the position although I'd like to see a few guys brought in via free agency and the draft.

What about Martez Wilson, ILB, Illinois

Height: 6-4. Weight: 250.
Ran a 4.44 40
Benched 225 23 times.

Projected Round (2011): 1-2.

schaaf · 03-28-2011, 11:50 AM

I would be okay with Wilson.

The knock for him is that he isn't very instinctual.

oubronco · 03-28-2011, 11:55 AM

Kelvin Sheppard, ILB, LSU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.70.
Benchx225: 22. Vertical: 33.5. Arm: 31 3/4.
Projected Round (2011): 3-4.

Mario Harvey, ILB, Marshall
Height: 6-0. Weight: 257.
Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.43.
Benchx225: 27. Vertical: . Arm: .
Projected Round (2011): 4-6.

Colin McCarthy, ILB, Miami
Height: 6-1. Weight: 238.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
Combine 40 Time: 4.64.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 23. Vertical: 36.5. Arm: 29 1/2.
Projected Round (2011): 3-5.

Nate Irving, ILB, North Carolina State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.82.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.76.
Benchx225: 27. Vertical: 32.5. Arm: 33 1/4.
Projected Round (2011): 3-4.

bap454 · 03-28-2011, 12:09 PM

damb ....guy just got a promotion and guys are trying to draft his replacement already.

TonyR · 03-28-2011, 12:13 PM

Mays failed with the Eagles when given the opportunity to start inside in the 4-3 in Philadelphia which is why they let him go for nothing. One major weakness is that he can't cover RB's or TE's because he's too slow.

Beantown Bronco · 03-28-2011, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyR

Mays failed with the Eagles when given the opportunity to start inside in the 4-3 in Philadelphia which is why they let him go for nothing. One major weakness is that he can't cover RB's or TE's because he's too slow.

To be fair, the Broncos coaches have only really seen him covering the Broncos TEs and RBs, who (as everyone has so timely pointed out just today) are collectively the slowest in the league. So he probably looks like an all pro out there on the practice field.

Al Wilson · 03-28-2011, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oubronco

Kelvin Sheppard, ILB, LSU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.70.
Benchx225: 22. Vertical: 33.5. Arm: 31 3/4.
Projected Round (2011): 3-4.

I hope we get this guy. He is a real talent at ILB. I don't mind Mays as I think he is very underrated, and he isn't slow (go watch the games again).

LonghornBronco · 03-28-2011, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schaaf

I would be okay with Wilson.

The knock for him is that he isn't very instinctual.

At least he has the last name right.

LonghornBronco · 03-28-2011, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oubronco

Mario Harvey, ILB, Marshall
Height: 6-0. Weight: 257.
Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.43.
Benchx225: 27. Vertical: . Arm: .
Projected Round (2011): 4-6.

Impressive... Anyone have an opinion on this guy?

gyldenlove · 03-28-2011, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beantown Bronco

IMO, yes.

Although I don't see anyone in the draft or FA (unless the new CBA retroactively allows all 5th and 6th year guys to become UFAs) that would be a significant enough upgrade to invest heavily in the position. This is a terrible draft for LBs, so unless they're in love with Von Miller and trade down some to get him, I just don't see any real investment in this position until a new CBA is hammered out and free agency and trades start up again.

I agree, we will definitely need some speed at the LB position with Mays and Haggan there, we are going to have serious coverage issues.

bap454 · 03-28-2011, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schaaf

I would be okay with Wilson.

The knock for him is that he isn't very instinctual.

I was definately on board with the guy early in the process. However there has been a bunch of bad reviews on him as of late. Last I heard he could drop to the 3rd round where i would definately feel good about taking him.

serious hops · 03-28-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oubronco

DJ, Mays, Haggan are the starters as of now

Do you think we need an upgrade?

Is this trick question?

oubronco · 03-28-2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by serious hops

Is this trick question?

It was to the op

BroncoMan4ever · 03-28-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schaaf

I would be okay with Wilson.

The knock for him is that he isn't very instinctual.

so we pair our un-instinctual WLB with an un-instictual MLB?

FireFly · 03-28-2011, 03:22 PM

LBer is a weakness for us. The only player we have that could start on a good team is DJ and even then he's had up and down years depending on how he's being used.

I was really high on Mays in the 3-4. In the 4-3 I think he is a liability. If we're playing 4-3, MLB is one of the single most important positions on the whole team! It needs to be our strength almost our best player!

We might win some games with him there, but our Defense will never be dominant in Mays in the middle imo.

03-28-2011, 10:58 AM	#1
bap454 Perennial Pro-bowler Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 984 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Woodyard	Joe Mays • We hear Broncos LB Joe Mays(notes) has likely earned a larger role on the team next year. Mays, who was acquired when Denver shipped RB J.J. Arrington(notes) to the Eagles prior to the 2010 season, has been a standout on special teams since arriving in Denver. He made 30 tackles in four consecutive starts at an ILB position last season before a knee injury ended his season. He is currently being considered a starter in head coach John Fox's new 4-3 defensive scheme. http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_yl...eturning_to_je This guy was a beast last year. Does this eliminate a need for an ILB in the draft?? Regardless - with Mays in the middle, Doom on the edge, and Marcel Dareus on the line, the defense will be much improved. Thoughts?

03-28-2011, 11:55 AM	#13
oubronco John Foneco !! Mile High Magic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sooner Country Posts: 20,604	Kelvin Sheppard, ILB, LSU Height: 6-2. Weight: 250. Projected 40 Time: 4.65. Combine 40 Time: DNP. Pro Day 40 Time: 4.70. Benchx225: 22. Vertical: 33.5. Arm: 31 3/4. Projected Round (2011): 3-4. Mario Harvey, ILB, Marshall Height: 6-0. Weight: 257. Projected 40 Time: 4.76. Combine 40 Time: DNP. Pro Day 40 Time: 4.43. Benchx225: 27. Vertical: . Arm: . Projected Round (2011): 4-6. Colin McCarthy, ILB, Miami Height: 6-1. Weight: 238. Projected 40 Time: 4.61. Combine 40 Time: 4.64. Pro Day 40 Time: DNP. Benchx225: 23. Vertical: 36.5. Arm: 29 1/2. Projected Round (2011): 3-5. Nate Irving, ILB, North Carolina State Height: 6-1. Weight: 240. Projected 40 Time: 4.82. Combine 40 Time: DNP. Pro Day 40 Time: 4.76. Benchx225: 27. Vertical: 32.5. Arm: 33 1/4. Projected Round (2011): 3-4. Last edited by oubronco; 03-28-2011 at 12:10 PM..

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03-28-2011, 10:59 AM	#2
LonghornBronco Ring of Famer Hook'em Horns Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Austin Posts: 1,356 Adopt-a-Bronco: Rahim Moore	I like this!

03-28-2011, 11:01 AM	#3
mhgaffney Ring of Famer Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 9,776	We still need help at LB.

03-28-2011, 11:12 AM	#4
BroncoMan4ever Ring of Famer Here to chew bubblegum and kick ass Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 11,572 Adopt-a-Bronco: VIRGIL GREEN!!!	we still need a young guy. Mays is good but he isn't an every down player.

03-28-2011, 11:13 AM	#5
oubronco John Foneco !! Mile High Magic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sooner Country Posts: 20,604	DJ, Mays, Haggan are the starters as of now Do you think we need an upgrade?

03-28-2011, 11:19 AM	#7
jsco70 Seasoned Veteran Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 488	I thought he played very well last year and would like to see him get a shot as starter. He reminds me of Woodyard in that both have physical deficiencies (Woodyard - size, Mays - speed) but they have an intangible that causes them to succeed.

03-28-2011, 11:23 AM	#8
bap454 Perennial Pro-bowler Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 984 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Woodyard	No problem with mays/dj. Haggan could Definately be upgraded. The one guy that is absolute garbage is hunter. Not exactly sure where he fits in a 4-3 alignment? The man would quit on plays, no hustle,- just no damn fight. Waste of roster spot.

03-28-2011, 11:33 AM	#9
montrose Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 6,095 Adopt-a-Bronco: VP John Elway	Not sure Mays has the speed to be a 4-3 MLB, thought he was best suited as a 3-4 SILB. That said, he's probably the best option Denver has (the next being moving DJ inside and starting Woody at WLB). DJ's best position is 4-3 WLB and Fox has already spoken glowingly about him and I think Haggan should be good enough at 4-3 SLB. Mays is a sick north-south run stuffer so as long as either Woody or Haggan can flank DJ in the nickel I think Denver can be okay at the position although I'd like to see a few guys brought in via free agency and the draft.

03-28-2011, 11:40 AM	#10
bronco militia Ring of Famer THE GREATEST Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: colorado springs, co Posts: 22,591	didn't Mays tear his ACL? that's a tough one to come back from in one offseason

03-28-2011, 11:50 AM	#12
schaaf Bossing at its Finest No salary cap in the dope game Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Montana Posts: 1,951 Adopt-a-Bronco: Nate Irving	I would be okay with Wilson. The knock for him is that he isn't very instinctual.

03-28-2011, 12:09 PM	#14
bap454 Perennial Pro-bowler Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 984 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Woodyard	damb ....guy just got a promotion and guys are trying to draft his replacement already.

03-28-2011, 12:13 PM	#15
TonyR Franchise Poster Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Mid-Atlantic Posts: 15,581	Mays failed with the Eagles when given the opportunity to start inside in the 4-3 in Philadelphia which is why they let him go for nothing. One major weakness is that he can't cover RB's or TE's because he's too slow.

03-28-2011, 03:22 PM	#25
FireFly Ring of Famer The window is open! Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,684	LBer is a weakness for us. The only player we have that could start on a good team is DJ and even then he's had up and down years depending on how he's being used. I was really high on Mays in the 3-4. In the 4-3 I think he is a liability. If we're playing 4-3, MLB is one of the single most important positions on the whole team! It needs to be our strength almost our best player! We might win some games with him there, but our Defense will never be dominant in Mays in the middle imo.