The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has made it's name the last several years for the quarterbacks they have produced that are playing in the NFL. However, the MAC has produced a long list of star NFL players outside of the quarterback position. Orange Mane Regular, SouthStndJunkie takes a look at the draft prospects in the MAC.
Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee - Selected in Mock Draft
With the Superbowl behind us, NFL Draft season is now in full swing. It's time to forget about the pain from not making the playoffs last season, and look forward with optimism on what could happen in the future. To that end, The Orange Mane community is doing a series of Mock Drafts this offseason in an attempt to pass the time, and study up on the various options that the Broncos may be faced with on draft day. In the February edition, the Broncos selected Nose Tackle, Dan Williams from Tennessee.
Denver was probably expecting a tougher battle than the one they got when they rolled into Arrowhead to open their first December game of the year. The last time the Broncos were able to notch a win against the Chiefs on the road in December was when Wade Phillips was the head coach. Since then Arrowhead in general, but especially in December, has been something of a Waterloo for the boys in blue and orange.
That was before they faced one of the worst teams in pro-football. Coming off a huge win over the Giants on Thanksgiving, and with a three day rest advantage, Denver destroyed the Chiefs in an almost pitiful fashion, overwhelming them 44-13. The Broncos moved the ball with ease the entire game, only being stopped by their own miscues with one interception and couple of fumbles, one of which led to Kansas City's only score.
Coach McDaniels leaned heavily on a smothering defense that forced three turnovers, two sacks and scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery. The Denver offensive line dominated in the run game to the tune of 245 yards and gave the woefully inept Chiefs little hope of getting on the field.
Denver Broncos rally before rushing onto the field at Invesco Stadium before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers during the NFL football game Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, in Denver. (AP Photo/ Chris Schneider )
After a hot start, the Broncos hit a two game skid against the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers, revealing a few chinks in the Broncos armor. While the defense seemed to hold up just fine (for the most part), the offense really struggled to come up with sustained drives that led to scores, and the punting game has been nothing short of awful.
Denver travels to FedEx field this week to take on the Washington Redskins and try to regroup and get the wagon back on the wheels.
On his quest to destroy every odds-maker and doubter while re-inventing the Broncos in his image, Josh McDaniels has done in five games what some thought he'd never do period: come out of the shadows of not one, but two of the great minds in the game. Josh McDaniels no longer lives in the valley between Mike Shanahan, whose team he inherited, and Bill Belichick, whose knowledge he was bequeathed. He has taken what both men have left him and put his own stamp on it, making it uniquely his own. From dumping Jay Cutler to inventing the new "Wild Horse" formation, Josh McDaniels is showing his stuff. While the young coach has a long ways to go to match the HOF credientials of the men who came before him, he's shown, if nothing else, that he has the right stuff.
Congratulations to the Josh McDaniels-led Denver Broncos on the perfect start to the 2009 season.
Broncos News
How ya like me now? Josh McDaniels starts his career 3-0. Broncos defeat Oakland, 23-3 Sep 27, 2009, 19:45
Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels reacts during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Some pundits claimed that the Broncos would win four games all season, but in week three of the NFL season, the Broncos are among seven 3-0 teams in the NFL right now, and Josh McDaniels has come up from a tumultuous offseason smelling like a rose. After beating the Oakland Raiders soundly, the name of the game in Denver is "Defense," with the Broncos giving up only 16 points in three games.
The Broncos will face the Cowboys at home in week 4.
Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley (14) runs off the field after they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 12-7 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Cincinnati. Stokley scored the winning touchdown on an 87-yard pass reception. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
On what was otherwise an "ordinary" day for the new look Denver Broncos offense, Brandon Stokely delivered an extra-ordinary touchdown that will go down as the current longest pass play in the last minute of the game in NFL history (and one of the most memorable in Broncos history). After a frustrating game and an excruciating late game drive that saw the Bengals capitalize on a series of big plays, Brandon Stokley took a tipped Kyle Orton pass 87 yards downfield for a game winning touchdown, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Broncos News
McBath, Bruton and Brandstater sign Jul 26, 2009, 19:10
As training camp continues to approach, the Broncos signed three more rookies to contracts on the eve of reporting date. They include: second-round safety Darcel McBath, fourth-round safety David Bruton and sixth-round quarterback Tom Brandstater. Only Robery Ayers and Knowshon Moreno, Dever's two first round picks, remain to be signed.
Broncos News
Alphonso Smith announces signing on facebook. Jul 26, 2009, 09:25 Rookie cornerback Alphonso Smith recently announced on his Facebook page that he and the Denver Broncos agreed in principal to a contract. Terms were not disclosed. Smith was the league leader in interceptions as a senior at Wake Forest where he played much bigger than you'd expect for someone his size. Smith was coveted by the Broncos not only for his playmaking ability but for his high character and leadership ability.
The Broncos traded one of their extra first round draft picks in the 2010 draft to obtain Smith. The move was highly controversial due to the low expectations that pundits have for the team. Many feel the pick traded will be at least in the top fifteen, which makes Smith's ability to develop paramount to ensuring fair value in the trade should the Broncos' season go poorly.
Broncos News
Broncos sign McKinley, Quinn and Olsen as camp nears. Jul 23, 2009, 20:10 With camp just a few days away, the Denver Broncos began making the process of signing the remainder of their 2009 draft class. The first to sign was fifth round draft pick Kenny McKinley, the talented receiver from South Carolina who was hampered by a hamstring injury his senior year. McKinley signed a deal worth $1.95 million with a $200,200 signing bonus.
Following McKinley was second round draft pick Richard Quinn out of North Carolina. Quinn is the highest draft pick selected to sign. His con tract is reported at $2.68 million and includes a $930,000 signing bonus. Quinn was a controversial pick because the Broncos traded two of their third round picks for a player that some feel was an excellent blocker but lacked the receiving pedigree that usually warrants a first day selection.
Iowa guard Seth Olsen also signed a contract on Thursday worth $2.16 million that included a $414,120 signing bonus. Olsen is a versatile lineman with experience at gaurd and tackle.
Broncos News
Marshall to report to camp Jul 17, 2009, 14:03 Facing potential fines for not attending mandatory meetings, underpaid pro bowl receiver Brandon Marshall is ready to end his holdout and come to camp.
Marshall is in a difficult situation. His salary for his production is well below average, and the alleged incompetence of the Broncos medial staff has soured his confidence in the organization. However Marshall's off the field incidents have taken a toll on his public image. The suspension from Roger Goodell means he's already on very thin ice and would be a gamble for any team to take on, and so his leverage with the team is non-existent.
Broncos News
Casey Wiegman extended; Boss Bailey Cut Jun 17, 2009, 08:46 At least one of the Broncos' former Pro Bowl players will not be disgruntled this season. Broncos Center Casey Wiegman was signed to a two year extension on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed. Wiegman's return will keep intact an offensive line that set franchise records for sacks allowed per pass play.
Champ Bailey's brother Boss was cut on the same day ending what has largely been a disappointing sting here in Denver. Boss was signed to a very expensive contract despite less-than spectacular on field work and a long history of injuries. Boss failed to stay on the field very much at all last season, and was still battling with injuries prior to his release. Neither Champ nor Boss have commented on the decision.
"By skipping the mandatory minicamp, the
Broncos have the right to dock their receiver $35,329 in fines and seek
repayment of the signing bonus he received in 2006.Marshall would face
additional fines if his holdout continues into training camp, and he
would have to repay another $78,750 of his signing bonus if he holds
out through Aug. 12.
Perhaps more significant, Marshall could risk forfeiting his
fourth season of service — which in turn would put him another year
away from un-restricted free agency — if he doesn't report by Aug. 12"
Lloyd is at most a third receiver that will provide depth and may have been brought in because of his rapport with former bears quarterback Kyle Orton. Lloyd is infamous for being one of the big name players that Daniel Snyder traded for that had little production as well as a player who's work ethic has been questioned.
Tickets on sale early
Home game tickets for the 2009 season will go on sale July 18th this year; A full week and half earlier than many previous years.
Broncos News
Kyle Orton named starting QB for camp. Jun 13, 2009, 11:23 Josh McDaniels announced today that Kyle Orton will be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos going into the training camp. Orton losing out to Chris Simms seems unlikely, especially since reports out of Dove Valley suggest Orton has been learning the system faster than Simms. Orton was also hand picked by McDaniels in the Cutler trade, chosen largely for his ability to make reads at the line and throw under duress.
McDaniels repeatedly mentioned that the starting job would be awarded when one player had clearly sepperated himself which suggests that moment has arrived. McDaniels was very clear to point out that Orton would have to "keep" the position by continuing to play well.
Broncos News
Bowlen and Marshall meet about receiver's absence Jun 12, 2009, 20:08 In a somewhat surprising but also understandable move, Brandon Marshall failed to show up for the team's three day mandatory mini camp. The absence confirmed what many suspected, and that is that Marshall's back-to-back 100+ catch seasons warrant more money than the fourth round money he is making.
Brandon is considered one of the top ten best receivers in the game, but according to the Denver Post, Marshall is making less than 58 other receivers in pro football. With two seasons totaling 206 receptions, 2590 yards and 13 touchdowns, a holdout seems unsurprising.
The Broncos are likely reluctant to ink Marshall to a new deal because of the repeated offseason trouble he has gotten himself into, some as recently as a few months ago. Marshall was cleared of any wrongdoing for the most recent incident, but a court case is still pending regarding his issue with his ex-girlfriend that could have ramifications on his ability to play. These issues aside, Marshall's history has put him at odds with Commissioner Roger Goodell and has already been suspended for his behavior. These issues, along with the recovery back from hip surgery, may have made the new front office a bit gun-shy about a new deal.
Today Marshall met with Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen for about an hour. It appears the entire situation will be handled in house.
Broncos News
Marshall cleared by the league Jun 2, 2009, 11:50 Brandon Marshall will not face disciplinary action from the league for his March 1 disorderly conduct arrest. Marshall and his fiance' were arrested in Atlanta after their argument turned physical. Neither party would testify against the other and the charges were dropped.
Marshall isn't completely off the hook. He still has a pending court case for alleged battery charges from his former girlfriend, Rasheedah Watley. These charges are unlikely to affect Marshall's ability to play in the upcoming season.
The decision to not suspend Marshall suggests that Denver might move to extend Marshall's contract this season.
Broncos News
Failed physical forces release of Arrington May 27, 2009, 16:32
J.J. Arrington's career as a Bronco was not to be. The Broncos have reported that Arrington was released following a failed physical. It is likely that Denver's ability to draft Knowshon Moreno also played a role in Denver deciding to part ways with Arrington.
It is not known how much of Arrington's four year contract Denver is on the hook for, but most NFL contracts have language that protects teams in the event of a failed physical.
Broncos News
Broncos hire Lenny McGill as assistant director of college scouting May 2, 2009, 19:45
Denver hired Green Bay college scout and former NFL defensive back Lenny McGill to be the assistant director of college scouting. McGill was responsible for the central plains region in Green Bay, and his hiring part of an ongoing effort to replace lost personnel in the scouting department.
Broncos News
Broncos hire CU alumnus to head College Scouting May 1, 2009, 06:04 The Denver Broncos announced Matt Russell as the Director of pro scouting on Friday. Russell was a former linebacker for Colorado University and won the Butkus award. He has served as a pro scout for the New England Patriots and a national scout for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Russell helps fill the void that was left when the Goodman's were terminated following Brian Xanders' promotion to General Manager. He brings a wealth of experience with two teams that are very good at drafting prospects, as well as the honor being the scout who helped the Patriots draft Matt Cassell.
Denver was probably expecting a tougher battle than the one they got when they rolled into Arrowhead to open their first December game of the year. The last time the Broncos were able to notch a win against the Chiefs on the road in December was when Wade Phillips was the head coach. Since then Arrowhead in general, but especially in December, has been something of a Waterloo for the boys in blue and orange.
Rookie cornerback Alphonso Smith recently announced on his Facebook page that he and the Denver Broncos agreed in principal to a contract. Terms were not disclosed. Smith was the league leader in interceptions as a senior at Wake Forest where he played much bigger than you'd expect for someone his size. Smith was coveted by the Broncos not only for his playmaking ability but for his high character and leadership ability. 
With camp just a few days away, the Denver Broncos began making the process of signing the remainder of their 2009 draft class. The first to sign was fifth round draft pick Kenny McKinley, the talented receiver from South Carolina who was hampered by a hamstring injury his senior year. McKinley signed a deal 
Facing potential fines for not attending mandatory meetings, underpaid pro bowl receiver Brandon Marshall is ready to end his holdout and come to camp.
At least one of the Broncos' former Pro Bowl players will not be disgruntled this season. Broncos Center Casey Wiegman was signed to a two year extension on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed. Wiegman's return will keep intact an offensive line that set franchise records for sacks allowed per pass play. 
The Denver Broncos signed talented yet underachieving receiver Brandon Lloyd on Monday. Terms were not disclosed. 
Josh McDaniels announced today that Kyle Orton will be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos going into the training camp. Orton losing out to Chris Simms seems unlikely, especially since reports out of Dove Valley suggest Orton has been learning the system faster than Simms. Orton was also hand picked by McDaniels in the Cutler trade, chosen largely for his ability to make reads at the line and throw under duress.
In a somewhat surprising but also understandable move, Brandon Marshall failed to show up for the team's three day mandatory mini camp. The absence confirmed what many suspected, and that is that Marshall's back-to-back 100+ catch seasons warrant more money than the fourth round money he is making.
Brandon Marshall will not face disciplinary action from the league for his March 1 disorderly conduct arrest. Marshall and his fiance' were arrested in Atlanta after their argument turned physical. Neither party would testify against the other and the charges were dropped.
The Denver Broncos announced 
