Denver Broncos Discussion

[rascal]

in fact, no part of that post had anything to do with "ego", but i'm sure it's difficult to think of big words that aren't really personal attacks. since you're new here, i have essentially NEVER agreed with M about anything, although i tend to respect his opinion most of the time. i had no interest in agreeing with this post, so i disagreed with a small part of it. i'm ecstatic that you found a link to a cosmetics store, even though the fact that they named themselves poorly has little to do with anything. when one tends to make a tongue in cheek comment on a message board, in which one cannot read facial expressions, one tends to leave clues that a comment shouldn't be taken seriously. thus, including a completely irrelevant comment with something of substance. no part of this should really be rocket science.

First, yes you are egotistical. Second, irony at its finest.

[jaffe28]

Originally Posted by njx9

i don't know that i like kuper at LT any more than i like pears at any starting T position. i don't know that i've ever seen him play and thought anything other than "well.. i guess he could be a solid G for us...."

*shrug* don't know that it matters. no matter how crappy he is, if he's beating out harris...

I'm not particularly thrilled at the idea of Kuper at LT either. Harris might beat him out in training camp, though Harris' back makes me nervous for the long term. I'm still thinking that Clady or Williams has the best chance of being the long term solution. Maybe even Otah if we can trade back a few spots to take him.

Pears is servicable but I like him better as a backup not a starter.

[Diehard]

Originally Posted by njx9

in all honesty, these moves, paired with the moves on defense have me seriously concerned that the team will attempt to pass off WR as our only need, thus leading to us drafting desean jackson, eddie royal and whatever other 5 crappy WRs end up being available at our various picks.

Shanahan also mentioned that Keary Colbert was signed to be our #2 WR... complete with some foolish Rod Smith / Eddie Mac comparisons. Really, the way he was talking you'd think the team had no needs. Whatever.

I'd say we're in full pre-draft propaganda mode at the moment. Shanahan might as well just take a **** in a bucket and give it to the press corps... that would be just as informative as the stuff that's coming out of his mouth right now.

[Diehard]

Originally Posted by njx9

i guess i'm more hopeful then that the S and LB signings are largely irrelevant to our draft strategy, though i'd certainly hope LT is up there someplace.

I agree - the moves at S and LB are temporary patches rather than long-term solutions, though we might get a legit starter out of it (I'm hoping Niko at MLB... he's about the only one who's actually missed by his old team).

This is a good, deep draft for LB's... we need to take one. The S pool is a lot weaker, but we could probably get still get someone who'd be an upgrade, particularly at the SS spot.

I think we are a lock to take an OT in this draft, regardless of what Shanahan says.

[jaffe28]

Originally Posted by Diehard

I'd say we're in full pre-draft propaganda mode at the moment. Shanahan might as well just take a **** in a bucket and give it to the press corps... that would be just as informative as the stuff that's coming out of his mouth right now.

The first thing I thought when I read the Kuper comment was that Shanahan was trying to give a bit of pause to teams that might trade up to get Clady or Williams ahead of #12. I hope so anyway...

DeSean Jackson is my current nightmare...we can get a similar player in the fourth round in someone like Dexter Jackson or other athletic return specialist.

Just to revise my top 5 choices for the #12 pick...

Co #1s) Ryan Clady or Chris Williams
2) Keith Rivers
3) Branden Albert (probably a bit high but he's gonna be a long time starter)
4) Jeff Otah
5) Kenny Phillips (also maybe a bit high but he'll be a starter as well)

I wish there was a DT worth taking but unless Ellis or Dorsey falls nobody is worth taking. I haven't been thinking much about DE because we drafted Moss and Crowder last year, but what do you all think of taking Derrick Harvey if he's there?

[GB12]

Packers @ Broncos in the third week of the preseason.

[jaffe28]

Originally Posted by njx9

not to cherry pick (you made other good points), but DE would, imo, be a crap pick. granted we need help, but after taking crowder and moss, and with a young dumervil (and good veteran depth), i can't see how we take someone at the spot. in all honesty, it might be one of the ultimate last positions on the team i would be looking to draft were i in shanny's shoes this week.

It's not cherry picking if I ask :) . I actually agree with you the DE is a low priority. The main reasons I thought about it are that I'm not sold on Moss, Crowder looks solid but may not turn into much of a pass rusher, and Elvis is a great pass rusher but wasn't holding up well against the run on early downs. Engelberger is also solid but not spectacular, and who knows how Ekuban will be this season. Basically I look at the DE situation and see a lot of players that are all over the place in skill set which doesn't help the defense define itself.

That said, I'll throw stuff at the TV if they pick a DE in the first round.

Just out of curiousity, how does everyone rank our team needs? I'd go:

1. DT
2. LB, OT
3. KR
4. S, WR
5. K, P
6. C
7. OG, DE, RB, CB
8. QB, TE

[Diehard]

Originally Posted by jaffe28

Just out of curiousity, how does everyone rank our team needs?

Situation critical: DT, OT
Upgrades: LB, S, WR, K, P [maybe RB]
Looking to the future: C, CB w/return skills, [maybe RB]
Only if the value is really good: TE, OG, FB
Don't bother: QB, DE

RB is the position I had the most difficulty categorizing. I think we could do just fine with our existing set... then again, a single feature back could do a lot to improve offensive consistency. I guess it really hinges on Travis Henry's ability to avoid injury and off-field distractions... something I'm not too optimistic about.

[jaffe28]

This might end up influencing draft strategy:

NFL owners nix hopes to add players

If we don't feel like we can keep an 80 man roster when adding a 9 man draft class we might be forced to trade some picks. Maybe it makes a trade up for Dorsey or Ellis more likely. Maybe it makes Shanahan think twice about a K or P competition because we'd have to use 4 spots. Hmmmmm...

Does anyone know where I can find a full current roster for the Broncos so I can see what 80 men we currently have and who I can cut so we can keep all our picks?

[Diehard]

I don't think it will have a huge impact. Take a look at the roster - there's a *lot* of garbage sitting there just waiting to be cut.

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=396

Originally Posted by jaffe28

This might end up influencing draft strategy:

NFL owners nix hopes to add players

If we don't feel like we can keep an 80 man roster when adding a 9 man draft class we might be forced to trade some picks. Maybe it makes a trade up for Dorsey or Ellis more likely. Maybe it makes Shanahan think twice about a K or P competition because we'd have to use 4 spots. Hmmmmm...

Does anyone know where I can find a full current roster for the Broncos so I can see what 80 men we currently have and who I can cut so we can keep all our picks?

[jaffe28]

Thanks for the link. Exactly what I was looking for. And there are indeed some cuts to be had.

[jth1331]

IMO, our needs(based on most critical:

1. LT - I can not stress this enough to get a bonafide stud LT protecting Cutler. I am definitely not sold on either Harris or Kuper or whoever we want to throw out there.
2. DT - My god this is a pitiful group. I was tempted to move it to #1, but protecting Cutler is just that important to me. But seriously, we are looking at either Antwon Burton or Alvin McKinley starting alongside Marcus Thomas. I'd be fuming to take a DT in round 1 but it won't be worth it if Ellis and Dorsey are gone by the time they pick. Round 2 is a money round to take a DT though IMO, a lot of good options. I won't expect the rookie to do anything impressing this year, but it sure would help for the long run.
3. Safety - I have mixed opinions on Abdullah, sometimes I think he can be a solid starting safety in the league, and sometimes I think he should be cut by whiffing by 5 miles on routine tackles. Manual and McCree are just to have bodies to throw out there. IMO, we need a FS more than a SS at this point, someone who can actually cover.
4. LB - mainly, upgrading. I think we should see if this Niko guy can actually play like he's been talked about. We have adequate depth with Webster and Winborn. DJ hopefully will excel moving back to the weakside. I think we do need to draft a LB for the strong side, maybe MLB.
5. K - I really hope we are looking at someone in the draft, because I don't want to go into the season with Matt Prater the starting kicker or some scrub vet.
6. WR - Marshall's antics are starting to get annoying and bothersome. Colbert I think could be an adequate #2 guy. Don't need a guy who will get 70 catches for over 1,000 yards and 10 TD's here, just to be able to get 50ish with 750ish yards. What I want though is a guy who can stretch the field. I would hate the pick at #12, but Desean Jackson would do just that. I would only want to take Jackson if we trade down to the 20's. If we were looking at drafting a guy who can take over the #2 job and become great at it, I would consider Limas Sweed or Malcolm Kelly if his knees are healthy.

I'd say if we stay pat where we are, I'd want us to take:
12. Ryan Clady or Chris Williams
41. Pat Sims/Trevor Laws
4th round picks: look at taking LB, WR and Owen Schmidt
Some pick in the 5th or 6th round, take a kicker

[rascal]

OT-Pears, Harris, and Kuper...Somebody tell Cutler to up his insurance
DT-Thomas, McKinley and who? I still think we will send a late second day pick to the Jets for Robertson. If so DT in day one is no longer required.
WR-Marshall's arm was almost cut off and I doubt he will be 100% anytime this season if ever. Stokley is old and slot material and while I like the Colbert signing there is a lot of uncertainty.
S-Unfortunately this class sucks but we got some decent FA pickups to hold things over.
LB-WLB is fine with DJ. SLB and MLB are potentially fine and if all else fails we resort to last years group (yuck). This draft has some good middle round depth at LB and I think we should take one.
OG/C-Some risk with Hamilton and Nalen is old. Again some good middle round depth in this area and we should select at least one.

[JCutlery]

Originally Posted by rascal

OT-Pears, Harris, and Kuper...Somebody tell Cutler to up his insurance
DT-Thomas, McKinley and who? I still think we will send a late second day pick to the Jets for Robertson. If so DT in day one is no longer required.
WR-Marshall's arm was almost cut off and I doubt he will be 100% anytime this season if ever. Stokley is old and slot material and while I like the Colbert signing there is a lot of uncertainty.
S-Unfortunately this class sucks but we got some decent FA pickups to hold things over.
LB-WLB is fine with DJ. SLB and MLB are potentially fine and if all else fails we resort to last years group (yuck). This draft has some good middle round depth at LB and I think we should take one.
OG/C-Some risk with Hamilton and Nalen is old. Again some good middle round depth in this area and we should select at least one.

Shanahan must of read your post.

Anways, with most of Denver's offseason acquisitions made, what do you guys think the depth chart will look like when the regular season begins?

WR - Brandon Marshall, Keary Colbert
LT - Ryan Clady, Tyler Polumbus, Chris Kuper
LG - Ben Hamilton, Chris Kuper
C - Tom Nalen, Kory Lichtensteiger
RG - Montrae Holland, Kory Lichtensteiger
RT - Erik Pears, Ryan Harris
TE - Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Nate Jackson
WR - Darrell Jackson, Brandon Stokley, Eddie Royal
QB - Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey
RB - Travis Henry, Selvin Young, Ryan Torain, Cecil Sapp
FB - Peyton Hillis, Cecil Sapp, Spencer Larsen

P - Sam Paulescu
K - Matt Prater
KO - Matt Prater
PR - Eddie Royal, Dre Bly
KR - Eddie Royal, Selvin Young
PC - Mike Leach
KC - Mike Leach
H - Jay Cutler, Patrick Ramsey

LE - Ebenezer Ekuban, Jarvis Moss, John Engelberger
LT - Marcus Thomas, Carlton Powell, Ebenezer Ekuban
RT - Dewayne Robertson, Alvin McKinley
RE - Tim Crowder, Elvis Dumervil
WLB - D.J. Williams, Jamie Winborn, Wesley Woodyard
MLB - Niko Koutouvides, Spencer Larsen
SLB - Boss Bailey, Nate Webster
LCB - Champ Bailey, Karl Paymah, Jack Williams
RCB - Dre Bly, Domonique Foxworth
SS - John Lynch, Hamza Abdullah, Wesley Woodyard
FS - Marlon McCree, Josh Barrett

[CT Bronco Fan]

I think with the Casey Wiegmann signing, and the drafting of Lichtensteiger that Nalen's injury is more serious then it seems. As sad as this is to say, I can see Wiegmann being the starting center this year, not sure if Nalen will be ready to go

[M]

Broncos | Team may be interested in Alexander
Mon, 5 May 2008 14:48:00 -0700

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the Denver Broncos may be interested in free-agent RB Shaun Alexander (Seahawks).

[IndyColtScout]

Broncos Fans,

Is there any chance Glenn Martinez will be cut. DEN has a lot of depth at WR right now with Marshall/Colbeart/Stokley/DJax/Royal/Parker/Martinez. Royal could possibly take over Martinez's special teams spot as well as his WR spot. Do you guys think Glenn will be the odd man out?

I would like to see him on the Colts, not that it will happen, but I would like to see it if he is cut.

[CT Bronco Fan]

Originally Posted by IndyColtScout

Broncos Fans,

Is there any chance Glenn Martinez will be cut. DEN has a lot of depth at WR right now with Marshall/Colbeart/Stokley/DJax/Royal/Parker/Martinez. Royal could possibly take over Martinez's special teams spot as well as his WR spot. Do you guys think Glenn will be the odd man out?

I would like to see him on the Colts, not that it will happen, but I would like to see it if he is cut.

I would be very surprised if Martinez made Denver 53 man roster this year

[jaffe28]

Rod Smith is such a class act. I, for one, would be very happy if the Broncos signed him on as a coach once he officially retires.

Smith Offers Pointers

[diabsoule]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3533124

Broncos sign veteran CB Brodney Poole

[D-Unit]

Been reading some good things about Royal. What kind of expectations do you guys have?

[Number 10]

I'm trying to find some information on why the Broncos cut Hixon last year. Training camp hype put aside, this kid has been lights out on special teams and now seems to be tapping into the high ceiling potential many raved about when he was drafted. Any info would be appreciated.

[Number 10]

Originally Posted by njx9

hixon was terrible for us on special teams in whatever action he was given. i don't remember him doing anything worthwhile on kick returns. that said, iw as surprised he was just cut, as he seemed like a guy who could contribue fi they allowed him a couple of years to develop properly.

That's interesting. He has been lights out every time he has touched the ball as a returner. I read last year there were some major psychological impacts going on after the Everett ordeal. Still though, he had scouts drooling if I remember correctly while he was at Akron and was seen as a 3-4 year project. I'm just wondering if it was a horrific move by your front office or if he was having some unknown off the field trouble. Again I hate to judge a player on preseason, but he has done everything a big time WR needs to do over the past month. Route running, hands, speed....he is really surging into a very good WR.

[Diehard]

A few things about Hixon:

- IIRC, the Broncos wanted to resign him to the practice squad, but the Giants picked him up.

- To some degree he was a scapegoat for the all-around awful special teams play. I think the team felt pressed to "shake things up", even though there really wasn't a better option available.

- He may have tested the patience of Shanahan a little too much with the long recovery from his injury, then the inability to produce on the field after looking good in training camp.

[Diehard]

Originally Posted by njx9

in any case, i've liked what i've seen from royal enough that even if hixon is great for you guys, i'm not TOO upset about losing him (again, assuming royal continues to be a stud).

Royal was a great pick. Looking at the rest of our WR's, I can easily see him being our #2 guy in the near future (if he's not already).