Not even a full week into training camp and the Denver Broncos already have 3 players who have been injured in camp and two more who, today, were placed on Injured Reserve. Let's not forget about left tackle Ryan Clady who partially tore his patellar tendon while playing basketball in the offseason.
Here's the deal. On the first full squad practice of training camp, Knowshon Moreno pulled his hamstring on a screen pass that will keep him out of practice for at least 3 weeks. Shortly after Knowshon was carted off the practice field, backup Correll Buckhalter was assisted to the locker room and diagnosed with an upper back pull that will sideline him for a week. Thankfully neither of their injuries were worse. As insurance, the team signed veteran running back LenDale White.
However, the Broncos' luck quickly wore out. Yesterday, reigning sack king Elvis Dumervil left the Broncos' morning practice with what was later diagnosed as a torn pectoral. Dumervil's injury means he'll miss 4 months, with a small chance of missing the entire season. Dumervil is seeking a second opinion for a better understanding of how much time he could miss. This is important because the team may place him on injured reserve, thus ending his season. This would only be done to salvage a roster spot instead of have that spot taken by someone who will be inactive and unable to play until December.
Personally, i believe the Broncos should refrain from placing Dumervil on IR, the main reason being playoffs. This is a team in its second year under Josh McDaniels and a team that looks to take a step forward. If Dumervil can return in December with the postseason beginning in January, he should be able to contribute right away. I'm sure a torn pectoral is no laughing matter, but its not as damaging to play style as a knee injury can be. Former Broncos defensive end Bertrand Berry also suffered a pectoral tear in 2005 told the Denver Post, "It shouldn't affect his style of play ... it's not a career-changing injury."
All that said, this is a huge loss for the team. The Broncos will now count on former first round picks Jarvis Moss and Robert Ayers to considerably step up their game. McDaniels and teammates have lauded Moss' work ethic and dedication this offseason and Ayers is looking to rebound in his second season. Another player to keep your eye on is undrafted rookie Kevin Alexander out of Clemson. Alexander has already seen practice time with the first-team defense during OTAs and minicamp.
In his press briefing this afternoon, McDaniels said, "We all feel bad, obviously, for Elvis ... (but) We're not going to sit here and feel sorry for ourselves. We're going to get ready to play football. We've got a good team in that locker room." McDaniels also said they may move Mario Haggan to Elvis' spot. Haggan was opposite Elvis for the most part last season but was moving to inside linebacker next to D.J. Williams for the upcoming year.
In addition to all of this, the Broncos placed second-year receiver Kenny McKinley and third-year safety Josh Barrett on Injured Reserve with knee and shoulder injuries respectively. While neither played significant time on offense or defense last season, both were big-time special teamers. This year the Broncos will be nothing if not deep.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
NFL Draft: Day 3 Wrap-Up
As of Saturday (4/24) evening, the 2010 NFL Draft was officially done.
The Broncos only had two picks on the final day, one in round 5, one in round 6 but finished with 4 players after trading a 2011 5th round pick for two 7th round picks this year.
With their 5th round selection, McD & Co. decided to take a chance on character by selecting cornerback Perrish Cox from Oklahoma State. His character issues stem from tardiness and curfew breaking before Oklahoma State's bowl game this year, from which Cox was suspended. It is well-documented how averse Josh is to these types of players but in meeting with Cox before the draft, he must have been confident that these were just the mistakes of a young college student hanging with the wrong crowd.
Picking Cox in the 5th round could turn out to be a major steal. Mike Mayock of the NFL Network said Cox has first round talent but gave him a 3rd round grade because of his off-the-field issues. Josh McDaniels spoke highly of Cox's achievements in the return game as he had 6 career return touchdown's at OK State. If he can learn from Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman and stop hanging around punks, he can probably be an elite corner one day.
With their 6th round pick, the Broncos offensive guard/center Eric Olsen from Notre Dame. McDaniels' mission to beef up the offensive line and give it some depth continued with this pick of another versatile lineman. All three of the Broncos offensive line picks can play various positions across the line which, obviously, gives them more value.
Of the new lineman, McDaniels said, "(Eric) Olsen is more of a guard to center, (J.D.) Walton is more of a center to guard and (Zane) Beadles is more of a tackle to guard."
With their first 7th round pick, Denver chose another cornerback in Syd'Quan Thompson from California. From what I've read, Thompson is another one of 'McDaniels' guys' meaning he's got the drive and determination that is evident on the football field. His only problem being he ran the 40 at the combine in the mid/upper 4.7s. Corners in the NFL have to be much quicker than that.
With their last pick, the Broncos selected Indiana defensive end Jammie Kirlew. Kirlew will be another hybrid player that will be mostly used at outside linebacker. These last two guys would definitely add some depth if they made the team, but that's a pretty big if. Thompson will try to fit in somewhere among Champ Bailey, Andre Goodman, Nate Jones, Alphonso Smith, Tony Carter, and now Perrish Cox. As for Kirlew, he's up against Elvis Dumervil, Robert Ayers, Darrell Reid, Baraka Atkins, and Jarvis Moss.
Overall, I feel like this was a good draft for the Broncos that should have at least a few rookies contributing right away. I'm very excited for how electric our passing game could be once Decker and Thomas are healthy and in the rotation. McD now has his bulldozers on the offensive line which should also open things up for Knowshon. Of course, being this close to the draft makes it easier to be optimistic. However, I do believe Josh knows what he's doing.
I do intend to post my take on Tim Tebow but with finals and final projects that must be prepared for, it will have to wait.
Go Broncos!
The Broncos only had two picks on the final day, one in round 5, one in round 6 but finished with 4 players after trading a 2011 5th round pick for two 7th round picks this year.
With their 5th round selection, McD & Co. decided to take a chance on character by selecting cornerback Perrish Cox from Oklahoma State. His character issues stem from tardiness and curfew breaking before Oklahoma State's bowl game this year, from which Cox was suspended. It is well-documented how averse Josh is to these types of players but in meeting with Cox before the draft, he must have been confident that these were just the mistakes of a young college student hanging with the wrong crowd.
Picking Cox in the 5th round could turn out to be a major steal. Mike Mayock of the NFL Network said Cox has first round talent but gave him a 3rd round grade because of his off-the-field issues. Josh McDaniels spoke highly of Cox's achievements in the return game as he had 6 career return touchdown's at OK State. If he can learn from Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman and stop hanging around punks, he can probably be an elite corner one day.
With their 6th round pick, the Broncos offensive guard/center Eric Olsen from Notre Dame. McDaniels' mission to beef up the offensive line and give it some depth continued with this pick of another versatile lineman. All three of the Broncos offensive line picks can play various positions across the line which, obviously, gives them more value.
Of the new lineman, McDaniels said, "(Eric) Olsen is more of a guard to center, (J.D.) Walton is more of a center to guard and (Zane) Beadles is more of a tackle to guard."
With their first 7th round pick, Denver chose another cornerback in Syd'Quan Thompson from California. From what I've read, Thompson is another one of 'McDaniels' guys' meaning he's got the drive and determination that is evident on the football field. His only problem being he ran the 40 at the combine in the mid/upper 4.7s. Corners in the NFL have to be much quicker than that.
With their last pick, the Broncos selected Indiana defensive end Jammie Kirlew. Kirlew will be another hybrid player that will be mostly used at outside linebacker. These last two guys would definitely add some depth if they made the team, but that's a pretty big if. Thompson will try to fit in somewhere among Champ Bailey, Andre Goodman, Nate Jones, Alphonso Smith, Tony Carter, and now Perrish Cox. As for Kirlew, he's up against Elvis Dumervil, Robert Ayers, Darrell Reid, Baraka Atkins, and Jarvis Moss.
Overall, I feel like this was a good draft for the Broncos that should have at least a few rookies contributing right away. I'm very excited for how electric our passing game could be once Decker and Thomas are healthy and in the rotation. McD now has his bulldozers on the offensive line which should also open things up for Knowshon. Of course, being this close to the draft makes it easier to be optimistic. However, I do believe Josh knows what he's doing.
I do intend to post my take on Tim Tebow but with finals and final projects that must be prepared for, it will have to wait.
Go Broncos!
Friday, April 23, 2010
NFL Draft: Day 2 Recap
After moving all over the place in Round 1 of the draft, the Broncos sat tight with their three picks across the second and third rounds.
These two rounds were all about Josh McDaniels offense again.
The Broncos only second round pick (selection 45 overall), Denver selected offensive tackle/guard Zane Beadles from Utah. I like the move because we needed to beef up our offensive line for McD's power running scheme and could add some youth to the interior offensive line.
In the third round, the Broncos had the 80th and 87th overall selections. With the 80th, the team (finally) addressed the need at Center by selecting J.D. Walton from Baylor. Props to Woody Paige for pointing this guy out a couple weeks ago. As I said, we needed a center in the worst way and while we didn't get Maurkice Pouncey from Florida, we got the next best thing. Josh McDaniels said Walton was the second-rated center on their board behind Pouncey. Again, good patience by the club letting their guys come to them.
The NFL Network guys made a good point saying Walton played the second and third players drafted this year in his college career at Baylor. Those players being Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy respectively.
The last, and most surprising pick (in my opinion), the team took WR Eric Decker from Minnesota with the 87th pick. I was only surprised because they took Thomas in round one as a big play, big receiver and Decker is at least another big receiver at 6'2" 215 lbs according to ESPN.com. Drafting Decker gives the Broncos 8 receivers (but only 7 if you omit Matthew Willis who was on the practice squad).
I am curious about what they'll do with some of the other receivers now that they've added two this draft. Guys like Brandon Lloyd, Brandon Stokely, and Jabar Gaffney could be in danger but they'll all get their chance to solidify their spot. Josh McDaniels said that the team had Decker rated pretty high, had good hands and is smart. He gets the Josh McDaniels stamp of approval wich adds some height and depth to a good but thin receiving corps.
I think Thomas will take over at the No. 1 spot, Decker could eventually be at No. 2 as long as he heals well with Eddie Royal (currently No. 2) moving to the slot receiver position which could suit him nicely. We'll have to wait and see where this goes. OR, Eric Decker could become Tony Scheffler's replacement. I read that his coach at Minnesota was once Mike Shanahan's tight ends coach. Either scenario will be great for the offense and whichever quarterback is behind center.
I do expect the Broncos to address the need at inside linebacker in the final rounds Saturday. I'm ok with McD getting guys for his offense because that was a need more so than defense was. Our offense last year was very pedestrian where our defense was ranked No. 7 overall. The defensive line was completely revamped through free agency with last years starters adding depth, and the secondary was taken care of in the draft and free agency last offseason.
The Broncos only have 2 picks on the final day of the prime time draft. They might move around, they might not but so far I think they've addressed a lot of needs and vastly improved the team.
Go Broncos!
These two rounds were all about Josh McDaniels offense again.
The Broncos only second round pick (selection 45 overall), Denver selected offensive tackle/guard Zane Beadles from Utah. I like the move because we needed to beef up our offensive line for McD's power running scheme and could add some youth to the interior offensive line.
In the third round, the Broncos had the 80th and 87th overall selections. With the 80th, the team (finally) addressed the need at Center by selecting J.D. Walton from Baylor. Props to Woody Paige for pointing this guy out a couple weeks ago. As I said, we needed a center in the worst way and while we didn't get Maurkice Pouncey from Florida, we got the next best thing. Josh McDaniels said Walton was the second-rated center on their board behind Pouncey. Again, good patience by the club letting their guys come to them.
The NFL Network guys made a good point saying Walton played the second and third players drafted this year in his college career at Baylor. Those players being Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy respectively.
The last, and most surprising pick (in my opinion), the team took WR Eric Decker from Minnesota with the 87th pick. I was only surprised because they took Thomas in round one as a big play, big receiver and Decker is at least another big receiver at 6'2" 215 lbs according to ESPN.com. Drafting Decker gives the Broncos 8 receivers (but only 7 if you omit Matthew Willis who was on the practice squad).
I am curious about what they'll do with some of the other receivers now that they've added two this draft. Guys like Brandon Lloyd, Brandon Stokely, and Jabar Gaffney could be in danger but they'll all get their chance to solidify their spot. Josh McDaniels said that the team had Decker rated pretty high, had good hands and is smart. He gets the Josh McDaniels stamp of approval wich adds some height and depth to a good but thin receiving corps.
I think Thomas will take over at the No. 1 spot, Decker could eventually be at No. 2 as long as he heals well with Eddie Royal (currently No. 2) moving to the slot receiver position which could suit him nicely. We'll have to wait and see where this goes. OR, Eric Decker could become Tony Scheffler's replacement. I read that his coach at Minnesota was once Mike Shanahan's tight ends coach. Either scenario will be great for the offense and whichever quarterback is behind center.
I do expect the Broncos to address the need at inside linebacker in the final rounds Saturday. I'm ok with McD getting guys for his offense because that was a need more so than defense was. Our offense last year was very pedestrian where our defense was ranked No. 7 overall. The defensive line was completely revamped through free agency with last years starters adding depth, and the secondary was taken care of in the draft and free agency last offseason.
The Broncos only have 2 picks on the final day of the prime time draft. They might move around, they might not but so far I think they've addressed a lot of needs and vastly improved the team.
Go Broncos!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Round 1 Recap, Rounds 2, 3 Preview
Brandon Marshall: replaced.
Oh, and Tim Tebow is here too.
I love the Demaryius Thomas pick! Major props to the Broncos for being patient, accumulating some picks and getting their guy. I think he's the right fit and perfect to fill the void left by Brandon "The Beast" Marshall. He's 6'3" and 229 lbs according where Marshall was 6'4" at 230 lbs both according to ESPN.com.
Ed Werder said when talking to Josh McDaniels about Thomas, Thomas reminds McDaniels of Marshall, that Thomas is faster than Marshall is, that he will go up and get the ball, and that in 3 hours with McDaniels, Thomas learned 3 positions in the offense. Those around Georgia Tech likened Thomas to Calvin Johnson and others have labled him the physical clone of Brandon Marshall. Both good qualities to have and look forward to seeing in the Blue and Orange on Sundays.
No. 15 was replaced, and now a new No. 15 is in the building. Much to my chagrin, McDaniels did some wheeling and dealing to get back into the first round to select Tim Tebow with the 25th pick.
As far as I can tell, the Broncos surrendered the 2nd round pick this year they got in the Marshall trade, one of the 3rd rounders from Philly (70 overall), and their 4th round pick to get to that spot. That still leaves the Broncos with their 2nd and two 3rds (one from Philadelphia).
Obviously, being a University of Georgia student, I am completely biased when it comes to Tim Tebow. I think he would have still been there in the 2nd round but McDaniels apparently sees something in him to make him go up to grab the polarizing Florida QB. As a Broncos fan, I hope it pans out because Josh McDaniels very well could have laid his future in Denver on Tebow's shoulders.
Josh can take a couple years grooming Tebow but maybe also using him in some packages at tight end or fullback, maybe even slot receiver. It's too soon to tell but this could be what allows Josh McDaniels to come up with some creative schemes for his system and for Tebow.
Tebow was obviously an emotional leader at Florida but he's going to have to take the back seat until he's the one in the huddle on gamedays (not including preseason) and is going to have to shut down the water works when the team loses games. Nobody cries in a Broncos uniform.
I'm also afraid that the Tebow selection means the end of the road in Denver for Tom Brandstater unless Josh kicks Brady Quinn or Kyle Orton to the curb. I like Tom and hope he can get a shot somewhere but Tim Tebow seems to be Denver's future now.
As it sits, the Broncos have 3 picks tomorrow night. They've taken care of wide receiver and apparently quarterback. They still need a center so look for them to take Matt Tennant from Boston College with their second rounder. Another area they need to address is linebacker and maybe defensive line but they had their chance with Dan Williams from Tennessee and picked Tebow there so maybe they won't address that position.
Still, the Broncos could find ways to move around and accumulate picks to wheel and deal for who they want some more. It will definitely be an interesting day two for the prime time draft. More thoughts to come after tomorrow's events. (I will also post more level headed thoughts about Tebow when the time comes)
Go Broncos.
Oh, and Tim Tebow is here too.
I love the Demaryius Thomas pick! Major props to the Broncos for being patient, accumulating some picks and getting their guy. I think he's the right fit and perfect to fill the void left by Brandon "The Beast" Marshall. He's 6'3" and 229 lbs according where Marshall was 6'4" at 230 lbs both according to ESPN.com.
Ed Werder said when talking to Josh McDaniels about Thomas, Thomas reminds McDaniels of Marshall, that Thomas is faster than Marshall is, that he will go up and get the ball, and that in 3 hours with McDaniels, Thomas learned 3 positions in the offense. Those around Georgia Tech likened Thomas to Calvin Johnson and others have labled him the physical clone of Brandon Marshall. Both good qualities to have and look forward to seeing in the Blue and Orange on Sundays.
No. 15 was replaced, and now a new No. 15 is in the building. Much to my chagrin, McDaniels did some wheeling and dealing to get back into the first round to select Tim Tebow with the 25th pick.
As far as I can tell, the Broncos surrendered the 2nd round pick this year they got in the Marshall trade, one of the 3rd rounders from Philly (70 overall), and their 4th round pick to get to that spot. That still leaves the Broncos with their 2nd and two 3rds (one from Philadelphia).
Obviously, being a University of Georgia student, I am completely biased when it comes to Tim Tebow. I think he would have still been there in the 2nd round but McDaniels apparently sees something in him to make him go up to grab the polarizing Florida QB. As a Broncos fan, I hope it pans out because Josh McDaniels very well could have laid his future in Denver on Tebow's shoulders.
Josh can take a couple years grooming Tebow but maybe also using him in some packages at tight end or fullback, maybe even slot receiver. It's too soon to tell but this could be what allows Josh McDaniels to come up with some creative schemes for his system and for Tebow.
Tebow was obviously an emotional leader at Florida but he's going to have to take the back seat until he's the one in the huddle on gamedays (not including preseason) and is going to have to shut down the water works when the team loses games. Nobody cries in a Broncos uniform.
I'm also afraid that the Tebow selection means the end of the road in Denver for Tom Brandstater unless Josh kicks Brady Quinn or Kyle Orton to the curb. I like Tom and hope he can get a shot somewhere but Tim Tebow seems to be Denver's future now.
As it sits, the Broncos have 3 picks tomorrow night. They've taken care of wide receiver and apparently quarterback. They still need a center so look for them to take Matt Tennant from Boston College with their second rounder. Another area they need to address is linebacker and maybe defensive line but they had their chance with Dan Williams from Tennessee and picked Tebow there so maybe they won't address that position.
Still, the Broncos could find ways to move around and accumulate picks to wheel and deal for who they want some more. It will definitely be an interesting day two for the prime time draft. More thoughts to come after tomorrow's events. (I will also post more level headed thoughts about Tebow when the time comes)
Go Broncos.
Draft Preview: Round 1
It's that time of year. The time when every team is the most optimistic about the upcoming season. Every team feels like it can compete. Yes, it's time for the NFL Draft.
The Broncos have the 11th overall pick in the first round tonight. I previously said I think it's a legitimate possibility that they could take Center Maurkice Pouncey at that position, but I've changed my thinking slightly.
I think IF the Broncos stay at 11, they will take ILB Rolando McClain. I looked at the team's roster as it stands and even if they move Mario Haggan from OLB to ILB, we only have 3 and that's if you count Spencer Larsen who is now our only fullback.
If they move down, there are a couple scenarios that could play out beautifully. They could put themselves in position to grab Pouncey if he's still there wherever they move because they need a center in the worst way. If Pouncey is gone, they could be in position to grab wide receiver Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech. I really think he'd be the best fit as he's been described as, "the physical clone of Brandon Marshall" by the likes of NFL.com.
I think they'd prefer to move down from 11 to acquire more picks but the Broncos are also in position to move back into the first round by packaging one of their two second-round picks and maybe future picks (one of their 2 second-round picks next year) to still grab one of those guys.
If they are unable to get Pouncey, there are some other options in the second round such as Matt Tennant from Boston College or J.D. Walton out of Baylor.
I'll talk more about what Day 2 could hold after what breaks down tonight so stay tuned for that early tomorrow. I just found out it's Josh McDaniels 34th birthday so Happy Birthday Coach, go get yourself something nice.
The Broncos have the 11th overall pick in the first round tonight. I previously said I think it's a legitimate possibility that they could take Center Maurkice Pouncey at that position, but I've changed my thinking slightly.
I think IF the Broncos stay at 11, they will take ILB Rolando McClain. I looked at the team's roster as it stands and even if they move Mario Haggan from OLB to ILB, we only have 3 and that's if you count Spencer Larsen who is now our only fullback.
If they move down, there are a couple scenarios that could play out beautifully. They could put themselves in position to grab Pouncey if he's still there wherever they move because they need a center in the worst way. If Pouncey is gone, they could be in position to grab wide receiver Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech. I really think he'd be the best fit as he's been described as, "the physical clone of Brandon Marshall" by the likes of NFL.com.
I think they'd prefer to move down from 11 to acquire more picks but the Broncos are also in position to move back into the first round by packaging one of their two second-round picks and maybe future picks (one of their 2 second-round picks next year) to still grab one of those guys.
If they are unable to get Pouncey, there are some other options in the second round such as Matt Tennant from Boston College or J.D. Walton out of Baylor.
I'll talk more about what Day 2 could hold after what breaks down tonight so stay tuned for that early tomorrow. I just found out it's Josh McDaniels 34th birthday so Happy Birthday Coach, go get yourself something nice.
Friday, April 16, 2010
The Beast is Gone
After signing his tender Tuesday, Brandon Marshall was traded to the Miami Dolphins early Wednesday for a second-round pick in next week's draft and a second-round pick in the 2011 draft.
Brandon Marshall was always going to be traded away from Denver this offseason, it was just a matter of when and for what price. Miami gets a premier receiver and Denver gets draft picks to build with.
I think there is plenty of big receiving talent in this year's draft which is why I think Denver is NOT a lock to pick Dez Bryant with the 11th overall pick. It would be completely counter-productive to draft an unproven diva receiver to replace a proven one that the coaching staff felt was detrimental, hence the trade.
Instead Denver can address some need, other than WR, with the 11th pick. I could see them taking DT Dan Williams from Tennesee, LB Rolando McClain from Alabama, or C Maurkice Pouncey with that pick.
I believe Pouncey is who they should take because he's NFL ready today and would anchor the offensive line for the next 10 years. Kyle Orton would like that protection and Knowshon Moreno would definitely appreciate the blocking he would give as the Broncos transition fully to power blocking. Taking Pouncey at 11 is a stretch because 1968 was the last time a center was taken that high but they can't go wrong with any of those picks.
To fill the void left by Brandon "The Beast" Marshall the Broncos could use either of their second round picks on guys like Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech, Arrelious Benn from Illinois, or Eric Decker from Minnesota.
I like Thomas the best but he could likely be gone in the first round. Either of the other guys would be good if that's the case unless the Broncos brass isn't crazy about either and decides to go with a 3rd or 4th round reciever (Marshall was a 4th).
I'll have more draft thoughts leading up to the draft next Thursday so stay tuned. Go Broncos.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Denver Quarterbacks
I can't say I'm surprised that the Broncos pulled the trigger on the Brady Quinn deal. For those of you who are out of the loop, Denver acquired Brady Quinn from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for fullback/runningback Peyton Hillis, a 6th round pick in next year's draft, and a conditional 2012 draft pick.
I like the move and think that Quinn is, if nothing else, a serious upgrade over Chris Simms. I expect Simms to be packing up tomorrow. Since Quinn played in the same offensive system in college, and did pretty well in it, he could be up to start in a year depending on what McDaniels can do with him.
I do hope that McDaniels drafts in someone else to bring in just to see what can happen and help determine the quarterbacking trio of next season. If the Broncos do draft another QB, they would have to be ready to let go of that person or Tom Brandstater, last year's QB draftee. I like Tom and hope he gets his shot but another QB coming in draft day could send Tom packing as well. (In a perfect world, Orton could be cut).
I'm sad to see Peyton Hillis leave Denver. I really liked how he played and he should have been our starting back in the 2008 season. It was evident that McDaniels refused to use him in any situation, even after many failed 3rd and 1s failed by Knowshon or Buckhalter. I do think he can do well if used properly in Cleveland. Better than wasting away on the bench in Denver.
The plot has definitely thickened in Denver.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Busy Broncos
Yes the Broncos have busied themselves with bulking up. Since the free agency period for the NFL began last Friday, the Broncos have completely overhauled their defensive line with the signings of DE Jarvis Green (New England), DT Jamal Williams (San Diego), and DT/DE Justin Bannan (Baltimore).
All three of these guys are upgrades over last season's starters. They bring proven experience from teams well versed in the 3-4 defensive scheme. Their combined hugeness should also improve the Broncos run defense, which was shredded late last season by the AFC West bottom dwellers.
As long as Jamal Williams has recovered from the triceps injury that landed him on Injured Reserve last season, I expect those three will start and will play most of the game. I expect they'll keep DT Ronald Fields and DEs Ryan McBean and Le Kevin Smith at least through the draft for depth, but could be cut depending on who is drafted (stay tuned for my draft picks).
While the defensive line is set, the Broncos still lack a center on the offensive line. Pro-bowl center Kevin Mawae (Tennessee) is still on the free agent market and would be a good pickup but I wonder if teams are reluctant to take a flyer because of his Presidency of the NFL Players Association. With the Owners and the NFLPA unable to come to terms on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams may fear the in-house rift such a signing could bring.
This defensive focused free agency could point to an offensive draft strategy but it's too soon to tell. So far, Denver is moving in the right direction. Kudos to McDaniels for his efforts to correct the major weaknesses and prepare them to win now. Now just follow through.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Senior Bowl Thoughts and Interests
It's never to early to start thinking about the draft and what the Broncos' future looks like, at least through my eyes. What better way to do that than a recap of the Senior Bowl? Exactly. Here are the players I payed attention to and what I thought of their performance:
Tony Pike (QB Cincinatti)
Firstly, I wish he played longer. He started at QB for the north and started 3-3 in passing but finished 5-12. Not too good but I feel like there wasn't a whole lot to go off of. I like his size and his throws (he can make them all) as well as his feet. Good pocket presence as well as ability to extend plays. He seems like an ideal candidate to run McDaniels' offense but I've read that there are concerns about his work ethic which is disheartening. I want anyone who might be in a Broncos uniform to want to be great in it.
Dan LeFevour (QB Central Michigan)
Dan closed out the game at QB for the north and I really enjoyed seeing him play for the first time. The coaching staff didn't seem to design any run plays for him but he did a good job of knowing when to try to gain some yards himself and finding the open man. He threw for 2 TDs (one was nullified by a penalty) which were both very impressive. I like how he throws the ball and how competitive he is. Also, he's got the best name of any prospects which could lead to some awesome headlines (I caught LeFevour). He's not very comfortable taking snaps under center and doing drop backs and would be a project in that regard so i can't see him as a 2nd or 3rd round pick (as some are projecting) because those are fundamentals at the position. If he's around in rounds 5 and 6, maybe even 4 I'd take him.
Dan Williams (DT Tennessee)
One of the tackles who could be a good candidate for nose tackle in a 3-4 after some proper teaching (since Tennessee uses a 4-3). He wreaked some havoc when the north tried to run and looked pretty good BUT the senior bowl defenses were also 4-3 with no blitzing. Somebody to keep an eye on, maybe second round but Josh may be able to move wherever to take him.
Terrence Cody (DT Alabama)
Could also be a legitimate nose tackle for 3-4 but i've read a lot of concerns about his weight that suggest he couldn't play nose tackle full time. Broncos need run support and a guy as big as him could certainly provide it.
Jeremy Williams (WR Tulane)
This is a guy Woody Paige likes the Broncos to take somewhere in the mid rounds (3-5). He's got decent size and caught a good number of passes at the Senior Bowl and looked good doing it. There could be potential but there will be plenty of receivers to choose from who did not play in the senior bowl.
Obviously, there's a long way to go to April's draft and I'll be sure to update as often as I can with who I think the Broncos should draft. These are just guys to think about in the meantime.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)