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!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
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.
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