Broncos Moving Up the Draft Board!

[Cugel]

Well, the season has been horribly depressing and there's no end in sight. But, at least with each loss, the Broncos are moving right up the draft board and now stand a reasonable chance at a top 10 pick in the 2008 draft!

Take a look at the Broncos draft position as of today!


2008 Draft Order:
As of 12-7-07______Record
#1 - Miami - ______0-12

Picks #2 - #5: 4 teams tied at 3-9:
___Jets - ________3-9
___Falcons - _____3-9
___Rams _ ______3-9
___49ers -_______3-9

Picks #6 - #9: Four Teams Tied at 4-8:
___Ravens - _____4-8
___Bengals -_____4-8
___Saints - ______4-8
___Chiefs - ______4-8

Picks #10 - #13: Four Teams Tied at 5-7:

___Broncos - _____5-7
___Eagles - ______5-7
___Saints - ______5-7
___Panthers - ____5-7


So, as of right now the Broncos are looking at a couple of great draft pick (between #10 - #13 of the first round, and #41 - #44 of the 2nd round).

If they choose right they should get some outstanding players at those picks. For instance, Haloti Ngata, the fine stud DT for the Ravens was taken with the #12 pick of the 2006 draft, right after Cutler. Justin Harrell, the second DT taken in the 2007 draft was taken by the Packers at #16.

Since the top need (desperate) on the Broncos is for a STUD DT to take the place of Sam Adams (cut), Amon Gordon (cut), Antwon Burton (cut), and Gerrard Warren (traded), they can hopefully find a good one with such an outstanding draft pick. :cheers:

They could also take a top LB or S with that pick depending on who's available.

Here is the tie-breaking scenario of the NFL: Where teams are tied in winning percentage, the NFL looks first to strength of schedule. Thus, ironically, the Broncos could wind up with a worse draft pick than, say, the Lions, despite losing head-to-head to the Lions, because the NFL ignores head-to-head wins or losses in determining draft order.

So, depending on how the Broncos finish the season, they would likely be looking at a top 15 pick overall. And that would give Shanahan the chance to continue his very good drafting of the last 3 years that has produced such players as: Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Dumervil, Darrent Williams, Chris Kuper and Chris Myers, all current starters, as well as such useful backups as TE Tony Sheffler, DE Tim Crowder, and DT Marcus Thomas, not to mention DE Moss, the 2007 top Bronco draft pick who's injured this year, but will be back next season.

The present may be dark and gloomy as the weather, but the future is bright for this team! :)

[PowderAddict]

This has been a very cloudy season, but there are many silver linings. While I’d hate the Broncos to be drafting this high annually, I’m not going to be upset if they do end the season with good position in the draft.

The nucleus is there, I really think the team is only a few players away from returning to being a force in the AFC. Hopefully one more great draft can get them there.

I don’t want the Broncos to tank the rest of the season, but this does take some of the sting away from the losses.

[Cugel]

This has been a very cloudy season, but there are many silver linings. While I’d hate the Broncos to be drafting this high annually, I’m not going to be upset if they do end the season with good position in the draft.

The nucleus is there, I really think the team is only a few players away from returning to being a force in the AFC. Hopefully one more great draft can get them there.

I don’t want the Broncos to tank the rest of the season, but this does take some of the sting away from the losses.
That's exactly how I feel! It's impossible for me to root for the Broncos to lose. But, now that they've lost the Raiders game and I took a look at the standings, I'm glad.

There was no hope for the playoffs anyway after the last 2 losses. At least now they get a good to very-good draft pick.

The NFL is stacked against successful teams. Although the Patriots seem to defy the odds every year (and next year they have the 49ers pick, which right now could be as high as #2 :sad: ) the rest of the league can't just sustain being a top team year after year picking at the bottom of every round of the draft!

Shanahan's done about as well as you could expect, but this is a rebuilding team with a lot of young players. The old SB championship players are almost all gone now. They need an infusion of talent at DT and S, plus perhaps a top WR in case Javon Walker's career is shortened by injury.

They could also use a STUD LDE to replace Engleberger.

With the emergence of Hamza Abdullah that's one less starter to worry about, but they could use a better strong-side LB in place of Nate Webster. Warwick Holdman might be back from injury next year and take Webster's place.

Although Ian Gold has played better as this season has gone along, he could be a cap casualty, if they can find a suitable replacement, such as a top LB (Shanahan coveted LB Lawrence Timmons, who was taken by the Steelers at #15 this year).

[Warhawk]

Although Ian Gold has played better as this season has gone along, he could be a cap casualty, if they can find a suitable replacement, such as a top LB (Shanahan coveted LB Lawrence Timmons, who was taken by the Steelers at #15 this year).

I think they were considering Timmons to fill the SLB spot taken by Webster. I'm kinda glad it didn't happen, as this draft is a *lot* stronger at LB than last year's was.

If I was picking for the Broncos, I'd seriously consider taking a pair of linebackers in this draft. Someone early (1st/2nd) to fill the MLB or SLB role (e.g. Dan Connor), then a later guy for the WLB spot (e.g. Jordan Dizon).

[AllEyezOnZach27]

I think they were considering Timmons to fill the SLB spot taken by Webster. I'm kinda glad it didn't happen, as this draft is a *lot* stronger at LB than last year's was.

If I was picking for the Broncos, I'd seriously consider taking a pair of linebackers in this draft. Someone early (1st/2nd) to fill the MLB or SLB role (e.g. Dan Connor), then a later guy for the WLB spot (e.g. Jordan Dizon).

No offense because I love Dizon as much as everyone else but he is the same type of player as Ian Gold is. He only weighs like 220+ and would be tossed around by most NFL linemen. I wouldnt mind having him on my team for ST reasons and good depth but I honestly dont see him ever starting in the NFL.

On guy I would love to see in a Broncos uni is Beau Bell from UNLV. Guy is a animal!!! :salute:

[Max Power]

Kenny Phillips

[elevation INC]

if ian gold can start on a nfl team so can dizon the guy has played against some of the best o-lines in college, and has done awsome....keep in mind there are still 330lb lineman in college he hasd had to deal with. he will be a great special teams player and would add great depth to any lb corps, we would be stupid not to try for him in the later rounds

[draco193]

No offense because I love Dizon as much as everyone else but he is the same type of player as Ian Gold is. He only weighs like 220+ and would be tossed around by most NFL linemen. I wouldnt mind having him on my team for ST reasons and good depth but I honestly dont see him ever starting in the NFL.

On guy I would love to see in a Broncos uni is Beau Bell from UNLV. Guy is a animal!!! :salute:

Ian GOld was never a finalist for the Butkus award, or lead the nation in tackles. Dizon is a beast. The man will make all the tackles he has the opportunity to. He was named the Big Twelve Defensive Player of the year.

While the size of an NFL player is important, physical limitations can be overcome by players that know the position, and are willing to go out and play it as hard as they can. Bob Sanders in an excellent example of this.

(Pleae note, I would also be very happy with Bell, but, Ive watched Dizon for all my time at CU, and I think he has something very special to offer any team he plays for)

[Mat'hir Uth Gan]

I think this is the worst possible year for us to get an early draft choice. There's nobody we would want.


This draft is top heavy in 3-technique tackles, which we don't use. It's top heavy in QBs which we don't need. It's extremely deep in CBs, which we don't need. And it could have some very good DEs, which we don't need. This draft is also insanely deep at OLB, which really negates the need to burn a 1st round pick when you can get a player almost just as good into the late 2nd round.


There may be value at OT, but with Ryan Harris a lock to be our LT of the future (he can't play the right side effectively), it seems unlikely to me that we would spend an early selection on a LT. Remember, that most RTs go in the 3rd round area unless they are protecting a left-handed QB.


Having a top 15 pick, probably only helps us if Nic Harris or Kenny Phillips declares, if we really want to get DeSean Jackson, and possibly to insure we get Frank Okam, if he makes a Haloti Ngata style meteoric rise up draft boards after the postseason and combine.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'd be plenty excited with any of those 4 gamebreakers, but the problem is that 3 are juniors that may not come out. And there appears (at least at this juncture) to be some inconsistency concerning Okam's draft value position (I think he's a Top 20 pick).

So, assuming the 3 juniors don't come out and Okam's value is determined to be in the 2nd round...then...it's just a crappy year to have such a high pick and hopefully we can find a trade partner and swing down.

[JohnElwayAce07]

Didn't we trade a way a bunch of our draft picks for 2008?

[utebroncofan]

MUG I agree there are not a lot of guys we would want in that draft position but at least we could be in a position to trade down and get another 2nd rnd pick.Get a DT,OT or LB with a late 1st rnd pick and fill the other 2 positions with the other picks and we will being sitting pretty good.Not to mention what we might end up with in FA.

[str8jacket]

No offense because I love Dizon as much as everyone else but he is the same type of player as Ian Gold is. He only weighs like 220+ and would be tossed around by most NFL linemen. I wouldnt mind having him on my team for ST reasons and good depth but I honestly dont see him ever starting in the NFL.

On guy I would love to see in a Broncos uni is Beau Bell from UNLV. Guy is a animal!!! :salute:

Beau Bell is about 240 :huh:

Dizon weighs 220 and can put weight on.

[Cugel]

I think this is the worst possible year for us to get an early draft choice. There's nobody we would want.


This draft is top heavy in 3-technique tackles, which we don't use. It's top heavy in QBs which we don't need. It's extremely deep in CBs, which we don't need. And it could have some very good DEs, which we don't need. This draft is also insanely deep at OLB, which really negates the need to burn a 1st round pick when you can get a player almost just as good into the late 2nd round.


There may be value at OT, but with Ryan Harris a lock to be our LT of the future (he can't play the right side effectively), it seems unlikely to me that we would spend an early selection on a LT. Remember, that most RTs go in the 3rd round area unless they are protecting a left-handed QB.


Having a top 15 pick, probably only helps us if Nic Harris or Kenny Phillips declares, if we really want to get DeSean Jackson, and possibly to insure we get Frank Okam, if he makes a Haloti Ngata style meteoric rise up draft boards after the postseason and combine.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'd be plenty excited with any of those 4 gamebreakers, but the problem is that 3 are juniors that may not come out. And there appears (at least at this juncture) to be some inconsistency concerning Okam's draft value position (I think he's a Top 20 pick).

So, assuming the 3 juniors don't come out and Okam's value is determined to be in the 2nd round...then...it's just a crappy year to have such a high pick and hopefully we can find a trade partner and swing down.

I think you're way early to be making this kind of prognostication MUG, since the end of the college season and the combine haven't even happened yet.

Players move up and down the draft board all the time. Frankly, I think that there's NEVER a bad time to have a top 15 pick!

You can always trade down if there's nobody on the board you want. If the draft is deep in quality CBs that should be especially easy, since teams are always desperate to find decent CBs. The way the NFL rules are now you really need at least 3 good CBs who can cover the bigger WRs downfield, plus a top ball-hawking safety. In fact the Broncos could conceivably use their #1 pick on a CB, thinking that Foxworth is about to become a FA and they don't want to pay him what it would take to keep him, while at the same time, they need to groom a backup to hold down the nickel slot, while they might conclude that Karl Paymah just isn't good enough to re-sign.

Hamza Abdullah is looking good as the FS right now, so that's one less need.

But, if the Broncos didn't want a penetrating DT, but were willing to go for a huge clogger who eats space and blockers and is strong against the run they could potentially get him in the 2nd or 3rd round and spend the first round pick on a Safety or LB or even a RB or wide-receiver depending on who was available at that spot.

And if nobody was that great at that spot, they could do what Shanahan did in 2005 and trade their first pick for a higher pick in next years' draft, while picking up some 2nd and 3rd round picks in 2008.

All in all, a top 15 pick is always useful.

[xX-Bronco-Xx]

Do any of you think Okam or Dorsey will end up like Branch who was highly touted during the season and then later pushed into the background because he was known for being tired and lazy?

I really don't know much about any of these two tackles so if someone could explain it would be nice.

[Mat'hir Uth Gan]

Do any of you think Okam or Dorsey will end up like Branch who was highly touted during the season and then later pushed into the background because he was known for being tired and lazy?

I really don't know much about any of these two tackles so if someone could explain it would be nice.


I don't think so. I think Okam will rise up draft boards into the 1st round, and I think Dorsey will probably stay where he is in the Top 10 pick area.

[Dream]

Didn't know where else to put this, but it sort of goes along with the draft, off-season, etc. . .

Teams like Dallas, Indianapolis, Green Bay and New England who are dominating their respective conferences are at the top because they've drafted players who fit the scheme they have and will be sticking to until the end of time. It doesn't necessarily matter where you draft them, as long as they fit the system and the players buy into what is going on. Mediator on the Mane made a really terrific post regarding this, and I really wish I had a link - but nonetheless, the point still stands.

It's the same reason why Denver has been successful with RB's and OL's late in the draft - and it's not because they're just "lucky" they adequately find people who will work within the system and do a pretty darn good job in the process. They know how they're going to run their offense, so they plug in the adequate players accordingly.

Denver's got the backside of their defense with players who fit the system and can do the job well, but we're still waiting on the guys up front. As much as Bates is getting his head called for here, he's actually attempting to bring an identity to this defense. He did it in Green Bay, and they're reaping the benefits. They didn't just drop everything he put together after he left, he let it go and they're doing wonders.

Denver is taking the appropriate measures to do this. Drafting Dumervil was a start, but that wasn't a Bates decision, but he's someone who can do damage (immense) given the system. Crowder as you can see is getting more PT and will hopefully be our base end on the left side next season. Jarvis Moss is the real wild card - but he's another player who can disrupt off the edge. Out of any end, I'm more concerned about him than anything just due to a longevity standpoint, but he's a prototype for the system and works perfectly.

Denver made an honest attempt to get a guy who can buy into the system and fit it with Thomas, and I thought he's played very well for a rookie. He doesn't and hasn't finished off the sacks yet, but he creates a lot of pressure. He will be good in a year or so, and I mean real good. For him having almost a full year of being out of football - I think he's done quite remarkable.

I don't know about our linebackers, I think Williams will be okay - and Webster and Gold seem to be improving as well, but there can be an upgrade at either outside spot. Bates did this in Green Bay completely and it started with Barnett in the middle. Where we didn't draft DJ to play the middle necessarily, Bates feels he has the aptitude to play it - so you can see where the situations are mirrored. What we need is a true play making weakside linebacker, and I don't feel that Gold is going to be that guy. I have stated for over more than a year that he would be gone at the end of this season and I still believe it. This draft is four rounds deep in immense linebacker talent, especially at the weakside and I'd be SHOCKED if Denver didn't attempt to pick it up.

Last but not least, Denver seems to be doing fine at safety. Abdullah has done surprisingly well (and I'll eat my crow on that one) and all Denver really needs is a developmental guy (unless they go for Phillips) and they'll have their secondary complete. I wouldn't even peg safety as a top two round need right now, considering how many late-round players make impacts there at the NFL. They just have to fit and buy into the system. It's that easy.

To answer the question, "Why wouldn't we want a DT in the draft?" -- Well, it really comes down to priority. It is one of, IF NOT the hardest position to translate from college to the NFL because there is an immense amount of work to be done, especially regarding technique. Players like Thomas didn't necessarily dominate because they're the best thing since sliced bread in college, but they knew what they had to do by beating below-average players at their respective level. Time after time, you hear the young rookie defensive lineman (and Elvis) talking about stance and technique adjustment. That's the biggest thing. It's just an adjustment period, and some people just don't feel like waiting that long.

I think it'd be apt for Denver to put priority in FA and the draft on a defensive tackle because it gives us a shot both ways. Why not try to double-dip in an area that's probably the most problematic on the team? Get a savvy veteran like Corey Williams from Green Bay and pair him with Marcus Thomas. That's havoc. Allow Alvin McKinley to be a simple 3-technique guy in the second rotation and pair him with a guy like Frank Okam. It's really that easy, but easier said than done.

A lot of it also comes down to personal preference and priority - and what people see on a game by game basis. I'm usually pretty consistent in my draft needs and I've been on the DT/LB early for a long time now, but offensive tackle needs to be in there as well. Throw in a speed receiver and safety within the first several selections and I'd call it a nice draft. Denver will play in FA this year and get some players, so we'll have more of an idea of what we truly need down the line.

If the word on Warren's pick escalating to a fourth based on play is true, Denver would have 1, 2, 4, 4, 4 and a 5 and that'd be absolutely one of the best set-ups going into the draft for a middle of the pack team. Throw in the possibility of a trade (as we seem to make) and we could have even more. With this team blowing the pants off of Kansas City and playing with enormous confidence, if we do things right this off-season I will honestly feel sorry for any team that has to play us in a year or so. This team is going to be incredible.

Oh, and just for the record - the same defensive approaches the aforementioned teams (IND, NE, GB, DAL) took in the pasts drafts is what Denver really tried to do for their offense in 2006, and with the Harris pick in 2007.


Get your franchise quarterback.

Get him a pro-bowl receiver. (Walker, but unfortunately that's turning into a poor deal)

Get him a pass catching threat at tight end. (After all, a tight end is a QB's best friend)

Get him a couple of other weapons and hope they pan out (Marshall, Hixon - fortunately one did)

Get him some protection. (Kuper, Eslinger - well, Kuper's panning out)


Adding in Harris (versatile player, tackle at either position, more so LT) was one of the final parts in that process. We added in Graham, Henry and Stokley to help that process as well. Unfortunately, injuries set back the plans - but we finally started to see what a confident young quarterback can do with experience (extensive with the same cast of players) and familiarity with the people surrounding him.

I look forward to Denver finishing off this offense this coming off-season (FA and Draft) and building a defense with identity. Might not be next year, but 2009 might just be damn awesome.

[redneckrocker]

Honestly I haven't gave the draft any thought yet, I usually don't until after the Super Bowl has been played. Right now I just hope the Broncos can finish strong, hope for some other teams to lose and maybe get in the playoffs.

But, as for the draft, Shannahan has a history of making some good trades in the draft to get good players, i.e. Cutler. I see him doing that again no matter what pick they are.
On a side note I heard on ESPN that NE could have one of the top 5 picks, wow that sucks. Maybe Miami can draft some heart!! :laugh: