Walter Footballs Thoughts On Our Draft

[elevation INC]

here is the link for walterfootballs thoughts, some interesting thoughts just thought i would share it






http://www.walterfootball.com/offseason2008den.php

[LarryDean]

Thanks Einc :rockon:


http://www.walterfootball.com/offseason2008den.php


2008 NFL Draft Grade:

Good Moves: The Broncos made the right decision at No. 12 when Ryan Clady fell into their laps. In the wake of Matt Lepsis' retirement, they had nothing at left tackle. Clady, considered by many to be the best left tackle in the draft, should be able to start right away ... I'm not crazy about Eddie Royal, but I don't hate the pick. Royal was a second-round talent, though there were better prospects out there, like Limas Sweed and DeSean Jackson. Royal fills a need though ... Center was a huge need going into the draft. That's not the case anymore with the addition of Kory Lictensteiger ... Ryan Torain, chosen at selection No. 139, was a great value pick. Don't be shocked if he becomes Shanahan's next 1,000-yard runner ... Josh Barrett and Peyton Hillis, both fourth-round prospects, were steals in Round 7.

Bad Moves: I'm disappointed the Broncos didn't address the middle linebacker position until Spencer Larsen was chosen at 183. Looks like D.J. Williams will once again struggle in the middle. Denver could have taken Jonathan Goff where they selected Jack Williams. I don't have a problem with Williams, but Goff would have filled a bigger need.

Grade give on 4/29/08: B+



2008 NFL Draft Picks:

12. Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
I guess I have to endorse this pick because I had it in my mock. In the wake of Matt Lepsis' retirement, the Broncos had to address the left tackle position. They obtained the best left tackle in the draft at No. 12, so Denver fans should be thrilled. (Pick Grade: A)

42. Eddie Royal, WR, Virignia Tech
Limas Sweed probably would have been better, but Eddie Royal is a decent receiver. I'm not going to complain about this selection, especially with all the madness that transpired on Saturday. (Pick Grade: B)

108. Kory Lichtensteiger, C, Bowing Green
Good luck to anyone covering the Broncos for any newspapers in the Denver area. Solid pick despite the media's disdain.
(Pick Grade: A)

119. Jack Williams, CB, Kent State
I wasn't aware cornerback was such a huge need. Jack Williams is a decent player, but the Broncos should have pursued an inside linebacker or running back. (Pick Grade: C)

139. Ryan Torain, RB, Arizona State
I like Ryan Torain A LOT. And I'm not surprised Mike Shanahan drafted him here. Looks like Denver found its next 1,000-yard runner.
(Pick Grade: A)

148. Carlton Powell, DT, Virginia Tech
I expected the Broncos to add defensive line depth early on Day 2. Carlton Powell is a decent player. I still don't get why Denver hasn't gone after an inside linebacker. (Pick Grade: B)

183. Spencer Larsen, ILB, Arizona
Finally, an inside linebacker. The shame is Denver could have obtained Jonathan Goff 30 picks earlier. (Pick Grade: C)

220. Josh Barrett, SS, Arizona State
I can't believe Josh Barrett made it all the way to Round 7. The Broncos found a gem. (Pick Grade: A)

227. Peyton Hillis, FB, Arkansas
Some had Peyton Hillis as the top fullback on the board. It's amazing Denver was able to land him in the seventh round.
(Pick Grade: A)



Offseason Needs:
Defensive Tackle: As mentioned in my Season Summary, Denver struggled mightily versus the run and just failed to get to the quarterback. The void of talent at the defensive tackle position is very concerning. As of this publication (Feb. 23), I have the team taking Dre Moore in the second round of April's draft. Traded for Dewayne Robertson; drafted Carlton Powell


Middle Linebacker: D.J. Williams really couldn't cut it at middle linebacker and was part of the reason the Broncos were inept on defense. They need someone who can play on the inside and allow Williams to slide over to strongside linebacker. Someone like Beau Bell is an option in Round 4. Signed Niko Koutouvides; drafted Spencer Larsen


Free Safety: John Lynch is approaching the century mark in age, meaning the Broncos will have to find a young free safety to take over his spot in the lineup. I currently have them taking Kenny Phillips 12th overall. Signed Marlon McCree and Marquand Manuel


Offensive Tackle: With Matt Lepsis retiring, the Broncos have just Ryan Harris and Erik Pears manning the offensive tackle positions. They'll have to draft a tackle relatively early in April. Ryan Clady is a realistic option at No. 12, as is Duane Brown in Round 4. Drafted Ryan Clady


Weakside Linebacker: Yet another position that needs to be addressed on the Denver's defense. If the team could sign one free agent this offseason, why not Lance Briggs?


Wide Receiver: I'll be completely shocked if the Broncos don't cut Javon Walker before the middle of March. Once that happens, they'll need another solid receiver to join Brandon Marshall and Brandon Stokley. If Denver doesn't draft anyone at wide out, it could pursue D.J. Hackett, Bryant Johnson or Donte' Stallworth via free agency. Signed Darrell Jackson, Keary Colbert, Samie Parker and Edell Shepherd; drafted Eddie Royal


Special Teams: Denver surrendered three punt or kickoff returns in 2007. Something must be done about this.


Cornerback Depth: Domonique Foxworth and Karl Paymah are both restricted free agents. If they're not brought back, the Broncos will need depth at corner. Re-signed Domonique Foxworth; drafted Jack Williams


Defensive End Depth: Take away Elvis Dumervil's 12 sacks, and the Broncos registered only 21 on the year. No player on their defense, with the exception of Dumervil, had more than four. Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder, two second-year players, will get an opportunity this year, but Denver will need depth if it doesn't re-sign John Engelberger and Ebenezer Ekuban. Re-signed Ebenezer Ekuban
http://www.walterfootball.com/offseason2008den.php


I dont see the overwhelming value difference between Larsen and Goff.

I agree with of alot of the above posted thoughts but I think they are off base on drafting a LB...only spot I thought worthy of round 4 pick was DT..I think Broncos could not have asked for a better LB to draft with the Value we drafted Larsen at

[broncolee]

The fact that Niko Koutouvides is the starting MLB is the reason one wasn't taken sooner than when the Broncos took Larsen. How the writer doesn't understand that is beyond me.

Other than the writer's ignorance about the Broncos MLB situation, it was a pretty good read and a respectable grade.

I can understand why people would be confused by the Broncos selecting a cornerback. I think they are simply preparing for next year when Foxworth is likely to try to sign with another team in an effort to become a starter. Some analysts have said that Williams could be a solid #2 corner, which means that he could be better than Foxworth and Paymah. You can't complain too much if the guy ends up being an upgrade. Besides, with Williams potential as a special teamer, there's another reason to have selected him. If Eddie Royal works his way into a starting role on offense or at least gets a lot of time as a slot receiver, the Broncos are going to need someone else to help with return duties.

I'd like to know why the writer grades the Larsen pick as a "C". Is it because he thinks they should have taken Goff in an earlier round or because he thinks there were better players available at pick #183 that the Broncos should have chosen? If it's because he thinks they should have taken Goff in an earlier round, then the grade isn't fair. The grade for the pick should be based on whether or not Larsen was the right choice at that pick versus the other choices that were available at that pick.

[LordTrychon]

The fact that Niko Koutouvides is the starting MLB is the reason one wasn't taken sooner than when the Broncos took Larsen. How the writer doesn't understand that is beyond me.

Other than the writer's ignorance about the Broncos MLB situation, it was a pretty good read and a respectable grade.

I can understand why people would be confused by the Broncos selecting a cornerback. I think they are simply preparing for next year when Foxworth is likely to try to sign with another team in an effort to become a starter. Some analysts have said that Williams could be a solid #2 corner, which means that he could be better than Foxworth and Paymah. You can't complain too much if the guy ends up being an upgrade. Besides, with Williams potential as a special teamer, there's another reason to have selected him. If Eddie Royal works his way into a starting role on offense or at least gets a lot of time as a slot receiver, the Broncos are going to need someone else to help with return duties.

I'd like to know why the writer grades the Larsen pick as a "C". Is it because he thinks they should have taken Goff in an earlier round or because he thinks there were better players available at pick #183 that the Broncos should have chosen? If it's because he thinks they should have taken Goff in an earlier round, then the grade isn't fair. The grade for the pick should be based on whether or not Larsen was the right choice at that pick versus the other choices that were available at that pick.

This was exactly what I was going to say.

Nice post. :thumb:

[Cugel]

This writer is smart but simply doesn't follow the Broncos that closely, so their analysis tends to be way off at points.

D.J. Williams really couldn't cut it at middle linebacker and was part of the reason the Broncos were inept on defense. They need someone who can play on the inside and allow Williams to slide over to strongside linebacker.

Williams struggled early with a position he'd never played before, but learned as the season went along and finished 2nd in the NFL in tackles. So, that's flat wrong.

As Broncolee points out, Shanahan made the commitment back in January to move D.J. Williams to WLB, so that isn't a need. As for MLB, they are committed to Koutivides at MLB. If he can't do the job, they can move Boss Bailey over from SAM.

There wasn't a need this year at LB but that could be a prime area to draft next year, along with Safety to replace Lynch.

Other than that, he didn't know that both Foxworth and Paymah are now RFAs which is why the Broncos drafted a CB. Foxworth is likely gone next year and Paymah has yet to prove he's capable of being a #2 CB in case of injury. So, they draft a guy who can play special teams for a year and then compete for the nickel back with Paymah.

That was a good idea, although I questioned using a 4th round pick when they could have found a DT with more upside potential at that spot.

The rest of the draft was solid, but we should remember that all "prospects" look great at this time of the year, and not all pan out.

Not too many years ago, Bronco fans were all excited about how fast Darius Watts and what a speed threat and good complement he'd be to Rod Smith when he learned to hold onto the ball.

Remember that? Now, a few years later, Rod Smith is retired and Watts has been flushed down the memory hole along with other failed second round picks like DT Paul Toviesi, LB Terry Pierce and RB Tatum Bell. :coffee:

[Nick]

The guy at walterfootball does not know inside and out on teams but realizing majority of the situation. One of my favorite draft sites and great article and review.

Minus the MLB comments, see where he is coming from.

Thanks for the post! He had Barret as a 2nd round talent pre-draft and very high on Clady.

[berlownacyo7s]

Walter is really good IMO. He seems to know his stuff and his analysis seems almost identical with mine. The only thing he doesn't realize is that DJ is going back to WLB and Niko will compete with Larson for the MLB, because that seems to be his only remaining critique of the Broncos defence. Thanks for the post.

[GridironChamp]

The guy at walterfootball does not know inside and out on teams but realizing majority of the situation. One of my favorite draft sites and great article and review.

Minus the MLB comments, see where he is coming from.

Thanks for the post! He had Barret as a 2nd round talent pre-draft and very high on Clady.

Exactly, he focuses on all 32 teams in the NFL so it does make it slightly harder for him to give you a grade A article on Denver... but all in all it's still pretty good.



Actually Cugel, i think MLB was a pretty big need for Denver. I dont think Niko is the guy just due to the lack of pure talent he has. I dont know why you would want to move Bailey over to MLB, then have to replace him on the strong side. Wouldnt just filling the need, or bringing in competition like Larsen, be prefferred? :confused:

* I'm pretty sure he knows both Paymah and Foxworth are RFA's because they are listed in the CB section of his Free Agent list.



He always has good stuff to write, and he is pretty damn knowledgable about all teams.

[Cutler2007]

This writer is smart but simply doesn't follow the Broncos that closely, so their analysis tends to be way off at points.


Williams struggled early with a position he'd never played before, but learned as the season went along and finished 2nd in the NFL in tackles. So, that's flat wrong.



1. DJ was in a system that filtered the play to a MLB.
2. When teams run at you 501 times, you are going to get a lot of tackles.
3. When you have inferior talent on either side of you, you are going to get a lot of tackles.

Saying DJ was not a good MLB is not wrong, he struggled with consistancy, made Tackles way off the LOS and most of his hits allowed the RB to fall forward.

Tatupu only had 109 TT last year...I guess DJ > Lofa :coffee:

[stnzed]

......:rolleyes:......The Broncos running game is so Unreal it's got everybody falling all over each other to be the first to say how much they love the latest Broncos RB.

Way to go out on a limb, there, Nostradamus......

[Ravage!!!]

1. DJ was in a system that filtered the play to a MLB.
2. When teams run at you 501 times, you are going to get a lot of tackles.
3. When you have inferior talent on either side of you, you are going to get a lot of tackles.

Saying DJ was not a good MLB is not wrong, he struggled with consistancy, made Tackles way off the LOS and most of his hits allowed the RB to fall forward.

Tatupu only had 109 TT last year...I guess DJ > Lofa :coffee:

You know its funny that you say this. Because I remember people saying the SAME thing about the Baltimore defense with Ray Lewis. Saying..."with all those big bodies in front of him, no OL could bock Ray, thus allowing him to make more tackles." Now the opposite is being said as to why DJ is able to make a lot of tackles.

[GridironChamp]

You know its funny that you say this. Because I remember people saying the SAME thing about the Baltimore defense with Ray Lewis. Saying..."with all those big bodies in front of him, no OL could bock Ray, thus allowing him to make more tackles." Now the opposite is being said as to why DJ is able to make a lot of tackles.

Well I think he inferred that from watching DJ making plays downfield rather in the backfield... :coffee:


DJ isnt a MLB in the least IMO. I think Denverr made a great pick with Larsen, have him compete with Niko. Then allow DJ and Boss to make the plays while just holding their own in the middle.

[Colorado69]

DJ Williams made tackles downfield because the defensive line couldn't stop the run. You criticize him for doing his job. The problem in the defense is at the D-Line level. The LBs are talented and the secondary is very talented. You know absolutely nothing about about the Broncos.

[broncos1997]

"the recipient of Philip Rivers' "you're a doo-doo head" taunts."

lol that really cracked me up.

[BroncoKazuki]

......:rolleyes:......The Broncos running game is so Unreal it's got everybody falling all over each other to be the first to say how much they love the latest Broncos RB.

Way to go out on a limb, there, Nostradamus......


I laughed at him Giving Tourain a A rating when that guy would have gone the same route as Heart. UDFA, which makes me laugh even more.


Thats the thing, they say 1000 yard back. No other praises that make you think that Tourain is going to be special. Nothing like "the guy is going the be special."; "Shananhan has found his solution with that pick at the running back position."; "Shanahan found a player who will restore the bronco's run game."

nothing to that point just that Tourain will just be another 1000 yard back. Nothing special he brings nothing new. Maybe something old as in Ala anderson just younger and injured already.

IF anything I really really disagree with that Tourain Grade, a UDFA with a A rank. if we got him UDFA i could agree but its a UDFA thats drafted in the 5th and people on these boards love to crown backs that will just scrape by with a 1000 yards as the best back the Broncos have had since Davis suited up in a Bronco Uni. It Happend with T.Bell, It happened last year with the Henry Hopes and its going to happen this year with Tourain.


Tourain - another product of the Denver Run system. Not a player that has the talent to take advantage of the system.

[kratos_godofwar]

I laughed at him Giving Tourain a A rating when that guy would have gone the same route as Heart. UDFA, which makes me laugh even more.


Thats the thing, they say 1000 yard back. No other praises that make you think that Tourain is going to be special. Nothing like "the guy is going the be special."; "Shananhan has found his solution with that pick at the running back position."; "Shanahan found a player who will restore the bronco's run game."

nothing to that point just that Tourain will just be another 1000 yard back. Nothing special he brings nothing new. Maybe something old as in Ala anderson just younger and injured already.

IF anything I really really disagree with that Tourain Grade, a UDFA with a A rank. if we got him UDFA i could agree but its a UDFA thats drafted in the 5th and people on these boards love to crown backs that will just scrape by with a 1000 yards as the best back the Broncos have had since Davis suited up in a Bronco Uni. It Happend with T.Bell, It happened last year with the Henry Hopes and its going to happen this year with Tourain.


Tourain - another product of the Denver Run system. Not a player that has the talent to take advantage of the system.

:salute: You sir, are a genius. Someone else who understands how Torain will be nothing more than the next system back.

Dontcha just love how Denver fans think. Because we got this new RB, he's going to be the next TD before he even steps on the field because he wasn't drafted in the first round. Compared to Mendenhall or Stewart, he's 100x better because he wasn't a first rounder.

Seriously, that's the kind of answers I have been getting. People who have not wanted a first round back praise a guy who is injuried and could have been a 2nd rounder had he been healthy. Serioulsy, is Torain better than McFadden, Mendenhall, Stewart or Jones? IMO, no. He's not even in the same league, heck not even with Kevin Smith or Ray Rice. If Torain tears up the NFL, great we got a steal. But imangine what it would have been had we gotten a Mendenhall or Stewart. Future HoF's in our system and would have brought back the Bronco's dominance in the AFC.

[Silent-Assassin]

"the recipient of Philip Rivers' "you're a doo-doo head" taunts."

lol that really cracked me up.

that was frickin hilarious:laugh:

Let's hope rivers doesn't do it again!!!:eek:

[no-pseudo-fan]

:salute: You sir, are a genius. Someone else who understands how Torain will be nothing more than the next system back.

Dontcha just love how Denver fans think. Because we got this new RB, he's going to be the next TD before he even steps on the field because he wasn't drafted in the first round. Compared to Mendenhall or Stewart, he's 100x better because he wasn't a first rounder.

Seriously, that's the kind of answers I have been getting. People who have not wanted a first round back praise a guy who is injuried and could have been a 2nd rounder had he been healthy. Serioulsy, is Torain better than McFadden, Mendenhall, Stewart or Jones? IMO, no. He's not even in the same league, heck not even with Kevin Smith or Ray Rice. If Torain tears up the NFL, great we got a steal. But imangine what it would have been had we gotten a Mendenhall or Stewart. Future HoF's in our system and would have brought back the Bronco's dominance in the AFC.

I too would have loved to get Stewart or Mendenhall in our system, but when Clady slips to us we had to take him. Mike made no bones about it, when clady was still on the board the decsion was obvious. Clady is going to make our line that much stronger. As for Ryan Torain, I think the guy should get a chance. Young was a UDFA and played very well. Torain played very well before his foot injury. I am not going to say he is the next TD, because TD was very special. I will say that if he is 100% he could be someone special, or another guy to fill in. Bobby Turner knows RB's, and if he thinks he is worth the pick then I trust him.

[BroncoKazuki]

I too would have loved to get Stewart or Mendenhall in our system, but when Clady slips to us we had to take him. Mike made no bones about it, when clady was still on the board the decsion was obvious. Clady is going to make our line that much stronger. As for Ryan Torain, I think the guy should get a chance. Young was a UDFA and played very well. Torain played very well before his foot injury. I am not going to say he is the next TD, because TD was very special. I will say that if he is 100% he could be someone special, or another guy to fill in. Bobby Turner knows RB's, and if he thinks he is worth the pick then I trust him.


The thing is, and this is the mis-point for the Board. the O-line should have been on the repair long long long ago. Right when Zimmerman retired is when the O-line replacement should have started. Yet instead of trading away our O-linemen from younger stronger O-line men we face a short path.

Trade away your best players before they start to decline to pick up newer players or keep the best players you have until you start hitting the Panic Button.

THe thing is Shanny could have gotten those O-line men gotten extra picks and still had a ok run down the line. Hell even possibly be picking at 11th instead of trading up at 11th in the 2006 draft to grab Jay.

The thing is The Broncos have decided to start rebuilding now with a young QB instead of building an O-line so a QB can settle into it.

Look at it this way. The Chargers Line when they go Rivers was starting to gel so when Breeze was behind it he took more of the punishment because he had to deal with an inexperienced O-line. Here comes in Rivers and he has now a gelled O-line and who took the knocks? Thats right Breeze!

The Broncos under Shanahan have been plagued by their own Genius. They took Crap from the Browns in a D-line made them look good. Took a crappy QB and made him look almost all Pro.

Now look where that 'success' has gotten them Its gotten them spinning in the mud. The O-line is a mess, the D-line is highly suspect. The Run game is virtually non-existent even with the 1000 yard backs it produces none of them ever become a constant force for the team. The WR core has been topsy tervy for a hell of a long time and has started to right itself with Marshall emerging as a force. The Special Teams would qualify for Special Ed classes.


All that mis-haps and the team still stays afloat, its like one of those persistent colds that seem to never go away no matter how much you medicate yourself. Until you decide to go to the doctors to get treated.

Now there were steps for the Broncos to keep competitive yet still be able to rebuild thats if Shanahan was not the GM and that Bowlen should have caught this early instead of letting Shanahan feed him the "i think we got a team to go to the Super Bowl this year."

It comes down to Mentality and Bowlen's Mentality was "Win at all Cost."

I bet you with an Actual GM that knew what he was doing and how to build a team. We would not be talking about O-line in the 07 draft. It would have been. Should the Broncos Trade up to grab Dorsey or Ellis or should the Broncos Draft Mendenhall or Stewart to give Cutler a weapon. Or perhaps we would have a different QB instead of Cutler if we had a better GM of Football operations.

When you look at the Bolts getting stronger then us when we kept their team under our thumb for years that cause for concern. When KC has a better draft then us that should be a flag. When the Raiders get close to sweeping us twice in a year even tho they haven't for A VERY VERY VERY LONG time. THats another concern.

The bottom line is the fanbase is drunk on its own success and cant fathom the thought that Shanahan and Co. Screwed up by not putting a Solid younger O-line in of their QB sooner instead of Now. Because if Shanny saw Jay in 2002 as a Frosh and went "he's a player to watch" he should have started to build an O-line so when come 2006 he could put a Fresh new O-line in front of his QB to give him the maximum protection. Then to start giving him weapons.


The thing is the Broncos WR wise got a few weapons. RB wise not so much. our RB core is patch work, nothings new just refurbished, 2nd rate products that barely met the requirements.

[JoRo]

On your running backs aren't much think Kaz.

FO ranked our past RB's since TD last year when we signed Henry.


T.D and Portis were above average. T.D vastly superior, Portis very good


Anderson slightly above average in his 05 stint with us.

Every other back we have had over 1000 were basically replacement level that simply capatilized on a good line and were nothing more than what you said and many have seen: System backs.

Good enough to get us going on the ground, but not worth really game planning around or capable of taking over games. Now: Can Torrain be more than that? Sure, but we can't just say "He's a new 1000 yard clugger. Cuz that doesn't mean he will be special. Olandis Gary got 1000 yards with us then was basically flushed from the league.

I'd send the link but as most FO stuff is: It is really hard to find as it is buried in the stuff.

[Colorado69]

Some of you are not familiar with the Bronco methods in selecting O-Linemen over the years. It is not like they don't put the best players on the field every season. They are very picky about who gets a chance and then they have always had a couple of years of backup before cracking the starting lineup. Injuries have forced the issue in the last couple of years. They don't often get the chance to draft high-rated O-Linemen. After-the-fact criticism by fans who know nothing about coaching a pro-level O-Line is silly. The system works, as their have been numerous teams shifting to the zone blocking scheme. The Faiders are even trying it this year. With more teams utilizing the scheme, the talent will be spread around. It should be seen as a compliment to the Bronco's coaching staff and their success.

[elevation INC]

The thing is, and this is the mis-point for the Board. the O-line should have been on the repair long long long ago. Right when Zimmerman retired is when the O-line replacement should have started. Yet instead of trading away our O-linemen from younger stronger O-line men we face a short path.

Trade away your best players before they start to decline to pick up newer players or keep the best players you have until you start hitting the Panic Button.

THe thing is Shanny could have gotten those O-line men gotten extra picks and still had a ok run down the line. Hell even possibly be picking at 11th instead of trading up at 11th in the 2006 draft to grab Jay.

The thing is The Broncos have decided to start rebuilding now with a young QB instead of building an O-line so a QB can settle into it.

Look at it this way. The Chargers Line when they go Rivers was starting to gel so when Breeze was behind it he took more of the punishment because he had to deal with an inexperienced O-line. Here comes in Rivers and he has now a gelled O-line and who took the knocks? Thats right Breeze!

The Broncos under Shanahan have been plagued by their own Genius. They took Crap from the Browns in a D-line made them look good. Took a crappy QB and made him look almost all Pro.

Now look where that 'success' has gotten them Its gotten them spinning in the mud. The O-line is a mess, the D-line is highly suspect. The Run game is virtually non-existent even with the 1000 yard backs it produces none of them ever become a constant force for the team. The WR core has been topsy tervy for a hell of a long time and has started to right itself with Marshall emerging as a force. The Special Teams would qualify for Special Ed classes.


All that mis-haps and the team still stays afloat, its like one of those persistent colds that seem to never go away no matter how much you medicate yourself. Until you decide to go to the doctors to get treated.

Now there were steps for the Broncos to keep competitive yet still be able to rebuild thats if Shanahan was not the GM and that Bowlen should have caught this early instead of letting Shanahan feed him the "i think we got a team to go to the Super Bowl this year."

It comes down to Mentality and Bowlen's Mentality was "Win at all Cost."

I bet you with an Actual GM that knew what he was doing and how to build a team. We would not be talking about O-line in the 07 draft. It would have been. Should the Broncos Trade up to grab Dorsey or Ellis or should the Broncos Draft Mendenhall or Stewart to give Cutler a weapon. Or perhaps we would have a different QB instead of Cutler if we had a better GM of Football operations.

When you look at the Bolts getting stronger then us when we kept their team under our thumb for years that cause for concern. When KC has a better draft then us that should be a flag. When the Raiders get close to sweeping us twice in a year even tho they haven't for A VERY VERY VERY LONG time. THats another concern.

The bottom line is the fanbase is drunk on its own success and cant fathom the thought that Shanahan and Co. Screwed up by not putting a Solid younger O-line in of their QB sooner instead of Now. Because if Shanny saw Jay in 2002 as a Frosh and went "he's a player to watch" he should have started to build an O-line so when come 2006 he could put a Fresh new O-line in front of his QB to give him the maximum protection. Then to start giving him weapons.


The thing is the Broncos WR wise got a few weapons. RB wise not so much. our RB core is patch work, nothings new just refurbished, 2nd rate products that barely met the requirements.





i normally like what you post, but there is some melodramatic intonation thats not really neccessary. you cant say the chiefs had a better draft than us just because the media does. did they get some top players yeah, but not one of these prospects has played in a game so we have no idea how to rate anyone from this draft classs untill they play a season. Shanny made some bad calls we all agree with that but i saw this offseason as the first time we realized we had to devlop this team and not just try to plug in some high priced FA. it sucks that it took till now, and yeah the pas tkind of sucks but you cant deny that we are trying to right the ship and that we are trying ti improve this team.


While we disagree with shannys decisions in the past i dont disagree with pick-ups this offseason while we didnt get that high name we got guys that will finally work for their paycheck rather than sit back and think they deserve one anyways. i have never seen such work ethic, motor, and charcter in any of shannahans draft we drafted no one that would think they are just that good, we drafted guys that will bring the TEAM concept to a
new level. I see no fault with any of the picks we obatined at all.