So what do you guys think.....(draft)?

[TheMastermind]

Heck, ill even say in free-agency as well.....

Do you think Shanahan will strictly be picking up d-linemen in the draft and in free-agency?

Scheffler has been playing VERY well (and living up to what Shanahan wanted him to be).....so no need to get a tightend in the draft and fa?

Mike Bell is really stepping up as the star RB.....so no need to get a rb in the draft and fa?

Brandon Marshall is going to be a very nice #2 reciever.....so no need pick up a wr in the draft and fa?

I'm just wondering what Denver will be picking up in the offseason.....any thoughts?

[GoBroncos84]

Heck, ill even say in free-agency as well.....

Do you think Shanahan will strictly be picking up d-linemen in the draft and in free-agency?

Scheffler has been playing VERY well (and living up to what Shanahan wanted him to be).....so no need to get a tightend in the draft and fa?

Mike Bell is really stepping up as the star RB.....so no need to get a rb in the draft and fa?

Brandon Marshall is going to be a very nice #2 reciever.....so no need pick up a wr in the draft and fa?

I'm just wondering what Denver will be picking up in the offseason.....any thoughts?

DT, DE, S, OT

Those should be the priorities. A penetrating pass rusher to go alongside Warren in the middle, an every down rush end that can also play the run, a young athletic safety that can cover more terrain than lynch/ferguson, and an offensive tackle to provide depth or start and protect our golden boy QB.

[DjWilliams55]

Yeh i agree DL and Safety but I can say that Elvis Dumervil excites me every time he rushes the QB! We need a god run stopping tackle in my mind! Oh and i think Curome cox has played great in the absence of Ferguson but Lynch is getting old(despite his bad arse performance on Sunday) so we need a future replacement!

[The Hamburgler]

DL and Safety. We dont need a running back because Mike Bell has looked really good and will really push for the starting job next year.

[tommy1986]

I would bet anyone money that Shanahan will draft a RB this year. We do need one, Mike Bell wears down in games. Maybe he will be in better shape next season, but this season he's not ready to be a full-time starter. Plus, I don't think he is as good as a lot of people on this board do. The three big priorities are D-line (like it is every year), O-line (we need depth), S (very ramshackle position), and RB.

[TheMastermind]

I would bet anyone money that Shanahan will draft a RB this year. We do need one, Mike Bell wears down in games. Maybe he will be in better shape next season, but this season he's not ready to be a full-time starter. Plus, I don't think he is as good as a lot of people on this board do. The three big priorities are D-line (like it is every year), O-line (we need depth), S (very ramshackle position), and RB.

lol thats four ;)

[hilife]

Shanahan will use his picks on Defense and D-line because we really don't need much on offense. He used most of the picks draft on offense so what else is left. Ok RB, Tackle but he's not going to use the whole draft on RB and Tackle so be that means he has to go D and it will be D-line and safety.

[TheFuture6]

d-line is obviously a pressing issue. we need to revamp our front four, starting with a DT that can consistently get some penetration. we do need to look for a saftey to replace the ageless john lynch. but i think we still really need a RB. as much as i like mike bell and the energy he brings, we need a powerful downhill runner, and tater just doesnt cut it. michael turner anyone?

[Theonlymember]

I think we will pick up an FA RB. Rumor had it we wanted some RB's from other teams last year, so what's stopping us from trying to get another. Then hopefully DT, DE, OT, S, DE, DT.

I'm really likin' Woodley.

[Lorcust]

First Round: DE (Even with Ekuban playing well, he's.. 31? He can start as we ease in a replacement)

Second Round: Safety (possibly trading to move up, Michael Griffin maybe?)

Third Round (Skins): DT (Marcus Thomas or someone)

Third Round: OT (Doug Free)

Fourth Round: WR (someone to be a number 3 and I don't think Free would last late enough in the fourth)

Fifth Round: Safety, someone who has some speed and special teams ability.

Sixth Round: LB, special teamer pick

Seventh Round: RB, if any ones that drop late and fit our system like Mike Bell last year. At this point I won't lose sleep if we don't draft that right 7th round guy...


Free Agency:

Top Priorities: DL, S, Backup QB, TE

DL:
Best IMO:
Charles Grant (NO)

S:
Best IMO:
Ken Hamlin (SEA)

but:
Gibril Wilson (NYG)
Deon Grant (JAX)

wouldn't be bad either

Backup QB:
Best IMO:
Anthony Wright (Cinncinati)

but:
Patrick Ramsey (NYJ) wouldn't be bad either

TE: (Alexander is getting old and Scheffler still needs help in blocking)
Go for:
Daniel Graham (New England)

[Theonlymember]

^We don't have a 4th.

[24SuperChamp]

Who are the studs at DL coming out of college. I really believe a lot of D-Linemen are diamonds in the rough in the mid rounds (B.Berry). Look at our D-Line and what they did in college, all were expected to be great players in the NFL and still have the potential to be decent (have never played up to expectations) but aside from Julius Peppers a lot turn out be busts.

[silkamilkamonic]

I disagree about Mike Bell being the answer.

He's a formidable RB, but there are teams that will shut him out because of his lack of power.

I don't think we need to address RB with an early pick, but I do think Denver should look mid round for one, or maybe free agency if they feel they can get someone who would really fit their system.

The TBell MBell combo works well against most teams, but we need a more physical back against the more physical defenses.

[lancane]

Heck, ill even say in free-agency as well.....

Do you think Shanahan will strictly be picking up d-linemen in the draft and in free-agency?

Scheffler has been playing VERY well (and living up to what Shanahan wanted him to be).....so no need to get a tightend in the draft and fa?

Mike Bell is really stepping up as the star RB.....so no need to get a rb in the draft and fa?

Brandon Marshall is going to be a very nice #2 reciever.....so no need pick up a wr in the draft and fa?

I'm just wondering what Denver will be picking up in the offseason.....any thoughts?

No... Sincerely, I think we will see a mix, from the Free Agent Market; we will likely see one or two defensive lineman, a veteran quarterback -- I personally believe one of our past prospects maybe: Van Pelt or Mauck. We will also likely see a safety, a younger veteran like Ken Hamilton approached by the Broncos. Defensive lineman like Coleman from Dallas or Sands from Oakland would be top D-Lineman Denver may be interested in.

As far as the draft, look for Denver to manipulate it once again, I really do believe the first part of the draft will be offensive set, do not cringe at the idea though, I think Denver will end up with more picks to get more or better players. I think Denver will end up with an extra third, fourth and fifth round picks, so they will likely trade around here or there if they want to move up.

Denver if they kept their current draft (no trades) would look something like this...now remember they will likely add a defensive lineman or two in Free Agency.

1st Round (Via Trade):
Marshawn Lynch (Halfback) California

2nd Round:
Ben Grubbs (Offensive Guard) Auburn

3rd Round (From Washington):
Marcus Thomas (Defensive Tackle) Florida

3rd Round:
Baraka Atkins (Defensive End) Miami

5th Round:
Brandon Myles (Wide Receiver) West Virginia

6th Round:
Chase Johnson (Offensive Tackle) Wyoming

7th Round:
James Ihedigbo (Strong Safety) UMass

But I truly believe we may trade Darrent Williams and Tatum Bell for other picks, quite honestly I think Tatum may be headed to backup a veteran, cause Shanahan likes Mike Bell as our relief Running Back, I see him in Green Bay behind Green, or behind Turner who I believe will go to one of the New York teams. Darrent will be a bigger trade, I see him maybe being part of the moving up trade to acquire a higher pick in round one for Lynch, if Shanahan does not trade the 08' First Round Pick with this years to move up high enough: I think it may take both or all four to get Shanahan where he wants IMHO.

[kratos_godofwar]

I think that the Bronco's might go after Saftey Mike Lewis from the Eagles. He's a great tackler, he can defend passes and makes big hits. Eagles have been using him less, he might be a free agent next year.
In the Draft, I hope in the First Round we go either DT or RB. A DT who can generate pass rush and plug up the holes. Or a RB, only if Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch falls to our draft pick. Highly doubt it.
We should also go after a FB in FA or in the Draft, we need one who can block for who ever starts a RB next year.
In FA, I think we should try to go after Marion Baber. He's got great cutback ablity and great power and downhill running. I say we give a third for him.

[Buffalo118]

These are the players I would draft; positions not addressed would be met in FA.

1) RB/ FB Brian Leonard
Rutgers
Height: 6-1 Weight: 238
40 Time: 4.56
Projected Round: 2

Denvers running game hasn't been the same since Mike Anderson left. Plus, I believe top DE and DT will be gone by the time Denver's pick comes around.

2) DT Quinn Pitcock
Ohio State
Height: 6-3 Weight: 298
40 Time: 4.95
Projected Round: 2-3

3a) Josh Gattis FS/SS
Wake Forest
Height: 6-1 Weight: 212
40 Time: 4.49
Projected Round: 3

3b) K Mason Crosby
Colorado
Height: 6-1 Weight: 212
40 Time: 5.18
Projected Round: 3

17-of-19 from 49 yards on in; 89%


5) Daniel Sepulveda
Baylor
Height: 6-3 Weight: 223
40 Time: 4.62
Projected Round: 5

"Sepulveda's career punting average (45.24 yards per punt) is the best in the history of Division I football for players with at least 50 punts. He also established an NCAA record with 94 career punts of 50-plus yards" (NFL Draft Scout, 2006).

6) OT Mike Otto
Purdue
Height: 6-5 Weight: 305
40 Time: 5.12
Projected Round: 6


7) DT Paul Soliai DT/OG
Utah
Height: 6-4 Weight: 325
40 Time: 5.32
Projected Round: 7

[broncsyanks]

ok i have to chime in here on this one.

as far as free agents go-- asanti sammuelCB free agent

jared allen RFA.
dwight freeney UFA


as far as draft is concerned.--
we do have a 4th rounder. a high one from the lelie trade as well as a high 3rd rounder

1- DT the biggest best we can find. warren and myers really stink this year
2- OT to replace that foster guy
3- RB need a play maker here. thought about ahman green, but i dont htink he has enough in the tank
4- PR/KR/SAFETY OR CORNER
anything else i could care less

[DiehardinAlaska]

We only need a FB if Sapp isn't rehabbing well. Johnson is an adequate backup and can start for other teams but Sapp is dang good and improving every year. So if we go for a FB it has got to be in the second day or FA only!


Let's all pray that if we move up in this year's draft it is to get DEs or a playmaker at Safety. If #1 is a safety then the next 4 better be DL and OL.

[Buffalo118]

We only need a FB if Sapp isn't rehabbing well. Johnson is an adequate backup and can start for other teams but Sapp is dang good and improving every year. So if we go for a FB it has got to be in the second day or FA only!


Let's all pray that if we move up in this year's draft it is to get DEs or a playmaker at Safety. If #1 is a safety then the next 4 better be DL and OL.

Before Rice arrived Leonard played RB.

Our running game sucks when we have to pass on 3 and 2. Denver needs a physical RB. :rockon:

[Buffalo118]

Who's the most impresive D lineman that Denver has a chance of getting? Everyone one I see is a reach; I'd rather go for the most talented player in round 1 that fills Denver need at a position.

[Mile High Jedi]

I would agree with Buffalo, we could use good talent in almost every position, except QB and maybe TE.

[silkamilkamonic]

Before Rice arrived Leonard played RB.

Our running game sucks when we have to pass on 3 and 2. Denver needs a physical RB. :rockon:


Leonard isn't quick enough, or elusive enough to play RB in the NFL.

He will fill a nice hatchback role in the NFL, but we don't feature that role.

[Hawgdriver]

I would agree with Buffalo, we could use good talent in almost every position, except QB and maybe TE.
Agreed. We obviously have needs on the D-line and at safety, and the O-line has been a cause for concern too. But I think the winning formula is to go after best talent available as compared to the most pressing need. If you think that 'well, if we could only shore up the d-line, then we would be a Superbowl team', think again. Drafting to address a pressing need is dangerous because it can trap a team into a cycle passing on the more talented players it should draft to consistenly field a high quality team.

Drafting Cutler is a perfect example of how to draft...and Plummer was not on of the 'pressing needs' identified last year around this time.

My opinion is the Broncos have an adequate line if they can acquire a solid DT through FA or the draft. I think EE, Warren, (X), and a rotation of Lang and Dumerville/Chuckwaruh will be adequate next year.

I think the offensive line is as much of a concern as the RB is. Injuries and ineffectiveness have been a problem in both the running and passing game. I think the time is now to build a solid, legacy offensive line for Cutler and the next great running back. Next year the Bell offensive gets another go, unless we get gifted with a superstar sliding in the draft. Let's build a solid line for Cutler because offense has to be a concern after this season. Shanny is the offensive mastermind, right? So let's play to our strengths. RB next year unless a steal comes up.

The strategy for the draft this year is simple. Draft talent, acquire needs.

Don't need a QB, LB, or CB. Draft the best of what is available when it's your turn...with an eye toward linemen.

Considering the trade bait we have, and possible FA pickups, this could be another great offseason for the Broncos.

Some questions:

How is Kuper progressing?
Does Hamza Abdullah have a shot of replacing Lynch or is he a career special teamer?
What are our likely FA losses (except #16)?