Prior to Elway's departure, there were a few years where the Broncos were a dominating franchise. After Elway left, it wasn't until Manning's return where the Broncos became a team of national recognition again. I'm sure when many of us remember the great Broncos, we think of those years. Sure, there were some other brief moments of those brackets in time where we thought the Broncos were at that level, but from what I can remember (my Broncos fandom originating from the end of the Elway era), nothing was really like those years I mention.
So, if you sort of agree, or at least kind of want your great Broncos back, how would you do it? I see these snippets of, "we should do this with Lock", or "we should get this CB this draft at #9". But, I don't hear much of what to do beyond that.
My 2 cents:
I haven't covered it all, but I'm sure many are bored to tears by now or are saying, "what an idiot!"
So, what's your plan, if you have one?
So, if you sort of agree, or at least kind of want your great Broncos back, how would you do it? I see these snippets of, "we should do this with Lock", or "we should get this CB this draft at #9". But, I don't hear much of what to do beyond that.
My 2 cents:
- Always a firm believer that the cornerstone of a dynasty is its HOF capable QB. Build around that guy, and target him first when you're down, because the draft position of poor teams are close to the place in the draft where the likelihood of getting a very good QB is greatest.. Building elsewhere on the team and trying to win with Case Keesum (LOL) isn't a plan for a dynasty.
- Trade up with Miami to get that #2 pick and get Wilson. Given what the #2 is worth and what the #9 is worth, giving up the #9 and the 2nd round pick this year and next is an equivalent. Maybe throw in a later round next year, if necessary, or offer Von. So, the team doesn't give up much draft capital. If it isn't working out year 1 (probably won't....since QBs tend to take at least that first year), chances are the team will unfortunately have another top 1st round pick next year, and you can do it again as your back-up plan in case your first guy doesn't pan out by end of 2nd year or early year 3.
- Make sure you re-sign at least one, if not more Broncos at each major part of the team (e.g., defensive backfield, defensive front, LB positions, offensive line, WR and/or TE). These players would be the draftees that showed they can constantly contribute, which includes heart, health, and talent. I don't care if when that guy is turning FA the team has to pay a premium, since by the time the following year comes, someone will be getting paid more. Sign that guy for another 4 years. sooner than later, just in case you can get a bit of a discount. Simmons is a great example of a guy who has earned his place to anchor the defense.
- Spend to the cap limit, and maybe even a little beyond. The teams with the greatest cap space are pretty much the worst teams in the NFL. The teams with the deepest cap problems are mostly post season contenders. Go look at the list. That doesn't mean throw money at any player who is a free agent because you think you can turn him around here. James is a great example (that'd be Ju'wuan James, in case you don't remember because of his invisibility).
- Draft guys who show heart, health, integrity, and football prowess before flat out talent. The team needs leaders and depth as much, if not more, than it does a fast 40.
- Player order of importance during the rebuild is QB, offensive line (both pass protect and road graders), pass rush and run D. Offensive guys seem tougher to fit in the NFL, whereas defensive players are easier to spot.
I haven't covered it all, but I'm sure many are bored to tears by now or are saying, "what an idiot!"
So, what's your plan, if you have one?
Comment