Denver's Day One

[MindField]

Here are my current thoughts on the Draft as it stands right now....of course it will probably change, it always does...I also think we will be adding some extra pix for the services of Jake Plummer, Tatum Bell and George Foster, so stay tuned.

2007 Day One Draft:

1.) #25 DE Adam Carriker, Nebraska 6'6"-298
I have seen some Mock's here with this guy as a third rounder. Won't happen. You just don't see many guys this big and athletic. The Combine will cement Carriker as a solid No. 1 pick. To me, the Broncos should try to fill the most difficult postions of need first, and big, strong-side DE's are few and far between. Carriker is an unusually athletic big man that could give us the strong-side presence we have been lacking since Trevor Pryce was in his prime. Carriker is also a solid character guy and a hard worker, and would probably start from Day One.

Runner Up: OT Tony Ugoh, Arkansas 6'5"-308. Dominant run-blocker and a tremendous athlete would fit nicely on the O-line, and provide the future at LT when Lepsis is done.

2.) #57 OT Ryan Harris, Notre Dame. 6'5"-298
Left tackle is too critical of a position to ignore, and we can't risk the health of our brilliant young franchise QB to chance (or Erik Pears). Harris was once considered a solid first round talent, but has struggled at times during his Sr. season. Still, he has the feet and athletic qualities we look for on the O-Line, and will come ready for the NFL having prepped under Charlie Weiss' system, and blocking for Brady Quinn's backside.

Runner's up: 1.) RB Kenny Irons, Auburn 5'11"-203
This kid could be an interesting pick if he slides down this far, but hey, this is about where we got Portis, so it could happen....or
2.) DT Marcus Thomas, Florida 6'2"-292
This pick would be a gamble, but with the Broncos solid veteran core, he could flourish and be a complete steal at the bottom of the second round. Still, Shanahan and Co. may view him as too much of a risk, so this would still have to be considered a long-shot, but sometimes you have to gamble on greatness.

3.) a. (From Washington) DT Kareem Brown, Miami 6'5"-308
This guy was a disappointment this season for the Hurricanes, and is still pretty raw around the edges, but he has tremendous athletic skills, and thus pretty good upside. He would likely take a year or two to develop, but Michael Myers will likely be re-signed anyway, so Brown would make a good understudy until he is ready.

3.) DE Larry Birdine, Oklahoma 6'4"-255
Maybe a bit pre-mature to confirm him here as a first-day pick, but I think he has potential to be a solid NFL pass rusher, ala Reggie Hayward. His final Draft position will be determined with the offseason workouts. But I like his burst off the edge.


Thoughts?

[JoRo]

Not bad, I wouldnt be too upset with that one as Carik can play both dt and end and would bring some versatility back. I donno bout the tackle cuz most likley he will sit next year at least and possibly a few more cuz Lepsis just resigned didn't he? So unless he doesn't come back strong next year we prolly have both tackles. (That is it Pears can play Right side as well)

[emac87]

I like the 1st pick. I'm a Husker fan and I have watched him for the last few years and he has a big motor. But what's surprising is how agile and athletic he is for being so big. I would love to have this guy on our team. Kenny Irons might be a good pick but I don't know if he's worth a 2nd rounder. I would love to get a back in the 220 lb range. We definitely need a safety in the first day. That is a priority in my opinion

[MindField]

Yeah

I like the 1st pick. I'm a Husker fan and I have watched him for the last few years and he has a big motor. But what's surprising is how agile and athletic he is for being so big. I would love to have this guy on our team. Kenny Irons might be a good pick but I don't know if he's worth a 2nd rounder. I would love to get a back in the 220 lb range. We definitely need a safety in the first day. That is a priority in my opinion

I expect we will add more picks and add some Safety help.

As a Husker fan, what do you think of DE Jay Moore? I have really been impressed with him in the games that I have watched.

[MindField]

Lepsis

Not bad, I wouldnt be too upset with that one as Carik can play both dt and end and would bring some versatility back. I donno bout the tackle cuz most likley he will sit next year at least and possibly a few more cuz Lepsis just resigned didn't he? So unless he doesn't come back strong next year we prolly have both tackles. (That is it Pears can play Right side as well)

Lepsis is a question, so we need depth there.

[Morambar]

If we resign Myers I hope it's as a sub.

And a deep one at that. DT is still a bigger need in my book than DE; we have two starter quality ends and a good specialist rusher, but we have jack at DT besides Gerard Warren. I still believe our ends would look better and so would Warren if we had another good DT to replace Myers. Everyone says this draft is deep at DE, and we have three good DEs, minimum, so I wouldn't take one with our top pick when we need DT so much more. Also, Lang is a ten year and Ekuban and eight year vet, while Dumervil's a rookie, so we should be good for at least 3+ years; we need DT now and will continue to until we fill that need. Even with a good FA pickup we'd still need a better sub than Veal or Myers.

And I still feel the same way about offensive tackles versus guards; we can speculate about whether Lepsis will be back, but either way we'll still have Pears and Meadows as quality guards. At guard we have Hamilton unless he has to take the place of a retired Nalen, and then, however good they may or may not be (and they're apparently not better than the wretched Carlisle) we have a rookie and a sophomore to start at one or possibly two guard positions. Again, in the immediate future guard is a greater need. Lepsis has ten years on him, but Nalen has more and less certain backups (other than Hamilton, who can't so much meet that need as create a new one; ) I'd take a guard first, though a tackle in a later round for when Lepsis does leave wouldn't be bad. But a guard first.

I'll be watching the Cotton Bowl to check on Irons, but unless he can pass block and last the season I'm not too interested. Anyone who can't provide blocking and endurance is no better than Mike Bell, and maybe not as good. I'd rather get a FA here and draft a NT than the reverse, because a FA back is a known quantity who'd come with NFL pass blocking skills.

Other than that I'm pretty flexible and agreeable with anything, though I'd take a SS before a FS because we don't really have any besides Lynch and Fergie, while we have a plethora of fast strong tackling CBs with good coverage abilty. I also wouldn't mind an OLB in a later round, someone to learn and backup Al for a few years and then switch into a 3-4 OLB with D.J. in a few years (or Chucky if D.J. can't gain 5-10 lbs. and pass rush. ) Our LBs are good, but we don't have much depth, especially if Al gets hurt again, and if we get a NT to start with Warren behind him plus a good OLB prospect we'd be in good shape to switch to a 3-4 after next year, only needing another starting ILB and a backup LB or two.

[Anikai]

Adam Carriker is a monster.....I would love to have him playing 4 us on Sundays.....

[MindField]

Well

And a deep one at that. DT is still a bigger need in my book than DE; we have two starter quality ends and a good specialist rusher, but we have jack at DT besides Gerard Warren. I still believe our ends would look better and so would Warren if we had another good DT to replace Myers. Everyone says this draft is deep at DE, and we have three good DEs, minimum, so I wouldn't take one with our top pick when we need DT so much more. Also, Lang is a ten year and Ekuban and eight year vet, while Dumervil's a rookie, so we should be good for at least 3+ years; we need DT now and will continue to until we fill that need. Even with a good FA pickup we'd still need a better sub than Veal or Myers.

And I still feel the same way about offensive tackles versus guards; we can speculate about whether Lepsis will be back, but either way we'll still have Pears and Meadows as quality guards. At guard we have Hamilton unless he has to take the place of a retired Nalen, and then, however good they may or may not be (and they're apparently not better than the wretched Carlisle) we have a rookie and a sophomore to start at one or possibly two guard positions. Again, in the immediate future guard is a greater need. Lepsis has ten years on him, but Nalen has more and less certain backups (other than Hamilton, who can't so much meet that need as create a new one; ) I'd take a guard first, though a tackle in a later round for when Lepsis does leave wouldn't be bad. But a guard first.

I'll be watching the Cotton Bowl to check on Irons, but unless he can pass block and last the season I'm not too interested. Anyone who can't provide blocking and endurance is no better than Mike Bell, and maybe not as good. I'd rather get a FA here and draft a NT than the reverse, because a FA back is a known quantity who'd come with NFL pass blocking skills.

Other than that I'm pretty flexible and agreeable with anything, though I'd take a SS before a FS because we don't really have any besides Lynch and Fergie, while we have a plethora of fast strong tackling CBs with good coverage abilty. I also wouldn't mind an OLB in a later round, someone to learn and backup Al for a few years and then switch into a 3-4 OLB with D.J. in a few years (or Chucky if D.J. can't gain 5-10 lbs. and pass rush. ) Our LBs are good, but we don't have much depth, especially if Al gets hurt again, and if we get a NT to start with Warren behind him plus a good OLB prospect we'd be in good shape to switch to a 3-4 after next year, only needing another starting ILB and a backup LB or two.

We need a legit strong-side DE as well. Ekuban, Lang, Engleberger, et al are undersized ends. That's why I like Carriker. I agree we need DT's as well, but this appears to be a pretty deep draft on the D-Line at both positions. Getting Carriker in the first and Marcus Thomas in the second would be a coup.

Kenny Irons is a superb back, but he has been dinged up too much, which is why he will slide into the second round. Sometimes these backs learn to condition themselves better and get stronger as they gain experience, and if he does that, Irons will be a dynamic Pro back. Plus, Mike Bell would be here to team with Irons. Overall, I would not be unhappy with taking Irons in the second round; he has alot of talent.

Another player I would like to see the Broncos draft would be Wyoming SS John Wendling. I would love to have him get a year as an understudy to John Lynch.

If you like Guards, Auburn's Ben Grubbs looks like a Bronco Guard if ever I saw one.

As far as the infamous mid-round RB's, keep an eye on BYU's Curtis Brown. He can run and is a good receiver out of the backfield.

[jhns]

I expect we will add more picks and add some Safety help.

As a Husker fan, what do you think of DE Jay Moore? I have really been impressed with him in the games that I have watched.

Moore is a beast. He was just overlooked a bit because of who he played on the other side of. If he drops to the third round I would love to get him and Carriker for the Bronco line. They are both big and can both do just about everything. I would love to see us get that big of a d-line though. The run should be stopped a lot more and if anything we could just start pushing o-lines to the QB.

[MindField]

Yeah

Moore is a beast. He was just overlooked a bit because of who he played on the other side of. If he drops to the third round I would love to get him and Carriker for the Bronco line. They are both big and can both do just about everything. I would love to see us get that big of a d-line though. The run should be stopped a lot more and if anything we could just start pushing o-lines to the QB.

I thought so too...I would not mind drafting both Carriker and Moore. Both are effort guys that will give you an honest days work.

[Morambar]

How big is Carriker?

We need a legit strong-side DE as well. Ekuban, Lang, Engleberger, et al are undersized ends. That's why I like Carriker. I agree we need DT's as well, but this appears to be a pretty deep draft on the D-Line at both positions. Getting Carriker in the first and Marcus Thomas in the second would be a coup.

Kenny Irons is a superb back, but he has been dinged up too much, which is why he will slide into the second round. Sometimes these backs learn to condition themselves better and get stronger as they gain experience, and if he does that, Irons will be a dynamic Pro back. Plus, Mike Bell would be here to team with Irons. Overall, I would not be unhappy with taking Irons in the second round; he has alot of talent.

Another player I would like to see the Broncos draft would be Wyoming SS John Wendling. I would love to have him get a year as an understudy to John Lynch.

If you like Guards, Auburn's Ben Grubbs looks like a Bronco Guard if ever I saw one.

As far as the infamous mid-round RB's, keep an eye on BYU's Curtis Brown. He can run and is a good receiver out of the backfield.

'Cos Ekubans 275 isn't exactly tiny, though he is our biggest end. But my main concern is we have a number of gamers there, but NOBODY at tackle besides Warren. As long as the phrases "interior defensive line" and "Gerard Warren" are interchangable, you can forget about pass rush from our ends, 'cos there's too many free blockers to stop them.

If Irons can pass block, great, but if not we've just got another Mike or Tatum Bell.

We need guards, but I do have concerns about how quickly we can integrate a draft pick; we've had Myers for two years and he's not starting despite everyone raving about his overall ability. Same deal to a lesser extent with Kuper. We need at least one guard, but more and more I think it will have to be a FA that can start immediately, if that's possible.

I wouldn't mind drafting a SS to spend a few years as Lynchs understudy either, but to do that the first thing we have to do is move Lynch back to SS where he belongs and stick one of the many fast good tackling CBs we're trying at SS now at FS. As a FS Lynch gets beat too often, but as a SS he's a QBs nightmare.

[aberdien]

I love the Carriker pick, as a Husker fan.

I think Jay Moore would be a good pick too.

Next year look out for Brandon Jackson, one of the huskers running backs. See how productive he is, he played good from the Texas game and on.

[lancane]

Here are my current thoughts on the Draft as it stands right now....of course it will probably change, it always does...I also think we will be adding some extra pix for the services of Jake Plummer, Tatum Bell and George Foster, so stay tuned.

2007 Day One Draft:

1.) #25 DE Adam Carriker, Nebraska 6'6"-298
I have seen some Mock's here with this guy as a third rounder. Won't happen. You just don't see many guys this big and athletic. The Combine will cement Carriker as a solid No. 1 pick. To me, the Broncos should try to fill the most difficult postions of need first, and big, strong-side DE's are few and far between. Carriker is an unusually athletic big man that could give us the strong-side presence we have been lacking since Trevor Pryce was in his prime. Carriker is also a solid character guy and a hard worker, and would probably start from Day One.

Runner Up: OT Tony Ugoh, Arkansas 6'5"-308. Dominant run-blocker and a tremendous athlete would fit nicely on the O-line, and provide the future at LT when Lepsis is done.

2.) #57 OT Ryan Harris, Notre Dame. 6'5"-298
Left tackle is too critical of a position to ignore, and we can't risk the health of our brilliant young franchise QB to chance (or Erik Pears). Harris was once considered a solid first round talent, but has struggled at times during his Sr. season. Still, he has the feet and athletic qualities we look for on the O-Line, and will come ready for the NFL having prepped under Charlie Weiss' system, and blocking for Brady Quinn's backside.

Runner's up: 1.) RB Kenny Irons, Auburn 5'11"-203
This kid could be an interesting pick if he slides down this far, but hey, this is about where we got Portis, so it could happen....or
2.) DT Marcus Thomas, Florida 6'2"-292
This pick would be a gamble, but with the Broncos solid veteran core, he could flourish and be a complete steal at the bottom of the second round. Still, Shanahan and Co. may view him as too much of a risk, so this would still have to be considered a long-shot, but sometimes you have to gamble on greatness.

3.) a. (From Washington) DT Kareem Brown, Miami 6'5"-308
This guy was a disappointment this season for the Hurricanes, and is still pretty raw around the edges, but he has tremendous athletic skills, and thus pretty good upside. He would likely take a year or two to develop, but Michael Myers will likely be re-signed anyway, so Brown would make a good understudy until he is ready.

3.) DE Larry Birdine, Oklahoma 6'4"-255
Maybe a bit pre-mature to confirm him here as a first-day pick, but I think he has potential to be a solid NFL pass rusher, ala Reggie Hayward. His final Draft position will be determined with the offseason workouts. But I like his burst off the edge.


Thoughts?

Not bad MindField, not at all...the problem you and other posters are having is the 'Shanahan' factor, I think any analytical sounded mind could tell you that Shanahan is outside the box when it comes to the draft. I am unsure even who he might go after, one thing is for sure it is usually the lesser of those that have been predicted...Cutler, Williams, Pryce, Nash, O'Neil, Lelie and the list goes on. Though in the past three years his picks have been far more sound in the 1st Round then his whole tenure, give linebackers...which for some reason he can pick the best of em'!

So that is the key, and I for one believe with all the safety, defensive line or end predictions that we will see a few no names signed in free agency and I believe our top two picks will be offense, I really do...not sure why, other than I feel Denver is not offensively sound. There defense to me is more scheme issues then just personnel...I think our top four picks will cover the four areas of concern: RB, DT, OG, DE and any other picks will be used to target talent to needed or depth areas: OT, S, ST and maybe WR...not an easy task considering that the keys are in place to build this team into a championship long-term team (Cutler, Sapp, Scheffler, Walker, Marshall, Pears, Hamilton, Dumervil, Warren, Williams, Wilson, Bailey, Foxworth and so on...we need a little more, not alot, but those few weak spots are glaring!)

I really think Shanahan may trade out (If Lynch is gone) still, but if not I like the pick of Carriker who will likely become a tackle in our system, but only if they do not get Lynch. I sincerely think he is their big target in the draft, there are 'gem' running backs in the draft they may shoot for...but according to some Shanahan is most displeased with the running game, far more then anything and his O-Line is up there as well. I still think there are some athletes on the bubble to be traded: Tatum, Darrent and George in my mind may all be gone, I would like to keep George Foster and see what he can do at Right Guard, but if not then Guard will be primary need, a top all else, also the Lepsis issue may be a factor...his status will determine the route which we take. If Lepsis does not return then I do believe Pears will remain on the left side we will draft an eventual replacement for Meadows (injury prone), unless Foster is given the nod to remain...at tackle it is very unlikely, so I believe that right guard and depth is a need, unless Myers is willing to eventually take over the position but he is so utility it makes him an option at all positions. So there is a chance we may have more picks then anyone has thought, my friends who are analysts as well believe Denver could walk into the Draft with two more 3rd round picks and two second day picks, and one of out thirds will be gone, if not two to move up for Lynch... and I agree.

I see the draft breaking down like this on the first day (Excluding Trades):

1st Round:
Marshawn Lynch (Halfback) California

2nd Round:
Baraka Atkins (Defensive End) Miami

3rd Round - Via Washington:
Manuel Ramirez (Offensive Guard) Texas Tech

3rd Round:
Turk McBride (Defensive Tackle) Tennessee

***I do believe Denver will have four third round picks, one if not both will be traded up to move higher in round one, or I believe so. More likely one and Denver's 2008' first round pick***

[The Hamburgler]

Reggie Nelson from Florida. He is freaking Awesome.


Plus I want to go Reggie Reggie Reggie when he gets the ball

[BRONCO-BRIAN]

I see a slightly different picture for our O-line. Pears and Lepsis will be solid at tackle with Meadows for backup but I would like us to draft another tackle because I'm not sold on Meadows. Foster can hopefully get us a 3rd rd pick or help us move up some spots.

At guard I like who we have but pray we don't resign Carslile, he stinks. Hamilton can stay and Kuper or Myers can replace stinky. I would like us to also draft a guard for depth.

At center we got Nalen and Eslinger for backup. If Nalen does retire this year we can slide Myers in there until Eslinger is ready to take over.

We need to draft Defence!!! Lang, Ekuban, and Dumer are good but I think Moses might be around in the 1st and I would love to have him. He looks like the next John Abraham to me.

I would pass on Moses if Lsu safety Landry is around, I would even use Jake and our 1st to move up and get him if possible.

My theory is simple...go young, trim the fat, and draft your future.

FA's I would like to have next year.....qb-wright, rb-priest holmes(one year incentive contract), wr-wilford, dt-sands

Trades for draft picks plummer, t.bell, foster, brown

Retirees smith and maybe nalen

Not resigned or Notable cuts might be carlisle, morgan, engleberger, myers, burns, ferguson

My draft would go hopefully like this...

1 S (if landry still around)
2 DT/DE best avail
3a RB
3b DE/DT best avail
5 WR/KR
6 T
7 G

if Landry is gone I would go
1 DE/DT (hopefully Moses)
2 RB or S depending on who's on the board
3 RB or S whatever wasn't taken in 2nd
3b DE/DT
5,6,7 same as above.