Broncos' like a late-round backfield - So Do I!

[dare2bme]

Ok, so anyone that has read any of my recent rants is already aware that I'd be willing to give away a 1st or 2nd round pick to get Michael Turner. However, I recognize that I am insane, so I wanted to give a good alternative.

I disagree with many on this board and don't think we should take a high draft pick to get a running back from the draft because I just don't see an "elite" player sitting out there at our pick.

Before you start fighting, I'm not saying that Bush, Hunt, Peterson, Lynch, Pittman SUCK, but I am saying that I don't think they are worth OUR pick this year.

So, in an effort to come up with a solution, I did some searching for players that may have fallen through the media cracks, but still excel.

As far as our running game is concerned, I think our problems at RB are both HB and FB, so this thread will address both of those with LATE round or URFA picks.

I'll give a little info on them and their stats, but I've seen only a couple of highlights from either of these players, so post something about them if you have anything.

For FB, I think we can get our need for an instinctive back with some rough edges and out-of-the-backfield catching abilities by drafting:

Jemal Pittman, FB, Jackson State

His measurables:

6'2", 240, 4.72s forty

Now for the only Scouting Report I found on him. I'll have to type it because I'm not able to load the image.

Strongpoints:

Pittman is a well-rounded fullback who did a solid job of contributing to the JSU offense as a lead blocker, inside runner and receiver out of the backfield. He is not a smash mouth lead blocker and does consistently eliminate his man because of his flexibility. He is sure-handed, strong ball carrier who follows blockers very well, stays right on their hip and fights for as many yards as is possible. Pittman has surprisingly good hands while catching the ball out of the backfield and he does a very good job of reaching away from his body to pluck the ball to make tough catches seem easy. He definitely is a good receiver out of the backfield for a fullback. He's sometimes lined up at tailback and shows great vision and footwork while hitting the hole.

Weakpoints:

He's not a consistently aggressive lead blocker, and at times he'll run into a defender without delivering a real blow. While he runs hard with the ball, he struggles to consistently break tackles and lacks explosiveness and playing speed to score long touchdowns or make big plays.

Summary:

Overall, with his size, strength, competitiveness and solid versatility, he'll be a very good free-agent signing who'll have to play big on special teams in order to have a good shot in the NFL. He has room to grow into a decent fullback in the NFL but a team must take some time to groom his skills.

As for HB, I think this is a little tougher, but my choice is from another small school. I am (as I have said in the past) against drafting players from small schools early in the draft. I think there is too much risk! However, late in the draft you are always taking shots in the dark, so might as well go for physical tools and see if it can be molded and utilized at the pro level.

Here is my selection for HB:

Alonzo Coleman, RB, Hampton University

Measurables:

5'9", 203lbs, 4.41s forty

His career stats:

Career Statistics
Year GP Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds TD
2003 11 239 1,137 4.8 18 6 12 0
2004 12 225 1,133 5.0 13 11 98 2
2005 12 204 1,326 6.5 19 7 33 0
2006 11 158 1,052 6.7 12 3 28 0
Totals 46 826 4,648 5.6 62 27 171 2

One final comment. NFL Draft countdown lists Coleman as 5'11" not 5'9", so we'll have to see how big he actually is.

These 2 players are very likely to make it into the later rounds if not fall to URFA.
Either way, I think they would both make good additions to the team and be able to assist our running game and free up our higher draft picks for the important spots of DE/DT.

Thoughts?

[lancane]

Ok, so anyone that has read any of my recent rants is already aware that I'd be willing to give away a 1st or 2nd round pick to get Michael Turner. However, I recognize that I am insane, so I wanted to give a good alternative.

I disagree with many on this board and don't think we should take a high draft pick to get a running back from the draft because I just don't see an "elite" player sitting out there at our pick.

Before you start fighting, I'm not saying that Bush, Hunt, Peterson, Lynch, Pittman SUCK, but I am saying that I don't think they are worth OUR pick this year.

So, in an effort to come up with a solution, I did some searching for players that may have fallen through the media cracks, but still excel.

As far as our running game is concerned, I think our problems at RB are both HB and FB, so this thread will address both of those with LATE round or URFA picks.

I'll give a little info on them and their stats, but I've seen only a couple of highlights from either of these players, so post something about them if you have anything.

For FB, I think we can get our need for an instinctive back with some rough edges and out-of-the-backfield catching abilities by drafting:

Jemal Pittman, FB, Jackson State

His measurables:

6'2", 240, 4.72s forty

Now for the only Scouting Report I found on him. I'll have to type it because I'm not able to load the image.



As for HB, I think this is a little tougher, but my choice is from another small school. I am (as I have said in the past) against drafting players from small schools early in the draft. I think there is too much risk! However, late in the draft you are always taking shots in the dark, so might as well go for physical tools and see if it can be molded and utilized at the pro level.

Here is my selection for HB:

Alonzo Coleman, RB, Hampton University

Measurables:

5'9", 203lbs, 4.41s forty

His career stats:



One final comment. NFL Draft countdown lists Coleman as 5'11" not 5'9", so we'll have to see how big he actually is.

These 2 players are very likely to make it into the later rounds if not fall to URFA.
Either way, I think they would both make good additions to the team and be able to assist our running game and free up our higher draft picks for the important spots of DE/DT.

Thoughts?

Not like I do not see your points, which are all valid...there is latter round talent that could be much more then anyone realizes, but put yourself in Shanahan's shoes, in all the years coaching here, he has had two backs which have both raised the level of the offensive play - Davis and Portis, yes we can fill in anyone and do fine, but that edge we had with them is not there with others and it really does not strike opposition to gameplan around such athletes, Anderson did well...but no one feared him, same with many other backs we have had. Portis and Davis both brought that to this team...

I really do not see us walking out of the first day without a halfback, and we may grab a possible fullback in the second day. If we go with a second day halfback then there are some interesting prospects in Clifton Dawson, Thomas Clayton, Selvin Young, Ahmad Bradshaw, Ronnie McGill, Eldra Buckley, Courtney Lewis, Alvin Banks and Alonzo Coleman. I just do not think Shanahan will wait to get his halfback, not after last year.

[dare2bme]

Agreed

Not like I do not see your points, which are all valid...there is latter round talent that could be much more then anyone realizes, but put yourself in Shanahan's shoes, in all the years coaching here, he has had two backs which have both raised the level of the offensive play - Davis and Portis, yes we can fill in anyone and do fine, but that edge we had with them is not there with others and it really does not strike opposition to gameplan around such athletes, Anderson did well...but no one feared him, same with many other backs we have had. Portis and Davis both brought that to this team...

I really do not see us walking out of the first day without a halfback, and we may grab a possible fullback in the second day. If we go with a second day halfback then there are some interesting prospects in Clifton Dawson, Thomas Clayton, Selvin Young, Ahmad Bradshaw, Ronnie McGill, Eldra Buckley, Courtney Lewis, Alvin Banks and Alonzo Coleman. I just do not think Shanahan will wait to get his halfback, not after last year.

I do agree that Shanahan likes to have a back that needs to be respected. I also agree that our running game was treated as an afterthought last year and a good part of the year before. Teams have gameplanned to stop the rollout and ignore play-action knowing that our backs wouldn't make it to the second level MOST of the time.

I also must admit that other than Coleman and Dawson, I know very little about the remaining late-round backs. However, the early backs really don't look like stars to me and therefore aren't worth the early picks. Backs like Hunt and Pittman really do seem like they'll be backups and special teams players unless they go to Cleveland, Baltimore, Oakland or NY(a or b).

As far as full-back (the less sexy of the positions) you can usually fill the role without spending a heavy draft price and I think Pittman, J would be a great fit for us (mostly because of our proclivity and his ability to catch out of the backfield). Since Howard Griffith left we haven't had a "smash-mouth" fullback and I think that works for us, so we should exploit the position for better "out of the backfield" abilities.

So, overall we could benefit from the backs I talked about IF Shanahan decides we need to focus our first day picks on defensive talent. If he does decide to take a back early, I don't know why he wouldn't want to take a shot for Turner (who you don't like).

As far as this years TOP rookies, Peterson will be long gone and is too tall for my taste, Lynch would be an expensive choice because we'd most likely have to trade up and lose one of our extra 3rd rounders and Bush still hasn't got my vote because he busts my height rule AND is a little too slow for the Big Show (with flashbacks of Ron Dayne in my head).

We'll see how it turns out, but I'd much rather use our high picks on good trades or the other side of the ball.

[socalorado1]

QUOTE
Ok, so anyone that has read any of my recent rants is already aware that I'd be willing to give away a 1st or 2nd round pick to get Michael Turner. However, I recognize that I am insane, so I wanted to give a good alternative.

Your not crazy, it just would cost the team alot. I as well think that this is the Broncos best way to "FIX" the current RB issues. ( YES, there are issues)
Or giving up a 2nd and Tatum/Plummer/Foster/underachiever for Cedric Benson is something that makes much more sense to me ( but wont happen) unless we really pryed him away. With our system, both these guy would be a beast. This years RBs are weak in the draft, and the Broncos have HUGE issues with the DL. Moderate issues with Safety that have to be addressed. Have you seen the thread on Nate Ilaoa?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3JMq0FLpb9I

http://youtube.com/watch?v=L9UbZGh1aHc

Here are his highlights from the previous thread posted by RELEASETHEBEAST

[EMB123903]

wait a minute, you actually think KENNY IRONS will go in the 1st round? man I cant explain to you how crazy that sounds, seeing theres 3-4 backs better than him, Ive said since day ONE that Kenny Irons would be a good fit in this message Boards, And I thought it was you who said Injury was a big question, now you have a picture of him with 1st round under it on your Profile? just crazy Lancane...

[lancane]

wait a minute, you actually think KENNY IRONS will go in the 1st round? man I cant explain to you how crazy that sounds, seeing theres 3-4 backs better than him, Ive said since day ONE that Kenny Irons would be a good fit in this message Boards, And I thought it was you who said Injury was a big question, now you have a picture of him with 1st round under it on your Profile? just crazy Lancane...

You are not very well educated in manners nor in athletic talent are you? I hate to be rude, but I may have said their are questions with his health, but he has been on par to rise and he has if you actually listen and pay attention he is rising faster then any in the halfback class this year. He was slated to be the top halfback this draft, till he had an off year, that is a fact. He had a great Senior Bowl week and is going strong, as is his brother David, both whom had Denver's eye during the week. He is drawing comparisons to both Portis and Barber, why would Denver not be interested? The fact you do not even know he has entered the void to become a 1st Rounder again means to me you are not listening to the draft gurus even on the net or elsewhere, Mayock who is the NFL Draft Expert has Irons rising and maybe becoming a surprise pick in the top round.

I am not saying there is not other talent, I would be all for Lynch or even Peterson...but we are likely not in the running for either, that along with Irons has surpassed Pittman and Bush on most boards makes him a latter first round favorite. I watched Irons and the one thing that stood out was his heart, something Denver admires greatly, he made some great moves and ran well, if it is true that any halfback can succeed here in Denver, then it is possible Denver will take Irons, the New York Giants, Jets and even Baltimore are interested in him, they could actually decide to take him before we can.

[utebroncofan]

I for 1 would not like the Broncos to trade up for Lynch or draft Irons.I would much rather see the Broncos take a chance on a bigger physical back.The Broncos have had success with unknown bigger backs like Droughns and Anderson and I question Irons ability to get tough yrds between the tackles inside the 5 which was a big problem for the Broncos this year.

[JayCutler06]

I think we should pass on both irons and lynch and take gary russell from minn. this kid does have first round talent just couldnt make the grades. i cant wait for the combine when this kid runs his vary fast 40 time

[BigBroncLove]

I know almost everyone but Topscribe won't even come close to agreeing with me (and then I bet topscribe might not either), but I like Chris Henry as a late round grab at RB.

At 6'0 227 lbs, and he runs a 4.4, I don't think physical speciemens get much better. Unfortunately he is not the most elegant orater, and perhaps not the sharpest mind, so he may take some development, but the speed that this guy runs with, and the power he shows makes me really want him to see what our great RB coaching staff can do with a kid like that.

[lancane]

I for 1 would not like the Broncos to trade up for Lynch or draft Irons.I would much rather see the Broncos take a chance on a bigger physical back.The Broncos have had success with unknown bigger backs like Droughns and Anderson and I question Irons ability to get tough yrds between the tackles inside the 5 which was a big problem for the Broncos this year.

You question what? I think more or less we had a bigger problem having big runs, we have gotten worse and worse since Portis left about the big run! Dayne had the longest of the season two years ago, that is sad that the biggest questionable back we had actually did what our top backs could not. Kenny Irons, Marshawn Lynch or even Peterson bring that big run capability here. The run scheme in Denver is not pounding it out every run, the reason why we use lighter lineman like fullbacks is so that the line opens a hole for a back to breakout into a long run, we usually end up pounding away as long as we continue to run. This is the same argument for Plummer! What counts - the ability to be accurate and throw long or short, or to be inacurate down the field and only capable on rollouts? The same goes for a running back, Shanahan wants a back that can do it all or break into stride and break long runs, something Tatum looked promising at when we drafted him, but he had his shot!

[lancane]

I think we should pass on both irons and lynch and take gary russell from minn. this kid does have first round talent just couldnt make the grades. i cant wait for the combine when this kid runs his vary fast 40 time

He is one of my top backs, so I am not against him coming here...but I do question his football smarts, with how complex Denver's system is. If he would have stayed in school and had passable grades, Russell would likely be above Lynch as far as the consensus rankings.

My top 10:
A. Peterson (Oklahoma)
M. Lynch (California)
K. Irons (Auburn)
B. Jackson (Nebraska)
G. Russell (Minnesota)
C. Dawson (Harvard)
T. Clayton (Kansas)
D. Walker (Notre Dame)
A. Pittman (Ohio St.)
S. Young (Texas)

[broncolee]

Just give me the RB with the most potential available at our pick. He's likely to be found in the first or second round. I don't want Shanahan to stretch for one anymore than necessary. I wouldn't mind if he trades up for one either.

[WABronco]

I like useful late-round backs too...especially when we have an established starter to go along with him.

[dogfish]

You question what? I think more or less we had a bigger problem having big runs, we have gotten worse and worse since Portis left about the big run! Dayne had the longest of the season two years ago, that is sad that the biggest questionable back we had actually did what our top backs could not. Kenny Irons, Marshawn Lynch or even Peterson bring that big run capability here. The run scheme in Denver is not pounding it out every run, the reason why we use lighter lineman like fullbacks is so that the line opens a hole for a back to breakout into a long run, we usually end up pounding away as long as we continue to run. This is the same argument for Plummer! What counts - the ability to be accurate and throw long or short, or to be inacurate down the field and only capable on rollouts? The same goes for a running back, Shanahan wants a back that can do it all or break into stride and break long runs, something Tatum looked promising at when we drafted him, but he had his shot!

this is a good point-- one that people around here too often ignore. . . shanny's MO has never been the ol' 3 yards up the middle and a cloud of dust-- he wants to get explosive plays from the running game. . . . people who are longing for us to turn into baltimore or pittsburgh are probably going to be disappointed, cause shenanigans doesn't give a rip what fans want. . . i don't doubt that he'd take a bigger back-- IF the guy is fast also. . . . if you look at the backs he's taken on the 1st day, it's pretty clear that he values speed over raw power-- tatum and portis are the prototype, and i personally think that if he takes a 1st day back this year it will once again be somebody in that mold-- lynch and irons seem like the most likely choices to me, or possibly pittman. . .

[JayCutler06]

He is one of my top backs, so I am not against him coming here...but I do question his football smarts, with how complex Denver's system is. If he would have stayed in school and had passable grades, Russell would likely be above Lynch as far as the consensus rankings.

My top 10:
A. Peterson (Oklahoma)
M. Lynch (California)
K. Irons (Auburn)
B. Jackson (Nebraska)
G. Russell (Minnesota)
C. Dawson (Harvard)
T. Clayton (Kansas)
D. Walker (Notre Dame)
A. Pittman (Ohio St.)
S. Young (Texas)

well thats your appinion about his smarts. list list goes on an on about players that couldnt make the grades BUT were hella good football players. people talk about how good moronary was heres somthing to think about 1.moronary had over a 100 more carries then russell and only had 300 more yards then russell did no matter how you try to spin it russell produces. and he had 10 more TD then moronary with the same line. russell was minn goaline back and in key plays moronary was on the bench and russell was getting the carries. after the combine youll see his draft stock skyrocket. what makes me say this 1 very good speed 2 russell might be the best between the tackle runner in the draft 3 catches the ball vary vary well out of the backfield 4 good size for a RB. now i hope he kept himself in good shape. everything ive read from the papers in the cities is he has