Fixing The Broncos, Part's I-IV

[MindField]

Part I of a four part report.

That loss yesterday to Oakland was devastating.

That was at least the third loss in the AFC West for the Broncos, which means that if the Chargers can beat Oakland and KC coming up, all they have to do is get to seven wins, and have Denver at eight going into the last game of the season. Then beat the Broncos in SD.

Ouch!

Yesterday made me a cinic of these Broncos, yet again, and now I think that is exactly what will happen, 8-8.

Lose the Division to the Chargers, and second place...

...and let's say the 15th overall pick in the 2009 Draft.

Here's my take on the Broncos continued reconstruction in the 2009 offseason:

QB's
Obviously, Jay Cutler is the face of the franchise. Apart from needing to grow up a little bit, he has been everything any Broncos fan could have wanted when the Broncs traded up to get him. He has all the tools, and presumably, Shanahan to make him better. But make no mistake, Cutler is a true Super Bowl Championship calibur QB for the Broncos to build around, and when you have that, you are going to be in contention more often than not.
Patrick Ramsey will be a free agent, but I doubt anyone will make him a better offer than to collect a mil a year holding a clipboard. My guess is Denver re-signs him for two more years to be Jay's support, and don't be suprised if they take a flyer on soon-to-be released SF 49er, Alex Smith. Any draft possibilities at the QB position seem unlikely, as the QB crop coming out is a weak one.
Darelll Hackney is nothing more than camp fodder, but will probably be in camp again.


RB's
Injury and inexperience have held this unit back, and generally, the running game has been a weakness area for the Broncos Offense this season. It is my opinion that the Broncos have to be brilliant yet again in finding a RB in the third round and beyond, because overall, the best backs, ie Knowshown Moreno, are slightly-built guys that have shown they have difficulty staying healthy in the NFL with that body type, ie Selvin Young and Reggie Bush.
Selvin Young pretty much confirmed what scouts suspected. His slight build and injury history indicate it will keep him from ever being a No. 1 tailback.
He could, however, be a very strong No. 2. He has alot of the qualities you look for in a change-of-pace back, and on his good days, reminds me of a Chester Taylor-type. Ryan Torain was snakebit from the first week in camp, but or about a quarter and a half vs Cleveland, flashed what all Bronco fans wanted to see. At 6'1"-225, he has the size to be effective, but at this point, the Broncos cannot count on him, and have to have a backup plan. Michael Pittman is a free agent, and I would let him walk. Andre Hall would be camp fodder if he has another year on his deal, as would PJ Pope, who will probably be brought into camp next summer as well. I also want to see the Broncos promote Cory Boyd for the remainder of the season. Why not see what he's got?

Tatum Bell is a six week experiment, IMO, and I would not sign him to anything more than a one yr contract.

Solutions. I would not go into free agency looking to get a starting veteran tailback, unless that back is NY Giant free agent Derrick Ward. The Draft is where I would look to add a quality RB or two.

The first question is, do we use a first round pick to take Knowshon Moreno?
We certainly have had success with Georgia tailbacks, and Moreno would instantly give us a back on par with Darren McFadden, who to me is very similar. But drafting him in the middle of the first round means he would come much cheaper. I personally would not draft Moreno in the first round. However, if they do, I would hope for the best, because Moreno has superstar potential. If successfully paired with Ryan Torain, he could be very effective lightning to Torain's thunder. But to me, getting a LeShon McCoy (Pitt) in the second round, or a James Davis (Clemson) in the third would be more appealing. UConn's Donald Brown is interesting. Overall, the Broncos just need too much help on Defense not to use the first rounder on Defense.

Mindfield's call: I draft James Davis (5'11"-215) in the third round, and Colorado St.'s Gartrell Johnson (6'0"-232) with a fifth round pick. Davis is a prototypical NFL tailback, runs tough between the tackles, but has the speed to bounch outside. Not unlike another former Davis tailback that used to play around here. Johnson is a Mike Anderson type, and would be a legit hammer to fit with Davis, Young and Torian.

FB's
Peyton Hillis has a chance to revolutionize the FB position. He has the ability to pound the ball between the tackles with the run, and catch passes like a TE. I wish Shanahan would make it mandatory to throw a FB screen to him at least six times a game. Hillis is a wonderful FB to pair with any new tailback the Broncos come up with, and can be a very unique weapon.
Spencer Larsen is likely to have his FB duties reduced next year, as the Broncos will likely have him concentrate on being a special teams demon, and a solid backup MLB.

Mindfield's take: The Broncos will probably try to save a roster spot here and have Larsen as the backup to Hillis, although adding Pitt FB Conredge Collins (6'0"-238) in say the fourth round would be a personal favorite of mine. The guy just blows up LB's, and is a traditional NFL-style FB.

[MindField]

Part II

Part II Receivers/TE's

WR's
Brandon Marshall is a budding superstar, and should be a Pro Bowl calibur WR.
Inconsistent and immature, the mental side of the game, and the demands of being an NFL player remain his greatest obstacle. If he can get that together, he will be unstoppable. It's all up to 'Godzilla.'
Eddie Royal is a serious candidate for rookie of the year honors, and has been a great compliment
to Marshall. The sky is the limit for these two, and they can be as dynamic WR combo that is in the League for years to come.
Brandon Stokley is the perfect slot receiver to pare with the starters. But next year will probably be his last, as his body is breaking down from years of service, so another youngster has to be added.
IMO, that player should be Texas WR/KR Jordan Shipley. He is the perfect understudy to Stokley, and can return kicks, giving Royal a break from that duty.
Darrell Jackson is also near the end, but the Broncos might bring him to camp for depth.

Initally, I was hoping Ashley Lelie would have the desire to come back to Denver in the same manner as Tatum Bell. I was hoping that time and experience had humbled Lelie, and that he might consider the third WR role in Denver...

That was until yesterday, however, as Lelie pretty much squelched that idea. His performance almost guarantee's Al Davis will re-sign him in Oakland.

Drafting OU's Manuel Johnson would be a nice pick. He would add deep speed in the same role I envisioned for Lelie.

Overall, more depth is needed.

TE's
Daniel Graham remains the rock of stability for the Broncos, as they are seemingly always playing
WITHOUT Tony Scheffler. We know how talented Scheffler is, but he can't help the team in the trainers room, and that has been his deal for the three years he has been here. The Broncos can not afford to offer him an extension until he can prove he can stay healthy, so next year could be Schefflers last in Denver. Mike Leach has the job as the long-snapper...although I still don't know why he could not contribute as a FB, or backup TE, or something. At least David Diaz-Infante was a quality backup C/G when he was the snapper. Nate Jackson is another breakable player that can't make it through the season. Chad Mustard has probably earned himself another training camp.

Mindfield's take: Graham is the rock, and Scheffler is supposed to be sexy in the passing game, but drafting a player like Colorado St TE Kory Sperry (6'6"-252) would make him expendable.

Skill position conclusions:

Obviously, the Offense is built around Cutler and Marshall, and accentuated by the O-Line,
and quality complimentary players like Royal, Scheffler, Graham and Hillis.

The piece missing from the puzzle is a running game, so adding a RB through the draft on Day One, free agency, or both is an absolute necessity. The starters are set at WR and TE, so depth picks can be made in the middle rounds.

[MindField]

Part III

Part III, Lines of scrimmage

Offensive Line

C- If Tom Nalen retires, as expected, the Broncos will re-sign Casey Wiegmann to a one year deal. The real question is if Kory Lichtenstieger is the answer at the Center position down the road. Personally, I would not count on it.
My favorite draft choice of all would be for the Broncos to select Alabama C Antoine Caldwell. If you have not watched the Alabama O-Line, you may not understand why, but what they did to Clemson and Georgia was absolutley brutal, and Caldwell at 6'3"-305 is the centerpiece to the most dominant force in all of college football, IMO, the Alabama O-Line. The just jackhammer the hell out of teams.

RG- Currently manned by third year pro Chris Kuper, I believe Kuper has done a very good job, and I think he should be signed to a 5 yr ext., then moved to LG. Kuper (6'5"-304) played LG last season in Ben Hamilton's absence, and played very well. He graded out particularly well against Minnesota DT Kevin Williams, and he would be an updrade in size at LG. If that happens, a new RG would be needed, but RG's are the easiest position to come by on the O-Line, so my guess a draft choice could fill the void.

LG- I am done with Ben Hamilton. When combined with an undersized C like Wiegmann, they are exposed for the lack of push they get, especially in short yardage and goal-line. Kuper is the answer, IMO, at LG, and I would move him there and release Hamilton.

Lichtenstieger has also backed up at Guard, but more depth is needed. Practice squad guy Scott Erickson is too tall and lean at 6'6"-290 to make a roster.

LT- Ryan Clady. Pro Bowl(s). Enough said.

RT- Ryan Harris. The Broncos look at Harris and see Tony Jones. I still think Harris needs work on his run blocking, but has the feet to play OT, especially on the right-side, and has done an excellent job in pass protection.

Tyler Polumbus provides quality depth at both OT positions, and Erik Pears will probably sign with the Houston Texans.

Defensive Overview
Mike Shanahan is going to stick with Bob Slowik, and I think that is a good thing. Try to build some consistency and stability there. It's not tough to coach the style of defense teams like Tennessee, Jacksonville, and the NY Giants play, and that is what Bob Slowik knows.

Be what you are, Bob, a 4-3 Defensive football coach. That style has won many, many Super Bowls, including the ring you earned in Dallas coaching with Jimmy Johnson and Dave Wannstedt.
Get the players to run your system, and insist they fly around with great intensity and enthusiasm, and you will be OK...just make sure you scrap the 3-4 junk.


Defensive Line:

DT
The big question here in my mind is what to do with Dewayne Robertson and Kenny Peterson?
Peterson has been the best penetrating pass rush DT we have had over the last two years, and reminds me of the solid job Michael Myers did for the Broncos when he was here. The bottom line is, I think you can win with Kenny Peterson, and I would make him a stater. I give him a three year extension, and pair him with Marcus Thomas. I don't know what you get from keeping Dewayne Robertson. He is a two-down DT that can't run anymore. Personally, whatever he supposedly adds to the D-Line is lost on me. Why the Broncos aren't taking an extended look at Nic Clemons is beyond me.
Josh Shaw has been playing recently, and may get a one yr deal to return for a look in camp. Former
5th round draft pick Carlton Powell may be another good, young player that Jim Goodman has identified.

Marcus Thomas continues to improve, and 2009 could be his breakout year.

Solution: With the 15th pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, I think the Broncos have to give extended consideration to Mississippi DT Peria (pronounced per-eye-ah) Jerry (is there a more perfect name for a DT??), especially if Kenny Peterson is not re-signed. Jerry can play either DT spot, and would be great in a rotation with Thomas and Peterson and give the Broncos some quality depth, especially if Powell is a player. In any case, I expect the Broncos to add more player to the equasion.

DE's
LDE-To me, the most pressing issue is LDE. The Broncos have tried to get by in the past two years with John Engleberger, but at 6'4" and maybe 255lbs, the Broncos just give up too much on a physical level to Offensive football teams. So Ebenezer Ekuban has been starting there recently, and while he has been playing fairly well, would be in his 12th year next year, so the most I would offer him is a one year deal.
This was supposed to be Tim Crowder's job by now, but he can't even get himself to be activated,
so it is unlikely you can count on him to do anything, but this position is hard to come by. There just aren't alot of strong-side types in the draft, other than LSU DE Tyson Jackson (6'4"-291). Fifteen would likely be too high to select Jackson, but he could be the target if they traded down and added picks. Dallas DE Chris Canty would be an expensive free agent, but a mid-round prospect like USC DE Kyle Moore (6'6"-284) may be a solution.

RDE- The Broncos have started to use Engleberger here more as a substitute for Elvis Dumervil on
run downs, and Jarvis Moss is developing and is not going to be a complete bust. Once again the problem is their physical size; they are simply too small. Dumervil is a great third DE as a pass-rush specialist, but he should not be starting. Moss is also better suited as a backup pass rush type. If Dumervil and Moss could prove to be an effective combination as pass rush DE's, they could be special.
The problem is, both are better as backups, so if you extend Dumervil (and he is coming up on a new contract), maybe you could trade Moss. In any case, and new starting RDE is needed here.


That makes TWO new starting DE's, unless you want to go with Ekuban for another year at LDE, and spend another season to see if the light goes on for Tim Crowder.

[MindField]

Part IV

Part IV, Linebackers/Secondary/Special Teams

OLB- Suddenly, the Broncos have alot of options at OLB, and some very good
players.

DJ Williams was playing at a Pro Bowl level on the weakside before his injury. The problem is, Wesley Woodyard is playing so well in his absence, you have to wonder if DJ will be on the move again.

My friend MUG continues to insist DJ should be moved BACK to the MIKE, and all would be well.

I am not so sure...but what I don't understand is why DJ can't simply go back to the strongside?
He was a very solid player over there for two years, and while it is not a "playmaker" position, I always see Redskins OLB Marcus Washington making plays from the strongside, and he did the same with the Colts before that.

That would allow Woodyard to take over the weakside, and if the Broncos are drafting 15, they are back in the Brandon Spikes sweepstakes again.

I know this, as starting LB corp of Williams, Spikes and Woodyard would be too sweet.

Jamie Winborn provides great depth, as would players like Louis Green and Boss Bailey.

West Virginia OLB Morty Ivy (6'2"-244) is a prospect that could go in the middle rounds and make a team as a strongside type.

MLB
Spencer Larsen has proven he is a good football player that is too limited to start at the MIKE.
Nate Webster needs to leave with his helmet once and for all. Mario Haggan should be in next seasons camp, but won't make the team for anything other than special teams. Niko is another special teammer and nothing more.

The MLB position remains a huge void in the Defense. Until the Broncos get that position solidified,
they are going to contine to struggle against the run. That is why Spikes has to be a major consideration for the first round pick.

This could be the one position the Broncos do target in free agency in taking a look at Jonathan Vilma to pair again with DJ Williams, or if they go for a big splash, maybe Arizona's Karlos Dansby, but his contract will cost mucho deairo.$$$$$

Still, the role of the MLB is crucial, and has to be addressed.

CB's
Champ Bailey and Dre Bly are the starters, but both are over 30, and could be starting to wind down.
It will beinteresting to see if the Broncos go after Nhamdi Asomugha. Yes, he will cost a kings ransom, but you know Shanahan loves to stick it to Al Davis, so I still consider it a real possibility. He would also give them Champ and Nhamdi on the corner for the next few years, which would be awesome.
Jack Williams looks like a fourth corner, and Jacob Bell has show some good things. Paymah is as good as gone in free agency. In short, the Broncos need to think about the corners and prepare for life after Dre and Champ.

S's
Obviously, along with DE, the biggest need on the team. Marlon McCree should be put on IR now and Marquand Manuel should be cut. I would just go with Roderick Rogers at FS for the rest of the season, and mix in Josh Barrett with Calvin Lowry at SS. You have to see if they have anything to build on, or do the Broncos need a complete overhaul to the safety position? Yeremiah Bell is a personal favorite of mine, and would be a strong veteran presence to add in free agency, along with Missouri's William Moore, who I believe, along with Brandon Spikes, Peria Jerry and Knowshon Moreno are the four most likely candidates to be the Broncos first round pick. At the end of the day, if the Broncos are selecting around number 15, Moore could very well be the choice.

Special Teams
The coverage units have been a little better at times this season, and with the addition of coverage guys like Larsen and Woodyard should continue to improve. Ideally, the Broncos would find an alternative to Eddie Royal in the kick return game now that he is a starting WR...I still say Jack Williams is worth a look there. Kicker Matt Prater and Punter Brett Kern appear to be long-term solutions for the Broncos.

[BroncosTX77]

Absolutely agree and love your James Davis assessment in 3rd round. I have also been thinking about this and I know it will not go over with the board to well but here it goes.....

IIRC Marshall is in a contract year in 2009. Why not dangle Marshall out there to the Philadelphia Eagles (which has 2 1st round picks) for a first round pick. This would only occur if TJ "Whosyourmomma" was allowed to go to FA. Denver would sign him and then dangle Baby TO. This would give Denver 2 picks in first round to maneuver to get the one person they desire or to grab to quality players.

Like I said just a thought.

[MindField]

Absolutely agree and love your James Davis assessment in 3rd round. I have also been thinking about this and I know it will not go over with the board to well but here it goes.....

IIRC Marshall is in a contract year in 2009. Why not dangle Marshall out there to the Philadelphia Eagles (which has 2 1st round picks) for a first round pick. This would only occur if TJ "Whosyourmomma" was allowed to go to FA. Denver would sign him and then dangle Baby TO. This would give Denver 2 picks in first round to maneuver to get the one person they desire or to grab to quality players.

Like I said just a thought.

You may be onto something, but probably a year early.

I think next year is a critical year, because Marshall will be wanting a new contract soon.

Clearly, Marshall would command trade value in the same mode as Clinton Portis did, so he may well end up playing elsewhere.

BTW, coach me up on the S from South Carolina. Is he the real deal?

[broncos SB2010]

Part II Receivers/TE's

WR's
Brandon Marshall is a budding superstar, and should be a Pro Bowl calibur WR.
Inconsistent and immature, the mental side of the game, and the demands of being an NFL player remain his greatest obstacle. If he can get that together, he will be unstoppable. It's all up to 'Godzilla.'
Eddie Royal is a serious candidate for rookie of the year honors, and has been a great compliment
to Marshall. The sky is the limit for these two, and they can be as dynamic WR combo that is in the League for years to come.
Brandon Stokley is the perfect slot receiver to pare with the starters. But next year will probably be his last, as his body is breaking down from years of service, so another youngster has to be added.
IMO, that player should be Texas WR/KR Jordan Shipley. He is the perfect understudy to Stokley, and can return kicks, giving Royal a break from that duty.
Darrell Jackson is also near the end, but the Broncos might bring him to camp for depth.

Initally, I was hoping Ashley Lelie would have the desire to come back to Denver in the same manner as Tatum Bell. I was hoping that time and experience had humbled Lelie, and that he might consider the third WR role in Denver...

That was until yesterday, however, as Lelie pretty much squelched that idea. His performance almost guarantee's Al Davis will re-sign him in Oakland.

Drafting OU's Manuel Johnson would be a nice pick. He would add deep speed in the same role I envisioned for Lelie.

Overall, more depth is needed.

TE's
Daniel Graham remains the rock of stability for the Broncos, as they are seemingly always playing
WITHOUT Tony Scheffler. We know how talented Scheffler is, but he can't help the team in the trainers room, and that has been his deal for the three years he has been here. The Broncos can not afford to offer him an extension until he can prove he can stay healthy, so next year could be Schefflers last in Denver. Mike Leach has the job as the long-snapper...although I still don't know why he could not contribute as a FB, or backup TE, or something. At least David Diaz-Infante was a quality backup C/G when he was the snapper. Nate Jackson is another breakable player that can't make it through the season. Chad Mustard has probably earned himself another training camp.

Mindfield's take: Graham is the rock, and Scheffler is supposed to be sexy in the passing game, but drafting a player like Colorado St TE Kory Sperry (6'6"-252) would make him expendable.

Skill position conclusions:

Obviously, the Offense is built around Cutler and Marshall, and accentuated by the O-Line,
and quality complimentary players like Royal, Scheffler, Graham and Hillis.

The piece missing from the puzzle is a running game, so adding a RB through the draft on Day One, free agency, or both is an absolute necessity. The starters are set at WR and TE, so depth picks can be made in the middle rounds.

Shipley is good but may go too high for the broncos to draft him. Kenny Mckinley is a solid choice too and is probably a 4th or 5th round pick.

[jakeknapp]

How about a place Kicker

First let me say never get rid of Marshall. he is the next Rod Smith only bigger. and after watching the last two weeks of missed Field goals I can't help but want the old man back. Elam is still better than 30 of the leagues kickers. Can't even depend on Prater for a decent kickoff. come on.

[MindField]

First let me say never get rid of Marshall. he is the next Rod Smith only bigger. and after watching the last two weeks of missed Field goals I can't help but want the old man back. Elam is still better than 30 of the leagues kickers. Can't even depend on Prater for a decent kickoff. come on.

Prater has hit a rough patch lately, but he is a good young kicker, and will only get better and better.

Sometimes, you just have to be patient with young kickers, and Prater can be a very good one.

He was a serious Pro Bowl contender earlier in the season.

I say keep him.

[TexasBronco90]

I have to dissagree about woodyard, he has played well in the cleveland game as well as the Atlanta game, but he was exposed as a major weakness in the oakland game. All throughout the second half when oakland was getting the 5-10 yard chucks with the running game they were running right at woodyard.

Woodyard is to undersized at 230lbs and cant get off the block when the opposing team runs right at him. If you notice all the great tackles he made in the Cleveland and Atlanta games that wowed us as fans were when the other team ran away from him and he came in unblocked to make the tackle from the back side

He has only played 3 games so i think its to early to make a judgment on whether he should or should not be considered for the weak side linebacker position next year.

[elevation INC]

very good post mind field its nice to see a quality post after a loss not regarding releasing our whole team. its also nice when people identify problems and offer possible solutions as a fix....


I like alot of your ideas and agree with most....


few things though.......


Dj williams should move to MLB he was very good there his last 4 games last season including against one of the top rushing team in the league last year(the vikings) having him at mike allows us to draft SAM depth, and let wooydard start at WLB. Niko will back woodyard up at WLB. DJ can start at Middle and larsen can back him up then winborn can start at SLB and we can draft a depth guy(like morty ivy) Greene will be our OLB depth guy also.

I personally am done with the boss signing we all new it was stupid because of his injury histroy, and the fact he hasnt done crap his whole career and frankkly he really didnt do much except for 1 game in the six he started. end the expiriment and prep for the future especially since winborn will only get better with full playing time. I think winborn has done much more in the games he started than boss could or would do.....



I like Peria jerry very much but at pick 15 i am not so sure. I cant argue the pick, just if its a reach.....in any case i do feel DT to be a strong need. someone like senderick marks or BJ raji in the second rd would work as well.


As for safety its quite clear we need an impact safety and even shanny realizes that now from his presser yesterday. either rd 1 or 2 is where we should take a safety after that its not a deep class. the top six or seven should be NFL players from the get go. so safety rd 1 or 2 and a DT in any order sounds good. then a rb in rd 3 sounds very smart as well, james davis and donald brown are very intriguing. i agree with a slot replacemnet and even a TE replcement for nate jackson.


i dont think 2 Rb's in the draft is very smart though as corner is a big need as well. its unclear how well josh bell will continue to do, but paymah just doesnt have the confidence anymore and dre bly is not worth the money we pay. a depth pick in the 5th maes more sense than rb in the 5th.




anyways just a few thoughts i had, good stuff:salute!:

[Mat'hir Uth Gan]

Excellent thoughts and discussion.


Now, my thoughts:


Re: Part I

1) I agree with the QB thoughts.

2) In regards to our RB situation, I think we are in a unique position. We have quite a few "bruising" RB types, with Torain, Hillis, and Pittman, whom I think we resign. And then, we have some scatback types in Anthony Alridge and Selvin Young. The only thing we don't have is a legitimate do-it-all RB, ala Clinton Portis. I think we have a high probability of looking at Knowshon Moreno in the 1st Round, I'm not sure we take him over William Moore, but it would be close. My thinking here is that we have thunder (Torain/Hillis/Pittman) and we need a more durable Lightning then (Young/Alridge). At the same time, I could see Shanahan just sticking it out with the RBs we have for another year, just to see exactly what Torain, Young, and Alridge bring to the table, as all three had a wasted year.

So, in short, I could see us drafting Moreno in the 1st Round, I could see us not taking a RB at all so we can get a better look at what we already have, or I could see us do something in between. And I think all routes are possibly good ones to explore.


Part II

1. Don't want to get rid of Marshall. Too hard to find a guy like him. I do think Royal is the answer at #2 WR. And I agree that our top priority at WR is getting a Slot WR behind Stokley, and I also think we need an outside WR for depth. I'm not as worried about the WR being a return guy, because I think Alridge gets that role next year.

2. I'm not sure Shanahan will ever get rid of Nate Jackson, but if that were ever to happen, a pass catching TE would need to be drafted. As it stands, there's just not room on the roster for another TE unless/until Nate Jackson falls out of Shanahan's plans.



PART III

1. The only potential hole I see on the O-line is at OC, and like you said, Wiegmann would likely be resigned, and I still think Ben Hamilton slides into Center in the event both Nalen and Wiegmann are gone. I do like Kuper as a future LG. And I agree that RG is the SAM of the Offense, basically almost anyone can play there and be alright. While, I would understand if the team drafted a Center early, I don't believe it will happen. Too many other needs, and we already have a few options on our O-line that will work.

2. Our D-line does have issues. I'm relatively OK with our DTs. Marcus Thomas and Kenny Peterson I like. I also like Robertson, I think he has value as a run plugger, and I think we'll get another year or two out of him in some role or another. I believe Powell makes up the 4th DT, and some scrub will be the 5th gameday inactive DT. Now, as for DE, we have to keep Ekuban, he's just about all we have. Dumervil and Moss are fine as pass rush specialists. But, as you said, we need some starters at DE. I'm not sure what the deal is with Tim Crowder. He played fine as a rookie, there must be more to the story... Anyway, realistically, one of those three have to claim the starting RDE spot. Our main hole is at Power End. Tyson Jackson seems like a 3-4 DE to me, not a 4-3 end. The best 4-3 Power End is probably Greg Hardy if he comes out, and I expect he will. He's worth consideration in the early rounds, it is possible he slips to our 2nd Round pick. That would be ideal. And I still really like Michigan's Tim Jamison as a Power End in the mid rounds. Definitely a team need area though.



PART IV

1. You left out the discussion on our secondary and special teams.

2. In regards to our LB situation, it reminds me of our O-line. We have a lot of good players that can be moved around. Woodyard is a pure WILL, he can't fight through blocks at all, and would be ineffective as a SAM. I agree that DJ Williams was excellent as a SAM, but he hates it, and I personally believe he was even better at MIKE. I'd stick Spencer Larson at SAM and call it a day. Woodyard-Williams-Larson. Then all we have to draft is some depth, and can use those early picks on Safeties, DE, or possibly RB. And if Larson can't cut it for some reason, he can always be great depth at MIKE, and Winborn can be adequate at SAM. Regardless, our SAM is going to have a tough time of it until we get effective Power End play.

[Broncosinindy]

Excellent thoughts and discussion.


Now, my thoughts:


Re: Part I

1) I agree with the QB thoughts.

2) In regards to our RB situation, I think we are in a unique position. We have quite a few "bruising" RB types, with Torain, Hillis, and Pittman, whom I think we resign. And then, we have some scatback types in Anthony Alridge and Selvin Young. The only thing we don't have is a legitimate do-it-all RB, ala Clinton Portis. I think we have a high probability of looking at Knowshon Moreno in the 1st Round, I'm not sure we take him over William Moore, but it would be close. My thinking here is that we have thunder (Torain/Hillis/Pittman) and we need a more durable Lightning then (Young/Alridge). At the same time, I could see Shanahan just sticking it out with the RBs we have for another year, just to see exactly what Torain, Young, and Alridge bring to the table, as all three had a wasted year.

So, in short, I could see us drafting Moreno in the 1st Round, I could see us not taking a RB at all so we can get a better look at what we already have, or I could see us do something in between. And I think all routes are possibly good ones to explore.


Part II

1. Don't want to get rid of Marshall. Too hard to find a guy like him. I do think Royal is the answer at #2 WR. And I agree that our top priority at WR is getting a Slot WR behind Stokley, and I also think we need an outside WR for depth. I'm not as worried about the WR being a return guy, because I think Alridge gets that role next year.

2. I'm not sure Shanahan will ever get rid of Nate Jackson, but if that were ever to happen, a pass catching TE would need to be drafted. As it stands, there's just not room on the roster for another TE unless/until Nate Jackson falls out of Shanahan's plans.



PART III

1. The only potential hole I see on the O-line is at OC, and like you said, Wiegmann would likely be resigned, and I still think Ben Hamilton slides into Center in the event both Nalen and Wiegmann are gone. I do like Kuper as a future LG. And I agree that RG is the SAM of the Offense, basically almost anyone can play there and be alright. While, I would understand if the team drafted a Center early, I don't believe it will happen. Too many other needs, and we already have a few options on our O-line that will work.

2. Our D-line does have issues. I'm relatively OK with our DTs. Marcus Thomas and Kenny Peterson I like. I also like Robertson, I think he has value as a run plugger, and I think we'll get another year or two out of him in some role or another. I believe Powell makes up the 4th DT, and some scrub will be the 5th gameday inactive DT. Now, as for DE, we have to keep Ekuban, he's just about all we have. Dumervil and Moss are fine as pass rush specialists. But, as you said, we need some starters at DE. I'm not sure what the deal is with Tim Crowder. He played fine as a rookie, there must be more to the story... Anyway, realistically, one of those three have to claim the starting RDE spot. Our main hole is at Power End. Tyson Jackson seems like a 3-4 DE to me, not a 4-3 end. The best 4-3 Power End is probably Greg Hardy if he comes out, and I expect he will. He's worth consideration in the early rounds, it is possible he slips to our 2nd Round pick. That would be ideal. And I still really like Michigan's Tim Jamison as a Power End in the mid rounds. Definitely a team need area though.



PART IV

1. You left out the discussion on our secondary and special teams.

2. In regards to our LB situation, it reminds me of our O-line. We have a lot of good players that can be moved around. Woodyard is a pure WILL, he can't fight through blocks at all, and would be ineffective as a SAM. I agree that DJ Williams was excellent as a SAM, but he hates it, and I personally believe he was even better at MIKE. I'd stick Spencer Larson at SAM and call it a day. Woodyard-Williams-Larson. Then all we have to draft is some depth, and can use those early picks on Safeties, DE, or possibly RB. And if Larson can't cut it for some reason, he can always be great depth at MIKE, and Winborn can be adequate at SAM. Regardless, our SAM is going to have a tough time of it until we get effective Power End play.

The only way i would ever stick larsen at SLB would be IF we get a FS or SS that can cover(sam brandon). if we dont were screwed

[MindField]

Excellent thoughts and discussion.


Now, my thoughts:


Re: Part I

1) I agree with the QB thoughts.

2) In regards to our RB situation, I think we are in a unique position. We have quite a few "bruising" RB types, with Torain, Hillis, and Pittman, whom I think we resign. And then, we have some scatback types in Anthony Alridge and Selvin Young. The only thing we don't have is a legitimate do-it-all RB, ala Clinton Portis. I think we have a high probability of looking at Knowshon Moreno in the 1st Round, I'm not sure we take him over William Moore, but it would be close. My thinking here is that we have thunder (Torain/Hillis/Pittman) and we need a more durable Lightning then (Young/Alridge). At the same time, I could see Shanahan just sticking it out with the RBs we have for another year, just to see exactly what Torain, Young, and Alridge bring to the table, as all three had a wasted year.

So, in short, I could see us drafting Moreno in the 1st Round, I could see us not taking a RB at all so we can get a better look at what we already have, or I could see us do something in between. And I think all routes are possibly good ones to explore.


Part II

1. Don't want to get rid of Marshall. Too hard to find a guy like him. I do think Royal is the answer at #2 WR. And I agree that our top priority at WR is getting a Slot WR behind Stokley, and I also think we need an outside WR for depth. I'm not as worried about the WR being a return guy, because I think Alridge gets that role next year.

2. I'm not sure Shanahan will ever get rid of Nate Jackson, but if that were ever to happen, a pass catching TE would need to be drafted. As it stands, there's just not room on the roster for another TE unless/until Nate Jackson falls out of Shanahan's plans.



PART III

1. The only potential hole I see on the O-line is at OC, and like you said, Wiegmann would likely be resigned, and I still think Ben Hamilton slides into Center in the event both Nalen and Wiegmann are gone. I do like Kuper as a future LG. And I agree that RG is the SAM of the Offense, basically almost anyone can play there and be alright. While, I would understand if the team drafted a Center early, I don't believe it will happen. Too many other needs, and we already have a few options on our O-line that will work.

2. Our D-line does have issues. I'm relatively OK with our DTs. Marcus Thomas and Kenny Peterson I like. I also like Robertson, I think he has value as a run plugger, and I think we'll get another year or two out of him in some role or another. I believe Powell makes up the 4th DT, and some scrub will be the 5th gameday inactive DT. Now, as for DE, we have to keep Ekuban, he's just about all we have. Dumervil and Moss are fine as pass rush specialists. But, as you said, we need some starters at DE. I'm not sure what the deal is with Tim Crowder. He played fine as a rookie, there must be more to the story... Anyway, realistically, one of those three have to claim the starting RDE spot. Our main hole is at Power End. Tyson Jackson seems like a 3-4 DE to me, not a 4-3 end. The best 4-3 Power End is probably Greg Hardy if he comes out, and I expect he will. He's worth consideration in the early rounds, it is possible he slips to our 2nd Round pick. That would be ideal. And I still really like Michigan's Tim Jamison as a Power End in the mid rounds. Definitely a team need area though.



PART IV

1. You left out the discussion on our secondary and special teams.

2. In regards to our LB situation, it reminds me of our O-line. We have a lot of good players that can be moved around. Woodyard is a pure WILL, he can't fight through blocks at all, and would be ineffective as a SAM. I agree that DJ Williams was excellent as a SAM, but he hates it, and I personally believe he was even better at MIKE. I'd stick Spencer Larson at SAM and call it a day. Woodyard-Williams-Larson. Then all we have to draft is some depth, and can use those early picks on Safeties, DE, or possibly RB. And if Larson can't cut it for some reason, he can always be great depth at MIKE, and Winborn can be adequate at SAM. Regardless, our SAM is going to have a tough time of it until we get effective Power End play.

I had not finished the DB's and Special teams, but they are now.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Part I of a four part report.

That loss yesterday to Oakland was devastating.

That was at least the third loss in the AFC West for the Broncos, which means that if the Chargers can beat Oakland and KC coming up, all they have to do is get to seven wins, and have Denver at eight going into the last game of the season. Then beat the Broncos in SD.

Ouch!

Yesterday made me a cinic of these Broncos, yet again, and now I think that is exactly what will happen, 8-8.

Lose the Division to the Chargers, and second place...

...and let's say the 15th overall pick in the 2009 Draft.

Here's my take on the Broncos continued reconstruction in the 2009 offseason:

QB's
Obviously, Jay Cutler is the face of the franchise. Apart from needing to grow up a little bit, he has been everything any Broncos fan could have wanted when the Broncs traded up to get him. He has all the tools, and presumably, Shanahan to make him better. But make no mistake, Cutler is a true Super Bowl Championship calibur QB for the Broncos to build around, and when you have that, you are going to be in contention more often than not.
Patrick Ramsey will be a free agent, but I doubt anyone will make him a better offer than to collect a mil a year holding a clipboard. My guess is Denver re-signs him for two more years to be Jay's support, and don't be suprised if they take a flyer on soon-to-be released SF 49er, Alex Smith. Any draft possibilities at the QB position seem unlikely, as the QB crop coming out is a weak one.
Darelll Hackney is nothing more than camp fodder, but will probably be in camp again.


RB's
Injury and inexperience have held this unit back, and generally, the running game has been a weakness area for the Broncos Offense this season. It is my opinion that the Broncos have to be brilliant yet again in finding a RB in the third round and beyond, because overall, the best backs, ie Knowshown Moreno, are slightly-built guys that have shown they have difficulty staying healthy in the NFL with that body type, ie Selvin Young and Reggie Bush.
Selvin Young pretty much confirmed what scouts suspected. His slight build and injury history indicate it will keep him from ever being a No. 1 tailback.
He could, however, be a very strong No. 2. He has alot of the qualities you look for in a change-of-pace back, and on his good days, reminds me of a Chester Taylor-type. Ryan Torain was snakebit from the first week in camp, but or about a quarter and a half vs Cleveland, flashed what all Bronco fans wanted to see. At 6'1"-225, he has the size to be effective, but at this point, the Broncos cannot count on him, and have to have a backup plan. Michael Pittman is a free agent, and I would let him walk. Andre Hall would be camp fodder if he has another year on his deal, as would PJ Pope, who will probably be brought into camp next summer as well. I also want to see the Broncos promote Cory Boyd for the remainder of the season. Why not see what he's got?

Tatum Bell is a six week experiment, IMO, and I would not sign him to anything more than a one yr contract.

Solutions. I would not go into free agency looking to get a starting veteran tailback, unless that back is NY Giant free agent Derrick Ward. The Draft is where I would look to add a quality RB or two.

The first question is, do we use a first round pick to take Knowshon Moreno?
We certainly have had success with Georgia tailbacks, and Moreno would instantly give us a back on par with Darren McFadden, who to me is very similar. But drafting him in the middle of the first round means he would come much cheaper. I personally would not draft Moreno in the first round. However, if they do, I would hope for the best, because Moreno has superstar potential. If successfully paired with Ryan Torain, he could be very effective lightning to Torain's thunder. But to me, getting a LeShon McCoy (Pitt) in the second round, or a James Davis (Clemson) in the third would be more appealing. UConn's Donald Brown is interesting. Overall, the Broncos just need too much help on Defense not to use the first rounder on Defense.

Mindfield's call: I draft James Davis (5'11"-215) in the third round, and Colorado St.'s Gartrell Johnson (6'0"-232) with a fifth round pick. Davis is a prototypical NFL tailback, runs tough between the tackles, but has the speed to bounch outside. Not unlike another former Davis tailback that used to play around here. Johnson is a Mike Anderson type, and would be a legit hammer to fit with Davis, Young and Torian.

FB's
Peyton Hillis has a chance to revolutionize the FB position. He has the ability to pound the ball between the tackles with the run, and catch passes like a TE. I wish Shanahan would make it mandatory to throw a FB screen to him at least six times a game. Hillis is a wonderful FB to pair with any new tailback the Broncos come up with, and can be a very unique weapon.
Spencer Larsen is likely to have his FB duties reduced next year, as the Broncos will likely have him concentrate on being a special teams demon, and a solid backup MLB.

Mindfield's take: The Broncos will probably try to save a roster spot here and have Larsen as the backup to Hillis, although adding Pitt FB Conredge Collins (6'0"-238) in say the fourth round would be a personal favorite of mine. The guy just blows up LB's, and is a traditional NFL-style FB.

I like the RB pick in the 3rd. I would love to have Moreno, but at his size I would not want to use a 1st round pick on a player that might get banged up playing every down (215). Unless there is an AD type of rb available when we pick I would prefer a pass at that position.

I also think a first day d-line pick is a necessity. If Denver continues to find gems I am confident they will find one in the draft. I, along with may others hope Powell turns out to be another one of those gems. I don't even think the position he played at VT really suited his athleticism.

I also love the idea of Spikes, if he is available.

I also like Peterson for depth at tackle, but only for that. I think he is too small to be 3 down tackle. He's also not getting any younger. Sometimes I wonder if our serious lack of depth at the position is what makes him look so good. If he comes close to the league minimum for veterans I say keep him. Otherwise I think only Thomas has job security out of the front four.

As far as safety goes I am hoping we find another hidden gem in the draft that will provide the athleticism we need in both run support and to also make wr's think twice about stretching out for the ball. I can really do without watching our safeties let the wr's beat them deep.