Broncos need to draft KNOWSHON MORENO IN THE 1ST ROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!

[amac1984]

I still am not big on him, but with Nunnely coming here...he may not be a top 15 pick, but I will not be surprised if he is taken in the top 10. Fact is that of the nose tackles he is the best of this year's group. Cody should have entered the draft, I would have given my left nut to draft Terrence Cody as our nose, but at this time...we may either have to go for Raji, or get Gabe Watson, which I feel is a better choice.

I believe that Watson is restricted this year, do we know what kinda compensation we would have to give Arizona to pry him away?

[fraguela09]

Watching the SR BOWL practice now... It's CLEAR that Raji is better than Brace. Brace is bigger... but... since he's taller... he doesn't have the leverage Raji does. Raji also has a better motor... and is quicker. Because Raji has better leverage, he clearly seems stronger.

TO ME, If I'm going to draft Brace in the 2nd... I'm better off taking Raji in the first.

Brace looks like he's standing up and pushing with his arms... While Raji just explodes off the snap.

Raji and Jennings/Greene better than Wells and Brace.

Scouts also say Crowder is better suited to play the 3-4... So, I think he could handle it. Same with Thomas. STILL, Jackson would be a nice pick.

[fraguela09]

Broncos hired Don Martindale as linebackers coach

[lancane]

I believe that Watson is restricted this year, do we know what kinda compensation we would have to give Arizona to pry him away?

4th round pick, now Arizona can match it and we can then try use a 3rd and lose the value differential, but Watson may be worth it. Because it gives us a quality starter, we can draft a backup nose later and we could still add a top outside rusher and true 3-4 end, or halfback. Watson is the smarter move...so it all depends on Goodman and McDaniels, what do they feel is better and if they feel Raji will be gone...then, we could see them move to get Watson.

Another thing is that we could see Denver trade with another NFL team for an established backup who could be a starter in this league.

[lancane]

Broncos hired Don Martindale as linebackers coach

Great hire...if Nolan fails, this is the guy who will likely replace him as Defensive Coordinator. Between Nunnely and Martindale, McDaniels has really built one of the best staffs in the NFL as of yet!

[fraguela09]

Great hire...if Nolan fails, this is the guy who will likely replace him as Defensive Coordinator. Between Nunnely and Martindale, McDaniels has really built one of the best staffs in the NFL as of yet!

AMEN! With Bates & Dennison on offense and now these two hires... I feel A LOT better about Mcdaniels hires, and his subsequent Nolan choice.

Mcdaniels is proving to be VERY SMART... not afraid to surround himself with experienced, proven coaches. LIKE HIS FORMER BOSS, BILL B., I expect Mcdaniels to delegate and leave these coaches alone to do their job. MCdaniels will focus on the offense... Good news! He's showing he is wise beyond his years.

OAK always had solid LB play; SD had solid DL play.

[amac1984]

4th round pick, now Arizona can match it and we can then try use a 3rd and lose the value differential, but Watson may be worth it. Because it gives us a quality starter, we can draft a backup nose later and we could still add a top outside rusher and true 3-4 end, or halfback. Watson is the smarter move...so it all depends on Goodman and McDaniels, what do they feel is better and if they feel Raji will be gone...then, we could see them move to get Watson.

Another thing is that we could see Denver trade with another NFL team for an established backup who could be a starter in this league.

Watson sounds like a viable option, the way things are looking as of today, Raji might not be available at 12 even if we did want him. Also maybe a Chris Canty type might be an option as well.

[myoung]

4th round pick, now Arizona can match it and we can then try use a 3rd and lose the value differential, but Watson may be worth it. Because it gives us a quality starter, we can draft a backup nose later and we could still add a top outside rusher and true 3-4 end, or halfback. Watson is the smarter move...so it all depends on Goodman and McDaniels, what do they feel is better and if they feel Raji will be gone...then, we could see them move to get Watson.

Another thing is that we could see Denver trade with another NFL team for an established backup who could be a starter in this league.

Whoa slow down. Not so fast. Watson costs a 4th round pick IF the Cards offer him the lowest tender. Which is about 1 mill per year. The Cards can up the ante and offer him a higher amount. There are three other levels that exist. For about 1.5 they can tender him and it would cost us a second. For about 2.2 mill it would cost us a 1st. For about 2.75 mill it would cost us a 1st and a third. In all cases they get to keep right of first refusal. These numbers are rough and will probably go up. There is also a stipulation that if a players salary was higher it is the amount or 110% of the players salary. Whichever is higher.

To my knowledge the Cards have not made their tender decisions. Nor do they have to yet. The bottom line is that it could cost us more than just a 4th rounder. I would agree with you though, if it is just a 4th I would jump on it.

[lancane]

Whoa slow down. Not so fast. Watson costs a 4th round pick IF the Cards offer him the lowest tender. Which is about 1 mill per year. The Cards can up the ante and offer him a higher amount. There are three other levels that exist. For about 1.5 they can tender him and it would cost us a second. For about 2.2 mill it would cost us a 1st. For about 2.75 mill it would cost us a 1st and a third. In all cases they get to keep right of first refusal. These numbers are rough and will probably go up. There is also a stipulation that if a players salary was higher it is the amount or 110% of the players salary. Whichever is higher.

To my knowledge the Cards have not made their tender decisions. Nor do they have to yet. The bottom line is that it could cost us more than just a 4th rounder. I would agree with you though, if it is just a 4th I would jump on it.

Tender? That is for a franchise tag...a RFA starts off with the value of his draft position, so in this case a fourth round pick. Then if they match it fiscally that is where a tender becomes in play...but it could climb, that is why I said if it feesable, and McDaniels along with Goodman feel it is a better option, then we could go that route. Plus we have to factor in that if it got too steep, that we could trade for a player who is favored to be a starter in the near future.

[myoung]

Thomas IMHO will not fit the 3-4, nor will Crowder unless he gains ten to fifteen solid pounds. Thomas needs to lose about five to ten to compete as a 3-4 defensive end. Smarter move for Thomas would be to gain fifteen pounds and compete at nose, and for us to draft T. Jackson or another who fits that end role and for Crowder to beef up some.

What makes you think that Thomas is not a 3-4 DE? Because he is 5-10lbs too heavy.... Really??? What other concerns do you have because when we are talking about men that are over 300lbs I am not putting alot of weight (pun intended) in 5 lbs???

Thomas is extremely athletic for his size. Adding the weight would probably cost him quite a bit of the athleticism. I don't think it would be smart for him to bulk up. He is right now about the same size as the DEs in San Diego and New England. I think he has more raw skills than Olshansky and Ty Warren. I think a 3-4 DE is a great fit for him. Thomas seems to react pretty well and I don't see why he would have any problems in a 2 gap system.

I agree with you on Crowder. He needs alot to even make the team in my opinion. I would prefer we sign another player to play the end opposite of Thomas.

There may be other concerns you have about Thomas. Throw them out here. I would be interested to hear them.

[myoung]

Tender? That is for a franchise tag...a RFA starts off with the value of his draft position, so in this case a fourth round pick. Then if they match it fiscally that is where a tender becomes in play...but it could climb, that is why I said if it feesable, and McDaniels along with Goodman feel it is a better option, then we could go that route. Plus we have to factor in that if it got too steep, that we could trade for a player who is favored to be a starter in the near future.

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Do some research on the topic and then we can continue the conversation....

here is a quote from askthecommish.com to help get you started.

"Obviously, if the CBA is going to define a term for an "Unrestricted Free Agent", you would expect that they must also have something called a "Restricted Free Agent" (RFA). And, of course, you would be right. A RFA is "any Veteran player with three or more accrued seasons, but less than five accrued seasons (or less than four accrued seasons in any capped year)... At the expiration of his last Player Contract during such period... [the player] shall be completely free to negotiate and sign a Player Contract with any club, and any club shall be completely free to negotiate and sign a Player Contract with any such player, subject to... certain restrictions." The restrictions are the fun part.

The player's original team maintains the First Refusal Right if the team tenders a contract offer of one year at $1.01 M.

The player's original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and Draft Selection at the Player’s Original Draft Round (from the team with which he signs) if the team tenders an offer of one year at the same amount(s) listed above OR at least 110% of the player’s prior year’s salary -- whichever is greater.

The player's original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and Second Round Draft Selection (from the team with which he signs) if the team tenders an offer of one year at $$1.545 million OR at least 110% of the player’s prior year’s salary -- whichever is greater.

The player's original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and First Round Draft Selection (from the team with which he signs) if the team tenders an offer of one year at $2.198 million OR at least 110% of the player’s prior year’s salary -- whichever is greater.

The player's original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and First Round Draft Selection and Third Round Draft Selection (both from the team with which he signs) if the team tenders an offer of one year at $2.792 million OR at least 110% of the player's prior year’s salary -- whichever is greater.

In the event a Prior Club withdraws its Qualifying Offer, the RFA immediately becomes an UFA. "

[lancane]

What makes you think that Thomas is not a 3-4 DE? Because he is 5-10lbs too heavy.... Really??? What other concerns do you have because when we are talking about men that are over 300lbs I am not putting alot of weight (pun intended) in 5 lbs???

Thomas is extremely athletic for his size. Adding the weight would probably cost him quite a bit of the athleticism. I don't think it would be smart for him to bulk up. He is right now about the same size as the DEs in San Diego and New England. I think he has more raw skills than Olshansky and Ty Warren. I think a 3-4 DE is a great fit for him. Thomas seems to react pretty well and I don't see why he would have any problems in a 2 gap system.

I agree with you on Crowder. He needs alot to even make the team in my opinion. I would prefer we sign another player to play the end opposite of Thomas.

There may be other concerns you have about Thomas. Throw them out here. I would be interested to hear them.

He is 6-1, the average 3-4 defensive end is around 6-4 and near 300lbs. his center of gravity is lower then usual, closer to what you expect from a quality nose tackle in the NFL. Height / weight ratio plays a major factor in where a player could or could not succeed at most positions in this league, for example a 5-10 quarterback has proven to be a mistake in the NFL because of the similar difference. So Thomas' height/weight ratio means that he would be playing the end position where quicker and lighter defensive ends play with frames equal to the given factor of the position, he would however be playing it as if he had fifteen pounds more heavier then the average defensive end in the 3-4 system. That does not mean he could not, it just means that there is a likely chance he can not...there is always that one that beats the odds, ala Zach Thomas, Elvis Dumervile in the 4-3...and so on.

[lancane]

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Do some research on the topic and then we can continue the conversation....

here is a quote from askthecommish.com to help get you started.

"Obviously, if the CBA is going to define a term for an "Unrestricted Free Agent", you would expect that they must also have something called a "Restricted Free Agent" (RFA). And, of course, you would be right. A RFA is "any Veteran player with three or more accrued seasons, but less than five accrued seasons (or less than four accrued seasons in any capped year)... At the expiration of his last Player Contract during such period... [the player] shall be completely free to negotiate and sign a Player Contract with any club, and any club shall be completely free to negotiate and sign a Player Contract with any such player, subject to... certain restrictions." The restrictions are the fun part.

The player's original team maintains the First Refusal Right if the team tenders a contract offer of one year at $1.01 M.

The player's original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and Draft Selection at the Player’s Original Draft Round (from the team with which he signs) if the team tenders an offer of one year at the same amount(s) listed above OR at least 110% of the player’s prior year’s salary -- whichever is greater.

The player's original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and Second Round Draft Selection (from the team with which he signs) if the team tenders an offer of one year at $$1.545 million OR at least 110% of the player’s prior year’s salary -- whichever is greater.

The player's original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and First Round Draft Selection (from the team with which he signs) if the team tenders an offer of one year at $2.198 million OR at least 110% of the player’s prior year’s salary -- whichever is greater.

The player's original team maintains the Right of First Refusal and First Round Draft Selection and Third Round Draft Selection (both from the team with which he signs) if the team tenders an offer of one year at $2.792 million OR at least 110% of the player's prior year’s salary -- whichever is greater.

In the event a Prior Club withdraws its Qualifying Offer, the RFA immediately becomes an UFA. "

I believe that is what I just said, sorry...but I was not arguing the rules of the RFA, just that I thought you meant the tender in regards to the pick they could receive for the player, which they can not do until they refuse and pay the player the amount specified by the rules of the league.

[myoung]

He is 6-1, the average 3-4 defensive end is around 6-4 and near 300lbs. his center of gravity is lower then usual, closer to what you expect from a quality nose tackle in the NFL. Height / weight ratio plays a major factor in where a player could or could not succeed at most positions in this league, for example a 5-10 quarterback has proven to be a mistake in the NFL because of the similar difference. So Thomas' height/weight ratio means that he would be playing the end position where quicker and lighter defensive ends play with frames equal to the given factor of the position, he would however be playing it as if he had fifteen pounds more heavier then the average defensive end in the 3-4 system. That does not mean he could not, it just means that there is a likely chance he can not...there is always that one that beats the odds, ala Zach Thomas, Elvis Dumervile in the 4-3...and so on.

Thomas is listed at every site I have seen at 6-3 305.... This puts him right in the range you are talking about. I believe this is still a bit on the small side since many of the better DE are 6-5 and 6-6 but you will find a couple that are really good that are the same size as Thomas. Let's take Castillo from San Diego as an example.

Now we can argue all day about the legitimacy of the sources I am referencing and often times players are listed larger than they are.

Your point is taken. I am not so sure I agree with you, but I understand where you are coming from. I tend to believe that Thomas has very good athleticism for his build and would probably fit well as an end in the 3-4. I believe his 6-3 305 frame is probably suited well for the position. But that is why we each have our own opinions.

[myoung]

I believe that is what I just said, sorry...but I was not arguing the rules of the RFA, just that I thought you meant the tender in regards to the pick they could receive for the player, which they can not do until they refuse and pay the player the amount specified by the rules of the league.

Fair enough.... I should not be so contentious. I really enjoy your posts on most topics. This particular topic I think came across wrong to me. Keep up the good posts. you add alot of value to this board.

I do think there is alot of information on the topic and teams tender a RFA at a specified level. It is relatively complex and most of the time we don't realize the details when we aspire to get RFA players. Until the details of each player come out it is not worth speculating on them. It would be nice if Watson got a basic tender but the Cardinals have some tough choices to make so we will have to see what happens.