Snarf's Mock Offseason

[Snarfalicious]

I have seen a lot of mocks lately, most of which seem pretty good, and some which seem like we are addressing a different team other than the Broncos. The offseason I present in this draft will for the most part be Defensively-oriented, with a little dash of some Offense.

Denver Trades in the Offseason:

*** When thinking up these trades, I gave us a little less value than I thought we might actually get, just so I don't appear to be throwing these trades out and making them completely unrealistic. Every trade has a reasoning behind it.

*** Denver trades Dre Bly and 6th Rounder to Seattle for a 4th round pick.
Reasoning: Seattle finished the year as the worst Passing Defense and Bly would instantly help them and allow them to address other needs in the first 3rounds.

*** Denver trades Elvis Dumervil to Buffalo Bills for a 4th round pick.
Reasoning: My whole family (other than me) share a favorite team of the Buffalo Bills. By the end of the season, it became apparent that the most pressing need this offseason would be a pass-rush specialist. Buffalo needs a guy to play opposite of Schobel that can get some pass-rush. Schobel also has injury concerns so the time to acquire a player such as Doom is now. If we gave Buffalo a 6th we might be able to swing a 3rd for Doom, but I just played it safe here. Buffalo gets a proven pass-rush specialist for the 4-3 scheme, something which is not a given via the draft these days.

*** I don't have Denver trading out of the 12th spot in the draft, I think that with the rise of Raji up draft boards, it will allow us to get a guy who was initially thought to be in the top 10, fall to us at #12. Read on to find out...

Denver in Free Agency:

NT Gabe Watson (RFA): Watson's signing will force us to most likely use a 4th rounder on him, but he is still young (25) and he is the same size of Brace (Possible 2nd rounder) and he is already proven himself as a quality player in the NFL.

DE Mike Wright: Wright can come in and address another glaring need (DE). He has also proven the ability to play as NT which will come in handy in case of any unforeseen injuries. He won't be very expensive and will bring some fresh, young (26) talent.

FS OJ Atogwe: This signing is the iffiest one, due to his sheer skills and ballhawk ability. He won't come cheap, because the secret's out on his abilities. But Atogwe would instantly help the secondary of this team and finally give us a long-term solution at the FS position.

CB Jabari Greer: With the trade of Bly, Denver has a backup plan in mind, and Greer is it. He is still young (26) and after watching him play for the past couple years, it's hard to deny his ability and his ball hawking tendencies. He has every ability to play CB in the NFL, and he has proven that. He recently lost his job to Leodis McKelvin (Bills 2008 1st rounder) and will as a result see his price tag shrink.

*** The big-name signing here is OJ Atogwe, which in reality isn't that big. I don't expect to see Denver getting a guy like Aso, Suggs or Peppers simply because of the holes that this D has. Getting one of those guys would severely limit the ability to address multiple needs.

Denver in the Draft:

Pick Rundown (After trades)

Round:
1
2
3
4a (Seattle for Bly and 6th)
4b (Buffalo for Doom and 6th)
X 4c (traded to ARZ for Watson)
5a (Seattle for Colbert)
5b
6a
X 6b (From Atlanta for resigning Foxworth, then traded to Seattle for 4th)
7

*** We enter the draft with 9 picks, but with the acquisition of Watson, a glaring need (NT), isn't so desperate now.

Round 1 (#12): Brian Orakpo DE/OLB Texas
- Orakpo gives us the ability to have a great DE in a 4-3 and a LB that can apply pressure and still has the athletic ability to drop back into coverage. I can see him being the Denver version of Terrell Suggs. With Raji flying up draft boards, and the Browns now seemingly looking for a ILB, Orakpo could definetly fall, especially if the race for LT's hits early in the draft, like it has in the past.

Round 2 (#48): Clint Sintim OLB Virginia
-With the draft stock of English, Matthews, and Cushing rising, and the slight fall of Sintim, I can definetly see Clint lasting to us in the second round. Some might say this won't happen, but Sintim has definetly seen a slight fall, and he was originally expected to be a late 1st - early 2nd. If Sintim were to fall to us in the position, we have to pull the trigger.

Round 3 (#79): Michael Hamlin SS Clemson
-With the acquisition of Atogwe via FA, SS is the next position in the secondary to be addressed. Enter Hamlin, not a flashy guy, but paired with a ballhawk like Atogwe, Hamlin brings the skillset to play against the run and still be effective against the pass. A safe, steady player like Hamlin, paired with a gutsy, risk-taker like Atogwe, Denver can expect to see a great safety tandem for years.

Round 4 (#100 - from Seattle): Jarron Gilbert DE/DT San Jose State
- Gilbert barely falls out of the 3rd round, but with Denver getting the 4th pick in the 4th from Seattle in the Bly trade, Denver gets a freakish athlete in Gilbert. Gilbert has all the ability to be a great DE in a 3-4.

Round 4 (#107 - from Buffalo): James Davis RB Clemson
- Davis is a no-nonsense, straight-forward runner that will excel in the ZBS that will be kept in Denver. He doesn't have great hands out of the backfield, but luckily he will play a Maroney-type role and a guy like Alridge will play more of a Kevin Faulk role (Receiver out of the backfield) in McDaniels Offense. Davis will be the primary runner for Denver for years to come.

Round 5 (#132 - from Seattle): Jasper Brinkley ILB South Carolina
-Brinkley is a huge (6'2 265) ILB who is a beast against the run. He is coming off a knee injury but prior to the injury was considered a first-round talent. He has every ability to be a force on the inside in a 3-4. The only knock on him is his ability to cover the pass. But in the 5th, his ability is hard to pass up.

Round 5 (#142 or so): AQ Shipley C Penn State
- Shipley has always been a great Center for Penn State, he is actually very similar in size to Casey Weigmann and Dan Koppen (starting center this past year for New England). Shipley is 6'1 297, Weigmann is 6'2 290 and Koppen is 6'2 296. Shipley is no slouch of a Center and he does have a mean streak and always completes his blocks. He gets to spend a year under Weigmann to learn the offense, and in 2010 I fully expect him to take the reins and continue the solid OL play. And to top it off, Shipley is a very bright individual, so grasping the Offense should be no problem for him.

Round 6 : Sammie Lee Hill NT Stillman
- He has the size (6'4 330) to be a NT in a 3-4 scheme and he is a very athletic individual. His lack of exposure to top talent lets him fall this far, but with proper coaching and gradually working him into things, I have full faith in Hill and I do believe he could become a very impressive NT in the NFL.

Round 7 : Jamarko Simmons WR Western Michigan
- Another Big receiver (6'2 240) who won't blow you away with his speed (about a 4.6) but he does have good hands and has a lot of potential. The first time I saw Simmons, I immediately thought of B-Marsh. At this point, you can't do much better and Simmons would add some quality depth to the receiving corps.

Denver's 2009-2010 Depth Chart:

Defense:

LDE: Marcus Thomas, Carlton Powell
NT: Gabe Watson, Sammie Lee Hill
RDE: Mike Wright, Jarron Gilbert
LOLB: Clint Sintim
LILB: DJ Williams
RILB: Spencer Larsen or Jasper Brinkley
ROLB: Brian Orakpo
CB: Jabari Greer
FS: OJ Atogwe
SS: Michael Hamlin or Josh Barrett
CB: Champ Bailey

Offense:

QB: Jay Cutler
RB: James Davis, Alridge, Torain
FB: Hillis
OL: Same
WR: Brandon Marshall, Jamarko Simmons
WR: Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokely
TE: Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler

[housemouse]

Sintim will be a late first rounder

[Snarfalicious]

Sintim will be a late first rounder

I know that was what he was graded at prior to the Senior Bowl (Late 1st - Early 2nd). But prior to the Senior Bowl, Clay Matthews and Larry English were also behind Sintim on boards. After the Senior Bowl, in which Sintim wasn't jumping off the screen like Matthews, Cushing and English were, I think you can expect to see him fall into the second. I think he will be drafted in the 2nd, now if he lasts till us is yet to be seen, but I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility.

A player even like Conner Barwin might jump Sintim simply because of his versatility to play DE/TE/OLB. After the combine we will have a better grasp on player's locations, but Sintim could easily be there in the 2nd since the depth at OLB's for a 3-4 is pretty deep.

[dman444]

I would be psyched if this happened.

[NagaSadow]

I like that quite a bit, good job. :go:

[stnzed]

That's a pretty solid draft, though I don't think Bly has trade value (Bly is better than Greer anyway), but even with a draft that good, I hope people realize that with that kind of free agent moves this team is still looking at one of the worst defenses in the league.

Careful what you wish for and remember that this defense is 7 new starters away from where they need to be, trading starters for 4th round picks won't change that.

Btw, don't sleep on Ryan McBean, I'd be willing to be he's better than Mike Wright.......

[Snarfalicious]

That's a pretty solid draft, though I don't think Bly has trade value (Bly is better than Greer anyway), but even with a draft that good, I hope people realize that with that kind of free agent moves this team is still looking at one of the worst defenses in the league.

Careful what you wish for and remember that this defense is 7 new starters away from where they need to be, trading starters for 4th round picks won't change that.

Btw, don't sleep on Ryan McBean, I'd be willing to be he's better than Mike Wright.......

I see what you're saying about Bly and Greer. But Greer is a very talented CB, and still is only 26. If we can get some value for Bly (which we will be, because he is proven) we should make the move with guys in FA like McFadden, Robinson, and Greer available.

Trading Doom and Bly wouldn't be trading away starters because of the addition of another starting CB (Greer) and we aren't even sure how Doom would translate to a 3-4 or even if he could at all. Doom translating to a 3-4 could be wishful thinking so to get value for him would be the safe way to go.

As for McBean, he hasn't proven himself in Pittsburgh, which is known for its D obviously, and has some of the best Defensive coaches in the league. He definetly has the size to excel, but if he was chosen as a project player, and released 2 years later, it seems that he wasn't working out at all. I hope he can be successful, but a guy like Wright has proven himself already in the position we obviously need.

I see what you're saying though, and your posts are always thought-provoking, thanks man.

[CTM]

Although I hate it when people make trades as part of the mock offseason, with the exception for RFA, I like what you did with the signings and picks.

Stintim wont last that long, and Gilbert might be gone by the middle of the 3rd round, we might have to use a 3rd for him, which I wouldnt mind at all. I agree he could be a dynamic DE in the 3-4.

Love the late round picks,


Although Brinkley is an injury risk, I have no problem gambling with a 5th rounder to see if he hits big. Shipley is a great pick. Hill would be nice depth to back up Watson.

Overall, 7.5/10, would've been 8.5 but I can't stand trades for mock offseasons.

Well done and well researched, look forward to seeing more from you as we get closer.

[Snarfalicious]

Although I hate it when people make trades as part of the mock offseason, with the exception for RFA, I like what you did with the signings and picks.

Stintim wont last that long, and Gilbert might be gone by the middle of the 3rd round, we might have to use a 3rd for him, which I wouldnt mind at all. I agree he could be a dynamic DE in the 3-4.

Love the late round picks,


Although Brinkley is an injury risk, I have no problem gambling with a 5th rounder to see if he hits big. Shipley is a great pick. Hill would be nice depth to back up Watson.

Overall, 7.5/10, would've been 8.5 but I can't stand trades for mock offseasons.

Well done and well researched, look forward to seeing more from you as we get closer.

Thanks man, I appreciate everyone's opinions. I thought I would add those trades just because those are the ones I consider to most likely happen. I think Sintim could be 50/50, if he weren't there, I would most likely get Matthews if he were, if they both weren't I'd probably go with a guy like Patrick Chung to sure up our secondary for good. Thanks for the input man, all's appreciated.

[stnzed]

I see what you're saying about Bly and Greer. But Greer is a very talented CB, and still is only 26. If we can get some value for Bly (which we will be, because he is proven) we should make the move with guys in FA like McFadden, Robinson, and Greer available.

Trading Doom and Bly wouldn't be trading away starters because of the addition of another starting CB (Greer) and we aren't even sure how Doom would translate to a 3-4 or even if he could at all. Doom translating to a 3-4 could be wishful thinking so to get value for him would be the safe way to go.

As for McBean, he hasn't proven himself in Pittsburgh, which is known for its D obviously, and has some of the best Defensive coaches in the league. He definetly has the size to excel, but if he was chosen as a project player, and released 2 years later, it seems that he wasn't working out at all. I hope he can be successful, but a guy like Wright has proven himself already in the position we obviously need.

I see what you're saying though, and your posts are always thought-provoking, thanks man.

The reason I assume (How would we know for sure either way) that Bly has little trade value is his age and contract situation, it'll be difficult to move him, imo, although he could be cut outright. I'm not opposed to the idea at all (Unless his relationship with Peppers can be taken advantage of should Peppers be available), I just think teams will pass on the opportunity with some pretty good CB's on the market, although Washington will always be a beacon of hope on the trade front (Bly wanted to go there when traded here).

As for Greer, I should probably stay down on that one, I know next to nothing about him, but IIRC you mentioned him losing his starting job, I'd consider Robinson (A more plausible option than I would have thought this time last year) or somebody like Ronald Bartell to somebody that lost his starting job.......

[Snarfalicious]

The reason I assume (How would we know for sure either way) that Bly has little trade value is his age and contract situation, it'll be difficult to move him, imo, although he could be cut outright. I'm not opposed to the idea at all (Unless his relationship with Peppers can be taken advantage of should Peppers be available), I just think teams will pass on the opportunity with some pretty good CB's on the market, although Washington will always be a beacon of hope on the trade front (Bly wanted to go there when traded here).

As for Greer, I should probably stay down on that one, I know next to nothing about him, but IIRC you mentioned him losing his starting job, I'd consider Robinson (A more plausible option than I would have thought this time last year) or somebody like Ronald Bartell to somebody that lost his starting job.......

Yeah I think Washington could be an opportunity as well, but they won't be as desperate as a team like Seattle.

Honestly, when I watched Greer play this year, he tended to impress me, and he was actually in a very similar situation to what Bly was in this year. He was a cover corner on a team with no pass-rush. When Greer had some trouble, the Bills felt it was time to put McKelvin, their first-rounder from 2008 in to replace Greer, a FA in 2009. McKelvin gradually got better, and his great speed and size was more effective with the lack of pass-rush than the speedy, but a little undersized Greer.

If we could create pass-rush, Greer would flourish like any other solid CB would. He had 2 picks in 2008, both were returned for TD's. If we were to get him, he would come a lot cheaper than guys like Bartell and Robinson, and I am not sure that Greer isn't far behind them as far as talent. Greer was just unfortunate that McKelvin really panned out, and the Bills decided to go with youth and upside, rather than a little older (26) and a future FA.

[15thebeast]

Jarron Gilbert's stock is rising as more and more teams are going 3-4 and add the fact he has tons of potential i can see him goin late round 2 early round 3

[Cutler2007]

I do not think you got as much value as you could at OL and SS. Sticking to the intent of your mock:

Drop Hamlin in round 3 for Antoine Caldwell
Drop Shipley in round 5 for Chip Vaughn

Cadwell is a much better prospect IMO and Vaughn is equal to or better than Hamlin.

Once again, just my opinion.

As for the other picks, Davis showed no ability to pass block, which usually spells bench time for rookie RBs. I still prefer Jeremiah Johnson, but if we truly want a better RB trade a 2010 pick and move up to get Rashad Jennings.

[axx]

With the lack of Prototypical size at NT in this draft Sammie Lee Hill will be gone before the 6th round.

[Bronco_Loc505]

One of the best mocks yet but I find it extremely hard to believe Sintim falls to us but if he did I'd be absolutely ecstatic.