DL Draft?

[knoxman36and2]

From everything I am reading? It seems likely that we will be spending quite a few of our pics on the Defensive Line this year. With the additions of two new safeties, a MLB, and a CB in our free agency acquisitions? It seems like we have a decent depth in the secondary and with the transitions of Doom, Moss, and Crowder to the OLB position? It seem our LB needs also have enough depth to play a season.

In the latest reports from our first minicamp of the season, it also seems that Players such as Woodyard may get their shot in the interior of the LB group. The offense seems to have all the players we need for depth with the possible exception of a late round QB as well.

My question revolves around what has in the past been considered to be "conventional wisdom" when it comes to defensive linemen. We have heard from many sources and different informational outlets that D-linemen often take 2-3 years to develop and adjust at the professional level. If this is indeed the case? Especially with us transitioning into a 3-4 defense? Was this the best course for us to take? Or do any of you feel that perhaps this was just McDaniels way of following the trend of taking the BPA from the draft and him applying it to free agency as well? By keeping our FA signings within reason when it comes to our cap space he was able to load up with 16 new players on our rosters.

Of the 16? It could be argued that all of them are at least a slight improvement over what we had (with the possible exception of the long snapper signing), or are added depth to the rotation. What does everyone else think? I'd like some input

[Crazy8]

From everything I am reading? It seems likely that we will be spending quite a few of our pics on the Defensive Line this year. With the additions of two new safeties, a MLB, and a CB in our free agency acquisitions? It seems like we have a decent depth in the secondary and with the transitions of Doom, Moss, and Crowder to the OLB position? It seem our LB needs also have enough depth to play a season.

In the latest reports from our first minicamp of the season, it also seems that Players such as Woodyard may get their shot in the interior of the LB group. The offense seems to have all the players we need for depth with the possible exception of a late round QB as well.

My question revolves around what has in the past been considered to be "conventional wisdom" when it comes to defensive linemen. We have heard from many sources and different informational outlets that D-linemen often take 2-3 years to develop and adjust at the professional level. If this is indeed the case? Especially with us transitioning into a 3-4 defense? Was this the best course for us to take? Or do any of you feel that perhaps this was just McDaniels way of following the trend of taking the BPA from the draft and him applying it to free agency as well? By keeping our FA signings within reason when it comes to our cap space he was able to load up with 16 new players on our rosters.

Of the 16? It could be argued that all of them are at least a slight improvement over what we had (with the possible exception of the long snapper signing), or are added depth to the rotation. What does everyone else think? I'd like some input

It's just my personal opinion, but I think this draft is going to be about BPA with an emphasis on defense. What part of the defense it focuses on depends on how the draft falls. I think we could see at least 2 D-linemen out of this draft, but I also see us taking a few linebackers as well. Secondary is also a need, as well as O-line. We have to stay somewhat young on that O-line, so I may see O-line as a need on the interior more than most. An argument could be made to use a high pick on a runningback as well.

I liked what McDaniels did with free agency. It makes it so camp will be very competitive, and so the Broncos are not held hostage by need of position because we have no one on the roster to fill that position. This allows us to take BPA on defense. If this wasn't done, then we'd have to take, say, a D-tackle with our first pick because we don't have anyone on the roster at defensive tackle. If the d-tackle we want is picked before us, that forces us to reach for a d-tackle if we can't find a trade down partner. This way, the draft can just come to us. It doesn't matter who is there when we pick. It's more about getting great players than about drafting for a particular position.

[KWHIT97]

I think Raji and Orakpo are out of reach.

But I think Everett Brown at #12 and Tyson Jackson at #18 are a real possibility.

Other guys I think have a real chance of being a Bronco in round 1 are Aaron Maybin, Robert Ayers, Larry English, Rey Maualuga, and Malcolm Jenkins.

I seriously think we should put a major emphasis on the front 7 in this draft while maybe getting a CB and a S in the middle to late rounds.

I would take either of Brown and Jackson/Ayers or a move up for Raji if he falls and Aaron Maybin or Larry English!

[BoltNut]

If Maualuga is available at #12, don't you think the front office would grab him? I understand that the D-line is a concern, but the Bolts also need D-line help and I would hope if this guy is available, they would jump on him. Just my thought. You all know what is needed more than I do, but a player like him that could make an immediate impact would be awfully tempting.

[Sunbiz1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fiWgAZf0v4

A Panther fan posted this link on another MB, thoughts??

If Maualuga is available at #12, don't you think the front office would grab him? I understand that the D-line is a concern, but the Bolts also need D-line help and I would hope if this guy is available, they would jump on him. Just my thought. You all know what is needed more than I do, but a player like him that could make an immediate impact would be awfully tempting.

[CanDB]

I am big on BPA, but with a defensive front 7 qualifier. There are maybe 2 DTs that are even worth considering in our first 2 picks, but Raji is the only one I would go after. That leaves DEs and LBs, and I would prefer we get one of each, if Raji is gone. As you know, dliners take some time to develop, so it would be nice to acquire at least some immediate impact in the first few picks. And if Raji is out of the mix, Brace may be the 2nd round choice to go after.

All in all, if you can get the BPA, with some specific strategy (best front defensive 7), you win in the long run.

Still like an RB by round 3. Maybe a QB in the mid rounds. Then our foundation is set.....improved D, powerful O, and still some great picks next year. Plus I believe we will see a resurgence in folks like DJ, Doom, Champ, Thomas, and maybe another couple from last year.

Excited much!!!!

[knoxman36and2]

That was really my question I suppose. If D-line players DO actually take time to develop as we have seen in the past? Wouldn't it have been better to address that need in free agency? OR, were there really no linemen out there worth picking up at a reasonable price(Other than Fields of course)?

I like the theory that we added enough depth at each position in free agency to allow us to go with the best available player at any particular draft spot. I'm just not sure we are improved enough on our D-line (if there really is any improvement) to be comfortable waiting a few seasons for a Rookie D-lineman to develop. Overall defense I do believe is improved. Its just those front guys on the line that I'm having some doubts about.

[Crazy8]

That was really my question I suppose. If D-line players DO actually take time to develop as we have seen in the past? Wouldn't it have been better to address that need in free agency? OR, were there really no linemen out there worth picking up at a reasonable price(Other than Fields of course)?

I like the theory that we added enough depth at each position in free agency to allow us to go with the best available player at any particular draft spot. I'm just not sure we are improved enough on our D-line (if there really is any improvement) to be comfortable waiting a few seasons for a Rookie D-lineman to develop. Overall defense I do believe is improved. Its just those front guys on the line that I'm having some doubts about.

It's hardly ever better to get high-priced players in free agency. The only time you want to do that, is if you're 1 or 2 players away. Usually free agents on their 2nd or 3rd contract are over-priced. They will get you in salary cap trouble quickly. You want to build through the draft.

These D-linemen are not good enough. You have a right to be worried, but they're bodies that can be used in this system that came at the right price. They're stop-gaps for now. Not difference makers. The difference makers will come in the draft like they should. Hopefully anyway.

If Raji's gone by pick 12, we may trade down for more picks and/or get Tyson Jackson. We might pick up Mauluga even though he's falling a bit according to some mock drafts I've been seeing. It all depends on the draft board McDaniels and Co. put together, and who is available, and if they can be gotten without being a big reach.

I also wanted to throw this in there as well. We have some very young D-linemen on this team who might have some potential. We really might not be as bad on the D-line as we think we are. That's what's so great about our team right now. Anything can happen.

[iowabronco24]

I for one would not be mad if we used every single pick we had in this draft on defense.

[Peerless]

I for one would not be mad if we used every single pick we had in this draft on defense.

Neither would I.

[BoltNut]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fiWgAZf0v4

A Panther fan posted this link on another MB, thoughts??

This guy is definitely disruptive. Watching the clips, he seems to always be around the ball. He's persistent. From what I've read, most teams are looking at him to add depth to their bench. With his size and tenacity he could end up more than just a back up.

[Crazy8]

This guy is definitely disruptive. Watching the clips, he seems to always be around the ball. He's persistent. From what I've read, most teams are looking at him to add depth to their bench. With his size and tenacity he could end up more than just a back up.

He pops straight up out of his stance. He would be on his back if he did that in the NFL. He's very inconsistent too. He can disappear for long periods of time. That might be able to be fixed with coaching, but to me he would probably be better in a 4-3, 1-gap defense more than a 3-4.

Just my take.

[BoltNut]

He pops straight up out of his stance. He would be on his back if he did that in the NFL. He's very inconsistent too. He can disappear for long periods of time. That might be able to be fixed with coaching, but to me he would probably be better in a 4-3, 1-gap defense more than a 3-4.

Just my take.

I think he was saying the Panthers fan posted the link to the video. I'm not sure what scheme they run down there. I doubt if the Bolts are looking at him. My question was about Rey Maualuga.

[broncolee]

McDaniels has already indicated that they will draft the best player available at a position of need. That is a wise way to go.

The Broncos have addressed each level of defense in FA. They picked up two potential nose tackles, a DE/OLB hybrid, a potential ILB, two safeties, and a cornerback. They've even addressed the hybrid DE/DT position by re-signing Peterson.

We almost have to assume that they aren't completely comfortable with Fields or Parker at the nose tackle position. They might not be comfortable with the ILB position. It would stand to reason that they wouldn't be comfortable with the OLB position since they don't have anyone that fits the prototype that has experience in the 3-4 defense. Their best coverage linebacker is thought to be injury prone and weighs in the 230 lbs. range. They don't have any DEs that have experience in the 3-4 defense and there is only one DE in the draft that is described as an elite prospect as a 3-4 DE.

Joe Collier once said that you build a 3-4 defense up the middle. If the Broncos concur, I could see their priorities in the draft as NT, ILB, DE, OLB, WR, RB, QB, S, CB, OL, TE, and K/P. I didn't put safety in after ILB because they picked up two veterans in FA and still have Fox and Barrett. I think safety can wait until next year when they will have two first round picks and a shot a Taylor Mays.

[owninit]

I am big on BPA, but with a defensive front 7 qualifier. There are maybe 2 DTs that are even worth considering in our first 2 picks, but Raji is the only one I would go after. That leaves DEs and LBs, and I would prefer we get one of each, if Raji is gone. As you know, dliners take some time to develop, so it would be nice to acquire at least some immediate impact in the first few picks. And if Raji is out of the mix, Brace may be the 2nd round choice to go after.

All in all, if you can get the BPA, with some specific strategy (best front defensive 7), you win in the long run.

Still like an RB by round 3. Maybe a QB in the mid rounds. Then our foundation is set.....improved D, powerful O, and still some great picks next year. Plus I believe we will see a resurgence in folks like DJ, Doom, Champ, Thomas, and maybe another couple from last year.

Excited much!!!!

I am blown away excited, i agree with you and many others the d line is emphasis, but with the FA signings, and Powell getting healthy we have a descent start and don't need to really reach for any one position. There are places where an imediate player would be great, but Davis, Dawkins, Hill, Fields, Goodman, and Reid as FA signings in addition to the tallent we kept seems to be a servicable D.

BPA time and not much would shock me.........unless we go sanchez and then i am bummin