My second Mock Offseason

[Hoserman117]

Updated my mock after pondering the matter for a week. Just so everyone knows this more reflects what I WANT to happen rather than what I think will happen.

Previous mock can be found here

Released/Retired:
Mitch Berger P
Ben Hamilton OG
Casey Wiegmann C
Vernon Fox S
Jarvis Moss OLB
Lamont Jordan HB
Chris Simms QB
Kenny Peterson DE
Marcus Thomas NT/DE
Matt Willis WR


Re-signed:
Elvis Dumervil OLB 5 years $60 mill
Kyle Orton QB 3 years $17 mill
Chris Kuper G 4 years $21 mill
Ty Law CB 1 years $2 mill
Brandon Lloyd WR 2 years $5 mill
Russ Hochstein OG 4 years $14 mill

Restructured:
Champ Bailey CB

Trades:
Tony Scheffler traded to Arizona for a 5th round draft pick
-Arizona was unhappy with recent draftee Leonard Pope and had him cut after pre-season, and backup Ben Patrick did next to nothing this year. Looking for solid production, they trade for the athletic Scheffler.

Brandon Marshall traded to Baltimore for a 1st round pick
-I know people will think we will get more, but I don't think so. Marshall has too much baggage to pull a 1st and a 3rd, I think 1st is the ceiling for this. Baltimore is going to be desperate to surround Flacco with weapons with Mason most likely playing his last season and Clayton having a truly awful year.

Denver sends a 5th round pick to Tennessee for LenDale White
-LenDale took a back seat this season to Chris Johnson and word around the league is that the Titans aren't going to offer him a long term contract. I think he can be had for a 5th round pick after coming off of a pretty uneventful season.

Notable Free Agent Signings:
Jarvis Green DE 4 years $19 mill
-Again, McDaniels brings in a bud from New England to replace the loss of Peterson. He's slightly younger than Kenny and follows McDaniels tendency to sign guys that he's familiar with and are veterans to teach the other guys.

Rex Hadnot C/G 3 years $10 mill
-Solid veteran depth in case we get hit by an injury bug. Has played for several teams and can play Center or Guard so he's the ideal backup.

David Carr QB 4 years $12 mill
- Was a decent QB in Houston, he was just sacked every other drop back. Pretty good fit for the system and wouldn't be the equivalent of an insta-give up button if Orton gets injured again.

Eugene Amano G 5 years $28 mill
- He's young, he's big, and he's perfect if we want to switch to a power blocking scheme. McDaniels showed last season that he is willing and able to bring in big name free agents and I hope Amano is the next big time FA Denver signs.

Draft

1st - WR Dez Bryant Oklahoma State
*LB Rolando McClain previous pick*
With Marshall gone we have to take the top WR in the draft and that's Dez Bryant. He'll step in as the big play deep threat every down receiver we've been lacking since Javon Walker re-injured his knee and open up the offense. Eddie Royal will be able to move back to the slot and the offense will begin to become explosive once again.

1st - LB Brandon Spikes Florida
Spikes is most likely going to fall a bit but I don't think he'll slip out of the first round. We should be able to nab him with Baltimore's late 1st round pick to replace Andra Davis who's play really took a hit as the season went on.

2nd - DE/DT Arthur Jones Syracuse
*same pick*
No doubt one of the biggest problems with our defense rested on the inability of our DE's to be anything more than space eaters. They weren't disruptive and generated little to no pass rush and rarely disrupted runs in the backfield. Jones is big, quick, explosive, and fits the mold for what we need at the 3-4 DE position.

3rd - C J.D. Walton Baylor
*same pick*
If not the best center in the draft, he's definitely the second best. Walton was one of the top interior line players at the college level this year and received First Team All American awards. Wiegmann's play this year definitely disappointed and Walton has the size and athleticism to take over his position.

4th - CB Alterraun Verner UCLA
*Previous pick DE/DT Vince Oghobaase*
Changed my mind from Oghobaase since we lost a 5th rounder for LenDale White and we really need CB depth. Verner is a very solid cover corner with good ball skills, returning 4 of his 13 interceptions for touchdowns as well.

6th - P Zoltan Mesko Michigan
*same pick*
Mich Berger was a decent directional punter this year but was also pretty damn good at shanking the hell out of a couple punts a game at the worst possible time. When we had to punt from within our own 10 against the Eagles I knew it was game over. This guy gives us good leg strength and accuracy and is an instant upgrade in the punting game.

7th - WR/HB Trindon Holliday LSU
*same pick*
This kid is obscenely fast, running in the 4.27 range which guarantees he will not fall off the draft board. Without any glaring needs at this point McDaniels takes a flier on this kid hoping he can provide some spark in the return game without having to risk Eddie Royal.

Starting 2010 Offense
QB: Kyle Orton - David Carr - Tom Brandstater
HB: Knowshon Moreno - LenDale White - Correll Buckhalter
FB: Spencer Larsen - Peyton Hillis
WR1: Dez Bryant - Kenny McKinley
WR2: Jabar Gaffney - Brandon Lloyd
WR(Slot): Eddie Royal - Brandon Stokley - Trindon Holliday
TE: Daniel Graham - Richard Quinn
RT: Ryan Harris - Tyler Polumbus
RG: Chris Kuper - Russ Hochstein
C: J.D. Walton - Rex Hadnot
LG: Eugene Amano - Seth Olsen
LT: Ryan Clady - Brandon Gorin

Starting 2010 Defense
LDE: Ryan McBean - Vonnie Holliday -LeKevin Smith
NT: Ronald Fields - Chris Baker
RDE: Jarvis Green - Arthur Jones - LeKevin Smith
LOLB: Robert Ayers - Mario Haggan - Darrel Reid
LILB: Brandon Spikes - Andra Davis - Wesley Woodyard
RILB: D.J. Williams - Spencer Larsen - Wesley Woodyard
ROLB: Elvis Dumervil - Darrel Reid
CB: Andre Goodman - Alphonso Smith
CB: Champ Bailey - Ty Law - Alterraun Verner
FS: Darcel McBath - Renaldo Hill
SS: Brian Dawkins - David Bruton - Josh Barrett

K: Matt Prater
P: Zoltan Mesko
KR: Trindon Holliday
PR: Trindon Holliday

Note: After rewatching some games I'm actually very high on Darcel McBath going into next season. He's very similar to Renaldo Hill just more athletic IMO. I wouldn't be surprised, and am actually expecting him to take the starting role from Hill. Not to say that he'll be 100% full time, I think Hill will still get plenty of playing time, but McBath will end up as the official 'starter'.

[basbllplaya26]

nice draft, I love the LenDale White move

[London Bronco]

I like that your off season trades are more realistic than many in that B Marsh for a straight up 1st and Sheff for a 5th.

If we've got 2 picks in the first, I would like one to go on D-Line if there's value to be had. If no D-Line value in 1st Round, then I'm fine with WR and LB with the two picks (if we trade B Marsh).

I like the FA pick up's you project. I think Carr might be over valued salary wise in your projections though unless the signing bonus is quite low.

For a while I was assuming we'll get a 1st ATLEAST for B-Marsh but now on reflection I'm not so sure. People can argue all they like about YAC ability and 100+ receptions etc, but at the end of the day, there's so much baggage with him that I would imagine a sensible GM will consider B-Marsh as an entire package and not just YAC and being difficult to tackle etc, etc. Obviously a few GM's may not think too logically and we'll benefit by getting good compensation!!!!

He's also going to want to be paid I guess in line with top 3 or top 5 WR's in NFL. Problem being, he's shown that attitude wise he could be in the bottom few WR's in the NFL and a suspension waiting to happen!!!

I've got visions of Broncos front office scrambling around on draft day trying to get rid of this Diva and ending up taking a low 2nd round pick which would be a bummer.

I want to him to either be here as I know he can offer loads to our offence and is a unique talent or I want a high pick for him, but not sure either will happen

[ItalianBronco]

Updated my mock after pondering the matter for a week. Just so everyone knows this more reflects what I WANT to happen rather than what I think will happen.

Previous mock can be found here

Released/Retired:
Mitch Berger P
Ben Hamilton OG
Casey Wiegmann C
Vernon Fox S
Jarvis Moss OLB
Lamont Jordan HB
Chris Simms QB
Kenny Peterson DE
Marcus Thomas NT/DE
Matt Willis WR


Re-signed:
Elvis Dumervil OLB 5 years $60 mill
Kyle Orton QB 3 years $17 mill
Chris Kuper G 4 years $21 mill
Ty Law CB 1 years $2 mill
Brandon Lloyd WR 2 years $5 mill
Russ Hochstein OG 4 years $14 mill

Restructured:
Champ Bailey CB

Trades:
Tony Scheffler traded to Arizona for a 5th round draft pick
-Arizona was unhappy with recent draftee Leonard Pope and had him cut after pre-season, and backup Ben Patrick did next to nothing this year. Looking for solid production, they trade for the athletic Scheffler.

Brandon Marshall traded to Baltimore for a 1st round pick
-I know people will think we will get more, but I don't think so. Marshall has too much baggage to pull a 1st and a 3rd, I think 1st is the ceiling for this. Baltimore is going to be desperate to surround Flacco with weapons with Mason most likely playing his last season and Clayton having a truly awful year.

Denver sends a 5th round pick to Tennessee for LenDale White
-LenDale took a back seat this season to Chris Johnson and word around the league is that the Titans aren't going to offer him a long term contract. I think he can be had for a 5th round pick after coming off of a pretty uneventful season.

Notable Free Agent Signings:
Jarvis Green DE 4 years $19 mill
-Again, McDaniels brings in a bud from New England to replace the loss of Peterson. He's slightly younger than Kenny and follows McDaniels tendency to sign guys that he's familiar with and are veterans to teach the other guys.

Rex Hadnot C/G 3 years $10 mill
-Solid veteran depth in case we get hit by an injury bug. Has played for several teams and can play Center or Guard so he's the ideal backup.

David Carr QB 4 years $12 mill
- Was a decent QB in Houston, he was just sacked every other drop back. Pretty good fit for the system and wouldn't be the equivalent of an insta-give up button if Orton gets injured again.

Eugene Amano G 5 years $28 mill
- He's young, he's big, and he's perfect if we want to switch to a power blocking scheme. McDaniels showed last season that he is willing and able to bring in big name free agents and I hope Amano is the next big time FA Denver signs.

Draft

1st - WR Dez Bryant Oklahoma State
*LB Rolando McClain previous pick*
With Marshall gone we have to take the top WR in the draft and that's Dez Bryant. He'll step in as the big play deep threat every down receiver we've been lacking since Javon Walker re-injured his knee and open up the offense. Eddie Royal will be able to move back to the slot and the offense will begin to become explosive once again.

1st - LB Brandon Spikes Florida
Spikes is most likely going to fall a bit but I don't think he'll slip out of the first round. We should be able to nab him with Baltimore's late 1st round pick to replace Andra Davis who's play really took a hit as the season went on.

2nd - DE/DT Arthur Jones Syracuse
*same pick*
No doubt one of the biggest problems with our defense rested on the inability of our DE's to be anything more than space eaters. They weren't disruptive and generated little to no pass rush and rarely disrupted runs in the backfield. Jones is big, quick, explosive, and fits the mold for what we need at the 3-4 DE position.

3rd - C J.D. Walton Baylor
*same pick*
If not the best center in the draft, he's definitely the second best. Walton was one of the top interior line players at the college level this year and received First Team All American awards. Wiegmann's play this year definitely disappointed and Walton has the size and athleticism to take over his position.

4th - CB Alterraun Verner UCLA
*Previous pick DE/DT Vince Oghobaase*
Changed my mind from Oghobaase since we lost a 5th rounder for LenDale White and we really need CB depth. Verner is a very solid cover corner with good ball skills, returning 4 of his 13 interceptions for touchdowns as well.

6th - P Zoltan Mesko Michigan
*same pick*
Mich Berger was a decent directional punter this year but was also pretty damn good at shanking the hell out of a couple punts a game at the worst possible time. When we had to punt from within our own 10 against the Eagles I knew it was game over. This guy gives us good leg strength and accuracy and is an instant upgrade in the punting game.

7th - WR/HB Trindon Holliday LSU
*same pick*
This kid is obscenely fast, running in the 4.27 range which guarantees he will not fall off the draft board. Without any glaring needs at this point McDaniels takes a flier on this kid hoping he can provide some spark in the return game without having to risk Eddie Royal.

Starting 2010 Offense
QB: Kyle Orton - David Carr - Tom Brandstater
HB: Knowshon Moreno - LenDale White - Correll Buckhalter
FB: Spencer Larsen - Peyton Hillis
WR1: Dez Bryant - Kenny McKinley
WR2: Jabar Gaffney - Brandon Lloyd
WR(Slot): Eddie Royal - Brandon Stokley - Trindon Holliday
TE: Daniel Graham - Richard Quinn
RT: Ryan Harris - Tyler Polumbus
RG: Chris Kuper - Russ Hochstein
C: J.D. Walton - Rex Hadnot
LG: Eugene Amano - Seth Olsen
LT: Ryan Clady - Brandon Gorin

Starting 2010 Defense
LDE: Ryan McBean - Vonnie Holliday -LeKevin Smith
NT: Ronald Fields - Chris Baker
RDE: Jarvis Green - Arthur Jones - LeKevin Smith
LOLB: Robert Ayers - Mario Haggan - Darrel Reid
LILB: Brandon Spikes - Andra Davis - Wesley Woodyard
RILB: D.J. Williams - Spencer Larsen - Wesley Woodyard
ROLB: Elvis Dumervil - Darrel Reid
CB: Andre Goodman - Alphonso Smith
CB: Champ Bailey - Ty Law - Alterraun Verner
FS: Darcel McBath - Renaldo Hill
SS: Brian Dawkins - David Bruton - Josh Barrett

K: Matt Prater
P: Zoltan Mesko
KR: Trindon Holliday
PR: Trindon Holliday

Note: After rewatching some games I'm actually very high on Darcel McBath going into next season. He's very similar to Renaldo Hill just more athletic IMO. I wouldn't be surprised, and am actually expecting him to take the starting role from Hill. Not to say that he'll be 100% full time, I think Hill will still get plenty of playing time, but McBath will end up as the official 'starter'.

A+... I love every thing you did...Ony thing I would do is draft McClain (as you know) over DEZ and get WR in the second...Thomas,Tate,Lafell...Whever falls...

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

IMO it's pretty well done.

I disagree with Lendale White. He has had discipline and charcter issues reportedly and I don't think he's the type of person the Broncos would target.

[ItalianBronco]

IMO it's pretty well done.

I disagree with Lendale White. He has had discipline and charcter issues reportedly and I don't think he's the type of person the Broncos would target.

White will get you 1 yard...99% of the time...The other 1% was in the Rosebowl...

[Bernie24]

I don't think LenDale is very good, I actually think Hillis is a better short yardage back but since McD will either not use or cut/trade Hillis it makes sense. Buck is a better RB between the 20s though I think LenDale woud only be in on Short yardage situation.

But then again, McD did say he drafted Knowshon to do everything, and as we saw many times this year he is in at the goaline. I think McD would rather spend his 5th rounder on that John Skelton guy or whoever we happen to be scouting or high on as a sleeper QB.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

White will get you 1 yard...99% of the time...The other 1% was in the Rosebowl...

My point had nothing to do with his ability as a power back. It was a reference to his character.

[Hoserman117]

I don't think LenDale is very good, I actually think Hillis is a better short yardage back but since McD will either not use or cut/trade Hillis it makes sense. Buck is a better RB between the 20s though I think LenDale woud only be in on Short yardage situation.

But then again, McD did say he drafted Knowshon to do everything, and as we saw many times this year he is in at the goaline. I think McD would rather spend his 5th rounder on that John Skelton guy or whoever we happen to be scouting or high on as a sleeper QB.

LenDale IMO would be purely for short yardage situations. Moreno was actually a very good goal line back as the year went on, but for some reason 3rd and short etc. was still a problem. For whatever reason McDaniels didn't want to use Hillis, so I wouldn't mind seeing LenDale come in and bang out a couple yards. Also in the case that Moreno ever gets injured, he's a much better backup than Buckhalter since he's not fragile and can get the tough yards.

[broncofansd]

First good job!!!




I have problems with


1. Why cut Marcus Thomas - he is big NT and is cheap???? He won't go anywhere.


2. Russ Hockstien is having MAJOR KNEE SURGERY and is more of a backup and reports won't be ready for season.


3. Brandon Spikes is falling fast - think 2nd Round Pick.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft

4. You under value Tony Scheffler and for a 5th Round Pick , I don't think McDaniels will trade him. Not worth it.


5. I really doubt that JD Walton is ready to start from day 1.

I do like your picks of Dez Bryant , Arthur Jones and A. Verner.

[Hoserman117]

First good job!!!




I have problems with


1. Why cut Marcus Thomas - he is big NT and is cheap???? He won't go anywhere.


2. Russ Hockstien is having MAJOR KNEE SURGERY and is more of a backup and reports won't be ready for season.


3. Brandon Spikes is falling fast - think 2nd Round Pick.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft

4. You under value Tony Scheffler and for a 5th Round Pick , I don't think McDaniels will trade him. Not worth it.


5. I really doubt that JD Walton is ready to start from day 1.

I do like your picks of Dez Bryant , Arthur Jones and A. Verner.

Marcus added some weight in the offseason but he still looked too weak at the point of attack to play NT in a 3-4. He's best suited as a backup DT in a 4-3 system and our defense clearly had some problems when Thomas was in the game. We had only two NT's that actually played this year (Ronald Fields and Marcus Thomas) and if we draft Arthur Jones and add another DE in free agency, we're gonna have to find two D-lineman to cut. I'd rather see Baker step in as the new backup NT, and Kenny Peterson is getting old and wasn't a good DE this year, so Peterson and Marcus Thomas seem like the two ideal players to cut.

I know Hochstein is more of a backup, and that's why he's a backup on my roster. Even if he isn't ready then Rex Hadnot can play guard and Seth Olsen can also play backup.

And by following the link to ESPN you sent me, when I look up Brandon Spikes they have him as the 20th best overall player and 2nd best LB with a grade of 92. I don't see how that translates to 2nd round pick.

McDaniels clearly had some problems with Scheffler at the end of the season. It's not that I don't think he's a good player, but all pro TE's like Kellen Winslow and Jeremy Shockey fetched 2nd and 5th round picks. Scheffler isn't even CLOSE to being on their level and is completely one dimensional. He's quite a soft player, won't block, and is pretty limited after the catch. I can maybe see us getting a 4th rounder for him, and that's the most we'll get, but I don't think anybody will offer that.

And even if Walton isn't ready to star day one I think he'll be an improvement over Wiegmann this season. If he doesn't start the first game of the season, I'd imagine by week 6-10 he'll be able to step in.

[Den615]

4. You under value Tony Scheffler and for a 5th Round Pick , I don't think McDaniels will trade him. Not worth it.

You over value Tony Scheffler. I think we can get a 4th for him, but a 5th certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility.

[armedequation]

as long as spikes doesnt pull anymore eye gouging I like it

[broncofansd]

If you watch the video of draft risers and fallers - Brandon Spikes is a FALLER. There are major questions of his speed.


Most ILB fall - look at James Laurinitis and many more. Rolando McClain is the only sure fire ILB taken in the 1st Round.


I again would much rather Maurkice Pouncey in the 1st and Micah Johnson in 3rd or 4th.

[KWHIT97]

Very nice, I would be thrilled with this off-season.

Just 3 things though.

1.Brandon Spikes in the 1st, are you nuts? I like it but I got grilled with as imiliar mock last week. People are too hell-bent on what the so-called experts say about Spikes. I think he is a lock to be a 1st round pick, no matter what the experts say!

2. The trade for White is interesting, but I would rather draft LeGarrette Blount in the 6th or 7th. Same type of back with the character concerns, but with less wear and tear and at a slightly cheaper price.

3. I feel you short-changed the needs on the o-line and d-line a little. If Casey Hampton, Aubrayo Franklin, or Ryan Pickett hit FA we need to sign one of them. I love the Amano signing butf eel we need 1 or 2 legit interior linemen to go with him.

Overall pretty good though!