Bronco Busting

[Sheik Yerbouti]

With the Broncos offseason moves, you would think the Broncos first round pick would become more clear, but to me at least, it hasn't.

With the #11 selection, the Broncos could go in several different directions.


Here are the questions I have:

1) Does the signing of veteran D-linemen Jamal Williams and Justin Brannan change the Broncos focus with the first pick AWAY from the D-line?

Obviously Suh and McCoy will be long gone, and you have to figure Dan Williams has as good a chance of being over-drafted as Tyson Jackson did, and sneak into the top 10.

Odrick, even though I like him, would be considered by some to be a bit of a reach that high, and from there, you have a dropoff.

Personally, I believe the Broncos offseason moves indicate they will look somewhere other than D-line with their first round pick.

2) What about the O-line?

For me, the Broncos offensive line was far and away the biggest disappointment of the entire team last season.

Casey Wiegmann's one year renaissance in 2008 faded, and he spent alot of his time being pushed around last season.

Chris Kuper also suprised me with marginal play at times, Ryan Harris was injured, Tyler Polumbus' growing pains were painful, and even Ryan Clady had his warts down the stretch of the season, particularly against Kansas City and Tamba Hali.

Ben Hamilton was beyond bad, and while I liked Russ Hochstein, with his knee injury, he does not seem like a player you can count on for the long run.

Right now, only Clady seems to be a player set for the long run with the Broncos, and indeed, as of right now, we have no designated starting center.

So what does all of this mean for the Draft?

I think it means the Broncos could spend a draft and just focus on adding talent and the kind of players McDaniels wants on the O-line....but is someone worthy of the #11 pick?

I think Mike Iupati is, but beyond him, you have to wonder.

Maurkice Pouncey would be a huge body and could probably assume control of the Center position from day one, and would have the potential to man the position for a decade.

Drafting a center that high is not sexy, but I heard Mike Mayock say Pouncey has a higher grade than either Nick Mangold or Alex Mack did, and they were both drafted at No. 20 in the first round if memory serves.

Right now, the Broncos need starters at C and LG, so these two players could suprise and factor in, as McDaniels has proven he is willing to draft players he wants where he can get them, regardless of where others have them ranked.

3.) Treading water?

I don't understand the logic of trading Brandon Marshall to draft an unproven rookie, no matter how talented, in a player like Dez Bryant.

Personally, I would just re-sign BM and take my chances that he has grown up, because if he has, you have an elite player, so why try and make a lateral move, and hope you end up with a player just as good.

So I would be disappointed with the trade of Marshall, especially for a trade that nets Seattle's second round pick and a second conditional draft choice, only to end up drafting Dez Bryant.

Now, if Marshall were to sign an extention, I would have no problem drafting Bryant to pair with im, as I believe the NFL is now more about offensive weapons now as it ever has been.


4) Wild Card?

I have to admit, the idea of drafting S Earl Thomas at #11 makes alot of sense to me.

More than ever, it seems NFL defenses are really transformed by impact players at safety....you think of Polomalu, Ed Reed, Bob Sanders, etc, and to bring in a young ballhawk like Thomas to work with the great Brian Dawkins, I mean, how could you not see some value to that? I think he could absolutely revolutionalize our pass defense in a conference where we ultimately have to beat Peyton Manning's Colts to go to the Super Bowl and Philip Rivers' Chargers to win the AFC West.

For that reason, I would also be thrilled to see the Broncos take Brandon Graham, as you can never have too many pass rushers.

On top of all of this, you could see the logic in adding an explosive player like C.J. Spiller, or drafting a young corner like Joe Haden.

Really, with the trade for Brady Quinn, about the only position I would count out for selection is Quarterback.


What thoughts do you guys have?

[trenchwar08]

Good show of scattered thinking. Join the crowd and the general direction of these predictions - all over the map. A veritable guessing game.

Assume we have solidified the interior D-Line, like you said.

Assume we need major help on the O-Line.

Assume the trenches are where football begins.

Then how about this: take the best OT available when we pick at #11. At lease one of these guys could be on the board when we pick:

Russell Okung
Anthony Davis
Bruce Campbell
Trent Williams
Bryan Bulaga

Stronger O-Line. More time for Orton. Better running game. Etc.

[coloradomedic]

Why can't it just be that the Broncos are shoring up weaknesses and positioning themselves to take the BPA in the draft?

[D_Broncs_913]

First off Welcome!!!

You have some valid points, especially with O-line. We have to focus on OL in this draft, but also mix in some DL. We keep adding older vets to our Dline but sooner or later we have to get younger on our defensive line. Whether that be Odrick at 11. He's a 5 tech so he can step in from day one, therefore the majority of rotation is happening on the opposite end or NT position. If we don't get Odrick, hopefully we can acquire someone in the later rounds.

Now about Iupati. I'd be bitter sweet for me. We draft a nasty run blocking guard. I'd imagine Moreno's numbers would jump dramatically. It'd be bitter because we could had drafted someone else and given Olsen a chance. Maybe he turns out to be just as good, maybe he sucks. We won't know until he starts.

All in all, i really hope we focus on the OL/DL in this draft. Maybe a playmaker here or there, but really focus on the trenches.


P.S. I'd be excited if we drafted E. Thomas. The only knock on that is that McBath gets to sit another year. What if he's a probowl caliber type player? What if he's a bust? Again, I bring up the point; We won't know until he starts.

[samparnell]

Iupati is too limited to warrant #11.

Trent Williams could play G or T and is worth #11.

Other centers besides Pouncey will be available: Walton, Tennant, Olsen, etc.

If you don't want to use #11 for OL, John Jerry and Marshall Newhouse will be available afterward as well.

There will be a few good choices at each pick. If the Broncos still have #11, it will be interesting to see whom they choose. I'm sure it will be an informed decision.

[trenchwar08]

Iupati is too limited to warrant #11.

Trent Williams could play G or T and is worth #11.

Other centers besides Pouncey will be available: Walton, Tennant, Olsen, etc.

If you don't want to use #11 for OL, John Jerry and Marshall Newhouse will be available afterward as well.

There will be a few good choices at each pick. If the Broncos still have #11, it will be interesting to see whom they choose. I'm sure it will be an informed decision.

I'd rather take a polished OT and move him over to OG than draft a raw OG and try to coach him up and fit him in.

Jerry and Newhouse may be there in rounds 2-3. But those high-rathed OT's will be gone before the end of the first. (Did you read Tory Holt's mock? He had all 5 top OT prospect going in the first 10 picks.)

[expatRick]

3.) Treading water?

I don't understand the logic of trading Brandon Marshall to draft an unproven rookie, no matter how talented, in a player like Dez Bryant.

Personally, I would just re-sign BM and take my chances that he has grown up, because if he has, you have an elite player, so why try and make a lateral move, and hope you end up with a player just as good.

So I would be disappointed with the trade of Marshall, especially for a trade that nets Seattle's second round pick and a second conditional draft choice, only to end up drafting Dez Bryant.

Now, if Marshall were to sign an extention, I would have no problem drafting Bryant to pair with im, as I believe the NFL is now more about offensive weapons now as it ever has been.

I believe the available evidence is contrary to your point and there's a better chance that Dez Bryant is a Pro Bowl WR than there is that Brandon Marshall becomes a content and productive member of the Broncos future.

[samparnell]

Roger that.

I'd rather take a polished OT and move him over to OG than draft a raw OG and try to coach him up and fit him in.

Jerry and Newhouse may be there in rounds 2-3. But those high-rathed OT's will be gone before the end of the first. (Did you read Tory Holt's mock? He had all 5 top OT prospect going in the first 10 picks.)

Polished Offensive Tackles have done quite well and have warranted high first round picks.

The Broncos have one of those.

They are NFL ready.

Don't know if Iupati is ... yet. He will be eventually, but he may be limited to G only.

[conannilsen]

The best player to draft is the one who can help us get 1 yard on a 3rd down.

[BF]

Iupati is too limited to warrant #11.

Trent Williams could play G or T and is worth #11.

Other centers besides Pouncey will be available: Walton, Tennant, Olsen, etc.

If you don't want to use #11 for OL, John Jerry and Marshall Newhouse will be available afterward as well.

There will be a few good choices at each pick. If the Broncos still have #11, it will be interesting to see whom they choose. I'm sure it will be an informed decision.

If Williams was there at #11, we'd almost have to take him. I'd be shocked if we didn't.

[Sheik Yerbouti]

Good show of scattered thinking. Join the crowd and the general direction of these predictions - all over the map. A veritable guessing game.

Assume we have solidified the interior D-Line, like you said.

Assume we need major help on the O-Line.

Assume the trenches are where football begins.

Then how about this: take the best OT available when we pick at #11. At lease one of these guys could be on the board when we pick:

Russell Okung
Anthony Davis
Bruce Campbell
Trent Williams
Bryan Bulaga

Stronger O-Line. More time for Orton. Better running game. Etc.

OT? I could see it

Okung: gone

Bulaga: probably gone.

Bruce Campbell: Just say no, please

Trent Williams, makes sense if he is truly a stronger run blocker than Ryan Harris.

Harris concerns me, he has been injury prone, and while he is a quick-footed pass protector, he leaves something to be desired in the running game, so I could see Trent Williams. Harris will also be coming due soon for a new contract, so that has to factor in.

Yep, Williams makes sense.

Everything I read about him is mostly postive.

Anthony Davis is too big of a risk to me, mostly due to his spotty work ethic.


I really like the idea of Mike Iupati, though.

Steve Hutchison and Ruben Brown were both drafted at #13 and becamse elite LG's, and a left-side of our O-line of Clady and Iupati could be dominant.

As for Center, I still like Matt Tennant as much as anyone. I like the history of success for BC O-lineman in the NFL, and if the Broncos were to sign Kevin Mawae (who was still the best OC I saw in the NFL last season) to a one year deal, a year for Tennant to be his understudy would be fantastic. Both have similar body types, so it could perfectly transition Tennant to the starting position by 2011.

[Sheik Yerbouti]

I forgot the departure of Aundra Davis at ILB.

That one suprised me.

I thought he played extremely well and was a good leader for the defense.

So who fills the void?

Could it be Wesley Woodyard? He has played inside before, and NFL defenses have a long history of smaller ILB types playing well.

If not, is the choice Rolando McClain?

They say the Krohn's disease should not factor in, but how could it not? That is a degenerative disease which almost has to mean a shortened career.

For that reason, I probably pass on McClain, but I love Mizzou's LB Sean Witherspoon as an alternative.

A natural leader, the guy is just amazing dropping into coverage, can run and hit, is a prototype tackler, and a fiery competitior.

I know some might disagree, but #11 is NOT too high to take Sean Weatherspoon, in my opinion.

The guy is going to be a great pro, and to me, if Jerod Mayo can go #9 or whatever it was to New England, #11 is not too high for Weatherspoon.

[Sheik Yerbouti]

The best player to draft is the one who can help us get 1 yard on a 3rd down.

Yeah, you have to believe the selection of another RB is coming.

[Sheik Yerbouti]

I believe the available evidence is contrary to your point and there's a better chance that Dez Bryant is a Pro Bowl WR than there is that Brandon Marshall becomes a content and productive member of the Broncos future.

Not sure I see your logic here...

Marshall is a proven, elite receiver with three consecutive 100 plus catch seasons to his credit, and a top five receiver in the NFL.

I have to believe it would be more beneficial keeping him than trading him for pennies on the dollar, and drafting a player in Bryant you HOPE is going to play up to the same standards as B Marsh. Not to mention the fact that he is a Jr. that declared early after not playing much last season at OSU.

I think any problems with Marshall are solved with a new, shiney contract and a nice, fat signing bonus.

Now, if they can extend Marshall, and they want to sell out for offensive weapons, and bet that is the way to win in the NFL these days, you would have an argument. After all, the Saints just won the Super Bowl, and the Cardinals went the year before largely on the strength of their offensive ability.

So adding Bryant to Marshall would be an advancement for the team....simply trading Marshall for Bryant is a lateral move at best.

[broncos SB2010]

Iupati is too limited to warrant #11.

Trent Williams could play G or T and is worth #11.

Other centers besides Pouncey will be available: Walton, Tennant, Olsen, etc.

If you don't want to use #11 for OL, John Jerry and Marshall Newhouse will be available afterward as well.

There will be a few good choices at each pick. If the Broncos still have #11, it will be interesting to see whom they choose. I'm sure it will be an informed decision.

Kyle calloway is another good prospect in round 3 or 4 for an OT/OG.