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My dream mock offseason as our team stands right now. This would be my ideal and semi-realistic prediction on how we can improve our team. First, I'll break down our current roster with our pending Free Agents.
QB - Tebow is the answer IMO... but needs a veteran behind him just in case. It's been reported that Adam Weber will get his shot, but he'll most likely end up as our 3rd string QB. Unlike most, I doubt we draft a QB in this years draft. I think we'll sign an UDFA to compete and a Veteran.
RB - McGahee played extremely well for us this past season. For a guy hitting 30 and still running for 1200 yards is very impressive. With that being said, he wore down as the season concluded. He also lacks the explosiveness to hit the second level and break away from defenders. Fox loves a committee of RBs and that will definitely be our scenario for the 2012 season. Knowshon will make a great 3rd down/screen back as long as he can stay healthy. Ball/Johnson are below average and one will be let go. Mario Fannin showed promise during camp last year and I think he'll be given a shot for the active roster. I think we'll draft a RB within the first 3 rounds of the draft.
FB - Larsen is average. IMO he'll never be more than just an average fullback. However, we run the majority of our runs out of shotgun and singleback. For that reason, I don't think this position is high on the priority list. We'll most likely bring someone in to compete during camp.
WR - The young and promising duo between Thomas and Decker is a great start. IMO Tebow will throw twice as much in the 2012 season as he did this past season. This will give plenty of oppurtunities for our young core. I think a full offseason with the trio of Tebow, thomas and decker will help tremendously. Royal has about a 70% chance of signing with another team. Only way I see Denver retaining him is if he comes cheap. But I'm more than positive Royal signs on elsewhere (Washington). I think we'll bring in a Veteran to add experience to our core. The rest of the depth will be made of our UDFAs last year (Dell, Orton, etc.) and a couple this year.
TE - Fells played well in the pass game and improved as a blocker as the season went on. I think he'll be resigned and given another chance to start this year with the competition of Julius Thomas. "JT" is our future IMO and I don't see any additions to our core. The trio of Fells, JT, and Green is solid enough to roll with in the 2012 season.
O-Line - Clady and Kuper are locks. Beadles fits great in the run system we ran last year. He pulls great for Tebow and IMO he improved a ton this past season. Franklin played surprisingly well at RT than most expected. I think he opens the season up as our starting RT. JD walton..... He's had a tough two years. He's below average in the run game and terrible in the pass game. He has 'ok' games against average DT/NTs but gets dominated by the skilled ones. I think we'll look for veteran depth this offseason all across our line and especially one to compete for the starting C spot.
DE - A healthy Doom is such a game changer. I still don't think he's fully healed to a point where he can "full-go". But we all witnessed how well he did when healthy. Robert Ayers had a great conclusion to the season. He's always been stout against the run and he's improved greatly in the pass rush. We're losing our depth with Harvey and Hunter walking on to the market but I think we'll retain Jason Hunter back. He's solid depth and gets a lot of playing time in our system. We lack pass rushing depth and I think that will be handled this offseason.
DT - Bunk is a beast and must be resigned for us to maintain a solid front. He's great against the run and that's exactly what we've needed the past decade. He's in for a huge contract and we have no choice but to resign him. We'll also resign Marcus Thomas for depth.. He's been solid at best but he wont be our starter in 2012. Ty Warren is still under contract and I think he'll surprise people this year. He's a savy vet and he'll make great veteran depth. Hopefully we let Ryan 'penalty' McBean walk in the Free Agency. I think we'll spend a couple picks this draft on this position. I also think we'll sign someone to compete for the spot next to Bunk. WE NEED SOMEONE TO CAUSE CHAOS IN THE MIDDLE DURING OUR PASS RUSH!
LB - Von Miller is something special and he'll be back to his norm once his cast is off. DJ Williams is very underrated and has played well for us since we drafted him. Joe Mays is a great two-down linebacker and I think we should resign him for that role. He'll come cheap and I think it will be a major help towards grooming our future in Nate Irving. I hope Nate Irving is ready to become that 'guy' because we're missing that playmaking MLB that most great defenses have. Woodyard is an average starter but a great leader. I think he'll latch on elsewhere to give himself a better oppurtunity. Hopefully we can resign Haggan because he provides great depth and veteran leadership. I think we'll add a young speedy linebacker for depth on the outside.
CB - Champ is champ and is one of the best CB's in the league even at his age. But... he's not getting any younger and we need to find his replacement this year or next year. Goodman is terrible and lazy. He gives up more plays than he makes and teams make plays all over the field on Goodman whether it's the pass or run. He misses too many tackles and gives up too many big plays when we need him the most. Hopefully we let him go because we can do way better. Chris harris is one of my favorite players on the team and he'll be given a chance to compete on the outside oppposite of Champ. He's proven himself tremendously and he plays with a chip on his shoulder. We also get Syd'Q back which will be a great addition to this team this year. Hopefully he can stay healthy and compete for the Nickel/Dime spot. I don't think we'll retain any of our pending FA corners. I think we'll add two corners to the team whether it be FA or the Draft.
S - The safety position has the biggest question marks IMO. Is Dawkins healthy enough to play? Will he retire? Is Rahim Moore ready to perform at the spot we drafted him in? Will Quinton Carter play his natural position at SS to replace Dawk or will he stay at FS? One thing I know for sure is David Bruton can't be on the field for us anymore. There is no way a safety should be in the NFL if he can't open field tackle. He's horrible at tackling and below average against the pass. Only way we dont cut him is to strictly keep him at Special teams. We'll most likely bring in veteran depth here and use one of our later picks on a safety. "Q" played well late in the season and he showed he has great potential with more experience. Hopefully Rahim Moore puts on 10 lbs and comes ready to play in 2012. I have high hopes for Moore and I'm shooting for him to be the starter.
K/P - Prater and Colquitt need to be resigned. Period. They are one of the best duos in the league.
Free Agency - Like Xanders said, we'll be active in the free agency but more towards quality players that aren't so 'big-named'. Here are some key signings I think will improve our team this offseason.
1. Jason Jones DT (prev. Titans) - A very underrated player that played out of position last season. He played in a poor system that required him to lose weight and play DE when his natural position is DT. He'll come cheap and will be the past rusher we need next to Bunk. I gurantee if we sign him, he'll be the "Willis McGahee" of last year.
2. Mark Andersen DE (prev. Patriots) - He played well for New England and he'll provide the pass rushing depth we lack on our defensive front. He'd be a great signing that fits what Xanders and the rest of the FO wants. He'll help solidify our D-line with the addition of Jones as well.
3. Vince Young QB (prev. Eagles) - Although I think we'll see less of the option offense as our base running attack, VY will still be a great addition behind Tebow. He can run the offense Tebow will run and we all know how well VY did in Texas with the option offense. We have one QB that "just wins".. why not have two?
4. Haruki Nakamura S (prev. Ravens) - Depth and Possible replacement for Bruton on Special Teams if released.
5. Donte Stallworth WR (prev. Redskins) - Will start at slot for us with Thomas and Decker on the outside. Played well for the Redskins last season when given the chance. He'll have competition for the slot spot. But a speed demon is something we lack in our WR core.
6. A Center - I would hope for a veteran with proven experience to mentor Walton.
I think we'll make a few more additions but these are the ones that stand out to me. They are impact players that won't cost much. A lot of the mocks I've seen has us signing bigger named players. I doubt we do and I think this is as big as it will get. Quality players through the free agency and build through the draft.
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Draft - After my mock offseason, I see our needs as follows: CB, RB, OL, WR, S
I'll only mock the first couple picks than just list the position in need at each pick.
**Trade our 1st(720) to Washington for a 2nd(510) and 3rd(240) this year and a 4th next year. Washington slightly overpays to grab Ryan Tannehill after missing out on RG3.
2a) Stephen Gilmore CB South Carolina - Future replacement for Champ. Gilmore could move up draft boards with a solid combine. The CB class is so deep that we can trade out of the first and still find first round talent in the 2nd. He'll compete for the opposite side of Champ forcing Chris Harris to stay at the nickel spot.
2b) Chris Polk RB Washington - A favorite here on the Boards. Why not? He's a complete stud. RB is somewhat deep in this draft with plenty of talent in the later rounds. He fits the mold Fox wants and I think he'll be out future star.
3a) Sean Spence OLB Miami - Speedy linebacker type that John Fox loves. He will be solid depth and could come in during certain packages for passing downs.
3b) Jared Crick DT Nebraska - Crick is a versatile DT that has special talent. I think he'll be great in rotation with our starting front.
4) Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M - Fuller is solid wideout with high upside. He's great value in the 4th (if he falls). He could compete with Stallworth for playing time and be an asset to the team's WR Core.
5a) George Iloka S Boise State - Iloka will provide depth at a weak Safety core.
5b) O-Line Depth
7) Kick Returner
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Pre-Season Depth Chart (incomplete)
QB - Tim Tebow, Vince Young, Adam Weber
RB - Willis McGahee, Chris Polk, Knowshon Moreno, Mario Fannin
FB - Spencer Larsen
WR - Demaryius Thomas, Mark Dell
WR - Eric Decker, Jeff Fuller
Slot - Donte Stallworth
TE - Daniel Fells, Julius Thomas, Virgil Green
LT - Ryan Clady, Rookie
LG - Zane Beadles, Free Agent
C - Free Agent, JD Walton
RG - Chris Kuper, Chris Clark
RT - Orlando Franklin, Ryan Harris
DE - Elvis Dumervil, Mark Andersen
DE - Robert Ayers, Jason Hunter
DT - Broderick Bunkley, Jared Crick
DT - Jason Jones, Marcus Thomas
OLB - DJ Williams, Sean Spence
MLB - Joe Mays/Nate Irving, Mario Haggan
OLB - Von Miller
CB - Champ Bailey, Free Agent
CB - Stephen Gilmore, Sydquan Thompson
Nickel - Chris Harris
FS - Rahim Moore, Haruki Nakamura
SS - Quinton Carter, George Iloka
Free Agency - Like Xanders said, we'll be active in the free agency but more towards quality players that aren't so 'big-named'. Here are some key signings I think will improve our team this offseason.
1. Jason Jones DT (prev. Titans) - A very underrated player that played out of position last season. He played in a poor system that required him to lose weight and play DE when his natural position is DT. He'll come cheap and will be the past rusher we need next to Bunk. I gurantee if we sign him, he'll be the "Willis McGahee" of last year.
2. Mark Andersen DE (prev. Patriots) - He played well for New England and he'll provide the pass rushing depth we lack on our defensive front. He'd be a great signing that fits what Xanders and the rest of the FO wants. He'll help solidify our D-line with the addition of Jones as well.
3. Vince Young QB (prev. Eagles) - Although I think we'll see less of the option offense as our base running attack, VY will still be a great addition behind Tebow. He can run the offense Tebow will run and we all know how well VY did in Texas with the option offense. We have one QB that "just wins".. why not have two?
4. Haruki Nakamura S (prev. Ravens) - Depth and Possible replacement for Bruton on Special Teams if released.
5. Donte Stallworth WR (prev. Redskins) - Will start at slot for us with Thomas and Decker on the outside. Played well for the Redskins last season when given the chance. He'll have competition for the slot spot. But a speed demon is something we lack in our WR core.
6. A Center - I would hope for a veteran with proven experience to mentor Walton.
I think we'll make a few more additions but these are the ones that stand out to me. They are impact players that won't cost much. A lot of the mocks I've seen has us signing bigger named players. I doubt we do and I think this is as big as it will get. Quality players through the free agency and build through the draft.
------------
Draft - After my mock offseason, I see our needs as follows: CB, RB, OL, WR, S
I'll only mock the first couple picks than just list the position in need at each pick.
**Trade our 1st(720) to Washington for a 2nd(510) and 3rd(240) this year and a 4th next year. Washington slightly overpays to grab Ryan Tannehill after missing out on RG3.
2a) Stephen Gilmore CB South Carolina - Future replacement for Champ. Gilmore could move up draft boards with a solid combine. The CB class is so deep that we can trade out of the first and still find first round talent in the 2nd. He'll compete for the opposite side of Champ forcing Chris Harris to stay at the nickel spot.
2b) Chris Polk RB Washington - A favorite here on the Boards. Why not? He's a complete stud. RB is somewhat deep in this draft with plenty of talent in the later rounds. He fits the mold Fox wants and I think he'll be out future star.
3a) Sean Spence OLB Miami - Speedy linebacker type that John Fox loves. He will be solid depth and could come in during certain packages for passing downs.
3b) Jared Crick DT Nebraska - Crick is a versatile DT that has special talent. I think he'll be great in rotation with our starting front.
4) Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M - Fuller is solid wideout with high upside. He's great value in the 4th (if he falls). He could compete with Stallworth for playing time and be an asset to the team's WR Core.
5a) George Iloka S Boise State - Iloka will provide depth at a weak Safety core.
5b) O-Line Depth
7) Kick Returner
------------
Pre-Season Depth Chart (incomplete)
QB - Tim Tebow, Vince Young, Adam Weber
RB - Willis McGahee, Chris Polk, Knowshon Moreno, Mario Fannin
FB - Spencer Larsen
WR - Demaryius Thomas, Mark Dell
WR - Eric Decker, Jeff Fuller
Slot - Donte Stallworth
TE - Daniel Fells, Julius Thomas, Virgil Green
LT - Ryan Clady, Rookie
LG - Zane Beadles, Free Agent
C - Free Agent, JD Walton
RG - Chris Kuper, Chris Clark
RT - Orlando Franklin, Ryan Harris
DE - Elvis Dumervil, Mark Andersen
DE - Robert Ayers, Jason Hunter
DT - Broderick Bunkley, Jared Crick
DT - Jason Jones, Marcus Thomas
OLB - DJ Williams, Sean Spence
MLB - Joe Mays/Nate Irving, Mario Haggan
OLB - Von Miller
CB - Champ Bailey, Free Agent
CB - Stephen Gilmore, Sydquan Thompson
Nickel - Chris Harris
FS - Rahim Moore, Haruki Nakamura
SS - Quinton Carter, George Iloka
Thoughts??
Good draft, but don't we owe two 6th round selections (one to Cleveland and one to Philly) how are we going to work that>>
not bad at all but i would pass on stallworth though he cant catch, i would like to get either a speed wr or one with alot of agility a playmaker instead of fuller
DT Brodrick Bunkley - Obvious reasons here, Bunk has been a beast in the middle.
LB Wesley Woodyard - A captain and special teams ace, Woody deserves to be back.
LB Mario Haggan - A solid reserve linebacker the past few years, Haggan will come cheap.
WR Eddie Royal - Royal re-signs cheap and will serve as an insurance receiver and primary kick returner.
WR Matthew Willis - A good special teamer, will serve as a fifth receiver.
DE Jason Hunter - A good third defensive end, Hunter should come cheap.
DT Marcus Thomas - Comes down to Thomas and McBean, and I believe Thomas adds great depth to the rotation.
OT Chris Clark - The third tackle, Clark is brought back for depth.
Free Agency:
CB Tracy Porter, New Orleans - Porter has shown flashes of being a shutdown corner and is likely the odd man out in New Orleans, as they have to dish out money to Brees, Nicks, and Colston. Porter is familiar with Allen's scheme. With this signing, Andre Goodman is cut loose.
DL Jason Jones, Tennessee - Jones played last season out of position as an end in Tennessee's new defensive scheme. Jones is a natural three-tech defensive tackle and would be a great addition to the defense.
LB Dan Connor, Carolina - Connor has ties with John Fox, as Fox drafted him whild he was coaching Carolina. Fox brings in his guy to compete with Nate Irving at middle.
OG Mackenzy Bernadeau, Carolina - Another guy who is familiar with Fox, Bernadeau adds depth to the offensive line.
QB Dennis Dixon, Pittsburgh - A quarterback familiar with the option offense Denver uses a whole lot, comes in as a cheap backup to Tebow.
Draft:
Round 1 - Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor - Some will question this pick because of the offense Denver runs with Tebow, but Wright is the ultimate deep threat. A sure handed receiver with blazing speed, Wright is the perfect #2 receiver. Thomas and Wright on the outside and Decker in the slot, would give Tebow young talent to spread the love around. Wright could instantly be a difference maker.
Round 2 - Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati - A somewhat under the radar defensive lineman, Wolfe possesses ideal disruptive force as a three-tech defensive tackle. With the re-signing of Bunk and Thomas and the signing of Jones, add in Wolfe to the mix, and now suddenly Denver has a defensive line that we could finally be proud of.
Round 3 - Doug Martin, RB, Boise State - Martin isn't the 'big name' runningback we all want, but Martin has had a very productive career at Boise. This years draft class, aside from Trent Richardson, isn't all that deep. Next years draft class I believe is a lot better so give McGahee, Moreno, Johnson, and now Martin, another year. I believe Denver will target a runningback in round one or two next year.
Round 4 - Terrance Ganaway, RB/FB, Baylor - Ganaway is a very intriguing prospect. A tough runner for Baylor this past season, Ganaway has a huge frame and still compiled over 1,500 yard rushing. Some believe Ganaway is a fullback at the next level. Denver needs as much talent as possible in the backfield and adding Ganaway here does just that.
Round 5 - Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon - Character concerns with first round talent causes Harris to slip to the fifth. A pure ball hawk with insane athleticism, Harris could be coached up to be the first rounder he was supposed to be. Having Champ and Dawk really helps with his mentoring. A sure low risk, high reward pick in the fifth.
Round 5 - Garth Gerhart, OL, Arizona State - Denver needs some interior lineman depth and Gerhart can play both guard and center. A versatile lineman with quick feet, could be a solid swing man.
Round 7 - Jack Crawford, DE, Penn State - Had a productive year at Penn State, but here in the seventh, it's solely a depth pick. Crawford does have pass rushing ability upside.
Depth Chart:
QB: Tebow, Dixon
RB: McGahee, Martin, Moreno, Johnson
FB: Ganaway
WR: Thomas, Wright, Decker, Royal, Willis
TE: Thomas, Green, Rosario
LT: Clady, Clark
LG: Beadles
C: Walton, Gerhart
RG: Kuper, Bernadeau
RT: Franklin, Harris
DE: Ayers, Beal
DT: Jones, Wolfe, Vickerson
DT: Bunkley, Thomas
DE: Dumervil, Hunter
OLB: Williams, Woodyard
MLB: Connor, Irving, Mohamed
OLB: Miller, Haggan
CB: Bailey, Porter, Harris, Harris, Vaughn
FS: Carter/Moore, Bruton
SS: Dawkins, Bush
K: Prater
P: Colquitt
LS: Paxton
KR: Royal
PR: Harris
3DRB: Moreno
BOLD denotes new addition.
Practice Squad:
QB Adam Weber
RB Mario Fannin
WR Mark Dell
WR D'Andre Goodwin
TE Cornelius Ingram
OT Adam Grant
DE Jack Crawford
DT Sealver Siliga
Notables Not Returning:
CB Andre Goodman
DT Ty Warren
DB Syd'Quan Thompson (if practice squad eligible, replace Thompson with Siliga)
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