Running backs looking forward

by Steve O' on Nov 29, 2008 12:21 PM MST Comment 54 comments

I am sitting here watching the Clemson - South Carolina game and browsing through MHR. In calvinandhobbes' post on the Broncos running game, Colinski points out a simulation web site which is very to fun to mess around with. Colinski also shares with me that a name that keeps coming up in simulations for the Broncos is James Davis in the 3rd round. Apparently there isn't a huge need for RB this year and couple that with the fact there will be depth at that position, the Broncos may be able to fill other needs first, like DT or Safety, and still get a really good running back in the 3rd round.

As I am typing this, James Davis just broke to the outside for about a 28 yard TD run to make it 24 - 0 and I am thinking, this kid looks good. Then I started to wonder what the other guys look like. Then I decided to share it with you all.

I know we are in the middle of a playoff run, the season is still ongoing, but with great game posts like the ones that HoosierTeacher and Firstfan have given us, I decided to look around the corner. In my opinion the best NFL teams of all time had one thing in common, a great QB, a great WR and a great RB.

The Steelers - Bradshaw, Swann and Franco Harris.

The Cowboys - Aikman, Irvin and Emmit Smith

The Niners - Montana, Rice and Roger Craig

The Broncos - Elway, Smith and Terrell Davis

Our current Broncos have Cutler, Marshall and .... I think we are missing a top flight, blue chip running back. In 2-4 years these kids will all be in their prime and bringing rings to the Rockies.

I looked at the top 25 best NFL prospects at RB according to Scout.com. The top ten players have youtube highlights and I apologize if the clarity on some of the video isn't the greatest quality.

1. Chris Wells, Ohio State (Junior) Beanie Baby!
2. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia (3rd year sophomore) Do you Knowshon?
3. LeSean McCoy, Pitt (3rd year sophomore) The real McCoy!
4. James Davis, Clemson Davis highlights
5. Javon Ringer, Michigan State He's a Ringer!
6. C.J. Spiller, Clemson (Junior) Speed, speed and more speed
7. Mike Goodson, Texas A&M (Junior) Shifty and quick!
8. Marlon Lucky, Nebraska Lucky skills
9. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma (3rd year sophomore) DeMarco is Da' man!
10. Arian Foster, Tennessee Foster is a bruiser!

The best of the rest,

11. Keegan Herring, Arizona State
12. P.J. Hill, Wisconsin (Junior)
13. Ben Tate, Auburn (Junior)
14. Damion Fletcher, Southern Miss (Junior)
15. Mikell Simpson, Virginia (Junior)
16. Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern
17. Ian Johnson, Boise State
18. Keiland Williams, LSU (Junior)
19. Maurice Wells, Ohio State
20. Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M (FB)
21. Javarris James, Miami (Junior)
22. Andre Brown, NC State
23. Anthony Allen, Louisville (Junior)
24. Kory Sheets, Purdue
25. Rodney Ferguson, New Mexico

If you are like me Sunday can't come fast enough. In the meantime playing around with the Simulator, as Colinski said, is a fun way to create different mock drafts by prioritizing the Broncos needs. You may even be able to totally convince yourself that we need a running back, kinda like I did!

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

5 recs | Comment 54 comments

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Comments

For me

it seems to only have us picking up LeSean McCoy, but his skill set doesn’t seem to match our scheme very well. Davis seems to be the best plausable match as I see Wells and Knowshon being gone before we pick.

by BroncoJoe87 on Nov 29, 2008 1:55 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Broncojoe

It depends on what kind of skill set you are looking for. If you are of the ilk that Hillis will continue to get touches regardless, then maybe you want a faster, slash back. If you want Hillis to go back to fullback then we may need a bigger everydown back.

Hillis, in my opinion, is the only back proving he can stay healthy. I know the MHR faithfull is going to come at me with Aldridge and Torain and maybe even Hall and Young.

Aldridge can’t stay healthy through the preseason, he is just too small. Torain can’t stay healthy ever. Hall is fumble prone and Young, don’t even get me started on Mr. 2000 yards.

Personally, I want Knowshon, just make it happen, that dude is sick with athleticism and he brings a “Clinton Portis” type dynamic back to the offense. I think that completes the offense for the next 5 – 10 years, barring injury, and we can add playmakers on defense to get the ball back to the offense.

"His incredible impact during the late '60s and early-to-mid-'70s saved the franchise from relocation and helped the Broncos become the marquee organization it is today." Floyd Little's Tales From The Broncos Sideline

by Steve O' on Nov 29, 2008 2:15 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Now

I would not sayt Torain cant stay healty ever. Too soon in his career to say that. You could very well be correct. Now saying SY cant stay healthy would be more right on the money. I am willing to give Torain another chance next season.
I like Mccoy but I dont think he will be available. Plus IMO running back isnt a priority in the draft. Denver will get a good back in the offseason but to me the defense has much more urgency to repair than the running back situation, based of recent history with Denvers running game

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Nov 29, 2008 2:47 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Broncfan, Torain was out for the final half of the year of his senior season in college

was banged up through out the preseason, started off 08 hurt, finally gets on the field, and DOWN GOES FRAZIER. I am saying we are hoping alot out of a 4.64 running back.

by Steve O' on Nov 29, 2008 3:01 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Let's hope Torain has injuries out of his system--I'm not ready to give up on him yet.

The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!

by Mike Clark on Nov 29, 2008 3:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

me neither...

I like the kid and think he could be a player for us in the future…

I wish Woody Paige was our coach!

by bcfunk on Nov 29, 2008 3:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

There is a slight difference

in that and saying he is always hurt. Now SY has been hurt every single season since he left high school. Now IMO Torain is a victim of bad luck while in Denver. I would tend to agree with you if all of the backs Denver has had this year has gone down. My bigger point is not to use a high draft pick on a back when the defense is worse and Denver will get a good rb later in the draft/offseason

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Nov 29, 2008 6:01 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

It is not that

I don’t think it matters who we keep next year, we need a back that can stay healthy and at least carry the majority of the load. We could allow Hillis to keep that role and go with a change of pace back, and i would be fine with that.

My beef with McCoy is out of his scouting report

He has decent instincts and is certainly sporting a nice mixture of size and speed. It also takes a lot to knock him down. On many occasions, his superb balance and control have kept McCoy upright when most backs would be lying on the ground. But he does not run between the tackles very well or often.

May be a great pro for some team one day but we need a guy who has good vision between the tackles to find the cutbacks. McCoy doesn’t fit that profile. Watching the highlights you provided he always seems to bounce everything outside the tackles even if the play is headed that way.

However, Spiller is another guy with great change of pace qualities.

The 5-11 Spiller is amazingly quick and can help out in so many areas. Besides his obvious ability to run the ball and catch passes out of the backfield, Spiller is a seasoned returner. Spiller has been returning both punts and kickoffs since he was a freshman and ended up averaging 28.8 yards per kick-off return in 2007.

Provides the same type of big play potential and change of pace to our heavy hitter, whether thats Hillis or a healthy Torain.

by BroncoJoe87 on Nov 29, 2008 4:15 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Spiller is dangerous, he is very fast, ellusive and quick

he and Hillis would be a formidable tandem!!

by Steve O' on Nov 29, 2008 4:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

We have to remember that Terrell's draft stock fell because of injuries, Rod Smith went undrafted because of a blown out knee.

The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!

by Mike Clark on Nov 29, 2008 5:08 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

and you have to remember that TD only played 4 good years because of injury

he didn’t last like LT. M.Faulk, C. Martin…

Rod Smith to me symbolizes what a Broncos player is, I love his dedication to his craft. I won’t knock him. He went undrafted because of injuries and he was slow and deemed to be too stiff, not ellusive enough.

by Steve O' on Nov 29, 2008 5:13 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I think we will get four good years out of Torain

Shanny sees something in him and has always had an eye for running backs.

The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!

by Mike Clark on Nov 29, 2008 5:16 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I wish I had your optimism for him...I do wish him well though...

by Steve O' on Nov 29, 2008 5:19 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

i guess we'll see. Great post--by the way--rec'd

The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!

by Mike Clark on Nov 29, 2008 5:54 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Mike

I really appreciate your input!

by Steve O' on Nov 29, 2008 6:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

in all fairness to TD

If Griese knew how to throw a pass, and Lepsis would not have rolled over on TD’s knee he would have had 10+ productive years. But its the nature of the beast

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Nov 29, 2008 6:02 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed---so very sad!

The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!

by Mike Clark on Nov 29, 2008 6:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

there's a function for that

….but I haven’t figured it out yet. RBs come as RB(F) — for fast, and, according to something I read somewhere on their site, and they can even be feature backs or role backs, but I don’t see any. McCoy wasn’t well suited for us, obviously. And it’s frustrating because Davis was picked for us in one simulation of mine, in which I’d adjusted many of the inputs. Notice that WR-F appears besides many WRs, like Louis Murphy, while WRP appears beside possession WRs like Robiskie.

by Colinski on Nov 30, 2008 1:29 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

hit the wrong reply thread

The above comment was in response to the very first comment, by Broncojoe87.

by Colinski on Nov 30, 2008 1:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

clarification of functions on DrafTek simulations

Here’s the function information. I didn’t remember what the codes meant, and I still don’t know if you can enter those specifications as an input.

Most Recent Revision: November 22, 2008 (revised player rankings; BB expansion to 200)

The Big Board consists of College Seniors, as well as high ranking Junior’s and eligible Sophomores. Draft Tek does not evaluate or rank players. Our Big Board is developed from a blend of player lists from several reputable sources; including NFLDraftScout.com, Pro Football Weekly and scouting services that can be found at our links page. The player rankings are a driver in Draft Tek’s simulation output – the Consensus Mock by our staff and user produced models from the Online Simulator.

New for 2009

Draft Tek is refining the classification of certain players with respect to their prospective roles on the NFL level. On the defensive side, line and edge players are identified according to fit within a 4-3 or 3-4 base defense. Some players may have roles in both systems and are listed with dual classifications. On the offense, the RB’s and WR’s have been subcategorized.

RB Sub-Groups

1) RBC – a “change of pace” RB. A smaller shiftier player not suited for a full load of carries

2) RBF – a “feature” RB. Any RB who is not an RBC will fall into this group

WR Sub-Groups:

1) WRS – smaller, speedy WRs will have narrowly defined NFL roles

2) WRP – possession WRs: precise route-runners or tall TD targets

3) WRF – a “feature” WR: Any WR who is not a WRS or WRP falls here

Player Profiles
Many players are linked to player profile pages. Others are not yet linked.

by Colinski on Nov 30, 2008 10:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll look for that as well

I think that Davis is one of the best fits, but he never seems to land with us, we take McCoy or another back that makes no sense in our system instead. Let us know if you find how to change that setting.

by BroncoJoe87 on Nov 30, 2008 6:02 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I posted on Davis at the bottom

The real problem with the Davis/Greene/Jennings trio is that two of them may be drafted before the point where we would be interested. Both Davis and Greene have gone in the 2nd in some MOCKs, which seems too high, even though they’re right for us. ‘Reaching’ isn’t a good idea, since you get less “bang for your buck” And the problem is that once you’ve set your Big Board you’ve already indicated that there’s another athlete that you would prefer, and why would you forgo him? Positional need would seem to be an exception, though, The DrafTek programming does incorporate these types of contingencies.

BTW — most people prefer McCoy, and he’s ranked higher than Davis, so we could actually pick Davis instead if we were intent on a RB at that point. It might even be considered a reach, too. The simulations are still too clumsy to reflect our actual decisional criteria. It could also be argued that the one-cut backs would be rated higher on our Big Board because they have a greater utility for our scheme, wereas they could be considered too slow for other teams and downrated.

by Colinski on Nov 30, 2008 10:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I think we are set for next year but I'd still like to see us pick up Ian Johnson in the 6th or 7th round.

Extremely hard working high character person. Not the fastest or biggest back, but, has a very good initial burst after his cut. He has been asked to do a lot of different things (run, catch and pass) in Boise States creative play-book. Very good one-cut and go runner in Boise’s zone blocking scheme. I’ve watched him break away with several long TD runs right up the middle. Would fit well in our scheme in occasional reliefe.

The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!

by Mike Clark on Nov 29, 2008 3:04 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Of course he plays for a bcs caliber team in a none bcs conference

He also tied marshall Faulks WAC TD record with 57 for his career.

The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!

by Mike Clark on Nov 29, 2008 3:20 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Thought the same

until I really took a look at draft reports. The guy is a great college back, especially for a school like Biose, but he doesn’t have the talent for the NFL.

Johnson is a hard runner with instincts to play the position. A strong leg drive and soft hands, he could develop into a decent pass catching back. A huge heart. A better football player than an athlete. He is on the short side; Needs to add bulk and strength, especially on his upper body. Is slow (4.59). Will not turn the corner in the NFL. Easy to tackle. Has an inflated ego. Injuries are a concern.

If he were bigger his speed would be less of a concern, or if he was faster his size would be less of a concern. Unfortunaltely he lacks both. If he could be picked up as an UDA, or late 7th rounder, I would love to have that kind of a player on our squad, but I don’t think he is worth taking any earlier.

by BroncoJoe87 on Nov 29, 2008 4:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I still feel he would make a great back-up runner--he is the type that would keep ready--inflated ego is garabage...not true.

The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!

by Mike Clark on Nov 29, 2008 5:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

My early feel for Ian

and this is VERY early, is that he will be undrafted. If that turns out to be the case, as aBSU fan, I wouldn’t mind the Broncos bringing him in. He won’t have a single combine measurable worth a damn, but he is known for being there when he is needed. I have a ton of notes on him, and based on how the draftboards shake out during the offseason I may select him for a ‘profile piece.’

That is still a long ways away though.

Agree with Mike on the ‘inflated ego’ comment. It doesn’t make sense to me, and is at best a mis-characterization, if not an outright lack of homework on the part of the writer…

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Nov 29, 2008 5:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Felt the

ego comment was a bit odd as well. The only thing I can remember is that he seemed very confident in interviews I saw during the Fiesta Bowl in 07, but I did not think he was cocky, but maybe others did. Regardless if he is a UDA I think he would be a great pick up, but his lack of measurables push him away from being a good draft pick outside of the late 7th round.

by BroncoJoe87 on Nov 29, 2008 6:01 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

it seems to me

That the inflated ego is a cheap shot. From what I have read and heard about him, this is an extremely confident kid. I remember when Michael Irvin was at Miami (fla) that boy had an ego. I guess it all goes to who the writer likes or not

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Nov 29, 2008 6:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually the writer probably had some money on Oklahoma--didn't like Ian on his knee with a ring in his hand

and didn’t like the attention Ian got after. Probably hated the Statue-of-Liberty play also.

The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!

by Mike Clark on Nov 29, 2008 6:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

haha

good one, or the fact he proposed to his then girlfriend after the game

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Nov 29, 2008 6:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Having been such a devote Boise State fan for so many years---I was nothing but smiles and tears at that point.

The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!

by Mike Clark on Nov 29, 2008 6:46 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Michael Irvin

Still has a huge ego.

Couldn’t stand him as a player and even less as an analyzer!

"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"I love your analysis of our team. Its kinda like watching a spider monkey trying to figure out a jar of peanuts.. you know whats going on.. you know whats in there, but to actually figure it out, is just a bit beyond your mental skills..."
- Bronco Dano

by DesertBroncoFan on Dec 2, 2008 11:09 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

if

we could get someone like javon ringer in the 2nd that would be awesome but i think we need a safety in the 1st no matter what

The quest is the Highway to the Danger Zone-Kenny loggins

by TommyTSlice on Nov 29, 2008 3:20 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Being a diehard Canes fan I may be biased but

if J. Jackson falls he would be great value in round 4 or 5.

by Steve O' on Nov 29, 2008 4:33 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Sorry J. James, yeah some Canes fan I am..lol

by Steve O' on Nov 29, 2008 4:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

My goal for RB in the draft.

First of all, excellent post and rec’d. I really enjoy the stuff you’ve been posting at MHR!

My goal for the draft in terms of RB is simple. First, I think we can address the position entirely through the draft, and ignore trades and free agency, because our one cut / zone block system allows us to rule out a lot of top names that just don’t fit our scheme.

Within the draft, it sounds to me like there are going to be more great RBs than teams that need RBs. Ruling out the few RBs that do get taken early (many of whom won’t be one cutters), I think we can get our top or second choice in a mid round, allowing us to address the defense needs.

Perhaps the draft will fall out in such a manner that we are able to target best available, which would be excellent!

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Nov 29, 2008 4:34 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks HT,

I look at it like this. Shanahan’s running system is like a car. His engine has an uncanny ability to make average fuel perform like a higher octane. So everyone is always thinking, lets get the 87 octane and save money and add other pieces to the car that we are lacking. But what if you put nitrose in the system. It would be so much better that it would mask the other difficiencies.

Terrell Davis and Clinton Portis should have proved what a talented back can do. The Broncos won rings with a highpowered offense led by an unstoppable running game. They had a great QB, the greatest ever to me, who couldn’t win a ring without a running game. The Broncos defense during those championship years were based on speed, attacking, turnover laden defense.

Now if we decide to go defense I won’t mind, but for once I want to see Shanahan put the emphasis on RB that he puts on QB, the latter can’t do it without the former!

by Steve O' on Nov 29, 2008 4:45 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Right, but...

…even supermen like Terrell were not high draft picks.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Nov 29, 2008 4:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I know, but aren't you curious to see what a top ten pick back would do in Denver?

by Steve O' on Nov 29, 2008 4:52 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Not in our present state.

Yes, I admit I would be curious. But our defense has so many holes right now, that I think we can rely on a mid to later round RB. Bear in mind that, given a choice, I really don’t think most first round type RBs are what fit our system. I think that what Denver really wants isn’t what the draft boards reflect accurately.

In other words, I wouldn’t be surprised if Denver (hypotheticaly) used a first round RB pick on a guy that would be rated as a thrid or fourth rounder by everyone else. Because that guy would be available in a later round, we’ll never see Denver waste the pick that early. If RB was our biggest need, I just don’t think Denver would want the top several RBs in the draft.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Nov 29, 2008 5:46 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

It is interesting to imagine what

Felix Jones, Mendenhall, or Stewart may have been like in Denver.

That being said, Chris Johnson, who most draft pundits had as a major reach in the 2nd round, and who wouldn’t have been taken any earlier than late third according to pros like Kiper, is either #1 or #2 right now in consideration for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

MHR had it right though. I had a piece up saying he should be considered with our second round pick, and Guru selected him with our second in the official SBnation mock draft led by Matt Miller of New Era Scouting, over at the Mocking the Draft site.

You are certainly in good company Steve (and everyone else!) and we sure appreciate the time and enthusiasm you guys are putting into these early posts.

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Nov 29, 2008 5:51 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Your piece on Johnson is one of my favorites

and I’m reminded of it everytime I think about how well he’s doing for the Titans. I think he’d have done even better for us. It was a prescient piece.

"In the empty spaces - lacunae, vacuums, pauses, voids, black holes - new things begin. We are born anew from the unexplored space, the badlands, the outlaw territory." - Sam Keen

by spock on Nov 30, 2008 11:18 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I just can't see us taking a RB early in this draft--anywhere early

Shanny likes Torain, Selvin will recover, Alridge (my dark-horse in pre-season) could prove very special.

Our need at Safety and Defensive Tackle (especially with Carlton Powell still an unknown) is just too great. Not too mention the possible need for a Corner—Boss and Bly are not young. In fact it wouldn’t surprise me to see us take a Corner in the first two rounds if someone special fell in our laps—there must be a reason that Williams has had little time to play. Even if we fill these—middle linebacker is still a concern. Larsen was a great story two weeks ago—but is he the answer?

I just don’t think we should even look at a upper tier RB this next draft—our defense has too many needs.

The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!

by Mike Clark on Nov 29, 2008 6:19 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I am with you Mike

I think our highest priority should be Definsive Tackle. Next is Linebacker After that we could look at Corner. Over all I think we need to admit the biggest need on this team is talent. We still need to take the best player available. There are exceptions. I would not pick a Quarterback in the early rounds. I would not pick a RB in the first two rounds. Denver’s style of one-cut behind the zone block power runner usually does not surface until the later rounds. That being said, if we can pick up Davis in the third, well. the last Davis didn’t work out too badly did he? Excellent post Steve. I am going to save this list for future reference.

It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08

by firstfan on Nov 29, 2008 10:28 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Since lack of talent on defense is our biggest problem

it would seem we could make the biggest upgrade by taking a safety first or second. We need two, but I’d be satisfied if we took one early and another mid to late round. Our last line of defense against huge plays is arguably our weakest position. I also like what HT said about the best RB for us not necessarily being the one most teams will rank highly. That and a similar situation with o-linemen has long been a draft advantage for us.

"In the empty spaces - lacunae, vacuums, pauses, voids, black holes - new things begin. We are born anew from the unexplored space, the badlands, the outlaw territory." - Sam Keen

by spock on Nov 30, 2008 11:23 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree completely with this sentiment

and the only thing that I think is comparable, in terms of talent added, is a seasoned, excellent DT in free agency.

That said, I am currently most excited about watching Barrett today. Time to see how far along he is!

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Nov 30, 2008 12:07 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I like the free agent DT idea

The problem with FA is that most good DT aren’t available or large $ hit. If an injury happens or the DT turns out unproductive then you are stuck with a large contract.

It normally takes a few years for a drafted DT to get up to speed. The Broncos would need to hold a roster spot for a good DT for a few years (plus work some reps during the game) before he would be ready. It would not be wise to risk the practice squad if you think a DT is good. Also, there is the possibility of a draft “bust”.

One question, Is there a good breakdown on how long it takes for a rookie to excel / get past the learning curve in the various postions (average not instant excel)? For example:

QB = 3 years
RB = Rookie
DT = 3 years

Thanks

Victor Frankl:

What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him. What he needs is not the discharge of tension at any cost, but the call of a potential meaning waiting to be fulfilled by him.

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.

by wyoeng on Dec 2, 2008 12:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

here's my guess

RB will be on our Big Board but our best chance of taking one will come around the 3rd & 4th, probably the 4th. We’ll think about Moreno in the 1st but there should be higher ranked players available, and at positions of greater need. In the 3rd and going into the 4th however, there are three backs who fit our system and may be the highest on our board — James Davis, Shonn Greene and Rashad Jennings. This is the ‘fat’ region for Denver, where the highest rated players and team needs coincide.

by Colinski on Nov 30, 2008 5:10 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Didn't see anyone mention..

The guy that I want.. Charles Scott – LSU ..aka Jamal Lewis 2.0. Averages about 8 ypc.

This dude is so beast. Every time I see an LSU game I’m like.. drooling over this guy and imagining him punishing our opponents straight up the gut.

In my perfect world next season we have a backfield of Torain, CScott, and Alridge. Hillis will be the H-Back/Tiger and can come in for even more power throughout the game. No need for a traditional FB with the gameplan we’re currently in. I really like the idea of an emphasis on heavy power running forcing defenses to stackstackstack the box and opening things up for our many receiving threats. A combination of Scott and Hillis would have defenders black and blue by the third quarter every week, which will then open things up for Quick 6 to burn them in the 4th.

Where does he go in the draft? Could we possibly get him in the 2nd? What say you??

Peace!

by BringBackOrange on Dec 2, 2008 12:52 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

heh. Ok I'm a little slow.

Well no wonder nobody mentioned him.. Upon further research I see Mr. Scott is a junior so he will most likely come out 2010. Keiland Williams is still ranked high but Charles Scott has been getting a lot of his touches this year. I find him(Scott) projected as a 3-4 even 6rd next year, and is ranked between 6th and 30th in the nation currently for RB’s. Watching this guy run, as a casual Saturday channel-flipper, I can’t imagine he will make it under the radar and fall to the middle rounds, especially with another year under his belt. He is going to be a force in the NFL, mark my words. I would see him going somewhere mean like Baltimore early on. I can only hope ol’ Shanny and the Goodman’s see what I see for the future of Denver and are keeping an eye on this guy.

Scott runs with outstanding power and balance. He has more than enough speed to break the long run after flattening defenders in the way. Like all backs with the kind of balance that he has, defenders just seem to slide off of him while he doesn’t lose a step.

This year I like Shonn Greene a lot @ RB. Great economy of movement and always getting downhill. In reality though we will have a good stable in 09 and should not draft RB this year unless some special opportunity falls in our lap. I’d much rather hold out for Scott in 2010. We all know we need defense and I want to see Rey Maualuga in orange and blue. We need to start getting some pacific islanders on this team with warrior blood!

Peace!

by BringBackOrange on Dec 2, 2008 1:57 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

BringBackOrange

I am right there with you on Maualuga. I would like to see him man the middle. With Hillis showing he can be a bruising RB, I think we need a change of pace of back, a home run hitter. Perhaps Selvin Young can be that guy, I don’t think so, I would like CJ Spiller or Javon Ringer, DeMarco Murray but it really isn’t in Denver’s best interest to draft a RB that high, as much as it pains me to say that, it’s true. We need a Saf, MLB, DT.

My perfect scenario,
FA – Julius Peppers
Draft – Maulaluga, a fast home run hitting back (CJ Spiller), a ball hawk Safety in round three and a quality DT. With Marcus Thomas and D-Rob playing better, Powell coming back, I think the DT need is sliding down the draft boards. We also have enough ammo to trade, thanks to Foxworth and K. Colbert (Shanny should get a medal for that)!

by Steve O' on Dec 2, 2008 4:24 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

To piggy back on HT and Collinski, I think for coach a 3rd round pick at RB = a 1st round pick to everyone else.

IMO. We need:
2 SAF
at least 1 CB
2 DT
1 WR slot receiver
1 MLB
maybe a HB and a C
Not in that order.

by ThorpeBroncosfan on Dec 2, 2008 6:11 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

10

that’s how many rb’s/fb’s we can currently choose from that we have first crack at. the list: (hb)alridge, bell, pope, torain, young, hall. (fb)hillis, pittman, pinnock, and also, larsen. forget it. use hillis and torain, and whoever for backups/speed guys/fb’s. we need d, and we’re not going to hit on all of them, either. any combination of the above rb’s will be more than good enough. round out the team first, then fill in the cracks. for now, all levels of the defense have critical needs moving forward. i would like to see dt, mlb, and safety in the first 3 rounds, trading up with our picks, to get the best available players. if we get an impact player at each level, just 1, we will be well on our way. a de is also looking like a need. rb, no.

hear me, perpetrators of bread crime, your punishment is at hand.
taste my blintzkrieg!

by davecheffy on Dec 2, 2008 7:16 PM MST reply actions 0 recs