Our Safety Situation
A recent article on Josh Barrett, titled "Barrett seizes chance to shine for Broncos", along with D.J.'s impending return to his weakside linebacker spot, which Wesley Woodyard has been manning in spectacular fashion, has me thinking about next year's safety situation. I'm not the only one wondering where Woodyard will play in the coming weeks, given that all of us, including apparently Coach Shanahan, agree that he needs to play somewhere. But what about next year, when a more permanent solution can be developed? Can you imagine Woodyard, who has played the position before, and Barrett as our starting safeties?
An interesting sidenote in the article, which relates to something written by HT (or was it Styg or Guru?), is this comment from Barrett: "Barrett said he’s actually thankful he was on the practice squad for the first 11 weeks. That experience allowed him to absorb more knowledge. 'It’s been gradual, but the amount of information and the validity of that information that I’ve gotten, you can’t put a price to it,' he said." Since the point has been made in these pages that it was better for him to learn on the practice squad than being prematurely thrown to the wolves and perhaps losing confidence, someone needs to take a bow.
In the offchance that this does come to pass, that Barrett and Woodyard become (next year) our starting safeties, which position should each play? At first glance one would think Barrett, with his blazing speed, should be the free safety, but I think Woodyard's remarkable read and react skills--he appears to be far ahead of Barrett in that respect--make him the better candidate. What do the rest of you think?This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR
5 recs |
85 comments
Comments
I recall that idea being shot down by someone, but I am curious about it as well.
Or perhaps moving DJ to MLB and keeping Woodyard on the outside…….
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Dec 11, 2008 4:46 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
It was shot down by HT
and rightly so, as something that could be done the moment D.J. returns to action. It’s not as if a player just learns to play “defense”, and can then be plugged in anywhere. Even a move from one lineback position to another involves a fairly steep learning curve. That’s why I put it out as a possibility for next year, since I have no doubt that he couldn’t step in and immediately be effective.
"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 Dec 11, 2008 6:08 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I like moving DJ back into the middle or to the strong side, or moving Woodyard to the Strongside
DJ greatest strength may be his greatest weakness in that he is athletic enough to play any LB position, though I don’t think he is a natural MLB, he is better than what e have now, I don’t like moving him again, but Woodyard looks like a playmaker and I hate to leave him off the field. I don’t think Woodyard would transition directly into a safety role without taking Barrett out of the line up. Maybe this forces us to go to a 3-4 more of the time with DJ and Woodyard on one side (DJ in the ILB), Winborn and maybe Moss on the other side. But that would mean you have to get some bigger D-lineman, cause Engleberger and Dumervil are too small to line up inside.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
by Broncoman on Dec 11, 2008 6:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Several people would like to move D.J.
but it’s clear he’s happy where he’s at and I’m reluctant to see him screwed around again. Woodyard, on the other hand, might be a candidate for another linebacker spot, and would presumably be less reluctant than D.J. to make the change. For one thing he strikes me as more of a take-charge player than D.J., which would stand him in good stead at one of the other linebacker spots if he can handle the physical requirements.
"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 Dec 11, 2008 6:31 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Dec 11, 2008 6:54 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Woodyard needs to be a LB...
We need speed and the ability to cover a slot receiver man-to-man from a FS. Neither Woodyard nor Barrett could do that, and both are SS types, if Woodyard is even that. He needs to be on the field, but it will need to be at LB.
"I am not one of those who think that coming in second or third is winning." -- Robert F. Kennedy
by Ted Bartlett on Dec 11, 2008 4:52 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
So you don't think Woodyard
can cover a slot receiver? Not disagreeing, just gathering opinions. I’m curious about where he can play, both in the short and long term. I guess we’ll get part of our answer, about how he’ll be utilized shortterm, on Sunday.
"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 Dec 11, 2008 6:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
No, he would be at a serious disadvantage against a good slot guy...
But he can cover a TE or RB, and those are better matchups.
"I am not one of those who think that coming in second or third is winning." -- Robert F. Kennedy
by Ted Bartlett on Dec 11, 2008 7:53 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Woodyard is not fluid enough in the hips to turn and run with WR or RB
He may be fast, but he doesn’t appear fluid enough. I really hope that he becomes our strong side LB, he can cover a TE and he seems to get through traffic. I think he will be a consumate professional for years to come, as a LB.
Ed Reed should be the mold for an NFL safety…how sick is that man!!
by Steve O' on Dec 11, 2008 5:02 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Several people apparently like him at Sam
I’d like to see others comment on that, and also on his ability to be effective at Mike. One immediate possibility is that, if D.J.‘s not completely 100% or is a little rusty, they might split time at Will against the Panthers. Might we also have some packages that use him as a fourth linebacker. Have to admit I can’t think of any, buit don’t want to rule anything out.
"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 Dec 11, 2008 6:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
We could throw in a 4-6 type look...
That would allow him to get on the field, and with the Panther’s strength in the running game it wouldn’t be too far fetched. Slo has pretty much said that we’re base 4-3 and sticking with it, though, so I wouldn’t bet on any trick Ds.
by hai17 on Dec 11, 2008 7:55 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
spock--this idea has been tossed around before--but I must admit my ignorance as to what it would take
I think we all agree that Woodyard needs to be on the field—but what does it take to convert a linebacker to a safety.
For the short term this year—I would like to se DJ move to the middle and just keep Wesley at the weekside position.
The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!
by Mike Clark on Dec 11, 2008 5:03 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
spock--good subject. rec'd to read some of the thoughts of the true experts at this site.
The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!
by Mike Clark on Dec 11, 2008 5:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Sam is another possibility
Is Woodyard big enough for the strongside? According to some his weight is overstated even at 230 lbs. Of course, with his athleticism and instincts he might conceivably be one of those players who redefines his position. That would give us a lot of speed, and gap control, at both outside backer positions.
"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 Dec 11, 2008 6:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
you know--I just don't know. Woodyard reminds me of Tom Jackson. Wesley needs to be on the field.
The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!
by Mike Clark on Dec 11, 2008 8:42 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
The defense needs playmakers, and Woodyard constantly rises to the occasion and makes big plays.
"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 Dec 12, 2008 11:12 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Woodyard
I’d prefer Woodyard at LB. No doubt about it. I’d lso prefer two coverage safeties, and a better run stuffing front seven.
All that being said, if Woodyard were to play at SAF, I would see his LB talents better put to use as a SS. SS’s are closer to LB’s in terms of skill sets, though still very different. At the very least, if we put him in the box (as a safety), we would essentialy have a real 4th LB.
Let’s see how Barrett continues to develop this year, as well as Fox. This is the year to try out guys and give them some playoff experience. By next season, we need to have our positions settled. Training camp ’09 will be awesome for several positions!
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 11, 2008 5:54 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
So you're saying
that Woodyard would be competing with Barrett at strong safety, just as he’s competing with D.J. at weakside linebacker? If Barrett continues to develop that would be as counterproductive as having him stuck behind D.J. I was worried about that, and that’s why I was hoping you’d comment. You’re our resident expert on the safety position(s). What do you think of Mike’s suggestion that we move him to strongside linebacker? Do you think he could do well there? Or in the middle? I’m trying to figure out where his playmaking can best be utilized in the longterm.
"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 Dec 11, 2008 6:22 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying he would compete for SS.
I’m saying that IF he played safety, he would be the SS. But I have almost zero belief that he would be moved to safety.
In my opinion (and I can be wrong, of course), his most obvious talent s to play at WILL, and unfortunately we already have a WILL LB in DJ. We may want to move him to keep him on the field, but anywhere we move him doesn’t play to his best position. The truth is that we are weak at MLB, and not too hot at SAM, and have two terriic WILLs.
IF we moved Woodyard, SAM would be his best shot. But I don’t think it’s his best spot.
Having seen him play, I would like to get him on the field more. We don’t have the line for a 3-4, and any other LB position is not his best suit (in my opinion). He is too good to be a back-up, but it’s him or DJ. I don’t know what DJ’s cap situation is. What a mess!
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 12, 2008 2:42 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
That's what I was afraid of
I had hoped otherwise but prefer the unvarnished truth; thanks for the clarification. Having two
of our best defenders at the same position, with so many holes elsewhere, is frustrating, but it’s served us well these past few weeks. Stars do go down from time to time but in this instance, to our surprise, we were covered. Would that we were as deep at all of the defensive spots. We’d be impregnable. At least one other fortunate result of having so much depth at this position is that we don’t have to rush D.J back before he’s completely ready. We have this same luxury at other positions in a less fortunate sense, because there’s also not much drop-off when you replace one mediocrity with another.
"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 Dec 12, 2008 7:42 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
i like the idea but
I would prefer woodyard being at lb as well….i dont mind moving dj back to the middle but i think we draft a mlb next year…move woodyard to sam and keep dj at weakside….
therefore i really really really want Taylor Mays on this football team next season.
Starting D next season
Barrett Mays
Bly Bailey
DJ Spikes Woodyard
Dum THomas Robertson Moss
The quest is the Highway to the Danger Zone-Kenny loggins
by TommyTSlice on Dec 11, 2008 6:09 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
man that got all jacked up
The quest is the Highway to the Danger Zone-Kenny loggins
by TommyTSlice on Dec 11, 2008 6:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree about Mays.
But don’t get your hopes up…it’s extremely unlikely that he’ll be around by the time we get a pick.
However, the Broncos are in the enviable position of only needing a few impact players. Therefore, we may be willing to make crazy draft pick trades to move into positions to get those key players. It’ll be interesting.
GO BRONCOS!!!
by UnarmingMermaid on Dec 11, 2008 6:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, WE might not mind having DJ in the middle
but I’m not sure he would go for it. And to be fair, he’s been jacked around enough. He’s accepted it with good grace, but if we go to the well once too often he might be tempted to accept a free-agent offer from a team committed to keeping him at his best and preferred position.
"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 Dec 11, 2008 6:25 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Tommy don't forget out Peppers in FA...
HT can he play the other side as effectively if this hypothetical Christmas wish came true?
by Steve O' on Dec 11, 2008 6:17 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Peppers could play at LDE..
…but it would be such a waste of his talent. Peppers belongs at RDE hands down.
I don’t think we would pursue him. Our greatest need is at DT and LB, and Peppers would be expensive. I doubt that CAR fails to contract him, or at least franchise him. I very much doubt he leaves CAR, and further doubt he would get to Denver.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 11, 2008 6:22 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Do you see any major splash in the FA market or strictly through the draft
by Steve O' on Dec 11, 2008 6:25 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I think we are going to build through the draft heavily.
But if Shanny thinks we have a SB shot, he’ll pull the trigger to bring in a major piece.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 12, 2008 2:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Next year we will be the new 'Darlings of the NFL', now that Chargers bolted out of contention!
I can already see the so called experts…Shanny will draft defense as you have been saying for some time now, we will strenghten the middle.
We will have a 4th year QB who has shown he can take his team to the playoffs despite the mounting injuries at RB.
The rookies this year will be called seasoned vets with Pro Bowl potential. I definetly see us being one of the top teams to watch out for in 2009.
We may be one veteran superstar and one young superstar away from a ring…a B.J. Raji or Knowshown Mareno, JC Spillers, or Rey Mauluga, Taylor Mays or William Moore in the draft to come in an immediately have an impact. Pick one or two hand selected proven talents in FA and we’re on our way!
Couple all that with the fact that just about every draft pick, (and non-draft pick WW) are players…I see gold and diamonds on some fingers really soon.
by Steve O' on Dec 12, 2008 4:13 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
We might strengthen the middle
but probably not next year, unless we’re fortunate enough to grab one or two instant-impact defensive equivalents of Clady and Royal. Most of our defensive picks next year won’t be upgrades at their positions until they’ve matured at least a year or two. On the other hand, the guys who’ve done well “for rookies” and “for second-year players” this year will be a year older next year and will help move the defense back toward the middle of the pack, with further improvement in the offing for 2010 and 2011 if some of next year’s picks work out.
"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 Dec 12, 2008 7:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Peppers was always a LDE until this season...
Mike Rucker played RDE and did a very good job, before retiring before this season.
"I am not one of those who think that coming in second or third is winning." -- Robert F. Kennedy
by Ted Bartlett on Dec 11, 2008 7:54 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Ted is correct
as usual. But we must admit that Peppers has really come into his own now that he is on the right side. In any case we won’t get him. The point I tried to make in my post on “the trenches” is that the reason Carolina is so strong is because their talent on the offensive and defensive lines is for the most part home grown and they have played together for a minimum of two years and in most cases four or mor years. This should be a great game. GO BRONCOS!
It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Dec 12, 2008 12:44 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Considering the depth lesson supplied by our RBs this year...
I see us stocking up on quality prospects rather than mortgaging the farm for big name free agents. We’ve done well with high-character “football players,” and I hope to see that trend continue. Let other teams distract themselves with overpaid egos.
Regarding double-W, if he can’t take on SAM or SS, what about the idea of trading him or DJ? Not my favorite option, but, depending on the draft and FA pick-ups, it may give the team the most long-term value.
by CoastalBronco on Dec 11, 2008 6:41 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking about a trade as well
Although I would hate to lose either of them, I’m curious what kind of value Dub Dub has. Either for a current player or to move up in the draft to get one of Maualuga, Laurinitis or Mays. Maybe we can package Selvin and Tatum with him.
"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game
"Superman wears Peyton Hillis pajamas" - FlaBronco
by DesertBroncoFan on Dec 16, 2008 12:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm curious
We talk about Woodyard at saf, Sam and Will. How about MLB?
Over the offseason, they give him an intensive on the position. So far he seems very bright as well as a heck of an LB. I understand why Sam is a strech for him at his size, and the hips issue at Saf can’t be overlooked. We have a huge hole at MLB.
I love Larsen’s upside, and I’m not opposed to him at Mike at all. Haggan? Perhaps – but he reminds me of Winborn in that he’s been long on the line as a good to great STer, a perennial backup at LB. Both seem like they are almost good enough to start, but its an almost. I think we should draft a Sam – some good ones this draft.
Larsen is injured or I suspect he’d start. But NIko and Webster seem to have shown that they aren’t up to the task. Woodyard? Just a thought. Feedback?
Jim Goodman for Broncos MVP!
by Emmett Smith on Dec 11, 2008 8:48 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
In one of my comments above
I asked people to comment not only on him at Sam but also “on his ability to be effective at Mike.” If I haven’t emphasized that it’s probably because I have this mental image of monster Mikes prowling the middle, but perhaps that image is misplaced if it’s the Sam who needs to be big enough to stand up to the pounding on the strong side. I agree that we’re otherwise mediocre in the middle, and think Woodyard’s instincts might more than make up for his lack of size. That would also restore a Denver tradition, a trio of blazing fast, athletic linebackers. So yes, I think that this, too, is a possibility that needs to be taken seriously. I suspect that whatever position he settles at, as long as it’s not outside his skill set, is going to be seriously upgraded.
"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 Dec 12, 2008 11:30 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Mike
I think there’s a common perception that the Mike LB needs to be big, but there have been several very good “undersized” Mikes. It’s been a while but I seem to remember the knock on Al Wilson, when we drafted him, was that he was undersized. HT, what do you think of WW as Mike, especially after some weight room time?
by SlowWhiteGuy on Dec 12, 2008 12:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Purely in terms of size...
it doesn’t matter too much. MIKEs can be big run stuffers, or light coverage guys. Denver has always prefered the lighter and faster types. My knock on WW isn’t his size at all. The adjustment of moving to MLB is major, and requires experience, intelligence, and even a sense of leadership. Even the great DJ did well in the adjustment, but never quite caught on. He got a lot of tackles, but the players arond him didn’t benefit from him being able to direct them well. He was very relieved to get out of MLB. I think the adjustment for a very young WW would be even harsher.
But to your point on size; WW is fine in that respect, and so was Wilson. You don’t have to be a Hulk to be an effective MLB.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 12, 2008 2:51 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for this clarification also
It sounds like moving Woodyard to the middle or strongside isn’t a realistic option at present although, since he’s less of a known quantity than D.J. and we don’t fully know what he can adapt to (after all, he’s already been a big surprise), perhaps it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility that he could be moved in the offseason. But your comments have made me more cautious about considering this a possibility, and I grok you about how unlikely it is that he’ll wind up at safety.
"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 Dec 12, 2008 8:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Then why cant DJ suck it up for this year...
Play MLB, have WW at weakside and let Winborn remain at SLB for this year.
Next season, draft Brian Cushing at SLB, train WW for MLB and move DJ back to weakside.
That way, we get our best players on the field for this year, and then draft a game changer in Cushing. Keep Winborn as he can play all 3 positions as back up and any 4 LB sets we use.
I like the sound of this!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Dec 13, 2008 5:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
In fairness...
DJ has nothing to do with the decision. DJ is a good soldier, and will go where he is told. The coaching staff likely doesn’t want to make things any worse by moving around DJ, who fits in best at WILL. Remember, as well as he can play at MLB, he isn’t great at directing the rest of the defense from that spot.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 14, 2008 9:17 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed coach....
But at this juncture in the season we need our BEST players on the field. DJ is an awesome team guy…no doubt in my mind! But To have Webster and Winborn on the field, and have WW on the bench is lunacy.
The question I asked myself is “who do I want to see on the field”
My first choice: DJ at WLB, Larsen at MLB and WW at SLB
My second choice : WW at WLB, DJ at MLB and Winborn at SLB.
I much prefer the first option, but I think we wont see Spence today, and I have a feeling they wont play him at MLB again!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Dec 14, 2008 10:33 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
We want our best guys on the field, but...
…we also want them where they do the most good. If we move enough guys around, we can end up doing more harm than good. It’s a tough balancing act. I don’t envy the coaching staff.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 16, 2008 6:45 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully someone can explain this to me better
I need to understand this a better – I’m sure the knowledgeable people here will help.
I agree that the ultimate would be to have a player like Ed Reed or Polamalu playing safety that can do it all. Given that we might have to make set our sights a bit lower than this for next year, I want to understand a bit better the pros and cons of Woodyard playing safety.
The pros (as I understand them) are that he is a playmaker, hits hard and is a good tackler
The cons are that he might be limited in coverage, where he is not fast or agile enough
To me that description sounds a lot like John Lynch and he did ok for us!
I am not saying that I disagree with the people wanting him at linebacker, I just need to understand better why his weakness in coverage rules him out at safety in so many peoples eyes
by NZBroncoFan on Dec 11, 2008 9:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
You could be Okay with Wesley at Safety..
like we were OK with Lynch. We don’t want to be OK, though, we want to find a game-changer. Safety is an interesting position, because it is largely undervalued throughout the league, much like Middle Linebacker and Guard are. What I mean by that is, teams tend to think that the athletic profiles and skill sets associated with those positions are somewhat easily found, as opposed to those of a DT, or a LT, or a DE.
What happens, then, is a guy like Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu lasts into the 20s in the draft, and a guy like Al Wilson or Lofa Tatupu gets picked much lower than he should too. It’s good to be buying on those positions in the draft, because you can get the best Safety with the 20th pick, where you’d already maybe be looking at the 5th best DE or LT by then in a lot of years.
A versatile Safety who can cover in man to man or zone, tackle well, and cover a lot of ground is worth his weight in gold. The team needs to focus on becoming faster and more athletic at S, not slower and less athletic. Wesley is an upgrade over Boss Bailey at SLB, and I’d like to see him there going forward.
"I am not one of those who think that coming in second or third is winning." -- Robert F. Kennedy
by Ted Bartlett on Dec 12, 2008 6:43 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Bear in mind too...
…that Lynch was so “football smart” that he gained an extra step in the game and played very well. WW is not going to have that kind of football smarts for a few more years.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 12, 2008 2:55 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey NZ
I think WW could play safety.
The broncos had him on Dwayne Bowe a couple of times on the weekend, and hes a pretty big, strong and GOOD WR.
WW is an athlete and a player, and his desire would make anything possible. I feel he oculd be a safety.
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Dec 12, 2008 6:02 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
could be, but why?
I agree with you that he could be, but this discussion seems pointless to me. He’s a Linebacker. He’s shown that at the pro level he can play LB no problem. I see no reason to try to retrain someone this talented to a completely different position that he isn’t used to (safeties have to think a heck of a lot more than a Will).
We already jumbled DJ around with positions and got him off a bit…hopefully we’ve learned our lesson.
I do think moving WW to Strong or Middle LB is a good idea though. His playmaking ability is proven and it would be a much easier learning curve for him.
One thing is for certain: I do think we need to keep him on the field.
by sadaraine on Dec 12, 2008 11:14 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Woodyard started as a SS at Kentuckey
his Freshman year and was moved to LB later that year so he has played the position before (though four years ago) at the college level.
"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game
"Superman wears Peyton Hillis pajamas" - FlaBronco
by DesertBroncoFan on Dec 16, 2008 12:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
thought I'd jump in
I’ve been spending a lot of time looking at college Safeties lately, so I thought I’d jump in late (just saw the thread).
It may sound attractive to move WW but it’s hard to justify the move at this point, when we’re going to be adding Safeties (at least one) in the upcoming draft.
There’s an obvious psychological tendency to want to put WW on the field somehow, but the best solution — however unsatisfactory — seems to be to allow him to develop further in a reserve LB role. Having a quality backup (for now) isn’t a bad thing, and he’ll probably see some reps at LB while also captaining the STs. And the possibility of needing him in case of injury (like this year) shouldn’t be trivialized. Another factor that should be considered is the rest of the depth situation at LB currently. I really have to wonder if Webster, Green, and Koutouvides (and others) are going to be with the team for much longer. LB depth should be a concern rather than an area where we’re looking to take away emerging talent.
There are number of interesting Safety prospects out there, in both 09 and 10. We can still move WW over to S for reps in the off-season but he would be competing on even ground with DBs who’ve played the position for years. I’m not opposed to the idea of moving WW, but rather, I’m attempting to put it in the proper context.
by Colinski on Dec 12, 2008 10:35 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
Bravo!
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 12, 2008 2:56 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice post Colinski...
I agree that we need to keep him at LB, even though I think he has the skill set to play safety.
the only thing I don agree with is keeping him as a back up….leaving one of your best play makers OFF the filed is insane. I know we told DK no more changes, but if he go to MLB for the rest of the year, and then we use WW for MLB next season (with some training) would this make a good compromise???
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Dec 13, 2008 5:52 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I am cool with moving DJ to MLB
he was a lone bright spot there last year. I understand that we extended his contract and then made everything right with the world by moving him to WILL, but hopefully DJ can see that in order to get the 11 best men on the field that means that we have to play our best MLB, which, frankly, is DJ. That opens up the WILL for WW. That, to me, is a playoff “doable” defense.
It would also be tough for DJ to take over Webster’s job, from a personal standpoint, since the two of them are such good friends. Not that I care if it is tough or not. Holding hands is for kindergarten, not pro ball players….
Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.
by Jeremy Bolander on Dec 13, 2008 10:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
The latest I've heard on the DJ and Woodyard situation
is here: “Even with DJ Williams expected to come back, the word seems to be that the coaches will try to find packages to keep both he and Woodyard on the field at the same time.”
"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 Dec 14, 2008 12:20 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Very wow!
If there is such a thing as this phrase!
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 14, 2008 9:19 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
from another site (DJ wants to play MIKE)
by Colinski on Dec 14, 2008 1:56 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs
GAME TIME Carolina
WW is the starting SS, so we’ll have something more to talk about on the subject.
by Colinski on Dec 14, 2008 2:32 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Verrrry Interesting
The “between the lines” comment about Woodyard was a bit overinterpreted, since at the apparent time (offseason) of the interview there was no Woodyard to be talking about between the lines, but this interview definitely allays my worries about moving D.J. back to the middle. He’d be a serious upgrade there, and Woodyard could be his wrecking-ball self on the weakside. Thanks for the link!
"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 Dec 15, 2008 1:02 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
if this is true
this could change everything. but i still prefer to draft a real good mike, leave dj where he is best utilized, and get a better sam to beat out boss/winborn. of course, this leaves ww off the field, which nobody is liking, but if he is ill-suited for SAM, then we have a little problem, don’t we? we theoretically could go with (S)boss/winborn/hopefully new guy, (M)williams, and (W)woodyard. the real question is do we move dj to get ww on the field, or do we draft/acquire a top-notch mlb? ww at safety, larsen at fb? i honestly don’t like dj at mike, i think we need a talent/size ugrade on the unit itself. throw larsen/haggans/webster in the mix, and what a conundrum! larsen and ww’s time may have to wait if we keep some of these guys, but they should see significant playing time, if that’s possible. this will be very interesting to watch in the offseason what the team decides to do with all these lb’s, safeties, and rb’s, specifically where they will play larsen and ww. and hillis. and barrett. and j. bell.
hear me, perpetrators of bread crime, your punishment is at hand.
taste my blintzkrieg!
by davecheffy on Dec 15, 2008 4:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
If you'll recall
DJ was lost early last season and a lot of people extrapolated that lostness to the end of the season, by which time he was actually pretty comfortable and playing very well at the position. He was moved back to WILL partly because that was his original home and partly because Gold’s decline left the cupboard even barer there than at the other backer positions. And I along with everyone else was assuming that was also where he wanted to be and would be most comfortable going forward. But this interview puts everything in a different light and, at the very least, gives the Broncos coaching staff some intriguing options to mull over. DJ in the middle and Woodyard on the weakside would give the Broncos two-thirds of a blazing fast linebacker trio, with at least two known playmakers. If that’s the way we go, and this is all hypothetical, we’d want to draft a SAM. Interesting to think about, at any rate, and a corrective to my assumptions about DJ’s state of mind. If this is true he just wants to win, baby, and would be happy with MIKE.
"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 Dec 15, 2008 7:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
options
Looking for a SAM in the draft might be our best course of action. Laurinaitis may be gone anyways and there’s a drop off to the next MIKE, so finding a starter at MIKE becomes much less likely anyways. I don’t think the OLB crop is any better but we’d have a more reachable goal if we’re merely looking to find depth/potential future starter. I think this is a workable option for fixing the MIKE next season.
Part of the logic is the very real possibility that we won’t find an instant starter at MIKE anyways. We also have other needs that could be addressed. Even a draft that prioritizes defense wouldn’t be expected to yield a great number of impact players, so we wouldn’t be able to fill all our defensive needs in the early rounds in any case. I think we can and will be able to find Safeties but it could become a grab bag for many of the other choices. And not every choice will be on defense.
by Colinski on Dec 16, 2008 9:43 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
wow...that is interesting.
I thought he wanted to play WILL. Hmmm?
GO BRONCOS!!!
by UnarmingMermaid on Dec 15, 2008 3:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Misleading
I read the above link. Guys, it’s a collection of quotes, each taken out of context, over a long period of time that is presented as if it is a single interview. It is NOT
Actually, DJ took a little time and thought things over. Shortly after he was moved to Will he spoke cheerfully about the situation, noting that he was a good Mike but that Will was his first and probably best situation. Please don’t let the article’s quotes lead you astray – this is not an interview, it’s a cut and paste, and DJ has already come on the record as being happy with his position.
Jim Goodman for Broncos MVP!
by Emmett Smith on Dec 18, 2008 5:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
read carefully
The posting itself is from a Bronco Country website post, and its by a knowledgeable student of football/attorney. Calling it a “cut-and-paste job” is misleading. He’s citing various articles from the Rocky Mountain News on the subject of D.J.‘s position moves. D. J. Williams has stated that likes WILL, but he has also stated that he likes MIKE, too. What he doesn’t like is being constantly moved or playing SAM.
The general story about Williams’ position moves has been poorly reported. The author of the BC posting wanted to set the record straight. Both he and I believe that moving Williams back to MIKE is one option for fixing that position, and that the perception that D.J. would be opposed to the move (beyond his objection to moving in general) is based mostly on the public’s perception, a perception that came about largely because of poor reporting on the subject.
My position is that moving D.J. back to MIKE is an option, but only one I would endorse if he wanted to make the move. What people forget is how well he played MIKE at the end of season. Memories of a run porous run-contain system dominated thoughts of 2007 and were conflated with one of the few bright spots — D.J.’s individual performance in the final games.
by Colinski on Dec 18, 2008 7:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
backup plan
It’s not insignificant that your attitude is shared, boydy2669; Shanny and Bly said the same thing in a DP article.
My feeling is that I’d like to see who’s left after this year before attempting a move. There are some decisions that will have to be made regarding the LBs.
There’s always an end-of-the-year evaluation, and this is when they evaluate how they want to proceed for next year. Webster’s contract expires, which will require a decision regarding whether they want to make him an offer, and what role they see him playing in the future. My personal philosophy is that you never ‘show the door’ to a potential contributer, but roster limits make it hard to keep players, especially if you need the spot for developing incoming talent.
They will be considering FAs, too, which may also impact the LB situation. Vilma is going to be available, and Peterson’s situation would appear to make his chances of re-signing less likely.
The upcoming draft is relatively strong at LB in some areas. Laurinaitis has slipped lately over questions about his physicality and could be available to us. Spikes may declare, and this would make our picking a MIKE in the 1st far more likely. And there are a number of attractive OLBs prospects.
My point is that there are a number of contingencies that have to be sorted out.
by Colinski on Dec 14, 2008 12:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
In my excitement at the thought of Woodyard joining Barrett
I let myself get distracted from Barrett himself, whose emergence was, after all, was part of the point of my original post. It impacts what happens at safety next year. Several knowledgeable people have seriously doubted the feasibility and wisdom of moving Woodyard to safety, but Barrett’s emergence nonetheless leaves us better off at that position that we were a short time ago. We still need to focus on safety in the draft, but if Barrett continues to improve that gives us a headstart in upgrading the position. At the very least, if we luck out and draft a couple of superstuds, he looks to provide quality depth at a position that has been defined by mediocrity. He also illustrates, along with the surprising play of Josh Bell, how well the Broncos have handled their young secondary players. Perhaps we’re seeing the benefits of Slowik as teacher. Barrett opened the season as a development project that, due apparently to effective coaching and a higher than expected upside, is now beginning to bear fruit. This may be the most visible manifestation of a pattern with our Slowik-led defense, young players allowed to develop at their own pace gradually maturing into surprisingly effective contributors. It suggests that not only good teaching but patience is an attribute of our defensive staff.
"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 Dec 12, 2008 12:05 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
You make good points
There is only One Moment—this moment—the Eternal Moment of Now
by sirsam on Dec 12, 2008 12:41 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
draft prognosis
I haven’t posted on the draft lately because some people thought it implied giving up on the current season, but I haven’t stopped analyzing.
Next year’s draft is quite strong at Safety, so there’s almost no way we could refrain from drafting at least one Safety. And the ‘shape’ (i.e., distribution of athletes in certain rounds) of the draft makes it likely that we’ll be draft Safety in the higher rounds even if our favorite targets are taken before we pick in the 1st. Many of the Safeties projected for rounds 2-4 look very good, too, so even the consolation prizes are attractive.
The gist of the story is that the shortage of Safeties is only temporary, and we may even experience some crowding there in the near future. This is also why we should re-direct our attention back to helping the LB position, even though it may not seem like as big a priority right now (besides MIKE). The DL is still an area of concern but it’s harder to find ‘quick fixes’ is the upcoming draft.
You should take a look at the New Era Scouting reports on 4 Safeties in the scouting section at the bottom of the home page. I’ll repost the links below.
Louis Delmas
Patrick Chung
William Moore
David Bruton
Whoever chose to post these 4 chose quite well.
by Colinski on Dec 13, 2008 10:42 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah Spock....
This backs up my feeling that Slowik is an AWESOME teacher but a pretty crappy game planner.
To be DC you have to be able to plan and adjust…not Slowik’s string suit.
There is no shame in this. Slowik needs to be encouraged to teach, yet, stay in that realm. We need someone else in there to either take over the DC role, or co host it with Slowik that can help him plan. At DC, thats his main role, and he appears a little undergunned in this area.
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Dec 13, 2008 5:55 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Hoosier mentioned somewhere
that in his experience he also had difficulty watching every part of the field and making adjustments. His solution was to assign guys to the job of providing him information and options for adjustment, while he concentrated on overall defensive strategy. Hopefully HT comes by and can comment on this, and whether it is a viable decision at the pro level.
Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.
by Jeremy Bolander on Dec 13, 2008 10:47 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
EVERY coach has strengths and weaknesses.
As Styg points out, I had the same issue that Coyer had; I wasn’t strong suited at making game time adjustments. On the other hand, because I was big enough to recognize my weakness, I assigned assistants to aid me by watching for certain things at certain areas and to advise me. I trusted their input, and rarely overruled an adjustment.
My strengths were gameplanning, playcalling, and teaching. I felt my role with the assistants was to teach them, and let them do most of the interaction with the players on the field. I developed coaches, and let them develop the players. Just as my HC was hands off and let the coordinators run their own teams, I was also hands off, and gave the defense assistants the room they needed to do their jobs. I wasn’t a micro-manager. Because of that, our coaching staff was a team in itself.
Any coach is a good coach if he recognizes those things he doesn’t do well, and is willing to give up “power” in that area for the good of the team. No coach can “do it all”.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 14, 2008 9:30 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
How would you characterize Shanny?
It seems to me he is a bit different over the last two or three years from earlier in his career…
Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.
by Jeremy Bolander on Dec 14, 2008 11:40 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths -
stable personality, intelligence, has the respect of his players, has the respect of his owner, willing to make adjustments, excellent offensive mind, playcaller, motivator, good at delegating out his authority, good relations with other coaches and the League, willing to replace players and staff that don’t perform, plays to win every season, flexible, popular with the fan base.
Weaknesses -
Should be involved more heavily in playcalling, has shown little patience for building a core defense through the draft, seems to ignore the importance of some positions on defense despite glaring weaknesses, doesn’t seem to be addressing (auditing) the staff or program to determine better preventitve measures against injuries, can often build a team around certain players instead of shoring up weaknesses.
My number one belief is that Shanahan is our MVP. When Shanahan goes, we’ll be in the wilderness for years until a good replacement comes along. I think Shanahan’s biggest change is that he delegates more authority than he used to, but is also put in a position where he (thus) has to fire more people.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 16, 2008 7:01 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
It's early
It’s is early, but I’m beginning to be hoepful that Barrett may turn out to be the diamond in the rough that the Broncos had in mind when they drafted him. Maturing a little later isn’t a problem. With his size and speed, if you can do well on Gonzales you can learn the position. It would help us greatly if we only needed to draft one safety position.
Jim Goodman for Broncos MVP!
by Emmett Smith on Dec 13, 2008 12:12 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I'm optimistic about Barrett, too
but I think we should draft two safeties regardless, as insurance against at least one of them being a bust or even merely average. Gonzalez made some plays because he’s that good, but I thought Barrett did a helluva job for a rookie, and a pretty good job period. If he turns out as well as we hope, and we hit on at least one of our two picks, we’ve got our starting safeties. If we strike gold on both picks, we’ve got our starters and quality depth. We’ve neglected safety too long. I’d like to see us cut down on other teams’ home runs.
"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 Dec 13, 2008 1:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
ww to sam, now
just repeating myself. as per my recent rant, do not take him off the field. when larsen is healthy, i hope he gets back to mlb. dj on the weakside. this is our best possible playoff unit, in my opinion. all 3 can tackle, and stuff the middle pretty well, my biggest concern for this season
hear me, perpetrators of bread crime, your punishment is at hand.
taste my blintzkrieg!
by davecheffy on Dec 13, 2008 1:47 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
That would be my line up as well.
My image is the Circa 1960-’61 Broncos home uniform sock. Some what folk lore to me ... but referred to as the clown sock by my Dad.
by YellowStoneBronco on Dec 13, 2008 3:23 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Ditto, the other LBs are career STers, spot starters and bench depth
A youth movement at LB is exciting, especially if an impact LB can be picked up in the next draft. It would be nice to trade at least one of the veterans, (Bailey, Webster, Winborn, K2, Haggans) while they still have value, Even if the tradeincluded a Denver 7th, it would e good to move up 15-20 places in the 6th or 7th round.
The future looks so bright that we're going to need blue and orange sunglasses!
by Arctic Bronco on Dec 14, 2008 12:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Spock
It was a great (and rec’d) article but your comment was just as interesting:
Barrett continues to improve that gives us a headstart in upgrading the position. At the very least, if we luck out and draft a couple of superstuds, he looks to provide quality depth at a position that has been defined by mediocrity. He also illustrates, along with the surprising play of Josh Bell, how well the Broncos have handled their young secondary players. Perhaps we’re seeing the benefits of Slowik as teacher. Barrett opened the season as a development project that, due apparently to effective coaching and a higher than expected upside, is now beginning to bear fruit. This may be the most visible manifestation of a pattern with our Slowik-led defense, young players allowed to develop at their own pace gradually maturing into surprisingly effective contributors. It suggests that not only good teaching but patience is an attribute of our defensive staff.
HT made the point early on about Slowik’s talent as a teaching coach. As we watch our team mature (bolstered by amazing young talent) can we really doubt that Slowik’s ability to develop a D is worth another year or more at the position? Barrett learned while on the PS, but at every position on the D we have fellows who have grown into their positions and assignments over the course of the season. I’d have to give kudos to Slowik for this.
Jim Goodman for Broncos MVP!
by Emmett Smith on Dec 14, 2008 1:30 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Teaching more than game-planning or making adjustments seems to be his strength
which is good given our youth movement on defense. That’s one reason I haven’t given up on Moss or even Crowder. We have a number of young players who’ve gotten better over the course of the season and have begun to make solid contributions. And the defense is playing better as a team, too. Our gap control issues have declined noticeably, one reason our run defense has picked up. I’m hoping our pass rush will start coming around, too. I think I’ve seen signs of that, although it might be wishful thinking.
"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 Dec 14, 2008 1:52 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
i will agree
as a pretty major critic of slowick, he does have his strengths, and this was an interesting point, bear. we may be farther behind in the defense knowing what to do, with the current players, that we just have to keep it simple. in other words, inuries may have set this unit back more in the developemental process than we may like to admit. we’ll see in the near future, but i just would like to see a blitz occasionally, even just 5 guys, to keep offenses honest. he does seem to have a bad/inexperienced defense in some kind of order, and that is obviously something he is doing well. the secondary loved the guy last season, and was probably a factor in his promotion, a la coyer. i’m willing to give him a pass on this tough season if we avoid the (i won’t even say it), and he can mold a good young defense next season when we have healthier and better players. a good teacher will be needed then, and i do prefer continuity. perhaps then, he will trust his players(maybe himself) enough to take some chances, and to “play to win the game”, as herm edwards used to say. way to blow 2 games to the chargers, kansas city. hypocrites
hear me, perpetrators of bread crime, your punishment is at hand.
taste my blintzkrieg!
by davecheffy on Dec 14, 2008 8:55 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Dave
I agree – I miss the blitz. We used it for part of the Buffalo game with great results and it vanished. Que? That part of things confounds me
Jim Goodman for Broncos MVP!
by Emmett Smith on Dec 25, 2008 2:00 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Feeling Great About the Draft
Folks, I’ve got some good news about the draft. The team has righted the ship so fully that we now have every reason to expect an excellent draft in the Spring, We all know the story, and MHR has chronicled it well. For most of Shanny’s time here, they’ve drafted atrociously. MHR stopped the reviews with the 2002 season, so that’s where I’ll pick up. It immediately becomes clear that the team hit rock bottom in the 2003-2004 drafts and shifted its philosophy. Something changed in the approach in 2005, and our boys now alternate B- and solid-A drafts.
Let’s Review. The beginning of the story is much, much worse than you remember.
2003, the Wall-to-Wall Bust:
George Foster
Terry Pearce
Nick Eason
Quentin Griffin
Bryant McNeal
Ben Claxton
Adrian Madise
Aaron Hunt
Clint Mitchell
Ahmad Galloway
Yikes — bring back the glory days of 2001, when we at least go Ben Hamilton!
2004, D.J. and the Duds:
D. J. Williams
Tatum Bell
Darius Watts
Greg Jones
Jeremy LeSueur [sic]
Jeff Shoate
Triandos Luke
Josh Sewell
Matt Mauck
Brandon Miree
Bradlee Van Pelt
That’s one stud, one 1,000-yard season, and nine washouts
Overall, that’s two drafts and three contributors (if you’re generous enough to include George Foster and Tatum Bell). Now the 2005 draft is often maligned, but given that they had no first rounder, they did quite well. To me the shift is clear: Shanny jettisoned the high-risk/high-reward approach in favor of making sure he nabbed some good contributors. We’ll never know how good D-Will might have been, but the striking thing here is that the guys they drafted were solid, versatile and (because they drafted them instead of signing free agents, CHEAP).
2005, The Turning Point:
Darrent Williams
Domonique Foxworth
Maurice Clarett
Karl Paymah
Chris Meyers
Paul Ernster
2006: Jay, BMarsh, Sheff, Elvis, Kuper. If only Shanny hadn’t cut Hixon….
2007: Ryan Harris, Marcus Thomas, and two lame DEs (not great but, that’s four picks two starters, and good upside — a nice risk/reward ratio).
2008: Awesome. Throw in Woodyard and Josh Bell and it’s even more awesome.
Folks, this is a long way of saying that the team has now drafted well for four drafts in a row…. after drafting atrociously for pretty much Shanny’s entire tenure. The front office doesn’t talk about the changes, but clearly they’re taking a different approach.
Looking ahead to patching up our D., I no longer worry that about squandering picks. In fact, they’ve become so good at unearthing productive NFL players that the only reasonable thing to do is use the extra 2009 picks to move up — if you keep drafting five or six starter-quality players every year, you’re going to end up cutting a lot of good draft picks.
by Chibronx on Dec 16, 2008 3:07 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
A quick minor thought on your very good comments...
Hixon haad to be cut. After (wrongly) blaming himself for the paralysis of a Bills player, he needed a new start somewhere else to clear his head. It was the right decision for him and for Denver (in my opinion).
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 17, 2008 6:37 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

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