Suppose we get Rubin and Bryant. They start eating opposing blockers and then the addition of K2 looks like pure genius as he stuffs the run at the line of scrimmage. This frees DJ and Boss to cover the outside and Champ and Bly start to read Rivers eyes and we see 3-4 picks a game. They are not afraid to take chances as they know they have help at safety.

Thanks for a great post with informative links.

#21  WR/KR Desean Jackson

#42  (traded to Redskins for #21 and our 2nd rounder next year)

#51 WR Earl Bennett

#108 ^^DT Atybah Rubin

#119 ^^(used to upgrade #108 to #92ish DAL)

#139 P Durant Brooks

#148 OL: OT Breno Giacomini/OG Robert Felton

#183 DT Nick Hayden^

#220 ^(used to upgrade #183 to #172ish ATL)

#227 K Brandon Coutou  

CFAs: K Piotr Czech, OT Shannon Boatman

Per your dlineman evaluations, this mock isn't necessarily concerned with "fixing" the DT problem, but with making the statement "The 2008 Denver defense will be able to stop the run."  Of course, it will take some time to get the rookies into the act, but I believe the above statement could very well be true by the end of the year.

I also tried to combine the mock with ejruiz's ST philosophy, thus the trade to target desean Jackson PURELY AS A KR.  It also serves as a backup WR pick, so two for one.  Brooks has been addressed elsewhere, and whiel I would have liked to pick up Mehlaff, who is the most all around kicker in this draft, his value isn't high enough to warrant moving, so instead we take Coutou, who has the leg and the accuracy to compete with Prater.  Interesting sidenote:  Brooks is from Georgia Tech, and Coutou is from Georgia...  I also have Denver looking at K Czech as a CFA, in case they don't find a veteran before the draft to bring in for the competition.  Czech is pretty impressive for being self-taught.

Obviously, I feel that with the pickup of Bennett we have created a top-notch competition for #2 WR in training camp.  Colbert will have his work cut out for him.  On top of this I have mentioned Felton elsewhere as being a class guy who would provide instant depth at every position along the line, while also possessing the character traits to develop into a potential starter down the line, especially at Guard.  Giacomini is simply a better version of Eric Pears, when Pears was drafted.

Regarding the Washington trade:  sound off if it doesn't make sense or doesn't seem likely.  To me, it is essentially one trade:  Washington has starters at every position, but desperately needs quick depth at DE where they have a 35 year old starter.  But Washington doesn't have enough ammo to make this trade with Denver straight up for the #12, so, trade the first next year which Snyder will assume to be a lower pick than he currently has (whereas I see at least four teams that should be better than WAS, and only one that might slip to worse).  Then to balance out the trade, we send them our second next year, which should be worth at least 400 points, and our second this year (480) for their #21(800).  

Besides, trading with the redskins is our biennial domination session.  It wouldn't feel right to miss one.

http://www.milehighreport.com/story/2008/3/2/3506/95671

I might also disagree (respectfuly) with his assesment of Bates' scheme regarding the type and usage of DTs.  In the Run Contain system as executed by Coach Bates, the DTs are 2 gap and hold the line instead of penetrating (as a one gap might).  They are not expected to get many tackles, instead allowing others to get the glory (I've explained the "vectoring" methodolgy in some other write ups).

On the other hand, I agree with much of the rest of the linked articles.  The DTs certainly failed to either tackle as well as hold the line.  They were miserable, and didn't adjust at all well to the Bates system.  I also like the approach that Michael takes by focusing on value, while many other draft followers seem focused on simply "who is best".  I would like to take two of Michael's high value guys over Ellis anyday.  I very much agree with firstfan's comment above how the defense would benefit from two great DTs.  In fact, I would add that perhaps we could take a SS out of the box and that would help our CBs get even MORE picks.  

I am (perhaps in a minority) of the view that Bates had an impressive record before coming to Denver, and his system might have taken hold if given time.  Mike is pretty quick to fire defensive coordinators, and I'm not sure that Slowik has a record that I am confident in.  I can't speak for the anonymous source that Michael cites, but the quotes I read from several players was that players were failing to execute, and that they didn't blame Bates.

Bottom line: The main point of your diary (going for value over "best") is an excellent argument, and I agree with Michael (and you) that it is the best way to go.  I hope we trade down and somehow get a good value DT (or two) and a WR to compete with (or push) Colbert.  A few offensive linemen after those picks and I see us building a great team for '08.  The following year I think we would have a shot at greatness.