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Another Look At The Draft (1996-2005)

As Broncos fans, we've suffered through what feels like an inordinant ammount of weak draft classes over the last dozen years, but was that actually the case?  There is no denying that our choices have often failed to live up to expectations or even the lowest acceptable levels, but how do we compare to other teams around the league in this regard?  Our good friends at Pro Football Reference recently tried their hand at quantifying the results of the ten NFL Drafts from 1996 to 2005 and I found their conclusions interesting, to say the least.  For there methodology and other details, please check out the full article here.  I'll go ahead and give you the Broncos' specific tidbits below.

According to their research, Clinton Portis was the 21st best draft pick of that era and Willie Middlebrooks was the 34th worst; those were the only two Denver picks to figure in the top and bottom 35 lists.  As a team, we ranked 17th in the league overall, worse than average, but certainly middle of the pack.  We were actually 7th when it came to first round draft picks, but only 19th on what was then "the second day" picks that should have built depth and strengthened the special teams.  Our best picks were Clinton Portis, Al Wilson and Trevor Pryce, with Willie Middlebrooks, Marcus Nash and Paul Toviessi as the three worst.

I feel as though we really turned the corner with the draft in 2006 and continued our good work since then, so our stats in that regard should improve.  All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that, as bad as we've been, there are about as many teams that have been worse as opposed to better; that makes me feel better about the potential for wasted opportunities due to bad picks.  Does this information surprise you?  Is it encouraging or disppointing?  Do you even agree with the methodology and/or conclussions?  Have it, Broncos fans!

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

1 recs  |  Comment 6 comments

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I don't think anyone would argue our eye for talent, our major crux around here

has been the Broncos inability to RETAIN the talent they draft. I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment about a corner being turned in 2006. YeeHaw!

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08
Win the Division. WIN THE DIVISION!

by Tim Lynch on May 28, 2008 11:40 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs

One thing to add...

...might be that middle of the pack is still pretty bad. I agree that we’ve turned the corner!

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

by Steve Nichols on May 28, 2008 1:37 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

I think when you get to the middle rounds

(i hope thats what youre refering to here) you have to look at a lot more than talent. You have to also look at guys who are TEAM players to a greater extent than say the first three guys you pick up. They need to knwo that they are part of the team and can contribute but wont be counted on immediately. I think of Marshall here, He knew he was gonig to be part of this team but didnt have a clue he was going to be the #1 option 3 years down the road. He was willnig to stick it out and play where ever coach wanted him. That in my book is a solid middle of the draft

Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!

Davis to the Hall!

by Jon Tollerud on May 28, 2008 3:37 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

No no no no no.

I’m not talking about the middle of rounds at all. I’m talking about us being in the middle of the pack of teams rated best to worst in drafting. Ranking as even the 15th best team in drafting is terrible in my book, not average (though it ranks in the “middle”). It’s like being a “C” team. Average teams don’t make the playoffs.

I’m not refering to mid round draft picks in any way.

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

by Steve Nichols on May 28, 2008 4:21 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Middle or slightly below

We have set the bar pretty darn high here in Denver. Our 7-9 season is a major disappointment to everyone on this site, yet it is only one game below .500. The future is bright.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. - Raplh Waldo Emerson

by firstfan on May 28, 2008 5:25 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

appologies

I’m at work and unable to pay close attention to everything. I would agree from before 2006 after that I think we are pretty solid.

Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!

Davis to the Hall!

by Jon Tollerud on May 28, 2008 6:17 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

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