Encouraging signs for the 2010 NFL Draft.

by swg777 on Nov 27, 2009 10:20 AM MST

Yes, I know this may be an untimely post the morning after a big win, but I am thinking about the draft year around. Here are a few of my random thoughts regarding the NFL draft and how it relates to the Broncos.

1. The Bears are 4-6 and if you look at their schedule they are likely to not go any better than 6-10. No matter what happens, it appears likely that the Broncos may secure a top 10 pick. If I had to guess, I would assume we would get anywhere between #9 and #11. This would be great. We can all pray for a monumental collapse and for them to end up 4-12 to secure a top 5 pick.

2. If we had a top ten pick in the draft, we would obviously land a talented player. Here are some players who are close to being top ten locks.

1. Eric Berry

2. Ndamukong Suh

3. Gerald McCoy

4. Taylor Mays

5. Russell Okung

6. Dez Bryant

7. Jimmy Clausen

8. Sam Bradford

9. Jake Locker

10. ?????

Given the draft history, it is likely another OT will be taken within the top 10. This leaves an amazing amount of talent still on the board. Here are just a few:

1. Colt McCoy

2. Joe Haden

3. Tim Tebow

4. Rolando McClain

5. Brandon Spikes

6. Carlos Dunlap

7. Brian Price

3. I think it is likely that someone like Taylor Mays or Gerald McCoy might slip, due to teams overwhelmingly needing help at QB and OL. We should obviously jump on it if that is the case. I also go back and forth on whether or not to draft a QB. There are some days I would love someone like a Colt McCoy, some days I would like a Taylor Mays. In reality, here is an example of what I would like.

2010 Broncos Mock

1. Rolando McClain - ILB. The best LB in the draft. An amazing run stopper who is already playing in a 3-4 defense. This guy is supposedly a brilliant football mind who could anchor our defense for the next 12 years. Don't talk to me about us not needing a player at this position. At the very least, we need depth here. However, if we learned anything from McD and the 2009 draft it is that we go after the best player available first and then need second. Now, if the Bears continue their slide and we end up picking earlier than this, I wouldn't mind getting Taylor Mays or a Gerald McCoy. Other possible selections: Colt McCoy QB, Joe Haden CB. Brian Price DT (An undervalued stud who consistently penetrates).

2. 2nd Rounder. Mike Pouncey OG (Florida). We need some interior O-line help and this guy is a mauler. I love the idea of grabbing a guard in the second round because you usually get to choose from the top five available in the entire draft.

3. Walter Thurmond CB. This guy is a great cover corner who can also return kicks really well. After watching us return kicks ineptly this year (besides one game), I am convinced we will draft a special teams returner within the first four picks to, among other things, remove this responsibility from Eddie Royal.

4. Daniel Thomas RB. At this point in the draft you are most likely going for depth. I believe we need more depth at running back. This guy is a good player for this position in the draft.

Who knows where we will go after that. I am excited to see how this shapes up. Let me know your thoughts.

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

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Comments

I like it.

One thing our team could use is a dominating ILB. For depth, if nothing else. No offense to DJ or Haggan or Davis, but an ILB that can take over a game would be awesome. Hello best defense in the NFL. We are already close, but a dominating presence could put this defense over the top.

I think we may get a late round QB, too, unless we get a free agent to replace Simms. Orton and Brandstater will stay, but Simms will go.

How about drafting a punter? Sure, Berger looked good last night, but he won’t be the long term answer.

I like drafting a special teams guy, too. I am not a fan of having Royal return kicks. Not that he doesn’t do a good job, but he doesn’t need to be taking risks back there of getting injured. Plus, it would be great to have him more involved in the offense than the special teams.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by Troy Hufford on Nov 27, 2009 10:34 AM MST reply actions

I'd like to see us draft someone like...

Noel Devine the RB from West Virginia : He’s like 5’8", 175lbs and should run the 40 @ 4.3 or maybe even 4.2. He’d be a killer as a return specialist, like a Darren Sproles, and should be a 3-4 round selection.

Trindon Holliday the WR from LSU : 5’5", 161lbs, and should run a 4.25 40.

Quit drinking the Kool-Aid and start drinking the good stuff, and everything is always alright.

by Chuck "DeadDrunk" Breedlove on Nov 27, 2009 12:03 PM MST up reply actions

I like Dexter McCluster

He’s a much lower-profile back than Devine, but he is similarly skilled and is built better for the wear and tear of the NFL. Also, he will be available in the 5th or 6th round, and would be a much better value.

"In the topsy-turvy world of heavy rock, having a good solid piece of wood in your hand is often useful." -Ian Faith

by papigrande on Nov 28, 2009 7:06 PM MST up reply actions

We need a Center

Given the draft history, it is likely another OT will be taken within the top 10.

Agreed. As much as I’d love to see a DE get drafted first, Casey’s got another year left on his contract and we will need to replace him. First pick should go to someone that can begin to anchor our offensive line in 2 years.

"All credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses." Friedrich Nietzsche

by Horsepower on Nov 27, 2009 10:53 AM MST reply actions

First pick?

Not if we’re picking in the top half of the first round. No interior lineman is worth that pick. I’m all for using our second-rounder on that slot, but not our first-rounder.

"I only know as much about myself as my mind can work out under its current conditions. And its current conditions are not good." -- Zaphod Beeblebrox

by Sharpe as a Tack on Nov 27, 2009 8:36 PM MST up reply actions

I know I will not be popular, but I think if Colt McCoy is there, then you have to take him

The guy is simply amazing (IMO), born winner, great leader, great athlete, great QB, the only thing that is of concren is his size, but I see him being very similar to Drew Brees, and I loved Brees coming out (one of the biggest mistakes of the Broncos was not taking him and not signing him when he was a free agent).

MCCoy is a top level QB who is a winner, I think he would excel in this offense, I would say the guy in Idaho if you are going for a guard, but I think DL would be a better postion to address in the 2nd round, depends on who is on the board, maybe someone like Cody slips, although I doubt he would slip that far.

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by Broncoman on Nov 27, 2009 11:03 AM MST reply actions

Couldn't agree with you more about Brees

I practically wept when we didn’t sign that man. It would have really changed the franchise.

Moreno/Buckhalter in '09

by Doc Bear on Nov 27, 2009 11:14 AM MST up reply actions

Love Drew, Hate Colt.

I don’t want to see the Broncs drafting Colt McCoy.

However, does anyone know if Andy Dalton is eligible for the draft? If he is and comes out, I’d love to see us draft him.

Quit drinking the Kool-Aid and start drinking the good stuff, and everything is always alright.

by Chuck "DeadDrunk" Breedlove on Nov 27, 2009 11:19 AM MST up reply actions

I just don’t like drafting players from UT, especially QB’s. That said, I like Colt, and think he will be a good QB. If he somehow falls to us at our second pick, I think we have to take him. But I don’t see it happening with our first.

I haven’t seen much of this McClain guy, but if he is as good as people say he is, I would love to see him taken with our first rounder… Otherwise, I want to see that pick go to the defensive line, my dream pick would be Suh.

by aLuffabo on Nov 27, 2009 11:33 AM MST up reply actions

Agreed

Since I have been living here in Austin, I notice how the minds of the UT players get warped which hurts them for there future, IMHO.

And I just cannot stand Colt McCoy. ;)

as far as ILB, I’d be thrilled if we drated either McClain or Spikes…

Quit drinking the Kool-Aid and start drinking the good stuff, and everything is always alright.

by Chuck "DeadDrunk" Breedlove on Nov 27, 2009 11:53 AM MST up reply actions

Agreed

Mack Brown is poison. Just ask Vince Young.

"I only know as much about myself as my mind can work out under its current conditions. And its current conditions are not good." -- Zaphod Beeblebrox

by Sharpe as a Tack on Nov 27, 2009 8:38 PM MST up reply actions

McClain

cured me of my man-crush for Brandon Spikes. And I’ve been high on that guy for two years. He’s superb.

"I only know as much about myself as my mind can work out under its current conditions. And its current conditions are not good." -- Zaphod Beeblebrox

by Sharpe as a Tack on Nov 27, 2009 8:38 PM MST up reply actions

If we're going to talk about QBs; Cincy QB Tony Pike should get some mention.

Drew Brees is a valid comparison with Colt, with one major difference. What makes Brees such as successful “short” QB is his great deep ball. This is something that Colt simply does not possess, his deep ball consistently float. Whether arm strength, size or footwork he just doesn’t have Brees’ same ability to push the ball downfield.

Remains to be seen whether Colt can overcome this shortcoming, but every QB coming into this draft has serious questions that should give talent evaluators and fans a like pause.

"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden

by Randall15 on Nov 27, 2009 4:07 PM MST up reply actions

We have TB

and also the #3 QB, currently being groomed to be the future of this Denver offense. Colt McCoy’s been compared to Jay Cutler before and no offense guys, but that’s enough to make my stomach turn. Sorry, I’ll have to pass on that idea.

If and only if O-linemen are not available in the 1st (and they usually aren’t) and if and only if Barrett or McBath disappoint at the safety position, then I wouldn’t mind McX considering Taylor Mays.

Other than that, I believe we need depth for the trenches.

"All credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses." Friedrich Nietzsche

by Horsepower on Nov 27, 2009 5:40 PM MST up reply actions

Absolutely, but with our 2nd-rounder.

Seriously: who would you take with a 6-12 pick overall? We desperately need depth at that slot, but that’s WAY too high to address it.

"I only know as much about myself as my mind can work out under its current conditions. And its current conditions are not good." -- Zaphod Beeblebrox

by Sharpe as a Tack on Nov 27, 2009 8:41 PM MST up reply actions

Larsen and Woodyard

I’m not about to give up on those guys, but perhaps I need to evaluate McClain better. What do you like about him?

"All credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses." Friedrich Nietzsche

by Horsepower on Nov 27, 2009 10:12 PM MST up reply actions

I say take a center in the first round, DE (for depth) in the second,

and a CB in the third round.

"When you put on that jersey, the name on the front is more important than the name on the back." - "Miracle".

"Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else." - Vince Lombardi.

by broncoholic on Nov 27, 2009 11:13 AM MST reply actions

There are no centers worth taking in the first round, especially a high first rounder.

by aLuffabo on Nov 27, 2009 11:33 AM MST up reply actions

That's one reason why I'm not a draft analyst. lol

"When you put on that jersey, the name on the front is more important than the name on the back." - "Miracle".

"Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else." - Vince Lombardi.

by broncoholic on Nov 27, 2009 11:40 AM MST up reply actions

Centers

The 2 best centers (if they declare) would be:
Kristofer O’Dowd from USC : 6-5. 298lbs
Stefen Wisniewski from Penn State : Height: 6-3. 298.lbs

Both are projected @ 1-2 round picks…

Quit drinking the Kool-Aid and start drinking the good stuff, and everything is always alright.

by Chuck "DeadDrunk" Breedlove on Nov 27, 2009 11:42 AM MST up reply actions

Draft needs

My ranking is:
C/G – McX seem to like versatile guys, and this might be one of those players. We’ve got Olsen and Hochstein, but could use an upgrade for at least depth. Center is the bigger need, though.
DE – We need to groom the future on the line. Someone to come in and replace Peterson and/or Holliday when they retire.
KR
CB for youth. Maybe another S, if a good one is there.
LB – this and CB can be swapped, IMHO. We need depth in both places.
Punter – Probably won’t be a draft pick, or at least won’t be before about the 7th round. But we need someone for the future. Berger is getting long in the tooth.

by BroncosBassist on Nov 27, 2009 11:21 AM MST reply actions

I agree

We can knock out two of those needs with one pick: Alabama CB/RS Javier Arenas. The kid is a flat out freak, and I would LOVE to pick him up.

by Sayre Bedinger on Nov 27, 2009 3:55 PM MST up reply actions

Now here we agree!

I’m really high on Arenas. I like Mike Johnson for the C/G versatility, or Iupati there as well.

"I only know as much about myself as my mind can work out under its current conditions. And its current conditions are not good." -- Zaphod Beeblebrox

by Sharpe as a Tack on Nov 27, 2009 8:43 PM MST up reply actions

I’d love those 1st and 2nd round picks for Denver. Projecting anything beyond the 1st 50 picks is pretty much impossible.

Denver may have a look a Joe Haden or a DE in round 1. I’m thinking our pick (from Chicago) will be around 13 overall.

This is my favorite website.

by McGeorge on Nov 27, 2009 11:25 AM MST reply actions

Hope you’re right McG, 12-18 range are the best picks in the draft. Not because of talent obviously, but because of the contracts.

by aLuffabo on Nov 27, 2009 11:35 AM MST up reply actions

I like the QB at Arkansas… Ryan Mallett. I think if he goes Pro, he’ll be a very high draft pick.

Other great prospects include:

Earl Thomas (S – Texas)
Donovan Warren (CB – Mich)
CJ Spiller (RB – Clemson)
Bruce Campbell (OT – Maryland)
Anthony Davis (OT – Rutgers)

This is my favorite website.

by McGeorge on Nov 27, 2009 11:34 AM MST reply actions

I like Ryan Mallett too McG.

I watched him play and he has poise with little weapons to go to. 6’5 ? He’s got a strong arm and would be a complimentary pick for the Broncos.

by bfree2bronc on Nov 27, 2009 12:29 PM MST up reply actions

6'7" actually.

And Arkansas has some of the best receiving weapons in the college game. Four deep at WR starting with Childs and a quality TE in DJ Williams. Mallet has a very good offensive supporting cast at the skill positions. His line and defense however leave a lot to be desired.

"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden

by Randall15 on Nov 27, 2009 4:09 PM MST up reply actions

The defense is what I was thinking when I wrote it. Sorry.

by bfree2bronc on Nov 27, 2009 11:47 PM MST up reply actions

What about trading back?

Say for a later first and second or something? Apparently this is a deep draft and we might be able to get more bang for our buck that way.

Time is a great teacher. Unfortunately, it kills all of it's students.

by Jason Witte on Nov 27, 2009 12:22 PM MST reply actions

I like it.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by Troy Hufford on Nov 27, 2009 12:37 PM MST up reply actions

I think it's crucial

We must trade down, especially if the Bears’ pick is top ten. We only have five picks as it stands, and adding more would be very, VERY wise with how deep this draft is.

by Sayre Bedinger on Nov 27, 2009 1:13 PM MST up reply actions

Depends on who's available

To my mind, if Taylor Mays is there, we take him. If Rolando McClain is available, we think long and hard. Outside of that, I think I agree to trading down.

We’re likely to have a HUGE gap between 1st (top 15) and 2nd (20+) picks. That gap needs to be closed, in my opinion.

"I only know as much about myself as my mind can work out under its current conditions. And its current conditions are not good." -- Zaphod Beeblebrox

by Sharpe as a Tack on Nov 27, 2009 8:46 PM MST up reply actions

Its way to early IMO

guys i like for this system offense: jordan shipley-WR Texas, noel devine-RB WV, riley cooper-WR UF, Eric Olsen-C-ND.

These are all pretty much mid round guys, shipley is just a beast, great slot receiver who can possibly fill in for stokes. Devine is just a game changer, moreno fights for the yards does everything, but we need a more explosive player who can turn a screen into 40 yards. Riley cooper another quick slot receiver who has been a good player for florida. Olsen is a center who can play the guard position too, hes a little bigger than most the other prospects as well.

i think all this offense needs is explosive speed players at reciever and out of the backfield, game changers. I think Orton is developing and what about Brandstater. im not for drafting a qb yet.

defensively: i have a lot more guys especially early on: Terrence Cody-NT alabama, THE BEST ILB IN THE DRAFT BRANDON SPIKES. ENOUGH WITH THE MCCLAIN TALK. SPIKES IS A WINNER, EXTREMELY SMART, GOOD IN COVERAGE AND RUSHING THE PASSER, A REAL LEADER. But i really dont think we need an ILB early. We have D.J for a while, we have woodyard and larsen and Andra still. I like Berry better than Mays. I use to love taylor mays, but i think he may be honestly too big. Berry plays in a much better conference, i think he is a tougher guy, he can lay the lumber even at his size, he is a a ballhawk, better blitzer, great pick.

Overall i would like to trade down from what i have seen so far. I think the goal of our draft is to beef up our d line, grab a future center, electrifying play makers on offense, and some secondary depth or grab an eric berry or joe haden early.

"it aint no doggone tomorrow fellas, what you gonna bring to the doggone game, you gonna bust somebody in their mouth, are you gonna do youre doggone job, are u gonna play from your doggone fist, are you gonna play from you're heart, and give everything you doggone got, cuz im a do that."

"ITS PARTAAY TIME BAABY"

-who else

by BDAWKisaBRONC on Nov 27, 2009 12:33 PM MST reply actions

If we were to take a RB in the draft, which we probably will, I want to see Dexter McCluster from Ole Miss in Orange & Blue.

That dude is a play-maker…not to mention a great return specialist. I also think we need to pick up a guard to replace Ben Hamilton.

"When you put on that jersey, the name on the front is more important than the name on the back." - "Miracle".

"Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else." - Vince Lombardi.

by broncoholic on Nov 27, 2009 12:38 PM MST up reply actions

I don't understand

I did a mock draft earlier in the week, and I can’t figure out why no one thinks Seth Olsen is going to replace Hamilton at guard. We already have a guy at guard.

by Sayre Bedinger on Nov 27, 2009 1:03 PM MST up reply actions

I agree...

…although trading back (as you suggest) and drafting the freakish guard from Idaho would suit me just find. The kid seems very Cladyish in his ability to either play a zone-scheme (great athleticism) or just flat out over power you. He seems to be an ideal McD type of guy.

by PredominantlyOrange on Nov 27, 2009 2:35 PM MST up reply actions

It's probably the issue of not having seen him to evaluate him

Every notice how quick folks are to ignore players that they aren’t currently seeing? Happens every year – and I agree with you. If Olsen is learning the complexity fo the system and doing well, we’re in fairly good shape. We just haven’t heard anything.

Center is far more important in this offseason. I have no feelings about FA vs. Draft (I did love Colinski’s breakdown of that, but even then, Olsen should be a major piece), but I’d really like to get a better backup at guard. I’m torn on both Polumbus and Hochstein. They did very well yesterday and that could be a harbinger of things to come, but they didn’t play well over the past 4 games.

Centers do go in the 1st round, but they usually go in the later picks, 21-32. Again, we might find a veteran – McD is smart enough to trust these guys who have already shown that they can play in the NFL more than draft picks. Rookies aren’t that often ready to contribute as heavily as a starting center would be required to accomplish.

Moreno/Buckhalter in '09

by Doc Bear on Nov 27, 2009 3:25 PM MST up reply actions

Are you of the opinion that Kuper could make a good Center?

That’s the scenario where I could envision a high pick on the right guard.

by PredominantlyOrange on Nov 27, 2009 3:37 PM MST up reply actions

Kuper

Kuper is an elite level RG, so why would we switch him? I don’t know. Our best bet is to ride it out one more year with Wiegmann and draft depth late, then go after the kid from USC next year when he is more likely to come out. That, or we could go after Eric Olsen, the guy from Notre Dame.

by Sayre Bedinger on Nov 27, 2009 3:49 PM MST up reply actions

Good point.

by PredominantlyOrange on Nov 27, 2009 4:06 PM MST up reply actions

I haven't heard that.

It would be great if true, though.

Moreno/Buckhalter in '09

by Doc Bear on Nov 27, 2009 5:43 PM MST up reply actions

You usually have an opinion on such things.

Its not like the Kuper as a Center is a bizarre new concept around here.

by PredominantlyOrange on Nov 27, 2009 7:08 PM MST up reply actions

True, usually so

i haven’t heard that argument, to my recollection, though. The threads sometimes are voluminous enough that I miss things. It’s an interesting concept, but it really won’t solve the issue by itself. If you move him, as well as he’s playing a RG, who moves in? Hochstein is currently covering for the loss of Hamilton, and while he’s done well this week, my film work showed that he’s been inconsistent. Perhaps as they play together longer that will disappear – I hope so. Olsen might step up, and that would be a help. It remains a puzzle. I think that we’ll be active in FA on that front – I do recall that Colinski had a great post on the subject, and he identified a candidate. Too early to tell, of course.

Moreno/Buckhalter in '09

by Doc Bear on Nov 27, 2009 7:34 PM MST up reply actions

I like it

I love Rolando McClain’s pro prospects. He is a bigger, faster, and stronger version of former Alabama LB DeMeco Ryans. A machine, if you will.

I strongly disagree with taking a G in the second round. We have Seth Olsen. If an elite center prospect enters the draft, I’d say go for him, but I don’t think we need to go for a guard in round two with Olsen already waiting in the wings. The only way I’d go with a guard is if we traded down in the first round and picked up an extra couple of picks.

I love Thurmond, and I’m all for a RB in the fourth. I know it won’t happen, but I’d love Toby Gerhart from Stanford.

An interesting scenario would be to trade down with the New England Patriots in the first round, and pick up one of their extra second round picks (they have three).

We trade down in round one and go after a guy like Colt McCoy or Ryan Mallett in round one, maybe Tim Tebow if he is still there. Then with two second round picks, you have a lot of power to move around. We could stick with the two second rounders and take, say, Corey Wootton (DE, Northwestern) and Myron Rolle (S, Florida State). Or you could trade out of the second for multiple third round picks. This is such a deep draft, we need to look into all possibilities.

Odds are, we will be trading out of our first round pick unless someone unbelievable falls to us like Suh. Actually, probably only if Suh falls to us.

Then in round three, I like taking Thurmond, or we could go the guard/center route in that round. I would love to pick up Jordan Shipley at some point, especially if we take Colt McCoy in the first or early second.

I love the draft.

by Sayre Bedinger on Nov 27, 2009 1:12 PM MST reply actions

I think taking Tebow would be a terrible idea.

I mean, he’s a lefty, so that makes Polumbus protect Tebow’s blindside, which as we know, is not good. Plus, I don’t think he’s ever taken a snap under center. His skill sets don’t fit our system.

"When you put on that jersey, the name on the front is more important than the name on the back." - "Miracle".

"Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else." - Vince Lombardi.

by broncoholic on Nov 27, 2009 1:21 PM MST up reply actions

You mean Ryan Harris?

I don’t see McD picking a quarterback in any early rounds. That’s not the way they do things. I may be wrong though but, it just seems we have other positions that are glaring out at us. ILB, CB, RB (could pick up a free agent) DE/ OLB and a P.

by bfree2bronc on Nov 27, 2009 1:34 PM MST up reply actions

I found that interesting as well

The Patriots have never HAD to draft a QB, which is a lot different. When McDaniels got there, they had former number one overall pick Drew Bledsoe. When he went down, they were forced to put in Tom Brady. When Brady emerged basically right away, they had no need to ever draft a QB high, though they took Kevin O’Connel in the third round of 2008.

There’s a HUGE difference between not having to pick a QB, and simply saying it’s not their style.

by Sayre Bedinger on Nov 27, 2009 3:33 PM MST up reply actions

His skill sets

They fit any system. The only thing wrong with Tebow is his release point. You don’t think a QB coach like McD would be able to mold him?

by Sayre Bedinger on Nov 27, 2009 3:31 PM MST up reply actions

And his long winding wind-up, ala Byron Leftwich.

That has to be changed, or like Leftwich, Tebow will not make it 7 seasons in the pros. It’s been exploited week-in and week-out by college defenses so NFL defenses would be licking their chops.

"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden

by Randall15 on Nov 27, 2009 4:13 PM MST up reply actions

Isn't Myron Rolle still planning on accepting the Rhodes Scholarship?

"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden

by Randall15 on Nov 27, 2009 4:28 PM MST up reply actions

He did

He’s been working out while at Oxford and will graduate soon with a M.A. in medical anthropology. He’s going to participate in the NFL Combine in late February and early March and has made plans to train in preparation for the draft before then.

Judging by how seriously he’s already been training, I’d say his stock is going to rise dramatically at the combine. His stock had fallen during his year off. The level of commitment he shows is extraordinary, and I’m sure teams are going to be impressed.

no goats, no glory.

by Colinski on Nov 27, 2009 11:51 PM MST up reply actions

Best player available in the first round

Then in subsequent rounds draft for teh positions we need – C/G, DE, CB.

That stat during the Pittsburgh game about their last bunch of first rounders, all of whom have become stars, shocked me. We need to emulate that.

"Remember, it's only a game."

by robswenson on Nov 27, 2009 1:40 PM MST reply actions

i like it

cant go wrong with taking the best player available. i like orton, i dont think we go qb in the first unless he is terrible the rest of the year.

i do like spikes, even though he has some character issues. wouldnt mind going after a stud S like mays. future S tandom in mcbath and mays would sound pretty awesome.

but interior line on both sides of the ball need to be addressed somehow this offseason. i dont care how it is done, just do McD and co.

by broncoboy on Nov 27, 2009 1:42 PM MST reply actions

My only rationale for draftin a QB early

Would be if we have to pay Orton too much to come back. He’s good, but not good enough to pay him top QB money. If we do resign him to a reasonable contract, I say we trade down and go interior OL and that’s only if berry and mays are gone. Hill and bdawk are gettin old, and I could see us movin bdawk to SS next year and have berry at FS

by DBroncs1414 on Nov 27, 2009 2:09 PM MST via mobile reply actions

Probably not

I don’t know if you realize this or not, but the interior linemen of this class are atrocious. It would be reaching, at best, to take one in the first round. Our first round pick should either be a quarterback like Colt McCoy, a defensive lineman, middle linebacker, or maybe a cornerback.

Also, our safeties are looking VERY good for the future. Did you catch the performance of David Bruton last night? That kid is a player. Not to mention Darcel McBath, second round pick. Also Josh Barrett, the athletic freak from the 2008 draft.

by Sayre Bedinger on Nov 27, 2009 3:54 PM MST up reply actions

re: interior OLs

I think “atrocious” is way too strong. You’re probably speaking to the first round. The quality of the OLs is distinct from the issue of position value.

Some knowledgeable sources have Iupati going in the 1st, but it’s normal for Centers and Guards to go after the 1st so it’s all relative. Last year’s class of Centers was strong and we did see the unusual event of 2 Centers being picked in the first, but two late 1st round picks wouldn’t merit being called strong for any other position. They’re neither rare enough nor impact-full enough to warrant a high draft pick. However, there are enough interior-OLs in this draft to make for some very good choices for us in the 2nd and later. Whether this area is truly deep will depend on how many underclassmen declare. I’ve only attempted to evaluate whether there are good candidates for us in the 2nd at this point — there are.

no goats, no glory.

by Colinski on Nov 27, 2009 5:06 PM MST up reply actions

Compare it to next year's class

You will see why I call this year’s class “Atrocious”. There are six or seven guys who could go in the first three rounds from the center position alone next season.

by Sayre Bedinger on Nov 27, 2009 10:58 PM MST up reply actions

I agree on that

What many analysts are expecting is that many of them will become part of the upcoming draft class.

As I’ve said about this subject in general — we won’t actually know until Jan. 15. And statements about class strength are caveat-ed on the premise that certain players will elect to enter early. A group of seniors may make a certain position clearly strong (e.g.Center last year) but the strength of many positions varies depending on how many underclassmen declare.

Some underclassmen declare in each draft, and a weak group of seniors entices underclassmen to declare (usually dependent of their also being projected by the NFL an as early pick).

Some of the names that are being considered as part of this upcoming draft (with aforementioned caveats):

(OC) – Maurkice Pouncey, Kristopher O’Dowd, Stefan Wisniewski

Pouncey and O’Dowd would make the existing group of Centers (e.g., Tennant, Walton, etc.) quite strong.

(OG) – Mike Pouncey, Justin Boren (and some others)

The CBA is the real issue that we haven’t discussed enough. Schefter reported recently that the old agreement won’t be re-negotiated in time, and the implication is that a rookie salary cap will drive many underclassmen into the next draft. Everyone is merely guessing (for the most part) on whether a rookie salary cap will be imposed (and when), so our analysis in even more tentative than usual.

I do track individual intentions regarding declaring (and they’ve also thrown curves at me before, too) so some of the inclusions in analysis of a draft are more than mere guesses. At this point, I’m still relying on others to keep this information straight, however.

BTW — Cameron Heyward (DE34) has stated that he’s coming back, which is a big disappointment.

no goats, no glory.

by Colinski on Nov 30, 2009 2:04 PM MST up reply actions

I'm really wondering what your opinion is on Mike Johnson

from Alabama. I’m high on him (obviously), but you have only mentioned Iupati or Asamoah when you mention interior O-line at all. What’s your opinion of this guy?

And I agree with Colinski: “atrocious” is way too strong.

"I only know as much about myself as my mind can work out under its current conditions. And its current conditions are not good." -- Zaphod Beeblebrox

by Sharpe as a Tack on Nov 27, 2009 8:57 PM MST up reply actions

He is a solid prospect

My only thing is, I don’t think we need a guard at the moment. That’s why I have not mentioned many guard prospects. Obviously with the Crimson Tide running the ball as well as they have, he would be a huge asset in that area. But I really, really like Seth Olsen. I think he is athletic, strong, instinctive, and will fill in nicely next season after taking somewhat of a “redshirt”.

by Sayre Bedinger on Nov 27, 2009 11:00 PM MST up reply actions

If Berry makes it out of the Top-5

Then there are 5 NFL GMs who need to lose their jobs. Plus with the Bucs, Browns, Lions, Rams, Raiders and Chiefs still in the NFL, it’s gonna be hard for us to pick that high.

"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden

by Randall15 on Nov 27, 2009 4:27 PM MST up reply actions

I wonder...

…if anybody could shed some light on Taylor Mayes. Being that S is my favorite position, the sentimental side of me drools at the idea of him being a Bronco. However, I’ve noticed that his stock seems to be sliding a little over questions of his innate instincts. I unfortunately have very small children, which makes it hard to rationalize giving all weekend to football (not the best PR play with the wife), so I can only pay close attention to the NFL and I haven’t followed college outside of the Big 12 much this year. Anyway, is he maybe suffering a little of the Lauranitis effect— being overly scrutinized because he stayed an extra year— or is he maybe not the near can’t-miss guy he was played off as most of last year and this offseason? I’d be interested in some of y’all’s more studied opinions on this.

by PredominantlyOrange on Nov 27, 2009 2:43 PM MST reply actions

the knock on Mays

Metrics lure people in. He has the physical talents but the knock on him is that he’s a hitter rather than a skilled defensive playmaker. Teams looking for pass coverage skills (the Broncos, etc.) won’t be as impressed by his workout warrior metrics as.. say… an Al Davis would.

I don’t think he’s a bad prospect but I’d much prefer a player such as Eric Berry, who’s shown himself far more adept at playing the ball rather than making highlight reel hits. And we already have 2 big, fast Safeties so picking another doesn’t interest me, especially that early. Berry also falls under this logic but he might be the best CB in the draft, too (assuming he declares).

I’m not trying “rain on your parade,” Mays is still a very highly regarded athlete, but he may be a little too popular, in addition to being a slightly poor fit for us. There’s a lot of 3-4 types in this draft, and there’s also a contingent of OLs who could help us. Picking a Safety made great sense last year, and we did, but I have to question the basis for the logic of picking one again. Still, Mays is candidate, mostly because he’s projected to go somewhere around when we pick.

no goats, no glory.

by Colinski on Nov 27, 2009 3:17 PM MST up reply actions

I'm not sure there's a great need for S...

…anymore. I agree with that. But at one point Mays was talked about as being in that special category— obviously an offshoot of his metrics and hitting ability— but his star seems to have dimmed some. I guess what I was getting at is if he’s the player as advertised last year, he could be that sort of game-plan changing presence that I’d be very enthusiastic about. However, if he’s just a thumper that should be a playmaker, then I’d be inclined to believe Denver has bigger needs elsewhere.

by PredominantlyOrange on Nov 27, 2009 3:33 PM MST up reply actions

It would be amazing what would happen to his stock

if he made a big play -INT, FF, FR, TD, etc.-once in a blue moon. But his relative lack of production at the college level, outside of a tackling machine, just makes me think of him as the defensive DHB, all flash, no substance.

Mays may end up being moved to LB. His game, particularly his run stuffing, is very similar to other “physical specimen” safeties who didn’t make a lot of plays in the passing game, eg. Ian Gold (UM) and Thomas Davis (UGA)

"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden

by Randall15 on Nov 27, 2009 4:22 PM MST up reply actions

changes from last year

The stock on a player can change from year to year. Mays might have gone higher last year if he came out then.

There’s a number of considerations here. Safeties don’t usually go that high in the 1st unless they’re spectacular in every facet of the game. The thinking changes for picks when you get near the top 10 picks. Teams are reluctant to pay the salary that top 10 picks garner to someone who’s contribution isn’t as ‘impact-full." Teams also look at positional demand. For instance, a quality NT is so hard to find that a team can justify the pick. Quality OTs are also considered worth a top 10 pick. Quality CBs can justify a top 10 pick, although they’re generally picked a little later in the 1st.

I’m projecting Chicago to finish with 6 or 7 wins, so we’re talking about a pick that falls somewhere around where we picked last year — maybe even higher. Holding a pick this high opens a lot of possibilities — even Mays. My question is whether he fits our scheme. He’s bordering on being a better OLB candidate than SS one. It’s mostly a question of ‘goodness of fit.’ Finding players who fit our scheme is an important consideration. And the number of DL34 candidates make a ‘positional flyer’ hard to justify.

Once again, it’s not certain that we’ll pick a defensive player in the 1st, but it’s hard to ‘see’ who we’d pick on offense even though it’s still a reasonably strong possibility. However, there are many players on defense that suit our needs, the problem is that they may not be the BPA at #10 (or so). This does make for some interesting conjecture. And I"ll do a borderline hijacking to explore one possibility.

There are some OTs that could warrant a pick that high. I like the idea of stacking the OT position, and the intent would be to use the pick at OG. The Tackle position is where the premier OLs wind up (in college) and it’s not a harebrained idea to try ‘store’ OTs at OG. Besides the fact that it’s a good place to look for OL talent, it stocks the OG position now. it’s an idea, and that’s all it is. I’ve previously suggested picking a OT/OG as a way of strengthening the interior-OL while concomitantly backing up OT.

The draft landscape is going to become much clearer after Jan. 15 when the underclassmen declare. The situation now is still too fluid. There are a number of 3-4 candidates who fit scheme-wise so it’s hard to pass on them but it’s also hard to ignore some apparent BPAs who have a greater overall value. Most Big Boards right now present some tantalizing but annoying possibilities for us. The combination OT/OG idea is one way of solving the dilemma of picking at a spot where the talent available doesn’t suit (apparently, on the surface) your needs.

no goats, no glory.

by Colinski on Nov 27, 2009 4:45 PM MST up reply actions 3 recs

Nice update, Colinski

Thanks

Moreno/Buckhalter in '09

by Doc Bear on Nov 27, 2009 5:06 PM MST up reply actions

re: Daniel Thomas (rb), 4th round pick in your MOCK

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2011_RB

2011 – RBs
9th best RB, 3-4th round, stock is rising

I’ve pretty much tried to ignore Big Twelve action as much as possible this year. It hasn’t been pleasant to watch CU lose.

Thomas is an interesting prospect who wasn’t on my radar even though he’s leading the Big Twelve in rushing. I noted him but hadn’t expected he’d be in the 2010 draft.

It’s possible that we’ll draft yet another RB and I’ve mentioned this possibility in my posts that discuss the upcoming draft.

Thomas has size and reasonable speed but what intrigues me about him is that he moved over from QB & FS in High School. K State also had him playing elsewhere and had moved him, but I don’t know at this point where they had him playing. I’m not endorsing him as a mock pick yet but his skill set interests me.

no goats, no glory.

by Colinski on Nov 27, 2009 2:55 PM MST reply actions

i for one

just want one player. don’t care what it takes to get him:

Myron Rolle. hopefully in the second round

by RockyMountainHigh on Nov 27, 2009 6:12 PM MST reply actions

Rolle

I think he will be a consensus favorite on draft day. Everyone will be all ears and eyes to see where he lands.

by Sayre Bedinger on Nov 27, 2009 11:01 PM MST up reply actions

We have our QB of the future....

Brandstater. I was very impressed with this kid during the Arizona preseason game (where he went against the 1’s for 3 quarters). I don’t know if it’ll be next year or two years but I like this kid a lot.

I will still leave the possibility open that Orton runs the tables for 5 – 6 years. Do not count that guy out. I was formerly an Orton hater. I was wrong.

We need a C and depth at OG. I would draft a top-tier S first so Dawkins can brainwash him into being an assassin for years to come. Need a CB and size on the DL.

I would love a punter just like Scifres in SD. We need that out of this draft.

by jimmyray on Nov 28, 2009 8:01 AM MST reply actions

Sadly...

As an Iowa fan, I can safely say that the Broncos’ best bet at punter will still be in college next year. Ryan Donahue, the Hawkeyes’ punter is simply amazing. Very accurate and very powerful. We have to hold out for him. He is a star.

by Sayre Bedinger on Nov 28, 2009 9:24 AM MST up reply actions