Players I fell for during Championship Week

by Vortex7 on Dec 6, 2009 12:43 AM MST Comment 20 comments

Who is Coach McDaniels looking for when building a roster? Winners - and with that in mind, I looked at this weekend as not only a great time for college football - but to maybe look for future Broncos.

If it were up to me, which obviously it isn't, our first 2 picks come next April would be out of Alabama. Rolando McClain did everything and anything you could ask a 3-4 middle linebacker to do. He snuffed out the run, spied Tebow, got into passing lanes, and rushed from the middle. Assuming we get the 8th-12th pick in the draft - as it looks like with Chicago playing the way it does - I don't see how we pass on this guy. He's sort of like Ryan Clady two years ago - a guy that months ahead you just have to feel as though - if he's there - he's ours.

Javier Arenas gets all the press because of his flairs for big returns. I wouldn't mind him as a nickle corner/returner in the 3rd of 4th round, but I'm far more interested in his teammate Kareem Jackson. Like McClain, Jackson is a junior, but is likely to come out for this year's draft. He's a shut down corner, very physical - and likely to be around in the late second round. People may shrug and think we have more pressing needs - especially considering we essentially spent a 1st round pick on Alphonso Smith last year - but I think if you have the opportunity to create your CB tandem of the future now - you should do it. We need to draft a CB no matter what - so why not get a good one? If not - looking at how different Oregon's defense is since the loss of Walter Thurmond III, I'd be interested to see how far he falls in the draft and if McDaniels would be interested.

Mardy Gilyard is one more player I'm going to endorse. He's a lot like Jordan Shipley, but considering he doesn't have Shipley's track record I think he's more likely to slip. His skills aren't ideal for every offense, but they are for ours and he could be a steal in the middle rounds.

I also see us picking up a center for the future (Mark Tennant of BC and John Estes of Hawaii fit our smaller, faster center mold) and some depth on the Dline (I like ECU's Jay Ross at NT) in the middle rounds. I know a lot of people are clamoring for DLine improvements early here - but I think value-wis we're better off getting guys in the middle rounds, especially considering how well we're playing with Fields/Peterson/McBean. I think we just need depth and guys like Baker and Thomas to step up.

One last note. The quarterback. We need to stop the clamoring for Bradford or McCoy. They aren't Denver bound as far as I can see - unless their stock slips dramatically. Sean Canfield's name has been tossed around these boards lately. I was VERY impressed by his accuracy during the Oregon/Oregon State game Thursday, but I think arm strength will be an issue and he really sort of crumpled when they pressure came in the 4th quarter. If he slips to last few rounds I'd be happy to see him - but only as a future back up. I think Kyle Orton is our future for at least the next few seasons and perhaps beyond depending on Brandstater's development.

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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If Ryan Mallett is around for the 4th or 5th round I would take him and say thanks Simms and good luck.

Move Brandstater into the back up role and Mallett for the future. We really need and elite Guard/Center and I think that will be one of McDaniels’ main goals. If the HC is considering keeping Orton as his starter, and I believe he will, then he will start building the offense around him. Don’t know or have seen too many elite OLinemen thus far and those that watch a lot of college may have some ideas. We all know that McDaniels will have a “short” list going into the draft, at least that’s what he said he did this year and he will take the BPA at the time of the pick. A great ILB would be sweet and one that is a play maker. I would get a taller CB maybe 6’ or 6’1" with the speed to eventually take Champs spot. These receivers aren’s getting any smaller lately and height is something that needs to be looked at. Anyway, thanks for the input and come February we’ll all be addressing this issue.

by bfree2bronc on Dec 6, 2009 1:12 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I know we have little to no chance to draft him but.

How good was Suh tonight? That kid can flat ouyt PLAY!

And I agree, Ryan Mallett (if he declares) or Andy Dalton (if he declares) in the 4-7th round.

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

by Chuck "DeadDrunk" Breedlove on Dec 6, 2009 1:39 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

+100 on Suh!

That guy did everything but block that last FG.

MELO!!!

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by abaca15 on Dec 6, 2009 2:16 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Suh was amazing. I have literally never wanted a player in orange and blue more in my life. That might have been the best performance I have ever seen, pro or college. He was everywhere doing absolutely everything…. single handedly stopping the run while being double teamed… getting sacks while double teamed, sniffing out screens and getting to the edges to make tackles. I really wouldnt mind one bit if we traded every draft pick we have this year to move up and draft him. Dude is amazing, and it’s ridiculous he is not really in the Heisman race.

by aLuffabo on Dec 6, 2009 3:08 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah,

that Nama Lama or Shaka Zulu guy for Nebraska was Colt McCoy’s daddy last night. I want Chicago to lose so we can get this guy.

Shaka Zulu!!!
Shaka Zulu!!!
Shaka Zulu!!!

by PABroncofan on Dec 6, 2009 3:17 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Suh will be the first or second person picked in the draft

by Bustafluff on Dec 6, 2009 3:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't hate our D-line

but I don’t love it either. That’s where I think the value really lies for us in the first round, we’ve been getting by on a rotation and that can’t last. I think that bringing in Holiday really showed how unsure of the D-line they were, then our drop in play with McBean out really showed how vulnerable we are when the rotation goes down.

I’m also completely unsure about why people would be so unhappy with Williams and Davis. I think if you upgrade the guys in the D-line, which shouldn’t be too hard to do in this draft, then you help the line and everyone behind them.

I would go D-line, Center, returner in rounds 1,2,3 then start filling in the back ups.

by Fan in Exile on Dec 6, 2009 5:52 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

There is some interesting young talent on the D line that I'd like to see develop.

While DJ and Andra have been solid, they haven’t stood out. I’ve seen too many tackles too far downfield for my liking. For all his physical talents, DJ seems to lack something. I can’t quite put my finger on it. I’ll give him the fact that he’s been asked to play a different position in a different system every year. Still, at some point, instinct and talent should take over. A defense can go from good to great when a dominant force is in the middle of the field. I, also, was impressed with Rolando McClain. The man dominated the line of scrimmage. I want to see that kind of stand out presence centering the Broncos’ front seven.

by jayrockstone on Dec 6, 2009 7:25 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess it depends on what you mean by young

I get that it’s a new system and the 3-4 is a big change from a 4-3 for the guys but it seems like most of our guys really top out at the solid rotational level. Thomas has two years experience, Baker is a rookie and McBean is young but I wouldn’t say they’ve shown enough that we shouldn’t still be looking for a dominate guy.

It seems to me that a lot of the downfield tackles would change if the d-line were doing a better job taking up blockers like they should, but I’ll look for that when I watch the chiefs game, and rewatch the others.

I like McClain, and would be excited about spikes if we trade back but I just don’t think that ILB are that valuable to a 3-4 defense, for them to make as big of a difference for us.

by Fan in Exile on Dec 6, 2009 3:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

No disagreement here

I think that part of it is in where you want to spend your money. When I was first on MHR, Steve/HT was talking quite a bit about the issues of finances and team building – do you spend a lot on a couple of positions? Do you put a little more into playing a better than average rotation?

Belichick was McD’s mentor on team-building and he believes in a lot of JAG players – just a guy, but tough, smart, physical and in theory, better prepared than the guys that you go against. To him, you emphasize the team over the individual and value doing you job above all else. I like that approach, and it includes bringing on guys in the draft who were team captains and leaders, bringing them along in-house, so to speak, and creating a climate of winning. I love what McD’s done so far. I’m going to be interested to see how he handles the next offseason.

Moreno/Buckhalter in '09

by Emmett Smith on Dec 6, 2009 4:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's what I want to see the Broncos do in the first round.

Assuming that we get the 10th pick in the draft, if Leron McClain is there, take him. If he is picked already, trade down, to eventually draft Joe Haden…the Florida CB. It’s either that or draft Brandon Spikes who is a ball-hawk…I wish we could have those three players right there. Spikes, McClain, and Haden!!

"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 Dec 6, 2009 8:51 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I know just about zero about top college football talent

since I only really follow Stanford, but I really, really want Toby Gerhart in Denver. I’m absolutely smitten. As a second choice, I really, really want him not to go to a team I hate.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Dec 6, 2009 9:07 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

we won’t be in a position to get him but Suh looked sick

A truth can only be expressed and enveloped in words if it is one-sided. Everything that is thought and expressed in words is one-sided, only half the truth; it all lacks totality, completeness, unity.

by Todd Jewell on Dec 6, 2009 12:27 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

TJ and I have been commiserating....

No Suh Suhks

Moreno/Buckhalter in '09

by Emmett Smith on Dec 6, 2009 4:50 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I didn’t watch the whole game and haven’t seen him play any other times but he was freakish =)

what don’t you two like about him?

by Todd Jewell on Dec 6, 2009 5:31 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

there is nothing to not like about the guy. He is everything you could possibly want and more from a player at that position.

But, like Emmitt said, we don’t really have a chance to move up and snag him in the draft unless we sell out our whole draft… I almost think it’s worth it though.

by aLuffabo on Dec 6, 2009 6:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

The fact that we won't get him ;-)

Other than that, he’s perfect

Moreno/Buckhalter in '09

by Emmett Smith on Dec 6, 2009 6:28 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I live in Corvallis

and attend every Beaver game. I FULLY endorse Sean Canfield! One of the beautiful things about Oregon State Quarterbacks is they come out of school already knowing how to run an NFL offense. Mike Riley (the OSU Head Coach) teaches a pro style offense and expects a ton out of his QB’s and is a great QB tutor. Look at the last two OSU QB’s that came out of school under Riley’s watch. Matt Moore is a quality back up and many in Carolina wanted him to start all year. and Derek Anderson was the starter in Cleavland, except that the team around him has been terrible he has played well in the past. I certainly think Sean could come in and do what Simms does no problem, and I think if he had to start spot he would to way better than 3-10 for 10 yards and one fumble :) Plus he could probably be had in the later rounds.

IRT his arm, he has a cannon, so don’t worry about arm strength he just never had an opportunity to show it off in the Civil War. Plus he is super accurate, IIRC he is top 5 in completion percentage in the NCAA and very adept at checking down if his first or second options arn’t there. Evidence the 60 + pass catches the OSU RB (Jaquizz Rodgers) has.

Go Beavs, beat the *ucks!

by OBF on Dec 7, 2009 11:35 AM MST reply actions 0 recs