BRONCOS SIGN 15 COLLEGE FREE AGENTS

| 2009 NFL Draft | |||||
| Position | Player |
School | Comments | ||
| DL | Everette Pedescleaux | Northern Iowa | 6'6" 305lbs, transferred to a small program so he could get on the field and play. I like that he made a name for himself forcing fumbles and blocking kicks. Nice project. | ||
| CB | Domonique Johnson | Jackson State | 6'2" 198lbs, athletic and confident, who got stuck with a tweener (S/CB) label. had team highs in INTs and pass break ups his senior year. Some injury concerns. | ||
| WR | Lucas Taylor | Tennessee | 6'0 189lbs, this is a rebound player who has proven he can be coached and get better. Had a poor senior season after rocking in 2007 with Ainge behind center, and suffered through injuries and academic problems. Is he smart enough for McD's squad? We'll soon find out. | ||
| WR | Nate Swift | Nebraska | 6'2" 203lbs, excellent blocker, great hands, runs good routes, and can line up at any WR slot from wide to inside, and be effective. Has been diagnosed with a rare illness, but has been in remission since he was very young. | ||
| LB | Lee Robinson | Alcorn State | 6'2" 249lbs, He is a good tackler, reads plays well and is instinctual in following the play to the ball. Like WW, one of his strongest assets is keeping blockers away from his legs and keeping hands out of his frame, which leaves him free to make the tackle at the line of scrimmage. His open-field tackling could use work however, as he doesn't consistently break down but he shows a ton of hustle and is quick to congratulate teammates, making him a respected member of the team. | ||
| NT | Chris Baker | Hampton | 6'2" 326lbs, had charcter trouble so bad he had to go to a new school to start setting things right again. Was he successful? We'll know soon. I knew from the first time I kicked him off my board that destiny would bring us together again. Can't say I like it. | ||
| FB | Marquez Branson | Central Arkansas | 6'2" 247lbs, this is our Hillis clone, in case the unthinkable happens. Good receiver, excellent blocker with plenty of pop, and has experience as a true H-back. Not as supremely talented as Hillis, but a scrappy guy who will surprise any team that takes or faces him. | ||
| CB | Tony Carter | FSU | 5'9" 179lbs, another player who is known for an aggressive, attack the ball style, and who was successful. Can be bullied a bit, but is a firece competitor. | ||
| WR | Travis Shelton | Temple | 5'9" 185 lbs, basically a pure return man who set the Temple record for return yardage. Has an NCAA best 31.30yd KOR average. | ||
| WR | David Grimes | Notre Dame | 5'10" 178lbs, experienced 4 year contributorwho played special teams for several years before being promoted to the starting offense where he got consistently better. As a return man averaged 22 and 25 yds in his freshman and sophomore seasons, respectively. | ||
| DE | Rulon Davis | Cal | 6'5" 281, former marine who transferred to Cal and flashed explosive, athletic playmaking ability. Emerged as a team leader quickly at Cal, and has a tough, no nonsense attitude. | ||
| P/K | Britton Colquitt | Tennessee | 6'3" 205lbs, 2nd coming of Todd Sauerbraun, Colquitt has had at least four alcohol related off the field incidents, including a DUI/fleeing the scene, which was his latest transgression. Should be in ALANON, not O&B. | ||
| OT | Stanley Bryant | ECU | 6'5" 282lbs, small school transfer to ECU and started 8 games, but a knee injury derailed him at the start of his 2008 campaign. | ||
| OT | Marcus Gordon | Kentucky State | 6'5" 298lbs, My notes must be out of date cause I have this kid playing for Louisville, not Kentucky State.... | ||
| RB | Kestahn Moore | University of Florida | 5'10" 207lbs, ran heavy at his proday, on advice that he could get on a roster as a fullback, and ended up clocking in slower than expected. Not the best hands, not terribly elusive, had some fumble issues but fits the one-cut scheme of 1000 yard backs of yore. Excellent blocker in the passing game and is a smart kid. | ||
Chris Baker (6-foot-2, 326 pounds) is a rookie defensive tackle from Hampton University who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Totaled 69 tackles (32 solo), 8.5 sacks (60 yds.) and one blocked kick in 11 games (8 starts) in his only season at Hampton in 2008 after transferring from Penn State University, where he earned a starting role as a sophomore in 2007... Recorded 43 tackles (21 solo) and 4.5 sacks (37 yds.) in 20 games (8 starts) during his two seasons playing for Penn State (2006-07)... Helped the Nittany Lions' defense finish No. 7 in the nation against the run as a starter in 2007, allowing only 87.9 rushing yards per game, and led the defensive line with 37 tackles, including 4.5 sacks (37 yds.)... Saw time as a reserve in eight games for Penn State as a redshirt freshman in 2006... Competed at several defensive line positions during his collegiate career at both Hampton and Penn State... Played three seasons of football at Windsor High School in Windsor, Conn.... Competed in basketball only during his sophomore prep season... Voted senior class president at Windsor High School... Christopher Isaiah Baker was born on Oct. 8, 1987, in Windsor, Conn.
Marquez Branson (6-foot-3, 248 pounds) is a rookie tight end from the University of Central Arkansas who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Played 23 career games in two seasons at Central Arkansas after transferring from East Mississippi Community College... Totaled 82 career receptions for 1,236 yards (15.1 avg.) with 18 touchdowns at Central Arkansas... Finished his collegiate career ranked fifth in Central Arkansas history with 18 receiving touchdowns... Earned All-Southland Conference recognition as a senior in 2008 after posting 45 catches for 737 yards (16.4 avg.) with 11 touchdowns in 12 games... Led all FCS tight ends in both receptions and touchdown catches in 2008... Recorded a career-high 174 receiving yards on five receptions with three touchdowns (79, 59 and 13 yds.) against Quincy University (9/20/08)... Totaled 37 catches for 499 yards (13.5 avg.) with seven touchdowns in 11 games as a junior in 2007 at Central Arkansas, earning all-conference accolades... Had 17 catches for 175 yards (10.3 avg.) with one touchdown in his final year at East Mississippi C.C.... Attended Starkville High School in Starkville, Miss., where he was a two-time all-state selection.
Stanley Bryant (6-foot-5, 282 pounds) is a rookie tackle from East Carolina University who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Played 19 career games (14 starts) in three seasons for the Pirates after transferring from Elizabeth City State University, a Division II school in Elizabeth City, N.C.... Became a starter at left tackle for East Carolina midway through his junior year in 2007... Helped East Carolina defeat three consecutive ranked opponents from 2007-08 during his streak of 11 consecutive starts that helped the school earn a No. 14 national ranking from the Associated Press early in 2008... Started all six games he played as a senior in 2008 and missed eight games with a knee injury... Played a total of 261 snaps and was credited with 22 knockdown blocks as a senior... Saw time in all 13 games (8 starts) as a junior, logging 584 plays from scrimmage and recording 40 knockdowns... Earned a roster spot at East Carolina in the spring of 2006 after joining the program as a transfer walk-on... Attended Goldsboro High School in Goldsboro, N.C., where he was a three-year letterwinner... Majored in economics at East Carolina... Stanley Myron Bryant was born on May 7, 1985.
Tony Carter (5-foot-9, 177 pounds) is a rookie cornerback from Florida State University who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Started all 50 career games he played at FSU and totaled 139 tackles (104 solo), nine interceptions (173 yds.) and 26 passes defensed... Scored touchdowns on three interception returns and one fumble recovery return for the Seminoles... Added nine career punt returns for 132 yards (14.7 avg.) with one touchdown... Started 33 consecutive games to end his collegiate career... Became the first player in Florida State history to return a blocked extra point and a blocked field goal for scores in the same game when he accomplished the feat as a sophomore against Clemson (9/16/06)... Started all 13 games as a senior in 2008, earning second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors... Posted career highs in tackles (45) and interceptions (4) as a junior in 2007... Named second-team freshman All-America and freshman All-ACC as a redshirt freshman in 2005, posting a team-high 12 pass breakups while starting all 13 games... Attended Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Fla., where he was rated the No. 2 cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com and also saw time at quarterback and wide receiver... Received a bachelor's degree in social science from FSU and is working toward a second degree in political science from the school... Father, Tony Sr., played basketball at Florida State... Tony Carter was born on May 24, 1986, in Jacksonville , Fla.
Britton Colquitt (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) is a rookie punter from the University of Tennessee who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Played 43 career games at Tennessee, punting 209 times for 8,897 yards (42.6 avg.) with 73 punts placed inside the 20-yard line... Only had one punt blocked for his collegiate career and also handled kickoff duties... Received first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors as a sophomore in 2006 and second-team all-conference accolades as a junior in 2007... Played seven games as a senior in 2008, punting 42 times for 1,821 yards (43.4 avg.) with 13 punts placed inside the 20-yard line and a 71-yard long... Saw time in all 13 games for the Volunteers as a junior in 2007 and averaged 41.6 yards per punt (62-2,579) to earn second-team All-SEC honors... Ranked seventh in the nation and second in the conference with a 44.9-yard punting average (46-2,066) as a sophomore in 2006 to earn consensus All-SEC honors... His 44.9-yard punting average as a sophomore was the fourth-best season mark in school history, and he finished the year with 18 punts placed inside the 20-yard line and only four touchbacks... Received all-state honors as a junior and senior at Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tenn., where he kicked and punted... Also lettered in soccer in high school, helping Bearden to a No. 1 national ranking and a state championship as a junior (25-0 record)... Father (Craig), brother (Dustin) and cousin (Jimmy) all punted for Tennessee... Craig Colquitt won two Super Bowl rings as the Steelers' punter from 1978-84, Dustin Colquitt punts for the Chiefs and Jimmy Colquitt punted for the Seahawks in 1985... Majored in mechanical engineering at Tennessee... Britton Colquitt was born on March 20, 1985.
Rulon Davis (6-foot-5, 281 pounds) is a rookie defensive end from the University of California who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Played 21 career games (10 starts) for the Golden Bears in three seasons after transferring from Mt. San Antonio College, a junior college in Walnut, Calif.... Totaled 40 tackles (18 solo), 5.5 sacks (45 yds.) and three forced fumbles during his career at Cal... Started seven of the nine games he played as a senior in 2008 and recorded 19 tackles (8 solo), four sacks (28 yds.) and two forced fumbles... Missed five games with a foot injury as a senior... Given the Bob Tessier Award as Cal's most improved defensive lineman... Posted 16 tackles (9 solo) in six games (3 starts) as a junior in 2007... Contributed as a reserve as a sophomore... Began his collegiate career at Mt. San Antonio College in 2004... Rated by Rivals.com as the No. 21 junior college prospect in the country after the 2005 season despite redshirting during that campaign... Attended Charter Oak High School in Covina, Calif., where he played on the offensive line... Joined the Marine Corps for three-plus years after high school and was deployed to Iraq as an avionics technician in March of 2004, serving in a helicopter squadron... Owns the top recorded vertical jump of all-time for a Cal defensive lineman at 33.5 inches... Double-majored in sociology and African-American studies at California... Named after former Broncos defensive end Rulon Jones, who played for the club from 1980-88 and was twice named to the Pro Bowl... Rulon Davis was born on June 16, 1983, in San Diego.
Marcus Gordon (6-foot-5, 298 pounds) is a rookie tackle from Kentucky State University who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Started all 12 games in his only season at Kentucky State after transferring from the University of Louisville... Served as a reserve guard and tackle for the Cardinals in 2006 after redshirting in 2005... Was a two-year starter at Highland Community College in Highland, Kan., before his time at Louisville... Received honorable mention All-Jayhawk Conference recognition at Highland C.C. in 2004 and was voted the team's best offensive lineman... Attended Westside High School in Memphis, Tenn., where he earned all-region and all-conference honors in addition to receiving the team's Best Lineman Award... Majored in sociology at Kentucky State... Marcus Gordon was born on June 20, 1984, in Memphis, Tenn.
David Grimes (5-foot-10, 177 pounds) is a rookie wide receiver from the University of Notre Dame who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Played 45 career games (22 starts) at Notre Dame, totaling 90 receptions for 900 yards (10.0 avg.) with seven touchdowns along with 36 kickoff returns for 852 yards (23.7 avg.)... Named one of three captains for the Fighting Irish as a senior in 2008 along with linebacker Maurice Crum Jr. and fellow Broncos rookie safety David Bruton... Started eight games as a senior in 2008 and caught a career-high 35 passes for 321 yards (9.2 avg.) with three touchdowns, marking his third consecutive season with at least 26 receptions... Posted 27 catches for 224 yards (8.3 avg.) with two touchdowns as a junior and 26 catches for 336 yards (12.9 avg.) with two scores as a sophomore... Returned 15 kickoffs for 338 yards (22.5 avg.) as a true freshman... Attended St. Martin DePorres High School in Detroit, where he was named a first-team all-state selection as a senior after catching 48 passes for 800 yards (16.7 avg.) with eight touchdowns... Also played basketball (guard) in high school... Majored in marketing at Notre Dame... David Michael Grimes was born on Dec. 31, 1986, in Los Angeles.
D.J. Johnson (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) is a rookie cornerback from Jackson State University who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Played 24 career games in two seasons at Jackson State after beginning his collegiate career at the University of Missouri... Totaled 66 career tackles (52 solo) and 10 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, at Jackson State... Added 27 pass breakups and five kickoff returns for 120 yards while posting one forced fumble and one blocked kick with Jackson State... Named second-team All-America by the Associated Press and first-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference as a senior after leading his team and placing third in his conference with five interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown... Selected as the Defensive MVP of the 2007 SWAC Championship Game during a junior season in which he started 12 games and had a team-high five interceptions... Played seven games (4 starts) at Missouri and had 17 tackles... Attended LaMarque High School in LaMarque, Texas, where he competed in football, basketball and track... Majored in psychology at Jackson State... Domonique Johnson was born on Nov. 7, 1985, in Texas City, Texas.
Kestahn Moore (5-foot-10, 207 pounds) is a rookie running back from the University of Florida who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Played 53 career games (21 starts) at Florida, totaling 235 carries for 1,281 yards (5.5 avg.) with 13 touchdowns along with 38 receptions for 231 yards (6.1 avg.) with three scores... Helped the Gators to BCS National Championship wins during the 2006 and '08 seasons... Had four games will multiple rushing scores for his career... Named a team captain and saw time in all 14 games (5 starts) for Florida during its national championship season as a senior in 2008, rushing 29 times for 142 yards (4.9 avg.) with four touchdowns... Also was the Gators' lead blocker on punt and kickoff returns as a senior... Registered a career-high 578 yards on 104 carries (5.6 avg.) with six scores in 13 games (8 starts) during the 2007 season, a year in which he received Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll accolades... Attended Mansfield Summit High School in Arlington, Texas, where he averaged 9.5 yards per carry (132-1,256) and had 12 rushing scores as a senior... Majored in sport management at Florida... Kestahn Moore was born on April 13, 1987.
Everette Pedescleaux (6-foot-6, 305 pounds) is a rookie defensive end from the University of Northern Iowa who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Played 51 career games (21 starts) at Northern Iowa and totaled 112 tackles, 11 sacks and six blocked kicks... Helped lead Northern Iowa to playoff appearances in 2005, ‘07 and ‘08 along with conference titles in each of those seasons... Earned third-team All-America honors from the Associated Press as a senior in 2008 when he registered 62 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks... Also was a member of Northern Iowa's basketball team during his redshirt freshman and sophomore seasons but did not play in any games... Enrolled at the University of Minnesota in January 2005 but transferred to Northern Iowa before the start of the '05 season... Attended Robbinsdale Armstrong High School in Plymouth, Minn., where he played football and basketball... Was a two-time all-conference and all-state selection in football and a three-time all-conference performer in basketball... Set school prep records for career points (1,474) and rebounds (702) in addition to being named Minnesota's "Mr. Basketball" in 2004... Double-majored in studio art and communications at Northern Iowa... Everette Pedescleaux was born on Jan. 19, 1985, in Plymouth, Minn.
Lee Robinson (6-foot-3, 245 pounds) is a rookie linebacker from Alcorn State University who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Totaled 334 career tackles (193 solo), 18.5 sacks (112 yds.), three interceptions (66 yds.), 11 pass breakups, seven forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 43 career games at Alcorn State... Had 12 games with at least 10 tackles for his collegiate career and scored two touchdowns (one interception return, one fumble return)... Posted a team and career-high 111 tackles (71 solo) along with 3.5 sacks (17 yds.) and three interceptions in 12 games as a senior in 2008... Ranked fifth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in tackles per game (9.3) during his senior campaign to earn first-team all-conference honors... Selected to play in the Texas vs. the Nation All-Star Game following his senior year... Registered 82 tackles (41 solo), including 14 for a loss, as a junior in 2007 after totaling a career-high 7.5 sacks (64 yds.) as a sophomore... Attended Amite County High School in Liberty, Miss., where he lettered in baseball, basketball, football and track... Won the state title in the long jump and triple jump as a senior... Joins Louis Green as Alcorn State alumni among Denver's current linebackers... Majored in animal science at Alcorn State... Lee Robinson was born on April 23, 1987, in Centreville, Miss.
Travis Shelton (5-foot-11, 185 pounds) is a rookie wide receiver from Temple University who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Played 36 career games (12 starts) at Temple, totaling 64 receptions for 784 yards (12.3 avg.) with four touchdowns and 25 rushes for 205 yards (8.2 avg.)... Added 97 career kickoff returns for a school-record 2,507 yards (25.8 avg.) with two touchdowns and two punt returns for 14 yards... Totaled 3,510 all-purpose yards for his career (97.5 yards per game)... Earned second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors as a kickoff returner as a senior in 2008, leading the nation with a 31.3-yard return average (23-720) while adding a 92-yard touchdown return (at Kent State 11/12/08)... Played 11 games (4 starts) as a senior and finished the year with 20 catches for 230 yards (11.5 avg.)... Averaged 196.7 all-purpose yards per game as a sophomore in 2006, seeing action in Temple's final six games (5 starts) and totaling 1,180 yards... His 196.7 all-purpose yards per game average would have led the nation if he played in 75 percent of his team's games... Returned 27 kickoffs for 778 yards (28.8 avg.) with a 96-yard touchdown (vs. Bowling Green 10/28/06) and added 20 receptions for a career-high 344 yards (17.2 avg.) with three scores as a sophomore... Received Eastern College Athletic Conference all-star honors as both a wide receiver and return specialist in 2006... Attended South Plantation High School in Plantation, Fla., where he played wide receiver and running back in addition to serving as a return specialist... Competed in track in high school, placing eighth nationally in the 60 meters... Has three first cousins in the NFL (Broncos LB Andra Davis, Patriots DB Jarvis Herring and Bears WR Devin Hester)... Majored in African-American studies at Temple... Travis Shelton was born on April 23, 1985.
Nate Swift (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) is a rookie wide receiver from the University of Nebraska who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Played 51 career games (29 starts) at Nebraska, totaling a school-record 166 receptions for 2,476 yards (14.9 avg.) with 22 touchdowns... Finished his career ranked second in Nebraska annals in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns... Had eight 100-yard receiving games for his career... Added 28 career punt returns for 352 yards (12.6 avg.) with one touchdown... Received honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference accolades as a senior in 2008, totaling the second-most receptions (63), receiving yards (941) and receiving touchdowns (10) for a year in Cornhuskers history as a 13-game starter... Also returned 23 punts for 296 yards (12.9 avg.) with one touchdown as a senior... Saw time in 12 games (8 starts) as a junior in 2007 and had 36 catches for 520 yards (14.4 avg.) with three touchdowns... Earned honorable mention All-Big 12 accolades as a redshirt freshman in 2005, posting 45 catches for 641 yards (14.2 avg.) with seven scores... Set Nebraska freshman records for every major receiving category... Attended Hutchinson High School in Hutchinson, Minn., where he was a three-year starter and scored 72 career touchdowns... Led the state of Minnesota with 2,500 rushing yards and had 30 touchdowns as a senior, earning Minnesota Player of the Year honors from the Associated Press... Was a two-time second-team Academic All-Big 12 selection (2005-06) at Nebraska, where he majored in construction management... Nate Swift was born on Aug. 24, 1985.
Lucas Taylor (6-foot-0, 185 pounds) is a rookie wide receiver from the University of Tennessee who joined the Broncos as a college free agent on April 27, 2009... Played 46 career games (23 starts) at Tennessee, totaling 113 receptions for 1,433 yards (12.7 avg.) with six touchdowns... Had six 100-yard receiving games for his career... Added 26 kickoff returns for 546 yards (21.0 avg.) and 13 punt returns for 80 yards (6.2 avg.) during his collegiate career... Threw two career touchdown passes (56 yarder vs. Georgia 10/16/07 and a 48-yarder vs. Florida 9/16/06)... Played 11 games (10 starts) as a senior in 2008 and posted 26 receptions for 332 yards (12.8 avg.) with one touchdown... Received second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors (Associated Press) as a junior in 2007, ranking second in the conference in receiving yards (1,000) and third in receptions (73) while totaling five receiving scores and starting all 13 games... His 73 catches marked the second-best season total in UT annals... Posted at least 100 receiving yards in three of the Volunteers' first four games in 2007 and finished the year with five 100-yard receiving efforts... Recorded career highs in receptions (11) and receiving yards (186) at Mississippi State (10/13/07)... Earned honorable mention Class 5A all-state honors at Carencro High School in Lafayette, La.... Threw for 55 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for more than 1,500 yards with 15 scores as a senior at Carencro... Ran for 539 yards and six touchdowns in a single game during his senior prep campaign... Majored in sport management at Tennessee... Lucas Taylor was born on Sept. 28, 1986.
53 comments
|
7 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
OMG, can you imagine
Reporters are going to have a heart-attack if both Knowshon and Kesthan make the team. ROFL
Sorry long day, and that just struck me as really funny
Pray for the best, prepare for the worst, and hope you come down somewhere between the two.
oops Kestahn - my bad
plus rec’d for the update
Pray for the best, prepare for the worst, and hope you come down somewhere between the two.
by Brian Shrout on Apr 27, 2009 10:41 PM MDT up reply actions
I think Hillis may be the only holdover at RB
Torrain better be healthy at the start of camp and ready to impress or I don’t think he will have a spot once he’s healed. I wouldn’t buy any real estate if I was Selvin Young either. We many also lose one of the FA signees as well.
"Now we have them where we want them"
-Kieth Bishop - On the Denver 2 yard line, Cleveland Ohio, 1987
it amazes me how fast these things get done
i know McD said they had a small board but there had to have been tons of scouting done and hundreds of phone calls made to have so many guys lined up… i guess the NFL really is a business after all
-and styg im sure you know what details im wondering about :) -
"Have you ever heard of the emancipation proclamation?"
- "I don't listen to hip-hop"
I'm dedicating this week
to announcements of and wrapping up Draftivus. The winner’s circle will be populated make no mistake!
I just have been trying to catch up with everything I ignored in order to work on draftivus….
There is no army so powerful as an idea whose time has come.
by Jeremy Bolander on Apr 27, 2009 11:51 PM MDT up reply actions
I don't want baker on the team unless I know he has cleaned up his act
I love what McDaniels is doing, signing good people, but I really don’t understand signing that guy.
"Really, I'm a high-motor guy. Tough, hard-nosed, a hard runner, can make you miss at times. And just competitive. I love to play the game and I bring that energy to my team. So, we'll see how that goes." - Knowshon Moreno
Knowshon Moreno is the boss!
I like the signing
Here’s why:
Giving someone like Baker a bunch of money, even as a mid (or lower)-round pick, would make me nervous. However, he’s an undrafted free agent signing, so he won’t make much money. He’ll can be cut without a second thought if he’s causing problems (off the field or in the locker room..or just not working hard enough). And he’ll be surrounded by a rather large group of high-character players, almost all of whom are making MUCH more money than he is. The implications seem pretty clear: “shape up and you have a place, or you’re gone in a heartbeat.”
Compare that to someone like Andre Smith, another headcase who will make first-round money while surrounded by other players of questionable character. THAT is a scary situation. The Baker signing doesn’t bother me. High risk / High reward, but the risk has been reduced to almost nothing.
~Uffdah
a voice of reason permeates MHR once again...
My roots are in Denver and my branches in Nebraska.
by Blackshirt4Broncos on Apr 27, 2009 11:58 PM MDT up reply actions
I'm not convinced Baker is a character problem
I looked up the news reports about him and both his incidents look like “lay down the gauntlet” types of incidents, which leads me to question his maturity but I don’t necessarily assume he is a bad character.
Penn State was embroiled in a controversy over a large number of criminal infractions by members of the football team at that time, and Baker’s dismissal appears to be part of a zero tolerance policy by the coaching staff that was adopted to deal with the public relations problem related to the controversy.
Baker protested that he was being tried by the media, and this was clearly true, but he was hardly a saint and he was twice convicted for fighting incidents.
The Bronco staff probably conducted a background check on Baker, so they aren’t unaware of his past problems.
What I’d like to see is less allusion to character problems without substantive proof. There are some black marks on Baker’s record but most of the character charge seems to be assumed rather than taken from direct knowledge. Nebulous accusations of character problems are irrefutable if there’s no attempt to cite specific evidence. And much of the reporting lately, from the McJaygate controversy to the supposedly failed drug tests by athletes, has been about people assuming things were true and spreading rumors.
by Colinski on Apr 28, 2009 1:30 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Couldn't agree more
It really looks like he was misjudged there, and a steal for us.
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 4:00 AM MDT up reply actions
Thank you
I feel much better about the signing now, very true, hopefully he can produce.
"Really, I'm a high-motor guy. Tough, hard-nosed, a hard runner, can make you miss at times. And just competitive. I love to play the game and I bring that energy to my team. So, we'll see how that goes." - Knowshon Moreno
Knowshon Moreno is the boss!
Gotta be excited about E. Ped and Rulon Davis...
and I’m willing to give Baker a chance, but I’d keep a close eye and short leash on him.
Taylor Mays in '10
Has Baker turned the corner?
Take a look at the following, insightful interviews with Mr. Chris Baker. I, for one, am excited about his prospects and it seems the guy has self-reflected. McDaniels might have potentially landed a big steal.
http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:…/2/853598.html
Thanks NINI
Couldn’t make the first two work, probably my fault. But the Draft Zoo article was very reassuring. This Chris Baker might just end up beinig a steal after all.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Apr 28, 2009 10:02 AM MDT up reply actions
Got again down below. Good job!
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Apr 28, 2009 10:11 AM MDT up reply actions
Thanks for this.
I’m keeping a rolling tab on every player Denver has, and it will trim down as they do, and in the mean time I’ll be looking for a way to post an excel spreadsheet on MHR!
"It means nothing to throw for 4500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and you dont win" -Brandon Marshall
Doesn't MHR have a "code" guy?
I think you may even be able to export the spreadsheet as a .html file and then insert the code? Hopefully someone that knows more than us will run across this…
My roots are in Denver and my branches in Nebraska.
by Blackshirt4Broncos on Apr 28, 2009 12:01 AM MDT up reply actions
I was glad to see you got the "list" to work...
Did you have any problems adding the additional CFA’s?
My roots are in Denver and my branches in Nebraska.
by Blackshirt4Broncos on Apr 28, 2009 12:02 AM MDT up reply actions
not at all, works like a charm!
I did some things to the list, I added columns for “Year w/ Den” and “Previous Team” so yeah…
"It means nothing to throw for 4500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and you dont win" -Brandon Marshall
as far as detail goes the possibilities are really endless...
My roots are in Denver and my branches in Nebraska.
by Blackshirt4Broncos on Apr 28, 2009 1:10 AM MDT up reply actions
I guess I am confused
While I am not against signing UFA, but signing 15 seems like a waste, that’s 25 guys you are bringing in, eventually the roster has to be trimed to 85, I rather they pcik 7 or 8 that they think have a good shot at least making it to the PS, than waste everyones time with signing a bunch of guys who won’t be here in June.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the one with the gun, A-hole" - Ash from Army of Darkness
I saw someone else make c omment along the lines of...
Hoping that the guys cut end up starting on other teams which one could deduce to mean that guys on our roster are better…
All depends if we are going to go half full or empty…
My roots are in Denver and my branches in Nebraska.
by Blackshirt4Broncos on Apr 28, 2009 12:09 AM MDT up reply actions
I think this is a good thing
Broncoman I hear what you’re saying. But, another way to look at the sheer numbers is just in competition. More bodies means more competition, more competition means people work harder, when people work harder they get even better. Better is good. And I really think only those who work hard on and off the field make this team. So I don’t think any individual has a safe spot on this roster. Vets need to work just as hard or harder than any of the rookies……
I guess except many of these guys aren't going to be allowed to compete
I mean there are only so many reps guys are going to be allowed to get so when you have less reps it means fewer guys are going to get a real chance to compete and learn the system, come training camp, the roster has to be at 85, so many of these guys are going to be gone, I can’t see us bringing them all in plust the FA we signed, plus the draft picks, plus the current roster. Just seems to be overkill.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the one with the gun, A-hole" - Ash from Army of Darkness
Two points
One: Coaches can’t really evaluate a player until you see him up close and personal.
Two: a lot of these guys may get cut, but will be hanging around in October, staying in shape, waiting for a call. I remember the story about Charley Waters, the great DB for Dallas back when (and later a coach for the Broncos) who got cut in training camp. On his way to the long plane ride home, he got a call from the Cowboys. Someone had gotten hurt, and they wanted him back. The rest is history.
Growing older is not for sissies. Jack Palance
Has Baker turned the corner? ......Take #2
Heres the links again…hopefully they work this time.
http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:PswS1iaegD0J:gnb.scout.com/2/853598.html
http://draftzoo.com/2009/04/chris-baker-interview/
http://www.nfldraftbible.com/Draft-Bible-Q-A/chris_baker_interview.html
Thanks for the links.
From one of the articles.
One insider told Packer Report that the 6-foot-2, 326-pound Baker, not Boston College’s Ron Brace, is the second-best 3-4 nose tackle prospect in this draft.
We can only hope.
Love the opener of the second link
It’s hard not to notice a guy who stands at 6′02″ and 326 pounds.
So far so good!
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 3:46 AM MDT up reply actions
Dude
was 6 foot tall when he was 11 years old???
NOW THAT’S what I’m TALKIN’ ABOUT!!! I likes. I likes a lot.
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 3:50 AM MDT up reply actions
DZ: How important do you think it is to take advantage of second chances?
CB: Very important. I’m a perfect example of someone who took advantage of their second chance. Everything happens for a reason. God gave me a second chance at Hampton so I’m just taking advantage of every moment. I could have been mad about everything that happened at Penn State and done nothing with my life. I used my situation for motivation and overcame everything with the second chance that I was given. I can’t wait to share my story with younger players who are looking for advice.
DZ: What makes you an asset to a pro team?
CB: I can play multiple positions in any defense. I’m big, strong, fast and I play with passion. I’m a good leader and a good person. Whatever team that drafts me will get not only a great player, but a great person as well.
Man listens to gospel music and models himself after Warren Sapp. Sounds like a keeper to me!
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
by broncosmontana on Apr 28, 2009 3:56 AM MDT up reply actions
just to let you know...
on the front page, the player descriptions get lost in the fanpost “panel” on the right-hand side. i’ve seen this before on the front page, it gets cut off on the right. don’t know if this is a configuration adjustment i have to make once in a while, or if other members have this issue. just a heads up. and a very informative post, thanks. go front-7ers!
taste my blintzkrieg!
2009-year of the secondary?
Here's how to fix it
Go to tje Fan Post column on the right, scroll down to Recent Posts ( a list of Home page stories by one of the MHR staff) and click on the story from there. You’ll get the full sized version,
Growing older is not for sissies. Jack Palance
You might have to...
…go to a Fan post first (access one of them), to be able to find the Recent Posts list under Fan Posts list. Then scroll down to find Recent Posts. For some reason, sometimes there are other things, like schedules, listed under Fan Posts if you try to get to Recent Posts straight from the Home page.
Growing older is not for sissies. Jack Palance
thanks, bradley
this page is fine here, it’s just the front(home) page that the sentences disappear into the fan post section on the right. not a problem at all if the wording is repeated in the post link(here), which it usually is. just thought it was worth pointing out, it seems to just happen with the “wider”, box-style posts on the home page. no biggy, and thanks again
taste my blintzkrieg!
2009-year of the secondary?
You're welcome
I noticed the problem last season when I would check the game picks by the MHR staff – the last column on the right (Guru’s wife’s picks) was cut off a bit. You could still tell who she was picking, but it was annoying. I stumbled on the remedy by accident., which is how I mostly learn about Internet issues.
Growing older is not for sissies. Jack Palance
Baker and Lee Robinson are
my picks to stick, of this FA list. My predictions for most likely to remain. And possibly Lucas Taylor.
With Rulon the one I’m rooting for, for obvious reasons. :-)
Welcome aboard, UFA Chris Baker
The Broncos’ entire 2009 season rests on your capricious, undrafted shoulders.
But no pressure! ^^
"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster
If Chris Baker is legitimately changed
which I believe he is, otherwise McDaniels wouldn’t have given this guy a second look.
Anyways, IF this guy is changed for the better, I see him becoming a fan favorite in Denver. Almost the same way Peyton Hillis did…a no bull, roughneck kinda guy. I think Denver’s really the only town in the league that harnesses those kind of guys.
"It means nothing to throw for 4500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and you dont win" -Brandon Marshall
Rulon Davis
Sounds like he may just be about to hit his stride – played OL in high school, then the Marines, then a year of junior college, then three at Cal, where he graduated with a double major and was voted the most improved DL his senior year. I bet he at least makes the practice squad this fall.
Growing older is not for sissies. Jack Palance
Britton Colquitt
You’re going to really think of me as a total UT homer and defender, but here goes…
Here’s a link to Knoxville’s local fishwrap’s news break on Colquitt’s DUI of last year (as in, what they wrote when the news broke). And for more, here’s the Rocky Top Talk reaction. Let’s just say that it wasn’t a fun month to be a Vols fan.
That said, the guy has gone through rehab, served his team suspension, and has been dry ever since the incident. Like Ayers, he now talks freely about it, admits he screwed up, and is cleaning up his life. The same pattern of support/turnaround/chance to effect change is there with him, and I think he at least deserves a fair shot to prove he’s a changed man.
Again, feel free to cast a critical eye his way when he arrives, but at least give him the option of proving to you that he’s clean. (And if you’re in Denver and you ever do see him in a bar, hold his feet to the fire and get him out of there. Tell him Knoxville sent you, with love.)
(Bonus note: his brother Dustin is the punter for Kansas City. Should be fun times if Britton makes the team.)
To your last note Hooper
Now that’s motivation, who wouldn’t want to beat their own brother in any game…….
thanks hoop
frankly, it is hard to think that any of these guys are a risk when you see what went into evaluating them by the staff, so I’ll enjoy the bittersweetness for now. You can’t argue that Colquitt is an excellent selection to compete with Kern.
I just wonder if sucha high pressure situation (NFL team primarily) shouldn’t be where he is at…. alcohol abuse (which I feel safe saying he WAS not that he IS) is tricky: half psychological, half biological. It takes a while, a loooong while, for someone to know they are in control, and the younger they are the less likely they are to objectively grsp the difference. They need continued counseling, continued support. This sounds like a great lockerroom environment for him, but what about out in Denver on his own? I hope for the best.
Note that I am concerned witht he nature of the problem itself, not problems per se. For example, I’ve given up on disliking Chris Baker, as it seems pointless. Everytime I turned around, throughout the analysis process this year, there he was. Kick him off the board? He comes right back. He was everywhere, and now he is here. I give up. I’m your’s Chris.
Do with me what you will….
There is no army so powerful as an idea whose time has come.
by Jeremy Bolander on Apr 28, 2009 11:51 AM MDT up reply actions
funny
But you’re right; there’s just no good way to predict. Undoubtedly the Broncos are well aware of Colquitt’s history and are prepared to keep tabs on him during training camp. Also in his favor is that he’s the last in a long line of Kickin’ Colquitts (as we call them); his whole family knows how life in the NFL works and you’d think they would be there for him all the way.
I like his odds, behavior-wise, but we can do nothing more than watch and wait.
As far as punting goes: he puts them up high and he has a quick kick. He’s very difficult to block and to establish great returns against. (If you watch tape of UT special teams last year, note that he was suspended during the Florida game. Oh, the horror!) I’m a little fuzzy on his distance, but I think it’s good.
by David Hooper on Apr 28, 2009 12:25 PM MDT up reply actions
higher trumps longer to my knowledge
There is no army so powerful as an idea whose time has come.
by Jeremy Bolander on Apr 28, 2009 7:17 PM MDT up reply actions
Lee Robinson
I really liked this guy a late round sleeper, he has a TON of production at a low level and if he can be molded he is a guy who can play SOLB in a 3-4 or SLB in a 4-3. He attacks the line very well and like Woodyard he finds a way to be around the ball all the time.
What I learned
There is a Kentucky State, I am surprised, looks like we got some good potential quality developmental D-Line prospects, why we signed that kicker I have no idea other than someone to give Prater some competition, and I am sad we did not sign some quality RB’s that were available like Ian Johnson- BSU or Jerimiah Johnson – Orgeon, I really would of been pleasantly surprised and feel good about a backfield that included Moreno, Hiilis, Torain, I. Johnson, and J. Johnson, there would be five quality RB with some very complimentary skill sets, and we could jetison guys like Arrington, Buckhalter, and Jordan. I could see that backfiled easily gaining over 3,000 yds and Bobby Turner smiling at the stabile of young backs he had.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the one with the gun, A-hole" - Ash from Army of Darkness
I'm with you Broncoman
regarding the Johnson&Johnson issue, both being versitile, tough, and smart. Does anyone think that the majority of these cfa’s are nothing but training (crash dumbies) tools for the rest of the time? And with any luck some will survive the carnage of training and make the team? Alot of bodies seems needed to me for training tools.
Free Agents
Comprehensive post, my friend. Think this is really the part of the draft where the scouts earn their money, and whilst I was really hoping to see us pick up Mitch King (a Grant Wistrom reincarnation by all accounts), Frantz Joseph, Vince Anderson, Darry Beckwith and Graham Gano, I think on balance, we’ve done pretty well out of this crucial part of th draft process. As I’ve said on a couple of other posts tonight, it’s clear that McD wants competition at every position. Looks like a good start (even though I’m still struggling with us giving up two 3rds for a blocking TE in the 2nd……). Good detailed post.
I love the UFA they brought in
I really think Pedescleaux, D Johnson, Lee Robinson(this years WW) Cris Baker and Rulon davis could make the team one way or another. They all were small school players that probably should have been drafted. I really like Dominuque Johnson, he reminds me of D Rogers-Cromartie(AZ CARDS). A Small scholl CB with good speed and height. I saw him in same mocks in the third and read a few articles that raved about him. Rulon Davis will be 25 but the guy is a hard worker and has a no nonsense type of attitude that Marines have. Lee Robinson look like a beast on some highlight I have watched.
Chris Baker will most likely have the biggest impact. I believe he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and has learned from his mistakes. The guy listens to Gospel music which says a lot about his character. He has the size and skill to play at NT or DE on our hybrid 3-4.
I like everyone that Mcdaniels has brought in. They all have a lot of potential and they all seem to have their head on their shoulders. Oh and I am not being a Homer lol
by gnarlybroncodude on Apr 28, 2009 4:35 PM MDT reply actions
LATE ACQUISITIONS
I don’t know if there are many people reading at this point, a day later, but here’s the latest.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_12247818
The Broncos signed linebackers Braxton Kelley (Kentucky) and Jeff Schweiger (San Jose State).
The team also waived tight end Adam Bergen and wide receiver Jayson Foster.

by 





































