What If....Orakpo at #12
by KaptainKirk on Jun 11, 2009 9:52 PM MDT
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What if we took Brian Orakpo at #12, instead of Knowshon Moreno? Would we have still been able to select Ayers at #18? Would the Broncos Have a better Defense?
Brian Orapko is a BEAST. He is 6'4" and 260 pounds of solid(8% body fat) specimen. A great athlete who can power or finesse his way into the backfield. In a recent workout exhibition, he bench pressed 515 lbs, with a 600 lb. squat and a 380 lb. power clean. He ran a 4.63 40 yd time,a 1.53 10 yd time and benched 225 lbs. 31 times. Orakpo fits the 4-3 better than the 3-4, but is a devastating game-changer of a pass rusher.That's not to say he can't defend the run. He is tough at the point of attack.Still, he could stand to gain some lower body strength to his frame so he can drive through blockers that engage him. He might need to play on the strong side in the pros because he lacks great explosion and pass rush off the edge. Shows adequate fluidity dropping on zone blitzes to handle short area zone coverage as a 3-4 rush LB. Is a solid athlete with good speed and closing quickness. Is usually in good position and has good instincts. Makes plays with hustle and determination. He tries to strip the ball on every sack. Showcases good footwork and body control to redirect and close on the QB. He posted a 39.5 inch vertical jump at the Combine. Smart and passionate about the game, his combination of strength and speed make him very hard for blockers to handle one on one. Uses his hands well at the point of attack. He has an exceptional blend of speed and power. A smart, passionate player on the field with a level head off it. Orakpo did damage as a 4-3 open side end in college but could thrive as a rush LB in a "30" front. Has the potential to become a defensive playmaker if his motor runs consistently. Durability is an issue.
2007: Right knee sprain,missed 4 games.
2008: Left a game with a left knee sprain.
2009: Did not complete the agility tests at the Combine due to a hamstring strain.
Football Sense: Orakpo is a highly intelligent athlete who reacts in an instant when he sees the play develop. He earned academic honors in college and high school, so he should be very capable of digesting a complicated playbook. He learned football easily and is not the type that will be fooled by misdirection or play action. He seems to do a better job of finding the ball when attacking the backfield rather than working down the line or dropping back in pass coverage.
Character: Orakpo is well-liked by staff and teammates. He was heavily involved in the university's community affairs and has no known off-field issues. He is a well-spoken individual and an asset off the field.
So you see, Brian Orakpo fits the McX values of a smart physical football player with high character.
Is he right for the new scheme on our Defense? Perhaps.Perhaps not.
Would he make a difference? Sure.So, what if the Broncos select Orakpo at #12?
Well, for one thing, the ramifications change in this scenario. Washington has the 13th pick. Do they choose Knowshon? Probably not, since they have Clinton Portis. They have needs at OT, DE,LB, and CB. Since they had already signed DT Albert Haynesworth, they might have selected CB Malcolm Jenkins,OT Michael Oher, or Brian Cushing. Larry English is a possibility at this point, being similar to Orakpo(in size). Since Jenkins is the next BPA and a need for the 'Skins, we'll slide him in at #13. Next up is the Saints, and they're looking for RB,OL,LB,CB and S. You've got to think that Moreno doesn't fall past them. If he does, Houston snags him at #15. Basically, Moreno doesn't make it to #18, but our team is still able choose Robert Ayers.
Now, at this point, we have addressed the Defensive Line with our first 2 picks. To those here that think McX totally blew our draft, would this have made more sense? Would we have a better Defense with this picture?
Some believe that we should have traded down with our first pick. I'm not so sure. Through knowledge and reason obtained at this site, I am liking the way our team is shaping up. True we did not address our primary need (D line) with our top pick, it IS reasonable to say that with Moreno helping to eat up Time of Possession, the Defense will be on the field less, and therefore have less chance to give up points.
What do you think. Is this the way the draft should have turned out?
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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I thought that the broncos would take him because my initial thought was stabilizing the defense. As far as durability, he’ll do it because he’s a “Longhorn” nuff said.
Needagoodtime!
And vince Young. ;)
Quit drinking the Kool-Aid and start drinking the good stuff, and everything is always alright.
by Chuck "DeadDrunk" Breedlove on Jun 11, 2009 11:00 PM MDT reply actions
I can't seem to get the Poll right
With the 12th pick, the Broncos select Knowshon Moreno - Roger Goodell
That'll move the chains - Andy Samberg
That's Better
With the 12th pick, the Broncos select Knowshon Moreno - Roger Goodell
That'll move the chains - Andy Samberg
by KaptainKirk on Jun 11, 2009 11:45 PM MDT up reply actions
Orakpo
… would have had to beat out Reid, Moss, Bailey, Dumervil, Reid, Ayers, Crowder, and others. And unlike Ayers, he isn’t ideal for moving between 3-4 and 4-3.
Or, to put it another way, we’re already deep at hybrid — including a former number one in Moss, a proven sack guy in Dumervil, and a 290 lb beast in Reid.
Passing on a 260 lb DE to get a (likely) featured back was a good move, imo.
He would have been a project
Mc Daniels was trying to get the Broncos ready to compete this year. To reference Guru from the inaugural ’09 MHR Radio show, defensive linemen take several years to develop.
Remember how people were calling Mario Williams a bust after his rookie year? Reggie Bush was more impressive that year because talented rookie running backs can make an immediate impact.
Good Question Kaptain
I was actually one of the people REALLY upset that we DIDNT pick Orakpo at 12. Ok REALLY upset is an understatement. I was REALLY REALLY MAD!! It ruined my day. It took a couple of weeks before I could objectively ask myself this question:
Was there any other player still on the board that would DEFINATELY be able to SIGNIFICANTLY contribute to the 2009 Denver Broncos than the player we picked?
And I couldn’t say with any degree of confidence there was. Orakpo, although physically gifted, doesn’t necessarily fit what we are trying to do, and there are ALWAYS bigger learning curves for pass rushing D-Lineman than for running backs.
That being said. I now feel like it was the best move at #12.
Very good Kdo
There are still people out there that haven’t let those feelings go yet. So this was supposed to give a little closure. If you look at my Mock Draft, you will see that I was wishing for Raji and Rey Rey, but BJ went to the Packers at #9 and Rey didnt’ get picked in the top 20.
With the 12th pick, the Broncos select Knowshon Moreno - Roger Goodell
That'll move the chains - Andy Samberg
McDaniels picked the 'Best Player Available' at 12.
Moreno was the best at 12, why pick a project like Orackpo, it doesn’t make good sense. I have gotten on board with the way HC McDaniels has played things out. The DL was already on board at the time of the draft IMO, and the msm with nothing intelligent to say (no study, no homework, no get smart), said our draft was a total failure. Fooley on the msm, they ain’t nothing but a bunch of cracker jack eating rascles. The msm IMO is dumber than a sack of rocks sometimes, just grasping whatever fever comes along and trying to get you to catch it. Boo on them. broncobear had a great write up right after the draft concerning McDaniels moves.
haha
cracker jack eating rascals….bunch of scallywags, knicker-wearing scoundrels if you ask me darn tootin
by T.Dot_Bronco on Jun 12, 2009 8:35 AM MDT up reply actions
nice
That was better than a flock of squirrel-whompin’, lint-picking, foil-chewing, mollyjoppin’ macaroni-n-cheese chuckers!
But who will guard the guards themselves?
by Agent Jerry Fletcher on Jun 12, 2009 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions
MSM<
Why them head sctatchin’, pencil pushin’, bellyachin’, claim jumpin’ varmits!
"He can take his'n n beat your'n, or he can take your'n n beat his'n." Florida A&M Coach Jake Gaither on Alabama Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.
Personally, I thought that HT did the pinnacle f write-ups
Here’s a link to it. Thank you for the kind words, though ;-)
Hillis/Moreno in '09
My vote is I like what we got
Although, I could be just as happy with Orakpo and Ayers or Moreno. I don’t think either get drafted before 18. I think Orakpo could be a beast. He is a hybrid and I don’t think he fits us, but I think Washington may have something. The one thing I like about not having picked him is the Texas label…..it stinks right now. Mack Brown and that staff are failing to do something there….too many busts.
Interesting Question and Commentary...
I like Moreno at 12 and agree he probably doesn’t get past the Saints if we had waited. I also think Orakpo will turn out to be a great defensive player, just not for us. But, quite frankly I think Ayers has more versatility than Orakpo, a perfect fit for the preset mold that’s been set if you will. So I ended up really liking our first round picks. I mean how often do you get the chance to get both a great offensive and a great defensive player in the first round?
Versatility
I have too many questions about the player Orakpo is going to be. Most have been discussed on this page too much already. Ayers represents some huge upside, versatility, and I like how he has already had a character/work ethic changing moment in his career.
Moreno brings a ton of versatility to the RB position with his skill set. When you look at these two guys, Ayers and Moreno, you see two players that can be put in multiple positions at the lineup and contribute.
Tis better not to throw it to the deep receiver but the open receiver.
Nice post KK
They said similiar things about Vernon Gholston too.
Orakpo took many plays off and I think he maybe a bust. Nice kid, and hope he is not, but I like what we did a whole lot more than if we had of taken Orakpo!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
Workout Warrior is what I kept hearing...
Did a little research and in addition to KK’s excellent research found out that he came to UT as a skinny 6-4 215 lb. LB and transformed himself into the player he is today. Like Ayers he wasn’t much until his Sr. year and then he had a breakout season with 11 sacks. I remember seeing video on him before the draft and thinking “we gotta get this guy” . This may be a case though of the coaches looking at potential for further development as well as fit to the system and saying “pass”. Personally I still believe that he’ll do well based on his work ethic but I really like the Moreno pick. Sorry KK had to vote for the Vulcan Mind Meld in your poll since it’s still the offseason.
"as in football so in life"
LOL
You are 2 cool for school asinsoin
With the 12th pick, the Broncos select Knowshon Moreno - Roger Goodell
That'll move the chains - Andy Samberg
by KaptainKirk on Jun 12, 2009 10:20 AM MDT up reply actions
I'm not positive but...
I think if we took Orakpo at 12 then Ayers would have been gone by 18. I don’t think we could have had both because the Redskins would have had no choice. But that’s all speculation on my part anyway.
I wasn't sure Orakpo fit
He was – arguably – the most impressive specimen in the draft. I guess I just wasn’t sure that translated to production.
Kinda seemed like there were a dozen or so ’tweeners who weighed 260 pounds and who could run sub-4.7 40s. They all seemed interchangeable to me. Pick your poison: Orakpo, English, Matthews, Cushing, Maybin…
And please, spare me the “fluid hips” argument.
But who will guard the guards themselves?
by Agent Jerry Fletcher on Jun 12, 2009 10:51 AM MDT reply actions
LOL
How about “Oily Mid Section.”
I agree that there is a good chance that Ayers would be gone in this situation. The Redskins already have Stephon Heyer coming into his own this year at RT, and Oher is listed as a LT. He is currently being primed at RT for the Ravens, as Jered Gaither won’t be moving anytime soon. As you say pick your poison.
With the 12th pick, the Broncos select Knowshon Moreno - Roger Goodell
That'll move the chains - Andy Samberg
Interesting thoughts, all
I thought at the time that the Cutler trade allowed us to get something truly rare – a #1 running back who fits perfectly into the Turner/Dennison 1-cut ZB running attack while still addressing the issues of the defensive line in a hybrid system. I honestly don’t believe for a moment that he would have been there at 18. I’m very happy with the selection of Ayers, and doubling up by choosing Orakpo (I’m not as up on the arguments for each) wouldn’t make a lot of sense to me since we have quite a number of other good rush linebacker/4-3 DE players including Moss, Reid and Doom. I do consider Ayers a huge upgrade at the position with the potential to be a nearly full-time 3-4 DE when he packs on 15 more lb of muscle. He’s going to be living in the weight room for a while, but his potential is really incredible.
Hillis/Moreno in '09
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