My take on the Offseason: RB

by stedtfeld on Jan 24, 2010 9:54 PM MST

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Knowshon Moreno was drafted by Denver with the 12th pick overall in the 2009 NFL draft. It was a very surprising pick to most, and some didn't understand it, because they had bigger needs on defense, and Peyton Hillis had done a great job when he played. Well, Peyton Hillis didn't do anything at all in 2010, and Moreno ended up getting the majority of the carries. Some will say Moreno was insufficient as the Broncos RB, but I think a huge part of that is the offensive lineman. If we are able to improve that O-Line, Moreno should be one of the better running backs in the league. The man is as tough as I've ever seen and he runs hard and falls forward almost every carry. He is a cool guy as well, and is fun to cheer for.

I think Peyton Hillis should be traded if we can get at worst a 5th round pick. If not, keep him. Lamont Jordan should just be released, he doesn't bring much to the team and isn't really worth anything. Buck should be kept, he's done a good job with the carries he's had.

Free Agency

If the Chargers choose not to resign Darren Sproles, we could try to get him to be our change of pace back and returnman.

I like Jerious Norwood as a change of pace as well. He is a different style than Sproles, he's much taller. I personally like Norwood more than Sproles, I would like that addition.

Lendale White from Tennessee is the opposite of Sproles and Norwood. He would be a short yardage back, to get tough yards. I don't like Lendale but it could be something to look at.

Chester Taylor is probably my favorite RB in this FA class. He is a good back and very good catching out of the backfield. I would be happy to get Taylor, he would be a great addition.

NFL Draft

I think we should get a RB in this draft, but a change of pace back.

Toby Gerhart was an absolute beast in college, trucking everyone. He won't quite be the same in the NFL, but he's still be a tough runner who should be able to get yards in short-to-go situations. I think he could compliment Moreno well, especially getting those tough inside yards.

I love Dexter McCluster, and he can be had in the 3rd round. He compliments Moreno well with his speed, and we need a homerun hitter like him. On top of that, he would be able to return punts/kicks very well.

I would like to get Legarrette Blount, but with no earlier than a 6th round pick. He would play a similar role to Gerhart, a big, strong runningback to get short yardage.

Next up: Wide Receiver

Poll

What should we do at runningback?

Just leave it how it is, do nothing

8 votes

Draft/pick up a quick runningback

18 votes

Draft/pick up a strong inside runner

15 votes

Combination of the two

16 votes

Other

2 votes

59 votes | Poll has closed

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

good take

i think SD keeps sproles for sure. I see Norwood as too similar to Buck to have them both. Lendale wants out of Tennesse because he wants to be a starter, not a chance here. Which leaves me to agree with your favorite of the bunch in Taylor if we make any move at all. I would be happy with solving our problems here in the draft with any of the mentioned players. Least favorite Blount though, even at a bargain price

"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."
"We laugh to stave off madness."

by zclayro on Jan 24, 2010 10:27 PM MST reply actions

If it's because of off the field problems

I get it. But if we got him with a 7th rounder, we could just get rid of him if we don’t like his attitude. I just think if he can settle down, he could be a solid player in the NFL.

Eddie Royal will have a breakout season in 2010. Count on it.

by stedtfeld on Jan 25, 2010 12:38 PM MST up reply actions

I have a very hard time with using our draft picks on a RB.

Not there there isn’t some good ones there but because we have so many more pressing needs to attend to. Now I would not freak out if we did draft one but I am inclined to believe that Moreno will fit the bill for what we need at RB. If you have ever heard the term rookie wall that is what I think happened here. What I saw was a tired RB with about 4 games left to go. I am betting you will see a much more in shape and hard inside runner this coming season. The best thing we could do for the running game is to spend those picks on 2 or even 3 O Linemen that can get a good push at the point of attack and open some holes. Moreno’s o line in Georgia were very good and he is very explosive when he finds a opening. Buck has at least 1 more good year in him and he can spell Moreno when he needs a breather.

by broncosorbust on Jan 25, 2010 3:39 PM MST reply actions

Amen

I’d be okay with taking an extra RB for depth in the 5th round or later, but the most important early picks we can make are LG Mike Iupati and C Markice Pouncey. draft those 2 and resign kuper and you have a very talented, young and versitle O-line across all positions.

the best thing we can do in this draft for our offense is to end up with a line that looks like:

LT Clady – LG Iupati – C Pouncey – RG Kuper – RT Harris

any and all of these backs could have many great years behind a line like that.

by bailey disciple on Jan 26, 2010 11:07 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs

THIS THIS THIS!!!!!!!

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Why has nobody made a live-action game of Chutes and Ladders? I'd be first in line.

by Troy Hufford on Jan 26, 2010 11:33 AM MST up reply actions

Would love to see

Norwood or McCluster playing for the Broncos. The Broncos need a home run hitter at running back to go with Moreno but I also hope Moreno turns into more of a home run threat as his career progresses.

by broncorob on Jan 25, 2010 7:26 PM MST reply actions

Looks like....

We are probably going to have to replace 2 slots; Lamont Jordon, & Peyton hillis. I love the Chester Taylor idea. He is such a versatile back. I think we fill the other slot in the draft. We have to have some legitimate depth in case of injury. There are a lot of good backs in the Draft this year. We could get Ben Tate, or Montario Hardesty with a mid round pick, or wait for a late round pick like James Starks(Buffalo),Joaquie Bell(Wayne St.) or Blount. 1st priority though, is a better O-Line to open the holes.

by rg2247 on Jan 25, 2010 7:50 PM MST reply actions

Count me as being in the group cursing at the TV when we took Moreno at #12 with Orakpo still on the board.

I felt we needed more focus on defense. But I don’t think even the most optimistic of fans could have forseen how stellar of a pass defense the old men in the back were going to make up.

I’m going to reserve judgment on Moreno until improvement is made to the offensive line. I thought he would be special comming out of college and still hold very high hopes. Two things concern me about him though. Buck seemed to have more breakaway runs, and his yard per carry average was much better than Moreno’s. In fact, at 5.4 ypc, it was the best of his entire career. Moreno had an average of less than four ypc… running behind THE SAME line.

So while I realize that Moreno was a rookie and that I even attribute many problems to trying to have zone blocking AND power blocking, and I’m aware of all the injuries… But I’m still not completely convinced that Moreno shouldn’t have done better. I expect him to do much better next year.

I like Chester Taylor in free agency, and we’ve talked before about McCluster in the mid rounds. I think you have him going in the fourth in most of your mocks. He should make immediate impact as a return guy and hopefully provides us with the homerun threat you describe. I’m all for drafting this guy. Even in the third round if necessary. He fills multiple needs and should be targeted.

Good luck with the Redskins Mr. Mike! I'll be watching and cheering for a non-Bronco team for the first time in my life. Well, except when they play the Broncos!

by Alex on Jan 26, 2010 8:55 AM MST reply actions