Christmas Eve Mock
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 24, 2010 2:41 PM MST
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GM: Brian Xanders/Les Snead
Head Coach: Ron Rivera (from San Deigo)
Offensive Coordinator: Bill Musgrave (Atlanta Falcons)
Defensive Coordinator: Wink Martingdale
Special Teams Coordinator: Mike Priefer
*I believe Ron is an ideal candidate for the head coaching gig. Ron having worked with both the 3-4 and the 4-3 in the past, is the best defensive mind in the NFL everything he touches turns to gold. Les Snead brinks Bill Musgrave with him back to Denver. Bill played as Elway's backup and returns to coach up this offense. I chose to keep Wink but basically he has been demoted Ron will be calling the plays. Brian Xanders is retained as the Co-GM, he has the final say in free agents and is put in charge of salary cap. Les Snead is the other Co-GM, he is in charge of player personal. Both will be working as equals and will collaborate on player acquisitions. More after the jump.
Notable Departures:
SS Brian Dawkins (retires an eagle)
TE Daniel Graham
CB Nate Jones
NT Jamal Williams
NT Ronnie Fields
RB Laurence Maroney
FB Spencer Larsen
RB Correll Buckhalter
OL Russ Hotchstein
Free Agent Signings/Resignings:
CB Richard Marshall (from Carolina)
QB Tyler Thigpen (from Miami)
TE Randy McMichael (from San Diego) ILB Brandon Siler (from San Diego) OL Wayne Hunter (from NY Jets) NT Alan Branch (from Arizona)
CB Champ Bailey
K Matt Prater
DL Kevin Vickerson
DL Marcus Thomas
OT Ryan Harris
*Denver convinces Champ to stay and forgo free agency and I believe we lose Dawkins leadership to retirement. Champ moves to free safety to make a bigger impact. No one else is really a shocker. Denver then brings in talent via free agency. Arguably the best corner on the market is lured into Denver, along with several other key players the staff thinks will help lead this team to victory, as well as familiar faces.
Trades:
Denver trades the 2nd overall pick (2600) to Detroit for the 4th overall pick (1800), 35th pick (550), and NT Sammie Hill.
Denver trades QB Kyle Orton to San Fran for the 75th pick.
Denvers trades LB DJ Williams to NY Giants for the 119th pick.
*Detroit jumps in front of Arizona to draft Patrick Peterson, while Denver gets Sammie Hill who is currently playing 3rd fiddle to Ndamukong Suh and Corey Williams. Kyle Orton's trade value has diminished recently, but Denver is able to find a trading partner in San Fran. DJ is a poor fit in a 34 front and is traded for his off field antics to a team with linebacker needs.
The Draft:
Round 1, Pick 4: DE/DT Nick Fairley, Auburn
Round 2, Pick 34: DE/DT Allen Bailey, Miami
Round 2, Pick 35: S Quinton Carter, OU
Round 2, Pick 47: ILB Greg Jones, Michigan St
Round 3, Pick 66: TE DJ Williams, Arkansas
Round 3, Pick 75: RB Noel Devine, WVU
Round 4, Pick 98: DE/LB Stephen Friday
Round 4, Pick 119: OL Marcus Gilbert, Florida
Round 6, Pick 192: FB Owen Marecic, Stanford
Round 7, Pick 194: LB Alex Wujciak, Maryland
Projected Depth Chart:
QB: Tim Tebow, Tyler Thigpen, Brady Quinn
RB: Knowshon Moreno, Noel Devine, Lendale White, Lance Ball
FB: Owen Marecic
WR: Brandon Lloyd, Demaryius Thomas, WR: Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney WR: Eric Decker, Jabar Gaffney
TE: Randy McMichael, DJ Williams TE: Richard Quinn
LT: Ryan Clady, Wayne Hunter
LG: Zane Beadles, Eric Olsen
C: J.D. Walton, Eric Olsen
RG: Chris Kuper, Marcus Gilbert
RT: Ryan Harris, Wayne Hunter
On offense, we have Tim locked down as the starter with a similar quarterback in Thigpen backing him up. Knowshon Moreno and Noel Devine will split carries and Lendale White will get the goal line touches. I believe will see a lot more two tight end sets now that Richard Quinn is starting to show his potential and a new devotion to the run game. McMichael and Williams will switch off providing a receiving presence. With a whole offseason to learn and get better our offensive line should be much improved if they stay away from the basketball courts.
DE: Kevin Vickerson, Allen Bailey, Justin Bannan
NT: Sammie Hill, Allen Branch, Justin Bannan
DE: Nick Fairley, Marcus Thomas, Justin Bannan
OLB: Elvis Dumervil, Steven Friday
ILB: Greg Jones, Wesley Woodyard, Alex Wujciak
ILB: Joe Mays, Mario Haggan, Alex Wujciak
OLB: Robert Ayers, Jason Hunter
CB: Richard Marshall, Andre Goodman
FS: Champ Bailey, Darcel McBath
SS: Quinton Carter, David Bruton
CB: Perrish Cox, Syd’Quan Thompson, Cassius Vaughn
NCB Syd'Quan Thompson
Our defensive line should get an immediate boost from Sammie Hill and Nick Fairley. Elvis returns and improves the pass rush dramatically. Jones and Mays may benefit the most from the new bigs up front. Ayers will see his best season statistically with the return of Doom and Fairley playing in front of him. Marshall and Cox are solid in run support and coverage. Champ moves to safety and has an Ed Reed like presence to improve our pass defense, and tight end coverage. Quinton Carter is an instant starter and good in run support and coverage. Thompson gets nickel situations and is simply a play maker from that position.
KR: Noel Devine
PR: Noel Devine
K: Matt Prater
P: Britton Colquitt
LS: Lonie Paxton
Matt Prater is a rock. Colquitt should improve in his second year punting and returns should be much improved with the dynamic Noel Devine back there. 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
First question...Where do you find us picking at #4? Aren't we #2 at the moment?
I would give Gronkowsky another year to develop, his brothers are doing well and he might with a year under his belt.
@bfree2bronc
Jake has Denver trading their 1st rounder(2nd) to Detroit for their(4th). Go to the paragraph where he has trades if you you want to take a look
by Cali_BroncosFan on Dec 24, 2010 3:16 PM MST reply actions
Thanks for fielding that question.
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 24, 2010 3:17 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Bailey to Safety??
I kinda like the idea but I think he needs to put on some weight, at least 8 lbs, since hes not even at the 200 mark
by Cali_BroncosFan on Dec 24, 2010 3:17 PM MST reply actions
I believe
That 8 pounds shouldn’t be too much and will probably need to bulk up during the offseason.
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 24, 2010 3:18 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
I have heard
Champ say, in the recent past, that in the future he would be open to moving to safety, but not yet as he believes he still has a few good years left as a corner. I can’t remember whether I heard him say that in an interview or read it.
Believe he said that at the beginning of the year.
But I believe it is best for the team to move him to safety sooner rather than later.
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 24, 2010 5:10 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
No way on Champ at Safety...yet
Champ is still a shut down corner and has more value at that position right now. I can see him converting to safety in 2-3 years but not now. He is good in run support and I can see him jumping routes and shutting down some TEs but he has a few years before he needs to make that move. In addition, there is no way that Wink should stay…period.
If Fairley is going to take Bannon’s spot, Bannon would be better off moving to NT. He has been one of the only D-Lineman this year that has shown promise and doesn’ deserve to be 3rd string, especially behind Sammie Hill who hasn’t done a thing since hes entered the NFL.
Before he needs too?
I agree Champ can still be a top 5 cover corner but how about a top 3 impact safety? O do have Bannan moving to nose and in my scenario would be a nickel nosetackle and come in on passing situations. Sammie Hill is a key rotational player in Detroit and he has 30 tackles and 3 sacks this year playing about 40% snaps. If we bring in a defensive headcoach there is no reason to get rid of wink. Period
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 25, 2010 1:57 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
CB
i think we leave him there.. let McBath grow into the spot, maybe he can play the position for the next 10 years.. and i would put Marshall and Goodman in at the starting CB’s and Cox as the nickel again
BRIAN ORAKPO, 19.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles in 30 games
ROBERT AYERS, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumbles in 24 games
*both came from the same draft class
McBath is make of very thin glass.
And can’t be relied upon.
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 24, 2010 7:49 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
McBath is very young and please don't give up on him yet...
I remember Weddles a couple of years ago couldn’t defend his way out of a speeding ticket let alone defense someone on the field…Now, he’s the talk of free agency…Go figure.
by bfree2bronc on Dec 24, 2010 10:14 PM MST up reply actions
no problem...and
i like the Greg Jones pick. I wouldnt want the Broncos taking Fairley… Im not to fond with 1 year wonder players(Moss is an example). DL dont really make an impact right away(Glenn Dorsey, BJ Raji are examples) unless we strike gold like Mario Williams but thats rare. Then again Fairley just might be that rare player who knows… but im not much of a gambler id rather go with the safer pick like Patrick Peterson thats just me tho
by Cali_BroncosFan on Dec 24, 2010 3:31 PM MST reply actions
I think Fairley could develp faster if put in the right position and scheme. Look at Suh.
I agree though that it usually takes a little bit for D-line to develop but I’d be ok with that considering t he upside this guy has.
Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.
by BroncoMath101 on Dec 24, 2010 3:41 PM MST up reply actions
true
i dont doubt his potentail but i want an immediate impact player for this team
by Cali_BroncosFan on Dec 24, 2010 3:56 PM MST up reply actions
Mario Williams
had a pretty under whelming first year in the NFL if I recall correctly. GM Charlie Casserly was fired after that season. Second year he came on like gang busters.
Moss had a Staph infection in college that limited his abilities for months and Shanny trading down to get him anyway...
That’s how desperate coaches get sometimes when things aren’t working just right. Thus he is gone…On the other hand I advise you to stop reading Walterfootball.com if you are. Fairley is one of those players that has big time writen all over him. So does Bowers…Heck this draft is loaded with talent on D…
by bfree2bronc on Dec 24, 2010 10:19 PM MST up reply actions
Shanny traded up to get Moss
They had the 21st pick, they traded up to the 17th.
by higgyhoops12 on Dec 25, 2010 11:15 AM MST up reply actions
That's what I meant from 21th to 17th...
I always held high hopes for Moss though, but he really never made it, at least here.
by bfree2bronc on Dec 25, 2010 12:32 PM MST up reply actions
Love it...
I like the clarity of the format you provided. I’m not a fan of Allen Bailey in the first but I love him in the second. Unless we get equal value for D.J., and a fourth rounder won’t be equal value, I am against the trade.
What do you think fair value for a linebacker who is facing a suspension is?
Santonio Holmes a superbowl MVP went for a 5th. To put that in perspective.
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 24, 2010 3:37 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
All suspensions, in terms of the amount of games missed, are not created equal. Santonio Holmes had problems on and off the field. D.J., to my knowledge, has been a very good leader on the field. As I said, D.J. for a 2nd rounder would be fine, possibly even a 3rd. However, 4th rounder and below and you are beginning to get into the realm of players possibly not even able to make a roster.
Please NO to keeping Mike Priefer on as ST coach. He is terible
I also don’t think Tyler Thigpen is better than Brady Quinn unfortunately.
Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.
I believe he is growing into the role right nicely...The ST's has done a better job as of late if you haven't noticed.
by bfree2bronc on Dec 24, 2010 10:21 PM MST up reply actions
I think Decker has done a better job since being given the role of return man but I wouldn't give that credit to Priefer.
Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.
by BroncoMath101 on Dec 25, 2010 10:42 AM MST up reply actions
Decker hasn't made anymore miss.
He goes straight up field and has nice lanes to run through.
by higgyhoops12 on Dec 25, 2010 11:20 AM MST up reply actions
I know and I cringe every time he touches the ball.
We need a Hester, McCluster type returner…
by bfree2bronc on Dec 25, 2010 12:34 PM MST up reply actions
agree to disagree. I think Priefer is terrible
Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.
by BroncoMath101 on Dec 25, 2010 4:27 PM MST up reply actions
I would agree that our ST has been bad and as of late they seem to be getting better...
I have to wonder if McDaniels might have kept everybody on pins and needles. Nobody can do a good job when your boss is always looking over your shoulder and believe me, I had them and hated every one of them…
Defensive Coordinator
I would like a better DC than wink. He has not proven himself, and why keep him around if he is not calling plays
And to build off this.
Ron will be calling the plays so Wink will be retained to keep the continuity. Wink will continue to coach the players and learn under Rivera.
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 24, 2010 4:11 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
NO MORE WINK
he doesnt know when to blitz and thats what the 3-4 is all about
live and die blue and orange
He won't be calling the play! He will only help coach up the players.
Wink is demoted to asistent defensive coordinator basically.
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 25, 2010 1:59 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
i havent heard anyone mention...
Marvin Lewis as a DC. He’s most likely going to get fired from the Bengals. Remember he was the DC for the Ravens during their Superbowl season
by Cali_BroncosFan on Dec 24, 2010 4:01 PM MST reply actions
Marvin seems to like the character concern players more than I would like.
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 24, 2010 4:12 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
He is in the last year of his contract
he turned down an extension last year because he wants change in the front office. Thats not going to happen and he knew it, he just wants out. Mike Brown is an i dot
live and die blue and orange
true
but he wont have much say on who he wants since hes not going to be the hc jusr a dc
by Cali_BroncosFan on Dec 24, 2010 4:19 PM MST reply actions
do you really think rivera wouldnt keep jamal williams??
Oh and if I’m Dawk I’m not retiring but that’s just me
by Pmoreno95 on Dec 24, 2010 4:27 PM MST via mobile reply actions
No I don't think we will keep Williams
if we get a capable replacement. Dawkins is done. We will probably release him, and he will resign with the Eagles for about a year. Dawkins has lost one step too many. His leadership will surely be missed.
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 24, 2010 4:36 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Why would Detroit trade up when Peterson or Prince Amukamara will be there at 4???
I think the only reason to trade up into the 2nd Spot is if Andrew Luck is available. I highly doubt that any team would trade up and give a player and a 2nd round pick to move up 2 spots.
That is one problem. My other problems with your mock is why would Denver trade Orton for a 3rd Round Pick and DJ for a 4th Round Pick??? These are 2 of Denver’s best players.
I like the picks of Nick Fairley and Greg Jones.
But I do think your TRADES are crazy
I agree
People really need to watch DJ a little closer. If you think he is one of our best players, you are basing that solely off of his stats. And the same can be said for Orton.
DJ is terrible and Orton will ask to be traded
oldcoachB
"The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential...
these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence."
TOTALLY agree. DJ gives up a TD each game, he CAN NOT cover.
Kyle may ask to be traded if Tebow does not suck. Thinking Tennessee
Why?
You yourself have said there are 4 elite players and Peterson is one of them. You have also said if your a team that is only a couple picks from the top player on the board (Luck) you have to look long and hard.
DJ plays without passion and doesn’t care about this team. Need evidence look at the timing of his last DUI it was 2 days before the biggest game of our season. Orton and Tebow play the same position if you haven’t checked recently. Tebow has shown potential, and gave our offense life for the first time since Cutler. Orton and DJ have value so we take advantage. I feel my trade had pretty good value
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 24, 2010 7:58 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Larsen
I dont know why so many have him moving on. I have seen a player that has come on not gone backwards. He does not get the opportunities just like the TE’ do not because of the offenses design not because he is incapable. I really like him and think in a true Offense that has 2 backs for the majority of the running plays, he will thrive and so will the running game. The running game took off when knowshow and Larsen were on the field together.
Larsen
Larsen really is an awful blocking fullback. He whiffs on nearly every block attempt. He can run and catch well though. Larsen is also injury prone. We can do better.
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 24, 2010 9:02 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Larsen isn't going anywhere and folks need to stop with their wishful thinking...
He’s too versatile of a player to give anyone..
by bfree2bronc on Dec 24, 2010 10:29 PM MST up reply actions
Yah because
He is a below average linebacker, who is also the worst starting fullback in the league. Nate Jones is also versatile he can play corner and safety. To put that in perspective.
by Jake Edmisten on Dec 24, 2010 10:34 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
First of all Jake, he's a Special Teams player and very good at it...
Second of all, he could play ILB in a pinch if needed and he hit with verocity when he hits. Thirdly, he is a part-time Full Back asked to block for Knowshon, Bucky or Ball now…Fourthly, he has caught a pass in a recent ball game which makes him a foursome threat or versatile player…They don’t grow on trees, but if you wish you can give him away to whom ever…But he will be a Bronco come next season…
by bfree2bronc on Dec 24, 2010 11:11 PM MST up reply actions
Seriously Jake?? Your credibility took a little hit with your statement "the worst starting FB in the league" comment IMO
I was listening until then.
It looks the QB position is set for now
by broncofaninIL on Dec 25, 2010 7:41 PM MST up reply actions
I just had a thought
If there was ever a game on Christmas Eve that was won on a last second hail marry…
The Christmas Heave Miracle
"Who says Tim Tebow can't throw the ball...? Whoever said that, they didn't know what they were talking about."
-Gus Johnson
Hmmm
Not alot of people know about Brandon Siler. I was hoping his under the radar status would help the Chargers keep him
IMO
Wow bro. That was very well thought out!
It’s late and I had to work today. Boo hoo. Poor me. Anyway, I’ll need time to digest what you wrote and make a few notes. I do agree with most, if not all, of the departures. several of those guys are done with the NFL all together. The coaching staff is the most difficult to put together. Bowlen could go in almost any direction. I hope you will expand on this post in the coming weeks. One thing, however, is the Thigpen idea. I hadn’t considered him. I figured we would try for a back up in the 6th or 7th round. Nice thinking. The other ideas you have I’ll have to mull over before I can really comment.
SS
We conquered this territory with our bodies and souls, then we watered it with our tears.
Go Denver!
Good opinions. Major problem with Steven Friday, he is rated #301, 7th round.
I do think you are right about Brian Xanders staying as the GM.
Pat Bowlen needs to save money and Champs wants a ring, so IMO no Champ.
Love your position on the DL but the DB also needs draft help.
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