A Different Broncos Mock Draft: First Edition
by ejruiz on Mar 16, 2010 12:14 PM MDT
in 2010 Denver Broncos Offseason
Email
PrintIt has been a long time coming, but we are finally at a point in the offseason where I feel comfortable publishing a complete mock Broncos draft post. I believe that the stage is largely set for April’s draft. Before I go on, I’d just like to tip my hat to my colleague Sayre Bedinger. His tireless efforts have provided us a wealth of information and thrust himself into the middle of nearly every draft-centric debate imaginable because of them. Though we will produce differing mocks, we are all brothers in arms here. And so, without further ado: on to the mock draft!
#11: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
Scouting notes: prototypical size and experience playing inside linebacker in the 3-4 alignment… reads plays early and reacts efficiently… struggles a bit in man coverage, but plays well in a zone and has adequate hands… has good instincts as a pass rusher, but should develop his technique further… exceptional when playing the run… textbook tackler… supplements exceptional instincts with extensive film and playbook studies… natural leader and an extension of the coaches on the field.
#45: Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
Scouting notes: needs to improve his strength and fill out his 6’7 frame, but he’s big and strong enough to play defensive end in the 3-4 alignment now, though somewhat limited… played defensive tackle in passing situations in college… can disrupt the passing game by pressuring the QB, blocking passes at the line or even covering receiving options in the flats… is more of a pass rusher than a run stuffer… decent technique, but could use more work… is definitely quick, somewhat fast, but not all that agile… solid tackler, but struggles with more elusive targets… team leader and hard worker.
#80: John Jerry, G, Mississippi
Scouting notes: massive and powerful for a guard… could play right tackle… needs to keep his weight in check and improve his conditioning… quick and agile enough to pull, but he struggles in space… has a mean streak… needs to improve his technique, but has the tools to be effective as a pass and run blocker as is… good NFL bloodlines… very experienced and decorated in the SEC.
Fourth Round – Approximately #115: Riley Cooper, WR, Florida
Scouting notes: complements his ideal size with good strength and physicality… deceptively and effectively fast… uses his physical tools well to strengthen his routes… great ball skills, good hands and improving – already solid – technique… willing and effective blocker… successful two sport star at UF who prefers football.
Sixth Round – Approximately #187: Jeff Byers, C, Southern California
Scouting notes: has good size, solid strength and excellent mobility… more experienced at guard, but most recently played center… strong, balanced run and pass blocker… needs to improve his technique to maximize his effectiveness… is smart, works hard and has a bit of a mean streak.
Seventh Round – Approximately #225: Walter McFadden, CB, Auburn
Scouting notes: solid size and speed… experienced in the SEC… good NFL bloodlines…
Overall mock draft notes: I did not allow for trades, mostly because I feel they are too difficult to forecast and can become a bit of a crutch. As for the picks themselves, these potential Broncos are generally big, tough, smart, versatile, hard-working, leaders out of high profile college programs. That reflects the mantra that head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Brian Xanders have been preaching since they arrived in Denver. I also tried my best to address the apparent areas of need on the roster with limited resources while not sacrificing too much value. Well friends, there you have it! I look forward to our continued conversation in the comments below and, as always, go Broncos!
167 comments
|
6 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Who is playing Center????
Denver doesn’t have a starting Center on the team.
I think that Denver must sign Kevin Mawae and then draft either Maurkice Pouncey or Matt Tennant.
by Broncosfansd on Mar 16, 2010 12:22 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
Anyone that can beat Dustin Fry
"All credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses." Friedrich Nietzsche
Hmmm...
Seth Olsen has been mentioned as a possibility at center as an in house solution and Jeff Byers is taken in this draft to compete forthe spot as well.
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
The center situation is looking pretty scary right now.
by YouAreSignedIn on Mar 16, 2010 2:31 PM MDT up reply actions
Yeah.
I give the postion an F right now, but it’s not reason to sacrifice value to address it. As good as Pouncey may look, he’s not a sure-thing and it gets even shadier after him. The draft should be about long-term stability more than short term needs. I’m also higher on later round picks like Eric Olsen or Jeff Byers above than most…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
I rank my draft centers
as Pouncey, Walton, Olsen, Tennant with a zero percent chance at Pouncey. I would love to see Walton at #45, and Olsen makes an excellent Booby prize if all else fails. Olsen could go as high as the 5th and I wouldn’t complain if the Broncos jumped him in the 4th, depending on the status of their board. Tennant doesn’t quite fit what I think the Broncos are looking for, but if he fell, he could be a decent option.
There's a big hard sun, beating on the big people, in the big hard world.
formerly Styg-like
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 16, 2010 3:02 PM MDT up reply actions
Olsen.
I actually like Olsen (as always, value per draft slot considered) more than anyone other than Pouncey. Gald to see someone else mentioning him, too!
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Mawae would be a very short term stop gab as he's 40 years old
I wouldn’t make that move for that reason.
Seems to me I had read they were working with Seth Olsen in camp last year at center and he showed promise, but needed more work. Also, hasn’t Hochstein played pretty much every position on the line in his career making him another potential short term solution.
I like Tennant, Walton and then Byers. Pouncey will be gone by the time we go in the 2nd round I think.
Bottom line we have no experience or depth at center as it stands, not a good situation.
"A great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do" Walter Gagenot
"Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible."
Eh.
Stopgaps are stopgaps for a reason and a year is a lifetime in the NFL, so I’d still be interested in Mawae for the right terms. I’m happy to see another person actually like Byers!
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Good list
I could see G/C going with pick #45 depending on who’s available, but I could see this DE/DT/NT getting drafted to be groomed by our new veterans.
It’s truly refreshing to see a mock without trades. Whenever I’d see a mock with Scheffler traded for a third, I’d just move along because that’s never gonna happen.
I'm glad we had this talk. -- TJ Johnson
No Trades.
I might incorporate them in the future, but this is a good baseline to begin with. It goes to show where our expectations should be going into the draft as we are right now, with so many needss and wants, but not many resources to address them with.
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
I'm not against seeing a trade incorporated
It’s the unrealistic trades that make me say, This isn’t even realistic to begin with, why should I take the mock seriously.
I'm glad we had this talk. -- TJ Johnson
by BroncoInExile on Mar 16, 2010 2:09 PM MDT up reply actions
Good stuff!
This one is not pie-in-the-sky. If we really wait that long for center, I hope we get a FA signing.
Agreed.
I want to know if Seth Olsen really is an option at center, but I’d also appreciate a quality free agent getting a short term deal even if we end up with a later round pick at the position…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Center
You almost have to assume that we have someone in house that McD is comfortable with. Just cutting Weigman for cuttings sake otherwise seems rather clueless.
by WYO(MF)BRONCOBOY on Mar 16, 2010 3:24 PM MDT up reply actions
Actions Speak Louder Than Words.
You’re absolutely right about this: when things don’t seem to make much sense, it’s probably not because they don’t and more likely that we’re just not seeing the whole picture…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Hamilton was cut ...
…but they could resign him for the center. That buys half of a season to ready a replacement before Hamilton wears out.
by el_DON_de_TAOS on Mar 16, 2010 4:44 PM MDT up reply actions
Even if we do have a center in the building a la Olsen, which is a big assumption and a big bet
We would still need a starting guard.We’re not just at an “F” at center, we’re at an “F” for depth across the O’ Line. We need more bodies, and we can’t wait until the 3rd round to get the first one – not when we need one to two immediate starters.
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!
Warm bodies
Yeah we have some Practice squad tonage on the team already. Looking at the Jets with their 4 first rounder Oline, that reflects on their ability to move the ball up and down the field.
My dream tem would be dominate at both lines of scrimmage. That would be some good football watchin.
by WYO(MF)BRONCOBOY on Mar 17, 2010 8:31 AM MDT up reply actions
Nice work, ej
I like McClain a lot, even with the Crohn’s. My favorite characteristic is the last sentence:
natural leader and an extension of the coaches on the field.He’s the type that raises the play of those around him. Denver has missed that for awhile.
Also really like the philosophy on trades. I think after last year, it’s no stretch to imagine there will be moves on draft day, but to try and predict them gets crazy.
Man, still over a month to go……
Step aside, my friend, I been doin' it for years.
Said sit on down, open ya eyes, say open up ya ears....
A young version of Al Wilson
I think that’s the main draw with McClain.
"All credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses." Friedrich Nietzsche
Fair Comp.
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Really like McClain
While I’m not sure DJ really thrives in the role of team leader – McClain seems thrives in that role. It’d be a huge boost the unit to have a LB quarterbacking our defense again.
Nice one! Probably the most realistic mock to date….
The only pick I wouldn’t make is the Wootton pickup in the second. I think he would be a bit of a tweener in our system, not big enough to hold down a defensive end spot, and not versatile enough to play OLB. Not to mention we have solid depth at OLB already.
If Pouncey falls to that spot, we have to take him. Otherwise, Tennant is an option, or one of the CB’s who would be there. Gerhart could even be an option there.
I'm with you fella...
I’m certainly hoping Pouncey will be there in the second (might be a pretty little fiction) as well as Gerhardt.
I do like the idea of RB, CB in the 3-5 round range!
My roots are in Denver, but my branches grew in Nebraska and my leaves fell in Lincoln.
by Blackshirt4Broncos on Mar 16, 2010 12:50 PM MDT up reply actions
Check Out My Comment "#45" Below!
I addressed these concerns there…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
#45
I’m actually quite high on Wootton, who should be able to bulk up some and anchor even better, but is already a solid 3-4 DE prospect as is. There is no way that Pouncey will be available at #45. I considered Tennant, but I don’t think his value is as good as Corey’s there. CB is a possibility, but McFadden is one of my favorites and he provides tones of value. Gerhart I think can be had later, but I like Ben Tate and even Montario Hardesty more than Toby…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
I appreciate the hard work. Good stuff.
I really hope the Crohn’s is manageable and McClain works out in the long run. If so, I am on the bandwagon that believes he will be a superstar.
I am curious to know… why you don’t think we’ll be drafting a running back? We no longer have Hillis, Jordan, much depth, or a real power back. We all know the likes of Gerhardt, Dwyer, and Blount are out there. Looking over your mock it would be difficult to remove any of the positions in favor of a running back, but man… we need some depth and a short yardage specialist would be nice!
(I did wonder about the DE with our 2nd round pick with the FA signings along the D-line, but then it all came back to me… is this like the Moreno pick where we sign FA running backs only to draft one early?)
My roots are in Denver, but my branches grew in Nebraska and my leaves fell in Lincoln.
by Blackshirt4Broncos on Mar 16, 2010 12:47 PM MDT reply actions
Crohn's and RBs.
I like a couple of RB (especially Ben Tate of Auburn and Montario Hardesty of Tennessee) but I think we have greater needs elsewhere. I love Knowshon as a workhorse back and Buckhalter as a primary back-up, but I agree with the desire for additional complimentary depth. Our troubles running the ball last season were borne of weak line play.
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Thanks EJ
Especially for mentioning guys like John Jerry, who could very well be selected by the Broncos. FA has thinned, so we all need to be informed as well as possible on all of the draftees that will be available.
And thanks for putting McClain at #11. As long as Brandon Marshall doesn’t get traded for David Harris and picks, we’ll need this guy.
Great work!
"All credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses." Friedrich Nietzsche
Thank YOU!
Glad you liked it and I tend to agree with your assesment.
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Nice EJ
Really like this draft. The team needs are nicely balanced with the character of the players (and collection of character McDaniels is assembling for this team). With our free-agency shoring up the DL, were there other options on the OL at #45 you considered?
FA DL.
We got short term solutions along the defensive lines, as shown by their ages and potential roles, so I don’t think those pick-ups change our need to draft guys on that side of the trenches. I considered Matt Tennant, Jon Asamoah and Jared Veldheer (and others at different postions) at #45 before settling on Wootton…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
EJ
Greetings from Northern Ireland, my friend!
Compliments on a draft which, were it to come to pass (sorry, that sounds a bit preachy – and that’s dangerous in this part of the world!), we’d all be delighted with. McClain’s skills set and attitude is very reminiscent of Al Wilson, which as others have rightly said, has been badly missed. Corey Wootton seems much more of a project, but has considerable upside. Like most contributors, I would agree that we need to look at the interior O-line, and Jerry appears to be one of the top-rated guards after the likes of Iupati, but realistically has the potential to pan out just as well. Byers, Cooper and McFadden would all appear to have a reasonable chance of making the roster, with Byers possibly under the greatest spotlight to deliver, in a position of real need, unless we attend to it in the next few weeks in free agency.
I like the fact that you’ve drafted based on what we have now, and not what we might have as a result of some trades involving Scheffler and Marshall. At this point in time, we don’t have any hypothetical picks in our pockets, so until or if that time arrives, it really is pie in the sky. That said, I’ve enjoyed the drafts which have us getting a #6 for Marshall and 3rd round for Scheff, but as another reader has said, this ain’t gonna happen. So based on what we have now, I commend you on your selections. You never know – perhaps McD is watching…..! Good post, thanks!
I just read Don Banks’ mock draft on si.com. What a joke!
I love how these professional sportswriters continually give us Dez Bryant at 11. Really? You think we’re going to take another diva headcase in the first round with all we’ve gone through with the one we already have? An absolute joke.
A lot of them are basing it upon the assumption that Marshall is a goner, though.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by Troy Hufford on Mar 16, 2010 1:04 PM MDT up reply actions
Even with Marshall gone, it’s fascinating that they are dumb enough to think we would jettison one headcase receiver and draft another with a first-rounder. Idiocy at it’s finest.
haha, I hear you.
It’s interesting to see what the people will believe once the MSM says the same thing a few times. Apparently, everyone has written Bryant’s name at the 11 spot with a pen, not a pencil.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by Troy Hufford on Mar 16, 2010 1:09 PM MDT up reply actions
Echo Chamber.
The MSM can become a tight little parrot cage sometimes…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
But, you have to!
Because it doesn’t make sense that you would get rid of the GREATEST RECEIVER EVER and not replace him with the very best no miss WR prospect in the Draft…
Wow, that was almost painful trying to pretend to be Don Banks.
TULO MVP 2010, Gold Glove 2010-2024 (The last 3 on merit rather than skill) HOF 2029
Looking for a member of the mainstream media who doesn't make me angry with their consistent lack of effort to understand the sports that happen in the middle of the US Hasn't happened for 12 years now.
User name pronounced Air-Ah-Miss Originally from my days in the SCA, became a gamer and forum tag because it is odd and it is a name I like
Eh.
The MSM has to build up Marshall (like they did with Cutler) because that “justifies” the incessant coverage they give it and the chastizing of the Broncos that goes along with it…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Not All "Headcases" Are Created Equal...
BM is and has always been worse than Bryant in terms of character. Remember, he dropped to late in the draft, whereas Dez MAY fall to the late first round…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Yeah...
Funny how they do that, but they don’t give us the return (i.e. an additional first round pick) required to make that move a reality! Personally, I think we need high-end WR depth with or without a BM trade and I do like Bryant, but it’s just not what I’m feeling right now.
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Bryant.
I’m actually very high on Bryant and think his character concerns are overstated. He’s never had a truly worrisome issue and he’s certainly not in the same vein of off-the-field troubles as Marshall…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
EJ, I appreciate all the work you do on drafts.
Thanks
We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough
My Pleasure!
I love covering the draft, for all the reasons that I mentioned in that post about Why We Mock Drafts a while back.
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Great work EJ
I like the needs you addressed. Love the 1st pick. Nothing fancy here, but it is a realistic draft for us.
"Precipitation, which side are you on?
Are you on the rise? Are you falling down?
Let me know, Come on let's go, yeah
Got some if you need it!" -EV
Substance Over Style.
There might not be much sizzle to a draft like that, but there’s plenty of steak IMO…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Chron's disease
I know enough about Chron’s disease to be dangerous but with that disclaimer can say an 11th spot 1st round pick with any significant diagnosis would be cause for concern both monetarily and it terms of performance. There are enough 1st round flops (Moss) as it is without adding that risk factor IMOP. Pouncey or Lupati would tickle me plumb to death.
"Peace, a journey without distance to a place we have never left."
Chrohn's.
I understand the concern, but he’s played through it with extreme success for years now and will have the best care for it possible. If we can trade back some, I’d be happy to take Pouncey and consider Iupati, but I don’t like it at 11th.
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Re: Moss
He still has the potential to play a role, but his contract needs to be torn up and he needs to start over. Usually, that comes after he is cut and starts over on a different team. The speed and athleticism are there but he needs to dramatically widen his repertoire of moves. Speed rushers are a gamble in the draft so Moss’ story isn’t that unusual, but there’s always a need for their abilities because it’s an impact skill. I think Moss needs to start over in a 4-3 and write off his Denver years. We did a poor job of developing his abilities, and his slot of the roster last season was probably due to his talent, which McDaniels valued. That talent remains mere potential as long as it’s not shown on the field.
Re: Wooton. I think he’s still one of the more likely choices for us because of his versatility. He won’t contribute in his first year but he’s got “it.” I loved his performance before the injury in the Alamo bowl.
no goats, no glory.
Yeah...
Moss is probably done in Denver and the Broncos certainly haven’t help…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
re: Moss again
Yes, his last year here was 2009. I see Wooton as a pick to take that roster spot. If we don’t take Wooton (and they’re all longshots) then there’s a good chance of taking another rush backer. Attention has gone to the inside LBers but we should put far more emphasis on filling R-OLB. Ayers belongs at L-OLB so that leaves us with nada after Dumervil. It’s the biggest impact position along with NT yet draftniks are ignoring it.
I don’t necessarily see us as not filling ILB but I think pass coverage ability is essential. McClain is a fine choice but we could go another route that shows little concern for filling ILB. I’d rather add a talent such as, for instance, a Jerry Hughes type, who could fill Moss’s slot, than overemphasize run stopping ability. We have enough run stopping talent already on the team and more can be obtained if not.
no goats, no glory.
I've advocated Derrick Morgan for some time
He can play rush OLB, and he can anchor as a DE, and has also played DT. His first step puts the rest of this draft class to shame, including the top guys, and he has a good record of performance, getting better every year, he has mastered many technical aspects of his position and he is still quite young and a pure athlete to boot. His pass rush impact, combined with his versatility has him atop the options I expect the Broncos to face at #11.
And before anyone starts parroting about him being a 4-3 player, I am aware of where he played, and he was much more than a typical 4-3 player. McClain would still be a contributor if he was taken by a 4-3 team, and Morgan will still contribute if he is taken by a 3-4 team. Their style of play transcends formation.
Maybe the most impressive thing about Morgan was that he looked great early at GT with that excellent group of GT DL around him. And when they all left last year? He looked even better….
There's a big hard sun, beating on the big people, in the big hard world.
formerly Styg-like
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 16, 2010 2:51 PM MDT up reply actions
a past comment
I recall saying in a response to one of your posts that the R-OLB is more a roster category that lists various specialists than an on-the-field position. Morgan should be much higher on our lists, as should Jason Pierre-Paul, simply because pass rushing specialists are impact players. I’ve heard good things about Morgan and his “roundedness” gives him more promise than Moss.
Pass rushing specialists are hard to project but they’re still essential. The tendency to ignore the position once burned is the flip-side error. You don’t try again so you’ve prevented the development of one. I don’t think we ignore the importance of R-OLB just because we’ve been burned. It’s the cost of doing business with pass rushers.
no goats, no glory.
I recall the comment
about R-OLB as a container of specialists. I only see pass rush specialists there, but did you have other specializations in mind? Good call on Pierre-Paul as well, he should be lumped in that same top group of #11 options, for exactly the same reasons.
Regarding projecting pass rusher effectiveness, I have been digging through past data trying to find some threads, and of course nothing is far and away an effectiveness corollary, but good signs come from elite athleticism combined with short area speed and lower body power. The best have of course been technicians as well (Freeney, Peppers, even Jarvis Green, though on a different scale). Above all that short are quickness stands out, guys who are consistently the first off the line, but who are NOT anticipators.
Moss always stood out to me as “qualifying” in most measurable categories, but having a body type that simply looked out of place. His unique injury history prior to Denver of course explains that body type (which is exceptionally unusual). His broken leg in Denver was an extension of the earlier maladies he faced, and really, is career arc has been somewhat predictable based on those maladies. Sometimes I am stunned that he has even made it this far.
I agree that getting out from under his contract would provide amnesty not just for the team that gets him at a cheaper price, but himself as well. It is the necessary next step for him to progress. I think it was telling that he managed to cling like a canned peach to the team even during a full-on purge…
There's a big hard sun, beating on the big people, in the big hard world.
formerly Styg-like
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 16, 2010 4:03 PM MDT up reply actions
re: specialists
Teams use OLB for elephants but the R-OLB is for pass rushers, of course. I based my comment on my impression which was itself based on how they’re categorized.
Some OLBs don’t seem to fit with stereotypical thinking of positional fit, so depth for those instances is more situational depth. I think we see a similar development with Woodyard at ILB. We also see — even though it’s not acknowledged — the big nickel as a S/LB hybrid, which is essentially another LB.
My general impression was that there had to be a place to carry specialists and positional charts didn’t adequately convey this organizational scheme.
no goats, no glory.
In Nathan Jones' interview at DB.com
He was mentioning that his versatility would allow him to find a spot somewhere where he can help the team. He mentioned “nickle safety” in the same breath, and I had to pause, because i really had never heard that formulation before, but we have analyzed it a lot, especially in talking about Barrett,and to an extent, Woodyard.
Now, this description may be a holdover from MIA, and what he is talking about may be treated differently as such in MCD’s scheme, however I think we can extrapolate from it that team’s really view their “big nickle” package as a safety substitution package, as opposed to a general DB substitution for LBs package. We all pretty much understand the purpose of the “big nickle,” and this doesn’t really change that, but for me at least, it reorganized how I think about players who suit the role. One thing about safeties, which separates them from CBs is how they are trained to view the play in front of them. A package that brings in a “third safety” is a risk management approach, fundamentally anchored to situational football, where predictors may be inconclusive, and so more “generals” are needed on the field to see what is going on.
There's a big hard sun, beating on the big people, in the big hard world.
formerly Styg-like
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 16, 2010 5:30 PM MDT up reply actions
yes, forgot to say
They keep their eyes looking at the QB, and their movement is harder to sight because they’re not doing the same thing. It’s hard to track varying movement.
no goats, no glory.
more
Moss lacks leg strength and fits the old edge rusher type that teams have moved away from. What impressed me about Ayers when I saw him run at the combine was his combination of size, speed and leg strength.
The trend towards overloading the middle through zone blitzes, delayed blitzes and various stunts seems to have been a reaction to the offense’s ability to guard the perimeter and allow QBs to move up into the pocket. Defenses aren’t attempting to beat the OTs on the outside as much as disrupt blocking schemes and create confusion for QBs. And this is also why I begged for bull-rushers before the last draft rather the old type of speed rusher.
Re: Moss & miscellaneous. The R-OLB needs to have more than a speed rush. He, or others at the position, need to provide pass coverage and run stopping ability, too. Part of the defensive philosophy in the McDaniels’ system (judging by past comments) is to create some uncertainty. Pure specialists don’t offer much other than their specialty, so the surprise element is missing. What I like about Morgan is that he doesn’t rely solely on one move and has more in his repertoire.
BTW — My positions on this draft seem to have evolved to the point where I’m looking more at OTs (Trent Williams, etc.) and OLB/DEs for us at #11. Mostly it’s what the draft gives us but it’s partly because they’re both impact positions. I think draftniks will be baffled once again if it happens.
no goats, no glory.
Morgan.
To be honest, I’m not entirely comfortable with Morgan in the 3-4…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
the virtue of the pick
I’d love to see more people drop their static view that sees only positional depth charts and neglects situational substitutions. Depth shouldn’t be merely emergency reserves who only play on STs or when there’s an emergency. We have to add talent and abilities and spread the playing time. We should always be looking to improve immediately through backups and not simply hoping they play some day.
no goats, no glory.
So you don’t think that Doom, Ayers, Reid, Haggan, and Moss (he’s still here, even though I think he will be gone) is enough depth at those positions?
I see what you’re saying about situational football, but you don’t think that having 3 young stud OLB’ers will create a logjam at the position? I"m really just curious as to what you’re thinking, because I value your opinion. I like Morgan, but have just glossed over him for us at #11, probably because that has become the consensus opinion around here.
Do you see a formation where we would or could have Doom, Ayers, and Morgan on the field at the same time?
re: depth, etc.
We have one pass-rushing specialist and that’s hardly enough. Ayers will probably move over, as speculated with the Davis release, and we’re still short at R-OLB. All R-OLBs don’t necessarily platoon behind the 1st string, it’s a positional location for rushing specialists. We see this organization illustrated in the presence of Moss on last year’s roster. And the point is to replace Moss and add another pass rushing specialist.
I see Ayers as a natural fit for the strong-side and he’s probably moving over there (on most occasions) next next year. Haggan can move inside, which leaves Reid and Ayers at L-OLB.
Do you see a formation where we would or could have Doom, Ayers, and Morgan on the field at the same time?
Sure, on 3rd down/passing downs. We often saw Ayers and Dumervil together last year. And this is part of why you need pass coverers at LB because you want the dual threat of pass rushing and pass coverage. Some players are good enough that it doesn’t matter that the offense knows what you’re going to do but it usually pays to have ‘plausible unpredictability.’ You want them to keep too many in and block nobody or keep too few and be sacked or disrupted.
Teams live by the pass nowadays and defenses have to counteract that or suffer.
no goats, no glory.
Regarding Ayers, I notice a lot of people, including yourself, implying that he played primarily ROLB for us last season. From what I saw, he played the majority of his snaps at LOLB in 2009, is that not what you saw as well? I agree with you, I expect our starting OLB’s (starting is a vague description these days, so we could also say primary) as Doom at ROLB and Ayers at LOLB. I see them both as very talented players, with Doom having stronger pass-rush but also being solid against the run, I think Doom is better against the run than people give him credit for. While I see Ayers as a strong run-stopper in that position, I also think he will develop into a solid pass-rusher. I see him as more of a pocket disruptor than a sack-specialist, however. I think they are a perfect compliment to each other, or least I hope it works out that way. I’m hoping they turn into what Dallas now has with Ware and Spencer, an absolute destructive force at OLB.
Now, regarding Haggan, I’ve read the speculation on this site that he will move to ILB. While I’m sure he is capable of that move, I feel like he is better suited to the role he played last season, which was playing LOLB on running downs and setting the edge. Do you disagree? You think he fits well at RILB?
Since you broke it down so simply, I can see where you’re coming from with drafting Morgan. We don’t have enough pass-rushers. Although I do think we will see significantly more from Ayers in that department than we did last year.
where he's listed
I can’t claim to have noticed where he was playing much of the time but he’s listed at R-OLB. Both he and Dumervil saw time on the field together for many passing situations, as I recall.
Re: Haggan. I’m just guessing on the move. The Davis release created an opening which may be filled through a variety of other changes. The logic of having our best eleven players on the field seems to point towards using Haggan at the same time that Ayers & Dumervil are on the field. That could push Haggan inside for those situations but it depends on how each is being used. Would Haggan be considered an ILB with edge responsibilities and the outside near zone in those situations? And I’m assuming that Ayers would rush at some indeterminate place and become essentially another DE. Where he starts at the beginning of the play seems less important than how he’s used.
no goats, no glory.
Champ guessed that Mario would move over as well
in his practice interview day before yesterday.
There's a big hard sun, beating on the big people, in the big hard world.
formerly Styg-like
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 17, 2010 11:27 AM MDT up reply actions
Cool deal, I was wondering where that notion had started. That should be interesting to see.
Well, between Champ’s comments and Colinski’s well reasoned points about us needing another legitimate pass-rushing LB, I wouldn’t be surprised to see us take Morgan if he falls to us at #11. However, I sure hope we avoid Pierre-Paul. I see him as a one-hit wonder workout warrior, uhnothangyu!
followup on the Haggan projected move
It may be late but let me answer now that’s it’s daytime (not so late at night).
I guessed in the topics related to Davis’ release that Haggan could move inside and John Bena also made the same comment on MHR radio.
Here’s why I guessed that. Many moves are pre-figured by the roster analysis that I do. My roster analysis pre-final cut showed that that we lacked traits at ILB (and LB in general). Just to explain this idea; a well-rounded player who can pass cover, pass rush and stop the run has a full compliment of traits. Specialists (2 down players, etc.) lack this full compliment but can be justified if they perform one particular function quite well.
The problem — of course — is that offenses seek out weaknesses and exploit them. A situational substitution that brings in (for instance) a pass rushing specialist for an obvious passing situation is a calculated risk but it can still be used against the defense if the pass rushing specialist’s liabilities are successfully exploited by the offense.
An even better way of understanding this idea is to look at roster math. Specialists can still be part of an optimal arrangement at a position as long as their liabilities don’t become too large — collectively speaking. And this collective liability becomes apparent when doing roster analysis as ‘mix-and-matchability’ is sometimes severely limited. There may be so few configurations that employ a particular player’s skills that it’s hard to find ways of using him. And it isn’t necessarily the fault of the player. The problem is that the position area lacks traits which would cover the weakness that emerges with the use of a specialist.
Andra Davis was an excellent run stopper but there often wasn’t a full compliment of skills present when he was on the field. My guess is that DJ often became responsible for pass coverage because AD was even weaker in that area. Again, AD was a useful player as long as we had someone to compensate for his weakness, but my roster math analysis revealed that the ILB configuration was unstable and required yet another player to adequately cover the position. We had too many holes to fill despite carrying 4 ILBs on the roster. We needed at least one configuration in which neither pass coverage nor run stopping was a liability but all the permutations of AD, DJW, WW & SL tended to include a weakness.
What became apparent to me when first looking at the ILB situation is that Haggan could be borrowed in order to keep the ILB target number at 4. Otherwise, we would have to carry 4 OLBs (not likely nor as desirable given the importance of rush backer). Carrying a 5th ILB (probably) solved the problem but it do so by creating a redundancy at ILB and robbed other areas on the team of a roster spot. The solution — such as adding a ILB with overall skills — would fix the problem but it crowded the position and made existing personnel non-essential. In other words, adding an extra ILB fixed the problem but it raised the question as to why you’d want to keep the initial 4 ILBs since the added ILB would fix the problem while only carrying 4 ILBs. Capiche?
no goats, no glory.
Good call Jeremy...I would love to see Morgan in Orange and Blue.
-Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you must not quit!
by BroncoSense72 on Mar 17, 2010 7:57 AM MDT up reply actions
Chron's Disease if taking the meds and whatnot is not going to hinder him I don't think.
I know every patient is diffrent but there are examples of it in the NFL. Now Garrard ( QB for the jags) isn’t a great QB but he also isn’t being hindered by the disease.
Co-Leader of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD
by TheAngelsColts on Mar 16, 2010 6:32 PM MDT up reply actions
In my opinion McClain would be a great pick at 11, we sorely need a stud back there.
Talking about Wootton and his size and I’ve wondered in the back of my mind why is it Jarvis Moss can’t be that guy? He has the size and must have athleticism that we haven’t seen much of yet, I guess he is a struggle in transition or his school days injury/illness has taken it’s toll on him…It’s a wonder he’s still with us. I love the picks though and they would make a big splash for us. Anticipation is excitement in waiting…
lack of lateral movement
Moss is a forward/back mover, not a lateral mover. He’s highly unsuited for a ILB position where he has to cover sideline to sideline…. unless you’re suggesting Moss as a DE, in which case he is far too skinny (~265lbs?).
Now that said, I think he’s actually a nice guy to have as a situational pass-rusher/OLB. He has that quick step that made him a first round pick, and his liability in the run-game are diminished by moving outside (vs DE, similar to Doom). Where he fails is likely in the back-pedal coverage. but Coliski pointed out above that we have very little pass rush besides Doom… my hope is as Moss gets more comfortable as a OLB, he may actually get on the field to breath Doom occassionally.
"Men should see things as they are, not how they wish them to be." A. Einstein
It is folly to take a player with this chronic disease in the first round. Anyone with a backround in managing this disease in the medical field will tell you the odds are greatly against him playing without some activity of his disease placing him on IR for extended periods of time. He is a tremendous talent, but with a huge downside medically. Now a late round pick would potentially be worth the risk, but please don’t discount the importance of his Crohn’s disease.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
I also have a background in medicine, and
there is a wide variation in the severity of the disease. The more severe population would seem to have a VERY high risk of flare under the physical (and emotionsal) stress of NFL competition. However, some have speculated that the bimodal appearance of the graph (of severity) suggests two diseases under one name, and the less severely affected population seems to tolerate quite a bit more without inducing flares. With the level of talent he has shown, I would want to know the specifics of McClain’s health history before deciding. All that said, the only Crohn’s patient I can remember playing in the NFL was that SD kicker with the long name…..not exactly the same position on the field as McClain..
Thanks For the Insight!
McClain has had this disease for a long time with no adverse reaction and will get the best care as an NFL player, so I’m not THAT concerned about it.
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Pro Day
Plus don’t forget he got extremely fatigued at his pro day runnining forty’s, and had to call it quits early. That would fall under the “Adverse Reaction” column.
by WYO(MF)BRONCOBOY on Mar 16, 2010 3:40 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
thanks for the insight
It seems like whether or not we would be willing to pick McClain with #11 will depend on our doctor’s evaluation of how severe the disease is. if not for Crohn’s, it seems to me like McClain is exactly the type of player we are looking for and we would definitely take him with #11.
by black_knight101 on Mar 16, 2010 3:19 PM MDT up reply actions
Garrard from JAX has Crohn's I heard somewhere...
I know QB and LB are completely different positions, and I don’t know what to think about Crohn’s, but if our medical staff thinks McClain’s worth the 11 then I’m behind them 100%
Medical Staff.
I’d be shocked if our team docs don’t at least take a look at the kid…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Interesting...
Could we use his not being in for a medical evaluation as an indication he will not be drafted?? If he does come in before draft day, are we tipping our hand??? Ohhhhh, I’m so confused.
We'll See...
Honestly, any franchise that wastes its time with smokescreens is doing a diservice to its team…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
I think that is true in general EJ, but
for a highly talented draft prospect you are hoping to drop to you at 11, I would certainly be at least reticent to show my hand to my competitors, if not outright sneaky.
For what it's worth
I agree that it’s at least possible. With this being our first potential pick, I could see them making additional effort to ensure he’s still available by not showing interest (bringing him in). The medical evaluation would be pretty important, though. Even still yet, it’s possible that they can get the information they need through other means.
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!
But...
He’s excelled through high school and college without even so much as missing a game. He’ll get the best care and it’s a manageable condition. As I said above, I think the Crohn’s is a reason for his being available to us and not one to pass on him…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
He was unable to run effectively at his pro day work out due to a recent flare.
It is not a matter of if he’ll flare again, but when and current therapy cannot prevent this from happening even with the best medical care. What has happened before with his disease does not predict what course he’ll have moving forward. Is it sensible to take a player with an unpredictable, potentially serious chronic disease which cannot be cured with the first pick? I don’t need to know his individual medical history to know that the risk outweighs the benefit. Let a team with less medical knowledge take that chance. While there is always unknown risk of injury with any player, here you have facts which people are choosing to ignore because they’re enamored with his potential and wishfully thinking the disease will be mild and not impact his performance. We would be making a serious error to waste a first round pick on someone with such high risk of being impaired when we might need him most. Just my opinion from a different viewpoint than others here.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
by Ponderosa on Mar 16, 2010 2:53 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rolf Benirschke was the kicker with Crohn's disease.
He missed almost an entire year with a flare of the disease.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
Neither Garrard nor Benirschke had the disease when they were drafted. Both developed symptoms after starting their career in the NFL.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
I believe...
…Benirschke had to get a colostomy bag. It’d be a little tough to play LB with a colostomy bag….I’m thinking…
"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."-- Oscar Wilde
by PredominantlyOrange on Mar 16, 2010 3:36 PM MDT up reply actions
He nearly died and did require a colostomy for a while. I think it would be messy trying to play with a colostomy bag at the linebacker position.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
Or a secret weapon
Stink would have approved, methinks…
There's a big hard sun, beating on the big people, in the big hard world.
formerly Styg-like
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 16, 2010 4:04 PM MDT up reply actions
I Don't Know Your Background, But...
idahobronc said that he has a medical background and stated that “there is a wide variation in the severity of the disease. The more severe population would seem to have a VERY high risk of flare under the physical (and emotionsal) stress of NFL competition. However, some have speculated that the bimodal appearance of the graph (of severity) suggests two diseases under one name, and the less severely affected population seems to tolerate quite a bit more without inducing flares.”
I’m all for being cautious and keeping an open mind about Crohn’s – I certainly need to look into it further – but I feel that overlooking McClain is just as bad as ignoring the disease.
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
This is where I'm at...
Emmett and I think Ponderosa have stated that he’s not worth the risk at any pick. I’m really not sure what to think because it seems that he would’ve dropped at least a couple rounds in the amount of time that has passed.
I think Emmett and Ponderosa are both intelligent people, judging from past posts, so why has there not been more news on the subject or how it will affect him long term. Other than here, I really have seen almost nothing on a guy who is supposed to be a top 10 pick. I would highly question drafting him based on what Emmett and Ponderosa have stated, but I’m curious as to why there hasn’t been more hubbub about it.
Silence Speaks Volumes...
Not only have we not heard much, we still see every major outlet keeping his status unchanged. Maybe that just means that his draft slot stays unchanged and not that it should, but it’s all I have to go on at this point…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Privacy issues.
The Health Information Privacy Protection Act (HIPPA) prevents anyone from revealing private health information without the patients written consent and only under specific circumstances. The media cannot legally acquire or discuss any aspect of his Crohn’s without his permission other than what he volunteers publicly (which hasn’t been much obviously given the potential financial hit it will cause him.) I have been careful to say repeatedly that I know nothing about his individual case because I don’t, but that doesn’t mean I can’t generalize about the disease state and its prognosis. It is certainly true that the disease is variable and many people have little impact on their daily life from it. However, it is incurable and chronic and prior disease activity cannot predict future potentially catastrophic illness. Everyone who likes this choice is wearing optimism over reality. The physical stress of a professional football player requires elite physical gifts. Garrard didn’t have the disease at draft time and certainly it would have affected who selected him had they known. He subsequently lost several feet of bowel and over 40 pounds before he was able to recuperate and return to play . I can’t predict McClain’s future, so it’s possible he could have a career with no porblems, but the odds are strongly against it.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
by Ponderosa on Mar 17, 2010 11:25 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
soberly rec'd.
There's a big hard sun, beating on the big people, in the big hard world.
formerly Styg-like
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 17, 2010 7:05 PM MDT up reply actions
Interesting selections although
I see Denver drafting a few more offensive pieces than what is represented here.
Responded Above...
I’d be curious to know the specifcs you had in mind…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
EJ, I love your late picks, rounds 3-7. People keep saying something here over and over
realistic. Great work!
The first two get debated so much, I’ll leave you to it!!
The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that.
I Try!
I went through so many permutations to get to this one, it’s crazy! I really like it, but there are plenty of alternatives that Icould like just as much. I’m glad it’s to your liking!
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Good Mock, One Exception
I like McClain at 11, he won’t go much lower or much higher and Denver can use him. I don’t see Wooten at 45. Denevr would be better off with Pouncey (if he falls that far and he may with other needs being filled by other teams), Tennant, or Gerhardt, all of whom may be there at 45 and none of them likely to be there in 3rd round. Really like Jerry at 80 if he’s there. Denevr could still take Byers in 6th if he’s there whether they take Pouncey or Tennant or not earlier. Seth is a guard and a good one and is better off playing guard than trying to play center. Denver may sign a center in FA like Mawae to have aveteran rather than rely on two rookie centers. But this lineup will serve Denver well for years to come. Good work.
Options At #45
There is a 0% chance of Pouncey being available at #45. I see Gerhart more as a late second round pick and actually prefer Montario Hardesty for us there; Ben Tate is my favorite RB in this entire draft when you factor in value and it’d be hard to pass on him in the third and especially the fourth rounds. I’m not as high on Tennant as most seem, but I certainly considered him in the second.
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
just curious, what teams are likely targeting Pouncey? if we wanted to trade up/down and get him where would we have to trade to?
by black_knight101 on Mar 16, 2010 4:02 PM MDT up reply actions
Good Question.
I’ve seen him linked to nearly every team in the latter third of the first round, with the Cowboys as the most common. I’ll look into it further to let you know, but he’s a concensus first round grade now.
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Great job EJ
I was looking through this last night, and the only pick I disagree with is Corey Wootton. I think 45 is a little high for him, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think he’s a solid fit for this system. I have always been a McClain fan, and I think if we pulled the trigger on him at 11 I would be pleased.
This draft has a lot of good balance. I think it addressed issues of need and areas where we could significantly improve. I love Riley Cooper. He has the makings of a very solid receiver.
Again, my only gripe is Wootton. I might change that pick to Toby Gerhart. I think the Broncos could really use him right about now.
A vision without a plan is just a dream. A plan without a vision is drudgery. But a vision with a plan can change the world.
Interesting...
Gerhart is a really hot prospect here at MHR, it seems. I wouldn’t be disappointed if we ended up with him, but I would make the argument for Montario Hardesty at #45 or – even more forcefully – Ben Tate in the fourth round…
People seem generally down on Wootton and I think I’ll need to reevaluate that pick, though I still like him quite a bit. Thanks for chiming in!
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Nice to know there are enough choices to end up wtih a respectable option.
The more flexability in choices, the better.
Last year before they drafted OC Mack at #21, Cleveland traded down 3 times.
My feeling right now is that this position is the greatest need we have. I would like to see Pouncey in blue and orange. If not him, maneuver to take Walton.
Certainly Ideal...
If we could do what the Browns did last year and end up with Pouncey plus additional picks, I’d be absolutely thrilled!
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Solid Draft EJ, solid draft
"A great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do" Walter Gagenot
"Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible."
IMO – Denver should target one of three players at #11.
1. Joe Haden – best case scenario. He’d be amazing value at #11.
2. Pouncey – Best C prospect in a decade at our position of greatest immediate need
3. McClain – Saben called him one of the best players he has ever coached. The guy is another Patrick Willis.
It is such a great year to have the 11th overall pick. I don’t want to hear any more whining about no one to pick at 11 – that is NONSENSE. If Pouncey is a All Pro talent at a critical position like Center, I could give a damn if it is too early to normally pick interior O-line. If he really is “that good” his 11th overall pick contract will be very Bronco friendly circa 2011+.
I think we should target Brandon Spikes in round 2 if we don’t draft McClain in round 1.
In my opinion.
by McGeorge on Mar 16, 2010 4:23 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
Eh.
Pouncey is the best center in this draft, could be a good guard if necessary, but he’s not a top-20 overall prospect in my book. I considered allowing myself to take Haden at #11, but I’m not sold that his sub-par combine will knock him out of the top 10. There is no way that Spikes drops to us in the second round; I see him getting drafted late in the first round or much earlier in the second when teams regroup.
One thing’s for sure, McGeorge, we both love our Gators’ prospects! If we could trade down from #11 and pick up a mid-1st and very early 2nd, maybe then we could snag Pouncey and Spikes, setting up my dream draft…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
I’ve seen Pouncey mocked as high as 16. I don’t think he’ll be around in the mid 20s. It is a risk anyone takes assuming he is. Haden may not be there at 11, but its possible.
If Denver found a way to pick up an extra pick and move into the 20ies to take Pouncey or Ipupti, that would be excellent!
If not, why not just take Pouncy at 11 – we need a C in the worst way. I’d rather over draft a good player like him than roll the dice on a high risk/high reward guy like Dez Bryant or Dan Williams.
In my opinion.
Fair Enough.
If Haden is there at #11, I don’t see how we can pass on him. I agree that we could do worse than drafting Pouncey there as well, but I have a hard time getting past our chance to do better. I see where you’re coming from and there’s an argument tobe made for it, even if I don’t necessarily agree…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Haden is my true hope for 11.
I’d be thrilled with McClain and very happy with Pouncey.
I’d be crushed if we took Dez Bryant, a RB or OT at 11.
In my opinion.
Hmmm...
What about Iupati? And if he’s a go for you, then why not an OT that would allow someone to move inside? I’m with you on the RBs, by the way; though we disagree on Bryant…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Spikes is not a 1st round player in this draft. Too limited and does not play one of the glory positions like DE, LT, QB or CB.
He’d be a good player, but I wonder if McX thinks he is versatile enough.
BTW – I hate versatile players at the expense of good players. I’d rather have good players that only excel at certain things than versatile ones that don’t excel in any one area.
In my opinion.
Spikes.
I have yet to have anyone tell me what it is that’s so bad about Brandon Spikes. Other than potentially struggling in man coverage, I just don’t see it. He more than makes up for it by being exceptional in zone coverage. He’s a heck of a pass rusher who even played with his hand on the ground or wide on the line as well. He has a knack for creating turnovers (both picks and fumbles) and a tendency of turning them into points to boot. He’s a great leader, a smart and instinctful middle linebacker and a productive tackler. I watched him for years in Gainesville and I can’t figure out the warts people are seeing in him. Anyway, I could see him going to any number of teams in the latter third of the first round, mostly for the 3-4 but also for the 4-3. I wish we would get him, I really do!
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Gotta agree....
With the McClain news, I think Haden has moved to the top of my board at 11. There are other centers and LB in the draft as well as DT (Williams would make my shortlist also) but there don’t seem to be any CB that people are talking about as great prospects.
I’m not excited about Dan Williams. I felt the same way about Ayers leading up to last draft and guess what, I’m still not excited about Ayers.
In my opinion.
That's OK.
I think judging a draft pick on his rookie season isn’t a great idea and, even then, I think Ayers flashed enough (when you consider the full circumstances of his pro debut) so I feel fine with him right now.
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
OK.
That is a good way to describe me feelings towards Ayers. He was OK in 2009 and I’d hoped for more.
In my opinion.
That's Fair.
I think he can still live up to those expectations you may have had. I mean, he was making a tough transition fron the 4-3 at UT to the 3-4 in Denver. I’ll admit that I wasn’t thrilled with the pick when it happened and that his rookie campaign didn’t set me completely at ease, but I’ve come around to him and have high hopes for him in the near future. 2010 is a big year for him, I’m thinking…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Well...
If you think Haden will be there at #11, then yeah. I happen to think that there are a ton of quality CB in this draft…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
EJ just sent you an email
Co-Leader of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD
by TheAngelsColts on Mar 16, 2010 6:29 PM MDT up reply actions
Thank you, Mr. Ruiz.
I appreciate your posts. You are very level headed in your opinions which are well thought out and researched. You are quite well spoken. For a blue collar guy, I’m pretty fussy about grammar and spelling, though I’m sure I still could be better with my own. You take the time to respond to almost every individual comment quite cordially. Thank you for your contributions to this site.
One reason I like this particular post is the lack of suggested trades. I enjoy reading mock drafts, but the prospect of a trade is too hard to predict. Most “mockers” use trades to provide the right value for a favorite draft prospect. You have simply worked with what is on the table. Well done.
The only pick that makes me think twice is Rolando McClain. He’s a fine young prospect, but the opinions of the resident medical experts raise too much of a red flag for my liking. I would appreciate more competition at the ILB position, but I feel it would be better to look elsewhere.
"People who live in glass houses...shouldn't."
Thank You Very Much!
It is my pleasure to interact with an impressive community of members here at MHR, so it’s no trouble at all to respond to people’s comments as much as possible. I understand people’s aprehension regarding McClain and will take them into consideration for future iterations of my Broncos mock draft. Thanks for the kind words and the well thought out comment!
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
I love McClain at #11
I noted above my concerns with the offensive line. Other than that, I like your take here. I really like Ford also.
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!
If we end up with McClain at 11, I’ll give McX two thumbs UP. Which I don’t do often when it comes to the draft.
In my opinion.
Good To Know...
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Good to see you outside the penalty box
Classy move btw
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!
How very disappointing.
I will be despondent over an administration that didn’t do its due diligence if he is picked.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
Ford.
Jacoby is on my radar, no doubt, but I prefer more complete, balanced WR like Cooper…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Opps, sorry
I wrote Ford, but I meant Cooper. I like them both, though. Now that Cooper can drop baseball, he should improve his skills further – a lot of upside with that kid.
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!
Cooper's Improvement.
I saw a chance in Riley this year, from a spotty beginning of the season to a rock solid contributer with real upside by the end…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
as of right now
our 5th this year was part of the LeKevin Smith scramble during training camp last year. With the additions of Bannan and Green this year I think we can avoid a bit of that desparation this year, but overall the position is still quite weak going forward….
There's a big hard sun, beating on the big people, in the big hard world.
formerly Styg-like
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 16, 2010 5:52 PM MDT up reply actions
Do the Broncos use 1 gapping or 2 gapping on D?
Scientific research has proven that you lose exactly 5.37 billion brain cells every time you listen to Todd McShay.
by TheRealSlimShady on Mar 16, 2010 7:12 PM MDT reply actions
It was sort of up for debate which direction we were going to go in for this season
After bringing in Williams and Banan, my opinion is that we’ll be using the 2 gap.
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!
IF so wooton might be a bad fit
Scientific research has proven that you lose exactly 5.37 billion brain cells every time you listen to Todd McShay.
by TheRealSlimShady on Mar 16, 2010 11:12 PM MDT up reply actions
There's a lot of differing opinons here
as to the potential of drafting defensive lineman, let alone a specific player like last year.
Some hold the idea that because McDaniels filled our secondary with FA’s, then drafted secondary, means we’re still likely to draft defensive linemen even though we nailed some frree agents.
I subscribe to the idea that we’re basically set (in the early rounds at least) at defensive line. Our starters from last year are basically our backups. We have more pressing needs than an early round pick like Wooten, regardless of fit. But that’s just my opinion, of couse.
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!
Defense.
Remember, Nolan was using a transitional roster and now he’s gone, so I expect the defense to have a different look this upcoming season. I’m not the most qualified to answer questions on scheme, but we’re all a bit in the dark right now…
By the way, are you seriously following Brady Quinn to Denver and becoming a Broncos fan, cause that would be super!
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Yes I’m following Brady. How do you think I used to be a browns fan? Haha
Scientific research has proven that you lose exactly 5.37 billion brain cells every time you listen to Todd McShay.
by TheRealSlimShady on Mar 16, 2010 11:13 PM MDT up reply actions
I just read the cbs Sports writeup on Pouncey...
It says that he is adept at the shotgun snap. “Rare combination of size, leverage and power as a drive blocker.” There is more but isn’t this what we want?
What I am seeing is a guy who could come in an nail that position for many years to come. He certainly would complement our offense. I think he is worth picking at #11.
Nice write-up, EJ. Thanks for your energy and time.
by Blackknigh on Mar 16, 2010 9:13 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
Pouncey at #11...
Many people seem to be advocating this strategy and I’m afraid it’s brone of some desperation. I do not believe that Maurkice, whom I am quite high on, is all that near to the 11th best prospect in this draft. I wouldn’t be shocked or all that upset if he’s the selection and I see where his supporters are coming from, but I am not yet swayed…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Nice mock
I’ve been on board with taking McClain for awhile now, so I really like that pick. I also like taking Byers, he grew up in northern Colorado, so there’s a bit of a connection there. Plus it would mean that we would actually have a center, which is always a plus.
I think I’m gonna have to put a mock up soon. I made one with the full first few rounds a month or so ago, but that’d be way off by now. Always plenty of fun!
I forgot to compliment you on WR Riley Cooper and OG Jerry.
Both, IMO, are good candidates. I am also a fan of RB Ben Tate. I think that he would work well in this system.
I am a little leery of McClain preferring to look at Spikes, Lee or Butler instead. I don’t see the need for another DE for the DL right now with several other needs. However, a DE for an OLB, that appears to be a need right now – especially after reading the discussion. Your CB looks very good.
This is so great – intelligent football people discussing, visiting and dissecting players and schemes in a proactive productive manner.
Thanks for your post, my friend.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Getting Social With MHR
Web Stuff
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
