A Roster Breakdown

by Jon Tollerud on Jul 1, 2011 6:30 PM MDT

So I think some people are ready to call it in on our team. We need to sign 600 College Free Agents, and 400 Free Agents on our team now or we will pick #1 in the draft.

Based on earlier parameters set we should look at keeping about 80 players on the roster for training camp. After the Jump I will provide those on the roster and then you tell me who you cut to sign your FA and CFA's.

Quarterback-

Currently we have KyleOrton, Tim Tebow, and Brady Quinn. Who do you cut trade and who do you bring in or do we go to 2 QB's on the roster? I think all three are here to start the season.

Runningback-

Lance Ball, Correll Buckhalter, Jerimiah Johnson, Mike McLaughlin, Brandon Minor, Knowshon Moreno and LenDale White are the current guys on the roster. I see three serviceable and we have kept four on the roster before. I see Buck, Moreno and White being Kept through with one other Name thrown into the mix.

Fullback-

Spencer Larsen is the only one on the roster and it seems to be his spot to lose. who do you replace him with or what?

Wide Receiver-

Britt Davis, Eric Decker, Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Lloyd, Eron Riley, Eddie Royal, Demaryius Thomas and Matthew Willis are currently here and in all honesty I don't see us keeping more than five on the roster come game 1 so for my money we keep Lloyd, Gaff, Royal, Thomas, Decker.

Tight End-

Daniel Coats, Virgil Green, Dan Gronkowski, Richard Quinn, Julius Thomas are the guys on our roster. In my mind I think we keep three. My guys are the two rooks and Quinn. Quinn may be a suck wad when it comes to catching the ball but dude blocks with the best and Coach knows this.

OLine-

Clady, Clark, Franklin, Harris and Taylor line the tackle position. In all honesty I think We will offer Harris a decent contract and if he signs he starts! So in my mind we keep three of these guys Clady, Harris and Franklin.

Beadles, Byers, Daniels, Hochstein, Kuper, Murphy Olsen and Ramirez are the current Guard competition. I think Beadles and Kuper will stay. Olsen may be a project at back up but we will definitely be bringing in 2 or 3 guys to compete here, I think those three will stay.

Walton is the only center on the roster so I expect a free agent to come in and test Walton though I think Walton will start.

DLine-

Ayers, Beal, Dumervil, Hunter, Veikune are the 5 guys on the roster at End. I fully expect all of them to make the roster but some competition to be brought in.

Leonard, Unrein and Vickerson are the three guys on the active roster with McBean and Thomas listed as possible Free Agents. I think Vickerson stays, Thomas wont get the monsy he thinks he is worth in FA and come back and We will bring in some serious competition here. Garland is on the roster but currently with other duties.

Linebackers-

Irving Kelly Mays and Mohamed are the "Mike Backers" and it looks like a good plan to me. I think Kelley is gone and the other three stay with some competition at camp.

Douglas, Williams and Woodyard are listed as the "Will Backers" which means that some competition will be brought in to fill out the spot. Wood looks good in coverage and DJ is finally where he belongs.

Haggan, Miller and Robinson are the "Sam Backers." To me that seems like we need someone to back up Miller. Haggan is ok but I'd like more!

Cornerback-

Bailey, Cox, Goodman, Jackson, Jones, Thompson and Vaughn are the CB group. I think that Jackson is fodder and I will shoot myself if Nate Jones plays AT ALL! Period! I think we keep 5

Safety-

Bruton is listed as a FS while the rest are listed as just Safety. With Carter, Dawkins, Hill, McBath, McCarthy, Moore and Polk on the roster I think 5 safeties stay. I think Hill may be a casualty with Moore, Dawkins, Carter, Bruton and McBath stay in my opinion.

Kickers/ Punters

I think Prater and Colquit stay! Period!

There you have it. We need to keep in mind we will probably be close to the same limits. 80 at camp 65 in preseason 53 active 7 PS and 45 Gameday!

GO BRONCOS!

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

Tweet Comment 78 comments | 3 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I want that big beast from the School of Mines brought in

Blaine Sumner is a beast and will so kill us if we let the Steelers or Ravens get him.

I said this about Sammie Lee Hill in ’09 and look at what that guy has done. Last year he rated out as one of the most consistent DL in the NFC.

Make those miracles happen - Jon Keyworth
Truth has no agenda - Glenn Beck

by IgorBStrange on Jul 1, 2011 7:27 PM MDT reply actions 2 recs

I like this. Kid is a animal!

"I actually watched the World Cup. I HATE baseball. Hockey’s over. Hey, at least we have the WNBA. Oh, man. I’m making a noose. Want one?"

Harv Neptune.

Is it Free Agency yet? Wake me up when it starts!

by boydy2669 on Jul 2, 2011 6:55 AM MDT up reply actions

FB competition

I’d like to see someone like Henry Hynoski brought in to compete at FB as a true blocking FB. If that works out wew may be able to use one of our TEs as an Hback in situations where we need and extra pair of hands in the backfield.

If a tree falls..

by HippoJohn on Jul 1, 2011 8:06 PM MDT reply actions

competition sure

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Jul 1, 2011 10:23 PM MDT up reply actions

I think we need to address FB, RB, LB, DT in FA as priorities. (not in that order).

My biggest names to go right now are Nate Jones and Ryan McBean.

I hope we sign Coefield or Jenkins at DT and bring back Bannon and Thomas to compete for the starting spots and rotate.

I think Haggan will move to DE and so we’ll need to bring in another LB to either be a backup or compete with Miller to start at SAM. Maybe Thomas Davis?

I think we need a compliment to Knowshon. Michael Bush and DeAngelo Williams are on my wish list.

I like our roster for the most part and if we can get good contribution from the rookies this year then I think we can be better than expected. I think there are still a few pieces obviously (DT) that we need to fill. I am fine if Kyle Orton is here to start the season but if Tebow wins the starting job I fully expect and hope that we trade him so that we can get some compensation for him while he is under contract. If Kyle wins the job I’ll support him. If he brings the same boring non passionate play though I’ll be calling for the next in line. My vote goes to Tebow to start though.

Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.

by BroncoMath101 on Jul 1, 2011 9:31 PM MDT reply actions

So I was pulling these positions from the official website

and Haggan was listed as a SLB….

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Jul 1, 2011 10:23 PM MDT up reply actions

One of the D coacheshas said Haggan is being moved to DE

At 260 pounds, or so, that seems to be a good move.

It’s really scary when you have a moment of temporary sanity.
Nelson DeMille

by bradley on Jul 2, 2011 8:04 AM MDT up reply actions

I am not saying he is wrong

just saying my thoughts are based on what is on the website!

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Jul 2, 2011 10:31 AM MDT up reply actions

Go to the denver website and look at the Q's for the LB coach.

He say’s that Haggan doesn’t have the speed to play a LB in a 4-3, so his going to the d-line/special teams.

by tiderfootball09 on Jul 2, 2011 4:11 PM MDT up reply actions

no you are right that has changed recently

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Jul 2, 2011 11:41 PM MDT up reply actions

I'll take a shot at the 53 Man Roster!

QB: Timmy Tebow, Brady Quinn – 2

RB: Knowshon Moreno, Jerome Harrison, White, Ball – 4

FB: Spencer Larsen (one last try to stay healthy) – 1

WR: Lloyd, Royal, Gaffney, Decker, Willis, Thomas (possible PUP for 6 weeks) – 6

TE: Green, Quinn, Thomas – 3

OL: Clady, Beadles (LG), Walton, Kuper, Franklin (RT), Hoch, Clark, Byers. – 8

DE: Doom, Ayers, Hunter, Veikune, Jayme Mitchell – 5

DT: Vickerson, Haynesworth/Cullen Jenkins, Kris Jenkins, Marcus Thomas, Alan Branch – 5

LB: WILL – DJ, Woodyard… MIKE – Irving, Mays… SAM – Miller, Mohammed – 6

CB: Champ, Goody, Cox, Squid, Vaughn – 5

S: FS – McBath, Moore… SS – Dawkins, Carter, Bruton – 5

ST: Prater, Colquit, Paxton – 3

There’s my 53. I think we’ll add a true run stopping DE to rotate on run downs, a guy like Mitchell. I have either Hill or Dawkins leaving at Safety. I could see adding another CB and subtracting a DE or DT. I don’t have Haggan making the team because I don’t think he can play linebacker and we don’t need him at end. I’ve also got McBath starting over Moore… surprise. I’ve also got Willis at WR even if Thomas is on the roster, making it six. Two QBs, but just by a hair. I can’t find a cheap, savvy vet to put on board.

Nice post and I like the idea of audience participation to keep us entertained!

Von. Doom. Pow!

by Rodney A on Jul 1, 2011 10:46 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

I would take out TE Quinn and replace him with Gronk

Who is in the top 3 blocking TE’s in the league, while Quinn has had more issues than he’s worth. I also think Haggan makes the team at DE, he’s been talked up quiet a bit, and is well respected by the team. DT is still way to grey for me to guess what happens there. I’m also a bit unsure about S and Cox at CB because of his current legal situation. Other than that, I think it’s pretty good.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 1, 2011 10:57 PM MDT up reply actions

Thanks

Haggan is definitely possible. I just don’t think he’s fast enough to sub for Doom or strong enough to sub for Ayers. He was talked up by a linebacker coach, but he’s not going to play linebacker. I’d put more weight in those words if they were spoken by the line coach.

Gronk v Quinn is one of the toughest calls. Gronk played FB when larsen went out, so advantage Gronk there. But I thought Quinn was the better blocker which is really what we need. My opinion sways because quite honestly, I haven’t paid enough attention to watching each guy in their specific blocking roles often enough. I haven’t noticed much difference between them. But I’d give the spot to the better blocker. If that’s Gronk, then I’m sold.

Von. Doom. Pow!

by Rodney A on Jul 1, 2011 11:25 PM MDT up reply actions

He is listed as a SLB on the team site!

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Jul 2, 2011 12:56 AM MDT up reply actions

Sure, but the rookies don't even have numbers yet

So that hasn’t been upgraded

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk

by KaptainKirk on Jul 2, 2011 9:21 AM MDT up reply actions

officially they cant have numbers yet because that would imply contact with the Team as well!

the CBA messes up a lot i hate it ha ha !

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Jul 2, 2011 10:31 AM MDT up reply actions

Why not?

whatever happened to a rookie walking in the door or this case drafted even tho there is a lock out and hand him a jersey and saying you wore #15 in college here it was available so there you go, You next you wore 55 in college well heres #51, 55 is already assigned. they could do the same thing already by saying Franklin will be wearing #67 to start the season, Irving will wear # 52 to start the season and so forth. If a player gets cut and they want that number then let them change before the season starts.

by papasteven on Jul 2, 2011 1:56 PM MDT up reply actions

Quinn's Improvement = Steadily Better and Better

Go watch game film from 2009 to the end of 2010, Quinn has only gotten better and better. He is a nasty blocker on the edge—something Fox covets.

by RSH089 on Jul 2, 2011 1:01 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

I'm not saying Quinn is bad

I’m saying Gronk is considered one of the best in league.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 2, 2011 2:02 PM MDT up reply actions

Are you sure you have the right Gronk?

At last count, there are three of them

It’s really scary when you have a moment of temporary sanity.
Nelson DeMille

by bradley on Jul 2, 2011 2:08 PM MDT up reply actions

I am sure

According to Pro Football Focus he’s top 3, link, and FO ranks him highly as well.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 2, 2011 4:24 PM MDT up reply actions

Wow

Looks like the Broncos have some good TE’s to choose from.

It’s really scary when you have a moment of temporary sanity.
Nelson DeMille

by bradley on Jul 2, 2011 4:55 PM MDT up reply actions

We have great blocking TE's

And with Thomas and Green, we have two catching ones. Now Fox just needs to decide who stays and who goes.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 2, 2011 5:10 PM MDT up reply actions

I’m hoping we can keep all 4. I see an upside in all of them.

If we are breaking in a new right tackle, we are going to have to offset it with great blocking tight ends. I’m hoping that we keep both Quinn and Gronk who will help us in that area and use Green and Thomas as receivers, but I know that it’s a long shot.

Follow me on Twitter: ballinnickcast
Xbox360 gamertag: SnipeMeHarder
"They said I couldn't be a high school quarterback, they said I couldn't get a D1 scholarship. You're not good enough, you're not skilled enough. They said I couldn't win a heisman. They said I couldn't win a national championship. They said I wouldn't be a first round draft pick. They said I couldn't play in the league. Appreciate that." - Tim Tebow.

by Nick Cast on Jul 2, 2011 6:25 PM MDT up reply actions

Maybe not Nick

One could take the place of a Fulllback since that is a somewhat obsolete position. I know people are in love with Larsen, but how many ST specialists can the team afford to keep? As I see it, Larsen, Woodyard and Bruton all have more value on ST’s and a team can’t afford to keep players that aren’t producing in other areas. Those three are versatile, but how much real impact do they have? IMO, that could be something scrutinized, especially since Fox has no ties to them.

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk

by KaptainKirk on Jul 2, 2011 7:01 PM MDT up reply actions

That’s an interesting way to look at it. I guess my question would then be is Quinn or Gronkowski a better fullback then Larsen?

I remember Larsen messing up plenty last year, but I’m not sure Rich Quinn or Gronk would do much better. Larsen is a fan favorite. I love the guy strictly because of that 1 run he had last year where he broke 4 tackles, stood up and screamed. It was awesome.

I’ve been tinkering with different roster depth charts to see how I can fit all 4 TE, but it has proven somewhat difficult.

by Nick Cast on Jul 3, 2011 1:00 AM MDT up reply actions

We do have to remember that Fox does run two back formations a lot

So having a FB/TE like Gronk would be very valuable, especially since Gronk is our best non-lineman blocker. I do agree we can only keep so many ST guys, but Gronk will make the team as our best blocking TE, something Fox and McCoy both love, and he can also play FB. I don’t think Gronk is a pure FB, but he can block from the backfield for our new running game. Larsen is the better receiver, but he’s not the blocker Gronk is.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 3, 2011 1:31 AM MDT up reply actions

Gronk has shown he can play both TE and FB

So that might be what keeps him here.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 2, 2011 7:21 PM MDT up reply actions

Is Gronk a better FB then Larsen though?

Or are we going to sacrifice the difference between Larsen and Gronk so we can keep Gronk as a swing FB/TE player.

by Nick Cast on Jul 3, 2011 1:00 AM MDT up reply actions

I don't think he's a better receiver than Larson

But he is a better blocker, and in Fox’s and McCoys offense, a blocking TE/FB is very valuable. I’d rather cut a guy like Quinn and keep Thomas, Green, Gronk and Larson at TE and FB. Add in Green, Thomas and Larson can all play ST, I would see no issue with keeping these four.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 3, 2011 1:32 AM MDT up reply actions

I would hope we would trade Quinn for something if that were the case.

The question is whether we think Gronk is ready to be the starting TE. Because Thomas and Green aren’t ready yet. Is he ready for the job? Can he be any sort of receiving threat? I guess we’ll find out in training camp.

Rich Quinn better bring his A++game.

by Nick Cast on Jul 3, 2011 3:13 AM MDT up reply actions

Keeping Rodney's and putting Thomas on PUP

With an achilles injury I’d rather see Thomas rest for the long haul. We’ll able to make a decision 6 weeks into the season. If we do activate him I think we get a couple weeks exemption to work him in as well. BTW if we cut Larsen good chance he’ll be available as a FA if we find we need him.
QB: Timmy Tebow, Brady Quinn – 2

RB: Knowshon Moreno, Jerome Harrison, White, Ball – 4

FB: Spencer Larsen (one last try to stay healthy) – 1 or not!

WR: Lloyd, Royal, Gaffney, Decker, Willis, with Thomas on PUP for 6 weeks – 5

TE: Green, Quinn, Thomas – 3

OL: Clady, Beadles (LG), Walton, Kuper, Franklin (RT), Hoch, Clark, Byers. – 8

DE: Doom, Ayers, Hunter, Veikune, Jayme Mitchell – 5

DT: Vickerson, Haynesworth/Cullen Jenkins, Kris Jenkins, Marcus Thomas, Alan Branch – 5

LB: WILL – DJ, Woodyard… MIKE – Irving, Mays… SAM – Miller, Mohammed – 6

CB: Champ, Goody, Cox, Squid, Vaughn – 5

S: FS – McBath, Moore… SS – Dawkins, Carter, Bruton – 5

ST: Prater, Colquit, Paxton – 3

I'm right 97% of the time. Who cares about the other 4%?

by HippoJohn on Jul 5, 2011 9:27 PM MDT up reply actions

Please stop it with the Haynesworth hope

There’s no way a coach like Fox will allow that sort of bad apple in the locker room. I certainly don’t want him on this team.

by ConradA on Jul 2, 2011 9:36 AM MDT up reply actions

I think Fox is the perfect coach for him to thrive and get back on track.

"I actually watched the World Cup. I HATE baseball. Hockey’s over. Hey, at least we have the WNBA. Oh, man. I’m making a noose. Want one?"

Harv Neptune.

Is it Free Agency yet? Wake me up when it starts!

by boydy2669 on Jul 2, 2011 10:01 AM MDT up reply actions

I pray that you are right, Conrad

Let’s spend some money on Mebane or one of the other young and decent guys. Or re-sign Bannan and Thomas and make do until the next draft. Or find a stud in CFA, like the kid from Mines. Anything but Haynesworth.

It’s really scary when you have a moment of temporary sanity.
Nelson DeMille

by bradley on Jul 2, 2011 12:16 PM MDT up reply actions 2 recs

I'm praying with you both.

No Albert!

I bleed Orange & Blue.

by Fabio Brazil on Jul 2, 2011 12:21 PM MDT up reply actions

ah, nuts

There’s a better chance, IMO, of getting Haynesworth in Bronco colors than there is that we bring Bannan back. Haynesworth makes sense on multiple levels. The only level he doesn’t make sense is because of his character and attitude. And as tired as you probably are of those of us thinking Haynesworth is a real option, I’m just as tired of listening to people taking the high road and acting as if we only hire angels and that all of our players burp rainbows.

Xanders and the Johns strongly considered sacrificing nearly the rest of the draft to trade for a difference making defensive tackle with character issues. You can’t tell me that Nick Fairley is better than Haynesworth. And you really can’t tell me that dirty Fairly is going to be less of a problem than Albert has been. The team was considering spending multiple, major draft picks for this trouble maker. We can debate all day about who is worse and why, but the point is that Albert has many, many extremely highly productive years, including his first year in Washington. He’s a difference maker. And he’s fat like Fox likes. It’s insane, it’s crazy to think he’s not an option just because he’s been acting like an idiot for two years.

It’s important to remember that this is a guy that was given a One Hundred Million Dollar contract two seasons back. $100M. He was the highest paid DT in football. His skills haven’t regressed. He’s just an immature baby. That can be corrected, IMO, with a simple change of scenery (new coach).So what if he’s not holding hands in church with Brian Dawkins and Tim Tebow. He’s still a very real option. He would cost peanuts, relative peanuts. Comparable talent simply cannot be bought for that cheap anywhere else. Not even close.

So no, I won’t stop with the Haynesworth hope. But I wish others would stop with the Bannan hope.

Von. Doom. Pow!

by Rodney A on Jul 4, 2011 12:10 PM MDT up reply actions

Rodney I also see Fat albert as an option

I think Tommie Harris is also a consideration on their list and maybe Allen branch . If Harris can stay healthy and Haynes worth could stay motivated and re-sign Marcus Thomas that could be a very good group along with Vickerson .

by ultraclassic04 on Jul 4, 2011 12:32 PM MDT up reply actions

I like your thinking

I, too, have mentioned both Branch and Harris on multiple occasions. I think Harris is worth the risk (he, too, was once the highest paid DT in all of football). He’s young and has the upside to return to glory, and yet probably comes with a price tag of a backup/mediocre starter. And Allen Branch is just the sort of big boy that Fox seems to prefer. I don’t see him as a starter, but the kind of guy you handcuff a guy like Harris to. It’s sort of hedging our bet in that if Harris doesn’t work out, a guy like Branch would do alright as a starter if need be.

Von. Doom. Pow!

by Rodney A on Jul 4, 2011 6:17 PM MDT up reply actions

I would be happy with signing Haynesworth...in fact, I would be stoked!

"I actually watched the World Cup. I HATE baseball. Hockey’s over. Hey, at least we have the WNBA. Oh, man. I’m making a noose. Want one?"

Harv Neptune.

Is it Free Agency yet? Wake me up when it starts!

by boydy2669 on Jul 4, 2011 11:09 PM MDT up reply actions

I take Willis over Gaffney. He's younger and catches everything thrown any where near him.

by McManJoe on Jul 1, 2011 10:59 PM MDT reply actions

Willis barely made the team last season, and wasn't used at all

While he is fast, he really hasn’t shown much else.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 1, 2011 11:42 PM MDT up reply actions

I wouldn't take him over Gaff at this point

but Willis blew up TC last year. He didn’t put it together during the season, but he’s still a guy that’s earned a chance to develop, IMO. This is a guy that could all the sudden shock the country not unlike a Brandon Lloyd sudden breakout year.

Von. Doom. Pow!

by Rodney A on Jul 2, 2011 7:37 AM MDT up reply actions

Didn't Willis get hurt in pre season

And spent the year on IR?

It’s really scary when you have a moment of temporary sanity.
Nelson DeMille

by bradley on Jul 2, 2011 8:09 AM MDT up reply actions

Yep...last pre-season game!

"I actually watched the World Cup. I HATE baseball. Hockey’s over. Hey, at least we have the WNBA. Oh, man. I’m making a noose. Want one?"

Harv Neptune.

Is it Free Agency yet? Wake me up when it starts!

by boydy2669 on Jul 2, 2011 8:29 AM MDT up reply actions

No way.

Willis blew up TC, and was the biggest WR hype coming into preseason (which he was phenominal during – especially great chemistry with Tebow). Willis got injured and went to IR for the season. And I think he is a solid lock to make the team this year and contribute a LOT. We will carry 6 WR this year, just because the talent and ability in our WR corps, for the dollars we’re putting out is amazing. We need to hold on to all those guys until they give us a good reason not to!

"It is better to be rougly right than precisely wrong." - John Maynard Keynes

"Excellence can be obtained; if you care more than others think is wise…risk more than others think is safe…dream more than others think is practical…expect more than others think is possible." - Anonymous Author

by Alexander Wall on Jul 4, 2011 12:12 AM MDT up reply actions

I doubt Willis gets much playing time next season

I know people like speed, but we aren’t the Raiders, and speed doesn’t a great WR make. Willis just lacks the toughness to beat a decent CB in bump and lacks the ability to get over CB’s like Lloyd can. I know he’s been hyped, that’s why I think it’s going to be hard for many fans when he does what he has his whole career, nothing. His speed hasn’t changed since he was drafted, so if that was something that impressed coaches, it didn’t show. There’s a reason he only has 2 career regular season catches. As for his relationship with Tebow, he was Tebow’s 3rd most targeted player, he was 58% accurate to Willis while he was 66% to all other targets.

I do see us keeping 6 WR, but I don’t think guys like Willis will see much playing time just because we have proven guys in Decker, Lloyd and Gaffney. But hey, we’ll see what happens when the season starts.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 4, 2011 2:37 AM MDT up reply actions

Willis played what? One year of college football?

He’s been working real hard to become a football player. I hope his hard work pays off and he surprises us.

It’s really scary when you have a moment of temporary sanity.
Nelson DeMille

by bradley on Jul 4, 2011 6:06 AM MDT up reply actions

I hope he surprises us as well

But hard work doesn’t equal success, there are way too many hard workers who fail or are just average each year. And I was talking about in the NFL where he hasn’t done anything, What you do in college doesn’t mean crap, especially since he’s been in the league for four years.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 4, 2011 12:02 PM MDT up reply actions

I don't know, Royal has the same knocks on him...

Yet he had a VERY successful rookie year. WR success is half the WR’s effort/talent/ability and half Opportunity. Lloyd was finally given opportunities to go up and get the ball, and look what he did after a career of near silence. If Tebow starts and Willis continues to gain the kind of chemistry with him we saw last preseason, I wouldn’t be surprised if Willis was able to supplant Royal’s starting slot – since the headshed has already expressed great respect for what Eddie can do in the return game.

Everyone keeps talking about putting other guys on returns so Eddie and focus on passing. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Eddie was a rotational 3rd down receiver and was our primary return man on all kicks. I’m not saying it WILL happen, but its definitely a possibility. DeSean Jackson is about the same size as Willis, with about the same speed, yet he’s been a highly successful WR. Same with Steve Smith of the Panthers – though Steve is a bit bulkier for his height than Willis or Jackson are.

Anyhow, i’m just saying there’s nothing holding Willis back but himself really. If he gets the coaches to believe in him and give him the opportunity, than its his turn to shine. Its not impossible.

"It is better to be rougly right than precisely wrong." - John Maynard Keynes

by Alexander Wall on Jul 4, 2011 2:52 PM MDT up reply actions

in all honesty Alex

I will not give Willis a true roster spot until he earns it. He may impress others with his training camps and preseasons but he hasn’t show me anything! the others on the roster have shown something at one time or another when it matters. To me Willis has to show a lot outside TC/PS before I will be ready to jump on his band wagon!

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Jul 4, 2011 4:26 PM MDT up reply actions

My thoughts exactly

We have to remember Willis isn’t a rookie, he’s been in the league four seasons, and has yet to break into any teams starting lineup. Willis excites some fans, but there is a reason he hasn’t seen the field, even with his injury last season, I doubt he would have gotten much time playing. If he proves himself, awesome, but he has to prove himself, that is the main part.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 4, 2011 11:19 PM MDT up reply actions

Yeah, there are reasons

One reason, IMO, is because he was undrafted. It’s not at all uncommon for undrafted rookies to take longer to get a shot because the team is not deeply invested in them.

Rod Smith and Wes Welker, Bart Scott and James Harrison, Jeff Saturday and Pat WIlliams; these are pro-bowlers, all-pro’s that originally went undrafted. These guys often got bounced by their original team and spent substantial time on PS. Then there’s are also a crap ton of other players that had to go to AFL and arena type leagues to make a name before getting a chance in the league – think Kurt Warner and Warner Moon types.

Granted, this is just a handful of notable examples, but there are dozens more. And if we stop looking for all-pro’s then there are hundreds more. Again, it’s not uncommon for undrafted rookies to take a few years to get their shot. It’s not uncommon for a standard fan to not even know who an undrafted free agent is for 3-4 years until he gets his shot.

One more issue here is who an undrafted guy has in front of him. Willis has had Brandon Lloyd, Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Jabar Gaffney in front of him. Last year, he had Lloyd looking like Larry Fitzgerald all year, Gaffney ripped off another 900 yards and then he had 1st round rookie Demaryius Thomas getting a bunch of attention. Add in early fan favorite Eric Decker to that list that Willis has to fend off and it’s easy to see why this guy is having a hard time getting a shot. In fact, it’s a wonder he even made the team. That alone says something. The fact that we carried him until he broke his foot says a lot, IMO.

Von. Doom. Pow!

by Rodney A on Jul 5, 2011 8:23 AM MDT up reply actions

I have to agree, MD

To be accurate, he’s only played in 3 seasons — he missed one.

I liked Willis enough to put him on my first MOCK roster but that’s partly because his current competition — Riley & Davis — have shown even less.

Willis deserves credit for having made the 2010 team and for his stellar pre-season but he disappeared in the regular season. Our memories are faulty in this case; we remember the good performances in pre-season but forget he disappeared, because there’s nothing to remember.

The best thing he has going for himself is the injury situation with Thomas. The worst thing that he and Riley and Davis have going is their lack of contribution so far. We have to look at the 6th WR position as wide open and hope that there’s more competition brought in.

******* The human understanding when it has once adopted an opinion ... draws all things else to support and agree with it. And though there be a greater number and weight of instances to be found on the other side, yet these it either neglects and despises ... in order that by this great and pernicious predetermination the authority of its former conclusions may remain inviolate. --Francis Bacon, Novum Organum, 1620

by Colinski on Jul 6, 2011 7:35 PM MDT up reply actions

Remember

Willis disappeared with a broken foot suffered in the Jets game.

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk

by KaptainKirk on Jul 6, 2011 10:50 PM MDT up reply actions

yes, understood

The Jets game was the 7th game of the season, so he wasn’t a factor before that. A helpful contrast is DT’s performance against Seattle, the 2nd game, in which he caught 8 receptions.

It’s not an indictment against Willis that he was behind a stellar group of WRs but we’re still in the dark somewhat regarding what to expect. Great pre-season production often doesn’t translate into great regular season production.

Willis would seem to have the inside track to the 6th WR spot (including DT on PUP), but he’s still a bubble player. A CFA could still come in and beat him out. What’s in his favor is he’s a speed wideout and has shown some ability on STs. His chances are also enhanced by the fact that DT will be out for at least half a season.

On a slightly different issue — I’m still intrigued by the idea of 4 TEs. The problem is finding space and it’s a big problem. It’s hard to go under 6 at WR with DT’s injury, so Willis may be safe in the early part of the season. However, rosters are not static and an increased use of our receiving TEs could come at the expense — in both receptions and rosters spots — of the depth at WR. It’s far from certain that the added TE spot will come out the WR numbers but it’s a natural place to look since both positions share receiving duties.

by Colinski on Jul 7, 2011 9:52 AM MDT up reply actions

I agree and good points

I just thought it worth mentioning.

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk

by KaptainKirk on Jul 7, 2011 10:17 AM MDT up reply actions

Not to sound overly critical, but..

He may impress others with his training camps and preseasons but he hasn’t show me anything!

Did you go to Training Camp? How’s he going to show you something if you’re not there and you can’t see it on TV?

Also, are we really jumping on a band wagon here? This is a guy that some of think will make the team as the 5th/6th WR. We’re not exactly calling him an all-pro just yet.

You sound as if Willis should have had a great year. But how? Lloyd led the league in yards and TDs and looked like an all-pro. D Thomas was obviously given a lot of attention and chances, as he was our first-rounder (big investment). Then Decker, Gaff and Royal are all fighting for balls, also. How exactly is Willis supposed to break the lineup until there’s an injury?

Sure, you haven’t seen it yet, But don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s not there just because you weren’t.

Von. Doom. Pow!

by Rodney A on Jul 5, 2011 8:29 AM MDT up reply actions

I did not go to training camp

here is where you take my comment out of context. While he may have shown some people at TC things he didn’t show the coaches enough to put him at the top of the roster, how many times did we line up in 4 WR sets? With Thomas Lloyd Royal and Gaffney? not that many. When Thomas got hurt we lined up even fewer times. The coaches dont seem to line him up even when injuries happen. He was also on the roster when we drafted two more receivers which shows me he may have promise but no one on staff is sold on him. All I am saying is that Matthew Willis was undrafted for a reason, he is PS fodder for a reason and has two catches for a reason. 32 teams pass on you 7 times for a reason. Can you find a Stud UDFA? Absolutely but that is the exception not the rule!

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Jul 5, 2011 2:27 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

There are hundreds of players that went undrafted, spent years working to get a shot and then eventually became at least a solid contributor.

After a few years of virtually no production, I agree that undrafted free agents becoming solid contributors are the exception not the rule. All I’m saying is that Willis has some of the common characteristics and warning signs of a man about to break out, or at least make the roster.

First off, Willis was pretty new to football coming into the league, as he only had 24 receptions in college. So obviously, this is a guy that’s going to take some time. The Ravens originally signed him and then he moved on to the Broncos the following year. This isn’t at all uncommon for undrafted rookies because they simply don’t get a lot of attention of chances early on. And that’s catch 22 because it’s hard to earn attention and chances because you need attention to earn more attention.

Anyway, I’m just saying that he blew up TC last year and that we should take notice. The fact that it took him a long time to do that, doesn’t mean much given how much he had to learn. As for not making impact last year, he was sitting behind the leagues leading receiver (Lloyd), 1st rounder, Thomas, 3rd rounder Decker, Gaffney and Royal.

The fact that the team drafted Thomas absolutely says nothing about Willis. Nobody knew that Lloyd was going to look like Randy Moss. And we lost Brandon Marshall. As for drafting Decker, think back to the draft. Many around here wanted him and he wasn’t supposed to be there where we took him. He was a steal and the BPA, IMO. It says nothing about Willis not being good enough to make the team.

"I’ve never been so blindsided," Bannan said. " I did my job. I gave it everything I had. It broke my heart. …it really came as quite a shock, and it’s very upsetting to me and my family... "I love Baltimore. I still keep in contact with a lot of guys back there. They’re family to me, the Ravens organization is family to me. So that’s a definite possibility."

It's time to stop trying to make Bannan happen. He's not coming back.
Von. Doom. Pow!

by Rodney A on Jul 5, 2011 4:01 PM MDT up reply actions

except in an actual game!

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Jul 2, 2011 12:56 AM MDT up reply actions

Thanks JT...Nice read and discussion topic...

I would not be surprised if we bring in Tavarris Jackson.

"I actually watched the World Cup. I HATE baseball. Hockey’s over. Hey, at least we have the WNBA. Oh, man. I’m making a noose. Want one?"

Harv Neptune.

Is it Free Agency yet? Wake me up when it starts!

by boydy2669 on Jul 2, 2011 7:00 AM MDT reply actions

that may hurt a little

because again the press will be on the QB and why we are focusing on that position!

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Jul 2, 2011 10:33 AM MDT up reply actions

Wide Receivers

I think we all agree that Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal, and Eric Decker will be on the team.

This puts us in an interesting situation. Demayrius is likely to start the year on the PUP list and maybe go straight to the IR once the trainers get to finally check him out.

That will lead to an interesting battle between Matt Willis and Britt Davis for the 5th WR spot.

by Nick Cast on Jul 2, 2011 6:31 PM MDT reply actions

My gut says DT will not play this year.

I just hope we give him a shot to make the team next year.

The Orton/Tebow Debate Has Been Settled

by Tim Lynch on Jul 3, 2011 2:46 PM MDT up reply actions

My gut says DT doesn’t play at all and he fights for his Bronco life in 2012.

by Nick Cast on Jul 3, 2011 3:45 PM MDT up reply actions

DT will play...at the lastest week week 7 after coming off PUP.

"I actually watched the World Cup. I HATE baseball. Hockey’s over. Hey, at least we have the WNBA. Oh, man. I’m making a noose. Want one?"

Harv Neptune.

Is it Free Agency yet? Wake me up when it starts!

by boydy2669 on Jul 3, 2011 5:46 PM MDT up reply actions

Agreed, my outlook for DT isn't good

Even if he does play this season, he likely won’t be at 100%, let him rest it, and fight for his spot next season.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 3, 2011 8:12 PM MDT up reply actions

You want a 1st round pick with his upside to fight for his spot? Sorry, thats ridiculous...he needs to play.....and the only injuries in his career have been last year.....he will be good to come back so let him play.

"I actually watched the World Cup. I HATE baseball. Hockey’s over. Hey, at least we have the WNBA. Oh, man. I’m making a noose. Want one?"

Harv Neptune.

Is it Free Agency yet? Wake me up when it starts!

by boydy2669 on Jul 3, 2011 9:08 PM MDT up reply actions

If he doesn't play next season

Which seems more and more likely with each new update, he will only have played in 10 games in two seasons, he’ll have suffered two major injuries, and will not have proven much. So yea, I do want him fighting for a spot in 2012 if he doesn’t play in 2011. Also, I don’t see a lot of upside in DT, I think he’s a good WR, but I don’t see him having the ability to be considered a huge upside guy, I think Decker has proven more at this point. You don’t waste roster spots on talent that is either injured or never being used. Even when healthy, DT wasn’t used hardly at all, outside of the Seattle game.

I will be happy to be wrong in this case, because that will mean we have a great, young WR, but as someone who trusts their gut often Boydy, I’ve got a gut feeling DT isn’t a bright spot on this team. But hey, we’ll know in a year or two either way.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 3, 2011 11:24 PM MDT up reply actions

I agreed with everything up until where you said you didn’t think he had high upside.

I think Demayrius has the highest upside of any WR we have. He’s a 6 ft 3, 225 pound guy with blazing 4.4 speed. He’s big, physical, and extremely fast.

He flashed his ability just a few times last year, but when he flashed, he did it in a big way. That game against the Seahawks was ridiculous. He also made a play against the 49ers that made me say “Wow”.

The key for him is going to be his health. He needs to get healthy and that’s a big obstacle, but if he is able to do that then he has real high upside. He just has to get healthy and show us what he can do and it probably won’t be until 2012.

by Nick Cast on Jul 3, 2011 11:57 PM MDT up reply actions

This is a silly arguement.

Players are ALWAYS fighting for a spot (except maybe QBs) and the best guys win. Any coach that gives a player a free ride over someone else thats performing better just because of a contract or draft spot or future hopes… must not like his job. Cause selecting a 53 man roster like that gets you the boot real quick.

Thomas WILL be fighting for his spot next year whether he plays this year or not, and will continue to fight for his spot every year, just like every other player on the roster. There are too many guys waiting in the wings for any player to think he’s going to get the nod just for “being” a good player yet not actually performing to his full capabilities.

"It is better to be rougly right than precisely wrong." - John Maynard Keynes

by Alexander Wall on Jul 4, 2011 12:17 AM MDT up reply actions

Read a little bit higher up and you will see that I said this:

“My gut says DT doesn’t play at all and he fights for his Bronco life in 2012”

I’m not saying we should give him a roster spot because he has potential. All I was saying is that he does have potential.

by Nick Cast on Jul 4, 2011 4:08 AM MDT up reply actions

Potential, if he has it, means nothing if you don't produce

And one good game in a season doesn’t mean much, and if he doesn’t play much next season, one good game in two seasons means even less, even if you are a 1st round pick.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 4, 2011 2:39 AM MDT up reply actions

Potential means nothing without Production. I totally agree.

But I wasn’t saying DT was a huge producer last year or anything like that. I was just disagreeing with your assessment that DT isn’t a guy with high upside. He has the physical tools to be great. He just needs to stay healthy which obviously is a problem for him. Like I said, he will be fighting for his Bronco life in 2012, but to say he doesn’t have high upside is wrong IMO.

by Nick Cast on Jul 4, 2011 4:11 AM MDT up reply actions

I hope you are right

And we’ll find out in late 2011 or 2012, till than, all we have is our opinions.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Jul 4, 2011 4:27 AM MDT up reply actions

We all have to keep in mind that staying Healthy is as much luck as it is personal effort.

Its true that players have to take care of their bodies to “help prevent” injury, but even the most rock hard, tough as nails players get injured. It happens. Nobody is “injury prone”; the players people always call “injury prone” are just extremely unlucky. Because I doubt those guys aren’t doing everything they can to stay healthy and strong 24/7.

It is true that some positions and styles of play at certain positions (like spectacular catch WR’s that put themselves in awkward positions to make the play) have a higher injury risk. But they also have a higher potential production, because they will go and make the plays that other WR’s (or other positions if we want to stay general) won’t risk.

I can garuntee that Coaches don’t lose faith in a guy because of him being “injury prone”. It’s all a game of risk reward when selecting starters, and the ONLY medical thing that should concern a coach is a recurring injury, not a rash of random separate injuries that only give evidence of bad luck, not poor genetics or whatever else “injury prone” means.

"It is better to be rougly right than precisely wrong." - John Maynard Keynes

by Alexander Wall on Jul 4, 2011 2:59 PM MDT up reply actions