Assessing the Broncos Roster on Defense - 2012

by KaptainKirk on Jan 26, 2012 1:01 PM MST in Strictly My Opinion

Continuing on from my roster assessment of the Offense here, this post will take a look at the Denver Broncos personnel for 2012 on the Defensive side of the ball. This is where I believe our team needs to address the upgrading of talent on the field and how to accomplish that with regards to age and economical factors in order to improve for the upcoming season.

Defensive Linemen

DE Elvis Dumervil, Age: 27, 6th year. 2011-2012: $14 million.

DE Robert Ayers, Age: 25, 3rd year. 2011: $880,000, 2012: $965,000, 2014: Free Agent

DT Mitch Unrein, Age: 24, 1st year. 2012: $415,000, 2013: Exclusive Rights Free Agent

DT Ty Warren, Age:30, 9th year. 2011: $1.5 million, 2012: $4 million, 2013: Free Agent.

DE Kevin Vickerson, Age: 28, 6th year. 2011: $1 million (+ $375,000 roster bonus), 2012: $2 million (+ $375,000 roster bonus), 2013: Free Agent

Free Agents:

DT Marcus Thomas, Age:25, 5th year. 2012: Free Agent.

DT Brodrick Bunkley, Age: 27, 6th year. 2011: $635,000, 2012: Free Agent

DE Jason Hunter, Age: 28, 6th year. 2011: $715,000, 2012: Free Agent.

DE Derrick Harvey, Age: 24, 4th year. 8/1/2011: Signed a one-year, $600,000 contract. 2012: Free Agent

DT Ryan McBean, Age: 27, 4th year. 2011: $480,000, 2012: Restricted Free Agent

Practice Squad/Reserve:

DE Jeremy Beal, Age:23 , 1st year. 1/16/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.

DT Jeremy Jarmon, Age:24, 3rd year.1/2/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.

DT Sealver Siliga, Age:21, 1st year. 1/16/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.

Summary: Dumervil and Ayers are solid against the pass and run respectively, but need to improve the other half of their game. Vickerson will be back from injury and contribute in the rotation. Who knows what we'll get with Ty Warren. He hasn't been on the field very much in the past two seasons. 2011 Starting Defensive Tackles Marcus Thomas and Brodrick Bunkley simply must be re-signed. Harvey couldn't make it to the Active roster on game day, so there isn't a reason to sign him. Ryan McBean filled in rather well, but he is still a weak link. He and Hunter could be upgraded. Hopefully, one guy will replace them out of Beal, Jarmon and Siliga. That way there is some youth being developed. To be fair, Beal and Siliga will have their first chance at an offseason program to benefit from prior to Training Camp. This group isn't overly old and could definitely use an influx of youth, experience and talent along with some continuity. They have a very good coach in Wayne Nunnelly too. I expect this position to be filled in Free Agency and the draft. The trouble is, with Dumervil tying up a large amount of resource capital, someone like Mario Williams will be just a dream for Broncos fans.

Linebackers

WLB D.J. Williams, Age: 29, 5th year. 2011: $4.9 million, 2012: $5 million, 2014: Free Agent.

SLB Von Miller, Age: 22, 1st year. 7/28/2011: Signed a four-year, $21 million contract. The deal included a $13.7 million signing bonus.

MLB Nate Irving, Age: 23, 1st year. 7/28/2011: Signed a four-year, $2.735 million contract. The deal included a $695,000 signing bonus.

SLB Mike Mohamed, Age: 23, 1st year. 7/27/2011: Signed a four-year, $2.2 million contract.

WLB Brian Iwuh, Age: 27, 6th year. 2012: $700,000, 2013: Free Agent.

Free Agents:

SLB Mario Haggan, Age: 31, 9th year. 2011: $1.93 million.

MLB Joe Mays, Age: 26, 4th year. 2011: $555,000.

WLB Wesley Woodyard, Age: 25, 4th year.

Practice Squad/Reserve:

DE/LB Cyril Obiozor, Age: 25, 3rd year.1/2/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.

Summary: The Denver Broncos of the past were known for their terrific Linebackers. At least prior to 2007, when Al Wilson was forced into retirement. And since that day, I have been patiently waiting for the team to fill the oh so important position of Middle Linebacker. The captain of the Defense. The heart, soul, inspiration and emotional leader of the Orange Crush! I'm tired of waiting EFX. Fix it. Fix it now.

Nate Irving is the man drafted to take ownership of that position. He got behind last year due to the lack of an offseason and a short holdout. We will see if he can supplant Joe Mays this summer. Von Miller did what was expected as a pass rusher until his thumb injury hurt his effort to engage blockers. D.J. Williams isn't getting any younger and the team needs a player to develop behind him. Wesley Woodyard fits that bill if Denver opts to re-sign him. The rest of the group needs an upgrade. Mike Mohamed will need to make strides in Camp. Mario Haggan may still have a place on this team as a versatile veteran. The biggest need for this unit is to be able to cover the big versatile Tight Ends without hurting their Run Defense. The Broncos have room to maneuver on expenditures at this position, in my mind and should get an above average guy here. I'd love it if they drafted another Linebacker too.

Defensive Backs

LCB Champ Bailey, Age: 33, 13th year. 2011: $6 million, 2012: $7.5 million (+ $7 million roster bonus due in March)

RCB Andre Goodman, Age: 33, 10th year. 2011: $2.88 million, 2012: $3.42 million, 2014: Free Agent.

SS Brian Dawkins, Age: 37, 16th year. Restructured contract in 2011, terms undisclosed. Old terms were $6 million/year for 2011-2013.

FS Quinton Carter, Age: 23. 1st year. 7/28/2011: Signed a four-year, $2.49 million contract. The deal includes a $455,000 signing bonus.

FS Rahim Moore, Age: 21, 1st year. 7/28/2011: Signed a four-year, $4.448 million contract. The deal included a $1.73 million signing bonus.

SS David Bruton, Age: 24, 3rd year. 2011: $480,000, 2012: $565,000, 2013: Free Agent.

CB Chris Harris, Age: 22, 1st year. 2012: $465,000, 2014: Restricted Free Agent

CB Syd'Quan Thompson, Age: 24, 2nd year. 2011: $405,000, 2012: $490,000, 2014: Free Agent

CB Cassius Vaughn, Age: 23, 2nd year. 2011: $405,000, 2012: $490,000, 2013: Restricted Free Agent.

Free Agents:

CB Jonathan Wilhite, Age: 27, 4th year. 2012: Free Agent.

FS Rafael Bush, Age: 24, 1st year. 10/17/2011: Signed an undisclosed contract.

Practice Squad/Reserve:

CB Joshua Moore, Age: 23, 1st year. 1/7/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.

CB Ramzee Robinson, Age: 27, 4th year. 1/2/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.

Summary: The Cornerback position should be one of the chief priorities to upgrade this offseason. Champ Bailey needs a lot of help here. Chris Harris went from an undrafted free agent to the starting Nickel after injuries to Cassius Vaughn and Syd'Quan Thompson. In my mind, Harris is ahead of Squid, who is in turn ahead of Vaughn. It remains to see who will step up there, but the Broncos should have depth at Nickel and Dime with that trio. They still need to solidify the side opposite Bailey. At Safety, Quentin Carter moved ahead of Rahim Moore, who was drafted before him. It should be noted that Rahim is only 21. Carter is a better fit at Strong Safety, where Brian Dawkins plays. Brian might be forced into retirement due to a neck injury. That will make the leadership position at MLB all the more important because Dawkins is the emotional and vocal leader of the team. David Bruton came on strong at the end of the year and could be ready to push for a starting spot.

There is enough youth on the roster at Defensive Back and I feel the Broncos could address the Corner position through the draft or Free Agency. I do think a good veteran Safety should be acquired in Free Agency though.

Special Teams

P Britton Colquitt, Age: 26, 3rd year. 2011: $405,000, 2012: Exclusive Rights Free Agent.

PR Eddie Royal.

KR Matt Willis.

LS Lonie Paxton, Age: 33, 12th year. 2011: $865,000, 2012: $875,000, 2014: Free Agent

Free Agents:

K Matt Prater, Age: 27, 5th year.

Summary: This one is simple. Re-sign both Kickers. There are plenty of options at Returner, but Royal is the steadiest selection. However, Cassius Vaughn, Syd'Quan Thompson, Eric Decker, Matt Willis and Lance Ball have all taken live shots as return men. So if Royal does not return, he can be replaced.

That's my take Broncos Country. What's yours?

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Comments

I think Dan Conner and Tom Zbikowski are reasonable FA's who could improve our D significantly. .

Especially Zbikowski. LeRon Landry will cost a pretty penny.

hcamhfcolanholanwsanvlaplayoffsljahnanlanvamwehpncwnwlnsuperbowlljcanlncnfjlhwvjdlvknhsglsjvscandiceswanepoelolkjmvpjaofchajhvajchajhflawhgak

Can you find the 'W' in this mess? Tebow can.

by Zac Man on Jan 26, 2012 1:19 PM MST reply actions

Landry should come cheapish

Has a long list of injury concerns and has an ACL issue to deal with. No one will pay top dollar for him.

by Scotty Payne on Jan 26, 2012 1:28 PM MST up reply actions

Even if nobody wanted him... I doubt we outbid Washington

Obviously anything could happen… but if Washington isnt willing to spend money on a player we know something is seriously wrong with him

by Triz06 on Jan 26, 2012 1:40 PM MST up reply actions

I read an article that said that they expected him to make 35 mil for 5 years

I believe it was from the washington post

Playoffs!?!? Playoffs!?!? Don't talk about Playoffs!! Playoffs?!?!

by Mike Agnew on Jan 26, 2012 3:16 PM MST up reply actions

Two very good articles Kirk

Always interested hearing what you have to say as it is always a very measured and realistic position.

I agree with your view on safety and think corner could be addressed both in FA and the draft.

The one thing that I am not sure on is the resigning of Thomas. Yes I thought he had a good season against the run and would happily see him back. However the FO didnt resign him immediately last season and I got the impression he wasnt someone they were totally struck on. With a number of DTs available in FA (Jones and even Landri offer a better pass rush) the return of Warren and Vickerson as well as potentially resigning Bunkley (who is a FA must in my mind) I wonder if they do try and see if they can get an upgrade in FA and let Thomas test the market.

"The Holy Writ of Gloucester Rugby Club demands: first, that the forwards shall win the ball; second, that the forwards shall keep the ball; and third, the backs shall buy the beer." - Doug Ibbotson

by SteveUK on Jan 26, 2012 1:49 PM MST reply actions

Ditto

Two very good articles Kirk. Always interested hearing what you have to say as it is always a very measured and realistic position.

Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.
John Wooden

Believe you can and you're halfway there.
Theodore Roosevelt

by Digger24 on Jan 26, 2012 2:29 PM MST up reply actions

The thing with Thomas

He has progressed in each of his seasons with the Broncos and I don’t think he has hit his ceiling yet. He had a pretty decent season and I think it might be worth it to see if he can continue that upward trend in 2012. Free agency is not the answer. We need to get some youth behind the guys we have already. With Warren and Vickerson returning, sign Thomas and Bunk and add a stud in the draft. That will give us a good, deep unit provided we get some production from Warren. McBean and Harvey are the weak links, not Thomas.

"You’re only great if you win something. I mean, Alexander wasn’t Alexander the Mediocre or Alexander the Average. He was Alexander the Great, and there’s a reason for it."-Shannon Sharpe

by CH74 on Jan 26, 2012 2:49 PM MST up reply actions

those who place their fortunes in free agency

often regret it, Exhibit A, B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K.L,M,N,O,P,Q,R,S,T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z: the Washington Redskins

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With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Jan 26, 2012 3:34 PM MST up reply actions

Adding Shanny to that mix could make things very scary in DC

"You’re only great if you win something. I mean, Alexander wasn’t Alexander the Mediocre or Alexander the Average. He was Alexander the Great, and there’s a reason for it."-Shannon Sharpe

by CH74 on Jan 26, 2012 3:58 PM MST up reply actions

combustion awaits

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by the new Bradfather on Jan 26, 2012 4:04 PM MST up reply actions

i am not saying about building the Broncos fortunes through free agency I am fully behind the logic of building through the draft.

my point was relating to whether the FO were fully behind Thomas because I got the impression that Vickerson, Bunkley and Warren were the FO’s top 3 DTs. I wondered if they would replace Thomas with a mid level FA who was a better pass rusher as well as get someone through the draft.

if Thomas stays great because as has been said it would be a continuation of developing their own talent and i think he would provide good depth

"The Holy Writ of Gloucester Rugby Club demands: first, that the forwards shall win the ball; second, that the forwards shall keep the ball; and third, the backs shall buy the beer." - Doug Ibbotson

by SteveUK on Jan 27, 2012 1:12 AM MST up reply actions

Marcus tested the waters a bit last year

but it was not a good year to be a FA. This year, with the CBA in place, and I really don’t think we will try to hard to keep him if his offers go over the 1mil/yr we paid him in a 1 year contract last year. IMO we will offer, he will wait to sign and test the market for him, and he will be gone to a higher bidder.

Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.
John Wooden

Believe you can and you're halfway there.
Theodore Roosevelt

by Digger24 on Jan 27, 2012 4:13 AM MST up reply actions

I got ya

Warren is a big question mark going into this season. I think it is a benefit to try to hold on to Thomas for that and other reasons. I think Fox is aiming to have a balanced rotation up front. Having both Vickerson and Warren go down last season kind of nixed that idea. Thats exactly why those guys seemed to wear down a little at the end of the season. I think an ideal situation would be to hold on to Bunk and Thomas then add a swing guy that can play both positions early in the draft. He needs to be more of a penetrater than a stuffer.

"You’re only great if you win something. I mean, Alexander wasn’t Alexander the Mediocre or Alexander the Average. He was Alexander the Great, and there’s a reason for it."-Shannon Sharpe

by CH74 on Jan 27, 2012 9:37 AM MST up reply actions

I agree CH

At some point we need to keep the players we have developed. Marcus fits that and upgrading at the expense of McBean and Harvey would have a positive result.

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
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by KaptainKirk on Jan 26, 2012 3:36 PM MST up reply actions

One thing that jumped out at me from your post

Is Thomas’ age vs. his experience. He came out when he was just a kid and I think that has a lot to do with his early struggles. Most players his age are second year players at most. Thomas has youth and experience on his side and he just keeps getting better. How can you not like that?

"You’re only great if you win something. I mean, Alexander wasn’t Alexander the Mediocre or Alexander the Average. He was Alexander the Great, and there’s a reason for it."-Shannon Sharpe

by CH74 on Jan 26, 2012 4:07 PM MST up reply actions

I do like it

Rahim Moore is only 21, so you can put him in that category, as far as giving him a year to pan out. I know my decision-making skills weren’t that good when I was 21. :)

by KaptainKirk on Jan 26, 2012 5:18 PM MST up reply actions

No need to jerk the knee

I’m not too worried about Rahim, I think he’ll grow into the expectations we have for him. I think his problems right now are all mental. With no OTAs, the NFL game has probably been a shock to him. If Dawkins hangs it up, we need another vet to come in and help those youngsters at Safety. Bruton being the grand ole man of the bunch is kind of scary though I did like the progress he showed this season.

"You’re only great if you win something. I mean, Alexander wasn’t Alexander the Mediocre or Alexander the Average. He was Alexander the Great, and there’s a reason for it."-Shannon Sharpe

by CH74 on Jan 26, 2012 5:30 PM MST up reply actions

Oh I know you weren't

I just grow weary of the folks who think we should get rid of players each week when they have a bad game, like it was fantasy football or Madden.

by KaptainKirk on Jan 26, 2012 6:58 PM MST up reply actions

It's not?

C’mon Kaptain, I’ll give you DJ for Jon Beason.

Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.
John Wooden

Believe you can and you're halfway there.
Theodore Roosevelt

by Digger24 on Jan 26, 2012 7:47 PM MST up reply actions

That gets me as well

These guys are all flesh and blood. A poor performance from time to time is to be expected.

"You’re only great if you win something. I mean, Alexander wasn’t Alexander the Mediocre or Alexander the Average. He was Alexander the Great, and there’s a reason for it."-Shannon Sharpe

by CH74 on Jan 26, 2012 9:01 PM MST via mobile up reply actions

It's possible Steve

I don’t know for sure what the story was with Marcus, but he was a Restricted Free Agent. It could be that he wanted more money and no one was biting in Free Agency because of the Lockout. A great many of the Free Agents had to re-sign with their old team because of that. I believe he signed for $1 million for 2011.

by KaptainKirk on Jan 26, 2012 3:34 PM MST up reply actions

Thank you for this post, Kaptain

You know I like this “business” part of the football. I’ll try to make my own chart and think about it.

This signature was sacked by Von Miller.
I bleed Orange & Blue. GB².

by Fabio Broncos on Jan 26, 2012 1:50 PM MST reply actions

I have some more money stuff in the works right now.

I am glad Free Agency doesn’t begin until mid March. There is too much to research. :)

by KaptainKirk on Jan 26, 2012 3:37 PM MST up reply actions

Could you share it via email or facebook Kirk?

If you have salary/money stuff about the other franchises, I’d be glad also. Thank you in advance.

This signature was sacked by Von Miller.
I bleed Orange & Blue. GB².

by Fabio Broncos on Jan 26, 2012 8:05 PM MST up reply actions

I will hit you up with it

by KaptainKirk on Jan 27, 2012 6:06 AM MST up reply actions

Thank you again =)

This signature was sacked by Von Miller.
I bleed Orange & Blue. GB².

by Fabio Broncos on Jan 27, 2012 8:06 AM MST up reply actions

DTs

Thomas is an example of how DTs can take a LONG time to be able to contribute on a regular basis.

This is why they need to get the future DTs sooner rather than later – you can’t just wait until someone gets old or ineffective and then go out and pick up an instant replacement (especially in the draft).

by MADness on Jan 26, 2012 1:55 PM MST reply actions

exactly, look at carolina

they started 2 rookie DTs for most of the year and teams ran all over them

Playoffs!?!? Playoffs!?!? Don't talk about Playoffs!! Playoffs?!?!

by Mike Agnew on Jan 26, 2012 3:17 PM MST up reply actions

MADness

Big time. Teams need to have players developing constantly just because of roster turnover. That is why my approach shows the Broncos could preferably bring in a veteran Safety if Dawkins retires. That way there is a proven player to fall back with. If the rookies beat him out, you have a strong position of depth. It’s really a win win situation.

by KaptainKirk on Jan 26, 2012 3:41 PM MST up reply actions

It has to be very hard

to play next to or in front of someone who is grossly overpaid compared to you.
DJ makes way to much. Von, Doom and Champ do too, but they are stars. DJ really isn’t. He’s good but 5 mil/yr good?
Champ’s due another bonus? IDK about that one.

Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.
John Wooden

Believe you can and you're halfway there.
Theodore Roosevelt

by Digger24 on Jan 26, 2012 2:35 PM MST reply actions

champ will be a bronco for life

can you imagine if our #1 CB was goodman?

Playoffs!?!? Playoffs!?!? Don't talk about Playoffs!! Playoffs?!?!

by Mike Agnew on Jan 26, 2012 3:18 PM MST up reply actions

NO

that wouldn’t be very GOOD MAN. haha

by broncosfan1129 on Jan 26, 2012 7:58 PM MST up reply actions

Thanks for the articles KK - detailed and with the money figures which is always helpful.

Does Ben Garland have any sort of contract?

I assume his military service ends this year allowing him to compete properly in camp for 2012

What would Blackie Lawless do? Well he'd probably wait till after the playoffs are over before speculating as to what happens in the offseason....

by British Bronco on Jan 26, 2012 2:38 PM MST reply actions

Good Call

I forgot about him. He was a promising prospect. High motor guy, with a good work ethic and attitude. Maybe not the most athletically gifted, but given some time could make up for it with perserverance.

GO BRONCOS!!!

by go4broncos on Jan 26, 2012 3:06 PM MST up reply actions

I’m not sure if Promising Prospect is the right term. He had a chance of making the roster/practice squad.

A baseball park is the one place where a man's wife doesn't mind his getting excited over somebody else's curves

by waterboy31321 on Jan 26, 2012 3:12 PM MST up reply actions

In my mind

that’s promising :)

Just trying to be optimistic.

Every year after the draft I research each pick and watch their highlight videos, read articles, check out their stats. I always think that each and every one of them is going to turn into the next Rod Smith or Chris Harris.

GO BRONCOS!!!

by go4broncos on Jan 26, 2012 3:31 PM MST up reply actions

that is a nice way to look at it!

we are all now optimists, so :

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by the new Bradfather on Jan 26, 2012 3:37 PM MST up reply actions

provided you don't leave the Broncos and go to the Raiders.

then you suddenly suck.

hcamhfcolanholanwsanvlaplayoffsljahnanlanvamwehpncwnwlnsuperbowlljcanlncnfjlhwvjdlvknhsglsjvscandiceswanepoelolkjmvpjaofchajhvajchajhflawhgak

Can you find the 'W' in this mess? Tebow can.

by Zac Man on Jan 26, 2012 3:42 PM MST up reply actions

yes, Dennis Allen sucks rocks these days

Bucky Larson is a stupid owner

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by the new Bradfather on Jan 26, 2012 3:43 PM MST up reply actions

Garland will be 31 when the season starts.

I don’t know that I have ever heard of a 31 year old rookie before. Mike Anderson was a 27 yr old rookie for the Broncos in 2000.

Win the individual battles at the LOS - all else flows from that.

by DE_BroncoFan on Jan 27, 2012 11:46 AM MST up reply actions

He does, but I don't know how valid it is because of his military commitment.

He didn’t make it to Training Camp last year, so things are up in the air as far as his situation goes, but here are his numbers.

4/27/2010: Signed a three-year, $1.217 million contract. The deal included a $2,000 signing bonus. 2012: $490,000, 2013: Restricted Free Agent

by KaptainKirk on Jan 26, 2012 3:44 PM MST up reply actions

We need
1 (DT)- Draft or FA
Marcus Thomas
Brod Bunk
1 (LB)- Draft or FA
WoodRo
2 (CB)- Draft or FA
1 (SS or FS)-Draft or FA

This Defense needs a ton of work yet. Our Secondary minus Champ is pitiful. I really propose that Bowlen gets out the checkbook and makes a big FA signing on the defensive side of the ball. I propose probably Corner would be the spot for that. Champ is still good at #1 but not for long, Goodman is hit or mis, Harris had a good year but still needs to Grow, while we all love Squid and Cassius, they are still questionmarks. Saftey is of huge concern after watching our 2 rookies run around like chickens with their heads cut off.
Robert Ayers continues to get better, DJ Williams had a pretty good year, Marcus Thomas was alright, and we get Vickerson back next year.
We have the pass rush with Doom and Von, now we just need some guys to be able to cover. Linebacker and Secondary need to be addressed. Especially if our offense isn’t going to be able to score very many points

A baseball park is the one place where a man's wife doesn't mind his getting excited over somebody else's curves

by waterboy31321 on Jan 26, 2012 3:02 PM MST reply actions

Not enough superstars

Miller, Champ, and Dumerville are the only superstars we got. Champ is getting old and will start to lose a step soon. Dumerville isn’t so great against the run. Miller was a rookie and made some mistakes, but will work those out. He should become a super superstar. We still need some more guys to step up and make a name for themselves. I think a monster of an interior lineman and MLB that can do it all would do this defense wonders. I still think this team is in rebuiling mode despite the division championship and winning the wildcard playoff game. We need to think long term, keep adding through the draft. Let the 2nd year guys develop a little more, and maybe pick up one or to FA’s. Any more than that and you’ll have a defense like the Eagles. All superstars, no cohesiveness. Let’s not jump the gun and get a bunch of FA’s on one and two year deals. They’ll be gone by the time they start to gel and then we’re back to square one.

GO BRONCOS!!!

by go4broncos on Jan 26, 2012 3:15 PM MST up reply actions

just build through the draft

it’s the surest way, no need to be Redskins West

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by the new Bradfather on Jan 26, 2012 3:41 PM MST up reply actions

we havent signed a big FA in a long long time, we can have just one

A baseball park is the one place where a man's wife doesn't mind his getting excited over somebody else's curves

by waterboy31321 on Jan 27, 2012 7:43 AM MST up reply actions

so long as he's not a bust...

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by the new Bradfather on Jan 27, 2012 9:51 AM MST up reply actions

@KK..again top shelve.

Bunkley is a MUST re-sign ($) . Trade DJ for picks. (Woodyard is ready). Then go after two or more of the following FA: (posted earlier, so I moved here).
Sammie Lee Hill DT: Det 25 6’4’ 329 (2009-4) A solid run stuffer who got lost in the mix in Detroit. He’s young and has size.
Jason Jones DT: Ten 25 6’5" 276 (2008-2) A Solid pass rushing DT who would give us what our D is sorely missing, a pass rush up the middle
Dan Connor ILB: Car 26 6’2" 231 (2008-3) Yes we have Nate Irving, but veteran depth is needed. Connor has been stuck behind John Beason, one of the best ILBer’s in the game. Would be an instant upgrade.
William Middleton CB: Jac 25 5’11" 194 (2009-5) William Middleton doesn’t have much NFL experience, but he handled himself really well in relief of Derek Cox and Rashean Mathis in 2011. He’s a young corner with loads of potential.
Terrell Thomas CB: NYG 27 6’ 191 (2008-2) A solid starting corner in this league. Is coming off a Torn ACL, but it happened in August so he should be healthy by Training camp. Would come cheap after coming off injury.

Kreese and Lawrence will decide if Tim Tebow can develop into our future.
Bronco fan since 1966. Current biggest Bronco fan in Vegas, living the good life.

by DLMyers on Jan 26, 2012 3:24 PM MST reply actions

If we can get half of that list and a good draft, I will be happy.

by KaptainKirk on Jan 26, 2012 3:46 PM MST up reply actions

I really like the depth Hunter gives us in terms of pass rushing ability.

Bunkley is a necessity.
I also like Thomas as many of you know, and if you recall i predicted his success under Fox.

I think a veteran safety is needed. Our depth LB’s are very specialized (Haggan, Mays) which isnt a good thing.

by ShyandObese on Jan 27, 2012 3:14 AM MST reply actions

Great job KK!

These two articles were really great.

by TheMascotArmy on Jan 27, 2012 4:46 AM MST reply actions

DTs who can push the pocket and generate pass rush are fairly rare in the NFL today.

Of the top fifty in the NFL in sacks last year, four were listed as DTs: Geno Atkins (7.5 sacks), Tommy Kelly (7.5 sacks), Karl Klug (7.0 sacks) and Henry Melton (7.0 sacks). If we expand that to the top 100 in sacks, we find 6 more for a total of ten DTs who generated sacks. Now, one can push the pocket and generate pressure without accumulating many sacks, but statistically sack totals are the best metric that I can find for judging a DT’s ability to rush the passer. Two of those 10 were available as FAs this past off-season – Jenkins and Okoye, but Okoye’s 4.0 sacks are exactly how many Ryan McBean got for us this year. FYI, McBean was in the top 100. Although McBean was listed as a DE, he played DT for us on passing downs. McBean was 4th on the team in sacks. Bunkley, Thomas, Unrein and Vickerson combined for zero sacks.

Win the individual battles at the LOS - all else flows from that.

by DE_BroncoFan on Jan 27, 2012 12:08 PM MST reply actions