Starting Money - The Broncos O-line Investment
by KaptainKirk on Feb 2, 2012 10:00 AM MST
in Strictly My Opinion
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PrintMy latest research project began with me wondering, just how much teams were spending at certain positions, specifically, the Denver Broncos. It started out as a primer for Free Agency spending, in order to present the Mockers a target area for their Free Agent wish lists. But I took it to the next level and created a Base Salary database for each starting position in the NFL. We are talking about a solid week's worth of gathering here too. The benefit will be to show you a break down of certain salary costs of each team for comparison. This first article takes a look at how much the Broncos spent on their five starting Offensive Linemen; Ryan Clady, Zane Beadles, J.D.Walton, Chris Kuper and Orlando Franklin in comparison to the other 31 teams in the league. Keep in mind that these are mostly the Base Salary figures, however some bonuses are included because of the known contract numbers.
I used Rotoworld, Spotrac and Yahoo to find every available salary, but some eluded me, making some figures incomplete. That said, I chose not to omit those teams because you will be able to see which teams are in the market for these positions. I have the figures for the 2011 season as well as the salary projections for 2012. Notice there are numbers in parentheses in some of the rows. Take for example the Tennessee Titans. In 2011, they had a total of $16.88 Million spent on their Line. However the (4 of 5) designates that those totals are only for four of the five linemen. In 2011, there were some numbers that I could not find, so take that into consideration. In 2012 though, the numbers that are missing, more often than not, show a Free Agent as one of the missing numbers. That team will need to resign a player or replace him. I can fill in certain situations for you if need be, but to list each one of them all right now would be a little much. This should give plenty you plenty of information to work with. However, since it is more relevant, I will break down our opponents in the AFC West.
| Team | 2011 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | $24.83M | $23.6M (4 of 5) |
| San Diego Chargers | $17.74M | $5.07M (2 of 5) |
| Tennessee Titans | $16.88M (4 of 5) | $13.68M (3 of 5) |
| Carolina Panthers | $15.99M | $19.58M |
| Atlanta Falcons | $15.5M | $10.2M (4 of 5) |
| New York Giants | $13.25M | $13.53M (4 of 5) |
| Detroit Lions | $12.69M | $8.44M (4 of 5) |
| New York Jets | $12.6M | $18.1M |
| Cleveland Browns | $11.75M | $17.26M |
| Baltimore Ravens | $11.63M | $8.87M (3 of 5) |
| Washington Redskins | $10.74M | $13.97M (3 of 5) |
| Denver Broncos | $10M | $8.12M |
| Houston Texans | $9.8M.(4 of 5) | $8.28M (3 of 5) |
| Philadelphia Eagles | $9.24M | $11.7M (4 of 5) |
| Indianapolis Colts | $8.99M | $1.7M (3 of 5) |
| New Orleans Saints | $8.93M | $8.66M (4 of 5) |
| Seattle Seahawks | $7.86M (4 of 5). | $9.66M (4 of 5) |
| San Francisco 49ers | $7.67M | $6.56M (4 of 5) |
| Kansas City Chiefs | $7.58M | $3.62M (3 of 5) |
| Arizona Cardinals | $7.5M (3 of 5) | $13.6M (3 of 5) |
| New England Patriots | $7.4M | $8.14M (3 of 5) |
| Cincinnati Bengals | $7.13M | $4.3M (2 of 5) |
| Chicago Bears | $6.97M | $6.05M |
| St. Louis Rams | $5.89M (4 of 5) | $9.06M (4 of 5) |
| Miami Dolphins | $5.63M (3 of 5) | $3.73M (2 of 5) |
| Green Bay Packers | $4.74M | $2.59M (4 of 5) |
| Minnesota Vikings | $4.69M (4 of 5) | $10.17M |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | $4.54M | $5.48M (3 of 5) |
| Oakland Raiders | $3.28M (3 of 5) | $1M (2 of 5) |
| Dallas Cowboys | $2.76M | $9.15M |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | $2.45M | $1.13M (2 of 5) |
| Buffalo Bills | $2.39M | $2.72M (3 of 5) |
The San Diego Chargers have the second highest set of blockers in the league at $17.74 Million. Apparently they place a high priority in the protection of Philip Rivers. Here are the listings I used and their 2011 and 2012 Salary status:
- LT Brandyn Dombrowski (2011: $480K, 2012: RFA)
- LG Kris Dielman (2011-2012: $4.5M)
- C Nick Hardwick (2011: $3.675M, 2012: UFA)
- RG Louis Vasquez (2011: $480K, 2012: $565K)
- RT Jeromey Clary (2011: $8.6M, 2012: UFA)
The Chargers have a decision to make on their Center and Right Tackle positions this offseason. As a Restricted Free Agent, Dombrowski will surely be tendered and re-sign with the club. I won't speculate about Clary, but Hardwick is worth another contract.
The Kansas City Chiefs closer to the middle of the pack as far as spending goes, with a total of $7.5 Million. Here is their lineup:
- LT Branden Albert (2011:$841,250, 2012:$1.03M)
- LG Ryan Lilja (2011:$2M, 2012:$2.1M)
- C Casey Wiegmann (2011:$2.5M, 2012:UFA)
- RG Jon Asamoah (2011:$405K, 2012:$490K)
- RT Barry Richardson (2011:$1.835M, 2012:UFA)
As you can see, the Chiefs have their starting Guards and Left Tackle under contract, but they have a decision to make on Barry Richardson. Former Bronco Casey Weigmann is very likely to retire, so they will be seeking his replacement, unless they can coax him into one last hurrah, which doesn't seem likely.
The Oakland Raiders have a low salary figure due to incomplete information. Here is what I found:
- LT Jared Veldheer (2011:$405K, 2012:$490K)
- LG Stefen Wisniewski (2011:$375K, 2012:$465K)
- C Samson Satele (2012:UFA)
- RG Cooper Carlisle (2011:$2.5M, 2012:UFA)
- RT Khalif Barnes (2012:UFA)
Not many can ascertain what goes on in the minds of the Raiders brain-trust, but since they now have a new Boss, new General Manager and new Head coach, changes are sure to come Velheer and Wisniewski are locks, but the other three could be upgraded significantly.
The Broncos have the second youngest Offensive Line in the league and the team is relatively in good shape with their Salary allotment of $10 Million. The figure drops in 2012 because of Chris Kuper's contract was front loaded as you can see below. Ryan Clady will be up for a new deal as he is a Free Agent at the end of the 2012 season. I will expand on Clady later in the year. Other than that, this Unit is in a stable condition that will allow then to grow together.
- LT Ryan Clady (2011: $1.105M, 2012: $2.55M)
- LG Zane Beadles (2011:$405K, 2012:$490K)
- C J.D. Walton (2011:$405K, 2012:$490K)
- RG Chris Kuper (2011: $7M, 2012: $3.5M)
- RT Orlando Franklin (2011-2012:$1,087,500)
I hope this was informative for you. I would like to do one on the Defensive Line and also evaluate the cost of each team's pass rush breakdown. There is time enough for that in the immediate future. Let me know if there are any other projects in this vein that you would like broken down and discussed.
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I agree.
Your hard work is much appreciated.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Feb 2, 2012 10:48 AM MST up reply actions
What's interesting the most is Oakland
Not only do they have a semi-QB controversy brewing, but their line could be completely overhauled in the off-season. However, they don’t have many draft picks. I’m real curious to see what’s going to happen with this part of the team in the off-season. Might be good for a follow up article after free-agency and the draft to see how our opponents chose to address these needs.
I am sure we will cover that
Thanks for the suggestion Chris
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.
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Chokeland! The drama never ceases to amaze me...
Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!
Thanks, Kap
This has to be one of the most solid, illuminating um, illuminations of the old saw “build through the draft” – I (and most every commentator I’ve heard) would stack our O line near the top of the NFL heap; their continuity and improvement this year were one of the highlights in a year full of them.
I mean, I can vividly remember drafting everyone except Kuper (who is a stud and deserves his $3.5; thanks Shanny for drafting him out of North Dakota (?!) in 2006). And look at their value compared to some of the lumbering 7-figure used-to-be’s around the league.
A lot to be excited about.
"Aggression, discipline, accountability, effort" Brian Dawkins 9/29/2009
"Life is a daring adventure or nothing." Helen Keller
"He will always be a slave who does not know how to live upon a little" Horace
by PositivIntegral on Feb 2, 2012 11:01 AM MST reply actions
Definitely.
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.
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Except one of the most well respected stat sites out there say our LG and C are two of the worst linemen in the league. Our C being the worst C in the league.
The article was up on PFF — I must be over looking it now, was going to link it for you — but can’t find it.
I laugh at their analogy when they DIDN'T take into account of Tebow's indicision making and the time he took to make a play!
For crying pout loud we’ve talked about this until we’re all blue in the face. ou cannot expect any OLine to protect the quarterback for more than 3 seconds, after that anything goes for the most part. They just look at STATS and make assumptions based on those numbers. Stats do lie and it has been proven over and over again, but that’s what ProFootballFocus lives on.
Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!
I wish that NFL statistics sites would start publishing sacks in two categories: S3S (snap to 3 second sacks) and 3+S (sacks after 3 seconds).
Of course, I’d also like to see sack statistics broken down for the number of rushers (and percentage of plays against X number of rushers that result in a sack).
by Tezcatlipoca on Feb 3, 2012 10:33 AM MST up reply actions
@KK..top shelve. much time spent in accumulation.
Pundits do state that the Broncos have the best young line. Chris Kuper is an all-pro. Ryan Clady was an all-pro before the basketball injury but he seems to be coming back. Zane Beatles and JD Walton need work to get to pro-bowl status but seem to improve with playing time. Orlando Franklin was a rookie with learning curve issues. With former all-pro tackle Ryan Harris back and cheap at $700t, this leaves many options and negates picking up another backup. Hills, Clark, Ramirez and Hochstein are UFA, with Grant from PS. I keep Clark and Grant.
What I see lacking is center backup. IMO would love to get a c/g combo player out of the draft at about round 5 maybe Molk or Brewster.
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.
I thought Hochstein was serviceable
In a back up role that is. He did well when Kuper went down in the post season. I also like Clark. I would keep both Hochstein and Clark and maybe look for another back up. I just don’t trust Harris’ injury issues.
Hoch was not serviceable. He was excellent when forced to fill in for Kuper after his horrendous injury
A nice surprise. I thought Hoch was a marginal player, but he showed up big time
Maybe Pittsburgs struggles running the ball and Ben bring hurt all the time
Is the fault of their line. It’s the one of the few things you can’t skimp on.
REVELATION 6:8
And I looked, and behold a pale [Bronco]: and his name that sat on him was [Tebow], and [a Ferocious Defense] followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth [Quarter of the Game], to kill with [the 1st ranked run attack], and with [clutch plays], and with [bone crunching sacks], and with the beasts of the [Mile HIgh City].
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by Trapped in O.C. on Feb 2, 2012 11:34 AM MST via Android app reply actions
Hpw 'bout DB's Kap?
A position likely to garner much attention…
by Donkeylover on Feb 2, 2012 12:28 PM MST via mobile reply actions
I will get to them
thanks for the input.
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.
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I think we got a pretty good bang for our buck
there is always room for improvement, let us be wise
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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 Feb 2, 2012 12:35 PM MST reply actions
I think we need to get working on the Clady extension ASAP
I know this past year he wasn’t exactly what he use to be. I don’t know if going from blocking the QB’s blind side to his front side had anything to do with it, or if he just had an off year and got exposed. However, he had to play a ton of elite pass rushers this year in J Allen Peppers Wake Hali (2x) etc…that will happen every year, but just saying I think we need this guy for the next 5 years for sure
A baseball park is the one place where a man's wife doesn't mind his getting excited over somebody else's curves
well this year
he has John Abraham, presumably, so shore it up Clady, but I trust you
Brad James
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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 Feb 2, 2012 12:43 PM MST up reply actions
Clady did a real good number on Harrison in the playoffs. Frankln did a good job on Woodly too.
Just would have been nice if they would have showed the same effort against the pats.
by tiderfootball09 on Feb 2, 2012 2:05 PM MST up reply actions
that's true
we can beat New England next year, Demaryius was on NFL Network today and he said we shot ourselves in the foot so many times against the Pats, he would know
Brad James
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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 Feb 2, 2012 2:14 PM MST up reply actions
Excellent write up Kaptain. - Thanks
It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09
by firstfan on Feb 2, 2012 12:45 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
I like our O-line
A young line like this can improve much quicker. I’d still like to see some more depth. We were lucky it remained prety much intact all year with the exception of Kuper falling at the end. But an serious injury early in the season (knock on wood) would be desastrous for us and the line needs to keep going. Some mentioned a RT and move Franklin inside and I like that Idea. Especially being Tebow’s blind spot, I wouldn’t mind paying decent money or high draft pick for that position.
Nice write-up KK
I agree macklure
depth is a necessary commodity.
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.
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Thanks for all the work on this. Rec'd
I’d love to have the tight shot game film from behind the O from this past year just so I can make up my mind from my own observations about Walton. I tend to trust PFF more than other NFL player evaluators.
Win the individual battles at the LOS - all else flows from that.
Me too
I suspect that the truth lies somewhere in the middle and that the accuracy is open to who is doing the interpretation. Bewsaf’s studies this year were very helpful and I would say there are other aspects to look at.
For example, there are members that have been dissatisfied with Zane Beadles, but to the point that they want do ditch a 2nd year player. He had at least 16 pancake blocks this season, made many 2nd level blocks downfield and was part of the crew responsible for the #1 Rushing Offense.
My thought is that they will improve (again) this year and shouldn’t be messed with. They do need to improve in some of their pass blocking, but Tebow needs to improve as well to help that. When the blocking held up for 5+ seconds on a regular basis and the opponents were still able to get Sacks, its not all on the Receivers. When the QB runs around, he loses the pocket that the O-Line is supposed to hold.
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.
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Oh Kaptain, My Kaptain!
I find your work here indispensable, as it really fills out the parts of the picture more casual fans overlook. Excellent piece, as always. I’ve been recently advocating investing more resources to the offensive line and this piece certainly let me know that we can afford to do that. My favorite part of the post was when you’re talking about the Chargers large expenditure up front on offense, stating that “apparently they place a high priority in the protection of Phillip Rivers.” We need that sort of commitment to Tim Tebow in Denver!
Erras.
Awesome
This is the exact answer to my question in the peice about the Broncos current roster and salary breakdown you did a few days ago.
Thanks!
GO BRONCOS!!!
Cool
That was what I was aiming for. Next will be the D-Line and then next week it will resume with Pass Rushing costs, which will take the 2-3 top Sack men from each team and see how much a Sack is worth.
Then I will do the LBs, DBs and WR’s if I have time. If there are any other preferences, I will try to comply with everyone’s wishes.
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.
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From serviceable to high functioning, from high functioning to stardom describes our Oline for me.
My deep-seated hope is Watson and Beadles move from serviceable to high functioning and we could certainly do worse until we find out. Clady and Kuper already qualify for elite stardom given they return from injuries (Clady’s understated knee issues) so that leaves Orlando Franklin whom I believe has “star” potential. I hope we bring in at least one FA to compete with Watson and Beadles and draft at least one OLman with elite potential. Throw in an elite blocking FB and we are well on the way to an offensive foundation that fits Tebow to a T.
Really creative way to compare O-lines KK. Thanks for the work and rec’d
"Peace, a journey without distance to a place we have never left."
I agree with your thought on adding depth
and the improvements that Franklin made without benefit of OTA’s has me thinking he will get that much better. I don’t doubt McGeorge’s take on his college career, but I watched the O-Line coach Dave Magazu give him personal instruction time in Training Camp. To my mind, I think that made a huge difference in Big O’s performance this year.
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.
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Awesome KK love it...
This group should improve even further this year…Not much we need to add in the draft imo…
Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!
good job Kap. i have to say Orlando is a beast i am very happy with this kid.
When he recoverd that fumble 20 yards up the field against miami i think. F n amazing motor on him.
by CenCalBronco on Feb 3, 2012 2:30 AM MST via mobile reply actions
The truth is the O-Line suffers multiple personality disorder...
The are good run blockers. If the broncos run 50 times a game, they are good to go. The problem is we only have two pass blockers; Clady and Kuper. Walton, Beadles and Franklin were horrible it pass protection. When one considers how many times teams did not even really rush the passer to keep Tebow in the pocket, it is frightening.
Tebow will never develope into a pocket passer unless Walton, Beadles and Franklin prove they can pass block. Dream scenario would be to steal veldheer from the raiders and play him at right tackle, move Franklin to either RG or LG and have Kuper as the other guard and hope Walton develops. On a more serious note, one might have some hope for Franklin, although pass protection was not his strong suit in college, since he was a rookie last year. Walton and Beadles are more problematic, they should have been way better in pass protection in their second year and it really begs the question of if they really can play.
To those who say, "but at least they are good run blockers..."
The very definition of the difference between an NFL offensive line prospect and a starter in the NFL, both can run block but only one can pass block. You can grab centers and guards in the 5th, 6th, 7th and UFA who can run block. Problem is they can’t pass protect. Pass protection really is the measuring stick, there are a lot of big strong physical specimens, but are they agile and nimble enough to pass block. This is where the athleticism of the offensive line that is so underrated, comes into play. It takes a tremendous amount of a specific kind of athleticism to pass block NFL defenders. The talent to run block NFL players is much, much easier to find.
by Keyworthpunch on Feb 3, 2012 7:49 AM MST up reply actions
Can we all remember that all the second year guys did not get the crucial off season last year.
Those of us that love Tim will bring up the lack of an off season. Walton and Zane as well as WRs DT and Decker did not get the off season either. On top of that changes were made in the middle of the season to help play to Tim’s strengths. It also happened to play to the OL strengths since they were better at run blocking than pass blocking. I think that this young offense needs this off season to see just what they have. They are very young. 6 of our 11 starters on offense during the play-off game had 2 years or less experience.
Thanks for the post KK.
I agree
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.
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Follow the money!
Very interesting series Kaptain!
It certainly needs the explaination to go with it. One might guess that if the totals are low the position isn’t being addressed but a lot is going to affect the stats with this new CBA.
It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on aimlessly and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.
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