MHR Poll of the Week: Now onto Free Agency
by Topher Doll on Feb 29, 2012 2:00 PM MST
in MHR Poll of the Week
Email
Print
Last week's poll asked the question what position you felt should be addressed through the draft. This was a way of viewing what position you felt he Broncos should get younger at. It was a pretty clear cut result with two items taking over 75% of the votes, but we'll discuss that in just a moment. It felt good to get back to MHR Poll of the Week, let's hope we can get back to this being a habit.
Let's start by looking at a few thoughts from the members...
Interesting poll Max...I voted for a DT first, but I think we will draft 4 or 5 of the positions listed... Even though I haven’t changed my mind on NOT drafting a DT, that is a lesser need with the talent on board. Bunkley, M Thomas, Vickerson, Warren, McBean, Unrein, Jarmon and Sealver…I believe we will draft one for depth and development later in the draft. Drafting our first pick (position/player) will depend on who EFX sign in free agency. We have several holes to address and how they work them in March will give us clues for the first pick, or at least narrow it down…
bfree2bronc
On the new poll, I voted DB since It’s always too painful to watch Goodman being torched play after play, week in and week out. But I’m ok with a 1st rounder DT pass rusher also.
Fabio Broncos
Gotta go D-Line. I say re-sign Bunkley, maybe Franchise him.
Then draft a DT like Brandon Thompson from Clemson, really impressing me. Someone who can be a presence in the middle. I don’t think a DT can be really addressed in free agency.
However, I think a CB is also a big need right now and should be addressed in Rounds 1-3 of the draft, if not in FA as well.
BroncosFanForLife
Results:
| Answer: | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterbacks | 35 | 3.6% |
| Running Backs | 74 | 7.7% |
| Offensive Line | 15 | 1.6% |
| Wide Receivers | 29 | 3.0% |
| Tight Ends | 14 | 1.5% |
| Defensive Line | 480 | 50.0% |
| Linebackers | 58 | 6.0% |
| Defensive Backs | 251 | 26.1% |
| Kicker/Punter | 4 | 0.4% |
| Total: | 960 | 100% |
With defensive line taking 50% of the vote, it's clear that it's a need the Broncos fans want addressed, and not with a stopgap, rather with a long term solution. With the past two drafts being extremely deep and talented at defensive tackle, the Broncos hope they can find similar talent in this draft. After defensive tackle it seemed defensive back came in second with 26.1% of the vote, and with the age issues (Goodman, Champ, Dawk) and inexperience and lack of talent behind them, it makes sense to want a 1st round talent rather than trying to hit the lottery with mid round defensive backs.
Overall it seemed that defense was the side to go with in the draft, taking 82.2% of the votes with only running back and wide receiver getting much support. Oh and there were four people wanting a new kicker or punter, but I'm assuming they are just out there.
Well this week's poll asks not what position the Broncos should get younger in, rather what position needs an immediate upgrade if the Broncos are to remain competitive. These positions should be ones that Broncos are so bad at that if we don't upgrade and add a veteran player, we'd be screwed.
90 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
This poll should have be multible choice, but I voted DLine.
Fox’s first response was the team getting better at pass pressure and how the defense would be ‘changed’ some and ‘tweaked’ this offseason even if Dennis Allen wad still here. Pass pressure from the middle was quite unsettling as we watched our DEs fruitless attempts at the quarterback. And, it wasn’t because of their lack of effort, but the DTs struggled to win the line of scrimmage against better OLines/QBs. Watching Brady have time to slide up a little in the middle to complete several passes was painful, and he wasn’t the only one. Stafford, Fitzpatrick, Rodgers and even our ol’ boy Orton. I don’t know how EFX will get this group better, but it will be interesting to find out if they are successful.
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
If only that was an option
But what was meant was rather what position would you pay the biggest star or be the focus of free agency. Though I do agree I’d like to see a few areas addressed.
I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.
That's a tough one to answer.
I think EFX will try very hard to re-sign Bunkley and maybe find a 3star DT/pass rusher, unless they think Ryan McBean is finally getting it. I’m not holding much hope for Vickerson or Warren for much production even though Fox talked highly of Warren. The DE and CB position group has a high salary player (Dumervil and Champ) on opposite sides, so that might be a pipe dream to ask for bringing in another high contract player. My guess would be Safety since we don’t know about Dawkins’ situation yet and we need a very good veterans presence there to mentor our youth…
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
I agree about safety
That is one position I’d rather add experience rather than youth.
I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.
Maybe we can look up Marlon McCree or Marquand Manuel.
That should be enough experience.
by broncs27 on Mar 1, 2012 12:31 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
there is no Dennis Allen anymore
he is dead to me
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
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 29, 2012 3:47 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
That's funny.
It's like you're dreamin' about gorgonzola cheese when it's clearly brie time, baby!.
by Agent Jerry Fletcher on Feb 29, 2012 4:26 PM MST up reply actions
Yup
Allen is a tRaider…
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].
Follow @TrappedInOC
by Trapped in O.C. on Feb 29, 2012 6:05 PM MST via Android app up reply actions
I had to vote DB
A DT that can get some pressure on the QB would be nice, but I think that position is better filled through the draft. Add some youth to the experience already on the roster. If Thomas or Bunkley leave, obviously that changes. I think the Broncos should look really hard in FA to bring some experience to the SS position if Dawkins hangs up his cleats. A better #2 CB would also be nice and it looks like Carr may be free here in the next few weeks.
"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
who were the Giants DB's? Better question, who were the DB's for GB and Saints before them?
a great Dline will make the majority of DB’s look good.
I agree though SS is a concern.
There are plenty of talent at DL when we select our 1st rounder
But the most likely scenario at CB is that the top-prospects will be gone at that point. So we should target CB via FA, and DT via draft imo.
This signature was sacked by Von Miller.
I bleed Orange & Blue. GB².
by Fabio Broncos on Feb 29, 2012 4:25 PM MST up reply actions
I agree.
There’s a ton of depth at DT this season. Very little at CB and S.
It's like you're dreamin' about gorgonzola cheese when it's clearly brie time, baby!.
by Agent Jerry Fletcher on Feb 29, 2012 4:27 PM MST up reply actions
I think we wish for 3 DLinemen... but we are in need of 1 to play an interior spot.
This signature was sacked by Von Miller.
I bleed Orange & Blue. GB².
by Fabio Broncos on Feb 29, 2012 4:55 PM MST up reply actions
If so, I won't complain... promise haahahah
This signature was sacked by Von Miller.
I bleed Orange & Blue. GB².
by Fabio Broncos on Feb 29, 2012 9:28 PM MST up reply actions
I agree
Dline is the bigger need, but one that has better options in the draft than in FA, IMHO. Give me some Fletcher Cox if he is still around at #25 and a Safety in FA that can play close to the LOS and lead the young guys and I will be content!
"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
While I agree with that mentality
The Giants did have some quality talent at DB including 1st round rookie Prince Amukamara, Michael Coe, Kenny Philips and Corey Webster.
I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.
I hope Doug Martin
Will fall to us in the 2nd round. I hope we get a DT for the 1st and hopefully get a decent cb in the 3rd.
I'd like the draft with the BPA DT + Doug Marting + the BPA CB.
This signature was sacked by Von Miller.
I bleed Orange & Blue. GB².
by Fabio Broncos on Feb 29, 2012 4:26 PM MST up reply actions
Wide Receiver
There seemed to be some bad mojo going on within this group last season. There were way too many occasions where untimely drops killed a drive. Tebow has enough of his own struggles passing the ball without every third pass being dropped. Grabbing a guy in free-agency who is sure handed and RELIABLE might be just the thing to get the rest of this young group out of its funk. Luckily there are a ton of getable guys who fit that mold, e.g.: Reggie Wayne, Marques Colston, Stevie Johnson, Steve Smith (from Philly), and Randy Moss, to name a few. There are also some big time playmaker types like: Vincent Jackson, Mario Manningham, and Pierre Garcon. In my opinion, Reggie Wayne is the guy you want. Reliable, professional, and my guess is that Tebow would breath a little easier knowing he’s got a guy like Wayne out there doin’ work. Will any of these guys want to sign with the low numbers in the passing game is a good question, too.
Trouble is...
…I think we’d overpay for a veteran receiver.
That’s lots of quality receivers who can contribute immediately available in this draft. And I think we can pay them third- or fourth-round money.
It's like you're dreamin' about gorgonzola cheese when it's clearly brie time, baby!.
by Agent Jerry Fletcher on Feb 29, 2012 4:28 PM MST up reply actions
Talented free-agents are expensive ...
But it’s worth it in this case.
Receiver is typically a position that rookies struggle to master quickly, no? Of course there are exceptions, but generally speaking, the Randy Moss’s and AJ Green’s don’t come around often.
Get a vet who can come in and make the group as a whole better. Someone who has some swagger; a proven playmaker with trustworthy hands.
by Oregon Crush on Feb 29, 2012 4:55 PM MST up reply actions
Torrey Smith is another one for your hypothetical
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
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 Mar 1, 2012 4:33 PM MST up reply actions
I read somewhere...
…that the time it takes to for rookie wideouts to make an impact has been exaggerated. I think it was on Draftmetrics.
I was surprised by this, because Fantasy Footballers have seen it so often they have a name for it; I think they call it the “3rd Year Rule.” The idea is many receivers “break out” in their third year in the league.
However, the guy at Draftmetrics says otherwise. I trust him.
This is an “n” of 1, but look at our own Eddie Royal. Killed it his first year. Hasn’t done squat since.
It's like you're dreamin' about gorgonzola cheese when it's clearly brie time, baby!.
by Agent Jerry Fletcher on Mar 3, 2012 11:33 PM MST up reply actions
We're only dreaming, Crush...
First, most FA WR won’t be all that interested in the Denver / Fox offense. And the HC doesn’t seem intent on using TE as receivers.
Second, you know EFX won’t pay for those big names. Hell, if Gaffney were still here we might not even be having this discussion,
But you’re right about the need. I watched more highlights last night and it was kind of pitiful how many very “catchables” went right through their hands.. The QB and two receivers were 2nd year players and depth is certainly an issue.
GB 2
I would take Gaffney in a second.
I think your first point is the biggest hurdle. Players want to go where they can get theirs.
When you look at the impact that McGahee had on the offense, it shows the value of veteran leadership. I don’t think EFX would mind repeating a transaction of that value. Even if it means spending some coin. Reggie Wayne is far fetched, but as you mentioned, a guy of Gaffney’s ilk fills a huge need and for a reasonable price. Maybe a more reasonable list would include: Early Doucet, Robert Meachem, Plaxico Burress, Harry Douglas, Andre Caldwell, and Bryant Johnson.
Safety all the way.
The past decade the broncos have been good at getting veteran safeties in both Lynch and Dawkins. So I just think it’s natural that EFX do the same thing this year. I like the thought of bringing in Reggie Nelson or Branch. I would be essatic if the broncos land Nelson.
by tiderfootball09 on Feb 29, 2012 4:18 PM MST reply actions
Dawkins is healthy again.
Did you see that Fanshot that bfree posted? Unless I misread it, Dawkins claims he’s healthy and the ball is now in EFX’s court.
If he’s healthy, would you want to bring him back? I would.
It's like you're dreamin' about gorgonzola cheese when it's clearly brie time, baby!.
by Agent Jerry Fletcher on Feb 29, 2012 4:39 PM MST up reply actions
I missed bfree's shot, but that is some great news
I’d say bring him back for one final hurrah. We may need get an insurance policy, but Dawkins leadership is nice to have around
"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
What's laughable is mark Klis came out with his article a few hours later stating Dawkins was done in Denver...
It’s an article written by a Philadelphia writer with quotes of Dawkins. It’s in the fanshots of Sunday I believe…
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
The Philly article I read also had direct quotes from BD
where he stated inequitably that he was staying in Denver with or without football. Also about how it was not a spinal issue, rather a nerve. Anyway, there were several articles with him ……none of which were Klis’.
Dawk says he wants to be a Bronco. .
GB 2
if he's healthy
heck yes I want Dawk back, he’s my brother in Christ and a Bronco!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
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 29, 2012 9:07 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
He's healthy now, but for how long?
Dawkins the last two seasons hasn’t ended the season healthy or has missed a good ammount of time. Each time that happens, it costs the broncos a lot. I would rather go after a guy like Reggie Nelson. He would allow Moore to develope and let Carter do what Dawkins does. Carter didn’t do too bad of job at the end of the year. He had two picks in the playoffs. I like Dawkins leadership skills, but the broncos have to move on at some point here. Nelson makes a lot of sense and he was arguable one of the better safties in the league last year.
by tiderfootball09 on Mar 1, 2012 8:30 AM MST up reply actions
I'd stick with Dawkins for 1 more year.
He also said he wants to play for 1 more year… so let’s do it.
This signature was sacked by Von Miller.
I bleed Orange & Blue. GB².
by Fabio Broncos on Mar 1, 2012 12:43 PM MST up reply actions
I wouldn't mind having Dawkins back, but I prefer someone younger like Nelson.
by tiderfootball09 on Mar 1, 2012 1:48 PM MST up reply actions
We already have plenty of youth at S....
This signature was sacked by Von Miller.
I bleed Orange & Blue. GB².
by Fabio Broncos on Mar 1, 2012 2:59 PM MST up reply actions
I'd keep Dawkins another year
It would do our young safeties good to trade in and out with Dawk. When Dawk is on the field and healthy, he’s still better than our other safeties. But like you said, he’s old, is starting to lose a step and will get injured. This will allwo our younger guys to play in his stead on certain downs and when he’s injured. That will bring the young guys along a little slower so they have time to adjust and don’t get thrown into the fire to get burnt, which could cost us some games.
GO BRONCOS!!!
I voted DB again, what makes no sense since I voted DB on the previous poll.
Though tet me explain my point:
We all know our main needs: We need a starting #2 CB, a penetrating DT and a backup (maybe to be the #1 in 2013) RB. The problem we have about the draft is that the biggest talents at CB will be gone at #25, so we’ll have to select a DT (or Lamar Miller, RB).
Ok, so if we can’t draft a top-tier prospect CB to be a starter, I think we really should go after 1 big name at the free agency market. There are several names out there just waiting for a phone call. And on the other hand, if we needed to sign a top-tier pass rushing DT via free agency, it would be a tough task because there aren’t many options this year.
My take about it, after the combine and mocking the draft in my mind, is:
FA = top-tier CB
Draft = 1st rounder pass rushing DT.
With these 2 positions adressed this way, we upgrade our D to a much higher level than we could imagine in the beginning of 2011.
This signature was sacked by Von Miller.
I bleed Orange & Blue. GB².
Exactly my feeling
Though I’d rather see a safety in FA, though a corner would be just as helpful. Even though if we do get a corner in FA, I’d still like us to take a corner in the 2nd or 3rd.
I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.
Voted TE
I think we need a good pass catching TE now. We have some young guys that are good blockers and could learn pass catching for the future.
Go Broncos!
2011 AFC West Champions
Let's go racing boys!.... the one good thing about the NFL's offseason is the start of the NASCAR season
Hm Sean.. I think if I had do list the team needs imo, TE would be the last item probably.
However I don’t disagree a good pass catching one would improve the offense.
This signature was sacked by Von Miller.
I bleed Orange & Blue. GB².
by Fabio Broncos on Feb 29, 2012 4:59 PM MST up reply actions
Lets see how Virgil and Thomas develop. Still early for those guys!
Foxy...you WERE on the hot seat, but you fooled me you rascally old deveil...keep building that team mate!
"Tebow is a special player. I have never seen a player quite like him in my whole career! I’m gonna play all out for the guy! I know he will be out there giving 110% every play every week, so I’m gonna give 120%!:
Champ Bailey.
I think Virgil Green will be the steal of last years draft a couple of years. He has freakish athleticism, all he has to do is translate it to football talent.
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
See
He needs a mentor :P
Go Broncos!
2011 AFC West Champions
Let's go racing boys!.... the one good thing about the NFL's offseason is the start of the NASCAR season
Tony Dungy is the great Mentor Leader of all
he’ll help anyone who asks, not just Colts or Buccaneers
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
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 29, 2012 9:05 PM MST up reply actions
agree 100% Brad.
Now that I’m done with Tebow’s and Drew Brres’ books Dungy’s is next.
I was so sad when he left coaching; he and Teebs would kill together.
GB 2
that they would
I’m Mormon, Dungy’s evangelical, but he’s a better person than me, and a mentor in Christ as well as other matters
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
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 Mar 1, 2012 9:39 AM MST up reply actions
Going off the post
I voted DB in the draft. I hope we also work on the o line in the draft. As for FA, I would target a pass catching TE, an RB that has a year or two in his legs, and/or Safety.
Go Broncos!
2011 AFC West Champions
Let's go racing boys!.... the one good thing about the NFL's offseason is the start of the NASCAR season
What I keep finding out is that Tebow kept missing the TEs.
Whenever someone brings up TE at the AFC west blog at ESPN or brings it up during those chats, BW always says—as well as others— that many times the TEs were open. There some truth to that because Tebow always wanted to go deep. Most of the time he didn’t start checking it down to the TE or RB until the 4th quarter. Tebow has to improve upon going through his progressions and finding that open guy rather then throwing it deep all the time. If he doesn’t, it won’t matter who the broncos bring in at TE.
by tiderfootball09 on Mar 1, 2012 8:22 AM MST up reply actions
This is true
I still feel like we need a hands guy to work with our young TE’s. What you say is also what I saw. One question is how much of that was confidence in the pass catchers?
Go Broncos!
2011 AFC West Champions
Let's go racing boys!.... the one good thing about the NFL's offseason is the start of the NASCAR season
True that about confidence in those guys...
But EVERY team has a coach who’s sole responsibility is to work with TE.. Hopefully whoever that is has proven experience; ; many of those Off. position coaches seem to move around from one to the other.
GB 2
I wouldn't nessary say that.
When the broncos were winning or when Tebow was making his 4th quarter come backs, I usually saw the TEs being more involved. However, Tebow was more of a butcher than a surgeon. That’s common for a young QB and I like that he’ll throw the deep ball, but it’s just that he can’t just rely upon that. This is where I think he loses the TE. By the time he’s done setting up the deep ball—which he does a fairly good job of—that check down could already be gone. I think it’s just something he’ll catch onto hopefully by next year. Also Juluis Thomas deserves another year and Fells wasn’t too bad of a TE either. The potential for Thomas is on the Jimmy Graham level. Plus Virgil Green looked pretty good for a TE taken in the 7th round. I would just let those two progress and use Fells as that stop gap.
by tiderfootball09 on Mar 1, 2012 2:05 PM MST up reply actions
Ask Drew Brees
who his favorite friend is, I’ll bet anything it’s Jimmy Graham, I love tight ends!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
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 Mar 1, 2012 2:24 PM MST up reply actions
Watching old film and pointing out..... going through progressions I would think would be beneficial,
when they can’t be on the field. Most helpful though in reading D’s. If and when Elway wants to “work” with TT that is the place to go. Not on mechanics for pete’s sake; he already over-thinks from too much tinkering,
And you’re right; they drafted two TE last year who haven’t really been on the field yet.
GB 2
D Line then O line then CB..
Go get Mario, Nicks and Carr and we have instantly upgraded team for long time as they are young players. Must resign Bunkley as well and keep Thomas…thats a good D line there and our defense becomes nasty!
Nicks is elite and will raise the level of the play of all there, and would take some pressure of Clady so he can find his elite form again.
Foxy...you WERE on the hot seat, but you fooled me you rascally old deveil...keep building that team mate!
"Tebow is a special player. I have never seen a player quite like him in my whole career! I’m gonna play all out for the guy! I know he will be out there giving 110% every play every week, so I’m gonna give 120%!:
Champ Bailey.
Dang that would be scary...
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
I'm not sure even with $50mill
we could swing that… at least without bringing in nothing but minimum contract players for every other position to fill out the roster.
Part of the reason we have so much cap space is we still need to sign a lot of players to fill out the 53-man, but less the 80-man rosters.
Nice post Topher. Thanks!
Foxy...you WERE on the hot seat, but you fooled me you rascally old deveil...keep building that team mate!
"Tebow is a special player. I have never seen a player quite like him in my whole career! I’m gonna play all out for the guy! I know he will be out there giving 110% every play every week, so I’m gonna give 120%!:
Champ Bailey.
DB and MLB
We need to get a CB like Brandon Carr or Asante Samuel and a MLB like Dan Connor.
TurfSharks.com
How about ILB Mycal Kendricks Cal? 4.47/40
Mychal Kendricks, the reigning Pac-12 defensive player of the year at Cal, needed to look no further than across the bay for role models when it came to projecting himself as an NFL player.
Kendricks said Saturday he weighed in at 239 pounds — a tad light for an inside linebacker — except that his playing style is similar to 49ers Pro Bowl inside linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.
Kendricks, who stands 6-0, believes he’s stout enough to play inside, understands special teams will be his ticket to a roster and is undaunted by projections that have him a fourth- or fifth-round draft pick.
“I think I have the biggest (heart) out there, just because of my stature, and I’ve proved myself so far,” Kendricks said. “I don’t see why I can’t prove myself at the next level.”
3rd or 4th rd would be a bad pick imo…
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
Sounds like Fox's kind of guy...
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
by bfree2bronc on Feb 29, 2012 10:02 PM MST up reply actions
a great scheme fit
I really hope he’s available in the 4th, and wouldn’t cry if we took him in the 3rd.
LB is a must!
Finding a MLB is a must IMO. I have high hopes for Irving but if he don’t pan out Mays should not be plan B. Also, not knowing if Wood and Haggan will be resigned will leave us with little depth. Even though it’s not a popular choice I would even say draft Hightower at 25 if he’s available. A quality 3 down MLB will do wonders for our run and pass defense.
by OrangeRhino on Feb 29, 2012 6:26 PM MST via mobile reply actions
I'm not convinced hightower...
is that 3-down MLB we need though. Too many questions on his coverage skills, and I don’t want to reach for a mediocre player when there are likely better values at DT/CB/RB…
Same issue for the FA class like Conner… though I’d be very open to a flyer on someone like Tatupa or Fletcher (even thoguh Fletcher is the definition of a short-term solution).
but yes, a good coverage MLB would help us tremendously.
We haven't even signed our
exclusive rights guys yet. Do something.
"I am not better than anyone else just because I play football."
Tim Tebow
DB would be my choice.
If what’s said above is true, and Dawk is healthy, it becomes less imperative, assuming we resign him….which we should. Think London Fletcher folks……
Dawk got hurt last year, and the D went to heck in a handbasket. We had no QB of the D. If we don’t bring him back (for whatever reason), we need a leader back there.
I am not a number....I am a free man! (Iron Maiden)
I think there are better DBs in FA then there are DTs so I voted DB.
Now I would love to get Mario Williams but I doubt he’ll be leaving the Texans.
Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.
What's the matter with you people?
The one position on Defense we need that will affect an upgrade the most is Middle Linebacker. Mays is terrible. Our D-line held up reasonable well. Defensive backs, yes, they’re getting old, but they’re still serviceable. We’ve got Cassius Vaughn, Chris Harris, and Syd’Quan Thompson as viable backups if not starters to our ageing cornerbacks. Safety we’ve got Bruton, Carter, Moore, and hopefully Dawk back. Bruton was really showing signs that he could be come the starter. Carter played well, and if Moore gets his head out of his ass we’ll be set at that position. Those guys were rookies and started quite a few games. They’ll only get better. Middle linebacker is the commanding position on the defense. I say we let Mays go and get Irving in there. If Irving isn’t the guy, then we have to get a veteran in FA because where we’re placed in the draft, we won’t be able to get a star player unless some scrub by some miracle turns out to be a great middle linebacker.
GO BRONCOS!!!
Agree 100%
We really need that monster in the middle. What intrigues me though is that in our super bowl year we had average MLBs in Aldridge and Cadrez and still had a great D.
by OrangeRhino on Mar 1, 2012 11:47 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
McGeorge disapproves of Bruton and Moore
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
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 Mar 1, 2012 11:49 AM MST up reply actions
no good FA options
Agree a good 3-down coverage MLB would be the biggest impact, but don’t see anyone that is worth the cost to upgrade over Mays…
Therefore I’m putting my hopes in Irving and if lucky, a mid-round flyer on Kendricks or the like.
I don’t know what games you were watching, but with the exception of the Pitt game (and that is largely because the passrush and Ben’s injury really covered for relatively poor coverage), Bruton was brutally awful as a starter. I have no faith there.
After watching the Pats game, I don't want Bruton starting again.
He’s way too soft to be playing safety. The guy pratically pulled a Cromartie on Hernadez. If the Broncos had Dawkins he would remind the pats of the dangers of handing it off to Herndez. Then again, I suppose they probably knew how soft Bruton was. Plus he hung Von Miller out to dry on the Chiefs only TD of the game—the second game btw. Bruton belongs on special teams, but I still want to replace him with someone that’s willing to hit some body because after all, football is a contact sport still. For the mean time at least.
I do agree with what you said about Irving. I don’t understand how people were willing to give Tebow a chance, but some people are just going to give up on Irving because he didn’t start his rookie year? Kind of shady if you ask me especially given the fact that there was a lockout.
by tiderfootball09 on Mar 1, 2012 2:22 PM MST up reply actions
a Cromartie, eh?
how many kids does he have, already 26 or so?
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
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 Mar 1, 2012 2:26 PM MST up reply actions
I'm shocked MTV hasn't been all over him about doing a show.
If MTV got Cromartie, Jenkins, and a couple of others, they could make their own reality TV show. I’m sure that’ll compete with Teen Mom or Jersey Shore.
by tiderfootball09 on Mar 1, 2012 2:29 PM MST up reply actions
Teen Mom is so dumb
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
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 Mar 1, 2012 3:53 PM MST up reply actions
monster in the middle..
I think we have a strong defensive body, however, we’re missing the heart.
Drop Tim into the MLB spot, see what happens. Or we could draft a top tier MLB. Whatever.
by jholm7 on Mar 1, 2012 10:36 AM MST via mobile reply actions
Ha!
I’d love to see Tebow as a middle linebacker. He’d be a monster. He’s got the build for it too. Just add about 15 lbs of bulk which he could do easily. He’s tough enough and works hard enough that he could play both ways, oldschool style.
GO BRONCOS!!!
D line
Bunkley and Jones would be my key FA signings.
If dont resign/sign at least one of these the Broncos will really struggle.
"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
I'll agree with that...
those look like some of the premier options available, and even though Bunkley is more a runstuffer and Jones more a passrusher, either could probably suffice along with a 2nd tier guy like Thomas and Warren/Vickerson/draft picks.
An ideal solution would be to get both, as they have complementary skillsets, but given competition in bidding, that is probably too much to ask for. Bunkley I think is very likely as long as we don’t cheap out… Jones I think will be a tougher buy.
both would be great (as you say complimentary players) and would give FO better options in draft. there will be a bidding war with Jones but think he is a guy worth going for and making most of cap space.
"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
I voted DB both times
…assuming we resign Bunkley and either Thomas/McBean… but am not against going after Jones or other equivelent.
However, the DBs I have in mind are different.
I think we need to draft an early round CB to replace Goody immediately & eventually Champ.
I think we need a stop gap veteran safety as well… which could be Dawkins, but his increasing physical limitations in coverage (even when healthy) mean I wouldn’t be upset about bringing back Dawk AND another mid-tier safety like Adams.
The other alternative (my preference) is to grab one of the top-tier FA CBs… that gives us more flexibility in the draft to grab a BPA DT or RB, which very easily could be the players available in the 1st/2nd rounds. If there is a CB BPA value early in the draft, we could still grab them as Champ is only a short-term (if very good) solution at this point.
We need a vet as a backup QB
I’m totally behind Tebow, but as an injury concern we need a capable spot starter as a backup – Henne or something along those lines. Not a true starter (to get more media “is Tebow really the starter?” nonsense), but an experienced backup who can step in when Tebow gets hurt.
The other needs could be addressed via draft or FA, either way. DB also probably needs more than just rookies. But I’m fine with our current DL plus draft picks – if a good one is out there and we can get him, great, but if not, don’t sign there just to sign somebody.
QB (in a backup capacity) is a must sign position. The others are areas of need that should be filled if we can land the right guy – but not in the “just sign somebody!” category like backup QB.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Mile High Report
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Getting Social With MHR
Web Stuff
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Alex Smith vs. Cam Newton should be a referendum for Newton’s amazing rookie season
- Things to know about NFL men who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam
- How Kyle Orton almost cost the Colts Andrew Luck
- Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley arrested again; now has more NFL arrests than NFL sacks
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
