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2009 NFL Draft

MHR Draftivus Contests--"Top Twelve Mock" Winners Announced

I have finally finished grading out over 500 entries into our multiple Draftivus contests, and it is time to announce some more winners!  We already announced the winners to the Top Twelve Mock Contest, and their prizes are on the way.

Tonight we will announce the winners to the 32-Pick 1st round Mock, the 7 Round Broncos Mock, as well as the 11 raffle winners from the Draft Day Open Threads (I had fun reading back through those threads and finding all the entries.  Those were some fun threads, pulled off in awesome style).

Click through to see all the winners!!

 

 

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27 comments | 1 recs

MHR Draftivus Contests--"Top Twelve Mock" Winners Announced

 Draftivus has finally wound to a close around these parts.  The wrapping paper is strewn around the living room, some of you are sleeping soundly, knowing that your favorite players are in orange and blue, while others are figuring out where their presents  were bought so that they can take them in and exchange them.

There is a lot ot agree about, and there is a lot to disagree about, but one thing is for certain:  you guys made MHR's Inaugural Draftivus a HUGE success, and I thank you.

I'm talking about 6000+ comments in the frontpage threads alone, plus thousands more spread across many great fanpost discussions.  I'm talking about 40,000+ visitors checking into some of the finest coverage and highest quality discussions that could be found for the Broncos draft this weekend.  I'm talking about 2000+ solid members, 6 hardworking editors and 1 visionary leader with a press pass.

I'm talking about one of the best draftday experiences I have had the pleasure of enjoying, with company too good to be true.  And regardless of the draft's outcome, I think that is why we are all here.

But I also need to talk about some special members, guys who get to represent a "slice of the MHR communtiy" and who will live forever in Draftivus fame.  Its time to start announcing the 2009 Draftivus Winner's Circle, starting with the winners of the "Top Twelve Mock Contest"!

Click through to see who they were!!

 

 

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29 comments | 0 recs

Grading Draft Grades (a look at the 2008 NFL Draft evaluations)

The national football pundits think the Broncos were crazy to draft cornerback Alphonso Smith after signing several veteran defensive-backs in free agency.

More photos » by Ed Andrieski - AP

The national football pundits think the Broncos were crazy to draft cornerback Alphonso Smith after signing several veteran defensive-backs in free agency.

As I mentioned yesterday, we as football fans LOVE to read draft grades. It provides validation on so many levels - if we are pleased with our team's draft, we enjoy the confirmation of a positive grade from Mel Kiper or Clark Judge. On the other hand, a negative review from Dr. Z or Todd McShay obviously means they have no clue what they're talking about.

Of course, the same applies to those of us who dislike our own team's results - although a glowing draft grade may temper our feelings a bit, a negative one will just send our blood boiling - "The Broncos totally screwed up the draft - I was saying it all weekend. Peter King says the same thing, so obviously I WAS RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

This is something we've all been guilty of at some point in our Denver Broncos fandom. Some of us (Styg, HT) probably outgrew reading draft grades by age 11. For the rest of us, it's taken a little bit longer, if it's even happened for everyone (it hasn't). Look, it's understandable - these guys are paid to write about professional football; they eat, drink, talk, walk and sleep football. So, they must know what's best for the Denver Broncos, right?

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216 comments | 26 recs | Share on Facebook Digg!

BRONCOS SIGN 15 COLLEGE FREE AGENTS

 2009 NFL Draft
Position Player
School Comments
DL  Everette Pedescleaux   Northern Iowa  6'6" 305lbs, transferred to a small program so he could get on the field and play.  I like that he made a name for himself forcing fumbles and blocking kicks.  Nice project.
 CB  Domonique Johnson Jackson State  6'2" 198lbs, athletic and confident, who got stuck with a tweener (S/CB) label.  had team highs in INTs and pass break ups his senior year.  Some injury concerns. 
 WR  Lucas Taylor  Tennessee 6'0 189lbs, this is a rebound player who has proven he can be coached and get better.  Had a poor senior season after rocking in 2007 with Ainge behind center, and suffered through injuries and academic problems.  Is he smart enough for McD's squad?  We'll soon find out. 
 WR Nate Swift   Nebraska 6'2" 203lbs, excellent blocker, great hands, runs good routes, and can line up at any WR slot from wide to inside, and be effective.  Has been diagnosed with a rare illness, but has been in remission since he was very young. 
 LB Lee Robinson   Alcorn State 6'2" 249lbs, He is a good tackler, reads plays well and is instinctual in following the play to the ball. Like WW, one of his strongest assets is keeping blockers away from his legs and keeping hands out of his frame, which leaves him free to make the tackle at the line of scrimmage. His open-field tackling could use work however, as he doesn't consistently break down but he shows a ton of hustle and is quick to congratulate teammates, making him a respected member of the team.  
NT   Chris Baker  Hampton 6'2" 326lbs, had charcter trouble so bad he had to go to a new school to start setting things right again.  Was he successful? We'll know soon.  I knew from the first time I kicked him off my board that destiny would bring us together again.  Can't say I like it.
 FB Marquez Branson  Central Arkansas  6'2" 247lbs, this is our Hillis clone, in case the unthinkable happens.  Good receiver, excellent blocker with plenty of pop, and has experience as a true H-back.  Not as supremely talented as Hillis, but a scrappy guy who will surprise any team that takes or faces him. 
  CB  Tony Carter  FSU 5'9" 179lbs, another player who is known for an aggressive, attack the ball style, and who was successful.  Can be bullied a bit, but is a firece competitor. 
 WR  Travis Shelton   Temple 5'9" 185 lbs, basically a pure return man who set the Temple record for return yardage.  Has an NCAA best 31.30yd KOR average. 
 WR  David Grimes   Notre Dame 5'10" 178lbs, experienced 4 year contributorwho played special teams for several years before being promoted to the starting offense where he got consistently better. As a return man averaged 22 and 25 yds in his freshman and sophomore seasons, respectively.
DE  Rulon Davis  Cal  6'5" 281, former marine who transferred to Cal and flashed explosive, athletic playmaking ability.  Emerged as a team leader quickly at Cal, and has a tough, no nonsense attitude. 
P/K   Britton Colquitt  Tennessee  6'3" 205lbs, 2nd coming of Todd Sauerbraun, Colquitt has had at least four alcohol related off the field incidents, including a DUI/fleeing the scene, which was his latest transgression.  Should be in ALANON, not O&B.
OT  Stanley Bryant ECU 6'5" 282lbs, small school transfer to ECU and started 8 games, but a knee injury derailed him at the start of his 2008 campaign.
OT Marcus Gordon  Kentucky State 6'5" 298lbs,  My notes must be out of date cause I have this kid playing for Louisville, not Kentucky State....
RB   Kestahn Moore University of Florida 5'10" 207lbs, ran heavy at his proday, on advice that he could get on a roster as a fullback, and ended up clocking in slower than expected.  Not the best hands, not terribly elusive, had some fumble issues but fits the one-cut scheme of 1000 yard backs of yore.  Excellent blocker in the passing game and is a smart kid.

 

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59 comments | 7 recs | Share on Facebook Digg!

Fun Facts About 2008 - A 2009 Denver Broncos Draft Analysis

For many draft "experts" and Broncos fans, the reaction to Denver's choice of Knowshon Moreno at #12 on Saturday resulted in cries of, "Not another running back!!!!!!"

More photos » by Ed Andrieski - AP

For many draft "experts" and Broncos fans, the reaction to Denver's choice of Knowshon Moreno at #12 on Saturday resulted in cries of, "Not another running back!!!!!!"

Draftivus Weekend 2009 may be over, but it seems to me that the only draft-related activity as fun as predicting the outcome is in sifting through the results and grading them. Sure, it's a little early to do so; but we all do it, and I'm pretty sure we all seek out what the "experts" have to say in order to validate our own opinions (or cast them aside as idiots). Here are some of the reactions I've seen over the past 24 hours on MHR and across the web, and I paraphrase...

  1. How could the Broncos not draft more D-Linemen or Linebackers?
  2. What?! Another running back?! Denver already signed Arrington, Buckhalter and Jordan in addition to having about 12 holdovers.
  3. More defensive backs? What, are they going to start 9 DBs? How many corners and safeties could the Broncos possibly use?
  4. Josh McDaniels is a moron because he didn't draft the guys I wanted him to!!!

Personally, here is what I thought as the Draft approached...

  1. Obviously, we'll come away with at least a couple of D-Linemen, including a nose tackle.
  2. And of course, we'll end up with an excellent new linebacker.

Obviously, I was wrong. But I'm no expert.

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139 comments | 26 recs | Share on Facebook Digg!

Your Turn! - 2009 NFL Draft Grade - Denver Broncos

You've read all the comments, the quotes from the players, the coaches, the talking heads and all of us here on MHR and across the web.  You've taken it all in, and hopefully come to some kind of early conclusion.  Now take a stab at grading the 2009 Denver Broncos draft.

Below are all the picks, provided with a bit of commentary from Styg.  Six offensive players, 4 defensive players.  Look at it, and make an educated decision based on what the Broncos did, what they addressed, instead of what others say should have happened.

 2009 NFL Draft
Rd/Pick Player, position
School Comments
1.12  RB Knowshon Moreno Georgia The Man.
1.18 DE Robert Ayers Tennessee Technique and Talent.
2.37 CB Alphonso Smith Wake Forest Savvy ballhawk.
 2.48 FS Darcel McBath   Texas Tech Smart and attacks the ball
 2.64 TE Richard Quinn  N.Carolina  Best blocking TE in the draft. 
4.114  FS David Bruton  Notre Dame  Team leader. 
 4.132 OG Seth Olsen  Iowa  Versatile interior lineman. 
 5.141  WR Kenny McKinley  S.Carolina   Tenacious, quick, great hands and routes.
6.174  QB Tom Brandstater   Fresno State  Likely #3 QB.
7.225  C Blake Schleuter   TCU  Smart and very athletic.  

 

Poll
Your Turn! Grade the 2009 Denver Broncos Draft
A
370 votes
B
1078 votes
C
694 votes
D
416 votes
F
231 votes

2789 votes | Poll has closed

86 comments | 3 recs | Share on Facebook Digg!

Josh McDaniels discusses Day 2 of the 2009 NFL Draft

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels talks about this weekend's NFL draft at its conclusion at the team's headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Sunday,  April  26, 2009.  (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

More photos » by Ed Andrieski - AP

2 months ago: Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels talks about this weekend's NFL draft at its conclusion at the team's headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Sunday, April 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

HEAD COACH JOSH McDANIELS

END OF 2009 NFL DRAFT PRESS CONFERENCE

Opening statement

"Day two is officially over, well I don't know if the draft is over, but our part in it is. I am very happy with what we have accomplished here in the last two days which was to add the kind of players that will compete for spots on our team, and we feel like we did that with five more players today. I am looking forward to the competition as it begins later this week in our second mini camp"

On QB Tom Brandstater (6th Rd., 174th overall, Fresno State University)

"In terms of the mold of a quarterback, the arm strength, the height, he is 6'5" 220 and has a good arm. He is bright and smart, and I like that a lot. He has above average feet that he can maneuver a little bit in the pocket. I think he also has a passion for football, and for being the best player that he can be. He has got a long way to go as most quarterbacks coming into the league do, but he has a great attitude and a great approach, and he will be here later this week. I am looking forward to getting him in here and beginning to teach him."

On comparisons between QB Tom Brandstater and New England QB Tom Brady

"The body type may be similar, but I would not compare any quarterback to Tom [Brady] or Matt [Cassel] at this point. We are talking about a guy who has never even practiced at this level, so I am not going to put anybody in that category. I don't know if I have been around any rookie quarterback that has come in ready to compete immediately. He is going to come in and be competitive with his work ethic and in meetings, so we will see how far he can go, and we will continue to coach him the entire time he is here."

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2009 NFL Draft Open Thread--College Free Agents

Get your votes in here for your favorite CFA's!!

Note:  Chart subject to correction and confirmation! 

 2009 NFL Draft
Position Player
School Comments
DL  Everette Pedescleaux   Northern Iowa  6'6" 305lbs, transferred to a small program so he could get on the field and play.  I like that he made a name for himself forcing fumbles and blocking kicks.  Nice project.
 CB  Domonique Johnson Jackson State  6'2" 198lbs, athletic and confident, who got stuck with a tweener (S/CB) label.  had team highs in INTs and pass break ups his senior year.  Some injury concerns. 
 WR  Lucas Taylor  Tennessee 6'0 189lbs, this is a rebound player who has proven he can be coached and get better.  Had a poor senior season after rocking in 2007 with Ainge behind center, and suffered through injuries and academic problems.  Is he smart enough for McD's squad?  We'll soon find out. 
 WR Nate Swift   Nebraska 6'2" 203lbs, excellent blocker, great hands, runs good routes, and can line up at any WR slot from wide to inside, and be effective.  Has been diagnosed with a rare illness, but has been in remission since he was very young. 
 LB Lee Robinson   Alcorn State 6'2" 249lbs, He is a good tackler, reads plays well and is instinctual in following the play to the ball. Like WW, one of his strongest assets is keeping blockers away from his legs and keeping hands out of his frame, which leaves him free to make the tackle at the line of scrimmage. His open-field tackling could use work however, as he doesn't consistently break down but he shows a ton of hustle and is quick to congratulate teammates, making him a respected member of the team.  
NT   Chris Baker  Hampton 6'2" 326lbs, had charcter trouble so bad he had to go to a new school to start setting things right again.  Was he successful? We'll know soon.  I knew from the first time I kicked him off my board that destiny would bring us together again.  Can't say I like it.
 FB Marquez Branson  Central Arkansas  6'2" 247lbs, this is our Hillis clone, in case the unthinkable happens.  Good receiver, excellent blocker with plenty of pop, and has experience as a true H-back.  Not as supremely talented as Hillis, but a scrappy guy who will surprise any team that takes or faces him. 
  CB  Tony Carter  FSU 5'9" 179lbs, another player who is known for an aggressive, attack the ball style, and who was successful.  Can be bullied a bit, but is a firece competitor. 
 WR  Travis Shelton   Temple 5'9" 185 lbs, basically a pure return man who set the Temple record for return yardage.  Has an NCAA best 31.30yd KOR average. 
 WR  David Grimes   Notre Dame 5'10" 178lbs, experienced 4 year contributorwho played special teams for several years before being promoted to the starting offense where he got consistently better. As a return man averaged 22 and 25 yds in his freshman and sophomore seasons, respectively.
DE  Rulon Davis  Cal  6'5" 281, former marine who transferred to Cal and flashed explosive, athletic playmaking ability.  Emerged as a team leader quickly at Cal, and has a tough, no nonsense attitude. 
P/K   Britton Colquitt  Tennessee  6'3" 205lbs, 2nd coming of Todd Sauerbraun, Colquitt has had at least four alcohol related off the field incidents, including a DUI/fleeing the scene, which was his latest transgression.  Should be in ALANON, not O&B.

 

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