Broncos Add Linebacker Depth, But Will It Effect The Draft?
by John Bena on Apr 27, 2007 1:59 PM MDT
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PrintWord came out late yesterday that the Broncos had signed a pair of free-agent linebackers, Warrick Holdman and D.D. Lewis to contracts. The depth is definitely needed, based on what the Broncos had at the position after officially releasing Al Wilson earlier this week. The timing of it all is a bit odd to say the least, unless there might be more behind it than meets the eye.
Before I get into that, let's take a look at the tow latest additions to the roster, and what rolls they might fill...
Warrick Holdman -- Holdman was originally drafted in the 4th round by the Chicago Bears and made an immediate impact. Holdman has more of an impact on the weak-side, but all indications are he'll compete for the strong-side spot vacated by D.J. Williams should he in fact move inside. His best season with Chicago came in 2001, when Holdman amassed 107 tackles. 2002 was cut short by injury and Holdman ended up leaving the Bears after the 2003 season. After a brief stay in Cleveland, which allowed Holdman to prove once again that he was healthy, he signed with the Washington Redskins. Last season was one of Holdman's better efforts, and if he plays at a similar level to last season it could end up to be a shrewd move for Shanny and Co. Holdman's career numbers are below --
D.D. Lewis -- Lewis has spent his entire career in Seattle, after the Seahawks signed him as an undrafted Free Agent in 2002. Lewis has skills, especially on special teams, which the Broncos sorely lack, especially with the retirement of Keith Burns. The problem has been health, with Lewis missing 31 of his last 48 team games due to injury, including all of 2004.
Lewis is more suited for the strongside, though he can also play middle linebacker, and if he can stay healthy he will upgrade the special teams in a big way. His career number are below --
There are question involving both players, but if just one of them turns out to be an effective player next season the team will be much better off for it. It's amazing how things can change so fast over the course of 8 months or so. Heading into 2006, the strength of the Broncos was their linebacking corp. Now, it is somewhat a weakness, with question marks all over the field.
So what doe sthis mean on draft day? Perhaps nothing. Neither of these guys is a star, and you really can never have enough depth at linebacker. I believe it means the Broncos won't go linebacker in round one, even if they do move up, and perhaps could mean they won't pick one in round 2 either, if they keep the #56 pick. One things for sure, Shanny is a master of keeping his draft plans secret and no one will truly know what is on his mind until the Broncos are on the clock.
Hat Tip to FLBroncoFan for posting the diary last night!
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Mel Kiper gave his projected picks
Second round he had Tanard Jackson of Syracuse, who when slotted at safety, ranks fifth on my list. So again another pick that makes a lot of sense.
The thid round gets a little dicey. The first third was Buster Davis. I really like Buster, I think he's an underrated linebacker and would be an excellent run defender. He could play the two down middle role if Williams needs to stay outside. I would prefer Quentin Moses here, but I don't have a big problem with this pick.
I hate the last third round pick, Dallas Baker. Baker was a good college player, but most scouts don't see him as a first day guy. He isn't a kick return prospect, and doesn't offer any unique skill not possessed by a receiver already on this team. He's also a poor fit in the slot, which may be where Denver's opening at receiver could be. I would much rather take Johnny Lee Higgins for his speed, return ability, and success in the slot, if Denver needs to go receiver.
I'm still leery about ignoring the end position early though. If Denver stayed at 21, and Branch fell there, I'd love that pick. Then, I would consider packaging both thirds and the our second to get into the back end of round two and take an end, and the latest word on Moss from Kirwan is that he's sliding based on recent workouts. film, however, suggests that he's a fierce pass rusher. If Denver left day one with just two picks, but both were Moss and Branch, the most pressing holes in the starting lineup would be filled.
by ohnokoolaid on Apr 27, 2007 2:34 PM MDT reply actions
I tried hard...
Anyway, it is obvious I am a big fan of Branch, and would LOVE him next to Warren....
I am with you when it comes to getting an end in round 2, or getting back in round 1.
There are some inklings the Broncos may trade back into Round 2 for Beason as well, which might be a helluva move...
I'm actually pretty laid back
Most all first rounders have a skills we lack:
-Patrick Willis is a run defending dynamo that could hang with the elite backs in the division.
-Lawrence Timmons (sleeper?) could play a swing role, covering tight ends and slipping blocks early, before putting his hand in the dirt on obvious passing downs, as he's one of the better pass rushers in this draft.
-Alan Branch has the size Denver now likes in the middle, the issues regarding his effort are overblown, and 6'6 330 lbs. athletes are very expensive on the open market.
-Jarvis Moss' pass rush ability is second only to Adams, if that. He's said to be falling down boards, but is a John Abraham clone.
-Jamaal Anderson is an every down end that in time could be a franchise defender. At the least, he's a capable left end that has pass rushing ability, like Greg Ellis in his prime.
-Ginn is an explosive returner who has taken too much heat for his route running deficiencies. He reminds me of Chad Johnson coming into the league, and if he has the work ethic of Johnson, he'll be fine.
-Robert Meachem is an explosive athlete that could handle return duties if need be. He'd be an ultimate mismatch as a number three receiver.
-Both Reggie Nelson and Michael Griffin have the speed, ball skills and athleticism not found in our current safeties.
-At the least, Anthony Spencer has a track record and though his size makes him a big risk, Suggs comparisons could come true as well.
-Hell, even Marshawn Lynch could be used as an additional weapon for Cutler, and provide insurance for a potential Henry slip up, or the wear and tear of Travis' bowling ball style catches up to him.
I think it will be hard to mess this up tomorrow, and what Denver does with their additional first day picks (trade or spend) will define its ultimate success.
by ohnokoolaid on Apr 27, 2007 6:24 PM MDT up reply actions
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