Mile High Report - 2016 NFL Draft: Tracking Denver Broncos draft news & rumorsBy Fans, For Fans....Your Source For Denver Broncos News and Commenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50905/mhr-fav.png2016-05-21T07:00:02-06:00http://www.milehighreport.com/rss/stream/111656552016-05-21T07:00:02-06:002016-05-21T07:00:02-06:00Still improving, Gotsis will be a big hit for this defense
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<p>Denver's Aussie addition out of Georgia Tech has only been playing American football just a few more years than when he arrived on his Atlanta-based college campus four years ago. But the Australia native has made huge strides in a short time, and by all accounts so far, he'll keep doing that in the NFL.</p> <p>The moment the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> announced Adam Gotsis, a defensive lineman from Georgia Tech, as their second draft pick, many fans were thinking, "who?"</p>
<p>But when <span>Gary Kubiak</span> admitted that his defensive line coach Bill Kollar had been begging for Gotsis, Broncos Country let out a collective sigh of relief because A) no on is arguing with the bear wrestler, and B) there is truly a lot of upside to the 6-foot-4, 287-pound defensive lineman. <i>Eh, mate?</i></p>
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<p>During Gotsis' three-year career at Georgia Tech, he totaled 105 tackles, 26 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks and four pass deflections. In his senior season, he totaled 31 tackles, five tackles for a loss, and three sacks in seven games for Georgia Tech before going down mid-season with a knee injury. Gotsis garnered 2015 third-team All-ACC accolades for his performance.</p>
<p>Aside from the obvious advantages to this powerful and athletic lineman is the fact that the moment he was drafted, he was ecstatic about joining not just the NFL's best defense last year but what he called "one of the best defenses in the last 30 years."</p>
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<p>"I watched <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" class="sbn-auto-link">the Super Bowl</a> and I watched the way they play with pride and passion," Gotsis added. "They won that Super Bowl as unit. The whole defensive unit won that Super Bowl. It's just awesome to be a part of that."</p>
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<p>This kid may be from Australia, but he clearly knows a lot more than a good many of the current American football analysts who act like it's torture to acknowledge the Orange Rush and No Fly Zone.</p>
<p>But nevermind them...Gotsis knows - as well as Georgia Tech beat writer <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/authors/joey-weaver">Joey Weaver </a>of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/georgia-tech-football">From the Rumble Seat</a> - that this Denver team is going to be an outstanding fit for the Aussie.</p>
<p>Especially when he considers this to be Mile High:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SackCity?src=hash">#SackCity</a></p>
— Adam Gotsis (@gotsis96) <a href="https://twitter.com/gotsis96/status/726241272403390464">April 30, 2016</a>
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<p><b>MHR - What can you tell us about Gotsis as a college football player that should have made Broncos fans "all in" on him from the start?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/authors/joey-weaver">Joey Weaver</a> - From the moment he arrived in 2012, Gotsis has always been incredibly physically gifted for a guy playing interior line positions. Even though he was frequently miscast at Georgia Tech (playing NT at times at only 285-290), he was consistently one of the most productive and effective players on the defense.</p>
<p>The other thing you'll find out about him is that Gotsis is incredibly smart and personable and does a great job with interviews. He's very likable, both on and off the field.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">Motivation was never an issue for Gotsis. Broncos fans will appreciate how willing he is to learn and be coached, so a strong position coach like Kollar could be what elevates Gotsis to the next level. <span>-Joey Weaver, From the Rumble Seat</span>
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<p><b>MHR - Once it became widely known that defensive line coach Bill Kollar had been "banging on doors" to draft Gotsis, fan were on board because of Kollar's reputation for improving his D-linemen. Knowing this, how will this be good for Gotsis and the Broncos?<br></b><a href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/authors/joey-weaver">Joey Weaver</a> - Luckily, motivation was never an issue for Gotsis in college. There were never concerns about his effort in practice or during games, and by all counts he did well in the classroom in a notoriously tough Business Administration program. That said, as far as improvement, there's definitely still room for some of that with Gotsis. Luckily, another thing that Broncos fans will appreciate is how willing Adam is to learn and to be coached, so a strong position coach like Kollar could really be what elevates Gotsis to the next level.</p>
<p><b>MHR - Gotsis' draft stock dropped because of his season-ending knee injury last fall, and Elway said he was thrilled to be able to get Gotsis since other teams were said to be targeting him. Was this pick a steal?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/authors/joey-weaver">Joey Weaver</a> - I wouldn't say that the Broncos got a steal by getting Gotsis at the end of the second round, but I don't think they reached on him at all, for a couple of reasons.</p>
<p>First, I can't imagine they would've gotten him any later -- there were 5 DTs selected between pick No. 63 and the Broncos' subsequent selection at No. 98. Even with his injury, Gotsis probably has more NFL potential than any of them, and you'd have to figure he would've been taken somewhere in there.</p>
<p>The other reason is, again considering his injury, Gotsis figured to be a second- to third-round pick before going down late in the season. Given the generally positive long-term outlook after his type of injury and his hard-working nature, I have plenty of faith Gotsis will be able to reach his pre-injury potential during his NFL career.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">Gotsis' abilities to rush the passer and shed blockers from an interior position are very impressive. His athleticism is consistently superior to the guards and centers he faces and is often able to make an impact in pass defense. <span>-Joey Weaver</span>
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<p><b>MHR - What were Gotsis' biggest strengths playing for Georgia Tech<br></b><a href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/authors/joey-weaver">Joey Weaver</a> - For his height and weight, Gotsis is extremely lean and generally an outstanding athlete. His abilities to rush the passer and shed blockers from an interior line position are very impressive, and easily two of his best attributes. His athleticism is consistently superior to the guards and centers he faces, meaning he's often able to make an impact in pass defense and demands double-teams regularly. The other thing that helps him (in the passing phase of the game especially) is how well he uses his hands - especially impressive given his relatively limited history with American football.</p>
<p><b>MHR - What will be his main weaknesses to improve at the NFL level?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/authors/joey-weaver">Joey Weaver</a> - One of Gotsis's biggest points of improvement will be better handling and fighting off some of those double teams that he faces, particularly in the running game. It felt too often that he was being double-teamed, and immediately taken out of the play. Taking up multiple blockers on the defensive line is hardly a bad thing, but it would still be nice to see him fight through those double-teams at times to make tackles. It's not an issue of effort, either - he just needs some coaching on how to properly handle those situations.</p>
<p><b>MHR - The Broncos' No. 1 defense lost big man <span>Malik Jackson</span> to free agency. Do you see Gotsis being able to plug in to fill that void as a rookie or will he need some development time to being a starter?<br></b><a href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/authors/joey-weaver" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Joey Weaver</a> - Once Gotsis is able to fully heal from his injury, I do see him as a starter as a rookie in Denver. The 3-4 DE role is probably the best fit for him given his frame and skill set, and I think he'll really benefit from more one-on-one blocking situations with a big space-eating NT on one side and <span>Von Miller</span> (or <span>DeMarcus Ware</span>) on the other. If he doesn't end up a starter this fall, I'd expect him to make it onto the field and in the rotation at the very least.</p>
<p><b>MHR -Gotsis mentioned one of the biggest differences between American and Aussie football was the American football playbook being much more complex. Does the fact that Gotsis played 12 games as a freshman and went on to be a major contributor his senior year speak to his ability to "pick up" a defensive scheme easily?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/authors/joey-weaver">Joey Weaver</a> - As mentioned previously, Gotsis is a bright guy who did well in a tough major program and managed to play almost immediately upon arriving at Georgia Tech (as you mentioned). I have no doubt that he'll be able to pick up on Wade Phillips' (or anyone else's) scheme relatively quickly, and I expect that within a few years he'll be able to serve as something of a "veteran teacher" type in the film room.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bill Kollar excited to work w/ <a href="https://twitter.com/gotsis96">@gotsis96</a>. Says 2nd-rd pick "lives and dies football."<br><br>WATCH <a href="https://t.co/XxKFjf95tg">https://t.co/XxKFjf95tg</a> <a href="https://t.co/TnmzYsf1dV">pic.twitter.com/TnmzYsf1dV</a></p>
— Phil Milani (@philmilani) <a href="https://twitter.com/philmilani/status/727925434822889472">May 4, 2016</a>
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<p><b>MHR - Gotsis believes his biggest asset to a defense is his ability to play outside, inside, all across the field. Agree? Is he a future Pro-Bowler?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/authors/joey-weaver">Joey Weaver</a> - I do agree with this. While I think he fits best at either 3-4 DE spot, his frame has plenty of room to bulk up to 310-315 pounds and play NT, and at his current weight, he could even play some OLB in certain packages if asked to. If he were to be moved into more of a 4-3 scheme, he would have the flexibility to play either interior line position and would likely fit very well at the SDE spot.</p>
<p>As far as Pro Bowl potential, I hate to put such big expectations on the guy right out of the gate, but I do think that's well within his potential in the NFL. I expect him to do very well, and I expect him to consistently make his DC very happy with his various abilities.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let's go to work boss <a href="https://t.co/AO620eONEf">https://t.co/AO620eONEf</a></p>— Adam Gotsis (@gotsis96) <a href="https://twitter.com/gotsis96/status/727607729238507523">May 3, 2016</a>
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<p><b>MHR - What's an interesting thing we don't know about this kid?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/authors/joey-weaver">Joey Weaver</a> - Gotsis actually <a target="_blank" href="http://gridironaustralia.org.au/2011/ifaf-announces-first-of-12-players-named-to-world-team-roster-to-face-usa-in-annual-international-bowl/"><u>played for the World team</u> </a>in the 2011 IFAF International Bowl, serving as Australia's only representative on that team. In his player bio, it lists his accomplishments to date among other things. His favorite player listed in the bio? None other than his new teammate, DeMarcus Ware.</p>
<p><b>MHR - </b><b>Favorite thing about Gotsis?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/authors/joey-weaver">Joey Weaver</a> - As a Georgia Tech alumnus myself, it's brought me a lot of joy to watch a guy do so well both on and off the field. The same guy who's an intense on-field force that offenses have to plan for, is also a leader in the locker room, a fantastic face of the team for the media, and killing it in the classroom. He's an all-around great guy who's been a real pleasure to watch for the last four years, and who I think will do well in the NFL.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/5/21/11718992/Denver-Broncos-Adam-Gotsis-big-hit-from-Georgia-Tech-footballLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2016-05-19T10:00:05-06:002016-05-19T10:00:05-06:00Riley Dixon boasts precision, hang time in punting game
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<p>Sean Keeley of <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/" target="new">Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician</a> tells MHR that the punter the Broncos selected to compete with Britton Colquitt could absolutely help this defending Super Bowl championship team.</p> <p>It's not every year that an NFL team is talking up a punter as one of its top draft picks, but after the Broncos took Riley Dixon from Syracuse in the seventh round, Broncos GM John Elway and Special Teams coach Joe DeCamillis were doing just that.</p>
<p>"He's got a real good chance to be a good punter in the NFL," Camillis said of the once-Heisman Trophy candidate.</p>
<p>The question is whether the former walk-on-turned-scholarship-punter with fiery orange hair for the Syracuse Orange can be a good punter for the defending Super Bowl champions, and Sean Keeley believes he absolutely can.</p>
<p>Granted the founder of the Syracuse blog, <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/syracuse-football" target="_blank">Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician</a>, is unabashedly biased, he makes some compelling arguments below (and <a href="http://overthecap.com/player/britton-colquitt/2180/" target="_blank">given the fat contract our current punter holds</a>, there could be <i>millions</i> of reasons to keep Dixon).</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'll be wearing number 9 as a Bronco!! Can't wait to get out to Denver and get after it.</p>
— Riley Dixon (@RileyTDixon92) <a href="https://twitter.com/RileyTDixon92/status/727287156549492736">May 3, 2016</a>
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<p><b>MHR - The Broncos drafted Syracuse punter Riley Dixon in the seventh round - their last pick of the 2016 Draft. Was this a smart use of a draft pick, in your opinion, for a team with a lot of current talent at many positions?</b><br> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Sean%20Keeley?_ga=1.152145593.1463127905.1463064836">Sean Keeley</a> - To be honest, that's a tough question for a Syracuse fan to answer because we're so biased in Riley's favor. You guys should have taken him in the first round as far as we're concerned (half-joking...).</p>
<p>My feeling is that by the time you get to the seventh round, it's such a crapshoot anyway, why not invest in a skill position where you have a chance to lock down one of the best prospects out there as your future mainstay? You can always bring in free agents to fill in the gaps at your "more important" positions, but if Riley's as good as you think he is, you made sure you got him before anyone else did.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">If the Broncos want to invest in a young guy who can still get better but provide them with tangible results in the meantime, Riley is your guy. <span>-Sean Keeley</span>
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<p><b>MHR - Dixon has been drafted to "compete" with current punter Britton Colquitt who is enjoying a very cushy contract (much to the chagrin of many fans) with rather mediocre results - career average 45.2 yards per punt, longest 67 - which are similar to Dixon's college stats (42.6 average punt). Do you think Dixon could beat out Colquitt and offer the Broncos' a solid - but cheaper - option at punter?</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Sean%20Keeley?_ga=1.152145593.1463127905.1463064836">Sean Keeley</a> - 100 percent yes. If you look at Riley's career at Syracuse, it's not hyperbole to say that he was, pound-for-pound, one of the best performers on the team almost every season. Let that say whatever you want it to say about the state of the SU Football, but it's still true. Dixon was about as dependable as we've ever had when it comes to punting, and his numbers were always near the top of the conference. If the Broncos want to invest in a young guy who can still get better but will also provide them with tangible results in the meantime, he's your guy.</p>
<p><b>MHR - John Elway was asked in his post-draft press conference what made a good punter, and he joked that Riley "pointed his toes" before deferring to ST coach Joe DeCamillis. Can you tell us some technique characteristics that have made Dixon a good punter for Syracuse?<br></b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Sean%20Keeley?_ga=1.152145593.1463127905.1463064836" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Sean Keeley</a> - Granted I'm not a punting expert, but I can say that Dixon was always the kind of punter who could put the ball where it needed to go. If you needed to get the ball as far away as possible, he had the leg for it. And he's earned a reputation for forcing fair catches by getting a ton of air under the ball. He also performed well on directional kicks when needed. I think ultimately what works in his favor is that he's a more complete athlete than just a kicker. He played some quarterback in high school and even had a few opportunities at SU to show off his agility and arm. He won't be called upon much for that in Denver, but it speaks to his abilities.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">We half-joked the last two seasons that Riley was the best quarterback on the team, and his fakes - which were extremely successful - became an expectation. <span>-Sean Keeley</span>
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<p><b>MHR - This position is often overlooked by fans - even teammates - until field position becomes crucial. One of Dixon's strengths has been noted as his hang time. Do you think he can be the kind of punter to really help out our defense with hang time and ball placement?<br></b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Sean%20Keeley?_ga=1.152145593.1463127905.1463064836">Sean Keeley</a> - 100 percent. In the last three seasons he booted 50 kicks over 50 yards and forced a fair catch on 88 punts (out of 215). If nothing else, he's got the ability to put the ball up there and give the Broncos a chance to shut down returns while also taking a sizable chunk out of the field.</p>
<p><b>MHR - Many of Dixon's highlight videos show the punter successfully pulling off fakes to score or get a first down. Is this a strength he can bring to his NFL game as well?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Sean%20Keeley?_ga=1.152145593.1463127905.1463064836">Sean Keeley</a> - Oh yeah, we half-joked during the last two seasons that Dixon was the best quarterback on the team. His fakes, which were extremely successful either by pass or run, became such an expectation that we started to get surprised when they actually went through with the kick. Obviously that's not something that will come up too often in the NFL, but it's nice to know you have a punter/kick holder with that skill in his back pocket.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Broncos select P Riley Dixon from Syracuse. He’s got some hops. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DENpick?src=hash">#DENpick</a> <a href="https://t.co/nV9MgC4qZi">https://t.co/nV9MgC4qZi</a></p>
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNFL/status/726531085207744514">April 30, 2016</a>
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<p><b>MHR - Against LSU, Dixon scores a touchdown after a fake kick and then gets up and appears to punch an opposing defender, which drew a few comments from our readers. What can you tell us about his "demeanor" on the field in general (and maybe that punch in particular)?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Sean%20Keeley?_ga=1.152145593.1463127905.1463064836">Sean Keeley</a> - OK, so if you watch the video, he's obviously not trying to punch the LSU player. He just converted a first down against an SEC defense on a fake rollout and he's super-pumped, so he does a celebratory air-punch without realizing there's an LSU defender right there. Anyone who thinks Dixon is a showoff or cocky needs to take a walk because anyone who actually followed Syracuse over the last four years would tell you that's probably the humblest, nicest guy on the roster. He just got caught up in the moment.</p>
<p>Riley probably did <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/7/15/8970285/syracuse-football-lift-for-life-riley-dixon-wuerffel-good-works">more charity work</a> than anyone else on the SU team while he was here, often getting recognized for his work off the field, not to mention his strong academics. By all accounts, he's a model citizen and a great representative for your franchise.</p>
<p><b>MHR - Dixon's size and power appear to be obvious strengths. What else do you see as positives for this guy making the team?</b></p>
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<div class="pullquote">He became a bit of a folk hero due to how good he is and his run/pass fakes, but he always remained appreciative of the support without losing his humble nature. <span>-Sean Keeley</span>
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<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Sean%20Keeley?_ga=1.152145593.1463127905.1463064836">Sean Keeley</a> - I think his demeanor can't hurt. He's not going to make waves, and you don't have to worry about him being a distraction. Not that too many punters are. Consider that this is a guy who came to Syracuse as a walk-on, earned a scholarship and eventually got so good that he was drafted into the NFL. The work ethic that goes into that transformation is impressive.</p>
<p><b>MHR - What is something we likely don't know about Dixon? (which could be anything...there's not much out there!)</b><br> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Sean%20Keeley?_ga=1.152145593.1463127905.1463064836">Sean Keeley</a> - In case you guys don't know, <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/116712/dixonforheisman-campaign-reaches-new-heights">we did our best to get him the Heisman Trophy</a>. Didn't work out, but now it's up to Broncos fans to get him the MVP.</p>
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<p><b>MHR - What do you like best about this kid?</b><br> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Sean%20Keeley?_ga=1.152145593.1463127905.1463064836">Sean Keeley</a> - I think I've just always appreciated the way he's handled himself. He became a bit of a folk hero at Syracuse due to how good he is and his run/pass fakes, but he always remained appreciative of the support without ever losing his humble nature. It was a pleasure to root for him at Syracuse, and now we hope to root for him in Denver.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/5/19/11712834/former-syracuse-punter-riley-dixon-could-be-suiting-up-in-broncosLaurie Lattimore-VolkmannSean Keeley2016-05-18T15:13:46-06:002016-05-18T15:13:46-06:00No Fly Zone gets another weapon in Will Parks
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<p>Jason Bartel, managing editor of the <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football" target="new">Arizona Desert Swarm,</a> loves the second new safety the Broncos picked up in the sixth round - "Being around him for the last few years has been an honor really."</p> <p>John Elway loves his defense guys on draft day, and just like his first year, the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a>' GM selected a safety on both day two and three of the NFL Draft.</p>
<p>That second safety was Will Parks of Arizona, chosen in part for instinctive route reading and penchant for hitting hard. Although Parks only had four interceptions in his college career and none last year, he had a team-high 72 tackles plus seven passes defensed in 2015.</p>
<p>Most of all, the native of the tough North Philly streets has a really strong work ethic that will go well with the Broncos' locker room culture. And as an interesting demonstration of his humility, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/PhillyWill11">Parks' twitter page</a> features a picture of fellow Bronco safety <span>T.J. Ward</span> rather than himself.</p>
<p>Now Jason Bartel, managing editor of Arizona Desert Swarm, tells us why the Broncos are going to be really glad they added Parks as a second safety, who is already impressing his teammates and coaches.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><span>Darian Stewart</span> says he expects rookie safeties Will Parks & Justin Simmons to pick up the defense quickly. Impressed by their work ethic.</p>
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/732995975858520065">May 18, 2016</a>
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<p><b>MHR - Broncos drafted Will Parks in the sixth round, making it two safeties for the Broncos in this draft. Do you think Parks has what it takes to be an NFL starting safety?<br></b><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/authors/jason-bartel">Jason Bartel</a> - I do. Right away? No. But eventually? Yes. He has the tools, he has the work ethic, and he's really changed his body even since the end of the 2015 regular season to better prepare himself for the next level. And there's no question that he has the inner fire to get himself to that point sometime in the next few years.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">He has the tools, he has the work ethic. There's no question he has the inner fire to get himself [to starter] in the next few years. <span>-Jason Bartel, Arizona Desert Swarm</span>
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<p><b>MHR - Your blog noted that Scooby Wright III and Cayleb Jones were the top two NFL prospects for Arizona yet perhaps the "</b><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2016/4/26/11475688/arizona-wildcats-football-2016-nfl-draft-profile-s-will-parks-strengths-weakness-projection" target="_blank">hottest prospect on the board</a><b>" for the Wildcats was Will Parks (which turned out to be true as Parks was the first Wildcat drafted). Why was Parks such a good pick even over his more celebrated teammates?<br></b><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/authors/jason-bartel">Jason Bartel</a> - Scooby had injury questions, and Cayleb had character questions. Parks has neither, and probably fits the NFL mold for his position better than both of those guys. Make no mistake though, we were all surprised that Scooby almost ended up being undrafted, and that Parks was taken before him. Parks is a more stereotypical defensive back than Wright is a linebacker, though.</p>
<p><b>MHR - You called him a "hard-hitting" safety earlier this season, and his 76 tackles in 2015 certainly makes a case. Is his tackling a major strength for the pro level too? What other strengths will Parks bring to the football</b><b>field?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/authors/jason-bartel">Jason Bartel</a> - Here is the ultimate proof of him being "<a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2015/10/11/9496313/jordan-villamin-in-good-spirits-after-taking-big-hit-from-will-parks" target="_blank">hard-hitting</a>." I think his tackling was good for the most part, but it could use some work in coverage situations. But if he's waiting for a guy coming over the middle, that poor receiver may be in trouble. I believe that Parks reads QB's eyes really well, but sometimes he still gets burned because his actual coverage skills are his biggest weakness. I would attribute that to Arizona's defensive coaching staff the past few years not being able to develop anyone's pass coverage skills. In the NFL, I think Parks will be much better off trying to keep up with receivers.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm watching the best DB core everyday. It's only right I take the time to up my game to reach that level. And more.</p>
— Parks Place (@PhillyWill11) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhillyWill11/status/730596860553887745">May 12, 2016</a>
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<p><b>MHR - Broncos play a lot of man coverage, yet Parks' coverage weakness is in man. Does the safety have what it takes to improve his technique enough to be a contributor in a man-heavy coverage scheme and do you see him being an eventual starter in the Broncos' secondary?<br></b><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/authors/jason-bartel">Jason Bartel</a> - I kind of touched on this earlier, but I do believe he'll be able to hone his pass coverage skills surrounded by better coaching and players. When he sets his sights on improving a particular skill, he does it. Being on that team around those guys can only help him in the long run. Depending on how the Broncos' roster shakes out 3-4 years down the road maybe he could make his way in there as a starter. Again, I wouldn't expect him to be a starter right away or anything like that.</p>
<p><b>MHR - What is it about his zone coverage that makes him so threatening to offenses?<br></b><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/authors/jason-bartel">Jason Bartel</a> - Reading the QB's eyes, no doubt. And he lives for delivering that big hit.</p>
<p><b>MHR - You have mentioned that Parks is versatile - able to play both free safety and nickel corner. Which do you think he is best suited for with the Broncos?<br></b><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/authors/jason-bartel">Jason Bartel</a> - Free safety. Like we've discussed, his pass coverage skills need work before I would think of him as a reliable corner at the NFL level.</p>
<p><b>MHR - What is something we probably don't know about Parks?<br></b><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/authors/jason-bartel">Jason Bartel</a> - He likes to play awkward games of tag with refs during OT coin tosses:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gamerecognizegame?src=hash">#gamerecognizegame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UTAHvsAZ?src=hash">#UTAHvsAZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZhfVNZSJsx">pic.twitter.com/ZhfVNZSJsx</a></p>
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pac12Network/status/665776593315328000">November 15, 2015</a>
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<p><b>MHR - A </b><a href="http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_29866893/broncos-safety-will-parks-is-source-motivation-all-north-philadelphia?source=rss" target="_blank">feature on Parks in the Denver Post</a><b> pointed out how the 219th draft pick came from a rough life in North Philly, and the rookie himself said of playing in the NFL, "I don't want it. I need it." How did his background spur his success at Arizona, and how will it motivate him in the NFL?</b></p>
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<div class="pullquote">He's super humble, but his drive to be the very best he can be is insane. Broncos fans should be excited to have him to root for. <span>-Jason Bartel</span>
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<p><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/authors/jason-bartel">Jason Bartel</a> - Oh I think that was at least 95 percent of the reason he had success at Arizona and consistently improved throughout his four years in Tucson.</p>
<p>I get the feeling from him that he wants to represent North Philly and show kids who are growing up in that situation that they can make it too. If he's able to go from where he grew up, to being a four-year contributor in the Pac-12, to possibly becoming a starter in the NFL, I think he'll be able to go home and inspire others. That drives him.</p>
<p><b>MHR - What is your favorite thing about this kid?<br></b><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/authors/jason-bartel" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Jason Bartel</a> - I wish I had his passion for life. Being around him for the last few years has been an honor really. He's super humble, but his drive to be the very best he can be is insane. And he's such a nice, funny guy with a great sense of humor. He's just a great guy all around, and Bronco fans should be excited to have him to root for.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/5/18/11703878/work-ethic-talent-will-vault-will-parks-up-the-broncos-depth-chartLaurie Lattimore-VolkmannJason Bartel2016-05-16T10:21:39-06:002016-05-16T10:21:39-06:00'Book' it - Devontae Booker will have a big impact
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<p>Shane Roberts at Block U tells us our running back picked in the fourth round is everything we are hoping he is.</p> <p>When the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> snagged running back Devontae Booker on day three of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NFL Draft</a>, many noted that the former Utah Ute could be an immediate contributor to the Broncos' offense - an offense that will likely look much more like a traditional Gary Kubiak offense this year with lots of help from the backs.</p>
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<p>Prior to Utah, Booker played for American River Community College in his hometown Sacramento, Calif., where he led the conference in rushing yards per game and touchdowns. As a Ute for just two years, Booker became the bedrock of the offense, logging more than 2,700 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in just 23 games. He averaged 120.6 yards per game while at Utah.</p>
<p>Of his fourth-round pick, Broncos' GM John Elway tweeted that the Broncos were able to pick "one of the highest rated RBs on our board. Physical, versatile and has great ball skills."</p>
<p>Shane Roberts, writer for Utah's <a href="http://www.blocku.com/?_ga=1.220137822.632853589.1461616617" target="_blank">Block U</a>, tells us that is exactly what we are getting.</p>
<p><b>MHR - Getting Devontae Booker in the fourth round was considered very lucky and many fans see Booker as potentially a big impact running back in the NFL. Is this highly optimistic, or is the love for Booker warranted<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Shane.Roberts?_ga=1.244368450.632853589.1461616617">Shane Roberts</a> - It's completely warranted because "Book" is a complete running back. He's obviously a great running back, but he's also a really good receiver out of the backfield, and he's turned into a good blocker. Booker is about as hard of a worker as you'll get, and he will let his play do his talking.</p>
<p><b>MHR - Among our writers and readers, Booker was considered the draft pick to potentially have the biggest impact on the team this year and some see him as perhaps the best RB on the team. How close or far off are we in our "assessments" (aka, optimism)?<br></b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Shane.Roberts?_ga=1.244368450.632853589.1461616617">Shane Roberts</a> - I think you're right on. I've seen some Bronco fans, and even media members, say Booker's the best back on the Broncos right now, and I think that is accurate. Combine Booker with that scheme, and you could have a potential Pro-Bowler on the roster.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">Combine Booker with <span>Gary Kubiak's</span> scheme, and I think you could have a Pro-Bowler on the roster. <span>-Shane Roberts</span>
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<p><b>MHR - Among Booker's strengths listed on our scouting report were "patient runner with excellent vision, good balance, explosive, great footwork, elusive, quick, follows blockers well." Agree?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Shane.Roberts?_ga=1.244368450.632853589.1461616617">Shane Roberts</a> - I would agree wholeheartedly, with what I added above. Often times in college football, you can run by people, or run over people, but in the NFL you need to be patient and set up your blockers. Booker is great at that. He will let a play develop and what may look like a lost play, due to his patience, it will eventually pan out.</p>
<p>He's also really hard to bring down. It usually takes more than one guy to tackle him because he's what I would consider a "slippery" running back. He just shreds tacklers, and he does it better than almost anybody I've ever seen.</p>
<p><b>MHR - An <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/10/15/9520855/utah-football-2015-offense-defense-utes">SBNation article</a> last fall noted Utah ran the "Booker offense" as the running back led the team in both rushes and receptions, due in part to an outstanding offensive line. The Broncos have what we will euphemistically call "an improving O-line." Will this be a problem for Booker, or is his "elusiveness" good enough to overcome a struggling line?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Shane.Roberts?_ga=1.244368450.632853589.1461616617">Shane Roberts</a> - No, it won't be a problem. While Utah's line was good, it struggled at times, and there were times Booker would get hit in the backfield, and while a lot of backs would fall for a loss, Book would find a way to at least get back to the line of scrimmage. His patience and elusiveness will be a major addition to a team with a developing line.</p>
<p><b>MHR - One of the weaknesses of Booker's game we listed was ball control, pointing out his 9 fumbles in two years. Is this an issue for him as a running back and do you see him being able to correct this easily?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Shane.Roberts?_ga=1.244368450.632853589.1461616617">Shane Roberts</a> - It was a big problem his first year on campus, and frankly kept him off the field for the first three games of his career. However, he was able to get that fixed, for the most part, in his second and final season. He did have some unfortunately timed fumbles, but it was basically fixed his second season.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Both <a href="https://twitter.com/MoveTheSticks">@MoveTheSticks</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BuckyBrooks">@BuckyBrooks</a> believe that Devontae Booker is Denver's best RB and mention <span>Arian Foster</span> as a comparison.</p>
— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattHarmon_BYB/status/729682944038711296">May 9, 2016</a>
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<p><b>MHR - Gary Kubiak loves running backs and has been known to develop some excellent ones others overlooked, such as Arian Foster and Justin Forsett. Do you see Booker being a good fit for Kubiak's style of running back (powerful, willing to block, workhorse of the offense) in this Broncos ZBS offense?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Shane.Roberts?_ga=1.244368450.632853589.1461616617">Shane Roberts</a> - Without a doubt. Booker has been compared to Arian Foster for a couple of years now, especially since he's such a good pass-catching running back. Book is a workhorse, and was a workhorse for Utah. He gets stronger as games go along, and when you see him bust a big one or two in the fourth quarter, it's all due to him wearing down the defense the previous three quarters.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">Book is a workhorse, and he gets stronger as games go along. When you see him bust a big run in the fourth quarter, it's due to him wearing down the defense the previous three. <span>-Shane Roberts</span>
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<p><b>MHR - What kind of teammate is Booker and how do you see him fitting in to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" class="sbn-auto-link">the Super Bowl</a> mindset of the Broncos?<br></b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Shane.Roberts?_ga=1.244368450.632853589.1461616617">Shane Roberts</a> - He's quiet, so he's not a big vocal leader. So he's not going to come in and rattle the cages or anything like that. He'll fit in just fine. At Utah, he sat his first three games, basically, and a lot of people had a hunch (myself included) that he was the best back on the team. He didn't make a fuss or anything; he just waited for his opportunity.</p>
<p><b>MHR - What is something we may not know about Booker?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Shane.Roberts?_ga=1.244368450.632853589.1461616617">Shane Roberts</a> - Probably not a lot. While he is coming off of a knee injury, Booker was very durable at Utah. He had a ton of carries over his two seasons at Utah and lasted really well, until he took a bad tackle against Arizona. Even after he tore his meniscus (and maybe MCL?), he still played another half on that knee and was productive.</p>
<p><b>MHR - What is your favorite thing about this kid?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Shane.Roberts?_ga=1.244368450.632853589.1461616617">Shane Roberts</a> - He's just a quiet workhorse and will do whatever it takes to win. Whether it's tote the ball 30 or 40 times, he'll do it. Whether it means pass block, he'll do it. Whether it means splitting out and catching passes, he'll do it. He'll do it all without complaining. The Broncos got a good one, and they have another fan in me.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/5/16/11683440/broncos-rookie-running-back-devontae-booker-is-the-real-dealLaurie Lattimore-VolkmannShane.Roberts2016-05-12T09:00:06-06:002016-05-12T09:00:06-06:00McGovern could be the starting RG for the Broncos
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<p>We are back with a third installment of our Q&As with the college bloggers, and helping us get to know Connor McGovern is a familiar writer - <a href="http://www.rockmnation.com/authors/oscar-gamble" target="new">Oscar Gamble</a> of <a href="http://www.rockmnation.com/mizzou-football-2016" target="new">Rock M Nation</a>. You may recall he helped us get to know our 2015 No. 1 draft pick and fellow former Tiger Shane Ray. And if you remember that, you may also remember that this diehard Mizzou fan is also a diehard Broncos fan (and for the <em>futbol</em> lovers, he's also an FC Bayern München fan too - <em>mia san mia!</em>)</p> <p>Connor McGovern was <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/5/1/11550762/2016-nfl-scouting-reports-scouting-broncos-offensive-lineman-connor">picked up by the Broncos in the fifth round</a>, and many a fan was thinking, "Finally! Finally we are adding help to the offensive line."</p>
<p>And if you've been paying attention ever since that moment, it appears that the former Mizzou guard could be an immediate contributor to an already young-but-improving Broncos' O-line.</p>
<p>Providing the Combine's best performance in the bench press for an offensive lineman with 33 reps, McGovern's <a href="http://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2016/04/30/watch-connor-mcgovern-is-not-a-human-hes-a-weight-room-animal/" target="_blank">strength is obvious</a>. And having played both tackle and guard (even center), his versatility is obvious upside for a Broncos' staff that loves players who can play more than one position.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"It's not college anymore...the football is a little different now." - <a href="https://twitter.com/McGovenator60">@McGovenator60</a> <a href="https://t.co/WFRZU9dtjx">pic.twitter.com/WFRZU9dtjx</a></p>
— Laurie Volkmann (@docllv) <a href="https://twitter.com/docllv/status/728658640459071488">May 6, 2016</a>
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<p>At the Combine McGovern pointed out that he had preferred playing defensive line in high school, but he always knew his body type was better on the O-line. When he was recruited by Missouri, it was mostly for his all-around athleticism.</p>
<p>"Mizzou recruited me. They said, ‘We don't know where we're going to put you. We're recruiting you because you're an athlete," McGovern recalled. "We're going to teach you how to play football.'"</p>
<p>Credit the Mizzou coaches for doing just that.</p>
<p>Shane Ray, the Broncos' No. 1 pick in 2015 and a fellow Tiger, said he is looking forward to having his old teammate on the squad.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"He's a weight-room animal, coachable, smart. I'm looking forward to what he's going to do for this team." <a href="https://twitter.com/X_RAYted56">@X_RAYted56</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/McGovenator60">@McGovenator60</a>.</p>
— Laurie Volkmann (@docllv) <a href="https://twitter.com/docllv/status/730461822466330624">May 11, 2016</a>
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<p><b>MHR - Clearly one of the bigger needs for the Broncos in the past two years has been a stronger O-line. Did the Broncos just get better with that unit by adding Connor McGovern?</b><br> <a href="http://www.rockmnation.com/authors/oscar-gamble">Oscar Gamble</a> - I think the Broncos just got a starting right guard with Connor McGovern. I think he's a long term starter in the NFL. It's his natural position and the one he had the most success with in college. McGovern is very strong, this much you probably know by now, but he got that way by being committed to the weight room; I think he'll absolutely succeed in the NFL.</p>
<p><b>MHR - McGovern obviously fits Elway's preference of getting "athletes" as much as anything else on his football team, and he'll move from playing tackle last season to playing guard for the Broncos. What will be his challenges in the transition and do you think he'll be a good fit there in the NFL?</b><br> <a href="http://www.rockmnation.com/authors/oscar-gamble">Oscar Gamble</a> - Yes, he's athletic enough to play several positions, but he struggled on the outside in college and would struggle there in the NFL. Missouri's coaches operated on the principle that you play your best athletes at center and left tackle, which meant McGovern had to move from right guard to left tackle for his senior year. Why they chose to stick with that when it became obvious he was a better fit inside is huge mystery and part of the reason several coaches were not retained.</p>
<p><b>MHR - What were McGovern's biggest strengths at Mizzou, and how do you think that will translate to the NFL? Is he a good fit for the Broncos' ZBS?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.rockmnation.com/authors/oscar-gamble">Oscar Gamble</a> - McGovern is driven and dedicated, you can see that from his workout regime and those two traits will help him transition into a successful NFL-caliber lineman. But he is not just a weight room warrior - he is athletic enough to fit into the Broncos' scheme and move laterally, help-block on a defensive lineman, then get to the second level and overpower the linebackers.</p>
<p>I think Missouri's offensive line was most effective when McGovern and fellow 2016 NFL Draft pick Evan Boehm were on the move and used at the point of attack.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How <a href="https://twitter.com/McGovenator60">@McGovenator60</a> has used his weight-lifting feats (& "the Pit") to help him on the field: <a href="https://t.co/ZY8krJg4AB">https://t.co/ZY8krJg4AB</a> <a href="https://t.co/IbB2o9xCxl">pic.twitter.com/IbB2o9xCxl</a></p>
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<p><b>MHR - He was asked at his opening presser if he'd enjoy one-on-one drills with former Tiger teammate Shane Ray and McGovern said "sure" but admitted Ray has serious "get-off-ball" speed. If there were a one-on-one drill between the two, who wins?</b><br><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.rockmnation.com/authors/oscar-gamble">Oscar Gamble</a> - Ray combined his tremendous quickness with his surprising strength to make college linemen's lives miserable. <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2015/5/7/8561253/ray-landed-in-the-perfect-spot-says-mizzou-blogger">I really enjoyed talking about Ray last year</a>. If McGovern can get his hands on Ray, he could probably stall him long enough to "win" a one-on-one, but I think Ray would win 8 out of 10 of these match-ups because of his speed and technique.</p>
<p><b>MHR - McGovern's PFF rating for run blocking was very high (4<sup>th</sup> best among OGs), which will suit Kubiak's planned running offense well. Is McGovern the kind of athlete who can improve his pass blocking with enough coaching/practice?<br></b><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.rockmnation.com/authors/oscar-gamble">Oscar Gamble</a> - I remember reading about McGovern's PFF rating during the season, and the gist of it was he was sufficient as a pass blocker; he was not a liability and was the best available option for Missouri last year. I think he's more comfortable run blocking because it suits his strengths but with some offseason workouts and training, he can grow and become a plus pass blocker.</p>
<p>I've been reading about <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/feature/25577288/in-the-line-of-fire?_ts=1462541390">offensive line development a lot this year</a> and one of the big things that stood out to me was how little in-season coaching and player development many linemen feel they receive. But I believe Kubiak will be good for McGovern and for the Broncos' offense in general.</p>
<p><b>MHR - What is something we likely don't know about McGovern?</b></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great McGovern trivia: He was North Dakota's Gatorade player of year as high school senior, not Carson Wentz.</p>
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jthom1/status/726474816736235520">April 30, 2016</a>
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<p><b>MHR - His twitter handle is "@McGovenator"... is that a nickname?</b><br><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.rockmnation.com/authors/oscar-gamble">Oscar Gamble</a> - If it is I'm not really familiar with it. It's obviously a reference to "Terminator," right? That's ironic since "McG" is <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0629334/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">the name of the director of the last Terminator</a> movie (which was awful btw).</p>
<p><b>MHR - As a Broncos fan yourself, how do you like having two Tigers on the team?</b><br><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.rockmnation.com/authors/oscar-gamble">Oscar Gamble</a> - Since I've had to watch Chris Harris and Aqib Talib dominate for the Bronco's defense (both Jayhawks -__-), it's been nice to balance out the Broncos with some Tigers. I live in the heart of Chiefs country, so every Mizzou player who goes to the Broncos instead makes my day - but mostly I just root for their success.</p>
<p><b>MHR - What is your favorite thing about this kid?</b><br><a href="http://www.rockmnation.com/authors/oscar-gamble" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Oscar Gamble</a> - His hair. I mean, have you seen it? They're going to do such mean things to him during rookie hazing, and I worry he'll never get it back. Maybe that's my own insecurities talking.</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/5/12/11662658/broncos-just-got-a-starting-right-guard-in-connor-mcgovernLaurie Lattimore-VolkmannOscar Gamble2016-05-11T13:00:03-06:002016-05-11T13:00:03-06:00Simmons should contribute right away to No Fly Zone
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<figcaption>Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A.J. Black of BC Interruption is one of many believers in the Boston College safety the Broncos drafted in the third round. Simmons' athletic prowess is well-known by now, but the former Eagle is bringing even more to the table. </p> <p>The Broncos defensive backs coach Joe Woods got two new safeties on his squad following the draft, and he is pretty excited about adding top talent to the already-stacked No Fly Zone.</p>
<p>With Justin Simmons, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/4/29/11543076/2016-nfl-scouting-report-scouting-broncos-safety-justin-simmons/in/11165655">third-round pick out of Boston College</a>, Woods is getting a true athlete, a solid tackler and a ball hawk. That must be why this ball-stealer is considered a steal of his own for the Broncos.</p>
<p>"He's extremely gifted athletically," Woods said, calling Simmons a "sound tackler" too. "The versatility is impressive. He gives us a lot of versatility of what we can do in the backfield."</p>
<p>Although BC is not your typical CFB powerhouse, its defense was the <a href="http://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/team/22" target="_blank">top-rated unit in 2016</a>. And Simmons - who is somewhat of a Superman, leaping over tall buildings in a single bound (OK, that's a stretch, but no one actually asked him to try it at the Combine, so who really knows?) - was a star on that defensive squad.</p>
<p>So <a href="http://www.bcinterruption.com/authors/a-j-black">A.J. Black</a>, senior football writer for <a href="http://www.bcinterruption.com/boston-college-football">BC Interruption</a>, is here to tell us how good the third-round safety from the No. 1 college defense is going to be on the No. 1 NFL defense. And the best part? Even a Patriots fan like Black can't deny what a great player the Broncos just drafted.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">S <a href="https://twitter.com/jsimms1119">@jsimms1119</a> on being a Bronco: "It’s that winning tradition... It makes you want to carry yourself the right way." <a href="https://t.co/r95rUPFff2">pic.twitter.com/r95rUPFff2</a></p>
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) <a href="https://twitter.com/psmyth12/status/728963462013976577">May 7, 2016</a>
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<p><b>MHR - Broncos selected Justin Simmons in the third round, and many thought we got a steal in him. Were they right...was this great value for us?<br></b><a href="http://www.bcinterruption.com/authors/a-j-black" style="background-color: #ffffff;">A.J. Black</a> - I think it's a terrific pick, and an absolute steal where you got him. He's everything you want in an NFL safety - he's got good size, he's smart and can diagnose plays quickly, and from all reports, he's a tremendous locker room presence.</p>
<p><b>MHR - The safety position was definitely considered an area of need after the departure of David Bruton Jr. in free agency, and Simmons could be tapped for rotational action this season as a rookie. Will he be ready for the NFL this year?<br></b><a href="http://www.bcinterruption.com/authors/a-j-black" style="background-color: #ffffff;">A.J. Black</a> - He's going to be able to contribute right away. BC played against some elite offenses in 2015 and for the most part Simmons was able to go toe to toe with all of them (ignore the Clemson game). Rarely was he ever out of position, and he's a quick learner who can go from position to position (he started as a cornerback for BC).</p>
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<p><b>MHR - Simmons' athletic ability is off the charts (literally), and with five interceptions last year with Boston College, he certainly seems to be a ball hawk. I know you're a Patriots' fan, but do you think Simmons has the goods to be a legit part of the "No Fly Zone"?<br></b><a href="http://www.bcinterruption.com/authors/a-j-black" style="background-color: #ffffff;">A.J. Black</a> - With the defensive front that Denver has, along with some of the best cornerbacks in the league, I think Simmons' transition will be pretty seamless. The Broncos have such a dynamic defense that they should be able to cover up any potential hiccups Simmons has as he learns the defense. That's a great luxury to have for a rookie, and even though I think he will learn quickly, it's par for the course for rookies to have to learn quickly. But man, having T.J. Ward and Aqib Talib there to help and mentor should be a major plus.</p>
<p><b>MHR - An aspiring NFL scout noted this was his favorite pick for the Broncos, saying that the best part of Simmons' athleticism is his play speed on the field. Would you agree and how has it translated into solid play from him?<br></b><a href="http://www.bcinterruption.com/authors/a-j-black" style="background-color: #ffffff;">A.J. Black</a> - I agree with the scout. The interesting thing is that BC has never been known for burners on the field, but Simmons is deceptively quick and can cover large portions of the field. There were times last year that Boston College CBs got burned by a faster receiver, but without fail Simmons was almost always there to cover.</p>
<p><b>MHR - Aside from his natural athletic talent, what do you see as some of Simmons' greatest strengths on the field?<br></b><a href="http://www.bcinterruption.com/authors/a-j-black" style="background-color: #ffffff;">A.J. Black</a> - I think Simmons other great asset is his ability to lay the lumber, especially on the run. Because of his speed he can support the run, and what impressed me most was that he rarely missed tackles. In the open field he had good, not great, ability to separate receivers from the ball as well.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">BC football was a train wreck last year, and throughout Justin Simmons never gave up. He is a leader and kept the defense going even when the team was a mess. Enjoy - he's a great player. <span>-A.J. Black</span>
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<p><b>MHR - On our scouting report of Simmons, we listed his lighter weight as a potential problem against much heavier wide receivers. Will this be a problem for him with the big boys of the NFL? (i.e., can he tackle Gronk?)<br></b><a href="http://www.bcinterruption.com/authors/a-j-black">A.J. Black</a> - I don't see height as an issue for Simmons since he's 6'3, but in terms of physical size, he's a little on the smaller size and might need to bulk up a little bit. I think going after bigger receivers like Gronk may be a challenge for Simmons, but it's hard to gauge. Then again you can have him hit Gronk up high and have T.J. Ward torpedo his knees (I kid, I kid).</p>
<p><b>MHR - What is your favorite thing about this kid?<br></b><a href="http://www.bcinterruption.com/authors/a-j-black" style="background-color: #ffffff;">A.J. Black</a> - BC football was a train wreck last year, and throughout it Justin Simmons never gave up. He is a leader, and kept the defense going even when the team was a mess. He's going from the nation's best defense in college, to the best defense in the NFL. This is going to be a perfect fit for all involved. Enjoy, he's a great player.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/5/11/11656392/justin-simmons-an-absolute-steal-for-the-broncos-great-fit-for-the-noLaurie Lattimore-VolkmannA.j. Black2016-05-10T11:30:03-06:002016-05-10T11:30:03-06:00Lynch a perfect fit for Gary Kubiak, Broncos
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<figcaption>Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Paxton Lynch has quickly become a favorite among Broncos fans, and <a href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/authors/jeremy-adcock" target="new">Jeremy Adcock</a> of Underdog Dynasty is only going to make the rookie's stock go up in the eyes of Denver fans with this second installment of our Q&As with the college bloggers about Broncos' draft picks.
</p> <p>Broncos' new rookie quarterback out of the University of Memphis got his first taste of the NFL and playing for the Broncos last Friday when rookie minicamp opened.</p>
<p>And then he graduated from college on Saturday.</p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFH89FkN2Kp/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Get drafted by the greatest team in America ✔️ Graduate from college with my best friends ✔️</a></p>
<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Paxton Lynch (@paxtonlynch) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-05-07T23:20:32+00:00">May 7, 2016 at 4:20pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>But the short introduction to the Broncos at minicamp was certainly an education for Paxton Lynch.</p>
<p>"Obviously it's a whole new offense. It's an NFL offense so there are going to be struggles with everybody. I felt like I knew what was going on; I just don't think I was picking it up as fast as I should have," Lynch said. "That will come in time. I just love the fact that I'm getting every rep I could possibly get right now so I'm taking advantage of that. When I get in camp with those older guys I'll be splitting more reps, so I'm trying to get as much as I can now."</p>
<p>In his <a target="_blank" href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/2016/4/20/11468850/paxton-lynch-memphis-draft-profile-nfl-draft-AAC-G5-college-football-fbs/in/11223087">draft profile of Lynch</a>, Adcock called the Memphis quarterback a "high risk, high reward" kind of player who "could be a star for the right team."</p>
<p>Here's to the Broncos being the right team:</p>
<p><b>MHR - Paxton Lynch is coming into the NFL with a lot of fanfare, even gracing a regional cover of Sports Illustrated. How do you think he will handle the hype, pressure of being one of the top-rated rookie QBs coming into the league?<br></b><a href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/authors/jeremy-adcock">Adcock</a> - I really don't see the bright lights of the NFL affecting Lynch. People always try to bring up his less-than-stellar performance from the Birmingham Bowl, but that was a bowl game with a new coaching staff and a one-time performance.</p>
<p>I prefer to look at the tape against Ole Miss. It was a CBS national telecast versus an Ole Miss team that beat Alabama. He absolutely shredded them with his arm and legs, pulling off one of the greatest wins in school history. He is definitely not afraid of the hype and bright lights.</p>
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<p><b>MHR - Before the Draft - and since - one of the common critiques of Lynch was that he was "raw" and would need a year or two in the NFL to really become a good quarterback - especially coming from a spread offense and now needing to play more under center. Do you agree he needs time to develop before starting and why/why not?<br></b><a href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/authors/jeremy-adcock">Adcock</a><b> - </b>Lynch is raw at several aspects involving technique, but he is much closer than many of the experts see him. He fits all the physical characteristics that the Broncos want out of a quarterback, but he should not be a day one starter. He needs a bit of time for working on technique and learning to play at the NFL level.</p>
<p>The thing about Denver getting Lynch is that he is a Gary Kubiak quarterback more than any quarterback of the last few drafts. He is a player who can run the bootlegs and scramble when needed. He can throw with accuracy and power on the run, something missing from the Denver offense late in the season.</p>
<p>His best scenario is to start as a backup and get handed the reins midway through the season when Mark Sanchez starts to falter. There is no need to throw him to the wolves as a rookie and ruin him like so many first-round busts in the past.</p>
<p><b>MHR - In theory, Lynch could be coming into an excellent situation for a new quarterback - a strong defense, a veteran QB as mentor and a veteran offense with some serious WR weapons. Do you see this as a great scenario for Lynch and will it allow him to thrive into franchise QB stardom eventually?<br></b><a href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/authors/jeremy-adcock" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Adcock </a>- In many ways, this situation reminds me of the OIlers/Titans and Steve McNair. Coming from Alcorn State, McNair was a much different quarterback than Chris Chandler. McNair saw some starting duty early in his career before taking over and eventually leading the Titans to a Super Bowl.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">The thing about Lynch is he is a Gary Kubiak quarterback more than any other QB in the last few drafts. He can run the bootlegs and scramble when needed. He can throw with accuracy and power on the run. <span>-Jeremy Adcock</span>
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<p><b>MHR- What if the opposite occurs, and Lynch impresses enough to become the starting quarterback this season. Do you think Lynch could be ready for that role or will it be a struggle and a possible confidence buster? (and if he does become the starter, does that say more about the lack of strength at our QB position or about Lynch's talent?)<br></b><a href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/authors/jeremy-adcock">Adcock </a>- If Lynch comes in and impresses enough to start immediately, I would feel very lukewarm about it. He has the physical tools to play at a very high level, but a Thursday night opener versus the Carolina defense is not the place to start a rookie quarterback. I do not think it would crush his confidence, but it could delay Lynch making the strides forward he could make as an early backup.</p>
<p>Lynch is a much different quarterback than Sanchez and should take things slowly. That will allow him to learn the position and find out exactly what Kubiak wants from his quarterback. Week 10 or 11 of this season would be a great time to see Lynch earn control of the reins of the Broncos offense.</p>
<p>I hate to throw Sanchez under the bus, but if he cannot hold on to the starting job for at least the first four games of the 2016 season, he does not even need to be on the roster.</p>
<p><b>MHR - Lynch mentioned his footwork as the biggest area of improvement he believes he will need. Would you agree and why/why not? What other areas will he need to improve at this level?<br></b><a href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/authors/jeremy-adcock">Adcock </a>- I agree. Lynch wasn't the traditional quarterback who went to the top camps and had the top personal coaches. Much of what he has been able to accomplish has been from hard work on his own. You can tell in his play that he does not always get his feet set correctly, and that can affect his accuracy dramatically.</p>
<p>He is a student of the game but needs to understand how to watch and dissect film at the NFL level. He could physically get away with bad mechanics at the college level, but he has to clean it up to be a successful NFL player.</p>
<p>Luckily for the Broncos, every major issue he needs work on can be fixed with a good quarterback coach.</p>
<p><b>MHR - Would you pick Lynch for your fantasy football team this year?<br></b><a href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/authors/jeremy-adcock">Adcock </a>- Not this year...but give him a couple of years in this offense and he could be one of the top players at his position for the NFL <i>and</i> fantasy football.</p>
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<p><b>MHR - Lynch's back story is great - kid from a small high school stays loyal to coach and refuses to transfer despite potential fallout for college scholarships; helps turn around a dismal Memphis program and makes it a contender even among major SEC powerhouses. How will this help him at the next level - or is it just a nice feel-good story?<br></b><a href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/authors/jeremy-adcock">Adcock </a>- I never discount the underdog attitude of a player with talent. He had to work for everything he accomplished at Memphis, and it is nothing short of amazing how much the program turned around under Lynch. Memphis went from 7-29 and a national laughing stock during the three years before Lynch started to 22-16, including two bowl trips, in his three years as a starter.</p>
<p>No one can underestimate just how extraordinary Lynch played in 2014 and 2015 in leading Memphis to bowl games. He is a winner and is not worried about personal success as long as the wins come. He knows just how hard it is to win and will do everything in his power to help Denver win games.</p>
<p><b>MHR - What kind of teammate and leader was Lynch for the Tigers? Any interesting stories from this past season (or another one) that speak to his character?<br></b><a href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/authors/jeremy-adcock">Adcock </a>- The best example I can give you about Lynch as a teammate and leader is from the Ole Miss game. Everyone forgets that they were down 14-0 and looked to be on the ropes early. Rather than blame the defense and fall apart, Lynch kept everyone on both sides of the ball calm and believing they could come back and win.</p>
<p>He is not as much of the rah-rah type as he is a calming influence on his teammates. No matter the score, he always believes that his team can win.</p>
<p>Without going too cliché, Lynch is only worried about getting wins for the team.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">No one can underestimate just how extraordinary Lynch played in 2014 and 2015 in leading Memphis to bowl games. He had to work for everything he accomplished and it's nothing short of amazing. <span>-Jeremy Adcock</span>
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<p><b>MHR - That sounds quite a bit like another favorite Broncos quarterback. One of the things Peyton Manning always did well was command the huddle and instill confidence. It sounds like this will be a strength Lynch will bring with him - is that true?<br></b><a href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/authors/jeremy-adcock">Adcock </a>- Any rookie quarterback will struggle a bit at figuring out how to command the huddle, especially in training camp. Just getting in the play alone is a chore and time consuming. I see Lynch picking up on that quickly as he is naturally a confident person - a trait that is crucial to any quarterback. By the time the season rolls around, I don't see it being an issue.</p>
<p><b>MHR - What is something unique about this kid?<br></b><a href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/authors/jeremy-adcock">Adcock </a>- Lynch was part of a Wing-T offense in high school. In case anyone does not know, Wing-T offenses aren't really known for their high-flying passing attacks. He basically self taught himself well enough that he was the starter as a redshirt freshman. That shows intelligence, talent and determination to be the best. I will take those qualities out of a quarterback anytime.</p>
<p><b>MHR- Favorite thing about Lynch?<br></b><a href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/authors/jeremy-adcock">Adcock </a>- His deep ball. Yes, it was at the college level, but Lynch connected 44.9 percent of the time on deep balls (21-plus yards), including 19 touchdowns and just two interceptions.</p>
<p>He throws a beautiful deep ball, something that was missing last season for Denver. I am expecting beat reporters and fans who attend training camp to rave about the long ball.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/5/10/11646436/Broncos-paxton-lynch-not-afraid-nfl-quarterbackLaurie Lattimore-VolkmannJeremy Adcock2016-05-05T09:00:03-06:002016-05-05T09:00:03-06:00Scouting Riley Dixon
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<p>With our final pick of the 2016 draft, the Broncos drafted Riley Dixon, a punter from Syracuse.</p> <p>It's no secret that I have been critical of Britton Colquitt's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/3/1/11134156/broncos-positional-review-punter">regular season performance</a> and his contract. He did, however, perform amazingly well in the playoffs. The Broncos were rumored to have interest in Tom Hackett, the punter from Utah, who went undrafted. When the Broncos drafted Riley Dixon at 228 he was the second punter taken behind Drew Kaser from Texas A&M at 179. There were threw punters drafted this year (some years there are no punters drafted) and four more guys signed as college free agents.</p>
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<td>Punter</td>
<td>College</td>
<td>pick #</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Drew Kaser</td>
<td>Texas A&M</td>
<td>179</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Riley Dixon</td>
<td>Syracuse</td>
<td>228</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lac Edwards</td>
<td>Sam Houston St</td>
<td>235</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will Monday</td>
<td>Duke</td>
<td>UDCFA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tom Hackett</td>
<td>Utah</td>
<td>UDCFA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Peter Mortell</td>
<td>Minnesota</td>
<td>UDCFA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Garrett Swanson</td>
<td>Fresno State</td>
<td>UDCFA</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>So why did we draft Dixon? Well, it wasn't that he was the best punter in college football last season. Statistically that was Tom Hackett in terms of average punt distance</p>
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<td>Rk</td>
<td>Player</td>
<td>School</td>
<td>Conf</td>
<td>G</td>
<td>Punts</td>
<td>Yds</td>
<td>Avg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Tom Hackett*</td>
<td>Utah</td>
<td>Pac-12</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>61</td>
<td>2925</td>
<td>48.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Dalton Schomp</td>
<td>Florida Atlantic</td>
<td>CUSA</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>2101</td>
<td>47.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Drew Kaser*</td>
<td>Texas A&M</td>
<td>SEC</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>60</td>
<td>2848</td>
<td>47.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Michael Carrizosa*</td>
<td>San Jose State</td>
<td>MWC</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>48</td>
<td>2280</td>
<td>47.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Spencer Smith*</td>
<td>Memphis</td>
<td>American</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>2030</td>
<td>47.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Sam Geraci*</td>
<td>Cincinnati</td>
<td>American</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>2036</td>
<td>46.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Joseph Davidson*</td>
<td>Bowling Green State</td>
<td>MAC</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>54</td>
<td>2483</td>
<td>46.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Hayden Hunt*</td>
<td>Colorado State</td>
<td>MWC</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>52</td>
<td>2393</td>
<td>46.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Taylor Symmank*</td>
<td>Texas Tech</td>
<td>Big 12</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>1518</td>
<td>46.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Austin Rehkow</td>
<td>Idaho</td>
<td>Sun Belt</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>50</td>
<td>2296</td>
<td>45.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Trevor Daniel*</td>
<td>Tennessee</td>
<td>SEC</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>60</td>
<td>2742</td>
<td>45.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Johnny Townsend*</td>
<td>Florida</td>
<td>SEC</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>83</td>
<td>3765</td>
<td>45.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Nick O'Toole*</td>
<td>West Virginia</td>
<td>Big 12</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>3223</td>
<td>45.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>Drew Riggleman*</td>
<td>Arizona</td>
<td>Pac-12</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>52</td>
<td>2357</td>
<td>45.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Cason Beatty*</td>
<td>Florida State</td>
<td>ACC</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>61</td>
<td>2756</td>
<td>45.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>Rigoberto Sanchez</td>
<td>Hawaii</td>
<td>MWC</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>74</td>
<td>3335</td>
<td>45.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>Nicholas Conte</td>
<td>Virginia</td>
<td>ACC</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>52</td>
<td>2322</td>
<td>44.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td>Tyler Newsome*</td>
<td>Notre Dame</td>
<td>Ind</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>2446</td>
<td>44.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td>Tyler Williams*</td>
<td>Marshall</td>
<td>CUSA</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>70</td>
<td>3108</td>
<td>44.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td>Alan Luna</td>
<td>Texas-El Paso</td>
<td>CUSA</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>65</td>
<td>2885</td>
<td>44.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Wait! We drafted a punter who wasn't in the top 20 in the FBS in net punting? Yes, we did. Note that one of the drafted punters, Lac Edwards, played at an FBS schoool. So where did Riley Dixon rank? 29th with an average punt of 43.7 yards last season for the 4-8 Syracuse Orange. So maybe he just had an off year. Nope. He finished 39th in the BCS in net punting in 2014 and 45th in 2012 (42.4 and 42.1 net yards per punt respectively). So then why did we draft this punter?Well, he's big and tough (6'5", 220 lbs) which can be seen in his <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCaXMAn2V7s" style="background-color: #ffffff;">youtube highlight video</a> of his fake punts and fake FGs, but that's not why we drafted him.</p>
<p>We drafted him because he is a master of hangtime and forcing fair catches. Dixon forced the returner to fair catch the ball on 42.4% of his punts in 2015. He can boom kicks when he needs to according to many scouts at the Senior Bowl</p>
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<div style="clear: both; margin-top: 10px;" class="client-and-actions"><span class="metadata">11:17 AM - 27 Jan 2016</span></div>
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height: 24px; border-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;" alt="Ben Schwartzwalder" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/593165693224427520/yWxDVdat_normal.jpg" class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link"></a><a style="color: #8899a6; float: left; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; width: auto; cursor: pointer; border-left-style: none; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;" title="@jayhughes44" original-title="@jayhughes44" data-user-id="415695166" href="https://twitter.com/JayHughes44" class="js-profile-popup-actionable js-user-tipsy js-tooltip"><img style="width: 24px; height: 24px; border-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;" alt="@jayhughes44" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1645500876/jaySACKETS_normal.jpg" class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link"></a> </li>
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<div style="clear: both; margin-top: 10px;" class="client-and-actions"><span class="metadata">5:29 PM - 27 Jan 2016</span></div>
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height: 24px; border-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;" alt="Ray Mertens" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/711190228325769216/Y7JHBvE__normal.jpg" class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link"></a><a style="color: #8899a6; float: left; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; width: auto; cursor: pointer; border-left-style: none; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;" data-original-title="Tara Dixon" original-title="Tara Dixon" data-user-id="1972366598" href="https://twitter.com/taraedixon" class="js-profile-popup-actionable js-user-tipsy js-tooltip"><img style="width: 24px; height: 24px; border-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;" alt="Tara Dixon" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/726592468892958720/-t-qLbL4_normal.jpg" class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link"></a> </li>
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<div style="clear: both; margin-top: 10px;" class="client-and-actions"><span class="metadata">5:10 PM - 27 Jan 2016</span></div>
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<p>His average punt may have only been 43.7, but his net was an amazing 41.9. That's right. The opposing team averaged 1.8 yards per punt return last season against Syracuse. Now that was according the this <a href="http://www.syracuse.com/orangefootball/index.ssf/2016/01/syracuse_punter_riley_dixon_ranks_no_2_on_mel_kipers_list_of_punting_prospects.html" target="_blank">article</a> which seems dubious since Dixon did have a punt returned 69 yards for a TD <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400603849" target="_blank">against LSU</a> in 2015 (that's also the game where Dixon hurtled a defender on a fake punt to gain a first down - both are in the highlights). He also had a punt returned for 31 yards against him (and his bad coverage unit) against NCSU. Dixon punted 65 times in 12 games in 2015 and only 14 of those were returned. The fact that only 21.5% if his punts were returned in 2015 is impressive (unless he is hitting them all for touchbacks). He did have four punts go for touchbacks in 2015 (6.2%) but that was coupled with 27 punts that forced the other team to start their drive inside the 20 (41.5%) and seven of those were downed inside the 10 (10.7%). If Dixon had produced those two stats in the NFL last season he would have been in the top 10 in %in20 and in the bottom 10 in terms of %in10. He would have been middle-of-the-pack in touchback% but that's usually a function of poor coverage units more than a function of a kicker who is not very good at directional punting. Riley Dixon appears to be very good at directional punting, getting hangtime and punting the ball for distance.</p>
<p>You might laugh but this kid can be a weapon for us like Colquitt was a weapon for us in the playoffs.</p>
<p>Video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwQaW4qkJgI" target="_blank">Punting Camp with Riley Dixon</a></p>
<p>Watch and listen for the hangtimes that Dixon was getting. He's consistently getting 5+ seconds of hangtime. That video was shot at a high school in Scottsdale, AZ - elevation 1247' above sea level. Project what Riley is going to be able to do at a significantly higher elevation.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/5/5/11590976/broncso-draft-scouting-riley-dixonJoe Mahoney