The Broncos announced the signing of nine players to future contracts on Monday. Those players include all eight practice squad members — DE Jeremy Beal, T Adam Grant, TE Cornelius Ingram, RB Xavier Omon, WR Greg Orton, DT Sealver Siliga, WR Tim Toone and QB Adam Weber.
In addition to the eight practice squad members, the team also announced the signing of wide receiver Tyler Grisham. Grisham spent the 2010 and ’11 seasons on Pittsburgh’s practice squad after appearing in four games with the Steelers in ’09, catching one pass for 14 yards.
Below are the photos of the nine players signed today:
-Stuart Zaas
We can always get a vet WR … i think we need a proven receiver more than we need to spend a high pick on another receiver. You know a proven vet that is a true possesion receiver that can catch the ball.
KK, Just for you, NFL.com analyst have already started the mock draft … 2 pick us taking DT Jerel Worthy. One of the best this year. I think he suffered an injury which set him back a bit. My choice would be Penn State Devon Still. 6’5, long wingspan like Fox likes. Beastly DT with Pass rush capabilities.
TRB
I agree, we’ve neglected our defense for far too long. I sure hope we can bring in some talent to have an impact right away whether it be through the draft or FA.
Im pretty sure Ravens and 49ers just proved that superior Defense trumps Superior QBs. They do say defense wins championships … lets get us some defense. Altho I believe Brady and the Tight End Tandem will crush the Ravens. 9ers v Pats superbowl.
TRB
That’s part of the problem with the Tebow people because Tebow’s main job is the missionary one and they want has much exposure for him as they can get to keep the money coming in for him to do his work. NFL football is just his part time job and further helps along the cause of his main job, no way they will pull him out of the headlines, he will be there evey time they get a chance, hoping for anything else is nothing more than a pipe dream….unfortunately. That’s the world we now live in in Bronco Country, might as well get used to it.
They want as much…
Yep.. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinions here, but it amazes me that anyone would suggest not focusing heavily on defense in the draft.. We have Fannin at RB, and Dell at WR, both are good prospects..
TRB – I love Still, but I doubt he drops to us.. Worthy would be nice if he falls, which is more possible.. But, let’s not forget Bowers of last year.. Some had him going #1 overall early on, and we all know how that turned out… Won’t stop me from talking about it tho.. Lol
I wouldn’t call it his part time job. I understand your point considering he has stated that football is just a game and that he has an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, etc. It’s not like he’s going to disappear in the offseason doing mission trips and whatnot. I see him as a guy who likes a lot on his plate and can handle a lot on his plate. Just my opinion but we shall see. Like you said those, he’ll be in the media from now until the day he’s out of the league. It is what it is and that’s why I can’t even watch ESPN during the season anymore
To me that is no different than another qb in the league with those stupid “discount-double-check” commercials. Just about the dumbest commercials I have ever seen, with his stupid move he makes like he is displaying his championship belt. Guess what, the Giants took the belt off of him.
Our defense makes average QBs look good, good QBs look great, and great QBs look HOF. That really needs to stop.
I have a question about the practice squad. We have Weber on the practice squad now. How long can he stay there? I mean, if we need another qb this next year, why not sign Weber? He did look pretty good in the pre-season games he played in. At least to me he did, being z rookie.
Weber got a futures contract yesterday or the day before I think, which I think means we maintain his rights until cuts again next year. I could be wrong but that’s my impression.
We obviously have a totally different sense of humor, I absolutely love those discount double check commercials, I still laugh every time I see them, they are both excellent in my book, different strokes for different folks obviously.
Throwing my vote in as Bay and TRB have done, I believe that we need to concentrate on the defense for the draft. We need a lot of help on the de43fense, and we all know that we had no depth at a lot of positions this past season, and that hurt us a lot.
Bay, I guess it is just because I don’t like the person. Not so much the commercials, just the arrogant person.
Bay – good point, and unfortunately, I have to agree with you.. My hope is that the people making his decisions, are not short sighted, and would prefer having his platform and revenue streams for the long haul, not just a flash in the pan.. His best chances of being successful IMO, is to stay focused and try to get a reprieve from the media for a while.. Just lay low, there will be other stories, controversies, etc. that will take the headlines soon enough.. If Tebow can become the QB that we all hope he can, have at all the media attention you want! Lol
Yeah, I believe the only reason they sign all these guys to future contracts is so no one else can claim them now, like in the offseason you don’t have a practice squad because you don’t need one since you are allowed like 89 players or something.
NFL.com has their mock drafts up. Interestingly Pat Kirwan has us taking Tannehill with in the 1st round. I don’t see us taking a rookie gamble at QB right now. Later rounds maybe, but not a first rounder. Would think FA QB pickup more likely.
As to a big TE, has Denver given up on Thomas? The dude is 6’5/255. Thats big. I know he’s got some catching up to do in the tackling department but would think Thomas could be our big T.
I don’t think Rodgers is arrogant at all. In his presser after the loss I was totally impressed in how straight forward he was when he said something like, yeah when you are on top and current champions you forget what it feels like to lose and get thrown out of the playoffs and it feels real bad and I don’t like it at all. He said all that in a very humble way. He is a good guy as far as I’m concerned, always liked him, how could he not be a good guy, look how long he had to wait behind stupid Favre to get his chance and he never even said a negative word about it, classy guy, you are just letting his ring get to you in my opinion.
Pat Kirwan must have missed Elways presser yesterday. I agree with seeing what Weber has first and if not there are plenty of veteran QBs that we can take a stab at in FA
HEY RODGERS!!! … hahahaha … I swear … the packer fan makes the commercial. BJ Raji one is still my fave.
But I agree, what TT does is similar to Rodgers comercial, Bradies Uggs, Even sanchize does stuff … but the difference is Brady and Rodgers are proven I suppose. Anyway, as long as he can do both im happy. Ill leave the logistics to him and his people.
TRB
Brady on the other hand in my book is very co-cky … breams with arrogance in my book. Maybe just me tho. They call it “intensity” I call it co-cki-ness. But then again the guy just rubs me the wrong way lol. U will never hear me say he is not a great QB tho lol. TRB
Talking about the draft now is like throwing darts in the dark.
There is a system to this madness in the NFL, like an order of things.
FA is first.
Then you see who you lost and who you gained.
Then comes the draft.
And it is totally depending on what happened in FA.
However, draft officionados here have already being going at it for a month now so have fun with all that as for me you have noticed I have stayed totally clear of it and I will do so until I see how FA transpires. But of course I will keep track of college players in the meantime like the Shrine game, Senior bowl and combine, just to build up my knowledge. Not to make draft predictions now that will mean nothing come draft time. That’s why I don’t hold the draft contest until excatly two weeks before the draft, by then and only by then you can have any sort of clue, just speaking my peace about all that is all.
But patience is not a huge asset in Bronco Country, so I get it, enjoy your draft talks.
It makes me think that some bloggers are thinking this will be like last year, when the draft was held before FA because of the lockout, LMAO, it’s a normal year this year guys, haha.
Not defending Brady, but I think most of us would be pretty co cky too, if we were waking up next to Giselle every morning.. Lol
Well there’s not much to talk about between now and April that is up for debate haha. With the whole restricted free agent madness hardly any studs end up in free agency now adays. Sure we’ll sign role players like we did last year but not many difference makers like you find in the first/second rounds
Bay – I hear ya buddy, but given our organizations complete lack of attention to the defense during the draft, and questionable FA signings, it’s never too early to start discussing the draft IMO.. Predictions? Of course, they will change, but nothing wrong with looking at it now…. I just pray our FO agrees with me, and not you.. Lol
Who knows?
We might have to talk about an Allen or McCoy departure, or both, then talk about who we go for replacing them, then our guys in the probowl, then the combine, then the Shrine game, then the Senior game, then FA, who we lose to it, who we gain from it, then the draft contest, then the draft, it never ends, there is always something to talk about, but like I said I get it.
Scouts are working yearround on the draft, not to worry.
What our FO should be doing is getting a head start on meeting with some of these kids to see where their head is at.. We should start putting together draft boards now, and updating them on a weekly basis… Get to work guys!
I’d also think about calling a few team ahead of us and below us a few spots to get a dialogue going about possible trades… Let’s be over prepared and have a great draft!
Yea I understand what you’re saying. Shrine Game and Senior Bowl are both draft topics to me and continue to fuel the projections. Allen would be a huge loss, especially if he ended up in Oakland. The constant rotation of DCoordinators is not good for the organization.
Being an NFL scout would be such a fun job. Getting tickets to huge games paid for by the Broncos. Can’t beat that
Perhaps I’m jumping the gun a tad over here, but our success next year hinges on this draft IMO
Every draft is huge to me. The most important thing is developing the players though and not giving up on them too soon or holding on to them too long.
Nate Irving, Julius Thomas, Rahim Moore, Jeremy Beal, Quinten Carter… these are the guys that need to take that next step forward this offseason.
Franklin and Von made strides throughout the season and have proven to be keepers
Coop or Rice, we would appreciate a season conclusion blog from you guys.
Agreed.. I think both Mario Fannin and Mark Dell have a shot of working out as well
When does free agency start? Also, stupid question here but what positions are responsible for pass coverage. Told ya I have lots to learn.
I was just messing around and found this web site of Free Agent players list for those of you talking all of this.
http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/39667/59/nfl-free-agent-master-list
Shaz…. Free Agency use to start March 15…
Cornerbacks cover Recievers starting at the line of Scrimmage normally on the outside of the formation
Safeties provide deep help to the corners and cover extra recievers or running backs…
Sometimes the SS will come to the line and cover a TE but often gives run support i.e. Dawkins
OLB’s sometimes help in cetain formations covering a TE or Back out of the backfield…
On passing downs, or when the offense brings in extra Wideouts the defense goes into a special package called a nickle where a linebacker is taken out and a DB is added, be it Safety or CB…
the Dime package adds two DB’s..
hope I didn’t just muddy the waters
Free Agency starts March 13 of 2012…
The New CBA changed the date… I don’t know if that is a hard start time for seasons to come or simply a six week period between Superbowl and the Start date…
Thank you turtle I am still confused but at least I know the main responsibility in keeping the receivers from the ball is on the cornerback (CB) and I see the safeties further back then the rest of the defensive line so I thought it was their primary job. That explanation helped a little.
So the defensive tackle (DT) ius supposed to stopa runner right? So do all the rest of the defensive line try to rush the passer? How come sometimes you see 4 guys trying to get the QB and then sometimes only 3. I am sorry for so many questions but I really want to learn the game so i can make knowlegeable comments with my brain and hopefully not with my heart.
How can 1 guy be a backup at 3 different positions?
No Worries about the questions…
Most importantly lets just start with the basics of Defensive formations, and then we will break down their responsibilities position by position… Keeping in mind that the defense has ‘Plays’ almost the same as the offense where from one base look, each positions responsibility can change slightly…
The two most basic pro Defense base formations are the 4-3 (which Fox uses) and a 3-4 (that New England often Uses)…
In our Base Defense we have 4 down lineman, 2 DT’s and 2 DE that line up on the line of scrimmage… there are 3 linebackers that fill designated gaps depending on the responsibility of the four front lineman… i.e. Blitzes and stunts etc…
There are then the CB’s lined up on the Wideouts and the Safety’s will align themselves based on the formation of the offense, usually the SS crowding the line and the FS helping toward the deep third of the field on pass plays…
The FS is our absolute last line of defense on both pass and run plays, so his job is to not allow people to get behind him, and to make tackles in the open field, something we struggled with mightily this season…
Harris is the man!!! GREAT JOB!!!
I personally HATE to see 3 pass rushers in ANY situation… It takes the ‘Offense’ away from the defense, and DB’s are forced to cover longer and play on their heals… Always a bad strategy…. ALWAYS…
Our 4-3 is designed, as many to allow one LB to rush the QB… that was Von Miller this season, and when he was healthy he showed that he can single handedly change games for this team…
The DT’s main responsibility is to get directly up field and occupy blockers, then to Stuff the run and then to rush the passer… in that order… A DT that can occupy two blockers at the line of Scrimmage means that our base rush of 5 players gets to send one man free or the offense must compensate by adding a TE or RB to the blocking scheme..
The D-Line is referred to as the first level, and if the DT can keep the OL’s from reaching the Second Level (Our LB’s) then it limits the offenses ability to bust big runs… if the OL is consistantly on your second level you cannot stop the run… (without bringin up the safety, and then you are vulnerable to the pass… cause and effect)
DE’s are main responsibility is to set the edge on defense and turn any ball carrier back into what are referred to as Tackling lanes… Nothing is suppose to go outside of the DE… Runners or the QB on Rollouts or Scramble… a disciplined DE can eliminate one third of the field behind the line of scrimmage if he executes properly… and defense is all about forcing the offense to adapt to what you do… once they are reacting they are losing, and if they don’t properly adjust their scheme they lose… just like in chess really
A DE that brings a pass rush like Dumervil is a double bonus, and this season he did a wonderful job of setting the edge, tackling and reckognizing screen plays and blowing them up… his overall skill set is growing every season and I’m glad to have him here… It is important for the DE not to overpursue, because if you get caught cheating in or over rushing you leave gaping holes on the edges that good teams can exploit with a simple RB dump off…
Affective Defenses create mismatches so their best players are in the best positions to make plays…
There are 1000′s of nuance to defense, and one thing inevitably leads to another…
Does this make any sense so far? I don’t want to throw out too much at once…
The second Level of your defense is the LB’s and often the SS in the pros… High school and College schemes are often less aggressive with the SS, erring on the side of caution…
We have 3 LB’s, Sam Mike and Will… Strong side, Middle and Weak side…
Sam is often the pass rusher, and that is where Von played this season… Often his main responsibility is to get straight to the QB… Von struggled at times this year when his responsibility in a scheme was to set the edge, but that is common with aggressive young LB’s and his talent and intelligence are second to none… he will calm down, and when healthy next year should be a BEAST…
This is my BBBP…. VON MILLER HAS 20 SACKS in 2012…
Mike is the Run Stuffer, and the DT’s should keep him untouched by blockers so he is free to reckongize the running lane and stuff it… first one to the hole sometimes has to simply eliminate the fullback, so sometimes the MLB has done his job even by not taking down the ball carrier… Mays is amazing at this when he is clean and not fighting off second level blockers… that’s not on him, and a huge reason why guys like Ray Lewis have been play makers for so long with guys like Tony Saragusa and Ngata eating up all the blockers in front of him…
Will is the weakside linebacker that often has RB responsibility in the passing game and is used as run support i.e. to tackle the runner when Mike takes the blocker or to simply be filling a designated gap… He can be used to blitze (Blitzing is when the defense rushes more players than the offense has players to block in that area…) or to cover a TE or back…
Hahahhaha Turtle will blow shaz brain
You still around Shaz?