Before showing their support at the 35th Annual Sports Breakfast, benefitting the Boy Scouts of America, Head Coach John Fox and Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway addressed a number of topics, including the decision to release defensive linemen Justin Bannan and Jamal Williams and re-sign Kevin Vickerson.
“Those things are never easy,” Fox said. “In this process you have a budget and a cap, and all those things come into play. I think right now we were able to sign a youthful guy in Kevin Vickerson. We got Champ Bailey — I don’t know how youthful he is — but you guys know as well as I do what he brings to the table, both on the field and in that locker room.”
Elway said the team needs to get younger on the defensive side of the ball, and Fox noted that Vickerson’s play in 2010 stood out as the team decided which players to retain.
The sixth-year pro set career highs last season with 42 tackles, two sacks, an interception and a forced fumble, adding three passes defensed. He played in 15 games for the team, starting 12.
“I think he probably had his most productive year a year ago,” Fox said. “He’s a young guy that has bounced around a little bit, and I don’t know if he’s turned the corner but he’s definitely on the curve. He’s a guy we think can definitely help us. He’s got a lot of the tools physically that we’re looking for.”
As for the depth along the defensive line, Elway said much of that depends on how the next few months play out.
“We’ll still hopefully get a chance to talk to Jamal and Bannan down the way, but we’ll see how this whole thing unravels,” Elway said, adding that Marcus Thomas has decided to test the free agent market. “We’re still waiting kind of in limbo seeing what’s going to happen. Hopefully we get a deal this Friday and we continue to go forward.”
HEADING TO CAMPUS
As Broncos TV covered in this morning’s video, Fox, Elway and General Manager Brian Xanders headed to Auburn, Ala., with a Broncos contingent to watch the Tigers’ Pro Day today, featuring two potential top-five picks in quarterback Cam Newton and defensive tackle Nick Fairley.
“Brian, John and I, we’re going on this one together,” Elway said of the first trip to a college campus. “We haven’t determined what the schedule is going to be after this, but obviously on the first one we’re going to be going together.”
From there, the group will head to Alabama’s Pro Day — where top players like defensive tackler Marcell Dareus and receiver Julio Jones will work out — make a pit stop in Boca Raton, Fla., to meet with a player, then travel to Texas A&M for the Aggies’ Pro Day, featuring another top-five prospect in linebacker Von Miller.
“This process is important because you’re evaluating them not just as a player but as a person and what they’re going to bring to your organization,” Fox said. “It lets us get to know the player outside of the helmet.”
With about seven weeks left until the 2011 NFL Draft, Elway said the club is on a busy schedule to “get as much done as we can,” so the team can build a successful draft board as the weeks count down.
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Vibe, do you really think anyone will give anything for a 38 yr old safety, 32 year old corner, and 30 something LB who is vocal but just “OK”. nope
Unfortunately we cant get bowers? Why? Blame McDaniels for getting Ayers. It wasnt too long ago, and he deserves a chance at DE. The way Fox coaches the 4-3 I believe he can bring out the max potential from Ayers. The only need on the Dline is DT. Which i belive we can get early second round. Luckily we dont need a single player aka NT.
Yeah I am still a Melo fan but I have lost a little respect for him. I am However a Die Hard Denver Nuggets fan through and through….And the ulitmate thing is to have a Denver Nuggets V.S. New York Nicks NBA Championship and show him what its like to win a ring. That would be great. Plus it was just announced today that George Karl has signed a multiyear extension to remain the HC for the Nuggets.
And I think (hope) with the Draft its gonna sound more like this……”And with the 2nd pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Denver Broncos select Patrick Peterson, Corner Back, LSU” !!!!! LOL
true you want to draft another player who has a pre-existing injury? NO THANKS! I think we can make a DE out of Ayers…If we do go DL then grab Fairley or Dareus. Still would like to see Peterson in Denver though! Do what you need to do Denver, but so help me God if we come out with another first round bust..(I want to know McD is gone haha)
It were speled MAYS.
Every comment that has ‘Peterson’ in the first sentence deters me from reading the rest of your comment.
Theres a whole lotta ‘smoke n mirrors’ going on here and thats no uncommon, even with the number #1 pick. Fox and the front office will pick according the areas of urgency.
I strees the word URGENCY. This is not your Franchise mode on Madden where you can go through the Fantasy Draft and then quit it and start again.
If there is one thing you can be certain of, is that the Brains Trust know exactly what they need to focus on, and that will determine thier strategy come the REAL Draft.
I have no problem with Peterson playin cb. Our depth as it stands right now fs good fit. If we do pick him goody will prob be on the block
Patrick Peterson all the way……..BUT if we go D Line it has to be Dareus. NO to Bowers and NO Fairley. Thats just my take
MarshMelo15,
I think you are dreaming about the NBA Championship and I don’t really watch Basketball anymore – ever since Jordan left the Bulls and Basketball went all gangster! LOL
I’m much more interested in Pro and College Football and always have been. I tend to think a bunch of teams could have beat Auburn and Oregon-e this season and that both those teams looked terrible in the National Cham-pion-ship. I think TCU, Stanford, and BSU could have beat both those teams, but we’ll never know for sure (although Stanford and Oregon played).
Anyway, I’m just excited to have a high pick in the 2011 Draft and Don’t forget we have a high Second round Pick as well:
Maybe:
Bowers at 2 overall
Jimmy Smith at 34 overall??? What do you think???
GO BRONCOS!!!
Some have completely missed the point of the McDoofass era. Denver had a great team going into Josh’s run. Just, no leadership. Now the pieces need to be picked up. I don’t like how we arrived at having an early draft pick but PETERSON shutting down the secondary with Dawk and Champ is the best fit. I’m tired of speculation about the guy my self, but when a team considers shutting down half of an opposing offenses weaponry with one selection. BAM. It hits you in the face like a 2 ton heavy thing.
Play to their weaknesses, perhaps. However, to be more shrude, make them play away from your strengths. Then, take full advantage of knowing where they need to take the ball, as a last resort.
My broncos madden team has not loast a game in 3 seasons lol ayers at re and Peterson at cb fine with me. All in all as I said earlier with fox and 4-3 and his schemes and knowledge of other teams and reading game film compared to wink or Josh. Our defensive unit is not that bad at all as it stands right now. We need to tweek alittle. We all agree the dt needs tweeking no doubt. I just love Peterson. He can be better than Ed reed or Charles woodson
Doesn’t anyone else like or secondary as is??? I mean Thompson(Syd’Quan) I think could turn out to be a real STUD back there and while Cox came on strong in the preseason he definatley tappered off down the stretch.
I think Bailey, Dawkins, Cox, and Thompson could start as our backfield and have Goody in a back-up and packages roll!
I’m not sure we need anything other then someone to learn from the aged Brian Dawkins and I really think our time money and resources could be better spent at DL, DE, LB, and TE.
I’m I off my rocker or does anyone else see GREATNESS in Syd’Quan Thompson??? I mean the guy is a ball hawk and always seems to make a play assuming he is on the field!!! He played great late for Denver when everyone else was hurt going down the stretch in 2010. At least that’s what I saw!!!
Right. Uh…right I knew it would be seen my way. I think?
Michael Lombardi’s new mock draft as of today. Last week Lombardi had Broncos taking Patrick Peterson.
1. Panthers – Blaine Gabbert
2. Broncos – Marcell Dareus
3. Bills – Cam Newton
4. Bengals – Patrick Peterson
5. Cardinals – Von Miller
6. Browns – Da’Quan Bowers
7. 49ers – Robert Quinn
8. Titans – Nick Fairley
9. Cowboys – Prince Amukamara
10. Redskins – Aldon Smith
Yes. Champ, Dawk-side o-da-force, Peterson, and Cox. Backfield check. The only question is if Peterson would now be Cox’s son?
OK. Syd’Quan then. It clears up any paternity issues with Co[cks] and Peter’s son.
Now we need a running back like DICKerson. That would realy screw things up.
at least lombardi is not like the other sheep who think patrick peterson will be taken by the 49ers at 7. He wont make it out of top 5. One person did the Peterson to 49ers thing and people have been following like sheep ever since.
Fairley or Dareus…….front 7 in 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We need the best DT we can get,(that means #2)not wait till the 2nd round while we watch all the great ones get taken by other teams,like we have done the past 10-15 years………GEEEEEEEESH!!!!!!!!!!!
Who is getting tired of no pass rush and giving up over 200 yds to mediocre RBs???
Me BFE!
Quite to the contrary Eastward Beast. Corner and Safety blitzes will satiate your need for pass rushing.
We probably should have just kept Alphonso Smith from the draft two years ago!!!
Now we burned picks on Alphonso Smith, Cox, Thompson – Do we really need another DB???
Seriously, is it just me or do we tend to wast a bunch of picks on DB’s???
Alphonso Smith who we had for ONE year put up great number in Detroit last season and guess what they have a PASS RUSH – SHOCKING I KNOW!!!
In a humble observation it appears that you have forgotten the return of one, Elvis Doomerville.
I want to see the “FEAR” in the opposing Quarter Back’s eyes!!! I can’t recall seeing that even ONCE in 2010???
WE NEED TO PUT SOME FEAR IN THEIR EYES!!!
Doomerville was out all of 2010, and I saw plenty of fear when Mays was used at the right times.
Sure he intercepted but the man cant tackle worth a damn. Alphonso was just another costly McD blunder. The year before when all we had was doom, out pass d was 3rd. Sounds like he is more than enough to bring pressure. Also Colts have freeny and mathis. Great pass rush but dbs suck. What we need is INTs which we havent had for years. Need a complete CB with great ball skills. Lets just agree to disagree, both are equally neccesary. Getting runover is another thing tho. Thats the only defense for DT and its a strong one. I just think in the 4’3 we will be fine. We have sucked against the run in recent years cuz of the 3-4 experiment without the key players.
And what happened to thompson? either way, cox was a 5th round pick and thompson was like 7th round, not exactly cream off the crop. Cox was a steal however … until he alledgedly raped someone.
Yeah TRB… it was Charles Davis last night with PP going with 7th pick to Niners. I get a kick out these guys, as they really have no idea, but do a decent job of entertaining us….lol! Both have Fairley dropping to #8.
Dumervil
Doom
Doomsday
but not Dummerville or Doomerville. He is not a a place he is a person. vil not ville lol
The blunder was McD himself not the players picked. If one were to adopt that mentality then Tebow was a blunder. Joshy boy just wasn’t ready to coach. It doesn’t mean he couldn’t pick and trade with all of the information at his disposal the same way that we all profess to be able to.
tomato, tomato, potato, potatoville.
wanna know why Fairly dropped. 1 – He is a 1 year wonder 2 – He is slightly smaller than most want (under 300 pounds) 3 – His Character is questionable. 3 good reasons why he more than likely wont go top 5.
Mays did his job well as a back-up, but is he even a starter in 2011???
By the way I just looked up Marcell Dareus’s STATS in college and let just say I’m not impressed with 11 SACKS in 3 years!!!
Bowers had more than that in one year and he kept constant pressure all year even after dealing with an injured knee (maniscus tear)!!!
Don’t get me wrong I’d like to strike gold in the 4th round again and get a Dumervil, but chances are you have to get the best player possible at the number 2 pick and honestly I’m not sure any of these guys will ever be the next GREAT PLAYER in the NFL, but I like my chances with BOWERS!!!
My bad. He’s got too many letters in his name to begin with. Just thought I’d add a few more.
Spelling’s for Colts fans.
we need to draft Patrick Peterson, Corner Back. I know we need a strong DT like Dareus from Alabama or Fairley but the 2011 draft has 9 DT with first round Talent Patrick Peterson is the best player in the draft. than we could have 2 solid corners that gelps out the front 7 for the pass rush
We just need that NEXT GREAT PLAYER!!!
At this point I don’t care who we get as long as they can become the next:
Ray Lewis
Troy Polamalo (spelling?)
Clay Mathews
Ed Reed
Charles Woodson
Julius Peppers
Dwight Freeny
and you know these guys they make there whole team better from the Defesive side of the ball – they are rare and when you have one of these type of players you can’t afford to lose them!!!
I think a great player you don’t hear much about is the STUD of the TCU Linebackers TRUCK or TANK whatever they called him??? That guy is going to be good!!! And might not even be a first round pick?!
TANK CARDER – TCU
Have no idea where he’s go in the 2011 DRAFT, but I see GREATNESS in that guy!!!
I’d love to pick up a “TANK” (Carder) in early round two!!!
Just checked up on Greg Jones ILB MSU. Was a fan but it seems like his stock is falling fast. He has great numbers in college and great work ethic from what i hear, but at 6ft 240 they say he lacks size and power and to make matters worse he ran a 4.8 in the 40. But this is the same guy who his JR year had like 143 Tackles and SR year had like 98. Clearly has good instincts but just not built for the NFL (Maybe). 3-4 teams will definitely look past him. Lucky for us, if he falls as is expected. He just might be available in the 3rd round. Tape vs combine. Tough. Hopefully he does better at his pro day
Some news about negotiations to break up the same old talking points we’ve had in the last 3 blogs.
ESPNs Mark Schwarz reports:
“One of the 1st things I heard today was Union President Kevin Mawae as he walked into the building was asked “are you ready?” he said “we have been ready for 3 years.”
Obviously as this deadline gets closer there will be an increasing sense of urgency and frustration the man who’s responsible for trying to limit the frustration and increase the urgency is federal mediator George Cohen. He brought the sides closer together on Thursday before the original deadline but of course theres such a difficult split over the $9.3 Billion in revenues. The owners want the players to give some of that money back but right now it seems the players are saying we will not give anything back until you open your books and show some financial transparency so we can see what, if anything, we need to concede.
Without the owners showing financial transparency it seems that these talks will go no where.
One of the more progressive owners Robert Kraft, of the Patriots, who is now in Israel says “he believes its possible for a deal to be done and if needed he would cut his trip to Israel short if he thought that was going to happen.” Thats an optimistic outlook from an owners perspective. On the other side of the coin, even Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson (who’s know to be more hawkish) wants a deal done. Analyst believe that Kraft’s statement doesn’t hold much water as far as optimism is concerned.
The NFLPA has said if you open our books we’ll sign a non-disclosure so that information doesn’t get out. Decertification leads to litigation and then you end up with a situation in where everybody gets to see whats on the books.
I think everyone one on the owners side is hoping a deal does get done trying to avoid opening their books so that they can avoid that dirty word… Decertification.
If your asking well whats the downside to the owners opening their books?
Sources say that some of the owners may be embarrassed by what they have on their books, some claiming people would see relatives on private jets and relatives on payrolls which may disgust a lot of the fans. When people look at that they may say well if your making decision like this, thats why your claiming your not making enough money. Which has analyst saying that the tide has turned to the side of the players, and that a deal is more likely to get done under a CBA to avoid decertification.
So it looks a little better, hope this is done with by this week and we can get on with FA and all that other good stuff.
Looks Like Tank Carder (43) is not even going to the draft this year – insert FOOT in MOUTH.
But I suggest you watch that guy in 2011 at TCU!!! He might be the bext great one???
I don’t really see any kind of Ndamukong Suh type of “CAN’T MISS” players this year???
I like Bowers and I like Peterson, but either or both can fail – and it seems like an off year for the draft to me – NEXT YEARS DRAFT LOOKS better by far to me???
Anyone else feel that way about the 2011 draft???
Thx Royalty, I am almost always on the players side, because these owners are business men and all they care about is getting MORE into the black. Players arent being difficult, they are asking to see owners open up their books so they know where the money is going to cuz i bet u its going to a lot of unnecessary places. So they do uneccesary spending and then want the players to cut out of their checks to compensate the Owners silly spending. I think its ludicrous. I feel worse for the none 80 million dollar players who will be affected the most. cuz after paying agents and what not and keeping up with thier team mates … not alot of money there. More than us fans but still not that much. I also dont want 18 games, if it aint broke dont fix it. Owners just looking for a way to get more money, they only thing i support the owners in is that Rookies make to much. How about we trim rookie salaries to make up some of the difference and show some love to fans with reduced ticket prices and what not? After all, the fans make them rich? Alas, that aint how business works, the big guys try to get bigger and push around the lil guys…
glaxsnax,so Doom comes back this year,and suppose he does play at a high level.We compliment him with Safety and Corner blitzes???
We need a dominant DT,Hell we have for many years now.I for one will be chuckling when we draft a DL and let PP slide on down the ladder.
We all seen what kind of CBs we had in Champ and Goody when we have a solid pass rush,enough said!
BTW…I think PP is gonna be a great CB,but just think we need talent on the Dline worse,just one man’s opinion that don’t mean a Helluva lot!
BFE
True, I agree with your earlier post. I just want the next BIG thing! If Fairley can come in and shut down the middle great, if Peterson has 11ints for us great…but just something. I don’t want another Jarvis moss or to see a Vernon ghoulston type of flop. I want a safe pick that I can look back on 5 years from now and KNOW we couldn’t have done better! I want the best D player on the board, and as of now that’s Peterson, so it makes sense to me…I understand we don’t NEED him but it would be quite the luxury to have him!
Agree with that TRB…
You may now return to your regularly scheduled programmed minds.
lol royalty, im trying my darndest to stay away from peterson talk. wont be anything new. nothing i havent said before.
All i know is that at number 2, this player better be a BEAST and a career bronco. And like Yovi and True say, look back and know and believe we took the best when we were in such an opportune position.
Here’s to hoping for a good Broncos draft….
1st DT Marcell Dareus
2nd OLB Justin Houston
2nd TE Luke Stocker
3rd RB Jamie Harper
What a shame we were fleeced for our 4th and 5th round picks….
Free Agency will probably be man for man and future picks, which I’m sure we will not be parting with any but may end up with a few….jomho
ILMSDB!!!
OC wouldnt it be better if we draft Martez Wilson instead of Justin Houston ;O?? The other picks are just great ;PP