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
OC…..I like your top 3 picks!
It would be mex except Martez Wilson will probably go in the first round. Good tape, good frame (6’4 250) and a 4.49 40. Yup he will be gone late first round. If he sneaks into 2nd round however it could be a steal. I prefer Kyle Rudolph over stocker as well but same scenario, Rudolph probably goes late first round. I am interested in seeing woodyard in the 4-3 he did well in the 4-3 his rookie season, he was soo out of place however in the 3-4
BFE, how come you don’t speak back to your Broncos buddies?
Bay,I been real busy lately,just mostly read the blog when I get a chance,and throw in an opinion now and then.Sorry,but you guys know how I feel about my Bronco Bros……..friends till the end!
Hopefully I will get to come back full time real soon,miss Blogging with you guys.
Strandoftds……Rock on Bro!!!
Hi. if the panthers take a qb dosent it make sence to trade back to 5 or 6 and get more pix and hope P.P falls because ,other teams might freak out and want another qblike AZ.also what about Jenkins (DT) fr jets,as a plugg for atleast two yrs, of course draft some DTs, like another LSU kid nieves. so draft P.P 1st 2nd nieves 2nd TE Rudolf or CB frm texas possible saftey?
More BFE sightings! Lol. It’s good to see you around man.
As for the point of this blog, I’m really glad to hear the guys at the top talking D-Line. It’s about time we heard that part of the team be emphasized on a consistent basis. I’m also glad that the PR staff on this website is making a point to write stories about it. Just goes to show that we are being listened to finally. Not that we need to make all the decisions because that wouldn’t be good either, but it’s just nice to know that the fans are appreciated. So I just wanna say hooray for the new look broncos franchise
88, I’ll second that- Hip, Hip Hooray!!!!!!!
2Ps = D in 11
I want Peterson (as I’ve said before) but if we go DT I think we should trade back, if we can move back 4 or 5 places we might be able to grab a 4th and 2nd or 3rd and 4th pair of picks up…Even if we fall to picks 7-11 I don’t think Fairley, Bowers, Dareus, Quinn, and Von Miller will all be off the board and if we get one of them we will be grabbing quality and gaining picks that could enable us to grab more quality players in the later rounds…if we maneuver well we could begin to build a powerful YOUNG defense and team…just a thought…is that crazy?
P.S. if the CBA comes through trade Orton, no need to waste the money on a back-up and I would personally like us to cash in while Orton still has trade value!
The only hurdle I see to trading back this year is the CBA. If there is not a new one by the time the draft rolls around I don’t think teams will be very willing to move up and down. Just saying, as helpful as trading back can be in terms of getting extra picks, I think teams will be gun shy this draft if there isn’t a new agreement because those picks will replace free agency in that case, so teams won’t be as willing to get rid of picks. At least that’s the feeling I get from the situation as it stands now.
True2broncos……Marcell Dareus had only 11 sacks in those 3 years because he is a run stuffer not a pass rusher. If we go DT in the draft that is what we need is someone who can stop the run, not rush the pass. We have pass rushers in Dumervil and Ayers.
With that being said we still should draft Patrick Peterson. And what is with all of this talk of Peterson being our safety if we draft him, that is just rediculous. The guy is the best CB prospect to come out of the draft in a LONG time and you guys want to switch his position. NO WAY. Lets draft him and keep him at CB then we will instantly have the best CB duo in the league. Not to mention he will be learning the ins and outs of the position from Champ for the next 4 years at least.
No way should we trade back…….Grab Peterson at #2 or someone else will. He wont make it past 5 IMO.
ha melo, notice i said if we go DT. I think Peterson at 2 is a no brainer haha
MarshMelo15,
Marcell Dareus had the most SACKS in the SEC with 6.5 at DE. I just prefer Bowers what 16 SACKS to Dareus. Remember when DOOM came out of college with like 20 sack in one year???
We need strong Pass Rushing from both sides and Ayers won’t get it done from my perspective. But I also don’t understand why everyone is sooo gaga for Peterson??? I like him, but he may not even be the best CB in the draft???
Anyway it doesn’t matter what any of us think – the picks going to be made without our input on April 28th.
I’m just saying!!!
Please o Please Draft P2…. Trade down 3 or four spots and take him or Miller whoever is left… use the extra 2 and the 2 we get from Carolina and trade them to New England for their 15th in the first… they have two number 1′s and Bellichek loves him some two’s… that gives us two number 1′s two number 2′s and still the best LB or CB in the Draft…
GET IT DONE…
The 2 from Carolina obviously coming from an Orton trade… Carolina and Arizona both need a QB and have high 2nd round picks… Sorry for the omision…
its likely Carolina might not want Bowers with the 1st after giving up much to acquire Everette Brown 2 yrs ago.And a QB is still questionable.a new coach, might want to try out Clausen to keep the locker rooms trust or play Matt Moore.IMO. so its either Fairley/Dareus (seems they missed Jenkins holdin down their front) or Peterson (doubt they’ll risk a CB that high) or Surprisingly Julio Jones or Aj Green…its up in the air.
speaking of Jenkins, a lot of people didnt mention his contribution to Pepper’s success.he and kemoatu ate up all the blockers allowing Peppers to dominate the outside. in chicago he had tommie harris and unerrated Dvorcek taking off some of that pressure. (note: those two Jenkins/Harris are FAs.
) one of them could help out a lot.
and yea i agree, the Colts have the greatest pressure off the edge and their CBs still play average.
I still think Peterson is hard to pass up!pretty smart humble guy. look at what Dallas got in Dez Bryant last year (Dynamic playmaker)
I guarantee another dominating DT will come out next year! watch out for that rookie phenom ,DE Jaedavon?
I still stand by Peterson…(P36) Patrick Peterson Pick 6
When he was coaching the Carolina Panthers, Denver’s John Fox developed a reputation for taking a hands-on approach to scouting college players. “That’s the coach in me,” Fox said. “I think early on one of the reasons I didn’t think I wanted to be a head coach was because I didn’t think I’d get to do it very much. But I’ve been a head coach for nine years and I think you can still do all those things. I think being close and understanding your players is what it’s all about to be a successful organization.”
“BEING CLOSE AND UNDERSTANDING YOUR PLAYERS IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT TO BE A SUCCESSFUL ORGANIZATION”.
Talk about a turnaround at the HC position!
McD could of cared less about being close and understanding any of his players.
This is a complete reversal of philosophy.
And I think it’s great!
The “team” aspect of things is the most important ingredient, which McD always understood, but to get that you need to be close to your players and understand them so you can fit them correctly into your “team”, which McD NEVER understood.
Hallelujah, Amen.
Any news out there on the CBA negotiations? I haven’t heard a thing.
Royalty posted something about it on the previous page of this blog, March 8, 5:30 pm comment.
When is Alabama`s pro day? I`m looking forward for the Bronco`s to check out Marcell Dareus.
Strand….Alabama’s pro day is today bro!
Bay…good stuff on coach Fox,like comparing apples to oranges!
I found some interesting stats on Orton:
Over the past two seasons:
•Passing yards: 7,455
•Touchdowns: 41
•Interceptions: 21
•Completion rate: 60.5%
•Record: 11-17
“In the fourth quarter when down by eight points or less, Orton completed 50 percent of his passes, which was the sixth worst percentage in the NFL. He had a passer rating of 51.3, which was the tied for the fifth worst in the league
Orton wasn’t much better on third down in 2010. He completed 50 percent of his passes on third down, which was tied for the eighth worst in the league. His passer rating on third down was 58.0. He threw five interceptions on third down.”
That’s the difference between having good statistics and being a winner. Go Tebow.
Here is the source: http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/fox-elway-talk-defensive-line/#comments
Oops, wrong tab. Here is the real source: http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/speak_up_what_should_the_broncos_do_with_kyle_orton/4341532
Everytime Fox speaks,makes me glad we hired him,I think he will bring the Broncos back to respectability in a very short timeframe!The guy is a smart cookie when it comes to the X’s and O’s of football,and now we know he is a players coach as well,we couldn’t have picked a better HC,IMO.
88,thanks bro!
MANIAC,preaching to the choir bro!
Orton’s gotta go!!!
Thanks BFE. I`ve missed ya bro. GO ORANGE AND BLUE!!
I think John Fox is going to be here along time. He`s grown on me big time. I`m looking forward to watch our new BIG D FLOURISH. This is gonna be fun to see. Draft Dareus!!
Some news on negotiations (from what little meat there is to pick from out of these bare bone reports)
Adam Schefter-
The two sides have been almost at a stalemate. the NFL offered to give some of the the financial data that the NFLPA was seeking, the NFLPA declined to look at it.
We are now on Wednesday and we are now getting to the point where, at any moment, the NFLPA can go ahead and decertify. Now they are expected to go up to the limit on Friday. The deadline Friday afternoon, but again that is rapidly approaching.
Both sides know that if they are going to get a deal done they have to show a lot more progress then they have had so far. At this time last week it didn’t look like anything was going to get done and then somehow D. Smith stepped up, Rodger Goodell stepped up and the two sides managed to cobble together two separate extensions. One for 24 hrs the next for the next week that expires this Friday.
Their going to need more of that in the coming days and in the coming hours with this critical stretch ahead.
One other note the NFL has three owners participating in the talks today John Mara of the Giants , Clark Hunt of the Chiefs and Art Rooney of the Steelers with more NFL owners on the way to talks in Washington.
Chris Mortensen: The next two hours may be most critical yet in CBA talks, source says. Small group working with mediator while larger group awaits word.
Jeff Pash:
“We offered to make more info to the NFLPA available then ever before so there shouldn’t be an issue of disclosure but as I said many times to the extent to what they want I think Issues of transparency should be behind us.”
MANIAC: Thanks for the stats. Good information. At homes games, always dreaded 3rd and long, due to Orton’s inability to convert most of the time. He was much better with 3rd and 7 or less.
Maniac,
I always felt like we would not be able to complete combacks during the forth quarter this past season with Orton. But with TEBOW in you can just feel the momentum shift and you feel like you are in every game!!!
I still think Orton is a good passer and if you could somehow meld Tebow and Orton into one player it would be great, but since that could never happen I like our chances with a proven WINNER in TEBOW!!!
All in all it would be cool to see them both on the field at the same time and maybe call it the “FLYING BRONCOS”. LOL
Amyway, I just hope they both compete well and in the long “RUN” I want Tebow to win the starting job outright, and I would not mind at all to keep Orton as a back-up (he is still a fine QB in my mind)!!!
GO BRONCOS!!!
Orton would never want to sit behind BIG T if he’s not our starter look for him to be traded.
I just know Tim Tebow is working on his pocket passing to win out this job he is HIGHLY competitive.
Well with Tebow’s style of play – he’s going to get hurt! We need a good back-up who would you suggest??? Brady Quinn??? OR someone different???
Anyway, being a back-up QB seems like a great gig in my book!!! I’ll take 4 million to sit in the best seat in the house and watch the game!!! Wouldn’t you???
GO BRONCOS
Thanks for the scoop Royalty.
If the NFLPA de-certifies, the union would no longer exist. Players would give up their collective bargaining rights, but then will most likely file individual anti-trust suits against the league & the owners. We could spend the entire offseason in court and maybe the season.
Concessions needs to be made by both sides.
C’mon guys – can’t tear a dollar bill in half as it has no value!!
Of course but were not going to pay Orton that much to sit on the bench! He’ll be traded for another old timer to sit on the bench when and if TT gets banged up.
rbf1 true with a capitol T. I hope they can get something through if decertification takes place we are looking at a long drawn out fight in the courtroom.
Were now about almost 4 hrs into negotiations the NFLPA wants more transparency and disclosure then they have been offered. Pash basically says that they have shown more then ever has been shown to anybody. When it comes to the NFLPA, financial disclosures seems to be the major stumbling block on these negotiations. Somethings got to give…
Looks like the Bills aren’t going to be resigning Donte Whitner. Anybody else think we should take a shot at grabbing him. He is 26 going on 27 former first round pick. Could fill the gap we have at safety and keep us from having to waste a draft pick on one. Since we missed atogwe i think whitner deserves a look.
News Flash:
The latest on NFL negotiations:
The NFL presented some #’s to the NFLPA that they have been asking for since November the NFLPA said that the reports weren’t as forthcoming as they wanted. Adam Schefler says it looks like decertification is eminent.
As soon as I get more news i’ll pass it on.
Crap!…I just want football!!!!
BroncoRoyaltyEst.1979,
How much do you think they pay the back-up QB now??? I would say $4 million is a conservative number for that potition. I think they make at least that much money if not more . . . and I also think it is a pretty important potition to have a decent player at!!!
That is my two cents!!! I just don’t want Brady Quinn as the back-up until he can prove he can actually win in this league on a consistent basis! No saying he won’t get there at some point, but he’s been a disappointment thus far in my eyes!!!
Owners shouldn`t have to show any of the books. There is not a single bussiness here in the USA that is going to show any employee their books. And why should they. If you or I went to a job interview and you get to that point in the interview where you talk about the wages you are wanting. If you say to the employer I want more than what you are offering, show me your books. They will laugh in your face. I would. I want the players to accept the offer. They make way to much money anyway.
t2b
Orton is due to receive an 8.8 million contract through the 2011 season his contract is now for another year $8.1 million is guaranteed. So where are you getting $4 mil? Again do you really think were going to pay him that much to sit on the bench?
He will be traded if Tebow is our starter next year
I hope he is traded! True, idk that their is a backup in this league that can win consistantly, if they could they would be a starter
strands
I hear you but pro sports is different from a regular job. fans pay to see their favorite teams and players buy jerseys of their favorite players, thats why there was already a CBA in place. Its like actors or writers how the writers went on strike because they belong to a union that helps bring in billions in revenue. The former CBA allowed the NFLPA to see what was on the books already the problem is that the players want to see more then just TV revenue they want to see everything down to how much revenue does parking to popcorn sales bring in to gauge how much money the NFL is actually getting.
true to the word Yovi
Strand,
Only difference is. They already have an understanding on how the 9.3 billion is split. Now the Owners are saying that its not enough and wanna take more money from the players share of the pie and if they dont want to give up more money, they should agree to a 18 game season to make up the revenue. At least thats how i hear it. How are players supposed to take their word that all of a sudden the split in revenue that had been ok up til now isnt anymore. Sounds like a ploy to just get more into the black by the organizations. Mix that with the fact that many believe some unwarranted and silly spending will be in the books for family members on pay rolls for no reason or flying in private jets. As a owner if u wanna do that, by all means do it, fans will be mad if they know thats how the money is spent but whatever, but dont do it and then turn around to the players and say money is not enough, i need to take out of your budget because i am spending money on things i shouldnt.