Back from Mobile, Ala., for the Senior Bowl, General Manager Brian Xanders sat down to discuss his scouting trip to the annual college all-star game.
Xanders, the personnel staff and the coaching staff were all in Mobile from Monday to Wednesday, and the team is now working toward the NFL Scouting Combine.
Why is the Senior Bowl an important part of draft preparation?
“First of all, for our scouts, it’s a great opportunity to meet and interview players for the first time. When they’re on campus, they’re playing football and they’re going to school. But this is a great chance to meet them one-on-one. We get in on Sunday morning and then really chase down players, assigned by scout, and we interview them on all of the questions that we have on their background, football character and personal character.
“The second reason is it provides the first live exposure for a lot of our coaches. They can see the velocity of the football, to see them catch, to see them compete against good players, to see them in person, their body types, see how they work and compete in groups.”
What are you looking for when you watch practices?
“We saw four practices — two North and two South. I’m looking for guys that stand out in terms of athleticism, explosion and quickness, and it’s in all positions. Defensive backs, receivers, defensive line, the quarterbacks, running backs — you want to see some traits that project to the NFL.”
Are you happy with what was accomplished in Mobile?
“We got a lot done. We got the interviews in and we met as a staff. It’s a great opportunity to get everybody together and start the process for 2012.”
What was said in the full staff meeting?
“Just, ‘Here’s the plan, here’s what we’re working on, here’s your assignments — go execute the plan.’ It was good to get down there. It’s one of the first steps in the process.”
-Gray Caldwell
I guess Marshall caught twice that many balls, congrats to him.
Well, if the current info is correct no to Clausen and now Legowld comes on to say the same about Manning:
Hold your horses: Peyton Manning won’t be playing for the Broncos
I new you would love it TRB that is why I posted that, just because I know he is your boy. I was not poking fun at ya. The man tore it up. I was sick of his antics in Denver but do miss the excitement that came with him on the field.
Congrats to Marshall and love to see the AFC win it.
Marshall would be a beast if every game was played at 3/4 speed. He plays at 3/4 much of the time, but unfortunately when he’s the only one doing it, he lacks consistent production.
Bay….I didn’t watch much consistently (was at resteraunt) but yes, Doom played. He even had a sack on a Rogers tipped pass that Rogers re-caught.
“We will be in the market to find more quarterbacks,” said John Elway, the Broncos’ executive vice president of football operations. “That’s our approach with Tim being our starter as we go to training camp, that we’ll look at free agency and the draft.”
And so Elway went to the Senior Bowl and other than Arizona’s Nick Foles like I mentioned yesterday he had to be really disappointed by what he saw there I would imagine, none of the other QBs looked ready to play at that level in the light much less at the NFL one.
“Anybody who comes in at any position is going to think they have a chance to compete,” Elway said. “Any free agent or anybody that comes in here when we start training camp is going to be competing for jobs.
“Obviously with Tim’s reputation, if the guy is afraid to come in and compete for that job, then maybe he’s not the right guy.”
Other than Foles who went 11 out of 15 with a TD, QBs there disappointed like I said, including Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden, Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson, Boise State’s Kellen Moore, Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins and San Diego State’s Ryan Lindley.
Maybe that moved Foles into a late first round pick….
But would Elway go there? Obviously only he knows.
But since Elway went there looking for a “big athlete who can throw the ball from the pocket.”
Other than Nick Foles who would that leave?
Stay tuned.
Some of this info was provided by Legwold.
Thanks. Just didn’t hear anything about him, not that I really looked hard though.
3rdgen, I personally think Marshall fights more than most WRs but u know to me he can do no wrong lol. I hope they get him a great WR and scheme. The best QB he ever played with was Cutler. Since then he has had Orton, Moore, tyler thigpen, pennington and whatever other journey man u can think of lol.
S.D, lol I knew u werent poking fun. Anyone who was on here like u and Carmharland (to name a few) when Marshall was a Broncos, knows how much I love the guy. He brought alot of excitement bro. Much like the new 15, when ball was in thier hands, anything could happen. Marshall with Yac, Tebow with his play extentions.
Glad no Clausen, No manning. Clausen sucks. Manning would cost. Besides u bring in a guy like Peyton Manning and it wont be a training camp competition. It will be a slaughter lol.
TRB
Nick Foles is 6’5″ 240 and his hometown is Austin Texas, that would definitely add a bit of excitement for me.
I think he fits what Elway is looking for to a tee and I won’t be so quick to dismiss him as an option for us in the draft. In fact I will follow this with much interest.
Nick Foles … interesting. I wonder if they will go the rookie or veteran route. For what is worth I know why they considered Clausen. Much like Brady Quinn he had the pro style thing in college and the pedigree, so they believe it will be a low risk high reward as a back up QB that if Tebow were to fail, could turn into the player many thought he could be. I personally wasn’t a fan of Clausen. McCoy was my boy. But his time may be numbered in cleveland as well. Patience does not exist in the NFL anymore.
TRB
Legwold says Ingram on Broncos’ radar:
After a few days in Mobile, Ala., the South team’s No. 6 was worth a double take or two. No. 6 was 6-foot-1 7/8, 276-pound Melvin Ingram.
And any team, such as the Broncos, looking for a little athletic potential in its defensive line will be giving Ingram a long look. Ingram started his career as a linebacker at South Carolina and returned three kickoffs in his first season.
That alone is worth an asterisk in the notes because any defensive player who handles kicks or punts generally has plenty of athleticism, even in college.
This past week Ingram showed he could work inside at defensive tackle and outside at defensive end. He has that special quality when rushing the quarterback.
For a defense looking for a little more inside pop in the pass rush, as the Broncos are, Ingram certainly fits the job description.
Sure sounds like a versatile fellow for that size but he still lacks the big size we need in the middle making it a difficult decision to draft him with our first pick since that’s about the only way we may put our hands on him.
Not unless he has long arms … i thought they had a thing against shirt interior linemen … would be interesting if melvins the selection.
TRB
Wing span: 77 1/8″
“Melvin Ingram is short and his arms are tiny. However, his draft stock soared following a strong conclusion to his 2011 campaign. He was flat-out dominant in the season finale versus Clemson.”
If that was possibly a reason they passed on Paea … I will be curious to see if they pick this guy. Just based off his height I figured he would have short arms, but after reading that I am sure. Walters has him going in the early 20s
Lol not sure if 77 is good but based on that report I would guess not. But im not sure
I would say it’s average.
This from the National Football Post would contradict your info:
A shorter compact defender with a long set of arms, an explosive pop into contact and the know-how to get after the quarterback in a number of ways.
A Dumervil type of guy, I believe Doom’s wingspan is around 78″/79″ or so.
And this is how they conclude their scouting report on Ingram:
Impression: He is an impressive pass rusher who can get after the QB in a number of ways. Ingram is raw with his technique and can get better, but his suddenness, length and natural feel for the game makes me think he’s one of the draft best senior pass rushers.
I can see why Legowld would mention him as a potential candidate, specially considering the fact Fox loves QB rushers and is not crazy about inside linemen and this guy can do both. I would be willing to bet that makes Ingram very attractive to Fox.
Bucky Brooks has Ingram going at #9 to Miami! I know it’s only a Mock draft, but this guy has top 10 talent? That I didn’t know…
nor did i. he is a guy that can play inside and outside on the line. and played OLB at some point. im sure he is appealing 4-3 AND 3-4 folk. btw, if we could find a way to get devon still i would be beyond excited. but it would cost
TRB
Bay, Doom is a freak of nature … and he mostly plays the outside as a rusher. In his DTs was what I meant by Fox like tall lanky people with long arms and wingspan to bat the ball down. Not as needed from edge rushers. Depends on the position he plays for us I suppose.
TRB
Stay tuned is all we can do….
And that’s all I’m doing and doing my best to share.
It’s better than getting involved with the blog police, LOL.
maybe Ingram is a guy who could take Ayers spot. I am still not sold on Ayers. i know he had a better year but…..
Bay I didn’t jump the gun on anything. I said might be coming to Denver, when talking about Clausen. So that meant the idea was being discussed.
I have always been spot on of what’s going on with this team. Go check the track record. Every time I post something its always a shot yu try to give.
I hope yu get the help yu need.
Trb what’s up champ been missing for some days now. Hope everything went well in NY. I know the BMarsh MVP stung a lil. lol
I’m telling yu the believe Nate Irving is gonna be their starter at MLB. So they not going high with a MLB pick. Dre is the man at 25 book it.
they not the* I think i need to get a new android. Shameful typos. lmao
Cool your jets 007, when you say stuff that comes true I thank you for it, this was not the case and I just pointed to it. Now if I never said anything nice to you you’d have a point, that is just not the case.
haha, 007 looks like the o on your droid is giving you fits!!
007
Yea, man. Woulda felt better if he was the Pro Bowl MVP with a horse on his helmet not some fish with a blow hole. lol. but its all good. Dre Kirkpatrick at 25 would be great … him falling that low however is hard to imagine even with his weed thing. I wanted Vontaze Buffict but I see they still beleive in Nate. No reason not to. A site i read up on him said that he is similar to Nate Irving. Maybe all the kid needs is an offseason. Im all for Dre or a DT at 1 and Doug Martins at 2. hope they are looking at Doug Martins. Heard they were more interested in polk tho.
TRB
I’m not gonna argue with you. I’m just gonna say this. I was the one who said the Clausen thing was nixed. So yu pointing something out make no sense what so ever. How can yu point out something that already has been stated by the person??? lmao With that said i’m moving on.
Alabama CB if he still there will be the pick. With Goodman being injury prone. Plus Champ still be straining his groin from time to time. They are going for a CB. Maybe in the first 3 picks. Kinda like what Shanny did when we got Darrent Williams.
Nice 007…
I don’t know if you have gotten to see my Draft Board that I post here, but Dre is my Number one Prospect at #25… If he’s still around of course… These are guys I have been scouting extensively, and I know we don’t own a 6th Rounder this year but in case we trade I have people in mind for that round as well…
Turtle’s Draft Board 2012 (Pre-Free Agency)
Rd1(25)
a. Dre. Kirkpatrick CB Alabama
b. Jerel Wrothy DT Michigan St
c. Dont’a Hightower ILB Alabama
d. Dwayne Allen TE Clemson
Rd2(57)
a. Chris Polk RB Washington
b. Doug Martin RB Boise St
c. Josh Chapman DT Alabama
d. Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin
Rd3(89)
a. Vontaze Burfict ILB Arizona State
b. Nick Toon WR Wisconsin
c. DaJohn Harris DT USC
d. Dwight Jones WR North Carolina
Rd4 (121)
a. Alameda Ta’amu DT Washington
b. Malik Jackson DE Tennessee
c. Brandon Brooks OG Miami(Ohio)
d. Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma State
Rd5a (130)From Rams
a. Mike Martin DT Michigan
b. Dan Herron RB Ohio State
c. Brandon Lindsey OLB Pittsburgh
d. Jamell Fleming CB Oklahoma
RD5b (153)
a. Jarius Wright WR Arkansas
b. Hebron Fangupo DT BYU
c. Lucas Nix OG Pittsburgh
d. Kevin Koger TE Michigan
Rd6 (185)
a. Brandon Bolden RB Mississippi
b. Evan Rodriguez FB Temple
c. Joe Adams WR Arkansas
d. Akiem Hicks DT Regina (Canada)
Rd7 (217)
a. Asa Jackson CB Cal-Poly
b. Kellen Moore QB Boise State
c. Nicolas Jean-Baptiste DT Baylor
d. Tank Carter OLB TCU
I’ve been posting this for about two weeks, and I have changed the order of the 3rd round to place Burfict ahead of Toon…
Like you say “Dre is the man at 25 book it.” I mean that’s kind of going all out on a ledge, right? The Bronco staff has no clue right now as to who will be on the board at 25, right? So book it, that kind of attitude is bound to get some reactions here whether you appreciate it or not, just saying.
I kind of want to switch the little recievers that i have on my list from Arkansas and move Joe Adams to my 5b pick after his performance this weekend… and Jarius Wright to 6c but watching film I really preferred Jaruis’ ability to seperate consistantly on short inside routes, or the place where Our Quarterback could use some assistance from his recievers…
I think either one of those two would give us a little something extra in the return game… Something a guy like Willis just can’t bring…
Polk lol Yeah well he would have to wow them at the combine and pre draft interviews.
@ SD I got to put on a bullet proof vest with all these shots. Naw yu know one crack no matter how small on a android. Can throw everything out of wack. lol
And now I see you since moderated your take, LMAO, was too busy typing to see it. But when you come on like a freight train, like I often do some would say, you will invite reactions, like I get all the time, you are not immune, neither am I, obviously, LOL.
Anyhow a bunch of good football info this morning and that makes it all real productive.
Turtle, how did we acquire a pick in the 6th, I thought we gave ours up to the Eagles for Mays.
I keep saying that but bloggers keep using a pick in the 6th.
007, you would know, what’s the reality?
Bay… Did you even Read… ? It says “These are guys I have been scouting extensively, and I know we don’t own a 6th Rounder this year but in case we trade I have people in mind for that round as well…”
Bad day Bay? you seem off a little?
Book it means, if he is there. Then they will pick him. If Dre is there they gonna take him. They know the position they need. They know the top players in those positions. The combine and Bowls just moves them up or down from the scouting rating. Done by team scouts I might add. So to think the NFL team don’t know who they want is funny too me. They must be paying those scouts in the different regions for nothing. Should just wait till the combine then. lol
Turtle’s Draft Board 2012 (Pre-Free Agency)
Rd1(25)
a. Dre. Kirkpatrick CB Alabama
d. Dwayne Allen TE Clemson
Rd2(57)
a. Chris Polk RB Washington
b. Doug Martin RB Boise St
c. Josh Chapman DT Alabama
Rd3(89)
b. Nick Toon WR Wisconsin
c. DaJohn Harris DT USC
d. Dwight Jones WR North Carolina
Rd4 (121)
b. Malik Jackson DE Tennessee
c. Brandon Brooks OG Miami(Ohio)
Rd5a (130)From Rams
a. Mike Martin DT Michigan
b. Dan Herron RB Ohio State
c. Brandon Lindsey OLB Pittsburgh
RD5b (153)
a. Jarius Wright WR Arkansas
b. Hebron Fangupo DT BYU
c. Lucas Nix OG Pittsburgh
d. Kevin Koger TE Michigan
Rd6 (185)
a. Brandon Bolden RB Mississippi
b. Evan Rodriguez FB Temple
c. Joe Adams WR Arkansas
d. Akiem Hicks DT Regina (Canada)
Rd7 (217)
a. Asa Jackson CB Cal-Poly
b. Kellen Moore QB Boise State
c. Nicolas Jean-Baptiste DT Baylor
d. Tank Carter OLB TCU
Turtle i have taken out people who aare high on other teams radar. those I took out could be pick a round ahead or picks ahead of the Broncos.
Michael Brockers at this point is my vote for our first rounder. 6’6 306 pound athletic interior linemen.
Ingram likely will be gone before the 25th pick but our pass rush would be insane if we got a guy like him with Doom, Von, and Ayers.
They might trade the extra 5th for a 6th and a 7th. It can happen. lol Some experts think we gonna trade out of the first rd.
I seem to have problems with my a’s too @SD. lol
Actually I thought I was having a good day, my info this morning was pretty new and interesting, just didn’t read your mock in it’s entirety since you post it nearly every other day, my sincere apologies.
I’m tryna tell ya’ll not to get so hype about a DT or DE at 25. With Warren and Vickerson coming back. Doom and Ayres playing the DE. McBean will be resigned with the restriction clause. They gona just fill out that position. With the 25th pick they going for a first day starter!!!
1, 2, 3, 4, 2×5, 7, so those are our official picks as is. Maybe the blog can confirm it in a new blog.
I could be in the minority but I think with Champ, Chris Harris in his second year, Cassius Vaughan and Syd’quan Thompson back that we are not in need of a first round DB. Plus I’m not really impressed with the DB class this year outside of Claiborne.
A versatile Dlinemen and MLB are my two areas of concern for the first round.
Safety wise I really like Bruton and Carter. Yes they got lit up by Tom Brady but Carter was a rookie and Bruton has basically only been a special teams player is whole career.
I agree with you 007, but mainly because Fox has mainly shown a total disregard for DTs with high picks.
And I hope your info is wrong about us re-signing McBean, what a waste!