When Denver Broncos head coach John Fox met the press at the conclusion of the day on Friday, he repeatedly referenced a couple of things that stood out to me.
The first was that we have lots of holes to fill. Certainly, we have many fine players returning from 2010, but the bottom line is that the team performance yielded a 4-12 record, and when that is the case, it is very reasonable to assume there are multiple positions that could use a little, or a lot of, shoring up.
And when you have multiple holes to fill, no matter how well you draft-and there is no question the Broncos have gotten excellent young prospects-you can only take one player at a time, and in the interlude between your picks others will come off the board. So, you can’t take every player with one pick.
But you cannot eat a cow in one bite, either. You can, however, take one bite of steak at a time, eventually accomplishing the former.
So we can’t be alarmed about not getting every position filled at once. It will take multiple selections and signings.
The second point John Fox made repeatedly was that we also will turn to the next “available talent pool.” The next available talent pool, once determined and clarified by the courts and through collective bargaining, will be the signing of free agent players, and that grouping will include veteran free agents whose contracts have expired, as well as college free agents not selected in this three-day drafting period.
And when all those are put together, you have a lot of bites of steak.
Day three of the draft features five selections for the Broncos, and it is possible that when everything is considered, fans will only have high familiarity with first round choice Von Miller and second round choice Rahim Moore. That’s no sin-most people only know the most famous skill position guys on offense and defense, and then we learn others after they come here and make names for themselves.
Which leads me to a final thought on the selection process. One of our former Rocky Mountain News beat men, Steve Caulk, now in public relations in the Denver area, sent me a Facebook asking who was the “most accomplished, latest selection” in Broncos history.
We have had a lot of great players in our history, but back in 1983 the team took a defensive end from Minnesota in the 12th round-that defensive end, Karl Mecklenburg, went on to become one of the finest linebackers in Denver and National Football League history. But I remember when we took him, and I remember bringing all the draftees in to have a group “meet the press,” and not a single member of the press even approached or acknowledged Meck. And that is in no what a criticism of press behavior. He simply was a nobody, a total, complete unknown taken by Denver with the 310th selection in that year’s draft.
And just for the heck of it, here are a few other candidates for this subjective selection as best latest choice ever made by Denver:
Marlin Briscoe, the modern era’s first black quarterback, who also had a notable career after leaving Denver, was the 14th Bronco and 357th choice in 1968.
Steve Foley is a member of the Broncos’ all-time team at safety and was pick number eight/199 in 1975.
Superb play-making defensive back Tyrone Braxton, was number 12/334 in 1987, just one selection away from being the final pick in the entire draft, “Mr. Irrelevant.” There was nothing irrelevant about Tyrone Braxton. He was a champion and a gamer.
In 1994 the last choice made by the Broncos was 7c/218, an obscure center from Boston College named Tom Nalen. Anybody think he will make the Ring of Fame in time? A great player.
The very next year Denver used pick 7b/222 to take a tight end named Byron Chamberlain, who was a fine player here and in Minnesota. And that selection in 1995 was just two after the Broncos used number 6b/196 to take Terrell Davis, whom I believe is the greatest running back in history NOT in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Long time NFL linebacker Nate Wayne was 7b/219 in 1998, following on the heels of selection 7a/200 that same year, longtime offensive lineman Trey Teague.
In 2000 the Broncos took an ex-Marine with pick number 6/189, and I’ll bet everybody still remembers Mike Anderson. A tough, fine running back.
Chris Kuper is a very fine starting guard for the Broncos right now, and Chris was selection number 5/161 in 2006.
Back in 2008 the Broncos took fullback/linebacker/special teams ace Spencer Larsen with selection number 6/183, then followed that up with pick number 7/227, a running back named Peyton Hillis. Sometimes we let good players get away. It happens to all teams, and with him, it happened to us, in another regime, in another day.
Just last year we added offensive lineman Eric Olsen from Notre Dame with number 6/183, and then with 7/225 added a fine defensive and special teams player from Cal, Syd’Quan Thompson.
Now, remember, some guys never get drafted, but you sign a lot of them, and sometimes they turn out to be a kicker like Rich Karlis or a wide receiver like Steve Watson-or even the greatest undrafted wide receiver in the history of pro football, Rod Smith.
Greg Kragen, a Pro Bowl defensive tackle, was an undrafted free agent who played on our Super Bowl teams in the 1980′s.
Ditto offensive linemen Keith Kartz and Dave Studdard, who were not drafted by Denver yet started on the championship teams in the 1980′s and protected John Elway.
Remember also, it takes a lot of players to make a team. They don’t all make the Pro Bowl, but you need 53, and they all contribute. That’s why they call it a team.
The player acquisition period for 2011 will not end when the draft is over.
Mikey, oh maybe. the one i see is Irving 6’1 jones 6’0. same weight tho. Either way, im surprised they passed on Martez Wilson, by far the best ILB/MLB 6’4 250 runs a 4’4. Maybe they just thought he was more suited for a 3-4 ILB and not a 4-3 MLB but we did take von who is suited for the 3-4. Maybe it was character stuff, maybe it was football IQ. I can’t understand it. All I can do is believe. The only reason I was shocked was because we took him waaaay ahead his projected round which in my mind isn’t efficient. All that will be irrelevant however if he becomes the beast EF-X think he can be. TRB out…
TRB, Irving was a classic “reach”, agreed.
Sorry I just heard it on one if his highlights.
I thought it interesting that we drafted two TE`s. Julius is a project. I think he`s going to be good if not great but will take a fews years to groom. As for Green He just might be a speed stud of a catching TE. Just as I thought we`d get one, but two. I like it!!
The two receiving TEs is all about giving easy outlets to Tebow, but when we guys were figuring out the draft Fox was adamant that Orton would be the starter, so with that in mind, coupled with the fact that Fox NEVER relied on receiving TEs in his offense in Carolina, it came as a complete shock, but I understand the mechanism of it completely now that it seems obvious that Tebow will be the starter if anyone can trust Elway on the matter. However I feel like Fox let us fans down about this Orton is the starter thing just to be politically correct with all the players, it now seems kind of lame. Transparency, right? Wrong!
I agree completely! I`ve said that Orton is a gonner for a few months now. I saw right through it.
As for Tim Tebow staring I was optimistic about it as well, so there was some bias from where I stood and still stand. Tim has to start some time. It might as well be week one against the Raiders. Thats if week 1 starts on time.
ooops, Tim Tebow starting.
I still believe Kyle Orton will be traded for a 2012 draft pick, hopefully a 2nd or 3rd round for him.
Or like straight up for another player. I like freak30′s idea of a straight up trade to the Panthers, Orton for DeAngelo Williams.
And three things surprised me big time in this draft:
1. The two receiving TEs.
2. No DTs.
3. No RBs or FBs.
I know, they will address those in FA, but I believe you rebuild in the draft just like Fox and Elway said themselves over and over, so I feel they missed some good opportunities to do so with DT and RB/FB going instead into “reaches” with ILB Irving and TE Thomas. No one is perfect…
The TE’s speak volume about our plans with Tebow. Elway did say tebow is it for us. I don’t blame them for trying to get partners to trade with. Hopefully Orton is traded tho. Actually more than likely. Whether its for a pick or a player. No way we pay a back up that much money. We need all the cap room we can get for whatever stud DT they are looking at. For all we know they maybe looking at none. They seem to have alot of faith in vikerson, and getting Marcus Thomas signed.
The 2 TE’s speaks for the running game as well. They wanted another inline TE for blocking like Quinn. But also a reciever. Having both quinn and thomas to block will go a long way. Also the aquisition of a RT to protect Tebows blind side and of course help the run. Teams coming together interestingly. If we are lucky enough to get a hit on all our draft picks or about 6 of them. We can be on the way to a completely solid team after next years draft and we have all our picks from that year and possibly another if we trade orton. Things are looking good in the building process..my only concern now is how the staff will function ingame. We wont find that out for a while. TRB out…
And Mohamed was the weirdest pick of them all, and don’t get me wrong, I always was the one here who said we have one of the worst if not THE worse LB corp in the league, but you have to set limits as to how many times you address a position, and with what. Ok I’m talking way more than I should since there is nothing worthy to talk about, LOL.
I`ll accept that trade in a heart beat. Good call Freak30. I want DeAngelo Williams on our team too. Is Williams a restricted FA.
Well, yes, we have beeen wanting him for months now….
Ever since we hired Fox.
It is kind of confusin with SOME PLAYERS though. Some are FA before and after the CBA is reached and rules change for some players after a new CBA Restricted others not resftricted according to which plan. I don`t know who is who just yet in FA restricted or not.
The great thing is you don’t have to worry about it now, there is no FA of any kind in front of us for a looong time, LOL.
Well I personally want Reggie Bush if he is available. but yes, been wanting DeAngelo since fox came on board. They both have some durability questions and one is a completel runner than the other while the other is more versatile than the complete runner in many phases of the game.
Muhamed was the most random one to me…woulda preffered a RB a FB or a CB or crazy thought, a DT with potential (still hurt about paea btw lol). Either way like they say its common practice: rounds 1-3 starter, rounds 4-7 special teamers. but someone just might surprise you. beal is random too because while he is listen as DE he is more of a 3-4 OLB.
Your right, just antsy is all. Must be patient is all.
It can be so long that FA won`t be signed until just days before the season starts maybe een after week 1. The FA are stressing because they don`t have a team to call home until this all unfolds. I feel bad for them in that regard.
its a depressing thought. just like bay i said i would stay away since theres nothing going on. nothing to talk about. and the league is at a stand still but i can’t help coming back. sometimes i feel like im too invested in the broncos that i should be working for them or something lol. I need to give it all a rest. TRB out…
1 TRB
I am doing the give it a rest! oooh zazz my man!!
FTR
This is the time for the living dead, first brian_schneider, now FTR.
Now that the NFL is dead they come out of the dark to be the keepers of the crypt! LOL.
Lindsay Jones can’t stay away either. Some of us just need our Denver Broncos football!
Tim Tebow and Von Miller had known each other for all of five minutes, when Tebow asked the Broncos new first-round draft pick a very serious question Tuesday morning.
“You want to work out?” Tebow asked Miller, as the two posed for pictures before the John Lynch Foundation Salute the Stars scholarship luncheon at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Miller instantly replied that of course he’d like to work out with his new teammate. There was only one hang-up. Miller was wearing a suit, and hadn’t brought along any gym clothes.
Tebow, a spokesman for Nike, said he would be able to help his new teammate out.
“I’ve heard all the stories about Tim Tebow, about how he’s a team guy, how he’s a leader, how he works hard, and that’s what I like to think I am, too. To pair up with a team guy like that, I think the sky’s the limit for us,” Miller said after he finished signing hundreds of autographs after the luncheon, his first community appearance in Denver.
“Hopefully I can make it through (the workout) with him and make it back to Dallas.”
Lynch, the former Broncos safety, invited Tebow to speak at his annual scholarship breakfast in which Lynch honors some of the state’s most accomplished student-athletes. After the Broncos drafted Miller with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft last week, Lynch invited Miller as well. Lynch and Miller share the same agent.
Tebow and Miller shook hands with each of the honored students, and then answered questions about football, leadership and the NFL draft. The players stood on a stage that was set up in the south end zone of Invesco Field, where Tebow started two of his three games at the end of the 2010 season.
Tebow was most passionate while answering a question about his view of leadership.
“I get sick when I hear athletes say ‘I’m not a role model,” Tebow said. “Yes you are. You’re just not a very good one.”
In a brief interview after the ceremony, Tebow said he’s been working out with teammates — whom he declined to name individually — as much as possible. He said his main focus has been on taking snaps from under center and working on timing with receivers.
“I haven’t had one rep in the shotgun, just to make being under center the most comfortable it can be for me, and get it more comfortable than being in the shotgun,” Tebow said. “And then just timing, checking off from one receiver to another, whether that’s throwing to receivers who are really running, or to my brother who is just standing there. I’ve been putting in the work.”
Klis can’t stay away either!!!
Mason Foster, Colin McCarthy, Casey Matthews, Kelvin Sheppard, Akeem Dent, Quan Sturdivant are ILBs who were still on the board when the Broncos selected Nate Irving in the third round. Why were the Broncos so high on Irving? I think all of the players listed above will be better pros than Irving, so convince me that I’m wrong.
– MJ, Phoenix
The Broncos liked Foster as an outside linebacker, and Von Miller filled the need there. Otherwise, the Broncos disagree with your assessment, MJ.
Keep in mind the Broncos’ scouting director is Matt Russell, a former middle linebacker and Butkus Award winner at the University of Colorado.
Wouldn’t Russell qualify as an expert on middle linebackers? Also, MJ, the more I learn, the more I understand the Mike position is arguably the most cerebral defensive position. The Mike has to make sure the other defensive players shift into the proper coverages and run stunts, but also have the “feel” for where to attack.
Physically, Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher are years removed from their prime. But both are still playing at a Pro Bowl level because they may be the game’s most intelligent defensive players.
I’m not sure what the Broncos thought about the other players you mentioned, MJ, but I do know they like Irving’s smarts. Give him time, though, MJ. There’s no such thing as a smart rookie.
Guess I can’t stay away either. Can we trade Orton for Gerhart?! Instead of a future pick… At least someone who will start. Cause Orton will be a starter wherever he ends up!
I’d rather have a pick lol. not unless we can trade him for Mebane from Seattle if he becomes restricted or something. Vikings taking Orton is a long shut. They got ponder for a reason. Our best bet would be with guys like Cards, seattle, and miami to name a few. Maybe even Redskins. All speculation however…sigh guess i cant stay away lol. btw sndvl i believe someone posted that thing about M.J in the page before this one. TRB out…
Lindsay and Jones are GETTING PAID, LMAO….
If we do trade Orton, would we look to obtain another decent cheaper veteran at QB? I’d love Tebow to start, but if something did happen I’d rather have Orton than Quinn. Seems like it would be a little spendy to have Orton riding the aluminum this season.
LMAO Bay, you are sooooo right.
Shneider I would assume we get a cheaper vet. Orton just cant be it with that 9million he is set to make.
Well…. I Believe, If we do like we did that championship year and spent money on Al Williams:
FA Scenario A: that defensively we should target Seattle DT Brandon Mebane AND re-sign Jamal Williams for 2yrs (for leadership to pass along to Thomas who by the way, is increasing in productivity by the numbers yearly) at the lowest price possible. The two alone become Formidable, you take that along with K Vickerson it will give us a “DT Wall-Corps” presence on the Front Line. I believe we have to forge a “Dynamic Duo DT”-Wall tandem! I believe Mebane fits well in our system alongside a fairly young Vickerson.
If not, FA Scenario B: we really want a 2011 Championship and go from Last to First with One Player..(put all judgement of “off-the-field” issues aside…and for the pure scenario purpose of a defense that could now “plug the Line with a Run Stuffing Unit, an Improved LB Corps with Play Makers, and a Solid Secondary now…) Albert Haynesworth.
A. Haynesworth/Jamal Williams/ Vickerson
Now before y’all go tweetin Bronco Blasphemy on me, hear me out.
Look at the Ironic Karma from M. Shanahan: the one “Dominant DL Player” that he’s never had (including championship teams), comes to the team that “gave him away” and helps complete a puzzle that lead to an accidental Cinderella Championship Season! And because Jamal the Gran Pu’uba of NT is would still be here, his attitude would stay in check. Of course this is Theory in a Perfect world of Defense.
Offensively I think Tebow has what no other QB had since Elway in our organization: the Ability to truly “See, Taste and Want” that Championship feeling from pure Desire, and thus, can ‘WILL It’ into Existence! John was the last, remember the “Elway-helicopter”?, since then and until now, no Denver QB has ever “Possessed IT” in his eyes..Tim has that ALL Day…even if he wasn’t a QB! No one can refute that.
I believe these “combinations” will come to the fruition of successful season now!!!!! Let’s Go CRUSH!!
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