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.
Bay, congrats on an excellent job once again on the contest. Congrats also to the winners. You did a fantastic job guessing what the powers to be would be tinking.
As for Osama Bim Laden…HALLELUYA!!!!!!!!!!
Bay, a suggestion. You might want to do a contest on when the cba will be over and when the first game will actually be played in the upcoming season. All I know is that it is supposed to begin 09/11/11 and we all know what that is the anniversary of. If it is not open and playing on that day, the fans will be in an absolute uproar, since all the players and owners, along with the commissioner can talk about is “the fans”. Haven’t seen them do anything for “the fans” to this point, so wonder why they should start now, or then.
We’re basically sheep to the NFL sheppard. We pay to go to the games or watch them on TV, we buy appareal, we follow every movement as if our lives depended on it. Then to show us how much they appreciate us, they shave us and turn us into lamb chops.
LMAO!
EFX is going to do what they are oing to do as far as FA whenever that is. I have complete faith in them. As for my hearts desire when FA doe`s take place first and foremost we need a young stud of a DT. My List of Bronco`s FA are at positions are DT`s, RB, FB, and OT/G. Also a backup QB perhaps.
Sign Matt Prater and Marcus Thomas. Even resign Ryan Harris if we can, but it sounds like he`s going to test the market, no biggy if he leaves.
Agree, definitely need to find ourselves a DT.
Thanks goes out to Bay who not only ran the draft contest but provided all of us with page after page after page of pre draft information. That’s a heck of a lot of time and effort he put in that made the draft more fun here on the Broncos blog than for any other team in the NFL. Nobody does it better than Bay, nobody.
You’ve got to think that Elway and company had a plan in place all along for free agency. We select no running backs or defensive tackles?? We’ll see how that goes down , I bet it goes down quick and easy when the time comes. LOL
You have to be very optomistic for the future of Bronco football. The demeaner of the three legged stool sure appeared to be calm, cool and collected. Xanders always looked stressed when he was around McD, not so with Fox and Elway. Looks like they are all on the same page. That has to mean a bright future for our Denver Broncos.
I was pretty disappointed that the owners locked the doors back up when the stay got put into place. I felt they were given an oppurtunity to get something done that would get football headed back in the right direction. They had a chance to show the players and the fans they truly were big men to be respected by all. I was pretty much in their corner till they put the lock out back in place, not anymore.
Go Broncos
sorry if this has already been posted
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGBqXXsMAsE&feature=autoplay&list=PL501CE68CDA050A64&index=16&playnext=2
A plumber comes to fix your pipes, you hear a lot of banging, tinkering & grunting… Couple of hours later the plumber comes out and says ‘All done, here’s the bill’ and he walks out. Do you (A) Go down and inspect the work, even though you probably have very little to no idea what your looking for other than no leaks? OR (B) you just take his word for it and happy to pay the hefty bill?
Inspect it make sure everything works and that there are no holes or leaks. Unknown people cannot be trusted to do what is right on their own even if it what I would like to believe. What would you do?
Or if I was involved in the NFL I would sew lol!
Sue*
not much to talk about but thought id drop in and mention to those who dont check nfl.com that tebow is the featured article today about how tebow mania is back on and that elway said we are going with tebow. Later days. TRB out…
Somebody say Plummer?!!!
Nobody could execute the naked boot like the snake!
I do all my own plumbing unless my snake isn’t long enough.
i’ve been known to lay some pipe and my snake is more than adequate lol
sndvl, kinda why I wanted rick dennison. Tebow executes the bootleg very well which was something i believed he would bring with a running game. Fox is fantastic as far as running and defense goes tho. Lets see if McCoy can whip out some bootlegs and make a Tebow friendly playbook. TRB out…
sidenote: Shanahan picked Roy Helu…he was my original favorite RB. One cut runner with 4.4 speed and weighs about 220. Great for that Shanny system.
I think we should give Justin Bannon another try. I thought he was pretty solid and played the whole season…jomho
Naked Boot Snake Plummer!!! Yes, I agree sndvl… Jake was the last QB with some guiddy-up we had….jomho
ILMSDB!
Hey TRB can you give me the link to the Elway article?
Nevermind I found it.
Anyone no any jokes?
Lindsay Jones reporting-
Broncos season-ticket holders proved their football savvy as they grilled new head coach John Fox in an hour-long conference call Monday afternoon.
More than 6,000 ticket holders participated, with 31 of them getting a chance to ask Fox a question. And they didn’t hold back.
Spencer from Littleton let Fox know this call wouldn’t be a complete love fest when he got the chance to ask the first question.
“What’s the plan for the defensive line?” Spencer asked.
It was the same question Fox, John Elway and Brian Xanders had to answer several times over the course of the weekend, as seven rounds of the draft went by without the Broncos selecting a defensive tackle.
“We haven’t had free agency yet, but there will be that some point,” Fox said. “That will be the area that we address. It is full of a lot of talented players.” Ticket-holder Wesley from Pueblo followed up by asking Fox about why he wants veterans instead of rookies at defensive tackle. Fox answered by explaining that it was a combination of how the draft played out, and the chance to acquire experienced players who are still in their 20s.
“It’s not that we didn’t try to acquire a defensive lineman in the draft,” Fox said. “The way it fell, we didn’t want to reach for need.”
It took 19 minutes before a ticket-holder mentioned the T-word: Tebow. But Fox wouldn’t bite on a variety of questions about who — Tim Tebow, Kyle Orton or Brady Quinn — would be the team’s starting quarterback this year.
“First of all, these guys are all new to me. I’m familiar with all three players, evaluated them coming out. I know them from afar,” Fox said. “As I get to know them, watch them practice, watch them compete. That’s when you start ranking them 1-3.”
On another note, Todd McShay said Denver had the best draft in AFC! 3 immediate starters with first three picks.
Wow, I’m humbled! And from imready of all people, one of my sparring partner from last season. Thanks.
Yeah Bay good job mate. I wonder seen we seem to be the most open and inclusive organisation in the NFL at the minute, how about giving Bay a blog spot, radio jocks, ex players, the organisation, cheerleaders are all represented but no fan blog. So Bay can put up a blog topic once a week or whenever representing the fan perspective.
Now no doubt the powers that be read what we are writing so I say we start a campaign called GIVE BAY A BLOG. Obviously that is if you would be interested Bay yourself?
There was an article on espn about how Tim Tebow took great pride in what Elway had to say about him and that he was going to be working hard to get where he needs to be. He also is in Denver practicing with Lloyd and Gaffney.
I appreciate the endorsement a great deal Irish mate, but however the presentation may be, I still feel like I can achieve basically the same results on this current blog format than I would with a specifically dedicated fan blog, which can be found on another section of this website, but that’s not my cup of tea, I rather interact with some of the big boys of the organzation right here on this blog.
That being said it’s a noble idea that would give the fans a deeper sense of belonging with the organization, kind of gaining a little bit of even footing with them, gaining a voice.
I would be willing to hear what that would entail if indeed this could be an option, because what makes me give this blog my all is the fact that I am able to call it as I see it and regardless of how it would be set up I would have to be able to retain that freedom of speech, so it’s not like I would enjoy a job with bosses looking over my head, I need to be able to have a fan’s voice without constraints. And anyhow I already go extra lengths as is to moderate myself to not offend anyone beyond reason.
The blog administration has my e-mail, so if there is any interest towards something along those lines, they could let me know. But the fair way to do it would be to actually elect someone, the democratic way, a fan representaive of some sort, heck everyone one has representatives, the owners, the players, but the fans’ voice is not in the forefront, even so they claim us to be the most important ingredient contributing to the success of this league. So it’s something they could think about ….
I love what Klis said in his new article regarding the possible selections regarding our #2 overall pick!
Without knowing whether you, Everett, or the Broncos were right or wrong on Miller, here’s why they took him with the No. 2 overall pick: He was the most dynamic player at their position of need.
Peterson is dynamic, but cornerback is not a Broncos’ position of need. Marcell Dareus is a solid defensive tackle, but he wasn’t really a dynamic playmaker at Alabama. Nick Fairley is a defensive tackle who was right there with Miller as a dynamic player.
But the Broncos decided that as they shift from the 3-4 to the 4-3 defense, it was more important they improve their pass rush and linebacker speed than play at defensive tackle.
It looks like Klis had it down to either Miller or Fairley which I agreed with as well, even though I still would’ve loved Peterson. Miller was one of the top 2 players in the whole draft and I love how our organization came through and saw that about him and selected him at #2!!
IT’S MILLER TIME BABY!!!
Miller, Doom, Ayers, Williams, Dawkins, Irving…
That sounds pretty intimidating if you ask me!!
Get our DL in the draft and we’ll be set!
I just hope that we do not bring in old Defensive Linemen. I would love to get some proven young players to bring in here so that they can have a very long and successful career here! Charles Johnson is a name that comes to mind and also the DT that plays for the Giants, forget his name!
I believe that Fox said that you need 3-4 good RB’s if you really want to have a good running game.
I would love if we picked up Sproles and Williams and kept Moreno! That would be a sick running game in my opinion.
Thing that I have heard is, and something that makes sense, is that Carolina could bring in a veteran QB to groom Newton and Clausen.
I think a straight up Stewart for Orton trade would make everyone happy!!
Bay one of the benefits would be when there are no new blogs you would be able to initiate one. Saves us scrooling through 500 posts etc. I do agree that you should be allowed to post what you think without it being regulated. That would defeat the purpose and would take away your own authenticity.
It would also help with the contests; draft contest, regular season record contest and specially the weekly regular season scores guessing contests, I could require all the entries to post on those specific blogs and it would save me major time, but it’s all hypothetical, we’ll have to see if anything comes out of your proposal, assuming anyone is reading this today, LOL.
@baylinorcrush, I’ve always valued your comments and I’ve been following them in my absence. I think with all you provide on this blog you could probably have your own one on the site. I think that you have provided the fans here a great sense of interaction and fun with the things you provide for us, score preditions, draft, analysis, etc. You pretty much are the unofficial blog mediator. My friend, based on your track record I don’t think anyone here is more qualified to present a non biased blog than yourself. I should know there were multiple times this past season when I was way off in left field at the warning track and you either brought me back or stuck your glove out and made the catch for me. I do agree, a “Blog for Bay” is something that should be considered!
Bay you got my vote bro!
BTW,great job on the contest,you make the blog 100% better buddy!
BFE, what up bro? What do you make of our draft as a whole? As for me we fill some holes. IMO
BRONCO BAYLIN’S BLOG
The fans have a voice. Time to recognize and validate it.
BTW, finally watched the Miller video and you were spot on baylin, Clark Kent. Lol.
Yes, Von Miller is Clark Kent in street clothes and Superman on the field!
And thanks for the votes you guys, I’m getting more votes than for anything I’ve actually ran for, LOL.
Here…Here! Bay’s got my vote for Bay’s Blog.
I like the Superman comparison for Miller. Maybe the name will stick… when his play shows it… I think we should highlight the Clark Kent to Superman in a Broncos uniform.
Strand whaaaaasup bro!
I gave our draft a B,I seen where we had the best draft in the AFC!
Best draft I remember in a long time,and like you said we filled a lot of needs,no more lack of talent at S,LB,or TE and we really needed the extra OL,even if Harris stays(I hope he does)we still needed depth on the Oline,if we can get a couple decent DTs and a RB/FB in FA,we will be vastly improved from last year and will compete for the AFC West crown,IMO.
BTW,can’t wait to see Moore and Carter on the field,finally some speed at S,and Miller runs like a 4.4 same as L.Fitzgerald,freakishly fast for a LB!
I think we will be able to cover the TEs and RBs now,and have a good pass rush,nothing but good things in 2011 !!!!!!!!!!!!GO BRONCS!!!!!!!
Bay,comparing Miller to Clark Kent was Genius bro!
Here is a good list of DT’s that are young and possible free agents.
Since the Denver Broncos weren’t able to find a starting Defensive Tackle during the draft this past weekend, or more like an acceptable candidate did not fall to them on their Board, it is time to look again at the viable options via the Free Agent Pool. I wrote on this subject in January thinking it was accepted that a Free Agency period would precede the 2011 NFL Draft. Since that did not go down like each of us thought it would, let’s review the Defensive Tackles available who play in the 4-3 scheme. I have included whether or not their team has an opportunity of placing the Franchise Tag on any of them, but I would add the caveat that without a CBA, their is uncertainty in that regard, as well as the service time for Restricted and Unrestricted Free Agent status. I am leaving the original text from my earlier post, but I will add an update to each one.
Brandon Mebane is the starting LDT for the Seattle Seahawks. He is 6′ 1″, 311 lbs, Age: 25 and in his 4th year. In 2010, he had a salary of $1.101 million.
At only 6’1, Mebane has the natural leverage and quickness to give interior linemen fits. Though his numbers were merely average, his impact on the field was anything but that. A solid tackle who does a great job reading plays and picking up the run, Brandon is quicker than he is fast. He excels at getting into the backfield off the snap, has a high motor and a healthy amount of confidence. His limited size and athleticism are obstacles. He is improving but needs to show more skills. Mebane is typecast as somewhat of a one-dimensional pocket-collapser. He is considered to a good starter. Brandon has the work ethic and the tools to be a dominant defensive tackle for the next decade. The Seahawks will try everything in their power to ensure that each of those years will be in Seattle.
Update: The Seahawks missed out on an impact defensive lineman in the draft so they will want to re-sign Mebane. He may have Unrestricted status as a 4th year player.
Year Team G Solo Ast Total Sack YdsL Int Yds IntTD DefTD FFum PD Sfty
2008 Seattle 16 29 10 39 5.5 24 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
2009 Seattle 15 40 9 49 1.5 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2010 Seattle 12 19 12 31 1 7 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Career Totals 59 111 37 148 10 52 0 0 0 0 2 3 0
Barry Cofield is the starting LDT for the NY Giants. He is 6-4, 306 lbs, Age: 26 and in his 5th year. According to Yahoo, he made $1,016,110 in 2010. Barry can excel at both tackle and end. His size and girth allow him to play in the middle but he’s fast enough to get into the backfield. A good run stopper and solid tackler who’s cool from snap to whistle. He isn’t an explosive defender with play-making skills because of his slow reaction on snaps. He is improving but still misses some easy tackles. Considered a very reliable starting lineman, Cofield also has a Super Bowl Ring.
Update: Cofield is looking for a multi-year contract instead of playing on another one-year tender. If he is labeled a Restricted Free Agent, he may request a trade. Barry was almost a New Orleans Saint via trade, but the money wasn’t right. The Giants drafted Marvin Austin out of North Carolina and have the option to go with 2010 2nd-round pick Linval Joseph as opposed to extending Cofield. New York placed a 2nd-round restricted free agent tender on Barry and he is playing off a 4th-round contract. He will definitely get a raise from that.
Year Team G Solo Ast Total Sack YdsL Int Yds IntTD DefTD FFum PD Sfty
2008 NY Giants 15 32 12 44 3 14 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
2009 NY Giants 16 23 12 35 1 9 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
2010 NY Giants 16 39 15 54 4 27 0 0 0 0 1 4 0
Career Totals 79 155 56 211 10.5 71 0 0 0 0 2 11 0
Daniel Muir is the starting LDT for the Indianapolis Colts. He is 6′ 2″, 312 lbs, Age: 27 and in his 4th year. His 2010 salary was $1.759 million. Muir is a well-sized and very athletic Tackle who reads plays well and reacts quickly. He possesses both the speed and mentality to adjust and make the stops on running plays. Daniel is a bit of a late bloomer who is still learning. He doesn’t wrap efficiently and sometimes needs help to finish tackles. Could be coached up on execution basics, but still, he is a starting defensive lineman.
Update: The Colts have used their Franchise Tag on Peyton Manning, so at least Muir would not be over valued. There really isn’t all that much out there on Muir, but Big Blue Shoe over at Stampede Blue wrote about him in October of 2008.
Year Team G Solo Ast Total Sack YdsL Int Yds IntTD DefTD FFum PD Sfty
2008 Indianapolis 6 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2009 Indianapolis 16 42 10 52 0.5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2010 Indianapolis 14 29 9 38 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career Totals 39 78 19 97 0.5 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Anthony Hargrove is the 2nd string LDT for the New Orleans Saints. He is 6′ 3″, 272 lbs, Age: 27 and in his 6th year. He made $622,080 in 2010. A very good athlete with above-average initial quickness, Hargrove shows solid instincts and awareness. He is very good at getting into the backfield for sacks and run-stuffs. Somewhat of a late bloomer, his focus and intensity are question marks. Anthony doesn’t have ideal overall size for the position and can be an inconsistent performer because of it. He is considered a rotational defensive end with starter tools. Hargrove also has a Super Bowl Ring.
Update: Hargrove should be available, but rumor has it that he has slimmed down for some unknown reason. Perhaps to add quickness since his sack total declined last year. Either way, that will definitely slide him out to the End slot for any interested teams. New Orleans drafted Cameron Jordan and Greg Romeus to upgrade the talent on their D-Line and retained Remi Ayodele with a 1-year $1.101 Million contract.
Year Team G Solo Ast Total Sack YdsL Int Yds IntTD DefTD FFum PD Sfty
2007 Buffalo 12 18 10 28 1.5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2009 New Orleans 16 32 10 42 5 25 0 0 0 1 1 3 0
2010 New Orleans 14 21 8 29 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Career Totals 87 156 50 206 16.5 78 0 0 0 1 3 6 0
Leger Douzable is the 2nd string LDT behind Tyson Alualu for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is 6′ 4″, 284 lbs, Age: 24 and in his 2nd year. His 2010 salary was $385,000 and he is currently a Restricted Free Agent. Leger has good mobility and strength. He plays a safe and physical game. He has solid tackling ability and defends well against the pass. Douzable isn’t an instinctive reactor to plays. He doesn’t seem to have the poise and mean streak to make big plays. He is not a pass-rusher and has limited vision of the field. He is considered a fringe reserve lineman.
Update: Status quo. The Broncos will likely not pursue Douzable since Undrafted Free Agents of similar skills are available.
Year Team G Solo Ast Total Sack YdsL Int Yds IntTD DefTD FFum PD Sfty
2009 St. Louis 12 11 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2010 Jacksonville 15 5 3 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career Totals 27 16 3 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fred Evans is a LDT for the Minnesota Vikings. He is 6′ 4″, 305 lbs, Age: 27 and in his 5th year. His 2010 salary was $1.759 million. He is currently positioned at 3rd string behind Pat Williams and Jimmy Kennedy on the Vikings depth chart. Fred can be a real load up the middle when he gets up a full head of steam. He has good acceleration and can collapse the pocket. He also picks up the run fairly well along the way. Evans is an inconsistent performer who needs to develop better technique rather than relying so much on his solid (but not elite) physical tools. He is considered a decent rotation lineman with starter potential.
Update: Minnesota drafted Christian Ballard and D’Aundre Reed to shore up their Defensive Lines. They also declared LB Chad Greenway their Franchise Player and the William’s will be sidelined with suspensions due to the StarCaps case. The Vikes will try to retain him at a lower salary which means he is available, unless the 5-year Unrestricted Free Agent tag goes into effect.
Year Team G Solo Ast Total Sack YdsL Int Yds IntTD DefTD FFum PD Sfty
2008 Minnesota 16 7 9 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2009 Minnesota 13 6 3 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2010 Minnesota 8 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career Totals 49 22 12 34 1 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Derek Landri started sporadically at RDT for the Carolina Panthers in 2010. He is 6′ 2″, 290 lbs, Age: 27 and in his 4th year. In 2010, he made $466,110 according to Yahoo. Landri is an intense and scrappy defender that gets a real good burst through the line and can collapse the pocket. He is very solid at picking up runners along the way. However, Derek is a little bit undersized at tackle. he isn’t a great athlete and needs to keep working to improve his technique. He may just need to be in the right system to succeed as a pro. Considered a backup defensive tackle that is a fringe Practice Squad player.
Update: Landri could be obtained by the Broncos at a bargain price, but the chances of that are slim. He doesn’t fit the Fox mold and doesn’t have any ties with him. The Panthers drafted Terrell McClain and Sione Fua for the D-Line. They also re-signed Nick Hayden to a $480,000 1-year deal for 2011.
Year Team G Solo Ast Total Sack YdsL Int Yds IntTD DefTD FFum PD Sfty
2008 Jacksonville 15 10 4 14 2 11 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2009 Jacksonville 7 9 4 13 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2010 Carolina 16 30 13 43 3 14 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Career Totals 51 60 21 81 6 30 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Anthony Adams is the starting RDT for the Chicago Bears. He is 6′ 0″, 310 lbs, Age: 30, and in his 8th year. According to Yahoo, he drew a $900,000 salary in 2010. Adams is a very wide and thick man who is surprisingly quick and agile for his body type. He is a good pursuer over short distances, is tough, tenacious and plays with great leverage. He doesn’t command many double-teams due to lack of ideal size, speed, and burst when getting after the quarterback and loses track of the ball at times. Anthony is considered to be a solid starter.
Update: Adams has made it clear that he wishes to remain with Chicago and word is that the Bears are working to keep him.
Year Team G Solo Ast Total Sack YdsL Int Yds IntTD DefTD FFum PD Sfty
2008 Chicago 9 14 7 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2009 Chicago 16 36 8 44 2 8 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2010 Chicago 16 33 4 37 2 17 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
Career Totals 110 201 61 262 10.5 69 0 0 0 0 3 10 0
Gary Gibson is the starting RDT for the St. Louis Rams. He is 6′ 3″, 285 lbs, Age: 28 and in his 5th year. According to Yahoo, his 2010 salary was $510,000. Gibson is a good, physical player who possesses great lower-body strength to defend the middle against running plays. He’s not a shifty lineman and doesn’t use his hands well enough to get an extra step to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Gary is a decent rotational lineman though.
Update: The Rams gave Gary an original pick tender, meaning they hold the right of first refusal. He was undrafted, so there would be no compensation. He could be an unrestricted free agent with a new CBA. St. Louis also drafted Robert Quinn with their first pick so Gibson could be gone.
Year Team G Solo Ast Total Sack YdsL Int Yds IntTD DefTD FFum PD Sfty
2008 Carolina 11 5 4 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2009 St. Louis 5 10 1 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2010 St. Louis 16 14 4 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Career Totals 33 30 9 39 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Antonio Johnson plays 2nd string behind Fili Moala at RDT for the Indianapolis Colts. He is 6′ 3″, 310 lbs, Age: 26 and in his 4th year. In 2010, his salary was $390,200 according to Yahoo. Antonio has size, natural quickness, and a nose for the ball. He is a solid physical presence who works hard on every shift. He is also a very good listener and fast learner. Another late bloomer, Johnson still needs a lot of work with technique and footwork as he can lose his balance and get pushed backwards at times. He is considered a starting defensive tackle.
Update: Johnson was limited with a knee injury late last season. Indy selected DT Drake Nevis out of LSU in the 3rd round of the Draft. They also acquired DeMario Pressley off waivers from the Texans, so Antonio could be looking for a spot to land.
Year Team G Solo Ast Total Sack YdsL Int Yds IntTD DefTD FFum PD Sfty
2008 Indianapolis 8 11 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2009 Indianapolis 15 23 11 34 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2010 Indianapolis 14 20 6 26 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career Totals 37 54 19 73 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Andre Fluellen is the 2nd string RDT for the Detroit Lions. He is 6′ 2″, 302 lbs, Age: 25 and in his 3rd year. In 2010, he made $391,890. He is currently a Restricted Free Agent. A supreme athlete for a guy his size, Andre moves well, has good leverage and can penetrate beyond the line to make some plays. The problem is inconsistency. He needs to start living up to his measurables. Fluellen could put on a lot of bulk without losing too much and may be a better fit in 3-4 defenses as a Nose Tackle. He is considered to be a decent rotation lineman or occasional starter.
Update: After picking up Nick Fairley in the draft, Fluellen will likely want an opportunity elsewhere. Undersized but quick off the snap, Andre could fill in the rotation as a 3-tech pass rusher.
Year Team G Solo Ast Total Sack YdsL Int Yds IntTD DefTD FFum PD Sfty
2008 Detroit 8 3 4 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2009 Detroit 14 9 8 17 1.5 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2010 Detroit 16 8 2 10 1 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career Totals 38 20 14 34 2.5 24 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Clifton Ryan is a RDT for the St. Louis Rams. He is 6′ 3″, 310 lbs, Age: 26 and in his 4th year. His 2010 salary was $1.684 million. Ryan is a very serviceable lineman who can play both the end or tackle position. He has the explosive burst to get into the backfield, either off the edge or collapsing the pocket from the middle. He also has the tools of a play-maker. He isn’t a speedy defender despite having solid mobility and will sometimes come in late on plays. He is considered a solid interior D-lineman. Clifton was limited to one game in 2010 because of Migraines. The Rams placed him on Injured Reserve on Oct 27th.
Update: The Rams have shown no interest in retaining Ryan, who was once projected as their run-plugging nose tackle of the future. He would be a good rotational tackle to pickup.
Year Team G Solo Ast Total Sack YdsL Int Yds IntTD DefTD FFum PD Sfty
2008 St. Louis 16 23 8 31 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2009 St. Louis 16 35 7 42 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2010 St. Louis 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career Totals 49 82 21 103 3 15 0 0 0 0 3 2 0
John Fox seems to like his Defensive Tackles on the large side. Brandon Mebane and Barry Cofield appear to be the upper tier DT’s in Free Agency. Not far behind, I would place Daniel Muir, Antonio Johnson and Fred Evans in the next tier and Andre Fluellen and Clifton Ryan at the next level on this list.
The Broncos have the ability to go after Mebane and/or Cofield with pretty good odds on Cofield, but they have to be considering re-signing Justin Bannan and retaining Marcus Thomas, who they should have first refusal on since he is a RFA.
There is a 3rd pool to draw from–the Undrafted College Free Agents, but there shouldn’t be any starting quality candidates in that direction.
Go Broncos!
Whenever you post a book or pretty much anything of substance for that matter, it’s common courtesy to the author to list your source, just some friendly advice, but thanks for the info, from whoever it is. And for anything that long a link would serve everyone best. Unless you are the author of this piece and then my remarks were all for naught and my hat’s off to you.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-countdowns/09000d5d81fa552f/Top-10-undrafted-players
top 10 undrafted with our boy rod smith on the list. hats off to all the guys on the list. They made thier mark through adversity.
BFE, very nice concise analysis of our draft, a B is what I give it also.
Von Miller, OLB: A
The first trade, to get an additional fourth and a fifth: A
Rahim Moore, S: A-
Franklin, OG/OT: B
Irving, ILB: C
Carter, S: B
The second trade, to move up a round to get Thomas: D
Thomas, TE: C-
Mohamed, ILB: D
Green, TE: B
Beal, DE/OLB: B
That rounds up to about a B-, but in the name of positive reinforcement I chose to give it a B, haha, but very decent first draft overall for the Triumvirate.
Sorry I knew I was forgetting something. The article was by captain Kirk at mhr.com
here is the link.
http://www.milehighreport.com/2011/5/2/2149931/free-agent-defensive-tackle-options-for-the-broncos
I was not expecting the post to be so long sorry.
This is what Klis had to say about taking Irving, I like it and agree Irving has huge potential.
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.
We have the orange and blue dynamic duo! Not Batman and Robin nor the Green Hornet and Kato. We have Baylinorcrush and his side kick Mikeyb! I love it! Gotta be a better monicker for this dynamic duo, help me out guys! I’m having a brain fart here! I can see at the games with their cape’s blowing in the wind, hands on waist peering into the crowd trying to locate anyone wearing a Raiders jersey. Go dynamic duo!
Von Miller, OLB: A
The first trade, to get an additional fourth and a fifth: A+
Rahim Moore, S: B+
Franklin, OG/OT: A
Irving, ILB: B
Carter, S: B+
The second trade, to move up a round to get Thomas: D
Thomas, TE: C+
Mohamed, ILB: D
Green, TE: B
Beal, DE/OLB: C
I feel Thomas Mohamed and Beal were unnecesary and coulda been used to pick up better talent that we needed like RB, FB, DT, CB. But I do like Thomas and Beals potential.
I was skeptical about Irving as well. Caught me completely off guard but now I am rolling with it. First he wasnt projected as the best ILB and none had been taken off the board, 2nd (while this may sound insensitive) … He had a pretty brutal car accident which left him very banged up. If the crew are cool with his medical its fine. I think it was a reach and they coulda gotten him potentially in the 4th but i guess they liked him that much. If his car accident didnt side track his college career he might have been more sought after. But he came back from the accident putting up great numners. Seems like a smart high character guy so Ill give em the benefit of the doubt. They were going for 4 starters so i guess that means he is starter quality. He is the same hieght and weight as greg jones and jones went in the 6th for whatever reason, same speed, but jones had more stats and is a good leader. Maybe he wasnt cerebral enough. TRB out…
Trb, I might be wrong but I think Irvin is 6′ 2″ and Gregg Jones is 5’11 1/2″ meaning Irving has a little bigger frame to build on