Safeties First: Broncos Add Manuel, McCree
For the Broncos, the weekend proved to offer no time to rest.
A busy week opening week of free agency carried over into Saturday as the team fortified its secondary by adding a pair of safeties — Marquand Manuel, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, and Marlon McCree, late of the San Diego Chargers.
Terms on the contracts for both were not disclosed.
McCree, a street free agent, started all 16 games for the San Diego Chargers in 2007. He logged 65 total tackles — 48 solo — three interceptions and six passes defensed as part of a Chargers defense that held opposing passers to a 70.0 rating last year, the best for any NFL defense in 2007.
He has been a starter on winners in recent years, spending 2005 with the Carolina Panthers and the last two seasons in San Diego. During those three seasons, his teams were 34-12 during games in which he played, a statistic skillfully researched by Patrick Smyth of the media-relations department.
McCree’s best statistical season came in 2005, when he notched 87 total tackles. three interceptions and 10 passes defensed.
The eighth-year veteran celebrates his 31st birthday this St. Patrick’s Day.
Manuel, an unrestricted free agent, started all 16 regular-season games for the Seattle Seahawks in 2005, then started throughout their run to Super Bowl XL. He moved on to Green Bay in 2006, where he again started the full season, before joining the Panthers in 2007, for whom he started twice while playing in all 16 games.
Manuel has 38 starts in 91 career games played, with 215 total tackles, 10 passes defensed, a pair of interceptions and 33 stops on special teams.
The University of Florida product enters his seventh year in the league, with the Broncos being the fifth team for which he has played.
Discuss below, and vaya con Dios.
March 8th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Great signings to wrap up a strong week in free agency.
M & M was one of the best DBs in the country at Florida and has been a 16-game starter in the NFL… Plays with a lot of intensity and heart. He will bring that Miami attitude and swagger to our defense!
Great info on McCree, Mason. The guy has won a lot during the past three years and will be an outstanding fit to a defense that we should feel pretty good about.
March 8th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
WHOO HOO!!!! John Lynch’s back-up. and he can help them learn. and then we don’t need to draft any safety in the early round at least. this was a smart move.
March 8th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I would like to take a poll. Should the Broncos…
take Kentwan Balmer in the 1st round then take Ali Highsmith/Xavier Adibi in the 2nd
OR
take Keith River/Dan Connor (if DJ is moved in to WLB) and Pat Sims/Trevor Laws in the 2nd
March 8th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
we still need a bone-a-fied studdd muffin at safety! but im happy about McCree, yeah yeah.
March 8th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Great addition with mc cree! I think he will do great in denver
March 8th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Great Move we are all set now we need to concentrate on find a good to great WR. Brandon is the MAN!! but he will need help. Stokley is our SLOT Machine so we are good there. We need a good solid number 2 WR and hopefully he will be a playmaker.
I agree with those of you that said we are set on LBs. We have spent enough money on the position and need OL help and WR Help. I know everyon feels like we need a DT but we have good personnell at DL OUR PROBLEM WAS BATES SYSTEM NOT OUR PLAYERS. We can always use a great DL but we need another solid target for CUTLER and get him some PROTECTION.
also I think the following people make a good fit for our team and I would like to see one or two of them drafted
WR
Desean Jackson - Definate Play maker and returner solid pick
Sweed - Serious stud
Caldwell - great speed and hands
Manningham - playmaker
RB
Chris Johnson - ungodly speed looks and a playmaker
Mendenhall - solid beast of a back
Stewart - good fit
HART - second round JEWEL he would be excellent for us
Tashard CHOICE= my choice in the late rounds I will go on record stating this guy would make a fantastic bronco
March 8th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
I am not a betting man but I would be willing to bet a Dr. Pepper to anyone who chooses to accept the bet that with all the Free Agent Acquisitions being on D, Denver will be drafting offense in the 1st round and probably the second too!
I hope we aren’t over paying for these guys! Now are Safety position seems to be crowded with Lynch back, Abdullah should be here long term.
Lastly, I think this will free the Broncos to really shop Foxworth and get something while they can.
Go Broncos!!!
March 8th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
McCree reminds me of Nick Ferguson before his surgery. Mason good job
on the new opening for all video stories, simple but cool. The old countdown was very tired.
I would like to see The Broncos get Ellis or Dorsey if they don’t trade for a late first and pick up another 2nd. Late Pick in 1st round .get Merling DE from Clemson. Then get Trevor Laws in the 2nd round early and the returner from Virginia Tech Eddie Royal in the 2nd from the trade.
March 8th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
bigvon –
Interesting that you mention Choice … because, from having talked with him at the Senior Bowl, I can tell you that he truly would love to be a Bronco. He’s very familiar with the exploits of the Broncos’ runners the last baker’s dozen of years, and his eyes lit up when I asked him how he would feel if he was given the chance to be the next in the line. He’s also a tough runner; he had a great season last fall with not too much around him on the Georgia Tech offense.
March 8th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Awesome!!!!! Was hoping McCree didn’t leave Denver to sign in Buffalo.
This is gonna be great!! I bet Walker is trembling!! Lynch? Boss? McCree? Bailey interception? He’ll be feeling the thunder all right!!
March 8th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
I have to agree with dimondgirl, Javon may be in for a serious beating this year! And for the first round of the draft if we can’t get Sedrick Ellis or perhaps Glenn Dorsey then we should go after Trevor Laws.
March 8th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Perhaps the M&M duo can be a modern-day version of Steve Atwater and Dennis Smith. That would rock!
March 8th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
I know that we will eventually have to address DT in the draft, but with our pick I would love to see the Broncos get DeSean Jackson. Watching our return game last year was painful and Jackson would solve that immediately. However, if there’s a way we can get Sedrick Ellis we should, because overall he has more value than Jackson. I love the McCree signing, but the Manuel doesn’t sound very good. I hope we didn’t pay him too much to ride the bench because I see Lynch and McCree starting.
March 8th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Bly, Champ, Lynch, McCree
We SHOULD have the BEST secondary in the NFL.
With DJ and Boss on the outside no running back should out run us.
Now just to put pressure on the QB.
March 8th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I was a little worried but now it appears Shanny is making some conservative decisions in free agency and hopefully really smart decisions in draft. The next free agent signings and/or draft picks are going to be critical but we definitely need a dt, ot and wr. I still hoping to get a free agent veteran dt like robertson from the jets but it appears they want too much for him. If we cant get dorsey or ellis which appears unlikely then I think we get the best OT available because our o-line without nalen and hamilton was horrific and now that lepsis is gone we need so good oline players. Does anyone knows the status of hamilton? What if he doesnt come back? I love cutler but he needs protection for our offense to click as well as better run blocking. It appears the smaller athletic lineman are in the past as most dline are hugh, fast and agile.
March 8th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
ok both these guys will help. we need a dt and a replacement for lepsis. i really wish jake long would slip down to us. can we sign elam yet, along with foxy.
March 8th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Mason… do you know who Kiper Jr. has us taking in his mock draft? I don’t have an espn insider subscription…
March 8th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Does anybody else think that Hamza is going to be a stud. I am happy we signed M & M, but I would much rather see Hamza starting, he showed a lot of potential last year. Lynch and Abdullah, could be sick. Tell me what you guys think.
John-Jake-n-Jay
7;16,6
March 8th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
berlownacyo7s -
The lastest mock has us taking OT Ryan Clady from Boise State…a fantastic choice if you think we really need an OL.
I’d rather see us take another weapon for Cutler (D. Jackson from CAL?)…
Go Broncos!!
March 9th, 2008 at 12:13 am
this is a nice pick up. very nice
March 9th, 2008 at 12:47 am
first i would like to say please don’t get any more guys this . what Denver needs to do is use there cap space on elite athletes, on both sides of the line or trenches in football lingo. they also need wide out Lima swede from Texas i seen that guy play he is going to be a play maker because of his size and athletic ability. or else trade for chad johnson because cutler has a cannon on him and he needs some bigger targets in the red zone, thats were Denver was struggling last year. as for d-linemen all denver needs is some run stoppers and the d line will be good. i hope we have a good offseason Go Broncos!!
March 9th, 2008 at 12:58 am
Wow I guess that means we are going OT in the first round, already signed LBs and Safeties.
March 9th, 2008 at 1:12 am
It looks like we have good depth at safetie and LB now. But I don’t know how the starting safetie is going to work out. Lynch is the guy until he calls it quits and I like Abdullah all he needs is to start to get the needed experience. I think we should trade Foxworth and our first round pick next year for another first round pick this year preferably top 3 and get Glenn Dorsey to team with marcus thomas and the other young D-line. And then clady with no. 12. Then in the 2 take mike hart, ray rice or kevin smith. And then try to find a gem at wide out and another defensive end on the second day. And then either add travis henry to the trade if have to or cut him to get better character on the team. Foxworth needs to start at cb somewhere to become the player he can be and its not here on the bench.
March 9th, 2008 at 1:15 am
John-Jake-n-Jay, Abdullah does have a lot of potential, but I think with Mcree here Denver will use Abdullah as a back-up to Lynch and/or as a safety net. If Lynch calls it quits next year (which unfortunately seems likely) they will want Abdullah to step in so he can make lynch’s departure an easy transition without having to really worry about losing talent at the other safety spot. Either way, we have potential to have one of the best secondaries in recent memory.
March 9th, 2008 at 3:46 am
Great addition, Marlon “can’t tackle” McCree. Anyone see highlights off the big runs made against the Chargers last year?… Ya boy McCree was usually at the rare end of a stiff arm, getting befuddled from some good footwork of getting straight burnt on the outside. Check the Vikings game tape. No wonder the chargers let him walk.
These signings do not excite me. Only one that does is Boss.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:58 am
We need a punter and a center and a kicker. Elam get back from Israel and sign. You know your a BRONCO FOR LIFE.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:59 am
I’d still feel better if the broncos drafted a safety in the third round or so to give the franchise a future safety to be groomed over the next few years. With the exception of Hamza, all of the other big name safeties aren’t exactly young.
Our center position realistically is one of the best in the league. After Tom Nalen leaves, either Hamilton or Myers will take the spot (probably Hamilton) and Ben is one of the best linemen in the NFL
March 9th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Those new acquisition seems smart on the paper but in the end , all these people need to gel on the field , to be well coached , if not , they’ll be of no avail , and last we really need a good OL and DL , it all starts here !!!Protect your passer , rush the opposite then you’ll feel confortable §
March 9th, 2008 at 7:48 am
grat addition with mccree i love it but what do you guys think if denver picks up mario manningham in the draft ?
March 9th, 2008 at 7:59 am
great another old safety and a non starting material 1. plz mason get ted sunquist and shanny to get bryant johnson, hes still out there!
March 9th, 2008 at 8:05 am
I know you guys are going to think I’m crazy, but after watching Denver’s moves this off season, I think they will suprise everyone with the 12th pick and select the best athelete available. That will be RB Darren McFadden. His off the field issues have dropped him off the radar of many lists but if you look into the circumstances of those issues …..I think Shanny will pull the trigger. They drafted Ryan Harris last year for a reason, he will be the starting left tackle. The Broncos have always groomed their OL’s and I think they may pick one but not with their first choice. Hamilton and Nalen will be back. They have addressed a lot of needs already in the off season and did it very smart. They waited for everyone to spend their money on bigger names but maybe not better players and very carefully got some free agents that will make a difference without brankrupting the budget. Smart, very smart.
I would’t be suprised if they draft a kicker or maybe a punter on the 2nd day. They have been in no hurry to resign Elam and I sincerely believe they won’t, they have their eye on someone. They need the roster spot, it cost them to lose a player to the Giants last year that they wanted to keep.
I think they may draft a DT in the second round. After watching the picks the last couple of years, I do know one thing and that the Broncos will do well in the draft and most likely not target the obvious players we all expet them to pick. I’ll never forget the shock when they picked Cutler when it seemed they had more pressing needs. If Mcfadden falls to them , they will snatch him up. The running game is what the Broncos offense is all about and when the running game works the rest of the pieces fall into place.
March 9th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Oh, I forgot the actual topic. I don’t think they will be playing Lynch every down this year. Hamza showed flashes of brilliance last season but he wasn’t consistant. I think they are going to do safty by committee this season and though 31 is old for a lot of positions I think a safety can still be productive. He doens’t take the every play beating like some positions on the field and can probably still have a few really good years left.
March 9th, 2008 at 8:21 am
The problem with Hamza is he thinks he’s worth more than his actual value. Yes the guy has a lot of upside but he misses too many tackles and is caught out of position more than he should. I do believe these guys will push him though and if he can start doing the little things I believe he’s the long term answer. Having said that I believe while our number 1 needs are offensive and defensive line there is no WAY we should reach for a player witht he draft slot we have. I’d much rather draft Mendenhall if Clady is gone and there isn’t another top tier DT on the board. There’s no way of knowing if Henry can stay healthy. Young is a great change of pace/3rd and long type player but he’s not big enough to go 20 carries a game all season.
March 9th, 2008 at 8:28 am
With the signing of these two guys, we dont need to bring back Hamza. These two guys will both start the 09 season.
March 9th, 2008 at 8:59 am
i still think we should go after mcfadden. he could help out a lot more than just the running game. lets say we trade henry and a pick to move up a few spots and get him. he can help out with the return game too. hes been returning kicks for arkansas with felix for the last few years. doing pretty good at it too.
also i like the two safties we picked up this week. they will be a good help this season if lynch wears down twords the end.
March 9th, 2008 at 9:02 am
I still say I have the strangest feeling we wil be seeing the Broncos draft Earl Bennet in the second round since he should hopefully still be on the board when we select in the 2nd. He would be all cutler needs at WR along with Marshall and Stokley if you ask me.
March 9th, 2008 at 10:13 am
good signing - now we can address the lines in the draft.
March 9th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Great signings!!!! i can’t believe how well this free-agency is going!
These safties are both excellent aquisitions to our defense since Lynch will be gone in a year, and has already lost a step or two. Now we can focus on getting great players in the draft.
We need some young talent on the o-line. Lepsis is gone and we do have a strong middle three, but we need a tackle.
We signed shepperd so i think he will be a good returner, but need one more good speed wideout to go along with marshall.
We definetly don’t realy need a running back. I mean our line makes these running back good. We have two great backs in henry and charles already.
March 9th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Great signings. Now it looks like we can put the safety position to rest for the draft. Or can we? I still think that The Broncos will draft a young guy in the 4th or 5th round to solidify the future of our secondary. I would love to see Clady in orange and blue. If he is gone there should still be a LB by the name of Dan Conners…
March 9th, 2008 at 11:52 am
broncoboy2012, the broncos dont have a 2nd rounder. We jump from 1st to 3rd round. And no we should not get balmer, we should take keith rivers or ryan clady.
March 9th, 2008 at 11:57 am
my bad we dont have a 3rd rounder. We should take felix jones if he’s still there and if not, jordy nelson. my bad broncoboy
March 9th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Denver will go offense 1st. Henry has to prove something this year and he will. (2nd receiver they have!) chances are they will pick one up in the late rounds, Look for the draft to be OT or if a DT falls down to #12, if not they might even trade down in the draft to pick up more Draft picks.
March 9th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
will you people give running back a rest?!? there are more pressing needs on the broncos than another RB. if you don’t remember, the offensive line was banged up all year, and that caused the trouble there. and, even with the injuries, travis was solid before the offseason troubles, and selvin had a few solid rushing games.
another thing: get off the d-line. the broncos should not pull a detroit lions and draft the same position every year. you can’t spend 3 picks on the d-line in 07 and then burn the 12th pick on the same position. let moss, crowder, and thomas develop a little bit before deciding that we need a new DE on the team.
the number 1 need is OL, and i think that should be the 1st rounder, going with cladsy or chris williams. reciever is incredibly deep in this draft, and i think the broncos should go their second round.
as for safety, i like these pickups, because while neither of these guys great, they’ll add depth and a gap between lynch and the young guys. i think the broncos should go for depth and youth later in the draft there. also, i think the broncos are ok at LB, because boss will be on the strong side, DJ will be on the weak side, and niko will play the middle. they didn;t give him 7 mil to play special teams.
March 9th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
i have said this many times before and i will say it again we need an o-line but nice move getting mcree
March 9th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
M&M have playoff experience and didn’t cost too much by current free-agent standards. Having addressed LB & S, OT would seem the logical next step w/#1 pick. If McFadden, J.Long, Dorsey or Ellis are still there, then sure…! But, they won’t be. Trade up? Trade down? Stay Put? We’ll find out at the end of April. Is Connor a #12 guy? Rice is a better running back in the 2nd round than Mike Hart. If OT is 1st and you want an offensive skill guy in the 2nd (WR or RB), then it just depends on who’s left. That’s the fun of the draft. A million mock drafts and they never turn out the way you think because each move depends on the one before and the guys making them know more than we do. I question whether DeSean Jackson is a #12 guy. The problem on ST last year wasn’t the returner. Broncos need a good FB-4th round? I like the kid from Furman. They beat App.St. O. Scmitt? Oh yeah…if he’s there. A big DT is still needed. D’s problem wasn’t Bates’ system. It was which system today? This week? Next play? Next series? The beauty of free-agents is their experience. The beauty of youth is coachability. I wonder if Frank Okam or Red Bryant would be there in the 4th? Okam says he feels “comfortable” at 350. SWEET!
March 9th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
this wat the broncos need to do trade bly for Larry f. from the cards. and trade henry for d. hall from the atlanta or do the opposite henry for larry, and bly for hall wat yall think
March 9th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
McCree may be more helpful than people think. Does anyone else remember to very embarrassing losses to one of our division rivals? Does anyone else think that ontop of adding depth they were adding information about a system that whipped our butts last year? I am sure he will be pumped for infomation.
March 9th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Hey JOSH, that’s the problem, Henry ALWAYS has “something” happen that derails him. His greatness is behind him, a running game is needed badly. Cutler can sling it, but we don’t have an O Line good enough to keep him passing 40 times a game. Get an offensive playmaker and get him NOW! Don’t take line just because we have a need, take the BEST PLAYER ON THE BOARD!
March 9th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Look at the history of the Broncos. The last time they selected an OL early was George Foster because “he had good feet”. That ain’t gonna happen again! They may pick an OL but I’m guessing it won’t be early. Denver seldom gets to pick this high , they will go for offensive impact! How best to help out your defense…. run the ball and eat up the clock! Like Hrdnokd says , they will pick the best player on the board and that could very well be Mcfadden.
I love this time of year, it’s a blast to speculate on what they might do and who knows what could happen between now and then. All I know is Shanny has got to want another Terrell Davis type beast in the backfield.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I think this is good, signing these two guys. Denver’s got the secondary pretty much taken care of, at least for this year, and the LB core as well. So they can concentrate on the lines, and also maybe getting another WR. I think if Jake Long goes before Denver gets a shot (he probably will), and Jeff Otah also goes, then they should get Ryan Clady in the first. Address the DT position in the second, maybe Balmer, Laws, or Moore might fall that far. And in the fourth, maybe Owen Schmidt will fall that far, that would be a great pick. Also, Denver will almost for sure not pick a WR or RB in the first. They just don’t do that kind of stuff and that’s fine with me, because those are usually the make or break positions that are in the first round like that. There is no way they will get a RB in the first, but maybe they will pick one up late or in free agency after the draft is over.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
We’re just fine at RB with a two-headed rushing attack of Young and Henry. I wouldn’t be surprised if Shanny pushed the button on either WR’s Malcolm Kelly or Limas Sweed. He loves to put up points and hates a struggling offense.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Man you guys are fickle.
A year ago everyone loved Dre Bly, now you want to trade him already. Everyone was stoked about getting Travis Henry, and now I’ve seen people that just want to straight up release the guy.
How long till Boss and McCree are getting run out of town?
March 9th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Maybe Shanahan will draft the best guy on the board with a RB. I don’t think they will, but then again, look at when they got Cutler and how surprising it was. Then again, a QB is someone you build your team around and need over the long run as a franchise player. RB is, as well, but it is less likely. I really wish I could see how far TD would have come had he still been playing right now. Otherwise, I see Denver really drafting OL in the first. It’s the smartest, safest choice, and the OL in this draft are really good players. My draft, then again it doesn’t really matter - it’s just my own opinion, but my draft would have an OL in the first, a DT in the second, and a WR in the fourth, and whatever after that. I do like the idea, though, of trading next years 1st rounder to get another, earlier pick in the first so that Denver would have 2 1st rd. picks. Then they could get Glenn Dorsey AND someone like Ryan Clady. Sounds good to me, but Denver will most likely do something completely different.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Actually, check that. To be consistent, I would actually prefer Owen Schmidt at FB for the fourth rd. pick, should he fall that far.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
SicknessFl is CORRECT!
I say we trade nobody and just keep signing and soon enough, drafting!
March 9th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Vinci shut up ight Mcree can tackle you only saw that game when we were getting our ass kicked by the chargers who picked off cutler? This is a good sign draft a young safety and a receiver and we’re back in the playoffs.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
KEEP EVERY BODY DONT TRADE UNLESS ITS 4 FITZ BUT EVEN HE AINT GOING NEWHERE MAYBEE PICK UP BRYANT JOHNSON DRAFT CLADY AND WHERE GOOD
March 9th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Sicknessfl,
Dre Bly did OK for playing in a non-system, or rather dial-a-system, grab-bag, “Battle of the Opposing Coordinators” fiasco. He’s a keeper and I think this season will show it. On the other hand, how would you characterize Travis Henry in ‘07? Inconsistent? Distracting? Injury-plagued? All of the above? I can’t erase from my mind the game at San Diego. He puts the ball on the ground (Cutler was blamed) by taking a give with his arm down and later gets blown up by a backer on his way to sacking Cutler. His block was as good as a speed-bump in a high school parking lot 5 minutes after the end of the day! I’ll let the coaching staff decide, but if they cut him by the season opener, I wouldn’t shed a tear.
I’m just sayin’.
March 9th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
They will not cut Henry, they have too much invested. I am sure that somewhere in his new contract there is an easy out clause for the Broncos. If he does poorly they will not hesitate to pull the trigger and get rid of him. I wish I could say that he is trade bait, but at this point, unless he has a stand out year, no one is going to want him.
March 9th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
oh god Broncos fans we are in some trouble if Manuel starts. I live in Rockford Il next to chi-town so of course i’ve seen the bears and the packers play and lets just say i can play saftey better then this dude and im a fat 18 year old he got burned more by Berrian and MUHAHMUD’s old butt. I’ll be surprised if he makes it threw trianing camp. He lost his starting spot to Atri Bigby who sucks so thats just a preview for all you guys
March 9th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
i like the marlon mcree sign. still not really sure about manuel though. for the draft. i like ryan clady from the boise state broncos. helped lead the broncos over oklahoma in fiesta bowl and also is a big, fast offensive lineman that would be great for our system. would be a good replacement for Matt Lepsis. and have Pears and ryan harris battle it out for the right offensive tackle spot.
March 9th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I love the addition of mcree thats awesome i have 1 question tho i may be looking at it wrong but why does it look like were looking at TE im pretty sure were set at that position
March 9th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
NxtYrNvrArrives Says I would actually prefer Owen Schmidt at FB for the fourth rd. pick
Thank-you. The team is looking solid. If coach wants to get back to running the way we use to we need a FB. A FB will give Jay more protection too.
March 10th, 2008 at 12:11 am
I agree, Sick. I don’t know why people dislike Bly so much. Sure he got burned a few times, but so did Champ. And as much as I love Champ Bailey, I really have no idea what he did to get invited to the pro bowl since he did nothing other than tackle (which I guess no one else on the team could do.) Dre Bly seemed to have a better season.
And Henry was great when he wasn’t hurt, and you can’t blame him for the marijuana trouble when he was found not guilty. Personally, I’m hoping we draft Sweed. I know absolutely nothing about college football, I never watch it, but I heard he was similar to Brandon Marshall. And if we can’t have a Brandon Marshall and Javon Walker — we might as well have two Brandon Marshall’s…which is better.
March 10th, 2008 at 1:50 am
dwillfoeveh - turn it up, turn it right up! Cutler had 14 interceptions for the year, are you saying he was economical or something? Like you said though we were getting our ass kicked so ofcourse Cutler is going to force balls. I’m sure even you might’ve got a pick sitting back there! But that’s not the point, the Chargers let him go because he can’t tackle to save himself and Eric Weddle is a much better player.
This I just gathered off a few clips from nfl.com:
-Week 14 Titans - Chris Brown stepped McCree for a TD
-Week 11 Jaguars - Fred Taylor found the angle on McCree
-Week 10 Colts - Missed a tackle on Kenton Keith for a TD
-Week 9 Vikings - 3 missed Tackles and finally burnt on the outside by A.D, several leading to TD’s. He had a mare!
That’s only the tip of the ice-berg. You say dwillfoeveh that we should draft a young safety…why when we have McCree to save the day!?
Next time my friend do your homework before you come at me. ‘ight mate!
March 10th, 2008 at 3:42 am
to all of you immediate mcree and manuel haters, chill for a second. the broncos did not give them the two starting spots or anything. they were brought in for depth, and to compete for playing time. how about we wait until they play for the broncos before we run them out of denver.
and to all you RB drafters, do you really think shanny would use a first rounder on an RB? shanahan, the same guy who (with a decent o-line) can pull a running back out of his ass and get him 1000 yards, would not burn a 12th pick on a running back, and there is no way mcfadden will drop that far, so it should be a non issue.
if you don’t remember, the broncos were 8-8 the last two years, so they really weren’t that good. that being said, lets give the players a chance to actually play for the broncos before we decide that there not good enough to be an 8-8 bronco.
March 10th, 2008 at 4:46 am
I ain’t hating on these guys (except McCree really) but I just don’t get people saying oh that solves our secondary woes. Or it’s gonna be the greatest Denver secoundary ever! I mean take a break. McCree really ain’t that good and he’s not going to make the secondary all that much better, if gets the starting spot, which at the moment Abdullah would get.
March 10th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Here’s the thing Josh, when was the last time Shanny did what you THOUGHT he’d do with a pick this high? I would think that he’d trade down and get additional picks? My guess is that we trade out with the Cardinals because they REALLY need a running game and there’s going to be plenty of teams on the horn to get this guy. Mendenhall is an impact player and is going to be a HOT deal at pick 12. If Clady falls that far, which I doubt, then he’ll be the new LT next year. Otherwise you can bet your ASS Shanny’s not taking a WR that high. WR is a complete crap shoot year in and year out. All of the premier DT’s will be gone by the time we pick and so will McFadden. And one last observation: We had 3 different guys start at RB last year, that’s not exactly “stable” now is it?
March 10th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Peterg:
“not now or ever will be” Niko. What do you even know or hear about this kid.I believe I read that his coaches including Holmgren said the Broncos got a steal with signing Koutouvides.You probably are one of those haters that wants big Al back to right? The logic or lack of on this blog just makes me want to respond to fans.As you say on all your postings ” I wouldn’t be surprised if you are wrong!
March 10th, 2008 at 6:36 am
I think Shanny feels he does have good O-lineman, he had 2 starters out for all or most of the season last year. My understanding is that the draft is pretty deep in O-linemen and he can still pick up a quality player in the later rounds. They also drafted Ryan Harris last year and since he is still with the team I think they expect him to play. After observing the Broncos draft the last few years I think they will pick a RB first round if that is the best athelete on the board. They need another impact player. I don’t think they have the confidence in Hall or Young to be an every down back and with Henry being injury prone…….well, I think they may pick Mcfadden if he is there. I’m just trying to guess what the Broncos might do, with Shanahan being an offensive minded coach I think he will draft a running back this year. I also think they will draft a DT, OL, WR, P ,FB but who knows, that’s the fun of it!
March 10th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Well this is a good move we now have solid replacements for Lynch after he retires but, there is a down side to mcCree he is a little slow on pass coverage has bad angles tackling , but he is a team player hopefully he can bring some veteran leadership too the locker room and play hard all season. Now i really love what shannys doing he is staying under the radar and under the CAP space we have left to sign our draft picks. Which i think we need a burner wide out because yes Marshall is A Beast and is only gonna get better but if we have noone who could take pressure off of him then things are only gonna get worse. And i dont feel any reciever we have picked up so far is a burner. if we look at this now all we Really need in the draft is a DT, An OL And a Wideout those are the only glaring holes i see in our team
March 10th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Don’t forget FB and punter.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Bronco’s O-Line is in transition. I think Nalen will come back and play at least another year because he is …, well, Nalen. Hamilton will try to return, but I doubt if even the Dr.s’ know what will happen. When I heard “spinal cord concussion”, I thought that can’t be good; then he has to take the season just to rest. That’s probably the Dr.’s way of allowing his body to heal itself…if it can. Warrick Holdman had the same thing and is apparently out of football. When the pads and hats go on and the contact begins, Hamilton is just one hit away from knowing if he’s done or not. With Lepsis’ retirement, that leaves Pears, Holland, Kuper and Myers with experience. Harris is entering his 2nd season having had surgery during his 1st. That’s seven guys. Sure, there are some other candidates currently on the roster who might make the team (too bad about losing Eslinger), but realistically the Broncos must acquire at least two quality prospects. This is a very good year to draft O Linemen. Ryan Clady, Branden Albert, Jeremy Zuttah, the T from Vanderbilt just to name a few. It’s a priority. The Broncos may keep 9 OL on the roster. Anyone they add must be able to fit the system quickly because Nalen’s age and Hamilton’s health could throw them into the game at any time.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:47 am
I usually never lash out on the message board, just not my style (hell were all broncos fans) BUT: peterg are you an idiot? Niko will get cut! Are you serious? Do you watch or follow football? Better yet, do you know more than Shanny and (Tampa, New Orleans, and Cleveland, who were all heavily interested in Niko). Niko waived an offer from Tampa (which I believe was a little more than Denvers) bc they wanted him on the outside, and he’s is a true Mike. Did you read what Seattles coaches wrote about the kid, or have you followed his career. Maybe bc I am big Purdue fan I know of him well; but don’t just say sh*T to speak. I am not saying he’s a stud, or big name MIKE, but I think with Boss and DJ, Niko will be a solid Mike. At least give the guy a chance. We didn’t pay his a** 7mil to play special teams. And I am damn positive Shanny has a better eye for talent than you. Doesn’t him being a captain in Seattle hold any weight to his character, or ability to be recognized? He’s a great tackler, pursues to the ball like of SOB, and is mean as hell. As Niko was quoted in the Denver post (got to respect this):
“The perception is he’s a backup and special-teams player. I’m not going to talk about how I’m going to be a great player in this league. We’ll have to wait until training camp comes and the NFL season begins, and that’s where you’ve got to prove yourself that the Broncos made a great move.”
March 10th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Mason i saw you talking about deshard choice and would also love to see him get drafted by denver he seems like a bright kid who could really fit the scheme. I think we are taking Cutlers old teammate from vaderbuilt the OT because he is athletic and smart.
March 10th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
good signing of m & m. regardless of what people think. lynch is a bad a** and he knows his stuff. hes just getting older. i think this year will be a learning year for both m & m.im pretty excited about our d. now we need a couple dt’s. yes our scheme sucked last year but so did our pressure. we have a servicable line as of right now, but the giants beating the patriots in the superbowl should emphasize what an excellent line will do for a game.
list of needs as i see them:
1. dt, ot (always need depth in these two areas. always! but we need a stud dt to help elvis and eukaban)
2. wr,rb,lb ( we always need depth here also, but we need to fill our five reciever sets as well)
3. fb (remember what griffith did for t.d.? we need a stud fb to help running game)
4. p,k, elam might not be back and hes getting old anyway
in my opinion we need to trade henry. i also want to see what he does this year, since hes famous for making combacks after bad seasons. anyway heres my 2 cents.
“go broncos! and bring the pressure in ‘08″
March 10th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
imready, I like your thinking, the only thing is Mcfadden isn’t the type of runner that Terrell Davis was. Mcfadden is more a homerun hitter more like Portis or Tatum Bell. If they want someone like TD then they should look at Michael Hart or James Stewart, even Mendanhall is more like TD than Mcfadden. And some believe that Mendanhall is better and has more upside than Mcfadden.
As for the new signings, I like the Mcree signing except for one thing. He’s not getting any younger, if he plays 3 more years I would be shocked. And as for Manuel I think we could have done w/o him. His stats don’t exactly impress me. Hamza does have good upside and could very well be a great safety in the future, but I don’t think that he is starting material this year.
Sickness, I never thought that signing Henry was a good idea other than his last year in TN I don’t remember the last time he didn’t get injured during a season. And I still think that trading FOR Dre Bly last year was the smart thing to do. However I think we gave up to much for him. But having him makes our secondary sick. Sure he got beat a few time last year. Every CB gets beat in this league. And If I remember correctly we finished the as one of the top pass defenses in the league. Which was a huge improvement for them considering that we were almost last the year before.
Trading for Fitzgerald would be stupid considering that the Cards are supposed to pay something like 12 mill next year and 14 the year after. That is just WAY too much money to spend on him. I wouldn’t be totally against drafting a receiver in the first round. Our boy JC needs another target big time. Rod Smith is done, Javon is gone, Brandon is an excellent receiver and now everyone knows that. So if we don’t get another target for JC then I honestly don’t think that Brandon will have as good of a year.
Stokley is a great Slot guy, in my opinion none better than him in the league today. But thats what he is a SLOT guy, he isn’t an outside receiver.
Although our #1 need is either an OL or DT. We need to get someone to plug the middle. We got burned so many games last year for big rushing yardage that it seriously was the downfall of our team last year.
March 10th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Peterg
You obviously have no clue about football or the NFL so maybe you should take your thoughts elsewhere. I hear Rachael Ray caters to idiots maybe you’ll have better luck there!!
March 10th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
well analyzed and smartly said 2bailey4……i kinda c wer ur going wid this,,,basically we cant let one down-year(07 season) change our whole perspectives of players,,,,every year changes,,players get run-over,miss tackles,,fail blocks,, and get burned several times,, but the nxt year to expect to see improvement,,,we always come back to see them play….idk but thats how i see it….yes players are getting old and we can expect them to pass on the trait to younger prospects….we thought there might never be another Deon Sanders,,then comes along oru own “Champ” Bailey…it may be too bold to say,,,but i believe Champ is better than Deon,,more instictive better tackler,,puts in his all every game,,and is never flashy (good sportsmanship).
i’d like to see mendellhall in orange and blue too…but we may never know wud Pat and Shanahan are thinking,,,its jst exciting to see who gets drafted….
March 10th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Wow! peterg is way back up there, but now I get it. He has run afoul of the Hellenic brotherhood. OPA!
March 10th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
i agree with 2bailey4. trading for fitzgerald is not worth it. he’s going to cost a lot of money to pay, plus the players and picks the broncos would have to send for him. the cards won’t give up a player like him for nothing. plus, marshall has shown that he is obviously the number 1 reciever, and bringing in another bonafide number one is probably not the best plan, as we can use that talent and money elswhere on the team. Also, i agree with everone here about the travis henry thing. He’s not really worth the money and risk of injury, but trading him won’t do much good, because he has a big contract and will hit our CAP. I think the best idea is to draft an OL at 12, and if all goes well, a DT like Kentwan Balmer or Frank Okam later on. On day 2 is when the broncos should try to pick up a bigger, more physical back like TD to compliment selvin young, who is more of a quick, slashing back, as well as a number 2 WR to play with marchall and stokes.
as i said before, i still cannot see shanny picking an RB at 12. TD was a pretty late rounder, if i recall.
March 10th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I think shanny will take a WR first round. then i could see him taking a DT someone like laws, then go for O-line , RB,FB, maybe LB, P and K
March 10th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
M&M are Great acquisitions to sure-up our secondary. The middle of the D-line is next and we are back in the Super Bowl. I’m like Josh about pick an OT at 12, but the draft has proven to be more bust in that categorie early in the draft (ie. Robert Gallery- that was the year that the raiders couldn’t do a 3 step drop w/o getting sacked.) If we can’t get Jake Long or maybe Branden Albert then I say we should look to compliment our interior D-Line or our WR’s (Rod can’t play forever). I have to believe we have developed someone to take the place of Lepsis.
So far we are doing great in FA!!!! GO BRONCOS!!!
March 10th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Ok this has got to stop lets not talk about how good a fit this RB or that RB would be for our system, i know im guilty of it too, but lets be real ANY back would be good in our system, Terrel davis ran a 4.67 at his combine, and look what he did, and tatum bell ran a sub 4.4 and look how that turned out, clinton portis ran a 4.28 but he aint been half the back he was when he was in orange and blue. from now on lets all agree as long as they have legit talent theyll be productive in our system
March 10th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I am happy the Broncos are looking at the Safeties and the Wide out slots. However they really need to find a young target for Cutler to fire the ball to. Granted we have some skill players there now, but Stokely and Shepard are both old and slow and are of average size. We need a 6′4″ 200+ lbs target out there a guy who can take the hit get up quickly and dash another 40 yards at top speed with out missing a beat.
Wen I look back at last season I think of some O line help and some speed with a solid target on the out side. Even though m.c is right that any back would be a runner in our system. He missed in the facts we need linemen and some WR that keep the safeties and corner honest. Last year we just couldn’t score enough or stay on the filed long enough to give the D what they really needed…rest. With the additions of Boss and McCree it helps a lot. The fact still remains you have to score points to win, and those guys wont be scoring to many points.
I hope the Broncos do the right thing this year….unlike last year…and get some O weapons in the first round and not a lumbering lineman that turns out to be more of a dud than the hyped star he was made out to be.
March 10th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Agreed that they are all “productive” in this system, but this offense seems to work best when you have that one guy you can work and work and work, and only bring the change of pace guy in 12 or 15 times a game. TD was a special player, and we should not be looking for the “next TD” (or Elway or Rod Smith…). Where I think rotating backs hurts the offense is when you have a guy starting to find a rhythm, then he sits the next series. Personally I would prefer that dynamic guy you can count on to carry the load every week, but what makes them special also makes them rare.
Also, I agree that Fitzgerald is too expensive, but I don’t think there would be a problem with him and Bmarsh playing together. I know Fitzgerald is a clear #1 talent, but I would argue that Anquan Boldin is AZ’s #1, and Fitzgerald is 1A. I obviously don’t follow the Cards a whole lot, but I’ve never heard any talk about him grumbling about it…..
Lastly, why does everyone want to beat other fans up over their opinions? I hope PeterG is wrong, but he is entitled to wonder how good Niko actually is, seeing as none of us has watched him play an NFL game at LB (Mike or otherwise). Lots of guys are awesome in college, and not all of them turn out great in the NFL. And looking at last season, we were releasing and signing guys througout the pre- and regular seasons, and some of them were (and are) good players. Again, I have a good feeling about Niko, but why can’t we all just get along?!?!?!?
March 10th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Oh, and if we do grab a RB in the first round, I would hate to see McFadden in Denver. Hope I’m wrong, but we could be looking at the next Lawrence Phillips or Maurice Clarett if he doesn’t chill out…..
March 10th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Does anyone know if the team considered Michael Boulware rather than M&M?
March 10th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
I think if Dorsey or Ellis aren’t availavle We shoul take that O-lineman from Vanderbilt. Thats a good pick because he’s big, he’s atheletic, and he knows how Cutler plays and how Cutler may react in certain situations so that would help this offense a lot. I don’t think we should take a Wideout in the first round mainly because those are the ones that take a while to make the jump from college to the NFL if they make the jump at all. Just look at the Lions and all the wideouts they’ve drafted
March 11th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Has no one payed any frickin attention to my possible draft for the Broncos? Andrew, Vinci tell me that this is a possibility and could work.
1st - Keith Rivers OLB- let’s D.J. stay inside and creates a monster LB corp.
2nd - Pat Sims/Trevor Laws DT - Provides another big man to help Marcus
4th - Oniel Cousins OT - good zoner and adds possibility of a stater
4th - Duane Brown OT - good zoner and adds depth
5th - Letroy Guion DT - adds more depth and possible starter
5th - *David Roach S - future of Broncos; can learn from John Lynch
7th - Jayson Foster WR/KR - definite returner with great speed, agility and burst
7th - *Robert Killebrew OLB - better than some of the guys on the team now; fast enough to cover Gates, Clark, or Gonzalez
* - denotes possible different choice of player
with David Roach and Robert Killebrew I think we should go in that direction. David’s pick could be replaced with a WR and the Broncos have luck with late picked WRs. Brandon Marshall - 4th rd, Rod Smith - not picked. and in the 7th we should either add OLB depth, MLB depth, DT depth, WR depth, or OT/OG depth
March 11th, 2008 at 9:29 am
in the 5th round we could possibly get Tashard Choice and add another RB threat with Selvin Young. Travis Henry is not a home run threat. He is a 3 yard back who occasionally breaks a tackle and blows ahead for 10 yards.
And when I was watching NFL Replay yesterday I realized something. Javon Walker and Travis Henry seemed to get much, MUCH worse as the season prgressed. I know they were both injured but they never made the best of a good situation.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:37 am
in the 5th round we could grab a receiver such as Marcus Monk or Darius Reynaud, from Arkansas and West Virginia.
in the 7th we could see if Ernie Wheelwright is still there because he is talented and a good compliment to Brandon 1 & 2. If he isn’t there possibly the WR from Hawaii Jason Rivers or from Miami Lance Leggett.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Trade the whole ball of wax away for someone elses 1st and 2nd (a top 5 pick team) to get Jake Long and throw that 2nd rounder and next years 2nd rounder to get Felix Jones. Then we will rule the world……
March 11th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
first, we could settle for an OT for much lower pick and secondly felix jones isn’t the next walter payton… not that I know of anyway. ruling the world may be a bit extreme because we’d still need to adress DT, possibly CB for depth, WR, and o-line depth. ruling the world is a bit out of our reach if that’s all we do.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
If Tashard Choice was available in the 5th, that would be a steal. A WR who looked good at the combine and did well in college ball was Eddie Royal. D.J. Williams plays all LB positions well. However, I agree with others who say he would have a major impact as WLB. It seems that there might be several good DT from which to pick in the 2nd: Dre Moore, Trevor Laws, Red Bryant and maybe even Frank Okam. A big companion for Marcus Thomas. I wonder which round Quentin Demps S UTEP is projected?
March 11th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
DenverNapoloeon and greekbronco9,
I find that when someone has nothing intelligent to say they result to name calling and insults. You two must be in the same Kindergarten class together. I suppose your daddies will beat up my daddy.
Talented players DO NOT sit on the bench for 4 years. Mike has a history of signing big name free-agents and then cutting them before the year begins. How long did S. Rice last as a Bronco(signed just after final cuts). Don’t put out and Mike will put you out. We don’t need another good player at MLB. We need a proven talent who can help us win now. Niko did not win a title at Purdue or Seattle and now all of a sudden he’s going to get one with Denver. Good Luck. I have to spend all year listening to Jax Fags fans brag about how they OWN us, and now we have to play them again this coming year. If they beat us again I may have to spend 4-5 consecutive years listening to Jax fans trash because my team want to experiment with overrated Special Teams Captains.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
BroncoBoy2012 all good ideas my friend.
I still like the idea of drafting Kenny Phillips (from the U), his stock seems to have taken a hit lately, but I still think it’s a pressing need even with the latest signings. M&M look to be stop gap players whereas Phillips would be a long term solution. Maybe we can trade down and still pick up Phillips.
With Rivers, that could be a good pick, but I could see the same type of gameplay brought from Jarvis Moss at the Will position, if they triailed that?
Our most pressing needs though are at DT and WR. I don’t know what progress Ryan Harris has made, but maybe he can get a starting spot so we can draft at a different position.
My Draft:
Rnd 1 - S Kenny Phillips
Rnd 2 - DT Trevor Laws
Rnd 4 - WR D.J. Hall
Rnd 4 - OT
Rnd 5 - LB Tavares Gooden
Rnd 7 -
March 11th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Peterg: Shouldn’t it be Nikos, or rather O Nikos? Oh, never mind, it’s a Greek thing and you probably wouldn’t understand. So much for giving players or even coaches (Shanahan) chances. You speak as if you know the Head Coach well. Well then, tell us why Shanahan signed Nikos Koutouvides. Maybe it’ll work and maybe not. Why not just chill and wait and see? If he turns out well you will have wasted a lot of trash-talk coupons all for a bunch of thin-skinned pessimism.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:07 am
well said samparnell!!
March 12th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Thank you for slightly agreeing with my Vinci. But do you think WR is really more important than OT? In my opinion I’d like to keep our QB from getting leveled from behind (even though he is sneaky and elusive).
Jarvis seems a bit unaware so I doubt he would be able to cover recievers, ends and backs but that’s what we brought Boss in for. And if we get Rivers we will have depth on our D-Line and maybe Crowder could play a little inside.
And I am sure the Broncos have 2 5th round picks.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:32 am
we’d add depth by keeping Moss at end.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:06 am
We WILL take Leodis McKelvin to bolster our return game, and trade Paymah and Foxworth to get him if he is still available. You also get a corner out of the deal to take over for Champ when he retires. That is why D. Will was drafted ..you member?! McFadden will want tooo much money and Shanny won’t pay that much for an UNPROVEN RB unless he signs cheap after the Broncos draft him. Then if he doesn’t win the starting job, HE can be a return man or be cut. People forget you don’t always get handed a starting job! TD started out covering kicks on.. you guessed it! SPECIAL TEAMS! Shanny can find good talent in the later rounds to keep us set.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Andrew,
Any truth to the rumor on Roy Williams?
March 12th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I say wide receiver if Harris steps up at right tackle, and if Pears can switch to the left side. If neither can step up then I guess OT becomes a lot more important.
I don’t see Colbert and Sheppard being solid no. 2 wideouts, so the broncos will have to address that somerwhere down the line.
Moss is the type of player that could be a “tweener” playing both end and LB. The broncos need to find interesting and fun ways of utilizing Moss and getting him at the QB.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
In the 5th round the Broncos could pick up Steve Johnson, WR from Kentucky. He seems to have good hands and at 6′1″ 210 he seems to be a great compliment to Brandon and Brandon.
Ryan Harris and Erik Pears are only back-ups in the NFL so I don’t see them stepping up anytime soon.
March 12th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Too true BroncoBoy2012, too true.
With your draft I wouldn’t mind seeing Kenny Phillips, Limas Sweed Malcolm Kelly or of course jah boy Keith Rivers. We need a game-breaker with that 12th pick.
March 13th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Keep in mind that Rivers may very well be gone by the time we pick. Both the Pats and Saints would jump at the chance to add a franchise ‘backer if Gholston has already been picked. The linebackers for both teams will be in walkers soon. There could still be Connor though. The record setting LB from “Linebacker U” would look good in orange and blue.
March 14th, 2008 at 9:09 am
I like Dan Connor if D.J. is moved outside more than if he stays inside but he is quality talent. But Dan Connor is from Penn State.
And Vinci don’t Marquand and Marlon add some depth AND youth to our safety position? That’s kinda why they were brought in. Since Ellis and Dorsey will be gone maybe we should look to receiver if Ryan Clady or Keith Rivers is there. I’d like to see DeSean Jackson (5′9″ 170) on the other side as a speed guy to compliment the big Brandon and the agile Brandon. Or we could take the OT in the first and grab Devin Thomas (6′1″ 215), Eddie Royal (5′9″ 185) or Andre Caldwell (6′ 205) in the second round. I still think we could draft an OLB or MLB in the second 5th round pick or in the 7th.
March 14th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Connor may not be a #12 guy. After the movement in free-agency, OL is now the priority. At least two quality prospects are needed to rebuild the O-Line. Another position which is nonexistent at the moment is FB. If Connor is the objective, a careful trade-down is needed. Such a move might produce additional draft pick(s); handy if some are traded for D. Robertson. Connor seems to be the best MLB in the draft, and he has played outside, too. In the OL department, this is a rich and deep draft for O-Linemen. I’m kind of hoping that a good RB will be drafted, and that Henry will become expendable. Those positions plus a receiver and a safety would round out a nice draft, IF they all make the team.
March 14th, 2008 at 9:10 am
WAbronc, my bad I didn’t get what you meant by “Linebacker U”. I get it know. Great linebackers have come from Penn State and Miami or The U has produced good players. Funny, kinda.
March 14th, 2008 at 9:18 am
samparnell I think you are right. the broncos could trade down and I say they should trade with the Vikings and get one of their 3rd round picks. or maybe trade farther down than 17 and maybe go to 22 that the Cowboys have then get their 61st pick in the 2nd round. or maybe a pick between them. the eagles have 19 and they have the 47 in the second. get connor at 19, Pat Sims or Trevor Laws at 42 and get Devin Thomas, Andre Caldwell or Eddie Royal at 47. after that we can grab 2 OTs in the fourth like Duane Brown and Jeremy Zuttah, both good zoners and decent speed allowing them to move like cheetahs (or rhinos in their cases).
March 14th, 2008 at 11:12 am
I like Zuttah, too. The commentators are saying he could play any OL spot. Also, I think he was an academic All-American at Rutgers. Point being, even though the OL really needs two good players, because of the great number of good ones, another position could be addressed in the 1st. The fact that Zuttah is routinely being projected in the 4th tells you just how deep the OL is in this draft. Dan Connor would be a great pick, but maybe not at #12 as we have said. If the Broncos stay w/#12, they would be ill-advised to pass up the best player(s) still left…But, yeah, Connor! Wow, the LB Corps would be good and deep for awhile. If something like that actually happened, a good DT might still be there in the 2nd. It’s going to be fun to watch.
March 14th, 2008 at 11:38 am
I would almost be willing to bet that if Clady is not there Shanny will try to move down in the draft. If by some fluke we could squirrel one of the Cowboys 1st rd picks and pick up their third, I would hope the trigger is pulled. That would give us the flexablitily to pick up not only quality linemen (on both sides), but also a FB (hopefully), RB (probably), LB (for depth), and WR/return guy. There may even be room for more depth at safety. It is probably just me pipe dreaming at this point. And by trading down we would avoid paying the high premium that our pick could entail.
March 15th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
WAbronc I am pretty sure we could pick up a fullback in CFA and ditto with RB. Just saying I think we’d have a good duo in Selvin and Andre. But yeah adding a FB may encourage either Kyle Johnson or Cecil Sapp to play better or we could give the new kid the job.
March 15th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
I’d like to see Carl Stewart from Auburn in the blue and orange. I can hear it now…
“Selvin Young plunges into the pile, OH DID YOU SEE THAT BLOCK FROM #44?! Who is that kid?”
I believe it was Carl Stewart with the block.”"
“Well Shawne Merriman was leveled on that play!”
Yes he would be number 44. Just kidding I don’t know. He was number 32 in college but that doesn’t mean anything I guess. I like 44 as a fullback number.
March 15th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Just laying this out there but I think the Broncos should trade with the Falcons. Give them our 1st and 2 4th rounds and get their 1st round and a 5th and/or 6th. The Broncos have a good streak with late drafted players. For example…
Ben Hamilton - 4th round selection
Terrel Davis - 6th round
Rod Smith - college free agency
Brandon Marshall - 4th round selection
Elvis Dumervil - 4th round selection
Selvin Young - CFA
Marcus Thomas - 4th round selection
March 16th, 2008 at 8:12 am
What about the firing of Ted Sundquist ???The broncos are very quiet about it …..
March 16th, 2008 at 10:57 am
What about the Texan’s interest in Chris Myers? That could be a problem. Outside of Nalen and Hamilton only Pears, Holland, Myers and Kuper have experience. If Nalen and Hamilton can’t play this year and if Myers leaves, then Harris, Alexander, Fenton, Katnik, Snell and rookies better be able to. The transition of the Broncos’ OL is starting to look like a two-year rebuilding project requiring two draft picks per.
We will never know the reality of what led to Ted’s departure for no other reason than that everyone has their own perception. The same can be said for Coyer’s firing. Some questions are: Is Shanahan devolving into a siege/bunker mentality that will affect his judgement in management (i.e., the draft & negotiations) as well as his coaching? Can he do both by himself or does he need more help either on the management side or the coaching? Was this something coming for awhile or sudden? There are NFL caliber coaches available who could be brought in to help. Brian Billick comes to mind. The Broncos will be in real trouble if Shanahan has become paranoid and tries to micromanage everything. Or, maybe this was just his periodic volcanic personality clearing the deck and trying to restore a semblance of order that suits him. One move that looks promising is appointing Jim Ryan to coach the backers. I’m sure Shanahan experienced things in the past year that made him feel his message wasn’t getting through to everyone. Defensive players interviewed recently expressed confidence in Coach Slowik. Now let’s see what happens on ST whose performance was embarrassing at times last season. Shanahan still has time to reorganize the front office so that when the season begins, he can concentrate on coaching. He might need an experienced offensive assistant. I agree with others who bemoan the departure of Kubiak. Having seen Heimerdinger speak at a coaching clinic, I was skeptical about his worth to the team. Perhaps retired players like Rod Smith and Matt Lepsis should be considered as assistant coaches if the are interested. Football at any level depends on having a good coaching staff loyal to the head coach and experienced and intelligent enough to implement his plan. Having great players helps, too. They always make the coach(es) look great.
March 17th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I think that the Broncos should move keep Slowik at D Coordinator and bring in Brian Billick for D-Line and LB coach. Brian has had great success with defensive players and could really help boost our front 7. And since DeAngelo Hall might go to Oakland I think we might need some more itimidation coming from our team.
March 17th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Just heard that the Broncos have traded Chris Myers to Houston for a 6th.
March 17th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Well, the experienced OL left are Nalen, Hamilton (both of whom are returning from injury), Pears, Holland and Kuper. That’s five guys-no depth; unless you count Harris, Alexander, Snell and Katnik. Not very comforting. Broncos need to add two quality OL; the draft is full of them, but now higher choices need to be used; a 1st and a 4th?