In coordination with the draft previews, we continue breaking down position groups and what the Broncos might do as the NFL draft approaches.
OFFENSIVE LINE
There is little doubt that the Broncos have some work to do to bolster this area. Ryan Clady is a fixture at tackle but Ryan Harris looks like he will not be back. Chris Kuper is solid at one guard spot but then…? You get the picture.
J.D. Walton appeared overwhelmed at times in his rookie season but I don’t think the Broncos are anywhere close to giving up on him. He seems like he’ll be just fine as he continues to gain experience.
Zane Beadles is more of a question mark to me. He struggled when he played tackle so it would appear that he is more suited to the guard position. Again, most rookies, especially along the offensive line, have some struggles. At the same time, I wonder if the Broncos view him as a player who can develop into an outstanding lineman. Time will tell.
The rest of the offensive linemen on the roster have not, to this point, distinguished themselves in the NFL. I’m not suggesting these guys can’t play and I’m not suggesting they couldn’t help the team. It would, however, be at least a mild surprise if any of them made enough strides to be an impact player this year.
Thus, I can easily see the Broncos selecting at least one offensive lineman. If Denver trades down in the first round and acquires at least one additional draft pick, I could see that pick being used on an offensive lineman.
BOTTOM LINE: The Broncos should draft at least one offensive lineman. A team can never have enough talent and at this position.
TIGHT END
Currently, the Broncos have three tights ends on the roster: Richard Quinn, Dan Gronkowski and Daniel Coats. If the forward pass were not part of the NFL, I think the Broncos would be alright at this position. Clearly, however, they do not have an established offensive threat at this position.
We all know that a big-play threat at the tight end position is a huge asset to an offense but I do not see the Broncos making a pass-catching tight end an immediate priority in the draft. Quinn can probably do what Daniel Graham did for the Broncos but at a much lower price. Coach Fox wants to beef up the running game and I think in the short term, the tight end position will be used more to do that than to provide an explosive threat in the passing game.
BOTTOM LINE: I do not see them acquiring one through the draft. This is a need the Broncos can fill through free agency or trade.
I know many of you have been posting draft thoughts but feel free to share what is on your mind about the offensive line and tight end positions.
Thanks for reading,
Mike
Tags: 2011 NFL Draft
Just read up a little and she doesn’t binding authority. What she can do is when something is agreed upon, her mediator can take it off the table so it can’t be changed later. Also, only she or the mediator, Boylin, can declare the negotiations at an impasse. A lot more structured and controlled than regular mediation. She said she will rule on the suit in a couple of weeks. Looks like she is putting everyone’s feet to the fire while she makes up her mind.
Yea I believe it is just the litigation. Not the CBA per se. basically she ruled in favor of what the players wanted. I saw it headed that way when they said Dsmith had been named a member of the players council because he cannot practice outside of DC unless he was granted permission. Because the players wanted to mediate the litigation in fedral court in Minnesota. Hopefully they reach the CBA at some point. This is a victory for the players of sorts. I also wish she can fine both sides when it comes to the CBA. Hopefully this will give one of the sides the edge it needs to get this deal done. Dont care who gets the edge as long as we have FA and a season. I knew she would rule in favor of the players in some sort because there was no real way for the NFL to prove the decertification was a sham…what if it was real? that would just mean this lockout has been unlawful from the begining. TRB out….
TRB champ ran the 40 at 4.26, don’t compare pp with champ, i’m not completley sure about pp i have a feling that he will end playin saftey
all this jabbing is making me nervous,,lol, 2 1/2 weeks to go?
TRB, I thought Champ ran a 4.29?faster than PP’s 4.35 was it? IDK im jst throwing it out there.
Champ was THE SPECIMEN at CB…heck CB stands for Champ Bailey, he owns it..aha
This was on NFL.com. Look at the third sentence “He’s a proven winner…” wow they must have not watched the Broncos the past 2 seasons. 8-8 and 3-10 are not winning seasons in my opinion, I might be wrong though. But hey talk KO up maybe his trade value will follow.
Kyle Orton is traded to the Tennessee Titans. The Broncos have made it clear that Orton will be their starting quarterback in 2011, but I think he’d be a great fit for the Titans. He’s a proven winner, would alleviate some of the pressure on Chris Johnson and could also help Kenny Britt become a breakout fantasy superstar — I can see him emerging as a No. 1 wideout, in fact. What’s more, the absence of Orton would allow Tim Tebow to take over as the main man in Denver. Based on his immense fantasy success at the end of last year, Tebow would be a major sleeper.
Does anyone have any news if our players are working out together or are they being bums?
The following is a look at what pick range is reasonable for each AFC West team to move up in the first round based on what they have as far as draft picks and on the trade value chart teams use:
Denver
The Broncos, who have the No. 2 pick, could move in the No. 16-17 range if they want to package their two-second round picks, No. 36 and No. 46. Denver could get in the No. 21-22 range if it wants to send No. 36 and No. 67. The Broncos have some power.
Who said my 2Ps = D in 11 are just a fantasy? Reality, even if its slim…
Peterson + Paea
What would be really sweet, is if we trade back 2-3 spots and pick up an extra 2nd or a 3rd and a 4th. Then my fantasy could be a possibility!!! Alas, Im no GM….ah well
First time for everything! I agree with Bill Williamson. Whats this world coming too?
The future of the Denver Broncos’ quarterback position is this week’s Hot Button topic.
The question was whether or not the Denver Broncos should draft a quarterback even though they drafted Tim Tebow last year. Denver has been looking at quarterbacks.
John Clayton believes Denver should draft a quarterback early. I took the opposing view.
I’m not sold on Tebow. But I think he deserves a chance to play before the Broncos move on. It makes no sense otherwise. Denver has too many pressing needs on defense to use a premium pick on a quarterback. If Tebow fails, Denver could look at a quarterback next year.
Yes sndvl that would be the logical thing to do, give Tebow a defense and see what he can do.
Tim Tebow had the highest passer rating among rookies last year. He also ran the ball very well on top of that. I don’t understand how people are questioning his role as our QB of the future. He’s still raw, and I wouldn’t be opposed to letting Orton man the ship one more season to let Tebow develop. What Elway is doing bringing in all these rookie QB’s better be a smoke screen. Elway didn’t have a passer rating over 80 until his 10th year in the NFL, Tebow did it his rookie year. Plus Tebow has 100 times the work ethic Elway had.
Hey Doc, agreed, to cast Tebow aside and not even give him a chance is stupid and a waste. Orton probably gets traded though when the CBA is done. EFX have convinced though that they will do something dumb and take a QB, I hope the rest of the league believes it.
I don’t think orton will be traded this year unless a new CBA is worked out before april 28th.
Could see him traded to somewhere like the Vikings for future pick/s but after the draft it gets less likely unless we do draft a QB. But if there is a CBA before the draft I agree with you, Orton is gone.
I would rather trade Orton for a player(s) rather then a bunch of low round picks. This team needs direct and immediate help rather then waiting another year. Maybe trade him to San Fran for Delaine Walker and Ray McDonlad and maybe throw in a low round pick next year. McDonald can step in and start at DT next to Darreus and then Delaine Walker can be a nice pass cathing tight end to add to our arsenal of weapons on offense.
Or to the Titans for guys like Jason Jones, Tony Brown or Will Weatherpoon, each could help.
I believe Orton is as good as gone when FA starts which will be after the draft. He`ll be traded for picks most likele for next year. we might get a player for him. I can see that happening. Kyle Orton won`t throw a single pass for the Bronco`s this year. HE WILL BE TRADED.
Calm down Mex, no one is saying PP is better champ. I didnt check champs speed hence why i said probably. Mikey had just said why people like shorter corners and I was saying he was the same height as champ just more built. The addition of speed was to show that even with his height and build he is faster than most corners. Even people compare Dareus to Sapp. Its not disrespect, its honor. I am not one to over hype potential in the draft over proven talent not to mention a perennial pro bowler and future hall of famer. Just to set the record straight. TRB out…
sndvl, im feeling that 3:54 post … its all about the 2 P’s, Peterson and Paea. Thats gonna sky rocket our D in 2011.
As far as orton goes, I dunno about players. The asking rate was once 2nd round pick. The only way ill take a player is if its like a 3rd round pick and a player. I would suggest Miami which needs a QB badly but we already have their second pick. My choice was the vikings as well but word on the street is they may go for locker. I think the Vikings are the best spot for him because they are already a pretty good team, great ground game, good D that just needs a veteran QB to get by with.
Im glad the concensus is the same. While I think Tebow is the real deal and the future, all I want is for him to get a chance. If he fails move on, but to move on without trying is ridiculous to me and thats what it sounds like is happening. Players learn best in real game situations not just throwing in practice with the back ups. The man had a great passer rating, very athletic, double threat, and great intangibles to boot, to not give a kid like that a fair shot is ludicrous to me. The man finds ways to win. I remember watching him in games last year, say what you may but those last 3 games were the motivated I had ever seen the whole team. That was the Tebow effect, he always wants to win, believes it and the team buys in and never gives up … that goes a long way. Just my thoughts, TRB out…
Well looks like the three legged stool is listening to the fans they are to meet with both Peterson and Dareus.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81f34a68/article/broncos-set-to-host-alabama-dl-dareus-lsu-cb-peterson
By the way I just watched a video on Fox and he said he likes Tebow. I think them looking for a QB is a sham to possibly trade.
Its the second video about 1min 5sec in. For anyone that need reassurance.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/09000d5d81f159b4/article/getting-defensive-bowers-miller-fairley-to-visit-broncos
And if you want to see why I like Fairley watch the video above it. He knows how to beat a lineman.
Patrick Peterson is a pretty good player i think we should take him.
I say we give up this whole years draft and next years first round for Ndamakong… WHOS’ WITH ME?!
I would definitely give up this years and next years first round pick for him.
sounds expensive but I think I would too. well not this years. next years and the one after that. They aint getting our number 2 lol .. that would be 2 number 2s 2 years in a row lol
Oh I meant just the two first rounds form this year and next no other picks.
yea i know, Ijust aint want them to have our number 2 so i was saying instead of this and next years, they can have next years and the year after that lol
I would be happy with Dareus, Fairly, Bowers, or Miller in the 1st round. I think they will all pan out if they stay healthy and out of trouble. Hope we don’t trade the pick. If we do, at least stay top 10 in order to draft premium talent for the DL. If we draft a DT at 2 then the rest of the draft should go DE, LB, SS or FS, TE, OL, RB. Since we can’t stop the run, solidify the DL then continue to LB and DB. We could use insurance in the form of DeAngelo Williams (fingers crossed) or a draft pick at RB. A pass catching tight end needs to be target in FA or the draft as well.
Its a ghost town in here! Ha, the walking dead must have invaded!!!
So, the plot thickens. Wonder if he’ll demand a trade. Again!
Of course, some boisterous Bears fans are over QB Jay Cutler following his injury in the NFC Championship Game. But could the team actually be looking for his replacement?
Our Gil Brandt noted during his weekly NFL.com chat that Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz has been looking at quarterbacks, even traveling to University of Idaho to take a look at QB Nathan Enderle.
“When the head coach or offensive coordinator looks at a guy at a position, they could be dissatisfied,” Brandt said. “That could mean that they might not be sold on Cutler. When Martz goes to Moscow [Idaho] that should tell you something.”
Albert Breer reporting-
MINNEAPOLIS — The federally mediated settlement talks between the NFL and the players got underway on Tuesday morning in the chambers of Chief Magistrate Arthur Boylan, with counsel for the Brady and Eller classes meeting with Boylan.
Judge Susan Nelson, who heard the Brady class’ request for an injunction to the lift the NFL lockout last Wednesday, ordered the mediation on Monday and consolidated the cases of Brady et al v. National Football League and Eller et al v. National Football League.
The players’ contingent included three lawyers from the Brady class and a six-man team, including Eller himself, from the Eller class. The Brady class was represented by NFL Players Association outside counsel Jeffrey Kessler, outside counsel Jim Quinn and local counsel Barbara Berens. The lead attorney for the Eller class, Michael Hausfeld, was also in attendance.
Boylan will use the next two days to get up to speed on the particulars of the issues between the parties, hearing the players’ side on Tuesday, and the league’s side on Wednesday, before bringing both sides together for the first time on Thursday morning.
The talks represent the first negotiating sessions between the NFL and the players since 16 days of discussions at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service before mediator George Cohen ended on March 11, which was also the day the NFL imposed the ongoing lockout and the NFLPA decertified itself as a union.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17820777
Good read provided by Legwold
I agree withmost of that read, all except the part about Elway. Though he was the cornerstone of the superbowl teams, he didn’t win any superbowls until he had a strong supporting cast around him on offense, defense and special teams. No one man can do it by himself, otherwise Dan Marino would have more rings than any quarterback that ever played the game. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge John Elway fan but Dan Marino was probably the most physically gifted quarterback to ever throw a pass. There were a lot of great players on those Denver superbowl teams and Elway himself would probably tell you they wouldn’t have won either of the if it wasn’t for Terrell Davis who couldn’t do what he did if it hadn’t been for the O-Line.
You know, I wouldn’t be disappointed with trading our pick to the vikings and getting Gerhart and their 3rd and 1st in return!! We could still get a great player with their 1st and would get our RB plus another 3rd round pick!!
Wouldnt work they dont have a 3rd. Traded to Pats for Moss. or freak we could trade orton for a 4th and Gehart since u like him so much lol. But Hillis, he is not … at least not so far. Ortons usual asking price is 2nd round pick but with Gerhart might have to scale down to 4th. Only people that can give us the 2nd round we seek for Orton would be like AZ, Cincy, TN, … guys like that. Just saying. Dont wanna give up that 2 pick lol. Just some thoughts but any play trades require a CBA which we dont have.
It has been awhile since my last post here. The lockout situation is depressing. We should be wheeling and dealing in free agency and trades right now. Stockpiling picks.
Assuming a new CBA is done before the draft. I agreed with SNDVL on both counts, trade Orton and work the draft for Peterson and Paea. It makes too much sense though and probably won’t happen.
Look at our secondary. Champ is basically the only talent back there. Having a standout CB next to him will take pressure off the safeties.
Looking at the front 7 defenders; does it make more sense for us to grab Von Miller or a DT? We have Dumervil, Vickerson, McBean and Ayers and nobody after that really. So a DT is a must in my opinion as much as I love Von Miller. I guess I am a fan of drafting for need rather than talent.
As far as the DT candidates goes, Fairley is overrated and Dareus is not worth a number 2 pick. that makes Peterson the better choice.
What trade partners will be there depends on what the Panthers do at #1.
Klis provides some insight on the actual trade value of Orton!
http://www.denverpost.com/broncosmailbag/ci_17819993
Picked up my copy of SI today and read the full article on the Darrent Williams murder. So sad. I fell nauseated all over again.
Cant forget-
2Ps = D in 11!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Orton will fit in with the Cardinals as the second coming of Kurt Warner, the Vikings and the Titans would also make a great home for Mr. Neckbeard. The wild cards would be Bengals, Niners, Raiders, Panthers, and Dolphins. Orton showcased his talent well enough last year to deserve at least a 2nd round pick.
I like the Cardinals as a trade partner. The have the talent now to make another run at the championship. They just need a QB to throw the ball in the vicinity of Fitzgerald.
We could trade straight up Orton for their number two pick. Or, depending on what the Panthers do, we could swap our #2 pick for their #5 and #38, and next years 3rd round that would give them first crack at this year’s QBs.
Either way, we trade Orton, run with Tebow this year. If he fails miserably, we are in position to grab Andrew Luck next year.
nice article sndvl
I think Kolbs asking price is too high, which will make the market for Orton better. All we are asking is for a second round pick. Well, “were” asking but dunno if the crew still wants to trade him.
I agree with the CBA assessment in the article. Hopefully we can get a deal done soon…
If you keep reading he also said Fairley would be a better fit than Dareus.
A point I think would upset baylin some. Lol
TRB…
Got some good news man!! Just had on ESPN on who the Broncos should take, either Dareus or Peterson, and one said Dareus and the other one said Peterson! Both talked about Peterson more though and talked about how he would also help out in the return game!!
Peterson
Paea/Austin
Austin/Nevis
Carter
2 P’s in 2011 and 2 Carolina boys as well!
All defense in the first 3 rounds!!
Get our secondary guy in Peterson
Get two definite starters in Paea/Austin and Nevis
Get a fast dominant MLB in Carter
Get Jenkins in a later round for Safety
I think that would absolutely turn around our Defense!!!
Defense would look like this and would be sooo dominant!!
Peterson Jenkins/Dawk Hill/Bruton/McBath Bailey
Hunter/Woodyard Carter Williams
Doom Paea/Austin Nevis/Vickerson Ayers
That just about says problem solved on defense!!
That is great news. Its a no brainer that they are the 2 best, just suprised no one talks about PP going to us more. Guess its cuz we suck at DT and just gave one of our CBs a 43 mil contract. Peterson and Paea would make my draft, anything after that I leave to them.
Peterson, is fantastic. But most likely Broncos trade back to maybe #5 or later. Will PP still be there? If not what about Prince A.?
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