The time is drawing close. The several weeks of calm that hits the NFL after the Super Bowl is about to give way to a flurry of activity with free agency, the draft and mini-camps.
While the Broncos gear up, let’s take a look at what has happened to this point and what might come.
First, the Broncos have solidified their coaching staff. The biggest change came at defensive coordinator. Out is Mike Nolan; in is Don Martindale, the team’s linebackers coach a year ago.
On the one hand, I was sorry to see Coach Nolan go. Clearly there were some issues between head coach Josh McDaniels and Nolan. While some people like to read into such a parting, to me this is a merely routine occurrence in the ever-changing world of the NFL. Sometimes two people see things differently. Such seems to be the case here.
Certainly Coach Nolan has proven himself to be a quality defensive coordinator over the years. But I like the fact that McDaniels promoted Coach Martindale. He has a good coaching resume and many of the Broncos’ defensive players gave their endorsement of the selection. That tells me Martindale has the respect of many of the guys on the roster. That is key.
Make no mistake: This is not a charity hire. Josh McDaniels won’t give any coach more opportunity just because that coach has been with the team. McDaniels has to feel that Martindale is ready and able to lead the defense. That’s why I like the hire. Sometimes the good candidates are already working for you.
Second, free agency will begin in the next couple of weeks. No doubt the uncertain labor situation will play a part in what teams do and it makes predicting what teams will do even more difficult.
To me, the Broncos biggest questions surround three players already on the roster: QB Kyle Orton, WR Brandon Marshall and DE/LB Elvis Dumervil. I believe all will be back with the Broncos next year.
I’m not sure how long Orton’s deal will be but from what he has said, he wants to be in Denver. Plus, I still believe that he can be the quarterback of a team that makes a run in the playoffs. He is more than good enough to me. Plus, the list of possible free agent replacements is less than exciting.
Brandon Marshall makes Orton even better. I don’t have any inside information. I don’t know if discussions have or haven’t been going on. But I have to believe Marshall will be back with the Broncos next year. Of course, I also thought the Broncos and Jay Cutler would work things out before the trade with the Bears.
I sure hope Dumervil is back and also expect him to be. He showed he can be a playmaker and seemed to adapt to his new position pretty well. Last I checked, 17-sack performers don’t grow on trees. One of the keys to building a quality team is to identify your core players and sign them. Orton, Marshall and Dumervil are, in my opinion, core players for the Broncos.
Third, I don’t think the Broncos will sign any top-dollar free agents. Nor do I think they will send multiple high draft picks to a team that has already tendered a free agent that the Broncos want to sign. Remember, the free agent landscape will look a little different with the likelihood of an uncapped year looming.
The one possible exception I have to leave room for is New England defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, if he is indeed available. We know Coach McDaniels brought more than one former Patriot to Denver and Wilfork clearly fits a need. Whether or not he fits financially is a completely separate issue. All of this assumes the Patriots don’t sign him to a long-term deal or fail to put the franchise tag on him.
Fourth, I would expect the Broncos to focus on the offensive and defensive lines in free agency. The start of the season was terrific but the Broncos weren’t as tough up front by the end of the season. Injuries played a part but they need to upgrade up front on both sides of the ball.
What do you think the Broncos will do as we move into free agency and the draft? I always enjoy your thoughts.
Best,
Mike
Tags: Brandon Marshall, Don Martindale, Elvis Dumervil, Free Agency, Head Coach Josh McDaniels, Kyle Orton
So the Rams are now talking about trading the overall selection? I wonder what it would take to actually land one of the top two picks!
I think it would take an eight letter word, starts with an “M” and ryhmes with Marshall. He’s one of our biggest bargaining chips.
Boo. Nobody wants the first overall or second draft picks.
Those players are usually over hyped.
Number 5 is where its at.
I think #10/#11 is where its at LOL!
Casey Wiegmann was released,according to Scout.com.Hate to see him go ,great player,but wrong scheme.Thanks for the memories Casey and good luck.
We need to try and get Pouncey,if possible,he would be a good Center.
Doom is in contract negotions,GREAT NEWS.
Possibly long term,even better.
@brian_schneider :
…and rhymes with “partial.”
Just helping out
I hope we sign Doom to a long term contract, and I also hope, if we did release Wiegmann, first off, I hope another team signs him and that he does well, and second off, I hope we get a good C in FA or the draft.
Where did you hear that BFE92?
No Center will ever be like Tom Nalen. Wiegman was good tho in zone blocking scheme. Best of luck to him.
Dont trade Marshall!!! And i agree 11 is where it is at…outside of that top 10 money BS. The NFL brought this on themselves now they gotta deal with all these money grubbing kids. They dont even get entry level NFL Pay (which is what they are, entry level)…they get, Pro Bowl NFL pay…just cuz u were drafted top 10…ridiculous.
I say trade Marshall, a 3rd and a 5th for the 1st overall, to the Rams. And pick Suh. Then pick McClain at 10/11. Defensive problems solved.
Also I don’t think Suh is a NT. He seems more like an push rushing DE in a 3-4. Just not big enough for the NT. Maybe Cody in the second?
GREAT NEWS, JORDAN GOT RELEASED, LET’S ALL REJOICE!!!!
Yeah Jordonis gone! Also casey, is on DP.com
I’m dancing in the streets, dancing in the streets, YEAHHHHHHH!!!!!
HALLELUJA
Yep so good to see that hack go.
getting paid “‘just cuz’ u were drafted top 10…ridiculous.”:
Ok, yeah it seems ridiculous when you look at Jamarcus Hambone Russel, but in a market economy if you are the number one pick, then you are highly sought after. If you are highly sought after than you are highly valuable.
It is right that they get nearly pro-bowl level pay, because that is what being the number one draft pick means. Teams (at least one) expect you to be a pro-bowl level player.
All that aside, I think they should rework the rookie pay system, but it is not ridiculous that the top ten have been getting ridiculous salaries. It’s just market economy.
Haha I think it is funny at the end of the article it says Jordon was one of McD must vocal supporters. I guess McD saw the light and got rid of the a$$ kisser.
Hey! Jawalrus Russel is a great QB.
i think jordans only purpose was to help teach mc d’s system to the backs as he knew it but good riddance he was serving no purpose
I think it is funny that the Denver Post has a news article on their website before DenverBroncos.com does. You would think this site has the inside information.
Jordans gone….WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!There is a God.
Florio,I heard it from Pro Football Weekly.
WAHAHAHAHA, I call them out and with in 5 minutes there is a post on the website. This is the second time I have done this.
Jordon’s stats for 09: 86 yards and 2 ST tackles haha goodbye
Now if McD will just play Hillis,doubtfully though,unless it’s at FB.We have room for a true power back now,I’d settle for Lendale White or Toby Gerhart.
A lot of good power backs in the draft this year Dixon-6’1 245 lbs-Miss St,might be worth looking at,seen him play some,he’s pretty good,don’t know what round he’s projected though.
we got a running back from buffalo right? anyone can remember his name?
Broncoaussie he was our third leading rusher lol
Bruce Hall, 5’11″, 205 lbs.
Yeah I know. We didn’t have as many injuries as the previous season so we didn’t need as many backs.
And Baylino has it, hall was the new back, but he probably is a PS guy?
I was just watching Peyton Hillis highlights on YouTube. He is so awesome. Poor guy has already wasted a year of his career in Denver because McD wouldn’t play him. He should be the power back everyone is clamoring for here. If McD won’t utilize his talents, he should at least let him go to a team that will. It would be our loss, but I’d hate to see his talent wasted here if he can’t play.
Florio….JaWalrus is hilarious. Well Done.
Bay…I cant spend the time you can on this blog; but I noticed that after my post on the first page, you agreed with Casey Rabach for center. I think he would be a great addition. As for the guards. I really think we are set with Hamilton or Hochstein re-signed and McChesney, Olsen and Kuper. I haven’t heard if Seymor is re-signed otherwise Vanden Bosche would be a great addition as you agreed with. Barret Rudd has proven himself at linebacker I like that as apposed to drafting one if possible.
BroncoAussie…three cheers for Lamont as he exits Denver.
Thanks and I’m out!
hometeam007, it would be cool to go from one Casey to another at Center..
now if only Simms can be shown the door next
cody…seriously! That turned out to be a waste of $2M. I really feel bad for that cat. Simms, has had a rough go in the NFL. He is just not tough enough. He should be watching from the couch like me.
As for guards Hochstein is versatile enough, but Hamilton is as good as gone in my view, has not done well over the switch to the power scheme and has real health issues. Kuper will hopefully do ok at RG, he has the size but I still think we need to shore up the LG position, on O line I was asking for help at center and LG, it looks like we are half way there… Seymour is reported to be franchised (will be) and the Titans have started discussions with Vanden Bosh’s agent for possible re-signing.
my mock draft
1)Dan Williams DT would help our run d
2)Brandon Spikes ILB if he falls this far
3)John Jerry OG would help our power-blocking scheme at 6’5″ 348
4)LeGarrette Blount RB could be our power running back
5)no pick
6)Jim Cordle OC would also help our power-blocking scheme at 6’4″ 286
7)is a tossup so i aint even gonna make a prediction
tell me if i made any mistakes or if this simply outragous
Go Broncos in twenty-ten
Simms, the guy hurting the most about this ordeal is Bowlen, he’s going to have to eat that 2 mil, we need his spot on the roster for someone who can contribute and no one will trade for him, just give him two mil and thank him for his services, LOL, or whatever.
McChesney is a big local guy that will impress, if he can stay healthy. Trust. As for Hamilton, you are probably right. It pains me to see him go. He has put alot into this team.
Did you all notice that Hillis is listed as fourth on the old depth chart? It is the only position with four. I think McD adn Xanders knows how much we want to see Hillis. Lets watch training camp this year.
Spikes, a lot of health issues, real poor senior year and Blount a lot of character issues as discussed above in this blog.
bay thats y i put the draft on so i could get your opinions. i like the critisizum.
I’m all for seeing McChesney developp, 6’4″, 333, but he is very far down the list right now.
I like McChesney’s size but that doesn’t cut it in the NFL. You need talentt
iowa-bronco, great that you are here giving us your input, it’s what it’s all about, like hometeam007 says I’m here so often, being retired and all, I have a lot of time to evaluate things and research them players so I pretty much have an opinion about most of them which have been discussing here for over a month now, so when someone asks something and I’m on , you can pretty much expect an answer. I definitely say no to Blount and yes to Gerhart, and maybe Spikes but hopefully we take care of the nose in FA and go McClain instead.
Looks like we’re picking up a new Center in F/A or Draft unless, Seth Olson who’s 6’5 308lbs can make the transition. He was drafted a Guard out of Iowa but I’m sure he can Center as well. Ben Hamilton was originally drafted a Center, but is on the downside of his career and is smallish vs. some of the new bigger guys. RT Ryan Harris is tall but listed only at 300 lbs. Clady out weighs him by 25 lbs on the left side.
Best wishes to Casey !
Glad to see Jordan outta here !!!!
I think McClain is slow and doesn’t have real burst off the line. We may see this in his 40 time. I think he makes up for his speed with great smarts, like Larsen.
Yeah did u hear franklin of the 49ers got franchised? So im thinking that the only NT worth going after in free ageny is Ryan Pickett cuz im also thinking that hampton is gonna be franchised too. My problem with mcclain is that he is so often out of position but if he can fix that problem in the nfl then count me in for him.