LEGWOLD: Broncos should look at running backs
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published April 3, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Photo by Chris Graythen / Getty Images/2007
Arkansas running back Darren McFadden isn't expected to be on the board when the Broncos pick 12th in the draft. Off-field concerns about him, though, aren't likely to cause a big drop-off.
Maybe never isn't forever, after all.
Because in Mike Shanahan's tenure as head coach, the Broncos have not taken a running back in the first round of an NFL draft.
The closest foray into that thus-far-uncharted world for Shanahan came in 2006 when, if the Broncos had not been successful in moving up to the No. 11 spot to take quarterback Jay Cutler, they would have taken Laurence Maroney.
Beyond that, Tatum Bell (No. 41 pick in 2004) and Clinton Portis (No. 51 in 2002) were the earliest selections of the Shanahan era to find their way into the backfield.
Which brings the Broncos rumbling toward this draft.
Though Denver has three running backs - Travis Henry, Selvin Young and Andre Hall - on its current roster who started games in 2007, the position is certainly in the mix of needs.
Shanahan has said repeatedly he doesn't consider Young or Hall big enough to be every-down backs, and this week he said Henry would need a "great offseason program" to be considered one again.
So, sitting in the 12th spot in the first round, the Broncos could take a swing at some of the best full-time, lug-the-rock guys in this year's rookie class.
* Darren McFadden, Arkansas
The first back since Herschel Walker in the Southeastern Conference to have at least 1,000 yards rushing as a freshman, sophomore and junior. Gained 321 yards against South Carolina in '07 - and didn't average less than 5.7 yards per carry in any of his three seasons.
Big, strong, versatile and almost certainly long gone when the Broncos pick. Some teams see some off-field concerns - he suffered a severe toe injury in a fight outside a bar in '06 - and a small smattering of scouts isn't sure if he can be a consistent inside runner as a pro.
But NFL teams let the best back in the '07 draft - Adrian Peterson - slide for some of the same reasons, and all he did was win the Rookie of the Year award. McFadden won't drop far.
* Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
Just might be the best zone scheme runner in this class, certainly something that would catch the Broncos' eye. Was the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Year with 1,681 rushing yards this past season and had 59 career receptions as well.
Patient runner who, at 225 pounds, got everybody's attention at the scouting combine by running a 4.4-second 40-yard dash on all watches. He is also climbing the board as the "safest" pick in the group, so he also might be gone by the time the Broncos are on the clock.
* Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
There are two sides to this story. On one side is pessimism that surgery in March to repair a turf-toe condition on his right foot will push him down the board because of a four-month recovery time.
On the other is the fact Stewart, who weighed 235 at the combine, still ran a 4.48 in the 40 on a right foot that needed that kind of surgery.
One of the strongest players to have gone through the school's conditioning program and elusive enough in traffic to have had 83- and 97-yard kickoff returns for touchdowns as a freshman.
And if the Broncos move down some, or simply wait as they normally do . . .
* Felix Jones, Arkansas
Though McFadden won the Doak Walker Award in '07, Jones got enough carries in the Arkansas offense to finish with 1,162 yards. Quick to the hole, a quality kick returner and averaged 7.7 yards per carry for his college career.
* Kevin Smith, Central Florida
He carried the ball an astounding 450 times this past season, finishing with 2,567 yards and 29 rushing touchdowns. He had 13 100-yard games in '07, five 200-yard games and a 320-yard, four-touchdown effort against Alabama-Birmingham.
The scouts who like him really like him, thanks to quick feet and the big-play potential he flashed throughout '07.
* Xavier Omon, Northwest Missouri State
At 228 pounds, he didn't show the top-end speed (4.62) some others did, but few in the class can match his production. He rushed for at least 1,500 yards in all four of his collegiate seasons, finishing with 2,337 yards in '07 and 37 rushing touchdowns. Also caught 29 passes this past year.
And among those who could be potential, split-the-time guys, there is Jamaal Charles, of Texas, who is the fastest of the class and averaged 20.3 yards on his 36 career touchdowns; Tashard Choice, of Georgia Tech, who had 18 career 100-yard games; and Matt Forte, of Tulane, who had two 300-yard rushing games in '07 and three of the top eight rushing games in Division I-A for the season.
legwoldj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2359
NUMBERS GAME
0 compensatory draft picks awarded to the Broncos in this year's draft for players lost in free agency the previous season. Fifteen teams were awarded 32 picks in all this year.
PLAY THE 17TH
Steelers owner Dan Rooney isn't lobbying, but he believes the day will come when teams will play 17-game regular seasons and three-game exhibition seasons.
He said he would expect the 17th game for each team to be at a neutral site, perhaps even an international affair.
"If we went to 17 games, one of those would be in a different place," Rooney said.
TESTING, TESTING
The NFL continues to work to develop a urine test for human growth hormone, commissioner Roger Goodell said this week.
He said the league has spent $3.5 million in the past 18 months on the effort.
HE SAID IT
"We're not going there. We've got the quarterbacks that we like."
Mike Shanahan, Broncos coach, on why he hasn't spent much time yet looking at the quarterbacks in the draft.
Ground control
Running backs taken in the first two rounds of the 2007 draft:
Player Team Pick
Adrian Peterson Minnesota 7
Marshawn Lynch Buffalo 12
Kenny Irons Cincinnati 49
Chris Henry Tennessee 50
Brian Leonard St. Louis 52
Brandon Jackson Green Bay 63
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April 4, 2008
2:29 a.m.
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angryman1n writes:
The Broncos turned down Maroney for Cut-Soon? OOPS!
How hasn't Shanahan learned that running backs win championships? Davis for the Broncos. M Faulk for the Rams. K Fault for the Pats. Smith for the Cowboys. Really, and he's never looked at drafting running backs early?
April 4, 2008
3:21 a.m.
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AZdenverfan writes:
Running backs win championships?? I couldn't even tell you the name of one RB on the Giants roster. I'm pretty sure it was their D and their QB that won the championship for them. QB is the most important position, followed by Defense, not RB. I think you're forgetting the likes of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Joe Namath, and the Ravens D, the Bears D (back in the day), the Giants D, and so on and so on.
On top of that, I'd take Cutler over Maroney 100 times out of 100.
April 4, 2008
4:17 a.m.
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LarryB writes:
And just when I was beginning to believe you knew something about football, Jeff. Take a running back in the first round. Forget about defensive tackle. Forget about offensive tackle. Let's take a running back.
We can become just like the Chicago Bears: Gayle Sayers, Walter Payton. Or the Detroit Lions: Barry Sanders. Or maybe the Buffalo Bills: O.J. Simpson. How about the San Diego Chargers with LaDanian Tomlinson or the Kansas City Chiefs with Larry Johnson?
No championships. Just the best running back in football.
April 4, 2008
5:57 a.m.
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IBleedOrange writes:
Kevin Smith. Write it down, this guy is a stud and deceptively fast and obviously can take the pounding. I saw every one of his games for UCF, and would love to see this guy in predominately orange. Even though he led the nation in rushing, it gets discounted because he played in C-USA, so he'll probably be available when the Broncos pick in the second round.
April 4, 2008
6:07 a.m.
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SiquePupi writes:
"backs win championships...K Faulk for the Pats" Are you joking?
Anyway back to the original article. So Shanahan has doubts about Henry being an every down back? Big Deal most teams in the league don't have an every down back & Henry did pretty well as a 3rd down/ Goal Line back last year considering that the line was not that good. Which gets to my main point, dominating both sides of the line of scrimmage is what wins championships and its what makes great running backs great (with few exceptions, B Sanders for one). Even with Elway this team failed to win a championship until it could dominate the line of scrimmage.
Every draft should focus on linemen & linebackers first and then they should worry about the other positions. unless they are already dominating both lines.
April 4, 2008
6:37 a.m.
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Brent writes:
Anyone who refers to Cutler as "Cut-Soon" reveals the level of their football knowledge.
A RB is a necessary addition given Henry's tendency to get injured. Probably not first round though...
April 4, 2008
7:28 a.m.
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r8rh8r writes:
"Cut-Soon" had the 3rd fewest picks among 16-game starters, an above-average 7.5 YPA, and a 63% completion percentage in his first full season as a starter.
Maroney had 3 100-yard games, 4 receptions, and 6 TD's. He really started going off after he got his job back from Dolphins castoff Sammy Morris.
GREAT ANALYSIS.
April 4, 2008
7:43 a.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
I've been saying for weeks that the Broncos should draft Mendenhall if he's there at #12. This is a deep draft for offensive linemen and the Broncos could find a tackle in the second round that isn't a huge dropoff from the first round. We had Foster in the first round and he stunk, and in that same draft the Niners took Harris and now he's in the NFL's wasteland (Oakland) after the Niners cut him. Offensive linemen aren't a given pro-bowler in the first round, or even good starters. The defensive line will get help when injured players from last year are back this year (Moss, Ekuban). What the Broncos don't have is that running back that takes pressure off of Cutler and the passing game. Mendenhall is a perfect fit in the running game and he's a good receiver out of the backfield. I don't doubt he'll be there when the Broncos pick.
By the way, Cutler is way ahead of Maroney in talent and impact, so that was just a stupid comment angryman. Wasn't Maroney splitting time with K. Faulk (Faulk is only a role player) because he wasn't doing much this past season? I know because Maroney was on my fantasy team and he s u c k e d!
LarryB, you might want to rethink Walter Payton. He did win a championship. Barry Sanders didn't, but Emmitt Smith (drafted the same year in the first round) did, several times.
Sique, the Broncos won championships when they got Davis to help Elway, along with receivers that were bigger than papa smurf. The offensive linemen were really no bigger than what Reeves had, but they fit the Broncos blocking scheme.
April 4, 2008
8:20 a.m.
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Spider writes:
There's no doubt that Maroney would have looked good in orange and blue. He would also faired a lot better in the Bronco system than the Patsy system. But to take him over Cutler? UH-UH THERE AIN'T NO WAY!!!
April 4, 2008
9:41 a.m.
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RustyWon writes:
We don't need a running back in the first round.
We have shown time and time again how we can get all the production we need out of lesser known guys.
I think Smith out of Central Florida would be good later, but we need an offensive tackle. Clady, ideally.
We also need a receiver now that Marshall is screwing around. We should have made a run at Jerry Porter before Jax got him.
April 4, 2008
9:52 a.m.
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MikeaLoeb writes:
Wouldn't that be something if we somehow got "Run DMC" (Darren McFadden)? We'd probably have to trade up in front of the Raiders to get him though. Barring injury, in my opinion, he's just as good as Tomlinson. If the price to move up to get him is too steep, I'd happily take Rashard Mendenhall as a consolation prize.
The Broncos have enough question marks that they can draft the best player available and it will probably fill a hole. So if they took an offensive weapon in the 1st round, (i.e. Mendenhall, Limas Sweed, DeSean Jackson) I don't think it would be a bad pick. I believe thats better than reaching for a need. We'd be reaching for a D-Lineman at #12. After Glenn Dorsey and the guy from USC (I forgot his name) no DL is worth such a high pick.
April 4, 2008
9:54 a.m.
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trueblue writes:
Mendenhall or Stewart would be an excellent pick at twelve. Clady would be a solid pick also. Don't completely rule out Rivers from USC.
Offensive and defensive line positions are better suited to mid round selections. Scout.com breaks down starting NFL players positions by the rounds selected in the draft. Starting running backs and quarterbacks are most often found in the first round. Starting NFL lineman are average being taken in the fourth round.
Draft specialist in the first two rounds such as Q.B., Running Back, D.B., T.E., Linebacker and Receivers. Draft lineman later.
Jay Cutler is a stud.
April 4, 2008
10:08 a.m.
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wilson writes:
This year's sleeper could be Mike Hart- he would fit in nicely in Denver, I believe.
April 4, 2008
10:17 a.m.
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broncsbuffshomer28 writes:
I cant wait to watch Selvin Young mature in this Offense I think he will win us games in the fourth quarter at mile high if someone can lay the groundwork for him in the running game, a big body who falls downhill, keeps the chains moving. C. Williams should be pick no.12 then DL in the second rd. Who's left at HB? Check out Matt Forte from tulane Broncoland if he played at a bigger school would have benn Hiesman
April 4, 2008
10:26 a.m.
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xbfan writes:
I would say the Broncos are stumbling toward the draft, not rumbling. I get the sense that the coach is dazed and confused. I have no hopes for the Broncos this year. In years past, the mantra was always "next year", but I'm not sensing that this year. This will just be another year of Shanahan trying to figure out which end is up.
April 4, 2008
10:39 a.m.
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vvsignin writes:
The doctrine that a lot of experts agree on is to pick the best player on the board. Seeing that the team needs a new starter in practically every position barring QB, DB and TE, there are a lot of options. I agree that taking an OL and a RB in the first round is risky unless there are prospects out there such as Tomlinson and Orlando Pace. And those were the third overall and the first overall if I recollect correctly. With any luck, the Broncos will not get to pick that high through Cutler's tenure. Hence, picking mid-round isn't going to get the Broncos the 'sure fire' prospects like Glenn Dorsey. They might even want to consider trading down and getting more picks/saving money...?
April 4, 2008
10:40 a.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
Get all the production we need from lesser known guys? Hmmmm.... Mike Bell? He barely made the team last year. Selvin Young? Not an everydown back. Out of those lesser known guys, none had a 1,000 yard season, none of them were a workhorse or someone that dominated a game like Davis did, and even between two or three of them, the Broncos running game was the worst of the Mike Shanahan era. Henry seems injury prone, so why not draft a back that can grow along with Cutler so the Broncos backfield is set for years. Not all the blame can be laid at the feet of the offensive line. McFadden won't last past the first six picks. I don't see Clady working for the Broncos either. He played in a spread offense at Boise St. and his weakness is in run blocking. Not what the Broncos want in an offensive lineman. I'd bet for every offensive lineman drafted in the first round that was better than average, there's another that was a wasted pick.
April 4, 2008
11:08 a.m.
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bronxs136 writes:
Its time for the Bronco's to cut ties with Travis Henry an experiment that went badly. He's more interested in bedding women and having off-spring then to be a top notched RB in the broncos offense. He's a liabilty that the broncos can't afford. Its also time for shanahan to get off the pot and get a decent tailback. Stop trying to be the Bobby Bethard's of GM's looking for the 6th round gem at tailback. You got lucky in getting TD and winning 2 superbowls. For the last 10 years there hasn't been any appearances in the big game and now is the time that big changes need to be made and housekeeping done. Sunquist is gone so there is no excuses for signing garbage players or ugly drafts. With ticket prices climbing each year the Fans in Denver deserve better then they have been receiving from the supposed mastermind. Two non playoff years and the coach gets a brand new home, what kind of crap is that. Most would have been fired with no severance package. Its time for the supposed brain trust that they get a decent tailback that can carry the load and Selvin Young can be the backup. Mendenhall and Smith fit this profile pretty well. Its also time to get rid of Marshall just like Cincy did with Chris Henry. Enough is enough when it comes to off the field incidence's.
April 4, 2008
11:21 a.m.
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BigJason90 writes:
Watching Mike Hart play the last couple years, he will be a steal in the 4th or 5th round. We need an OT yes, but, I think we need to trade down, get a couple extra picks and get Desean Jackson. Our special teams are awful and we could always use a "Dante Hall" of our own. The draft is deep in OL, which we could still grab a quality one in the second round. Grabbing Hart late in the draft would be a solid move. He has had his injury problems his senior year, but get him in a good running system (or at least philosophy) and we could have the next TD...
April 4, 2008
11:27 a.m.
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MikeaLoeb writes:
I hate rooting for dirtbags. I don't think anyone would be upset if Travis Henry and Marcus Thomas weren't Broncos anymore. In my opinion, Marsall is more of a dummy than a dirtbag. However, if he doesn't get his act together soon I might put him in the dirtbag category.
April 4, 2008
12:28 p.m.
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cutlerscrew writes:
bronx 136...having trouble with brain functions these days?ive never read anything that silly!chris henry has 5 arrests....marshall one pending dui and he had an accident,hope your boss doesnt fire you if you get hurt in an "accident"
and i think shanahan has the right to do whatever he wants with the money hes earned while keeping the broncos competitive all these years.thats called living in america..im glad your not remotely involved with the decisions at dove valley!
April 4, 2008
12:40 p.m.
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vvsignin writes:
Get rid of Marshall? That's great. Let's get rid of 1300 yards of receiving production and a good downfield blocker too. And let's replace him with Brandon Stokley, a slot guy. Don't worry, Colbert will all of a sudden catch fire and be a 1000+ yard receiver. And Selvin Young is the second coming of Terrell Davis. And the defense will produce 80 sacks this year and allow an average of 50 yards rushing per game. That is if bronxs136 replaces Ted Sundquist as GM.
April 4, 2008
12:49 p.m.
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LarryB writes:
Yes, Cwillyrun1, I thought of that, regarding Walter Payton. But do you remember that team? That defense? And Emmitt Smith's Cowboys won some championship, yes . . . do you remember their offensive and defensive lines? Yes, and let's throw in Terrell Davis . . . I'm sure you remember that offensive line.
Some teams with marquee running backs have won the Super Bowl, and some teams without marquee running backs have done the same. But, to my knowledge, no team has won the Super Bowl without a good offensive and defensive line. We had better become sure of that, first.
April 4, 2008
12:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
Broncomaniac19 writes:
Legwold is right on the money! The Broncos need a stud, everydown, durable RB and bad! We haven't had anyone stay on their feet, stay healthy, play all 3 downs (block, catch and run) since Portis. Remember Portis' last year? Well, it was Plummer's first year and we were down right scary on O. For those of you who can't figure this out, if TD the 2nd was sitting at 12, would you want him then? All things being known, TD would have been a top 10 draft pick, we were lucky to hit a homerun the one time we did by drafting him so low.
So, for those who discard this position as not a high order of priority, I've just relegated you to nacho and bloody mary only duty. You are no longer allowed to discuss Bronco football strategy, because our team is scariest with a stud RB, period, end of story.
You may still read blogs and root for the Broncos however, all is not lost...
April 4, 2008
12:53 p.m.
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Brain writes:
Year in year out the Broncos are the best at running the ball or close to it and as legwold reported we have not drafted one in the first round. We don't need to waste a 1st round on a runningback
April 4, 2008
12:53 p.m.
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kmeissner writes:
bronxs136 is an idiot. Travis Henry was leading the LEAGUE in rushing until the bogus Pot rumors. With Selvin Young backing him up, the problem won't be our running game, it'll be passing and blocking. Let's get some linemen who can ACTUALLY block! Give Cutler time in the pocket and he'll be Golden!
They need to draft O and D Linemen who are going to upgrade our crap lines we've had in recent years. Bailey and Bly can't cover the receivers if they have to make tackles that the d line should be making in the first place
April 4, 2008
1:47 p.m.
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Logic1 writes:
Now I know how little people know about football. True TD was a great back, but running backs don't make holes. Barry Sanders nerver won a championship. The last SuperBowl year the Broncos offensive line starters were, T Jones, M Schlereth, T Nalan, B Habib and G Zimmerman. Not only were they great together, they stayed that way all year, missing only 9 games between them. And don't forget Alex Gibbs was here. Nay, Nay Legwold and followers, solid line play, avoiding injuries and having a QB who manages the field (Elway learned to do this later in his career), are the keys to championships.
Besides, where have you been and where has Shanahan been? With the rules changes, it is a passing league now. You need backs that can block linemen and linebackers, and you need bigger o lineman to create pockets.
April 4, 2008
2:51 p.m.
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MikeaLoeb writes:
Apparently, ball clubs with the philosophy of taking the best available player know very little about football. According to the last two posts teams should draft a position rather than a player. When you do that you wind up with people like George Foster.
April 4, 2008
3:34 p.m.
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Broncomaniac19 writes:
you anti-RB guys have obviously forgotten entirely the TD and Portis years. How could you possibly take what the Henry, Young and Hall show did last year and be OK with putting them out there again? We need RB's who can grind it out a full game, get in a groove and set up and compliment the pass game. We run a zone block scheme, so having an RB with the talent to make plays is of highest importance. Young shows flashes, then gets hurt. Henry, same thing his whole career. Hall, not sure we know what we have there yet.
As for O-line, we have a solid nucleus now. We have many guys entering years 2-4 and they wouldn't still be here if the coaching staff didn't trust them. We very may well draft OT at the 12 spot, but that player won't play much if any at all this year. So, that means the O-line roster right now is very close to what we open the year with.
Yes, we do need DT as well, maybe a stud falls to us at 12.
If not, as a reminder, the Broncos have scored the most when we've had a RB that carry the load, hit the home run, block the LB's in blitz, catch the rock out of the backfield. All those qualities are there with Mendenhall and the kid from Oregon.
You say our 0-line was the reason we won SuperBowls, could Henry, Young and Hall do to the opponent what TD did? If your answer is yes, don't forget the chicken and jalapenos on my nachos...
April 4, 2008
3:39 p.m.
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Broncomaniac19 writes:
Logic --- not only did Barry Sanders not win a championship, he barely got 50 yds a game come playoff time. Did his O-line that led him to 2000 yards just dissappear in the playoffs? Teams schemed against him, just like they did against TD and there were 2 different results. Why? Because TD was a special RB that was agile, quick, fast AND could bring the thunder.
If there's a package at RB sitting at 12, he WOULD make our O-line look better. Kind of like a QB can make an O-line look better be getting rid of the rock instead of holding on too long, it's a team game
April 4, 2008
4:15 p.m.
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Brain writes:
TD was a 6th round pick not 1st; Portis was a 2nd round pick; we really have only 2 OT's although they are trying Kuper at LT. Joe Thomas and Joe Staley both started for their teams last season and were 1st round draft choices Staley was a late 1st round; someone like Clady or maybe Williams could start as rookies; we need to take an OT in the 1st.
April 4, 2008
5:15 p.m.
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Broncomaniac19 writes:
Brain -- we all know TD was a 6th rounder, he would've been top 10 if the teams knew his vast potential. Portis slipped because of injury, we got lucky both times because they produced. Another poster said that RB's picked in 1-2 rounds produce, that's exactly why we need to pick RB at 12. We've swung and missed too many times since TD, we got 2 years from Portis, otherwise we haven't been able to rely on anyone at RB to step up and carry the team.
Name me the last O-lineman to start as a rookie in Shanny's run, none have broken camp as starter and none have made much impact until years 2-3
April 4, 2008
6:41 p.m.
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Kooiman writes:
We can draft a running back in 1st that would be fine by me, but barring a very good camp I think Henry would still start and I think you need to get a starter with a 1st rounder.
April 4, 2008
8:59 p.m.
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Brain writes:
Broncomaniac19; I can't think of a OL starting as a rookie in Shanahan's time but I think the only 1st rounder was G. Foster and that was at #20 in the 1st.
In his first season as a starter, Denver allowed a franchise-low 15 sacks which was the third fewest in the NFL. In 2005, the Broncos post the second-most rushing yards (2,539) in franchise history and rank second in the NFL (158.7 ypg
Tatum Bell (2nd round pick) rushed for 921 yds and Mike Anderson (also 6th rounder) rushed for over 1000 yds.
My point is that the Broncos have done just fine with drafting (or not) RB’s in later rounds; we have a need at tackle and Clady would be a possible starter or (if Clady is gone) we could trade down to 17-20 and still get Chris Williams and maybe pick-up a 3rd or 4th rounder in the trade using for Kevin Smith?, Ray Rice (doubt he will be there in the 4th) or even Hart in the 4th?
April 4, 2008
9:24 p.m.
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R8R_H8R writes:
You win the game in the Trenches. A great D-Line is far more important than Great Corners. A strong offensive line makes Olandis Gary look good. I'll take stud D-Linemen every time over Champ Bailey. and Dre.
April 5, 2008
6:44 a.m.
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mel writes:
I believe the Broncos should go for a running back. I would take Cris Johnson,(east Carolina). He is one of the fastest backs in the draft, a four-yr starter returning kick-off's, averaging in the top, for return yds. He is the same size as Terrell was, with Ladanlian Thomlinson moves, at 4.24 speed. This guy could be a big game-breaker with Denver.
Melvin Griess
1111 Piikoi st #23A
Honolulu, HI 96814
April 5, 2008
11:14 a.m.
Suggest removal
broncosfan28532 writes:
the Perfect Broncos Draft would look like this
Round 1 pick 12- T Chris Williams 6’6 320 5.2 Vanderbilt
I honestly think the Broncos will move back from this spot to a team tryin to get above the Pnthers if Brain Brohm or Ryan Clady are on the board.
Round 2 Pick 43-WR Devin Thomas 6’1 220 4.5 Michigan St
A big target that would ease the loss of MINI-TO and allow us to play Stokley in the slot.
Round 4 Pick 98- RB Chris Johnson 5’10 195 4.3 East Carolina
Due to team needs this poor mans reggie bush falls to the Broncos (Probably won't happen i think some team falls in love with him and drafts him in the second)a true triple threat rushing, recieving, and returning he would bring a true big-play ability to a broncos team in need of it.
April 5, 2008
11:43 a.m.
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broncosfan28532 writes:
Round 4 Pick 98-RB Chris Johnson 5’10 195 4.3 East Carolina
A triple threat that would bring big-play ability to a broncos offense lacking it.
Round 4 Pick 107-S Jamar Adams 6’2 209 4.5 Michigan
A good all around safety that plays well against the run and could be groomed to replace Lynch after this season.
Round 4 Pick 116-OLB Bruce Davis 6’3 241 4.7 UCLA
Probably THE BEST NATURALpass-rushing linebacker in this years draft that could challenge Winborn and Lewis for a roster spot.
Round 5 Pick 139-MLB J. Leman 6’2 245 4.7 Illinois
One of the NCAA's leading tacklers last years lacks speed but makes up for it with intelligence and an uncanny ability to bi in the right place.
Round 7 Pick 203-WR/QB Omar Haugabook 6’0 215 4.4 Troy
A slash back that could add some Zap to the team. Haugabook could be used a variety of ways including reciever and kick returns.
Round 7 Pick 211-K Dan Carpenter 6’2 215 4.9 Montana
since the Elam Era has come to an end the broncos add a talented leg to their roster to compete for the vacation.
Just my ideas please comment back
April 5, 2008
12:07 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
Walter Payton came before the defensive line and defense were full of studs, and even with a sorry offensive line, he still had a 279 yard game and several 1,000+ yard seasons. If he wasn't there in '85, who's to say the defense would've been as good. With McMahon and Gault being the next best offensive players that year, the offense doesn't control the ball and the defense is on the field more. Name some offensive lineman from the '85 Bears. Emmitt Smith came before the offense and defense were so strong. I've heard so many criticisms about how the Broncos should've made a run at drafting Peterson last year, so how's it different to go for a first rounder last year and not this year? Having Nalen and Hamilton back improves the quality of play from the offensive line. George Foster was in the top 5 in sacks given up last year, so a first round OL isn't a given for being a good player. Foster, Kwame Harris, Robert Gallery are only a few examples of recent years where those OT's plain stunk. The Broncos can't afford that kind of cr apshoot in the first round. I didn't like Foster as the pick back then, and outside of Long, I don't want the Broncos taking one that high this year. I'd rather them take the best skill player to put playmakers on the field and draft that OL in the second round than to pick a OL in the first and a skill in the second and not come out as good overall.
Desean Jackson is another Ted Ginn Jr., let someone else make that mistake. The Broncos don't need a 5'9", 165 pound receiver that doesn't block downfield. Broncosfan, Devin Thomas isn't there at 43. Some boards have him as the top receiver in the draft and going in the first round.
April 5, 2008
7 p.m.
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kimo526 writes:
HAS EVERYONE FORGOTTEN THE FACT THAT JOHN ELWAY AND TYRELL DAVIS WERE "WANNABEES" UNTIL THE BRONCO'S FINALLY GOT AN ALL PRO HALL OF FAME, LEFT TACKLE GARY ZIMMERMAN. YOU CANNOT CONTROL THE LINE OF SCIMMAGE WITH A RUN FIRST OFFENSE UNLESS YOU HAVE A GREAT LEFT TACKLE. ALSO IF I RECALL CORRECTLY ZIM WAS NOT THE TYPICAL SMALL OFFENSIVE LINEMAN. MY RECOLLECTION IS HE WAS 6'6 AND 295
April 5, 2008
8:37 p.m.
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southpaw writes:
Can't helping thinking that Kenny Philips would be a good pick. In 2002, the Broncos picked Lelie when they could have picked Ed Reed. Philips is as good as Reed was as Miami, and we desperately need a safety, particularly since we can't rush the passer. I'm not denying that an offensive lineman isn't a need, but I don't have faith in the coaching staff to evaluate that position for the draft. (Foster?)
April 5, 2008
9:12 p.m.
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trueblue writes:
People Mike Hart it not a capable back! He's three yards and a pile of dust at best. Stop with the nacho and cheese sugestions of later round backs. Mendenhall and Stewart are the best backs in this draft. McFadden has zero down field vision. Mendenhall has superior vision and anticipates lanes the best of any back in this draft. Stewart is just a beast and would bring back the T.D. to the Denver Offense in the RED ZONE.
Part of the reason T.D. was so great was because teams had to respect Elways arm and Elway benifited from defenses having to make sure T.D. wasn't going to rip off huge chunks when they blitzed. The most effective way to slow the rush and improve the offensive line is to have a super star running back...... They don't come in the fourth and fifth rounds............ I agree that Matt Forte from Tulane is a possible third round steal, but the Broncos don't have a pick in the third. Owwwww!!!!!
Trading back at twelve to say 15 to 17 and getting that third round pick back would be good. Picking Stewart after trading back would be great. We can address the lines in the middle rounds.
Look back at the 49'rs drafts of the mid 80's and early 90's. They drafted all of there studs in the first three rounds and then went for linemen in the middle rounds. Go to NFLDRAFTSCOUT.com and do some research on where starters in the NFL are drafted.
Selvin Young is a try hard player, but he lacks sufficient talent to be an everydown back. Travis Henry is a failure in every aspect and a horrible person to have on our team. Mendenhall and Stewart both have outstanding character and would be fantastic role models and team players. We need to build a solid football team.
April 5, 2008
10:50 p.m.
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Broncosfan14 writes:
Ok, im not a die hard or anything and im not a genius but i do believe the broncos first priority is an offensive lineman, on another note, Selvin Young isn't some spectacular tail back but he would benefit from a potential second round pick like Kevin Smith out of UCF or Felix Jones out of Arkansas. And just to put it out there, a saftey to backup John Lynch and Abdullah, or a Linebacker to add to their D.J. Williams/Nate Webster Combo
and if am wrong, tell me cause i would like to learn a little bit more about this topic
April 6, 2008
8:23 a.m.
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Broncomaniac19 writes:
We need to draft one of these 5 at the 12 spot:
-Mendenhall
-Merling
-Campbell
-Rivers
-Albert
If we're going to draft O-line, let's get the Albert who they say is one of the best and could play OT. If we draft front 7, we need someone with size opposite of Elvis.
I hope we get Mendenhall, I hope he has the mentality that he wants to be great, we need a physical warrior at RB in our offense. Shifty doesn't work in our offense, we need all around, everydown, "bangers" that get 3 yards regardless...
April 6, 2008
11:18 a.m.
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Highcountry writes:
I was really disappointed years ago when we didn't select Steven Jackson. Mel Kiper and all the experts projected we'd take Jackson and when he was still available, I was psyched. Then we chose somebody else and in a later round took Tatum Bell as our RB. Whoops.
April 6, 2008
8:34 p.m.
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platoro79 writes:
O-line and D-line wins championships--end of story
April 7, 2008
4:21 a.m.
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Opiate writes:
I'd love a great running back, But are needs are else were. I:E offensive line, Safety, Middle LB ect ect
April 7, 2008
4:11 p.m.
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jlcampbelldenver writes:
I agree Kimo. It doesnt matter how great your QB or Rb is if you dont control the line with some big strong studs! We gotta get that first..worry about the rest later.
April 8, 2008
6:05 p.m.
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Mosplace2860 writes:
I would love to see denver pick a rb. I think mendenhall would be perfect in are system. The only problem is we have to something to really beef up are run defence. With the afc west having johnson, tomlison and now possibly run dmc to raiders (i really hope not) it is the best rushing division by far. I believe that we were better than we played last year and shanny said we were a 10 win team. So I really don't think all is lost this year.
I do like rivers from usc and mayo from tenn. They can both play inside lb or either outside postion. It is a toss up who is better. The would both start this year and make a inpact.
We do need a ot, but the position is preety deep this year. I just wish we would have we re-signed gibbs as o-line coach.
I don't think we are as bad as everyone thinks. We don need some playmakers, hopefully we can get them in the draft.
Shawn
April 11, 2008
9:42 a.m.
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broncosfan28532 writes:
I disagree CwillyRun1, I do think Devin Thomas will be there at pick 43. He is in NO WAY goin to be the first reciever taken. Mark my words, Early Doucet, Limas Sweed, and Jeff Hardy will all be there in the 2nd round. There is no Calvin Johnson in this years draft, it will be like a few years back when the only first round reciever was Santonio Holmes by the Steelers and then Chad "bust" Jackson taken by the Pats a few picks later in the second.
Desean Jackson will go in the first because of the effect that Devin Hester had for the Bears, speed is in high demand because its the one thing you can't teach.
Games are won in the trenches plain and simple, I think you'll see a run of Offensive and Defensive lineman in round one, the runningbacks will be selected early and often and none of the 4 predicted to go in the first will fall. I think you may be suprised by how high Kevin Smith from UCF goes because he's a great player and some team WILL draft him in the middle of the second.
I'm tellin you, forget what you think, were the Broncos!!!
WE NEED AN O-LINE!!! It's what we do, we earn our livelyhood at the LOS, if we could get a guard and a starting tackle out of this draft we can make the playoffs.
If we don't go after Devin Thomas i'd like to see them take a shot at Earl Bennett in case oyu didnt see the show that Cutler and Bennett put on at Vandy's pro day
April 11, 2008
10 a.m.
Suggest removal
broncosfan28532 writes:
And for god's sake can we get one thing out of the way?!!!!
DO NOT DRAFT RYAN CLADY!!!!!
He played in a spread/option system with Boise State and is in my mind not a player suited for the Broncos being that he is poor (YES IS SAID IT watch the tapes again) at run blocking and doesnt seem agile enough to succeed in our zone system. In all honesty Gosder Cherilus, 6' 6" 320, Boston College, might be best suited for our system and might be available in the second. I think we go with Chris Williams due to the comfort level it would provide Cutler and the Chemistry between the two that would take 2 years minimum to develop with another blindside tackle Cutler didn't trust.
April 15, 2008
1:37 p.m.
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wals8170 writes:
The only running back worthy of a first round pick is McFadden in my opinion. Mendenhall is very good but not exceptional.
Chris Williams is the only guy that I think makes sense to draft in the first round. Assuming all of the defensive studs are gone. I bet we could get him around 18-20 so maybe trading down in the first round to from 12 to 20 to pick up another 2nd or 3rd round pick would be smart. Clady is a friggin animal but about as smart as a bag of hair. He scored a 13 on the Wunderlic.
Another scenario I would like to see is maybe going all the way from 12 to 25-28 and try to get Mayo or Rivers at that spot. The Broncos have always been able to get great offensive lineman in late rounds and I think we should stack our early picks with defensive needs unless we feel we have a 'sure' thing for our first pick at O-line.
Look at the O lineman we've drafted: Tom Nalen 7th round, Matt Lepsis undrafted, Ben Hamilton 4th round, Dan Neil 3rd round, Cooper Carlisle 4th round.
If we do draft a halfback, I think Chris Johnson from E. Carolina could be a good option if we can steal him in the 4th round. Otherwise, lets stock up our defense with some head smashing BA's early and try to get a tackle and guard 4th and later.