Are Broncos 'better' or 'worst'?

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published April 27, 2008 at 10:48 p.m.
Updated April 28, 2008 at 3:08 p.m.

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Photo by David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan looks over possible picks as the Broncos prepare for the NFL football draft in Denver on Saturday. The Broncos have the 12th pick in the first round of the draft.

Photo by Brian Lehmann / Special To The Rocky

Broncos draft picks Eddie Royal, left, of Virginia Tech and Ryan Clady of Boise State are introduced to members of the media Sunday morning at the Broncos' Dove Valley headquarters in Englewood. Clady has already been penciled in as a starter at left tackle to protect quarterback Jay Cutler. Coach Mike Shanahan says of Clady: "He has the athletic ability to come in and help our team win."

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April 28, 2008

2:08 a.m.

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Highcountry writes:

I trust Royal to turn our special teams around but Jack Williams should be looked at as a return man, too. Dude is fast. A pure athlete. Royal will no doubt win one of the return jobs but give Williams a shot. While they're at it, maybe give Alridge a look too. If he has 4.3-second speed, that could be intriguing.
April 28, 2008

2:25 a.m.

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flybys writes:

The Broncos draft was given by many who follow it, yet another average grade. While you cannot intelligently know what the class will produce for a few years, at the least, it is a pattern that Denver's talent procurement skills are usually lacking.

Sure, Mike Shanahan strikes gold once in a while but most of his classes are disappointments or failures. There is no doubt Shanahan is a brilliant coach but his personnel blunders have cost him more playoff appearances and more legitimate shots at Super Bowl titles.

Pat Bowlen's man crush on Shanahan even when the coach isn't as serving in the relationship anymore shows that love truly can be blind.

The precedent has been set. Shanahan will always have total control in Denver. There will never be the wise move of hiring a Scott Pioli, Bill Polian, Ozzie Newsome, A.J. Smith or Phil Savage.

If Shanahan wasn't too prideful to admit he needs a man like that, he could again start winning big, annually.
April 28, 2008

6 a.m.

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trueblue writes:

This was a good draft. I'm glad they went for high charactor players that fill needs. I was less than thrilled after day one, but the Broncos have done a very good job with this draft. The free agents listed in the article are also good additions. We're headed in the right direction. Shanahan improved our team greatly through this draft. It's a Bill Parcells - Billacheck draft.
April 28, 2008

6:22 a.m.

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MarcoPolo writes:

I'm surprised they didn't sign FA Ricky Santos out of NH. He's a solid backup for Cutler.
April 28, 2008

7:38 a.m.

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TruthHurts writes:

We're a better team, there's no question about it," (Mike Shanahan, Mastermind of the Denver Broncos"

Guess we have never heard that before and besides, would you really expect him to say "We did not do our jobs very well and we have not improved the team at all"

There is no reason to believe the Defense is any better. There is no reason to believe the offensive play calling has improved. There is no reason to believe that minor annoyance called a kicking game has improved. And the schedule next year is tough.

All I ask, is that for once, Mike Shanahan be held personally accountable for whatever happens next season.If the team improves, hats off to Shanahan, if not, time to go. No more excuses, no more pointing the finger at anyone else. This is Mike Shanahan's season. Prove it.
April 28, 2008

7:40 a.m.

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holekeeper writes:

I like the draft. Our d lacks but this draft had no safetys or cb that I thought were #12 pick ability. we have 2 really good cb, Lynch is returning but had lost a step. I think our linebackers are ok, but that d-line....man i hope shahahan has a plan for that. we didnt run the ball like old last year and didnt control the line of scrimiage (ws) and that accounted for all of the close games and blowouts. Mabey if we can keep the d off the field longer that 3 and out they will play better. I like the picks. we got speed and protection for Cutler, I am worried though last time we took a off. lineman 1st round it didnt work out so well !!!
April 28, 2008

7:46 a.m.

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dilligaf writes:

It cracks me up with all these grades from the so called experts. When will someone admit the draft is a crap shoot? Look at players like Terrell Davis and Tom Brady. Did anybody think these guys would have turned out like they did. It is all luck. True there is a small few of sure things but it is very small. I hear people say Shanny is a bad drafter but he has had a bad run of luck.
April 28, 2008

7:59 a.m.

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CaptainObvious writes:

Broncos will still go 6 - 10 this season, better team or not.
April 28, 2008

8:07 a.m.

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dilligaf writes:

CaptainObvious:
Not ready to agree with you. But if last years drafting class don't start to produce I will. But looking at the schedule there is no reason why we should not win at least 10-11 games.
April 28, 2008

8:28 a.m.

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DeimosJB writes:

As the article stated above, draft classes take a few years to evaluate, so the "experts" bestowing a grade at this point is a guess, pure and simple. The Broncos have had some bad drafts in the past, but they're getting better. Consider the draft 2 years ago (Cutler, Dumervil, Marshall). Probably not the absolute best draft that year, but above average. The draft last year (Moss, Crowder, Harris, Thomas) is still up for debate, but most of those players got a trial by fire and picked up their game last year. They still need to make more progress, but that draft could look pretty good. The draft this year certainly included some players at "need" positions, and may turn out to be pretty good if the players can actually fill those needs.
Also, the Broncos have a very easy schedule this season, so the deck is stacked for them to win an extra game or two. I suspect 9-7, and they may even contend for a playoff berth.
April 28, 2008

8:40 a.m.

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HBBeough writes:

AJ Smith is much better drafting first overall. Trading a 2 and a 5 for a 3 is stupid.

The Ravens brain trust (Newsome and Savage) forgot about the offensive side of the ball.

And these are better decision makers than Shanny?

One rebuilding year and you cry babies freak out. I'd much rather rebuild at 7 and 9 than sit threw a string of four win seasons.
April 28, 2008

8:59 a.m.

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bassman writes:

I love Clady but Royal in the 2nd with Malcolm Kelly still out there was a mistake. Shanny is always drafting a returner and it never works out. Besides, they already have a great slot guy. I hope Darrell Jackson can be productive.
April 28, 2008

9:22 a.m.

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crushon77 writes:

deimosjb, you are right on point. 2005 brought the broncos d-will, paymah, foxworth, and myers. myers is in houston now, but not because he can't play in the nfl.

2006, in addition to cutler, dumervil, and marshall, the broncos selected scheffler, kuper, eslinger and hixon. all of those were good choices, even though hixon is in ny and eslinger in houston.

the other thing i like about the broncos recent drafts is that they are concentrating on the core of the team, o-line and d-line. last two picks of 06, all four of 07, and the first of 08 were used on linemen.

i like the picks in this years draft, particulary clady and royal. the youtube footage of royal is amazing. if you haven't checked it out, you need to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rloo1r...

after seeing that and reading his scouting reports (runs sharp routes, good separation out of breaks, not afraid to go over the middle and hangs onto ball when hit hard), i totally understand why he's the man and desean jackson wasn't.
April 28, 2008

9:32 a.m.

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crushon77 writes:

bassman, i disagree. kelly's attitude and failure to take accountability for his pro day performance did not impress me at all. that is not a player i want on my team.

btw, i forgot to mention "excellent hands, ability to adjust to off-target throws, makes big plays after the catch and is a legitimate threat to score on every touch" as part of floyd's scouting report.

i love stokely, but floyd will be a game changer.
April 28, 2008

9:36 a.m.

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crushon77 writes:

oops, i don't know where floyd came from, i meant to type royal.
April 28, 2008

10:48 a.m.

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dave_bronco writes:

I thought the draft went well but as far as fans who think the broncos have always been bad in the draft lets just go back and see. I rememeber back when ashley lelie got drafted out of hawaii. everyone thought he was a great choice and the kid had a randy moss type appeal but look what happened. even experts gave the broncos an A for the pick. sure he did pretty well at times but was inconsistant and dropped passes too. he also couldn't take a pass in the middle. the guy was 1 dimensional.
marcus nash we all know was a pick that also busted. the guy had good reviews but we all know wr's are some of the toughest picks to assess and we have seen some busts there. it was a high risk/high reward chance that did not work out.
deltha oneil was not bad and it took him a few years to get there. the broncos lost their patience with him. he did well as a bengal.that draft also produced ian gold, mike anderson, kenoy kennedy and cooper carslisle.
then theres willie middlebrooks and darius watts. middlebrooks had good reviews but watts was an ashley lelie in the making and the broncos should not have made that choice.
the cutler, marshall, dumervile draft didn't get great reviews until a year had passed. if clady can become a great lt and help give cutler the protection he has needed the draft is already a success. i also cant wait to see royal returning punts and kickoffs. the kid is electryfying and as a va fan im glad to see him here. this kid will be good in the slot too. the late rund picks also were good choices. a hard hitting ballhawk safety, a north to south pounder rb and a center who excels in pass protection. shanny at least went after team needs. field position needs to improve and so does pass protection. we had some holes but i think we are already a better team.
April 28, 2008

11:21 a.m.

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chaswig writes:

I am no fan of Shannahan, in fact calling for his firing back when I also called for Larry Walker to be traded instead of resigned and for Ricardo Patton to be fired. But, whoever was the decider, I think this might be the best draft in Bronco history. They got their left tackle and center for the next ten years and the fullback for the next six. One site said the Broncos tend to pick a position and hammer on it, and called it the offensive line. But to me, it was special teams, most particularly the return game. The Broncos picked up four accomplished return men to compete for the position. Six of the nine and maybe eight may play special teams. A lot of speed, along with size and strength were found, and character was also important. They added a Bronco-style running back, as well as the afore-mentioned fullback, a corner back, a safety, a linebacker, and a defensive tackle that gave up minus yardage in the run game for his college career! Granted, you don't know how the Broncos did until you see how the players do, but I can see all nine making the roster and contributing. I'm stoked!
April 28, 2008

11:50 a.m.

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bronxs136 writes:

What Planet are most of you on. Here is what is being said about Ryan Clady. This pick comes as somewhat of a surprise because Virginia's Branden Albert and Vanderbilt's Chris Williams are still on the board. That said, Clady has the (key word) potential to develop into an outstanding starter in Denver's scheme; he moves extremely well for his size, so he's an ideal player for a zone-blocking system. Also, he should (Key word again)develop into a good run-blocker. (Huge concern) The one concern is that he's raw and needs to work on playing with a wider base. Lets see most of those same comments were made about George Foster. He didn't last long. Supposedly by comments made by Shanahan that Travis Henry was put on notice but (The Genius I think not) drafts a tailback in the 4th round who has had foot surgery. Last I check feet and legs are an intrical part of the job description. Henry is safe for another season of babymaking without a condom on. So there is no improvement in the Running game. Last time that I check if you have a good running back who can make things happen on the football field and not so much in the bedroom, couch, living room rug, over the stove, or the sink you can make up a little of what the defense lacks in stopping the run. No real improvement on the front 7 for the defense either. I don't see where this was a good draft. The Bronco's have alot of needs and I only see 1 being addressed. Unless Dre Bly does a whole lot better in his 2nd year with the Bronco's the CB spot needed to be addressed. LB is a huge concern and I really don't think Boss Bailey is the answer if he was why did Detroit let him go? Shanahan can blame Sunquist for all the mistakes that were made supposedly on his watch but Shanahan as been the President of Football Operations and under that title it does say that he is responsible for all PLAYER DECISIONS. That means Shanny needs to belly-up to the bar and start taking some of the responsiblity for the lack of playoff and super bowl (10 Years and counting)experiences. Now that sunquist is gone it falls squarely on his shoulders and just like Carmelo Anthony there is no one else to take the fall anymore. Pat I hope that you were paying attention!
April 28, 2008

12:53 p.m.

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nmbronco1 writes:

bronx - "what Planet are YOU on"? A New York planet? Virtually every single credible draft analyst had Ryan Clady as the best tackle prospect on the board after Long, and what really counts is that he fits the Bronco scheme. Of course, no one knows exactly how a player will take to the NFL, but your presumption that "Pat" (I am assuming you mean Bowlen) should be listening to your NY attitude advice is just rich. What many Bronco fans see about the draft choices made the past two days is that many of the roster needs may have been filled with what appear to be high character types of players, most with exceptional speed and strength. Other than that, nobody knows until camp and the roster shakes out what we have as a team, but one thing is certain - the Broncos will play hard.

As for Carmelo - seems like everyone forgets he's only 23 years old and is already in the top 5 scorers in Nugget history. I bet your sorry New York Knicks would have loved to trade records and talents with the Nuggets any day of the week!
April 28, 2008

12:59 p.m.

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rickg19611 writes:

"We're a better team, there's no question about it," Shanahan said.

That's what he said after each draft for the past two years. Guess he's predicting ANOTHER disappointing season.
April 28, 2008

1:12 p.m.

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BroncoRick69 writes:

lol what a bunch of haters. Maybe the haters with no sense of optimism should go post on another board where their opinions would have more merit or validity.
I'd say the Broncos played the draft as well as anyone, with the needs that they had. I look forward to seeing how everyone turns out. I also would not be surprised to see some trades take place before the start of the season. Shanahan may as bold as to include Dre Bly and Mike Bell in a trade, say for a defensive end, or who knows? I know there are some decent players on the roster that are expendable, especially after the draft.
April 28, 2008

1:44 p.m.

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Diff writes:

I am already sick of hearing "Broncos"
We still have the Avs playing, the Nuggets, and The baseball too. but as soon as ANYTHING happens with the Donkeys - they become the headline first and foremost story (and not just sports story)
The Draft is all hyped up for the sake of the media - another way to make some money (it seldom makes that big of an impact to the teams or the game over all)
I used to be a huge fan of the NFL and the DENVER BRONCOS - not so much so in recent years - I am at best a casual follower over the last few years however - the MEDIA has made me sick of them.
They ARE NOT the most important thing going on in the City or even Sports wise in the City.

Go Nuggets, and take the Broncos with you!
April 28, 2008

2:18 p.m.

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HBBeough writes:

Sick of it Diff? You are a moron. This is a comment board about the Broncos draft. No one cares about the NBA and NHL here. Get lost.
April 28, 2008

2:40 p.m.

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uva074 writes:

lol
April 28, 2008

2:48 p.m.

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GO_BUCKEYES writes:

how is this front page news??? There has to be another news story more important than donkey coverage.
April 28, 2008

3:21 p.m.

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Diff writes:

HBBeough
And furthermore - I am also sick of the idiot Bronco fans....
That live, eat breath and die because of the Broncos -
I thinK it is all too easy to guess who the moron really is ...

Get A life!
April 28, 2008

3:46 p.m.

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kmeissner writes:

five of their seven second-day picks having had some kind of significant injury in their college careers.

are you kidding me? why do we always pick up washed up veterans or college kids that went through injuries or were in trouble with the law? is shanahan trying to prove that he can make talent from nothing?

also, Diff has some issues. Why don't you leave? Then you won't have to cry about the Nuggets OR the Broncos anymore. And "casual follower in the last couple of years" really means that they aren't winning so now you fell off of the band wagon. I'll bet you were bleeding orange and blue in 98 and 99 though? what a hypocrit!!!!!
April 28, 2008

3:56 p.m.

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HBBeough writes:

Dear Diff,

I'm sorry. I'm going to a USA Today election feedback page after this to complain there isn't enough Broncos coverage.

Anyway, what do you think of Hillis at #227? I think he's neat! I like his versatility. Do you think he'll be a starter for a decade or will he end up on the Texans like half of our other late picks?

Your Friend,
HBBeough
April 28, 2008

4:05 p.m.

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Diff writes:

Keep going HBB, I like to see a man dig himself a hole.

Let offer a little advise to those smart enough to take it;
The first rule of holes is;
When you find yourself in one, stop digging!

OUT
April 28, 2008

4:20 p.m.

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RustyWon writes:

Any time you take a player in the 4th round and below it is a total crap shoot.

Sure, there are scouts out there talking to coaches, players, parents, etc... about a guy, but nobody really can know how its going to go in the NFL for a year or two at least.

For this reason, it is totally appropriate to take a risk on players later in the draft you think may eventually develop, or get over an injury history.
Reading about the second day picks for the Broncos yesterday, I heard the theme of "character guy", "team leader", "heart and soul of the team", and "captain" many times.
I like the players they selected, and also signed via free agency over the last couple months.

Giving a team a "draft grade" the day after the draft is ridiculous. Anyone saying KC owned the draft has to also take into account they gave away their best player to do it.

Note to Diff. Dude, try vicodin, and stay off the site for awhile until the BP comes down.
April 28, 2008

4:43 p.m.

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Diff writes:

Actually, I use this kind of thing for comic relief .. Thank you!
April 28, 2008

5:18 p.m.

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asualumn05 writes:

Diff -

The Avs are on the verge of getting swept,our basketball team is a joke, and the rox are back to their usual tricks. Oh by the way the NFL coverage is all over the place. Any sports website, newspaper or sports station is talking about it. If you do not like it then do not read the board.

The Broncos draft was good, it was more about needs and it looks as if they have filled some of them with OL, returner, rb (torain will be a stud). All in all and good draft nothing great but solid.
April 28, 2008

6:48 p.m.

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mmurphypci writes:

I once agin wonder about Shanny picking the walking wounded. He seems to do that veryt often with poor results
April 28, 2008

7:11 p.m.

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kidbronc11 writes:

Okay, here it goes.... First off, how can any of you judge whether the Broncos had a good draft or a bad draft? None of these guys have stepped foot on a pro football field. Jake Long was picked #1 overall.....he could be garbage! (I doubt it, but still). I think we did a good job of getting the players we needed to fill the positions we lacked. I live in Philly and have to listen to all the draft garbage Eagles fans shovel into an hour radio program. It doesn't matter who was selected, Eagles fans will never be satisfied......All they have to say is "Andy Reid needs to go!!" Its the same bull here!!! If you don't like the Broncos jump on another bandwagon. I for one think the Broncos got what they needed. All I'm saying is "Save judgment for later, after these guys have had a chance to be pros"
April 28, 2008

8:24 p.m.

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southpaw writes:

The "walking wounded"??? It's FOOTBALL!!! Everybody has some kind of injury. I don't have any problem with the Broncos drafting someone who's been hurt. It's how they've played while they were hurt or how they came back from the injury that's important. All the wounded players they picked up seemed like tough, mature kids.

I agree that no one knows for certain how these picks will pan out. But the Broncos seemed to draft players that can help them be the kind of team they were when they won those Super Bowls. You remember, those Super Bowls that came so easy that it spoiled everyone into thinking that if we don't win it every year we need to fire the head coach....???
April 28, 2008

10:47 p.m.

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improvise88 writes:

When the draft became the 2nd most watched event next to the Super Bowl, it was because of guys who think they know everything about football wanting the feeling of superiority at second-guessing and critiquing people who make their living evaluating elite athletes. Apparently most of these guys spend their time on the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News. You haters are pathetic. If you actually knew anything about scouting (or coaching for that matter) you'd be making a living doing that and not working at Jiffy Lube. We've still got one of the top 3 coaches in the NFL and the draft is ultimately a $50 million dollar shell game: pick the right shell, get a top-shelf player. Just wait until August to make your judgements on a bunch of 22-year-olds who have never stepped on a NFL field. You'll still be wrong, but wait till then.
April 28, 2008

11:31 p.m.

Suggest removal

dave_bronco writes:

broncomaniacs are getting dissed for commenting on a draft theyr'e optimistic about? i think most of these new "bronco fans" who go to each game, leave early to dodge traffic, diss their team bacause its what they read in the paper and don't stick around to see their so called team lose should get out of these boards. real bronco fans stick to their team, this fairweather thing going around needs to stop. i know these yuppies buy the season tickets but if you can't take losing after having one of the succesful franchises in the last 30 years, be a fan of whoever is trendy. i think the patriots and colts could use you guys. Its seasons like last season that seperate the real fans from the fake ones, and by looking at these posts i can see the fans who are real and the ones who are fake. fake fans get their info and commentary from other negative opinions they read. might as well put quotations and mike kizsla, john clayton or bill williamsons quotes next to it.
April 29, 2008

1:18 a.m.

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tahosa writes:

Hey Jeff!

You wrote:

"Mike Shanahan emerged from the team's war room Sunday to declare the team's roster got the upgrade it needed to break a two-season string of playoff misses."

Thats not true is it Jeff? I haven't heard or seen a quote from Shanahan saying that this draft is going to put them in the Playoffs, but that's what you wrote.

It would be a foolish thing to say and Shanahan didn't. When you write a line like that a lot of people think he said that. Then when the Broncos don't make the playoffs they get ticked at Shanahan again. This is typical spin from the press to create an illusion of the truth.

I think that you should make a retraction, and appologize to the Broncos for yet again spinning the truth. Why don't you stick to the Liberal Blogs and get out of the Sports room?
April 29, 2008

12:49 p.m.

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Disgusted_in_Denver writes:

I love that so many are so blind to the decision maker Shanny. I agree the O-line needed help and Clady may help out immediately but what is up with the receiver Royal? I guess that is the fix for the departure of Javon Walker and injury to Marshall right? I thought the D-Line was the biggest seive last year and in previous seasons as well. With that what about the need for a quality linebacker? The safety position is interesting as well, is Lynch coming back? They pick up Royal and let Dizon get away. How has that position been improved? Spencer Larsen? Ugh, enough with the rat Shanny!

Home › Denver Broncos

Are Broncos 'better' or 'worst'?

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published April 27, 2008 at 10:48 p.m.Updated April 28, 2008 at 3:08 p.m.

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Published April 27, 2008 at 10:48 p.m.
Updated April 28, 2008 at 3:08 p.m.