Broncos, others vying for services of Lions' DT

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 25, 2008 at 10:17 p.m.

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Photo by The Rocky / 2007

Lions defensive lineman Shaun Rogers, left, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and is being marketed by the Lions. Rogers could end up with the Broncos, who need defensive line help.

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February 25, 2008

3:13 p.m.

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Cutler6 writes:

Why is it that the Broncos feel the need to trade for players that are either underachievers, to old (their prime has passed them by) or injured. Two years ago we gave up a second round pick for an injured Jevon Walker, who now it looks like Denver will be releasing with no compensation. No wonder Denver is declining, because we keep giving draft picks away for free.
February 25, 2008

3:30 p.m.

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Pigskin writes:

So much for the lip service about building through the draft. Can't wait to see what we give up for this guy.
Here we go again ....
February 25, 2008

3:32 p.m.

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Denver81 writes:

WE have to remember that even though picking up kids in the draft is a good thing, we also need vet's on the team for stability, i know this Rogers guy sounds like another walker in his attitude, but it is hard not to be that way when you are playing in NFC North, the lions are the worst team in that league, John Lynch would be a malcontent on that team, rookies are good for the future but you need the vet's that can help them develop and can anchor the team while that is in process.
February 25, 2008

3:33 p.m.

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jtbronco writes:

cutler6,if rogers pans out like he should,he could be the one differnece on d that they lacked lst year.NOW Did you see what haynesworth did for the titans this year on d?do we really wanna invest another early pick on dl who might not be good?atleast with rogers we can have someone to clog two holes (alot better than sam adams did last year)and is younger and yet to hit his prime.this would be a GREAT FOR THE TEAM,and with the track record with draft picks the past couple of drafts (NOT THE PAST TWO DRAFTS)I THINK we can afford this.especially with Lt,Lj and whoever is in oaklands backfield.if rogers comes to play,all the dbs will benefit and lbs as well.EVERYONE USE COMMON SENSE.

-JT
February 25, 2008

3:52 p.m.

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Pigskin writes:

"Rogers has had problems with his attitude, health and weight. He has been inconsistent and has underachieved, especially at crunch time. He was a non-factor during the six-game losing streak that eliminated the Lions from the playoffs."
From the Detroit Free Press.
Rogers had 2 good games last year - both against putrid offensive lines, ours and Kansas City's. Other than that, he was a zero.
And no, Denver81, John Lynch would not be a malcontent on Detroit's roster. That's just more sheep-talk ... going along with anything Denver does or is trying to do ... and in the process disrespecting someone who has shown a lot of character in a distinguished career.
Lynch played on a losing team the first four or five years of his career in Tampa and was never a malcontent.
February 25, 2008

4:57 p.m.

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Cutler6 writes:

jtbronco, as has been typical for the Broncos, the IF word is being used. IF Rogers was as good as Haynesworth, then he too would be given the franchise tag by Detroit, and IF he was so good, then perhaps he would make Detroit and their defense a better team. C'omon let's live in truth and not "what ifs", because the fact of the matter is I would question why such a bad team as Detroit is would trade such a "fine player" as Rogers if he really was a difference maker. Potential doesn't win games production wins games
February 25, 2008

5:22 p.m.

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R8R_H8R writes:

Picking up a D-Lineman that wasn't good enough for the Detroit Lions is AS STUPID as picking up Defensive Linemen that WEREN'T GOOD ENOUGH for the Cleveland Browns. oh my god i'm sick of Shanahan's stupidity. He has got to go.
February 25, 2008

5:33 p.m.

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CMoney writes:

I think of Rodgers as being a younger more athletic Sam Adams and if he can free up DJ, And Nate and whoever is our NEW MLB/StrongLB better than Sam did, he's worth something. It is IMPOSSIBLE to evaluate this trade without knowing what we will being giving up. I personally thought Ble for Foster and Bell deal was a fair and equitable trade for both teams.
February 25, 2008

5:58 p.m.

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Broncos4Life writes:

DOES ANYONE IN DOVE VALLEY REMEMBER THE TALK ABOUT BUILDING THROUGH THE DRAFT??? Instead we are getting an overweight underachiever that even Matt Millen is giving up on????
February 25, 2008

6:17 p.m.

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Spidey writes:

Now what? I'm tired of Broncos wasting some draft choices for good cause!
February 25, 2008

6:47 p.m.

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Ringo writes:

One would need a calculator to count the defensive linemen the Broncos have signed in recent years.Detroit isn't giving this guy away for less than a 2nd round pick which would be fine if he can contribute as a starting player.The thing that bothers me is his team doesn't feel he's good enough to play for them.The Broncos have been down this road before.
February 25, 2008

6:54 p.m.

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csloan999 writes:

I like this move...he's probably going to come a lot cheaper than most of you guys think. Detroit has to get rid of him before his bonus is due. Besides, we need at least ONE big body on our line next year. All our guys are relatively undersized. Plus, there's not much available at DT in the draft this year...
February 25, 2008

9:17 p.m.

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den2mke writes:

I seem to remember Rogers being one of the biggest potential free agents 5 years ago or so. Think Detroit either franchised him or gave him a new deal. Remember, this is Matt Millen we're talking about here. Having some other teams driving up the price doesn't help, but this is the same GM that has made many a questionable move.

As for the Broncos, what are the options? Pick up someone like Rogers or hope that a rookie can fill the d-tackle spot? D-line is the most glaring weakness on the team. The backers will look a whole lot better if we can keep the opponents O-linemen off them. If they can pull this off without leveraging the future, it's worth the shot. Doesn't mean we can't still build the position through the draft...
February 25, 2008

9:22 p.m.

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csloan999 writes:

Looks like RMN ruined this deal for the Broncos...should have kept things quiet until it was signed, sealed, and delivered!
February 25, 2008

9:31 p.m.

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foreveraBroncofan writes:

I agree with all the talk about Rodgers, but I think aquiring Robertson sounds like an excellent idea. In fact, I would not be disappointed if we could somehow get him and Vilma.
February 25, 2008

9:50 p.m.

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foreveraBroncofan writes:

As for Walker. I say we trade him to the Bucs and our first round pick for their first,second, and third round picks.
February 25, 2008

10:15 p.m.

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Cutler6 writes:

Kooiman, apparently you haven't been paying much attention to the rumors on Walker, it is more likely that Denver will end up releasing him for nothing, how in the heck do you see the Bucs giving up 40% of their draft for Walker, even if we include our first round pick for theirs. The broncos will be lucky to get a seventh round pick with a conditional 4th round pick next year if Walker makes the team he is traded to.
February 26, 2008

6:10 a.m.

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MiamiMike writes:

Rogers had a great first half and an awful second half, racking up 39 total tackles with seven sacks, an interception that was returned for a touchdown and three passes defensed. The news of his tenure potentially ending in Motown isn't a surprise considering that his salary cap number explodes in 2008. He has had weight problems in the past but has always been one of the rare defensive tackles that can make an impact at DL in Fantasy play, though that might be a problem if he goes into a 3-4 defense. We'll keep you posted on Rogers' status.

Bottom line there is good and bad with Rodgers. I think its time to do as the Steelers and Patriots do for the (most) part and that is build through the draft. Stop trying to get the quick fix. Lets get a FOR SURE player at any position we need rather than just get a player that MIGHT work out. Enough with the 1 year fix. I would rather take a chance next year on our rookies and save the money and the loss of experience these rookies will get than play a 1 year guy again.
February 26, 2008

7:14 a.m.

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Denver81 writes:

Sorry Pigskin but you better get your facts striaght, I love John Lynch and am not trying to "disrespect" anyone, but i lived in Tampa when they stunk, and everyone on that team, even Johny, was having attitude problems. and they werent even as bad as the Lions are right now.
February 26, 2008

7:36 a.m.

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Bmac writes:

This is why I don't watch the Broncos anymore. Can't get into the players. Shanahan and his scouts are nit wits! We have a chance to get a great middle linebacker (Conners), an offensive tackle, offensive guard, and a safety, but no - they go for yet another looser defensive tackle. We need to start building through the draft period. However, I also think we need some better scouting as we seem to draft losers too! Check back through the years at how bad our drafts have been - pretty pathetic when you're lucky if one of your "top" draftees make the team and actually play.
February 26, 2008

8:43 a.m.

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JohnnyBallgame writes:

The broncos need a DT now, they already have a young DT who will be great in a couple years in Marcus Thomas, Rodgers or Robertson will be great for Marcus's developement and for the rest of the D. I dopn't want to give up a 2nd reound pick either, but after Dorsey, and Ellis there is not a DT worth taking. Getting Rodgers is exactly what the Broncos need, you add that with the drafting of Clady with our 1st round pick and we would fortify the O-line and D-line. If you guys want a team that will rebuild and have no veterans become a dolphin fan. The Broncos are close we just need a few pieces. And all of you people that bag and Shanny and Sundquist, all I can say is at least they are willing to try to get better and gamble a litlle.

Go Broncos!!!!
February 26, 2008

9:18 a.m.

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bloomdog writes:

It never ceases to amaze me that EVERYONE knows more than Shanahan and Sundquist......come on, if you all are so talented at evaluating NFL players, why aren't you coaching an NFL Franchise?
Oh yeah..because you don't know squat....
I am and always will be a Bronco fan, they are trying to win, every year...we could all be living in a place like Detroit or New Orleans, where mediocrity is good enough....lighten up people..
Mike Shanahan is still a top 3 coach in this league..Belichick, before going to New England was a LOSER!!!
The Broncos management and Pat Bowlen will take gambles and do all they can to put a contender on the field...you know it and I know it.....
February 26, 2008

9:24 a.m.

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cpelkin writes:

"I think of Rodgers as being a younger more athletic Sam Adams"----younger and more athletic than Sam Adams??? That narrows it down to about 70% of the free world....
February 26, 2008

11:56 a.m.

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T1anda writes:

R8R your comment about Shanahan..."he's got to go"

Just who would you hire to replace him?? Cowher would NEVER come to Denver...How about Denny Green? There's a bunch of coaching has-beens in the NFL!!

Should Denver hire another dumb arsed college coach???

Just who would it be??
February 26, 2008

12:11 p.m.

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SiquePupi writes:

Since taking over as head coach Shanahan has had just 2 losing seasons the first year after Elway left & last year with a second year QB. I sit and read all of the morons talk about how stupid he is, but you have no idea how good we have it. Yea it would be nice to be in the SB every year but that just does not happen. Nobody is complaining that he picked up Lynch when plenty of people thought he was past his prime, some moves work out & others don’t nobody has perfect drafts or always makes the right trades or free agent moves, but you need to be thankful that you are not rooting for any of the teams that have not won a Superbowl in the last 13 years & consistently draft in the top 10. It is one thing to question a move here & there but I will take Shanahan & Sundquist over most other options out there any day.
February 26, 2008

12:23 p.m.

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Spider writes:

I really enjoyed reading all the comments today. I particurly liked the ones comparing Rogers to Adams and the various angles on "IF". This guy might be younger than Adams but the bottom line is he is an obese under-achiever. Why take a risk on a guy who could die of a heart attack right smack in the middle of the 50 yard line at Mile High during a game?
February 26, 2008

1:18 p.m.

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talon28 writes:

bloomdog...it's not a question of knowing more than Shananhan or Sundquist about the talent. I for one hate the idea of Shaun Rogers, but I DO NOT question his talent. What I question, and have ample proof in support (including directly from Shaun Rogers' own Head Coach) is that he is overweight and disappeared basically the entire 2nd half of the season.

The question regards Shanahan's ability to turn the careers of these guys around. He hasn't done it a single time. James Jones? Nope. Michael Dean Perry? Age was the main issue, but cut during the season on the way to the first SB. Darryl Gardener? Nope. Lional Dalton? No. Gerard Warren? Nope. So name one DT that the Broncos have reformed....

And for everyone that keeps claiming that 'he just needs to play for a winner...' When he QUIT playing last year, the Lions were 6-2 and competing for a division title.
February 26, 2008

1:18 p.m.

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SiquePupi writes:

Hey Spider, are you joking? an obese lineman in the NFL?
February 26, 2008

1:37 p.m.

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DB69 writes:

What about lance briggs? Don't seem to here about any teams that are interested in him. He would be a good fit for the Broncos.
February 26, 2008

4:02 p.m.

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Brain writes:

Give up a 3rd rounder or less. If this is such a bad idea why are a number of teams interested?
February 26, 2008

5:17 p.m.

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AKuser writes:

"Why is it that the Broncos feel the need to trade for players that are either underachievers, to old (their prime has passed them by) or injured."
The reason just might be that teams are not in a hurry to trade young, uninjured, overachieving stars.
February 26, 2008

5:57 p.m.

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foreveraBroncofan writes:

cutler6. I f...ed up on my math with the draft value chart. Their 1st and 2nd for our 1st and Walker works though. It would be like they were giving us a 5th for Walker. We would have the 20,42,and 52. I think at 20 we could get either Conner, Balmer, or who I would really like is Cutler's OT from Vandy Williams. Plus we get the 52.
February 26, 2008

7:57 p.m.

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Trip writes:

How can you guy's call this man lazy. He is the nose guard's his primary job is to stop the run and take on the double team. getting the sack is the LB and DE job.
February 27, 2008

2:10 a.m.

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talon28 writes:

Hey Trip...he's the run stuffer, huh? Chew on the following as provided by KC Joyner on espn.com:

Shaun Rogers, DT, Detroit -- He was named the NFC player of the week at one point during the 2007 season, but his 4.4 YPA allowed on point-of-attack runs was quite disappointing for a player who had been dominant in that area in the past. And that wasn't all: 30 of the 97 POA runs directed at Rogers gained at least 5 yards, and 11 went for 10-plus yards.
February 27, 2008

8:25 a.m.

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KLOOP1 writes:

Why don't the Broncos try and make a trade with the jets for the DT Robertson and MLB Vilma (both want to be traded) for Javon Walker and possibly a draft pick. Both are young and talented and the broncos could get some value out of Walker and the Jets need another reciever
February 27, 2008

9:56 a.m.

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DEMON writes:

Alright my turn you ponk asses, Rogers is a great player in his prime playing for a sorry ass detroit team, Wasent Bly worth it this year? And yet detroit let him go...And detroit had NO ONE to stop the pass?? Now that was stupidity, Lets talk about Randy Moss, Hes always been one of the best this game has seen. Yet when he was with thos bastards that we all hate with an un-imaginable passion of the ponk ass Raiders, Everyone though he sucked, that he was done, that he was an UNDERACHIEVER, Ummmm didnt he just break the record this year? YES i beleive he did. He was playing for a sorry team and the guy is a winner, of course hes gonna slack and not waist his time and ability in a team where no one else will put the same effort. The same goes for ROGERS hes a star on a slumpy team. Heres what my defence would look like..

CB(1)Champ Bailey CB(2)Dre Bly SS Hamza Abdulla FS John Lynch
LOLB Dj Williams MLB Jonathan Vilma/Keith Rivers/Dan Connor (either one) ROLB Ian Gold and my front four would be the following
Jarvis Moss, Shaun Rogers, Marcus Thomas, Elvis Dumervil. Now what i also would do on playing pass happy teams is..I would go with a
3-3-5 Defence eliminating maybe either one Defensive linemen or
Linebacker and id throw Foxworth on that backfield mix. That gentlemen is our best defense that we can have. TRUST ME. OH one last thing it would be the ultimate thing. to forget all of MLB i just mentioned and bring LANCE BRIGGS HOME BABY!!! WHOOO!!!! I THINK WE ALL NEED TO GET SOME PICK IT SIGNS AND MARCH AROUND DOVE VALLEY!! BRING BRIGGS HOME!!! BRING BRIGGS HOME!! BRING BRIGGS HOME!!
February 27, 2008

4:50 p.m.

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Justin_Credible writes:

Broncos haven't stopped sucking since they let go of Plummer - the truth hurts.
February 28, 2008

8:24 a.m.

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Myth2ry writes:

Here are the pros and cons about Shaun Rogers:

Pro:
1. He's extremely talented and a force to be reckoned with when he is on the field. He can fight through triple teams, like I can tear into a rack of ribs. And he has yet to reach his full potential. Playing for any other team, he would have been a 4 or 5 time pro-bowler.
2. The main reason he's leaving Detroit is that he painted Marinelli into a corner with his attitude. Marinelli has made an issue of getting rid of players who were malcontents (exhibit a.) Dre Bly) and didn't buy into his system. Shaun was rather stingy on the buying...he'd rather rent. Now Marinelli has to get rid of him or else lose the locker room (according to one of the Detroit beat writers).

Cons:
1. Most teams that are declaring interest are 3-4 defenses. Not sure why that is.
2. He has a knee condition that is acerbated by his weight. He had surgery last off-season, that reduced the amount of conditioning he could do before the season started. This contributed to the lack of conditioning that ultimately got him Marinelli's doghouse.
3. He had off-field incident with a strip club and a gun, which was thrown out of court...but may indicate more trouble to come.
4. On the field, if he is stymied initially by the opposing offense, he seems to lose some of his edge on effort. Nobody on Detroit's defense had the leadership ability to get him back on track.

Conclusion: Shaun has never really felt the need to be in great condition. He has the natural ability and strength to succeed without really pushing himself to condition. It hasn't been vital to his career, nor to his personal comfort. However, if Denver's altitude does to Shaun what it does to many who are out of shape, he will feel that internal need to watch his weight/conditioning ... or suffer altitude sickness. Additionally, a full year removed from knee surgery could help him feel that conditioning won't be an issue. Shaun seemed to be angling for the last couple years a way to get out of Detroit. He didn't see that he was part of the breakdown of the defense. Be that as it may, getting out of Detroit could revitalize his career if he has teammates he respects and who can hold him accountable.

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Broncos, others vying for services of Lions' DT

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 25, 2008 at 10:17 p.m.

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