Broncos beef up defense, sign McCree and Manuel

Posted by Broncos4Life on March 8, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So now that the defense has been worked on, are we going to address an O-line that has an aging center, a guard coming back from concussions, and a bunch of untested guys? it would be nice if the run game was a threat again, and maybe the play action pass would work again!

Posted by Denver81 on March 8, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

no doubt, i would love to see that become the next priority even if it is in the draft.

Posted by heykyleinsf on March 8, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Best player available.
trade down. stockpile.
first round picks have
rarely been sure bets,
and always have been
salary cap killers.

trade down, and see if
we strike gold like we
did with so many players
lower and later.

Posted by aragornzxl on March 8, 2008 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is nice to see that the Broncos addressed one of their weak spots this quickly, giving that the Draft crop is weak (except for Kenny Philips,which the broncos are unlikely to get their hands on)
That being said, i still have to question the Broncos' signings. Yes McCree is nice, so is Manuel, but i feel that there are some more dire needs for the Broncos to address. For example, the Oline is very flawed. Unless they get some body good from the draft, they should probably start looking at Centers or Guards or Tackles by now. Second problem, defensive line, their run defense was 30th last year, and they all start with the D-Line. Again, they should do something quick now, before it is too late.
Other needs to address: Running Back (I dont trust Travis Henry, unless it is a DNA paternity test)
How about a solid WR: Our current corp is solid, but as we learnt in the past, injuries can literally kill you. Our WR corp bares thin aisde from Marshall and Stokley.
Also liked to see addressed is maybe get a Cornerback, aside from BAILEY or Bly, they need a good third CB to step in, and that CB better be ready to have a lot of balls thrown their way.
However, it is nice to see that the Broncos are finally getting their butt up in Free Agency and tried to improve something. They should have gotten into the Market earlier.

Posted by heykyleinsf on March 8, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

J.A.S.O.N. E.L.A.M.

WHAT IN THE ELL IS GOING ON????

Posted by broncsbuffshomer28 on March 8, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

McCree and Manuel are not the answer at saftey but will bring a much needed veteran influence at the position Lynch is one hit away from becoming the next great ex bronco tv analist. Have no fear broncoland Abdullah is the answer at SS he is faster, stronger, bigger and more athletic than McCree Hopefully the broncs will match any offer he gets in free agency and he will benefit from some compitition at the spot. I disagree this is a bad year for saftey in the draft. Shanny should look at Jamar Adams(Mich.) and Josh Barrett(Arizona at.) Both are 6'2 230 and fast (barrett ran 4.3 at the combine) both are big hitters and should be availible after we draft some help at DT. Caleb Campbeell(army) also is a fast hard hitting SS and will be around on day two of the draft

Posted by SE7EN on March 8, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Elam will be resigned, I wouldn't worry about that. Both parties want him back in Denver from what I've heard.

Now that they've signed McCree and Manuel, I doubt they'll be drafting Phillips as many suspected. The battles are won up front, time to beef up the line on both sides of the ball.

Posted by broncsbuffshomer28 on March 8, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

arago,

You are way off base here dont forget Ben Hamilton was a center in college and World league and from what ive read most liked the job Cris MYers did this season at center. We have Pears and Harris at OT not great I agree and there is not much depth behind them but this years draft is crazy deep at OL and I for one am glad we are not throwing money at other teams retreads on the OL or DL. I also disagree about CB, Carl Payma can play in this league and i hope the broncs match any offers for him in free agency dont forget he was considered the best cover guy we drafted in 04 (williams, foxworth, Payma) untill he got hurt. If we trade down come draft day there is some talent at DT take a look at Kentwan Balmer(NC), Red Bryant(Texas a&m), Pat Simms(auburn), and Frank Okam(Texas) all should be availible late first too third rounds

Posted by den2mke on March 8, 2008 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First of all, if things go as the Broncos plan Abdullah and McCree will be playing together--not competing for the same spot as previously inferred.

Secondly, I gotta believe that Shanahan has had a total change of direction at d-line. While there may be a few decent prospects in free agency, recent past would suggest that the price/return is just too risky. Everyone's looking for the same positions and the market gets priced up for average-at-best players. Seems like they've made a decision to develop this from within--which at least seems smarter. Way too early to determine the value of the draft picks of last year.

I'd be surprised if some o-linemen weren't added through the draft and maybe another 3rd to 4th round steal at RB. When you consider the Broncos strategy in free agency--and those of some of the more successful teams of late-- free agency should be used to add depth and fill small gaps, not wholesale moves to plug gaping holes.

Posted by Charley1 on March 8, 2008 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree that we should have really gotten a difference-maker in the saftey position with at least one of the folks. This reminds me of the low-ball effect the bronx like to use in getting players in. Its not that high-profile names are the best, but one here or there does deliver at times. I also think that the bronx need to sign Foxworth to a long-term as he proved he is the best relief corner on the team, the best at nickle and will play the FS/SS when needed. He was drafted after Darrent and Paymah in 2005, yet moved up the order while in camp in 2005, and ended up starting the season in a game before Darrent and Paymah. There were no injuries to Paymah, he just got outplayed by Foxworth. By far, he's tough, fast and has the smarts to be a starter. If the Broncos donot sign him to a long-term, I can see another team offering and he's out of here, as they put his name out for trading anyway. WHere is the loyalty on this team also. They did Al Wilson wrong after he left it on the field and other players, which I believe is why they don't win lately, as the players don't feel any loyalty and the trust is lost. Back to players, we do need to address the D-line and fast. No matter who the corners and safeties are, if there is no pressure up front, then its a long day for the secondary.

Arrogonixy and bronsbuffshomer28 you guys are both wrong on the CB area. There is a strong core now, with Foxworth leading (read the stats and review the games in detail). Paymah is a good 4th corner and Humza really should be starting. If you watched the games, Foxworth was the 3rd corner and nickle and towards the end of the season, they started playing him at safety because no one else on the bench could do the job. Humza was in starting also and should be a starter now. Foxworth is best at corner and nickle, but will do what the team needs, which is rare for a corner his structure and shows his toughness and smarts. Humza is great as well, and is a starter on another team. The more playing time players get, the better they are. You guys really need to re-evaluate your statements.

Charley1

Posted by heykyleinsf on March 9, 2008 at 12:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

thanks se7en, I hope you're right.
Den2mke, I agree.

After the giants beat the patriots, in this
copy cat league, DL just got outrageously
over-rated and overpaid.

Although we are desperate at DT, it's still
a big gamble. Where are all the browncos,
Sam Adams, Simeon Rice and all the other flop
DLmen we gambled on and lost now? Also, how
much do we miss Reggie Hayward, Bertand Berry
and Trevor Pryce? They went on to decent careers,
but not worth the money they got.
Where did this Dumervil kid come from??
In the later rounds.
History shows how overpaid and overrated the positions
are. I like the patience Shanahan is showing.

The raiders signed tommy kelly to a $50 million contract.
and Walker to a $55 million. OUCH!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!

weird al davis is writing the book on what not
to do in free agency and the draft.

Next year he might have another #1 pick.

What a dummy throwing $55 million at Walker.
After Moss and Porter.

No wonder the raiders are far and away the
favorite team among the incarcerated and
paroled felons.

Thanks Al for leaving us a cushion to fall
on if things go bad.
Dumb and dirty guys finish last.
Call it dementia, call it megalomania, I call
it further revenge for shanny. THANKS AL!!!
HAHAHAHA!!!!!!

Posted by csloan999 on March 9, 2008 at 1:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm a Big East fan and I can tell you that we ABSOLUTELY need to draft FB Owen Schmitt from WVU--he should still be around by the 4th-5th round and would be a steal. Schmitt has heart, guts, toughness, and a nastiness that's missing from our current team. He runs a 4.70, so he's good for carries as well as blocking. NFL.com also says he only lost yards on 4 carries in 353 career attempts. That's the type of short-yardage game we need. Take note, Shanny, just in case he slips to the later rounds...

Posted by elgin99 on March 9, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Word is out that this draft has the best talent ever at left tackle. Next to Q .B the most important position on O. We will take Clady, although stock has been rising, Utah or Williams.
With Lepsis gone this is a sure bet.

Posted by elgin99 on March 9, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Its time to let Elam go, lets draft a top kicker at number
5 who can EVEN DO KICK OFFS. Elam has at best 1-2 years and will command 3 million +, its time to move on.

Posted by broncofan61 on March 9, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

you all do not know what you are talking about i'm the king of all bropnco fans

Posted by BMat on March 9, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This team has no O-line, a young QB, one young WR worth keeping and a bong-hitting RB that failed to notch 1000 yards last year.

So picking up a couple of well-traveled secondary players should help a ton.

Just like letting Shanny run another draft should help too.

Yeah, right.

Posted by broncos4ever on March 9, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anybody who thinks Abdullah is the answer at safety needs a drug test, were you watching the games last year? He did nothing but miss open field tackles and blow coverage assignments, why would you want him back? I'm glad the Broncos brought McCree and Manuel into the mix, I feel much better about our safety position than I did 24 hours ago. I'd still like to see them draft a safety in the first 4 rounds, but now it's not as much of a need as before. DT is clearly the #1 need going into the draft, I think the Broncos should trade down in round 1 if they can, and go after Balmer or Sims, if not take the best OT or LB available (maybe Williams from Vandy (OT) or Rivers from USC (LB)) and address DT in round 2.

Posted by Cutler6 on March 9, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

East Coast Sports.com -Mock Draft

8. Denver Broncos (from Baltimore) - DT Glenn Dorsey (LSU)...Projected Draft Day Trade...The Broncos want to move up to land their choice of DT's, while the Ravens are more than happy to move down a few spots since their 3rd round pick went to Bflo in the McGahee trade and Gholston, Clady and McKelvin have already come off the board...the Broncos send the Ravens two 4th round picks (#109 & 116) and a 5th round pick (#132) for the right to move up to land the DT of their choice.

Posted by CMoney on March 9, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Boy this article sure spawned a wide array of other topics. Our free agent signings have been frugal and I like the change from signing all of the big names. It's nice to have depth at safety after two or three years of having to put an undersized Foxworth back there. I do believe we are going to address DT in a trade or possibly through free agency, but there is a premium on this position in the market and it might only get done through a trade. I have to believe that D.Robertson of the Jets has a slim chance of being a Bronco, but at what cost probably Foxworth and some draft pick manipulations).
As far as Elam goes it is my opinion that the Broncos should watch him ride into the sunset. I know he is a fan favorite but this is a business and carrying two kickers on the roster is plain silly (we carry two kickers on the roster, how come neither one can kickoff into the endzone?) At worst we get the biggest legged undrafted free agent or we use one of our 7th round picks. Let's stick with the youth movement at all the positions.
Finally, what do we do with that number 12 pick? Well, I do agree with Shanny on the fact that by number twelve the value in the draft is going to be on the offensive side of the ball (remember all of that talk about best player available). The more the Broncos progress through the off season the more I think we are going to pick R. Clady the LT out of Boise State. I know, I know, an O-Lineman with our first overall pick is a little hard to swallow, it was for me to. But the more I look at it the more it makes sense. Look at Cleveland, Indy, SF, all took first round franchise LT's. The other thing about Clady is Boise State runs an almost identical zone blocking scheme as the Broncos and he's big and athletic. If we don't take him at twelve he'll be gone at thirteen. I know it's not the most glam pick for the first round, but I think this guy can anchor the left side (Cutler's blind side) of the offense for years to come and remember all great QB'S had great blind side tackles and Clady may be the guy along with Marshall and Scheffler and Cutler that could be the core of this offense for years to come.

Posted by crushon77 on March 9, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

the broncos have certainly taken a different approach to free agency this year, and i like it. though i'd like to see a free agent dt or ot signing, available players are either overpriced or not worth the effort. e.g. george foster is available ;)

ot in the draft is fine, but rookies rarely start in the broncos' system. broncos have been adding linemen through the draft for the last few years, in case no one has noticed. i can't believe they let eslinger get away. let's hope ryan harris is the steal the broncos thought he was when they drafted him.

still confused about the safety position; there's still not a good free safety on the roster.

btw, you can hate on the browncos moves all you want, but ekuban and mckinley are still here and warren should be. roye could be next.

go broncos!

Posted by CMoney on March 9, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rookie O-lineman have been starting more often then ever in recent years, they don't sit for four or five years anymore, teams can't afford it. Pears, Foster, Myers, Harris all played as young offensive lineman. The days of sitting young players in the NFL are, for the most part, over. They get payed too much to sit anymore. On that note, I think the NFL should look at rookie structured contracts ala the NBA.

Posted by ONEman on March 9, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Right on the CMoney! You pretty much took the words out of my mouth.

"anchor the left side (Cutler's blind side) of the offense for years to come"

I also like Chris Williams out of Vandy, Cutlers boy. A solid RB is a must as I can garuntee Henry will not stay healthy,not to mention drug free. I'm not sold on Selvin just yet but that could also be O line issues we'll see. Jamaal Charles would be a nice pickup.But as mentioned by Csloan99 mentioned FB Owen Schmitt is also a great play.

Posted by ONEman on March 9, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As for Mcree and Manuel, I love it they definitely gave us more talent in the secondary. Mcree is solid and can make plays something Denver has lacked excluding CHAMP obviously.

Attention: Shannahan

Jake Scott needs to be picked up immediately.

Posted by Dynamicdave on March 9, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is for broncofan61, if you're such a Bronco fan, then learn to spell Broncos, correctly. And nospmisjo, 5+ years? That is so far off base, it was almost not worth addressing. It's obvious that you're a "glass half empty", person. When they have a bad game, I bet you bad-mouth them, rather then support them. Bandwagon fan.

Posted by crushon77 on March 9, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sorry cmoney & oneman, you're wrong. #1 pick foster sat on the bench as a rookie; all other young linemen played due to injuries, and for no other reason. i'm not saying the broncos shouldn't take an o-lineman. they should. just don't expect him to start. time for harris to step up.

oneman, i'm with you on not being totally sold on selvin young (good change of pace but can't carry full load), but should henry manage to stay healthy (big if) and stay drug-free (small if), he will gain 1500+ yards next year. broncos need another back to carry the load if henry goes down.

Posted by crushon77 on March 9, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

two other things.

1. bly is a playmaker and he made plays for the broncos last year. i'm glad they got him. sure, he got burned sometimes. champ is the best in the business but he gets burned from time to time too. bly is good enough that foxworth can't take his job. i think that's saying something. foxworth is a good corner and will get a big payday next year. i like the signings of mcree and manuel, but both are liabilities in coverage, which is the problem with lynch and abdullah. broncos still need a safety who can cover.

2. sign elam. reliable kickers are hard to find. BUT. elam, get real. take the paycut and finish your career with the broncos. you're money inside the 40, but you can't kickoff and you're not kicking those field goals at 50+ yards anymore.

Posted by heykyleinsf on March 9, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shanny is awesome at finding jewels in the rough.
Did dan reeves build the super bowl roster?
NO!!!

You sukk as fans you know that?
If I hung out with you I would slap your stupid azz
upside the head.

Damm what losers!

7-9 and you're throwing in the towel. You are an
embarrassment to the male species.

There are a great core of players on this roster.
A few more key additions, and look out, we're back
in the hunt.

Go cheer for someone else.
The raiders are looking for someone just like you.

Posted by Charley1 on March 9, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you don't have top tier people on the free agent market, which they're all gone on the D-line and safety positions, then its time to admitt you're rebuilding and move forward. This is where the talent we have developed comes into play such as Humza and Foxworth. They paid their dues and have earned time to be more of a part of the team. This team will not do well until it learns to take care of players who have laid it on the line for the team, instead of using them up and shipping them off. When you look at players that have contributed well on the team and we get rid of them, the team traded to and the players have done well, helping that team initially. We have gotten everyones "stuff" on this team in trade and they have been busts at most. So developing talent is how you grow teams and anyone that doesn't see that must be on drugs.
This is a team, not a one-person show, and it takes talent and commitment from all to make it work (coaches-owners included that are sticking the house up now). While I like McCrea's addition, I'm puzzled about the other (7 yrs and 5 teams), as I do feel that our players have earned the right to play. This is how teams grow and become competitive again, and anything else is band-aide work, as the bronx have done the last two years. 2005 had lots of success with Foxworth, Williams, being rookies and the defense and the offense we had in place. We have not really built around that except for 2007 with the two D-linemen, but injuries hurt them. Face it folks, the Bronx are building, simple-cut and dry, and free agency really is not how you build. You build from within.

Charles

Posted by ONEman on March 9, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GEEEEEEEE dude calm the Faulk down, who said anything about throwin in the towel, this blog is about making key position additions. Besides that Super Bowl is gone with Elway I'm talking about winning our Division every year, at least. Fill the trenches and bang.We're set at skill positions with a tweak at RB and maybe another WR/KR we're back to dominance... well in our division anyway. Not that should be a task either. Al Davis is a tater tot to spend that on Walker. But thanks anyway.

Posted by crushon77 on March 9, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

heykyleinsf, what are you talking about? with the possible exceptions of nospmisjo & bmat, it's obvious everyone who's posted loves the broncos. and i'm guessing that they love the broncos too, and are frustrated that the team has performed far below expectations.

we don't have to agree on everything. the speculation and debate are fun.

Posted by DEMON on March 9, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THE BRONCOS MADE A BIG MISTAKE IN NOT SIGNING LANCE BRIGGS. Al wilson went down and so did our defence, Gold and D.J. were not able ro operate that defence withour him. We needed a big time playmaking linebacker and we got WHO??? Whats wrong with our D-line? you guys dont like Moss, Dumervil and Thomas? As far as the o line goes....yes we need help.

Posted by crushon77 on March 9, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

demon, briggs was too expensive for a team that is building its core. d-line might be fine at end, but needs something at dt. o-line is not as bad as some say, but still needs help, particularly at tackle, where there are currently only three players on the roster. need a vet, but whose available? this will be addressed in the draft, though dt is a glaring need as well. it starts in the trenches!

all ready?!

Posted by heykyleinsf on March 9, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

it was for bmat mainly
sorry for the rest
but we are spoiled fans aren't we?

Posted by crushon77 on March 9, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

we are spoiled.

broncos expect to be competitive every year. which is more than i can say for most teams. shanahan is predictable. predictably competitive. even when they're "rebuilding". how many teams can say that? it's a short list.

last year, shanahan tried to give bates everything he needed thru free agency and the draft. things didn't go as planned, and he moved on. delegate, and then hold responsible. that's what a good manager should do.

every coach has his shortcomings. belichick included. say what you want, but expectations are high every year for the broncos. we're lucky to have him.

Posted by goldenz on March 9, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

While looking at a list of available offensive tackles, I noticed George Foster is a free agent, and not yet signed. Not sure what the situation was when they got rid of him, but he knows the system. I know he was part of the trade for Bly, not sure if Shanahan hated him or not. Also not sure if he can play left tackle.

Anyone else think he will be back? Also available,

Fabini (Redskins 2007)

Starks (Steelers 2007) finished the season on IR, not sure what his status is?

Whittle (Buffalo 2007)

Posted by lavish3030 on March 10, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Its very funny i take a look every day to look at comments of Us Bronco Fans and i scratch my head every day after reading most of you r comments (no wonder you are fans and not players or our front office)If you know anything about the Broncos after watching all these games last year where we would show signs of perfection but where we would choke when we needed to shine. The Broncos need help serious help at Defensive Tackle (we only have who unproven and young but talented Marcus Thomas on the roster) and at Offensive Tackle because Erick pears is way to slow to start he would be a great back up but by no means a starter and the Rookie we haven't seen to much of him but have heard good things but after that back surgery who knows??? I think as much as i hate to say it we need to trade down get a 3rd pick in the process and draft the OT from Vanderbilt i heard great things about this kid plus him and cutler are familiar with each other an added bonus and our 2nd and 3rd round pick should focus on a DT with a fourth pick going towards a Safety and maybe the later 4th round pick picking up a Rb and throwing him in there to compete with Travis Henry and Selvin Young someone who can sit and watch and learn. That would be my approach and if i had a choice i would trade my 4th round pick and maybe even a 5th and grab Robertson from the Jets because regardless of how big of a bust this guy was he has Warren Sapp potential with the right team and scheme remember he was a # 5 pick a few years ago and coaches Raved about this guy back then so there it is Shanny i hope you are reading this (highly unlikely) because you sometimes make some very weird decisions and it makes me scratch my head because they retarded in my eyes like that Monday Night Game against Green Bay where you ran the ball on 3rd down with a few sec left and no time outs (WOW!!! as Flava Flav would say lol...)thats all i got to say folks if you need some real advice please do not hesitate to ask because i am a genius when it comes to the Broncos just never chose the wrong profession.

Posted by aragornzxl on March 11, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let me just summarize the Broncos need here...
1: O-Line Lets face it, its a disaster last season
2: D-Line, explaination? see above. The only good news is we got young stars healthy, but we do need some run stuffers.
3: Lets get a good WR, in case our current, respectable core gets itself injured.
4: GET NEW MANAGEMENT!!!!