SmilinAssasSin27
02-25-2008, 11:03 PM
Broncos may get offensive boost
First-round pick not tied to defense
By Bill Williamson
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 02/24/2008 11:19:10 PM MST
INDIANAPOLIS — It's clear the Broncos' greatest needs are on defense.
Yet, as the draft preparation for the Broncos hit full swing during the NFL scouting combine, an interesting dilemma unfolded. It's apparent there will be more value on offense when the Broncos are scheduled to pick with the 12th selection of the first round on April 26.
"This draft looks to be very strong at some key positions on offense," Pittsburgh Steelers executive Kevin Colbert said. "There's talent there."
The Broncos might be stuck in a defensive no man's land, but they are in position to acquire one of several intriguing offensive players.
Defensive stalwarts such as tackles Glenn Dorsey of LSU and Sedrick Ellis of USC and end Chris Long of Virginia are sure top-10 picks. But then the defensive talent thins out.
The Broncos need a defensive tackle, a linebacker and a safety. But at No. 12, it might not make much sense to select at those positions.
North Carolina defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer excites some teams, but he might be best suited for a 3-4 defense and is considered raw. At linebacker, Penn State's Dan Connor and USC's Keith Rivers are considered first-round players, but both could be a reach at No. 12.
The Broncos, who are putting the finishing touches on their plan for the start of free agency Friday, believe safety is a weak position in the draft. With veteran John Lynch potentially closing in on departure this week, the Broncos likely will attempt to solve their safety concerns, as well as other defensive needs, in free agency.
The Broncos' biggest desires offensively are on the line, where the youth movement continues, and at wide receiver. Javon Walker will be traded or cut by March 4, when he is due a large option bonus.
The Broncos are sure to be able to fuel their offensive needs at No. 12. This is considered to be one of the strongest groups of offensive tackles available in years. The Broncos lost left tackle Matt Lepsis to retirement the day after the season. The current plan is for 2007 third-round pick Ryan Harris, who also can play right tackle, to take over. The top choices at offensive tackle are Boise State's Ryan Clady, Pitt's Jeff Otah and Vanderbilt's Chris Williams, who played with Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler for two years, and USC's Sam Baker.
Clady says he fits the Broncos' mold very well.
"We were primarily a zone team, and I'm kind of like a Denver Broncos-type offensive lineman," Clady said. "We cut a lot and position block."
Added Otah, "I think I would fit what the Broncos do, and they are looking at linemen."
In recent years, the Broncos have shown interest in trading in the first round. At this point, trading down could be a more likely scenario because of the talent available at No. 12 and because the Broncos, who don't have a third-round pick, are interested in compiling more higher-round picks. If they choose to move up via a trade, Ellis and Dorsey likely would be the targets.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8354595
First-round pick not tied to defense
By Bill Williamson
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 02/24/2008 11:19:10 PM MST
INDIANAPOLIS — It's clear the Broncos' greatest needs are on defense.
Yet, as the draft preparation for the Broncos hit full swing during the NFL scouting combine, an interesting dilemma unfolded. It's apparent there will be more value on offense when the Broncos are scheduled to pick with the 12th selection of the first round on April 26.
"This draft looks to be very strong at some key positions on offense," Pittsburgh Steelers executive Kevin Colbert said. "There's talent there."
The Broncos might be stuck in a defensive no man's land, but they are in position to acquire one of several intriguing offensive players.
Defensive stalwarts such as tackles Glenn Dorsey of LSU and Sedrick Ellis of USC and end Chris Long of Virginia are sure top-10 picks. But then the defensive talent thins out.
The Broncos need a defensive tackle, a linebacker and a safety. But at No. 12, it might not make much sense to select at those positions.
North Carolina defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer excites some teams, but he might be best suited for a 3-4 defense and is considered raw. At linebacker, Penn State's Dan Connor and USC's Keith Rivers are considered first-round players, but both could be a reach at No. 12.
The Broncos, who are putting the finishing touches on their plan for the start of free agency Friday, believe safety is a weak position in the draft. With veteran John Lynch potentially closing in on departure this week, the Broncos likely will attempt to solve their safety concerns, as well as other defensive needs, in free agency.
The Broncos' biggest desires offensively are on the line, where the youth movement continues, and at wide receiver. Javon Walker will be traded or cut by March 4, when he is due a large option bonus.
The Broncos are sure to be able to fuel their offensive needs at No. 12. This is considered to be one of the strongest groups of offensive tackles available in years. The Broncos lost left tackle Matt Lepsis to retirement the day after the season. The current plan is for 2007 third-round pick Ryan Harris, who also can play right tackle, to take over. The top choices at offensive tackle are Boise State's Ryan Clady, Pitt's Jeff Otah and Vanderbilt's Chris Williams, who played with Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler for two years, and USC's Sam Baker.
Clady says he fits the Broncos' mold very well.
"We were primarily a zone team, and I'm kind of like a Denver Broncos-type offensive lineman," Clady said. "We cut a lot and position block."
Added Otah, "I think I would fit what the Broncos do, and they are looking at linemen."
In recent years, the Broncos have shown interest in trading in the first round. At this point, trading down could be a more likely scenario because of the talent available at No. 12 and because the Broncos, who don't have a third-round pick, are interested in compiling more higher-round picks. If they choose to move up via a trade, Ellis and Dorsey likely would be the targets.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8354595