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Flatinum
06-09-2008, 09:45 AM
It's been over a month since the draft but this site reviewed the Broncos draft today. It's a good read imo.


http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/reviews/reviews/denverbroncos.html

oubronco
06-09-2008, 10:59 AM
Senior Bowl Anaylsis: Kory Lichtensteiger
By Nick | June 6th, 2008
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After a delay, it’s time to resume how a handful of the Broncos’ rookies did in this year’s Senior Bowl. Next up on the list is Kory Lichtensteiger, an interior lineman from Bowling Green taken in the fourth round.

As it turns out, it is tough to judge Lichtensteiger from this game, for a couple of reasons. One, the South team that he was on ran a more traditional blocking system, whereas in Denver he’ll be learning the zone blocking scheme. Second, he had the unenviable task of lining up across from Sedrick Ellis, an elite talent at defensive tackle who was taken seventh overall by the New Orleans Saints. As such, Lichtensteiger did not have the best of games—but these two facts provide some legitimate excuses.

Lichtensteiger started off playing right guard, and his immediate goal was to work with the center in double teaming Ellis. When on double teams, he did well, which is a good sign considering that he will be getting his fair share of double team work in the zone blocking system. Unfortunately, Ellis required constant double team pressure to keep him at bay, and Lichtensteiger did not get a chance to possibly peel off to block on the second level, which is a critical aspect of zone blocking.

His double teaming wasn’t perfect, however. On one snap, he began one against Trevor Laws along with center Cody Wallace, only to abandon it midplay to instead help out on defensive end Jason Jones. He knocked Jones to the ground, but Wallace was unprepared to shift to a one-on-one and as a result Laws was able to absolutely demolish quarterback Colt Brennan on a sack.

Lichtensteiger’s lowest moment was when he had no choice but to try and take on Ellis straight up on his own. He was no match for the USC product, and to make matters worse, it was deep in his team’s own end zone, as Ellis sacked quarterback Andre Woodson for a safety. The good news, however, is that he will rarely be asked to do that in Denver, as a zone blocking scheme would have him taking on Ellis laterally instead of straight up.

In the second half, Lichtensteiger moved to center, and it seemed like he was more comfortable at that position. On his first snap, he was able to peel off an Ellis double team and get into the second level, where he was able to get in the way of linebacker Jordan Dizon to assist in a long run by running back Matt Forte. His pass blocking was also better, as having a larger guard to help him out was better than a lighter center.

It’s probably for the better that Lichtensteiger may be a better fit at center, as that position is likely of more immediate need in the future for the Broncos. When your starter is 37 year old Tom Nalen (who just underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee) and his back up is soon to be 35 year old Casey Wiegmann, there had better be a good contingency plan. Lichtensteiger may be a bit of a project, but one that could be ready to go by the time Nalen and Wiegmann hang up the cleats.

Lonestar
06-09-2008, 11:58 AM
Denver Broncos '08 Draft Review
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Scott Wright
President, NFL Draft Countdown

Since John Elway retired the Broncos have been trapped in a cycle of mediocrity. With the exception of a couple of road bumps (i.e. Clarett, Maurice) the Broncos have actually done a pretty good job on Draft Day in recent years but some questionable free agency decisions have backfired and Denver dropped to 7-9 last year. On paper the Broncos appear to have enough talent to make the playoffs but there are also some question marks that lead you to believe they could be in for another sub-.500 campaign as well. Will this be the year that Denver turns their fortunes around and if so what kind of role will their crop of rookies play?

When Matt Lepsis announced his retirement earlier this year it seemed only natural that the Broncos would use the #12 overall pick on a stud left tackle to replace him and that's exactly what they did. In fact, when Denver chose Ryan Clady of Boise St. they actually started a run on first round blockers, with 5 of the next 9 picks being offensive tackles. At 6-6 and 309 pounds with great feet and rare athleticism for a guy his size, Clady was viewed as either the #2 or #3 tackle in this draft and was arguably the premier left tackle available. The Broncos really don't have a lot of quality or depth at offensive tackle so there is no reason why Clady shouldn't be in the starting lineup protecting Jay Cutler's blind side Week 1.

In round two the Broncos surprised some when they selected Virginia Tech wide receiver Eddie Royal but ultimately it looks like that will end up being a wise move. Royal doesn't have great size and his college production was limited since the Hokies spread the ball around so much but contrary to popular opinion he is much more than just a return specialist. An elusive open field runner with sub-4.4 speed and terrific hands, Royal may not be the biggest guy around but he compensates by being very strong and tough. Royal will never be a #1 wideout in the NFL and he may not even be a #2 option but he should thrive in the slot while also contributing as a punt returner. Look for Royal to compete with guys like Brandon Stokley and Keary Colbert for playing time as a rookie but he should eventually settle in as the Broncos #3 receiver, whether it be in 2008 or 2009, and excel in that role.

In round four Denver chose Bowling Green center Kory Lichtensteiger, who looks like just the type of offensive lineman that the Broncos have had so much success with throughout the years. Lichtensteiger doesn't have great size (6-2, 298) or very long arms but he moves well, understands technique and angles and is extremely smart. With Tom Nalen (37) and Casey Wiegmann (35) getting up there in years and nearing the end of their careers Lichtensteiger will most likely be groomed to take over as the Broncos starting center in a year or two. Later in round four the Broncos selected Kent St. cornerback Jack Williams, who had a lot of fans in the scouting community even though he struggled as a senior due to injuries. Williams doesn't have the ideal size (5-9, 178) that you look for but he plays big and is also an outstanding athlete with excellent speed. He probably doesn't profile as a starter in the pros but Williams could eventually be a great nickel or dime corner, although as a rookie he will most likely be #5 or #6 on the depth chart behind Champ Bailey, Dre Bly, Domonique Foxworth and Karl Paymah.

In round five the Broncos may have gotten a steal in Arizona St. running back Ryan Torain, who will try to follow in the footsteps of guys like Terrell Davis, Orlando Gary, and Mike Anderson. Coming into the 2007 season Torain was being looked at as one of the top senior running back prospects in the country but he only played in six games due to a Lisfranc injury that required surgery. If not for the injury Torain might have been a second or third round pick and he's just the type of tough, one-cut runner that the Broncos look for. Selvin Young will begin the year as the starter but Torain will compete with Michael Pittman for the backup job and there could be an opportunity for him to earn some early playing time and if things break just right there is even a chance he could emerge as the long-term starter. Keep an eye on Torain, he could end up being one of this drafts biggest surprises. Later in round five the Broncos brought in some help at defensive tackle when they chose Carlton Powell of Virginia Tech. An undersized penetrator with good speed and quickness, Powell is a solid all-around player who can be effective as a pass rusher and against the run but doesn't necessarily stand out in any one area. Marcus Thomas and Dewayne Robertson should be locked in as the starters but Powell could compete for a backup job as a rookie.

With their sixth round pick Denver opted for Arizona inside linebacker Spencer Larsen, who was a four-year starter in the Pac-10. A classic overachiever who doesn't have the ideal size, speed or athleticism that you look for, Larsen is just a good football player and the type of guy you hate to bet against. Larsen profiles as more of a backup and special teamer at the next level and as a rookie he will likely compete for a roster spot as a third stringer. The Broncos had two picks in round seven and they did a very good job with both of them. With the first of those two choices Denver selected Arizona St. safety Josh Barrett, who some felt could've gone as high as round three. After a terrific junior season big things were expected from Barrett in 2007 but he failed to live up to that promise and was even benched at one point. With that said Barrett basically has everything you look for physically and his blend of size (6-2, 223) and speed (4.35) is almost freakish. Barrett is an underachiever and probably a Boom or Bust type but in round seven he was certainly worth taking a flyer on, especially for a team looking for some help at safety like Denver is. With their final pick of the draft the Broncos chose Arkansas fullback Peyton Hillis, who in my opinion should have gone at least two rounds earlier. A super versatile player who is able to run, catch and block, Hillis is just what the NFL is looking for at the fullback position these days and if anyone is wondering what kind of impact he can have just go back and watch the Hogs upset win over L.S.U. last year. Hillis may be facing an uphill battle to make the Broncos roster in 2008 and he will probably have to beat out either Cecil Sapp or Mike Bell but make no mistake about it he has what it takes to play in the NFL and could be a steal.

It's obviously still very early but this could be one of Denver's best Draft Day hauls in years. In fact, every one of their selections is probably capable of making a pro roster and contributing in one form or another. Not only did Denver address their greatest need (left tackle) and land prospects who are a perfect fit for their system but they got good value throughout the draft and it even looks like they might have hit on a couple of late rounders. Denver is going to be an interesting team to watch in 2008 and while it's hard to envision them overtaking San Diego in the AFC West they could certainly compete for a Wild Card spot and maybe even make some noise in the playoffs. This draft class doesn't offer a lot of flash and Clady is the only sure-fire rookie starter but the long-term prognosis looks bright.

GRADE: B