PDA

View Full Version : Broncos sign Jabar Gaffney and Renaldo Hill



honz
02-27-2009, 05:32 PM
...according to Adam Schefter on the NFL Network.

SmilinAssasSin27
02-27-2009, 05:33 PM
now this confuses me. Hill too?

honz
02-27-2009, 05:33 PM
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/fa?playerId=2751


Hill is coming off his eighth year in the league and performed very well in the base two-deep zone coverage. He has bounced back with a solid season after being injured two years ago. He is a short, well-built player who is a better run-stopper than pass-defender. His height can be a hindrance in coverage versus larger receivers, especially on jump balls. He fills the alley well off the hash or leveraging ball carriers in the box. Hill uses his hands well versus blocking protection, which enables him to stay alive to the pile. He is an improved wrap tackler who has decent pop and power on contact. He is an instinctive player who reads route progressions well in combination coverages. He is a versatile athlete who can also be effective as a nickel back covering inside slot receivers in zone and man schemes. Hill was effective for the Dolphins in 2008 and has value as a veteran with versatility. He can be a solid starter or mentor for a more explosive young player in 2009.

Broncospsycho77
02-27-2009, 05:34 PM
... Really?

SmilinAssasSin27
02-27-2009, 05:34 PM
Eric Berry in 2010!!!

honz
02-27-2009, 05:35 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=3561


Gaffney is coming off his seventh season in the league and continues to be a solid No. 3 receiver for the Patriots. He is a solid athlete, but is not an explosive route-runner. He is a crafty veteran who is instinctive finding voids. He can set defenders up well by changing speeds and he understands the little nuances of the position. He doesn't have great strength to break tackles or as a stalk-blocker, but gives good effort on the perimeter. He tracks the deep ball well and has courage and concentration in traffic. Gaffney is a solid route-runner with good quickness in and out of break points, but doesn't have great speed to stretch deep zones.

Medford Bronco
02-27-2009, 05:35 PM
I think Stokley will not be here next season because of this.

Gaffney is not bad but does drop some passes.

Cheez Whiz
02-27-2009, 05:36 PM
Anyone else think this resembles last year?

Mcree and Manuel?

I am not sure what is going on, unless these guys come cheap and come in as backups, I dislike the signings.

Jabar Gaffney isn't bad, I like it.

Cheez Whiz
02-27-2009, 05:36 PM
Well...

Each guy signed a four-year, $10 million deal, with $3 million in guaranteed money.

honz
02-27-2009, 05:38 PM
Well...

Each guy signed a four-year, $10 million deal, with $3 million in guaranteed money.
Yeah, I forgot to add that. Pretty low risk signings. Both players are veterans and provide solid depth at the very least.

bcbronc
02-27-2009, 05:39 PM
Gaffney I'm neutral on. He's nothing spectacular but it's pretty obvious why he was brought in. solid #3 guy who can let Royal line up in the slot when we go 3 wide.

but Hill? I'm lumping him in with Buck and JJ in the "underwhelming" category.

Cheez Whiz
02-27-2009, 05:41 PM
We can some-what compare this to the Niko Koutouvides signing. He got a three-year, $7.5 million contract.

turftoad
02-27-2009, 05:42 PM
Hill and Dawkins? Neither one can defend the pass.

Dissapointing IMO.

SmilinAssasSin27
02-27-2009, 05:42 PM
Anyone else think this resembles last year?

Mcree and Manuel?

I am not sure what is going on, unless these guys come cheap and come in as backups, I dislike the signings.

Jabar Gaffney isn't bad, I like it.

Hill and a 35 year old Dawkins are both better than McCree and Manuel.

SmilinAssasSin27
02-27-2009, 05:43 PM
Hill and Dawkins? Neither one can defend the pass.

Dissapointing IMO.

Hopefully Barrett can.

bcbronc
02-27-2009, 05:43 PM
Hill and Dawkins? Neither one can defend the pass.

Dissapointing IMO.

yeah, Dawkins I like for the intangibles, but what point does Hill make?

dogfish
02-27-2009, 05:45 PM
now this confuses me. Hill too?

i'm assuming they don't intend to start barrett-- maybe they'll at least let him compete for the job in camp. . .


so far, this year's FA looks almost exactly like last year's. . . . at least b-dawk isn't a bum, but i really don't like what looks like an attempt to fill six or seven starting spots on defense with low quality free agents. . . i would have much, much rather gone after two-three QUALITY starters in their prime, and let the young guys battle it out for the rest of the spots-- if this is par for the course, i'm going to be pretty damn disappointed to have this much cap room and not translate it into a few impact players. . . it'll be interesting to see if we go after a legit corner like mcfadden or greer. . .

gaffney isn't terrible for a journeyman, and he does know mcdaniels' system, but it looks like it could be another year of ugliness at RB. . .

SmilinAssasSin27
02-27-2009, 05:45 PM
yeah, Dawkins I like for the intangibles, but what point does Hill make?

Hill is insurance for Barrett. He has to be. Either that or he's the stopgap until he is "ready".

SmilinAssasSin27
02-27-2009, 05:47 PM
so far, this year's FA looks almost exactly like last year's. . . . at least b-dawk isn't a bum, but i really don't like what looks like an attempt to fill six or seven starting spots on defense with low quality free agents. . . i would have much, much rather gone after two-three QUALITY starters in their prime, and let the young guys battle it out for the rest of the spots-- if this is par for the course, i'm going to be pretty damn disappointed to have this much cap room and not translate it into a few impact players. . . it'll be interesting to see if we go after a legit corner like mcfadden or greer. . .

Although I agree there are similarities to 2008, I think this crop is clearly better than McCree, Manuel, Niko, etc. Sorry. I just do. Still not elite, but clearly an improvement. It's a fresh regime w/ fresh faces. We still have the draft and plenty of $$ to look for another impact FA or 2...We can still afford Canty and Greer. And if not, we still have the draft.

bcbronc
02-27-2009, 05:47 PM
Hill is insurance for Barrett. He has to be. Either that or he's the stopgap until he is "ready".

I don't really like the idea of a Dawkins/Hill safety combo though.......

Slick
02-27-2009, 05:47 PM
Maybe Barnett will be our new Sam Brandon? Our TE cover specialist? I liked the Dawkins sigining, but I also thought the pass coverage from our safeties has been lacking for quite some time (Captain Obvious, I know). I don't know much about Hill so I can't really judge him yet.

JONtheBRONCO
02-27-2009, 05:48 PM
These guys aren't for sure starters. Sometimes you gotta get what you can get. I'll reserve judgement. The draft is key here, not the first day of FA IMO. But, whatever.

Simple Jaded
02-27-2009, 05:49 PM
Still in the Scrub business, huh? At least other teams scrubs are better than Denver's scrubs.

So you're telling me that this crap is what Doggie used to charm the pants off Pat Monfort?

Pathetic.......

dogfish
02-27-2009, 05:49 PM
Hill and a 35 year old Dawkins are both better than McCree and Manuel.

i agree that dawkins is better, but i remember last year pretty vividly, when everyone was saying that manuel and mccree were better than old-as-dirt lynch and ferguson. . . hill probably IS a bit better than those guys, but IMO when you get right down to it he's still an aging vet that was let go by a real defensive team with a personnel guy who knows exactly what the hell he's doing and wanted someone better than hill. . .

with the possible exception of dawkins (he deserves the respect), most of the guys we've signed so far are leftovers, just like colbert, mccree, manuel, niko, etc were last year. . . .

honz
02-27-2009, 05:49 PM
yeah, Dawkins I like for the intangibles, but what point does Hill make?

Quality backup that can also start if needed so we don't have to use a pick on a safety in the draft?

TXBRONC
02-27-2009, 05:49 PM
The deal that Hill got pretty modest, it doesn't mean he's the starter.

SmilinAssasSin27
02-27-2009, 05:50 PM
These guys aren't for sure starters. Sometimes you gotta get what you can get. I'll reserve judgement. The draft is key here, not the first day of FA IMO. But, whatever.

Agreed. Our starting Safeties were possibly the worst tandem in NFL history. We just got 2 guys who are clearly better. Hill played very well in 08 for a much improved Dolphin team. McCree and Manuel were trash from awful defenses. Hill was upgraded, but we'll benefit. Again, he may even just be veteran depth/competition for Barrett.

bcbronc
02-27-2009, 05:51 PM
Quality backup that can also start if needed so we don't have to use a pick on a safety in the draft?

I was kind of hoping we'd wait a few days before beginning to sign backups. we'll see what happens though.

honz
02-27-2009, 05:51 PM
These guys aren't for sure starters. Sometimes you gotta get what you can get. I'll reserve judgement. The draft is key here, not the first day of FA IMO. But, whatever.
Yep. I feel like people were expecting a bunch of miracle signings that would instantly turn one of the worst defenses in the league into a top tier defense.

Lonestar
02-27-2009, 05:51 PM
Maybe Barnett will be our new Sam Brandon? Our TE cover specialist? I liked the Dawkins sigining, but I also thought the pass coverage from our safeties has been lacking for quite some time (Captain Obvious, I know). I don't know much about Hill so I can't really judge him yet.

I believe that Barrett has the tools to the job just needs some coaching and watching the master to get the job down.. As does Woody having these older vets back there to teach them will not hurt thier deveoplement....

Medford Bronco
02-27-2009, 05:54 PM
Yep. I feel like people were expecting a bunch of miracle signings that would instantly turn one of the worst defenses in the league into a top tier defense.

that is what the draft is for, helping that sieve of a defense.

EMB6903
02-27-2009, 05:55 PM
Anyone else think this resembles last year?

Mcree and Manuel?

I am not sure what is going on, unless these guys come cheap and come in as backups, I dislike the signings.

Jabar Gaffney isn't bad, I like it.

comparing Mcree to Dawkins?

wtf?

dogfish
02-27-2009, 05:57 PM
Yep. I feel like people were expecting a bunch of miracle signings that would instantly turn one of the worst defenses in the league into a top tier defense.


i don't think anyone was expecting that, but when we have 40 million in cap space and need a ton of help on that side of the ball, i don't think it's wildly unreasonable to want the team to at least be a little bit aggressive and set up visits with a couple of legit, quality starters instead of more retreads. . . is that so crazy?



:noidea:

TXBRONC
02-27-2009, 05:59 PM
i don't think anyone was expecting that, but when we have 40 million in cap space and need a ton of help on that side of the ball, i don't think it's wildly unreasonable to want the team to at least be a little bit aggressive and set up visits with a couple of legit, quality starters instead of more retreads. . . is that so crazy?



:noidea:

So is Dawkins a retread in your opinion?

Medford Bronco
02-27-2009, 06:00 PM
i don't think anyone was expecting that, but when we have 40 million in cap space and need a ton of help on that side of the ball, i don't think it's wildly unreasonable to want the team to at least be a little bit aggressive and set up visits with a couple of legit, quality starters instead of more retreads. . . is that so crazy?



:noidea:


I think that is what our draft is for dog

we need to get some high picks and maybe even a trade to get multiple first rounders

also if McD learned from BB is that you can get value in the 2-4 rounds if used wisely. I am going to reserve my judgement once I see the team on the field.

you would think a lot want to jump off the golden gate bridge with the signings of today

dogfish
02-27-2009, 06:04 PM
So is Dawkins a retread in your opinion?


no, but he is getting pretty old. . . .

Rex
02-27-2009, 06:05 PM
no, but he is getting pretty old. . . .

So was John Lynch when he got to Denver.

WARHORSE
02-27-2009, 06:16 PM
Hill and Dawkins? Neither one can defend the pass.

Dissapointing IMO.


One thing about a pass rush..................it makes cover corners out of even Rodney Harrison types.


Dawkins has no problem intercepting the ball. Lost a step, yes........but still there.

Cugel
02-27-2009, 06:16 PM
no, but he is getting pretty old. . . .

The entire point Dog is that these guys ARE stop-gaps! McDaniels/Nolan/Xanders' plan is clearly to rebuild the defense through the draft and pick up a few veterans who can come in immediately and help.

The same thing seems to be true of Denver's seeking guys like:


The Broncos will host DL Ronald Fields (http://www.rotoworld.com/content/clubhouse_news.aspx?sport=NFL&majteam=DEN)for a free agent visit this weekend.
Fields, 27, played under defensive coordinator Mike Nolan with the 49ers and can play both nose and end in the 3-4. The Rams have also expressed interest in arranging a visit with Fields. He'll be a good value pickup.
Source: NFL.com

Mediocre is what Fields is. A one-dimensional NT/DE for a 3-4 defense who can stuff the run and that's about it. He can't rush the passer for beans. But, if he could he'd be much too expensive for Denver's tastes.


The Broncos have expressed interest in free agent NT Grady Jackson.
Jackson is currently out of Denver's price range, which is perplexing. He didn't key an effective run defense in Atlanta last year and is 36 years old.
Source: Denver Post

Similar.


The Broncos are expected to pursue DE Marques Douglas, recently released by the Ravens.
Douglas played for new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan in both Baltimore and San Francisco, and the Broncos have a need for bigger defensive ends in Nolan's new 4-3 defense.
Source: ESPN.com


Broncos signed S Renaldo Hill to a four-year, $10 million contract with $3 million guaranteed.
It's identical to Jabar Gaffney's deal. If the Brian Dawkins report is true, the Broncos now have two veteran starters at safety as they rebuild their defense on the fly. Hill will play center field while Dawkins plays up against the run.

This is what we can expect. Re-treads and cast-offs who will be at best mediocre for a year.

The real key to the Broncos improving on their horrible defense of a year ago will be:

1. Can they get improved play from the guys already here, especially Marcus Thomas, Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss & Tim Crowder. If so, the defense will improve. If not it won't.

2. Can the FAs hold together for 1 year without repeating the complete collapse of 2008 when EVERYBODY sucked, from Marlon McCree, to Marquand Manuel, to Nikko Koutivides.

I am not confident that the NTs they are talking about here can do much to improve things, but there's always the draft. Perhaps they will trade back in the first round and take a DT like Ron Brace or Peria Jerry. Perhaps either of those guys will be good. Perhaps not too. :coffee:

TXBRONC
02-27-2009, 06:20 PM
no, but he is getting pretty old. . . .

True he is up there, but maybe he's aging just little better Lynch did.

claymore
02-27-2009, 06:32 PM
Im not hoping anymore. I shall just roll with things.

weazel
02-27-2009, 06:44 PM
I want Shanahan back!!!!!!

Northman
02-27-2009, 06:46 PM
So is Dawkins a retread in your opinion?

I dont think he is a retread. But i do think without pressure up front it could pose a problem for him as would if we signed Lewis. I think we still need to make a splash on the Dline for any of the secondary to be truly effective.

broncobryce
02-27-2009, 06:47 PM
Brian Dawkins forced 6 fumbles last season, and had 1 pick. Not sure, but thats probably more than our entire D did last year.

SmilinAssasSin27
02-27-2009, 06:49 PM
definitely more than our safeties.

EMB6903
02-27-2009, 06:58 PM
now that RB doesnt look like an option early on, Im hoping Denver takes a serious look at Alphonso Smith in the 2nd round (if he drops)

omac
02-27-2009, 06:59 PM
I wouldn't worry much on offense. Cutler's made Martinez, Nate Jackson, Darrell Jackson, and even Kircus look decent. No surprise that Scheffler's and Marshall's real talent showed with Cutler, and Eddie blasted through his rookie season. If Gaffney has some innate talent and can crack the lineup, Cutler might make him look like TJ Houshmandzadeh. :rockon:

Lonestar
02-27-2009, 07:00 PM
I want Shanahan back!!!!!!

hear he has a nice house on a hill and a restaurant in DEN might go see if he has a crying towel he is not using..

TXBRONC
02-27-2009, 07:01 PM
Brian Dawkins forced 6 fumbles last season, and had 1 pick. Not sure, but thats probably more than our entire D did last year.

I think we were at the very bottom of the barrel when came to defense creating turnovers.

EMB6903
02-27-2009, 07:02 PM
ya Im pretty sure we didnt have 6 forced fumbles or even 6 Interceptions as a team this year.

TXBRONC
02-27-2009, 07:05 PM
I wouldn't worry much on offense. Cutler's made Martinez, Nate Jackson, Darrell Jackson, and even Kircus look decent. No surprise that Scheffler's and Marshall's real talent showed with Cutler, and Eddie blasted through his rookie season. If Gaffney has some innate talent and can crack the lineup, Cutler might make him look like TJ Houshmandzadeh. :rockon:

I don't know about that Omac but if he can produce about 15 to 20 catches as a 4th receiver I think that would be alright.

SmilinAssasSin27
02-27-2009, 07:08 PM
now that RB doesnt look like an option early on, Im hoping Denver takes a serious look at Alphonso Smith in the 2nd round (if he drops)

Rumors are we go after CB as well via FA. I don' hink we'll even sniff a DB in the draft. And since we signed 2 RBs and are looking at a 2nd WR, I doubt we go those directions either.

Gimme Brace in round 2...the front 7 appears as though it will be an obvious focus on draft day.

Slick
02-27-2009, 07:09 PM
I'd have rather had Clayton instead of Gaffney, for his size and beastly run blocking skills alone, but it's too early to start complaining.

There's got to be a plan for the D-line too. I'm sure we'll see something shake out soon.

SmilinAssasSin27
02-27-2009, 07:12 PM
Remember, we have BM and Royal...plus Stokley. The new WR doesn't have to be great. I just want a guy who runs crisp routes and doesn't drop the rock. And showing the current WRs McD's system wouldn't help either.

EMB6903
02-27-2009, 07:14 PM
I wouldnt be upset at all if the majority of our draft picks were front 7 players, But I dont know about going CB through FA... looking at how much Foxworth received I think it would be a little too pricey to go that route

SmilinAssasSin27
02-27-2009, 07:34 PM
Well...we have added a Safety cheap. Maybe another surprisingly cheap in Dawkins. We have 2 new inexpensive RBs and a new WR w/ another one tendered cheap. Plus the snapper. How could I forget the snapper? That is 5-7 FAs in 1 day. Add Weigmann to that as well. We've filled some holes and still have cash to burn. I'm guessing if we get Dawkins, we will get a fairly cheap LB like Davis or Burnett and spend a bit for a CB...then draft all front 7.

Superchop 7
02-27-2009, 08:41 PM
Hmmm, not expecting much next year from the defense.

Deja-vu of 2008.

tomjonesrocks
02-27-2009, 09:16 PM
Gaffney is OK but he's not Stokley. We better not be kicking Stokely to the curb for him...

All our other signings the last couple days...scrubs at worst and backups at best. A huge yawn but it doesn't sound like a lot of cash has been spent. Perhaps there are some role players here...or not.

Would like to see the team make at least *one* decent splash in FA or the draft that's worth getting excited about...

Tned
02-27-2009, 09:19 PM
Gaffney is OK but he's not Stokley. We better not be kicking Stokely to the curb for him...

All our other signings the last couple days...scrubs at worst and backups at best. A huge yawn but it doesn't sound like a lot of cash has been spent. Perhaps there are some role players here...or not.

Would like to see the team make at least *one* decent splash in FA or the draft that's worth getting excited about...

Considering that between the players cut and UFA's that won't be signed, the team needed quite a few bodies. There are varying opinions on some of these guys, but it's not like we just needed one or two impact players.

honz
02-27-2009, 09:28 PM
I don't see us cutting Stokely. We really aren't paying Gaffney that much...4 years, $10 million. I am hoping we just brought him in to provide quality depth and to have a solid option to throw out there when we go 4 or 5 wide. He can also help our guys that are new to McDaniel's offense since he has spent the last several years in that system.

EMB6903
02-27-2009, 09:33 PM
ya Gaffney will be a split end on those 4 WR sets with Stok and Royal in the slot.

Magnificent Seven
02-27-2009, 09:46 PM
Looks like Marshall is starting to feel under pressure.

Fan in Exile
02-27-2009, 10:20 PM
Looks like Marshall is starting to feel under pressure.

I really don't think Jabar Gaffney is going to make Marshall feel pressure.

MOtorboat
02-27-2009, 10:22 PM
I really don't think Jabar Gaffney is going to make Marshall feel pressure.

No, he's not. Marshall is the No. 1. If the Broncos signed Gaffney to pressure Marshall, they are ******* idiots, and frankly, if you think the signing of Gaffney means that there is pressure on Marshall, than you aren't very intelligent.

Broncospsycho77
02-27-2009, 10:22 PM
BMarsh is only feeling the pressure if Royal walks in 2 inches taller and .1 sec faster on his 40. He's got nothing to worry about except the possibility of being trade bait if he catches the "Lelies" again. No drops.

underrated29
02-27-2009, 10:33 PM
it looks like thats precisly what we will do in the draft.

Get one more CB and or DE/DT in FA.



Then in the draft it looks like DT, DE,ILB,DT,DE,ILB,DT,DE,ILB so on and so forth.

PhinsRock
02-28-2009, 11:45 AM
Hi guys...Let me clear something up.

Whoever was the idiot who reported that Hill played "very well" in a zone 2 deep coverage, didn't see a single Dolphins game in 08.

I love football, and respect what these players do. Loving the Dolphins, I could never say, "you suck!" to a Dolphin. However, I had to break the rule several times...a game...in 08 with Hill.

Renaldo Hill sucks. Period. He is the worst tackler in the NFL (something the Broncos definitely need huh?), he is ALWAYS late to his assignment, he has the worst hands you have ever seen. He had 4 INTs this season...let me say this. He should have had 10...AT THE LEAST. He dropped EVERYTHING!

I will give him this though; he is a smart player and a professional. With that said though, he is a back-up at best...I'm sorry, but you guys are going to be pulling a lot of hair out this season if he is your starting FS. Lol...DO NOT get excited...

Also, I live up near Boston, and know plenty of Gaffney. He is a good player...decent route running, decent hands, pretty good size. He is not a really dangerous WR, but a good possession guy. Good signing for you guys.

Thanks, and good luck in 09. I'm allowed to say that as we don't play you guys...unfortunately;-p ;-p.

frauschieze
02-28-2009, 12:04 PM
Uh oh.....that's a glowing endorsement.

Thanks for the info PhinsRock. It's always nice to hear from a fan first hand the scoop on a player.

SmilinAssasSin27
02-28-2009, 12:10 PM
well...that's no good. Still...like we said before, he's likely dept and still prolly better than M&M.