Elway better draft defense

[CrazyHorse]

Our offense is fine. Even with injuries, we've shown we have plenty of depth on that side of the ball. Our defense on the other hand needs a lot of work. With the injuries the lack of depth is showing. We could use a safety or two, a corner back, defensive tackle, inside linebacker, as well as a pash rushing end. I'll be upset if we don't go all defense, or mostly, if we can pick up some free agents.

[Joel]

We could use help, or at least depth, on the offensive line, and it's no guarantee Moreno+Ball will be enough and continue to be enough in future, but I generally agree. I've been screaming for a do-it-all Mike since before injury ended Wilsons career, and if Woodyard's not the answer there we need to find someone who is, and a solid NT who doesn't leave us naked when either of our two FAs is fatigued or injured. Depending on what happens with Wolfe, Phillips and Ayers we may need DEs, too; there's no guarantee Smith will go straight from PUP to Pro Bowl.

Yet in the largest sense I'm not wholly convinced our defensive problems are lack of talent rather than coaching, which speaks poorly of the defensive specialists we have at head coach and DC.

[CrazyHorse]

We could use help, or at least depth, on the offensive line, and it's no guarantee Moreno+Ball will be enough and continue to be enough in future, but I generally agree. I've been screaming for a do-it-all Mike since before injury ended Wilsons career, and if Woodyard's not the answer there we need to find someone who is, and a solid NT who doesn't leave us naked when either of our two FAs is fatigued or injured. Depending on what happens with Wolfe, Phillips and Ayers we may need DEs, too; there's no guarantee Smith will go straight from PUP to Pro Bowl.

Yet in the largest sense I'm not wholly convinced our defensive problems are lack of talent rather than coaching, which speaks poorly of the defensive specialists we have at head coach and DC.

I think it's a combination of the two. Besides Von there isn't any other great players, although we do have some good ones. The coaching has been pretty bad too. Having 12 men on the field several times is inexcusable. So is leaving Webster to cover Allen by himself. I don't know what they were thinking when they pulled Woodyard for Lenon either. Our offensive line has played pretty well missing key players. So have Ball and Moreno.

[TXBRONC]

I think he should draft the best player available regardless of position.

[CrazyHorse]

I think he should draft the best player available regardless of position.

So if Bridgewater falls to us in the first, we take him? The idea of drafting BPA always sounds good in theory but I just don't think it's realistic.

[Dapper Dan]

I'm hoping for good DBs.

[Ravage!!!]

So if Bridgewater falls to us in the first, we take him? The idea of drafting BPA always sounds good in theory but I just don't think it's realistic.

Agreed. Depends on the position. We aren't using BPA on a position that will compete with Von Miller or Clady. But other than that?

As far as drafting defense, I think OL is just as much a need. Depth at WR is pretty thin.

Not to mention, you draft for the future, not for the now. That being said, what is our team going to need 2-3 years from now...that is what we need to draft.

[tripp]

Agreed. Depends on the position. We aren't using BPA on a position that will compete with Von Miller or Clady. But other than that?

As far as drafting defense, I think OL is just as much a need. Depth at WR is pretty thin.

Not to mention, you draft for the future, not for the now. That being said, what is our team going to need 2-3 years from now...that is what we need to draft.



I wouldn't say no to drafting a WR similar to Welker, we need that fast paced slot receiver we're missing when Welker goes down. I hate to say it, but I look at Welker, and Manning as nothing but mercenaries. I don't see Welker hanging around once Manning retires.

And also, how can FO be so sure Osweiler is our man (I know you guys are probably thinking, not this debate again)? I have a hard time believing a QB who has played 1 full season of QB at ASU, who is good enough in the eyes of our FO to be man in charge once Manning retires. So with that being said, what if, a more proven QB who has more potential than Osweiler, falls on our lap, do we pass it up?

[Dapper Dan]

I wouldn't say no to drafting a WR similar to Welker, we need that fast paced slot receiver we're missing when Welker goes down. I hate to say it, but I look at Welker, and Manning as nothing but mercenaries. I don't see Welker hanging around once Manning retires.

And also, how can FO be so sure Osweiler is our man (I know you guys are probably thinking, not this debate again)? I have a hard time believing a QB who has played 1 full season of QB at ASU, who is good enough in the eyes of our FO to be man in charge once Manning retires. So with that being said, what if, a more proven QB who has more potential than Osweiler, falls on our lap, do we pass it up?

How do you know any QB in this draft is more proven? Who has more NFL experience than Oz?

[Ravage!!!]

I wouldn't say no to drafting a WR similar to Welker, we need that fast paced slot receiver we're missing when Welker goes down. I hate to say it, but I look at Welker, and Manning as nothing but mercenaries. I don't see Welker hanging around once Manning retires.

And also, how can FO be so sure Osweiler is our man (I know you guys are probably thinking, not this debate again)? I have a hard time believing a QB who has played 1 full season of QB at ASU, who is good enough in the eyes of our FO to be man in charge once Manning retires. So with that being said, what if, a more proven QB who has more potential than Osweiler, falls on our lap, do we pass it up?

That's the question that Z asks. How can we be sure? No one is EVER sure until they are on the field. Does anyone think RGII is really going to be that franchise's QB for the long term? That evaluation has to be done by the coaches on what they see in practice. Had Oswieller remained in college, he most probably would have been the #1 QB taken in the next years draft. We got him in the second round for a plan B had Manning not been able to continue due to injury. As of right now, there really is NO reason to double Osweiller's ability. There certainly is no reason to believe that a guy out of college would do better.

I personally HATE the "mercenary" label. That's what all FA's are, and that is what the league is built on. But I agree that Wes may not make it to next year considering his concussion history as of late, and the NFL's complete BS on the situation.

[tripp]

How do you know any QB in this draft is more proven? Who has more NFL experience than Oz?

I think I'd take a more decorated college QB and a college QB who has more experience playing at the college level. That's the point I was getting at. Just my 2 cents, doesn't mean it's right, just my basic logic.

[tripp]

That's the question that Z asks. How can we be sure? No one is EVER sure until they are on the field. Does anyone think RGII is really going to be that franchise's QB for the long term? That evaluation has to be done by the coaches on what they see in practice. Had Oswieller remained in college, he most probably would have been the #1 QB taken in the next years draft. We got him in the second round for a plan B had Manning not been able to continue due to injury. As of right now, there really is NO reason to double Osweiller's ability. There certainly is no reason to believe that a guy out of college would do better.

I personally HATE the "mercenary" label. That's what all FA's are, and that is what the league is built on. But I agree that Wes may not make it to next year considering his concussion history as of late, and the NFL's complete BS on the situation.


I'll admit I don't watch college ball that often, unless it's an important game. I understand drafting a QB in college is like a crapshoot but how does one season tell you that? I just find it a bit crazy. Don't get me wrong, I hope he's the best QB to come out of his class, which is saying a lot considering who was drafted that year, I also hope he's learning everything he can from Manning, not a whole lot of QB's have been given that opportunity, just hope he takes full advantage of it and asks a lot of questions.

In my mind, mercenary in football is someone who is on the team for 1-3 years, anything after that I'd consider you more. Aside from the concussions, I don't see Welker hanging around while we're starting basically a rookie at QB.

[vettesplus]

you may want to think about the qb position, if pfm takes a beating in the post season he could hang it up after this year, then what do you do???

[Dapper Dan]

you may want to think about the qb position, if pfm takes a beating in the post season he could hang it up after this year, then what do you do???

Play Osweiler.

[ForgettingBrandonMarshall]

I like how Denver loses and we start talking about the draft.

[Dapper Dan]

I'll admit I don't watch college ball that often, unless it's an important game. I understand drafting a QB in college is like a crapshoot but how does one season tell you that? I just find it a bit crazy. Don't get me wrong, I hope he's the best QB to come out of his class, which is saying a lot considering who was drafted that year, I also hope he's learning everything he can from Manning, not a whole lot of QB's have been given that opportunity, just hope he takes full advantage of it and asks a lot of questions.

In my mind, mercenary in football is someone who is on the team for 1-3 years, anything after that I'd consider you more. Aside from the concussions, I don't see Welker hanging around while we're starting basically a rookie at QB.

I don't watch a whole lot of college either, except for teams I like. I also that it was kind of crazy that we took Oz after not doing that well in college. I did go back and cherry pick an example. ASU beat USC with little problem, while Luck had a couple turnovers. If I'm remembering that right. And USC had Monte Kiffin, who I thought ran a fairly "NFL-style" defense.

That's why I just leave it up to the FO. They have a lot more access to junk than I do. I've yet to hold an individual practice for Oz, and I doubt I'll get the chance.

[Dapper Dan]

I like how Denver loses and we start talking about the draft.

I always talk about the draft.

I thought about starting a Broncos @ Rams 2014 thread, to see who might go. I thought I might wait a while.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Our first pick the last 3 drafts were front seven players. I think the majority of our problems lie within the injury report.

[OrangeHoof]

I think free agency will have a lot to say about our draft needs. Who's leaving? Who did we add? Then the draft will be used to fill the remaining holes. I want to see what happens with Champ and DR-C before I determine whether DB is our biggest need.

[Simple Jaded]

Fans shit their pants when Denver drafted a QB in year one of Manning, can you imagine the shitstorm if he drafted another QB before Osweiler ever had the chance to prove whether or not he's the future? The Broncos really liked Dysert too but decided to wait til the 7th round to take him.

You may not like Osweiler, you may not like Dysert, but by all accounts the Broncos do. If Manning doesn't outlast these QB's rookie contract you might wanna warm up to the notion that Denver likes their QB situation a lot more than you do.

[Ravage!!!]

I'll admit I don't watch college ball that often, unless it's an important game. I understand drafting a QB in college is like a crapshoot but how does one season tell you that? I just find it a bit crazy. Don't get me wrong, I hope he's the best QB to come out of his class, which is saying a lot considering who was drafted that year, I also hope he's learning everything he can from Manning, not a whole lot of QB's have been given that opportunity, just hope he takes full advantage of it and asks a lot of questions.

In my mind, mercenary in football is someone who is on the team for 1-3 years, anything after that I'd consider you more. Aside from the concussions, I don't see Welker hanging around while we're starting basically a rookie at QB.

Everyone just makes their guesses and speculations on a season. His years on AZ, and the way he played, gae people the belief that he would be one of the very top prospects going into the next season. Considering who came out the next year, had Osweiller kept up the same level of play without a big drop-off, people believe he would have been the first QB taken in that draft. I'm just going by what the professional draft-niks tell me.

But consdiering he's now had two years working and learning in the NFL with NFL coaches, WRs, blocking schemes, two training camps, training rooms, film sessions with Peyton... I would think the he would be ahead of any rookie we could draft.

Now, that being said, the odds are highly against him to be the next franchise QB as the odds are HIGHLY against anyone to be the next franchise QB. But considering we ahve a 2nd round quality QB alreadyon the roster that has a lot of talent and 2 years worth of learning under his belt, I don't see a reason in the world that would make me want our FO to use a high round pick on a QB.

[Joel]

So if Bridgewater falls to us in the first, we take him? The idea of drafting BPA always sounds good in theory but I just don't think it's realistic.
Crappy teams should draft BPA because 1) they have so many huge holes they can use him immediately WHATEVER his position and 2) their first pick is so high the BPA will be very good indeed.

Playoff teams don't draft the Best Player Available because they can't: He's already gone; their only "available" option is drafting the best player LEFT, and after #20 he's unlikely to be a first ballot HoFer. Even if he is, if he plays a position where they're already loaded and they're still missing that safety, or linebacker, or left tackle who was the difference between winning and losing the Super Bowl, what have they gained? Someone they can trade to a team who knows they have too much expensive talent at one position and won't offer much?

We need the guy who'll put us over the top, not a guy who'll be a Pro Bowler two years after Manning and Champ retire. There's no one-size-fits-all draft philosophy; draft philosophies must fit the teams situation to be effective, and using the #20-31 pick to find a #1-5 talent who's long gone (and can't help) is always a mistake.

[Broncolingus]

I thought every NFL does (or should) discuss and address the draft regardless of whether a team wins or loses?

If Denver wins the Super Bowl are they not going do anything in the draft?

:confused:

...anyway, my two-cents for the draft are 1) front seven on the defense followed by 2) secondary...in that order.

I, personally, think the offense is fine (pending any current losses - FA or other - of course) and showed some pretty good depth - particularly on the OL - this season...

JMO and not an attack on anyone else's opinion...

...not that that'll make a difference of course, but it's at least honest and decent :D

[ForgettingBrandonMarshall]

I thought every NFL does (or should) discuss and address the draft regardless of whether a team wins or loses?

If Denver wins the Super Bowl are they not going do anything in the draft?

:confused:

...anyway, my two-cents for the draft are 1) front seven on the defense followed by 2) secondary...in that order.

I, personally, think the offense is fine (pending any current losses - FA or other - of course) and showed some pretty good depth - particularly on the OL - this season...

JMO and not an attack on anyone else's opinion...

...not that that'll make a difference of course, but it's at least honest and decent :D

I must have missed the draft threads after the Broncos other 13 games. If so, I apologize. Must be just a coincidence that we are talking about the draft after the Broncos lost.

Sure, every "NFL" discusses the draft. However, usually that happens after their team is no longer playing and they look towards the offseason.

If Denver wins the Super Bowl, then the offseason begins with discussions of FA and the draft.

[Dapper Dan]

I've been talking about the Broncos 2014 draft since the 2013 draft.

[Poet]

You're going to trade up for a QB. Manning is retiring this year.

[Dapper Dan]

You're going to trade up for a QB. Manning is retiring this year.

Trade what?

Manning + Champ + Jake Plummer + 1st

for

Someone's 1st

[Poet]

Trade what?

Manning + Champ + Jake Plummer + 1st

for

Someone's 1st

Pick swap plus a first and a second rounder. Time to restock the QB talent level after Manning retires with a SB.

[Dapper Dan]

Pick swap plus a first and a second rounder. Time to restock the QB talent level after Manning retires with a SB.

Why don't we just keep the pick and take a QB in the first and second?

[Poet]

Why don't we just keep the pick and take a QB in the first and second?

Because YOLO. /trolo

[atwater27]

We should hit up Shanahan for Kirk Cousins

[Dapper Dan]

We should hit up Shanahan for Kirk Cousins

And then hire Kubiak to run a similar system to Washington's, so Kirk is comfortable.

[ShaneFalco]

forget about drafting d, grab jairus byrd from buffalo. Would be hard for teams turning it over back to Peyton constantly :)

Him and Inenancho would be a deadly safety combo. Pick coverage and run coverage.

[Dapper Dan]

forget about drafting d, grab jairus byrd from buffalo. Would be hard for teams turning it over back to Peyton constantly :)

Him and Inenancho would be a deadly safety combo. Pick coverage and run coverage.

I like Byrd, but every time you talk about him I feel like I shouldn't.

[Magnificent Seven]

Broncos need to draft a Stud DB!

[Magnificent Seven]

We should hit up Shanahan for Kirk Cousins

No Thanks! Broncos should get Elvis Dumervil back!

[Dapper Dan]

No Thanks! Broncos should get Elvis Dumervil back!

We gotta get the fax machine fixed first.

[UnderArmour]

So if Bridgewater falls to us in the first, we take him? The idea of drafting BPA always sounds good in theory but I just don't think it's realistic.

If the Scouts have him with a high grade, ABSOLUTELY you take him. People throw this argument around all the time, but look at what happened with Geno Smith last year. Did the majority of NFL teams have a first round grade on him? Obviously not. Quarterbacks are evaluated a little bit differently than other positions, but if you have a guy with an Andrew Luck/RG3 grade on him there is no reason not to take him. Every year we see ESPN/NFL Network give quarterbacks inflated grades so we will wind up with Aaron Rodgers/Brady Quinn/Geno Smith type plummeting down the draft boards. Fortunately for the Packers, they trusted their scouts, they had him with a high first round grade, and they POUNCED on him when he was still on the board even though Favre was on their roster.

Always trust the Scouts. Always trust the draft board. If Bridgewater is the highest graded player available, you take him. If he's not, your scouts weren't alone in their evaluation process otherwise he wouldn't have dropped to the later end of the draft. Again, see: Geno Smith. see: Brady Quinn. see: Brian Brohmn. But if your Scouts had him with a high grade and he fell to you, you take him. Otherwise, you may have just passed on Aaron Rodgers.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Lets drop the Madden scenario. Bridgewater is not falling out of the top 3, let alone to our pick.

[BroncoWave]

So if Bridgewater falls to us in the first, we take him? The idea of drafting BPA always sounds good in theory but I just don't think it's realistic.

This isn't really the argument the BPA crowd is making. If it's a QB and you have Manning you obviously don't take Bridgewater, but pretty much every other position is fair game.

[Dapper Dan]

This isn't really the argument the BPA crowd is making. If it's a QB and you have Manning you obviously don't take Bridgewater, but pretty much every other position is fair game.

Then that's not exactly BPA, is it?

[Poet]

Then that's not exactly BPA, is it?

The problem with the draft is that people think that teams have to be in a static BPA or 'need' mentality each round. Many times players that a team look at are going to grade out almost the same. I think it's fair to assume that when this is the case, well, the position needed the most, or at least thought to be needed the most wins out.

[TXBRONC]

So if Bridgewater falls to us in the first, we take him? The idea of drafting BPA always sounds good in theory but I just don't think it's realistic.

Assuming Bridgewater fell that far doesn't necessarily mean he's the BPA. There is also BPA according to position but I wouldn't take the 5th or 6th best defensive tackle over the best safety or corner back or even or offensive tackle or guard.

[TXBRONC]

I like how Denver loses and we start talking about the draft.

My replies are not motivated by Denver's loss. CH started a thread and just decided I would respond.

[jlarsiii]

The problem with the draft is that people think that teams have to be in a static BPA or 'need' mentality each round. Many times players that a team look at are going to grade out almost the same. I think it's fair to assume that when this is the case, well, the position needed the most, or at least thought to be needed the most wins out.

Agreed. It is never as simple as BPA or draft for need. Of course it involves those elements but also includes FA losses and replacements as well as drafting for future needs. As each season shows us certain positions have higher attrition rates of loss due to injury. You can never go wrong by drafting those positions every year regardless of apparent need because you can't predict future injury patterns.

[ForgettingBrandonMarshall]

My replies are not motivated by Denver's loss. CH started a thread and just decided I would respond.

I wasn't singling anyone out.

[ShaneFalco]

I like Byrd, but every time you talk about him I feel like I shouldn't.

get the **** over yourself.

[Simple Jaded]

get the **** over yourself.

He has a point, Chronic, you've only mentioned your highschool teammate about a thousand times.

[ShaneFalco]

oh forgive me for hoping one of the best safeties in the NFL comes here when we need better secondary.


I will go hide in shame now.

[Simple Jaded]

oh forgive me for hoping one of the best safeties in the NFL comes here when we need better secondary.


I will go hide in shame now.
Oh boo hoo!

[ShaneFalco]

i just shanked myself with a samurai sword. I hope your happy.

[Simple Jaded]

i just shanked myself with a samurai sword. I hope your happy.

Fwiw, I think everybody would love to have Byrd playing for the Broncos. There's no reason to play the victim.

[jhildebrand]

After the loss my gut reaction was to draft heavy on D. However, if you look at the roster there are some pieces there. Quanterus Smith was looking decent as was Larenty McCray (sp?). I trust the FO to make this roster up. While we have huge expectations for this team, we have to remember exactly what Elway inherited! He turned things around quickly but you can't cure depth without some time. This team is alright and would be even better if the injury front wasnt as bad as it has been this year.

[Dapper Dan]

After the loss my gut reaction was to draft heavy on D. However, if you look at the roster there are some pieces there. Quanterus Smith was looking decent as was Larenty McCray (sp?). I trust the FO to make this roster up. While we have huge expectations for this team, we have to remember exactly what Elway inherited! He turned things around quickly but you can't cure depth without some time. This team is alright and would be even better if the injury front wasnt as bad as it has been this year.

Dang. I forgot all about Q Smith. He will be back next year, right?

[jhildebrand]

Dang. I forgot all about Q Smith. He will be back next year, right?

Yep. He and McCray will be back. They both looked really good.

[BroncoNut]

let's see at DE there is miller, ayers, what's his name from Sandiego who has stepped in nicely. I like Harris at Safety and Bolden has shown he can cover, but a shut down corner would really help out chances. we need to do something with the run D and for God's sake we need a badass mlb that can drop into coverage and shut down the crap that has been going on all over in there all season. I say LB (1), at least 2 DE's and at least 1 corner/safety type. after that, I would like to get 2 receivers and at least 1 promising rb. I still like Hillman and believe he may have another run.

[Dapper Dan]

let's see at DE there is miller, ayers, what's his name from Sandiego who has stepped in nicely. I like Harris at Safety and Bolden has shown he can cover, but a shut down corner would really help out chances. we need to do something with the run D and for God's sake we need a badass mlb that can drop into coverage and shut down the crap that has been going on all over in there all season. I say LB (1), at least 2 DE's and at least 1 corner/safety type. after that, I would like to get 2 receivers and at least 1 promising rb. I still like Hillman and believe he may have another run.

Why don't we just go ahead and get 4 shutdown corners?

[BroncoNut]

Why don't we just go ahead and get 4 shutdown corners?

not sure I follow. LB is not a corner, but they can drop to cover slants.

[CoachChaz]

Does Smith really ever completely recover from the knee injury or is it wishful thinking for us?

[Dapper Dan]

not sure I follow. LB is not a corner, but they can drop to cover slants.

Nut. I was making a joke about grabbing a shut down corner. It's like getting a hall of fame QB. It doesn't happen so easily. Well. Sometimes.

[Dapper Dan]

Does Smith really ever completely recover from the knee injury or is it wishful thinking for us?

I hope so. A lot of other players seem to do it

[Lancane]

Well, the off-season for any NFL team or any football team in general is to improve and become more competitive. Even the 97' Broncos made specific moves to improve their team for the following season. The problem for Denver right now is that they're looking at two back-to-back off-seasons both with a steep list of in-house free agents not to mention a need to already improve.

The Broncos will not be able to keep the current roster, it's fiscally impossible. Knowshon Moreno, Tony Carter (RFA), Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie, Wesley Woodyard, Robert Ayers, Mike Adams, Paris Lenon, Chris Harris (RFA), JD Walton, Eric Decker, Quentin Jammer, Shaun Phillips, Winston Justice, Andre Caldwell, Sione Fua, Duke Ihenacho (ERFA), Michael Huff, Steve Vallos, Tony Carter (RFA), Trindon Holliday (ERFA), Zane Beadles and Mitch Unrein (RFA) are Denver's current list of 2014 NFL Free Agents. In 2015 that list will include Von Miller, Orlando Franklin, Demaryius Thomas, Rahim Moore, Julius Thomas and Terrance Knighton among others, including Champ Bailey.

The very idea is daunting, nine starters in 2014 and even more in 2015. Denver will have to make some difficult choices over the next two years which will change the make-up of the franchise.

[tripp]

We should hit up Shanahan for Kirk Cousins

Man, ever since last year when he played for the Redskins, I've been a big fan of him. Yesterday did nothing but solidify that notion. Not sure if he is 1st round pick worthy, but maybe 2x 2nd rounds? He looked impressive, and would excel in the right offense.


Obviously the Redskins won't do this but... man, deal RG3 while he has some value and keep Kirk Cousins, he seems like a Shannahan QB anyway. Vick-like QBs never seemed like Shanny's forte.

[NightTerror218]

So if Bridgewater falls to us in the first, we take him? The idea of drafting BPA always sounds good in theory but I just don't think it's realistic.

If that happens elway will trade down. He has done it often. They target certain players and trade down to where they are graded.

[NightTerror218]

IMO C, DE, MLB are glaring needs. We have two outstanding wills but no solid Mike.

Wody and travathan are both great but both are build as Will linebackers

[BroncoWave]

IMO C, DE, MLB are glaring needs. We have two outstanding wills but no solid Mike.

Wody and travathan are both great but both are build as Will linebackers

C? Ramirez has been one of the most highly-graded centers in the NFL this season.

[Dapper Dan]

C? Ramirez has been one of the most highly-graded centers in the NFL this season.

Yeah, but we have to keep 4 good Centers on this team. Lol.

[ShaneFalco]

Did you guys forget we still need a RB? Moreno cant carry the load forever. Ball still has a good chance to pan out. But i would like to see us draft Gurley if he falls. I would say CB also, but i dont see that many amazing corners this year.

[Dapper Dan]

Did you guys forget we still need a RB? Moreno cant carry the load forever. Ball still has a good chance to pan out. But i would like to see us draft Gurley if he falls.

I wouldn't say it's a need. And it's definitely not bad enough that we need to draft one in the first 3-4 rounds.

[BroncoWave]

RB is one of the last positions I would draft early. We will be just fine with Moreno and Ball next season. When will you people learn that drafting RBs early is usually a poor idea?

[ShaneFalco]

i love moreno, i just dont expect him to last an entire season. Maybe im wrong, but we should draft with that in mind.

[BroncoWave]

i love moreno, i just dont expect him to last an entire season. Maybe im wrong, but we should draft with that in mind.

This is now the 3rd of his 5 seasons in which he has lasted 13 games or more. I guess I don't share the same concern. :noidea:

[DenBronx]

Trade what?

Manning + Champ + Jake Plummer + 1st

for

Someone's 1st

Pick swap plus a first and a second rounder. Time to restock the QB talent level after Manning retires with a SB.

I doubt he would retire...even after a SB. Why would the NFL MVP and SB winning QB retire with 3 years left on a 20 mill a year contract?

[tripp]

If a one of a kind corner fell onto our lap, I would love to draft one that will be here for many years. Another DE would be nice too.

[tripp]

I doubt he would retire...even after a SB. Why would the NFL MVP and SB winning QB retire with 3 years left on a 20 mill a year contract?

Exactly, how do you retire after breaking so many records like that? Unless health wise he's not feeling up to it anymore, I don't see how you retire after this year.

[DenBronx]

RB is one of the last positions I would draft early. We will be just fine with Moreno and Ball next season. When will you people learn that drafting RBs early is usually a poor idea?

There is always great value on RBs late in the draft.

[BroncoWave]

There is always great value on RBs late in the draft.

Exactly, which is why it's silly to draft them early for the most part.

[Simple Jaded]

Did you guys forget we still need a RB? Moreno cant carry the load forever. Ball still has a good chance to pan out. But i would like to see us draft Gurley if he falls. I would say CB also, but i dont see that many amazing corners this year.
Chron, again, seriously, Gurley is not eligible for the 2014 draft.

As for Moreno, don't know if it has been mentioned but apparently his club option for 2014 has been voided, if Denver resigns him it likely will not be for the $1.4 or so he was expected to get.

[NightTerror218]

Next season we have Quentaris Smith coming aboard. Quinton Carter comes back as well. I see some secondary help needed and ILB.

[Dapper Dan]

Next season we have Quentaris Smith coming aboard. Quinton Carter comes back as well. I see some secondary help needed and ILB.

I've been really wanting AJ Johnson from Tennessee at MLB. What bothers me, he gets beaten in coverage about as often as Woodyard does. At least, it seems that way. He's a bit bigger though.

[ShaneFalco]

Chron, again, seriously, Gurley is not eligible for the 2014 draft.

As for Moreno, don't know if it has been mentioned but apparently his club option for 2014 has been voided, if Denver resigns him it likely will not be for the $1.4 or so he was expected to get.

ah yes, i forgot thanks

[Simple Jaded]

I think Denver should fill the MLB position with SD's Donald Butler, coming off injuries they might not franchise him. Jared Allen should again be a target for Denver, to go along with Q. Smith and hopefully Shaun Phillips. DE is a huge need imo, hope that one is available in FA.

LG, CB, DE and DT in the draft.

[Joel]

Well, the off-season for any NFL team or any football team in general is to improve and become more competitive. Even the 97' Broncos made specific moves to improve their team for the following season. The problem for Denver right now is that they're looking at two back-to-back off-seasons both with a steep list of in-house free agents not to mention a need to already improve.

The Broncos will not be able to keep the current roster, it's fiscally impossible. Knowshon Moreno, Tony Carter (RFA), Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie, Wesley Woodyard, Robert Ayers, Mike Adams, Paris Lenon, Chris Harris (RFA), JD Walton, Eric Decker, Quentin Jammer, Shaun Phillips, Winston Justice, Andre Caldwell, Sione Fua, Duke Ihenacho (ERFA), Michael Huff, Steve Vallos, Tony Carter (RFA), Trindon Holliday (ERFA), Zane Beadles and Mitch Unrein (RFA) are Denver's current list of 2014 NFL Free Agents. In 2015 that list will include Von Miller, Orlando Franklin, Demaryius Thomas, Rahim Moore, Julius Thomas and Terrance Knighton among others, including Champ Bailey.

The very idea is daunting, nine starters in 2014 and even more in 2015. Denver will have to make some difficult choices over the next two years which will change the make-up of the franchise.
To be fair, some of those guys are rentals signed due to injuries. That said, the next two years of FA are definitely worrisome; even if we ignore Manning and Champs odometer or the reinvigorated condition of KC (and, to a lesser extent, SD) it's not as simple as "wait till next year." That's what sucks about season-ending injuries to guys like Clady and Vickerson.


Exactly, how do you retire after breaking so many records like that? Unless health wise he's not feeling up to it anymore, I don't see how you retire after this year.
I still think a lot of that has to do with how deep we go in the playoffs; if we're one-and-done again he might begin to question whether that'll ever change and whether a Gulf Coast kid who spent most of his career in a dome should keep freezing his butt off in Mile High December and January waiting for something that may never come. 27 and 37 are two very different worlds; it's easy for us to ask, "how can he retire?" but we're not the ones with our foot in the coldtub watching film and listening to playcalls every week.

As far as the draft, if Woodyard's not a long term solution at MLB then the thing I've been screaming for since the end of '05 remains top priority now that we have Knighton and Vickerson at DT and Williams waiting in the wings. For that matter, if Woodyard or Trevathan's injured I'm not thrilled about Irving filling in for either; at this point I'd have more faith in Steven Johnson at MLB and Woodyard at WLB. Then G; I've never been impressed with Beadles or Walton and if we draft a good one we can send at least one of them on their way in FA.

Beyond that, I just don't know. Wolfe's out indefinitely and undiagnosed, Quanterus Smith's on IR; is DE a priority or not? Same with CB; a lot depends on how much Champ has left and his willingness to renegotiate, along with how well Webster progresses; even if Webster does well, without Champ we're just one injury from being back where we are now. The only two safeties I like (Adams and Ihenacho) are FAs next year (and Adams turns 33 in March.) There's just a lot more questions than answers.

[CrazyHorse]

Well, the off-season for any NFL team or any football team in general is to improve and become more competitive. Even the 97' Broncos made specific moves to improve their team for the following season. The problem for Denver right now is that they're looking at two back-to-back off-seasons both with a steep list of in-house free agents not to mention a need to already improve.

The Broncos will not be able to keep the current roster, it's fiscally impossible. Knowshon Moreno, Tony Carter (RFA), Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie, Wesley Woodyard, Robert Ayers, Mike Adams, Paris Lenon, Chris Harris (RFA), JD Walton, Eric Decker, Quentin Jammer, Shaun Phillips, Winston Justice, Andre Caldwell, Sione Fua, Duke Ihenacho (ERFA), Michael Huff, Steve Vallos, Tony Carter (RFA), Trindon Holliday (ERFA), Zane Beadles and Mitch Unrein (RFA) are Denver's current list of 2014 NFL Free Agents. In 2015 that list will include Von Miller, Orlando Franklin, Demaryius Thomas, Rahim Moore, Julius Thomas and Terrance Knighton among others, including Champ Bailey.

The very idea is daunting, nine starters in 2014 and even more in 2015. Denver will have to make some difficult choices over the next two years which will change the make-up of the franchise.

I know exactly who I'd keep out of that bunch, financially able of course. Then again I'm not a GM.

[Al Wilson 4 Mayor]

Chron, again, seriously, Gurley is not eligible for the 2014 draft.

As for Moreno, don't know if it has been mentioned but apparently his club option for 2014 has been voided, if Denver resigns him it likely will not be for the $1.4 or so he was expected to get.

Why would they void a club option? It doesn't make sense to me. If they don't want to pick it up they just don't do it. Either way he has to sign a new contract.

[Simple Jaded]

Why would they void a club option? It doesn't make sense to me. If they don't want to pick it up they just don't do it. Either way he has to sign a new contract.

No idea, $1.4 is a song. I'm not even sure if they voided it, it's just the latest I've heard about it.

[WARHORSE]

Our offense is fine. Even with injuries, we've shown we have plenty of depth on that side of the ball. Our defense on the other hand needs a lot of work. With the injuries the lack of depth is showing. We could use a safety or two, a corner back, defensive tackle, inside linebacker, as well as a pash rushing end. I'll be upset if we don't go all defense, or mostly, if we can pick up some free agents.




Best player available, but if the players are equally graded....then for need.

We need to use both FAgency and the draft to shore up the D.