Owen Schmitt

[dogfish]

i know some people around here are interested in this guy, so let's get the bandwagon officially rolling-- or not. . .


i think he'd be a great pick for us. . . for those who don't know, schmitt is a fullback from west virginia-- he's generally listed around 6'2", 250+ (listed measurables vary depending on what site you're using), and is a sledgehammer of a blocker. . . a hardnosed, throwback type of player who isn't afraid to do the dirty work. . . IMO he would immediately be our best run blocking fullback since howard griffith retired, and would bring a badly needed infusion of toughness and physicality. . .

one of the areas we've struggled in for quite some time now is short yardage and goal line execution, and our struggles in the red zone this past year were very well documented. . . i think schmitt would be a big asset in those situations. . . obviously it would help to have that devestating lead blocker, and schmitt can run the ball pretty well also-- he probably won't be a major contributor in that capacity at the next level, but he has good power and decent foot quickness for a guy his size, and would have to be accounted for in short yardage situations. . . he's also a competent receiver out of the backfield. . .

right now it seems that he's being projected around the late 3rd or the 4th, but who really knows at this point? an awful lot can change between now and april. . . in any case, if he does fall to the 2nd day, i'd love to see us draft him-- fullback isn't a high priority, but human battering rams like this just don't come along all that often any more, and i think he'd bring a lot to the team. . . you can never have too many high character, hard working guys, and while he may not be a flashy athlete, the team that drafts him will have a very good idea what they're getting-- he has a high floor and is unlikely to bust. . .


here's a link to a youtube page with some of his highlights-- i wish there were more of his blocking, but maybe i can track down some clips of their other offensive weapons that will show more of schmitt in that capacity. . .


http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=search_videos&search_query=owen%20schmitt&search_sort=relevance&search_category=0&search=Search&v=&uploaded=&filter=1&page=1

[Slick]

I absolutely LOVE this guy. A pure football player. I was on board before you got the thread up DF. :salute:

A buddy of mine is a season ticket holder at WVU. He told me the school he transferred from, Wisconsin -River Falls, stopped letting him practice because he was injuring his teammates.:laugh:

[Skinny]

Yeah i agree with ya df. He's all that and more, that's the great thing about him ... even at FB he's not a one dimensional player. A huge asset to every aspect of the game on Offense ...

[dogfish]

I absolutely LOVE this guy. A pure football player. I was on board before you got the thread up DF. :salute:

A buddy of mine is a season ticket holder at WVU. He told me the school he transferred from, Wisconsin -River Falls, stopped letting him practice because he was injuring his teammates.:laugh:

good stuff! he's a head-knocker, for sure. . .



Yeah i agree with ya df. He's all that and more, that's the great thing about him ... even at FB he's not a one dimensional player. A huge asset to every aspect of the game on Offense ...


i love the quote in your sig. . . .

[SmilinAssasSin27]

BEAST!!!

The only question is WHEN would be right to draft him. FBs typically don't go early, but dude could be a difference maker. If Shanny acquires an extra pick (like one in round 3), I'd jump all over him in round 4...assuming he's still around.

[Skinny]

BEAST!!!

The only question is WHEN would be right to draft him. FBs typically don't go early, but dude could be a difference maker. If Shanny acquires an extra pick (like one in round 3), I'd jump all over him in round 4...assuming he's still around.Yeah, i would'nt be suprised to see a team pull the trigger on him earlier than expected ...

[SmilinAssasSin27]

Yeah...he's gonna be a hard one to call. I dunno if he's Alstott good, but he ain't far off. Then again, the need/use for FBs has definitely diminished in the NFL, so the number of teams who would covet him could be few. I wouldn't be surprised if a team like NE (even w/ Heath Evans) grabbed him up in the 3rd.

[Slick]

I doubt he makes it into the 4th, but I'm no draft expert. He could be a weapon in this offense. To me, he is the type of player who could contribute from day 1, and that is what this team needs.

Guys I pull for in the draft, rarely, if ever end up on the team. I know it's not smart to do that, but we all have our couch GM moments.

[dogfish]

Yeah...he's gonna be a hard one to call. I dunno if he's Alstott good, but he ain't far off. Then again, the need/use for FBs has definitely diminished in the NFL, so the number of teams who would covet him could be few. I wouldn't be surprised if a team like NE (even w/ Heath Evans) grabbed him up in the 3rd.



i don't know that he'll be as good a runner as alstott, but i expect him to be a better blocker. . . i'm hoping he'll last to the 4th, but i won't be surprised if he goes earlier. . .

[dogfish]

I doubt he makes it into the 4th, but I'm no draft expert. He could be a weapon in this offense. To me, he is the type of player who could contribute from day 1, and that is what this team needs.

Guys I pull for in the draft, rarely, if ever end up on the team. I know it's not smart to do that, but we all have our couch GM moments.


yea, i know. . . he probably doesn't fit the profile for a shanahan mid-round pick-- he isn't a project or a tweener, doesn't have a ton of upside, and his stock hasn't slipped due to injury or character concerns. . . he's just a tough, what-you-see-is-what-you-get, football playin' dude. . . i can't see him appealing much to shanahan at all-- mike likes to think he's smarter than everyone else, and there's NOTHING he likes more than thinking he's found a bargain! i can hope, though-- i'd love to have a fullback who can throw blitzing linebackers on their ass to help protect cutler. . .

[Slick]

yea, i know. . . he probably doesn't fit the profile for a shanahan mid-round pick-- he isn't a project or a tweener, doesn't have a ton of upside, and his stock hasn't slipped due to injury or character concerns. . . he's just a tough, what-you-see-is-what-you-get, football playin' dude. . . i can't see him appealing much to shanahan at all-- mike likes to think he's smarter than everyone else, and there's NOTHING he likes more than thinking he's found a bargain! i can hope, though-- i'd love to have a fullback who can throw blitzing linebackers on their ass to help protect cutler. . .

Absolutely agree. He doesn't need to be taught how to do that. Unfortunately your point about Shanahan is also correct. I hope it changes, but it won't.

So far, 4 of us are hoping.....

[SmilinAssasSin27]

I see him as an insane Mike Anderson. He could play the role like MA had when he was FB for us.

[Dean]

Personally, I think that he is a player that Mike Shanahan would want. He can block, catch the ball out of the backfield, and run for those occasional shorts yardage plays we call for the FB.

His presence in the backfield would protect the investment in Cutler and, as mentioned, improve our short yardage and red zone rushing game. What's not to like?

[G_Money]

Owen Schmitt is tremendous.

The question is, "is he worth a 3rd or 4th rounder to us?" (Yes, I know we don't have a 3rd but he could go there)

There are other FBs in this draft. Several of the draft sites have even left off a few (Dionte Johnson from OSU never seems to make it onto lists for some reason) and there are kids like Felton from smaller schools who will get a look.

But it's probably between Schmitt and Peyton Hillis (the guy who blocked for Run DMC and FJ at Arkansas) for the top FB drafted - but both could wind up being 4th round or later selections.

Several of the others will go undrafted, which leads people to try for the UDFAs because there are some good players left there too. FB just isn't as valued in the league right now. But because of that fullback IS one of those value positions in that you can get the top guy in the draft with a 2nd day pick. Hopefully Shanny looks at it that way - and that Kubes obliterating us with his monster FB helps re-awaken the memories of Griffith in that huge cranium of Mike's.

Because I'd like a real FB again instead of a 5th RB pretending to be one.

~G

[CoachChaz]

Schmitt - 4th
Hillis, Hester - 5th
Collins, Felton - 6th
Caulcrick - 7th

Just my outlook

[mclark]

Schmidt is not worth a second to us, we don't have a third, and he probably won't be around in the fourth. I'm not sure a blocking fullback is a top priority for us. I'd rather have a top-flight running back, AND an improved offensive line. AND an improved middle of our defense.

Third Round:
Peyton Hillis, Arkansas;
Owen Schmidt, West Virginia

Fifth Round
Doug Jones, Cincinnati;
Jacob Hester, LSU;
Brandon McAnderson, Kansas

Sixth Round
Jerome Felton, Furman;
Michael Pitre, UCLA

Seventh Round
Mike Cox, Georgia Tech.
Carl Stewart, Auburn;
Dionte Johnson, Ohio State

[CoachChaz]

I don't know Mike...I just don't see 10 FB's actually being drafted.

[Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal]

Him or tha LSU boy

[mclark]

I don't know Mike...I just don't see 10 FB's actually being drafted.

They may not. Those guys in the seventh round might be available as undrafted free agents. Especially when you see the direction the NFL is going (New England, Indianapolis, Green Bay...) with a pass first mentality.

[CoachChaz]

Fair. I just don't think any go before the 4th. I could be wrong, but unless it's a Brian Leonard type a FB doesn't have alot of value prior to that.

[SmilinAssasSin27]

Usually I don't think more than 3 or 4 go per year.

[mclark]

Usually I don't think more than 3 or 4 go per year.

7 drafted last year.

[dogfish]

Personally, I think that he is a player that Mike Shanahan would want. He can block, catch the ball out of the backfield, and run for those occasional shorts yardage plays we call for the FB.

His presence in the backfield would protect the investment in Cutler and, as mentioned, improve our short yardage and red zone rushing game. What's not to like?


dean, i was just taking a shot at some of shanahan's past mid-round picks-- i hope you're right. . .

[SmilinAssasSin27]

7 drafted last year.

dam..really? I remember a few years back when that Navy FB was all the rage, very few went. How early did the first one go last year?

[CoachChaz]

dam..really? I remember a few years back when that Navy FB was all the rage, very few went. How early did the first one go last year?

Pretty early if you include Leonard in that class of FB's

[Npba900]

I think b/c our RB's are injury prone at best, Denver should try and get a Rashard Mendenhall type back in the 2nd round as well as try and draft one of the heavier athletic FB's in the 4th round. Denver can ill-afford to keep the same attitude of believing they can just plug any 2nd day pick RB into our offense and expect to get to the SB. Denver needs to find a RB in this years draft thats as close to a Portis or TD type RB as possible.

FB's like Sapp skills and size will not get it done, either in the Red Zone or in 3rd and short yardage situation. A heavier athletic FB would really help as a lead blocker inside the Red Zone, as well as provide that extra push in the 4th Qtr to run out the clock to protect any leads Denver may have. Mike Shanahan should have his eye on the following FB's in the up coming draft:

Owen Schmitt
Class: Sr.
Hometown: Fairfax, Va.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 260
Position: FB

Physical fullback who ranks among the nation’s best ... powerful blocker with tremendous ball skills ... tough guy who loves to practice and work out ... spent some time this spring at tight end and adjusted well to blocking up front ... makes the difficult catch look easy ... a great team leader

Jehuu Caulcrick
Born: August 6, 1983
Hometown: , Liberia
Height: 6-0
Weight: 255 lbs. Age: 24
Pos: RB
Class: Senior

Jerome Bettis-type running back figures to earn his share of carries in 2007 . ranked as the nation's third-best fullback by Phil Steele's College Football Preview preseason honorable mention All-America selection by Street & Smith's . . . has deceptive speed for a back his size . . . three-year letterman has rushed for 1,523 career yards (4.9 avg.) and 18 TDs .
2007 STATS:
ATT 222 | YDS 872 | TD 21

Mike Cox

Height / Weight:
6-1 / 260
Position:
Fullback
Birthdate:
07/11/1985

AT GEORGIA TECH: One of the best-blocking backs in college football... a major reason teammate Tashard Choice was able to accumulate 1,000 yards rushing in both 2006 and 2007... a big, bruising fullback... has shown the ability to catch passes out of the backfield... known by most as "Bull".

[Simple Jaded]

I would absolutely love to have Schmitt drafted by the Broncos......But (Especially with Lorenzo Neal getting long in the tooth) I'm afraid this kid has "San Diego Chargers" written all over him, imo, this is their kind of draft pick.

Big, strong, fast, mean and physical = Chargers......Tiny, weak, smart, fast and "Perfect for the System" = Broncos!

I'm on the bandwagon though......

[Slick]

I would absolutely love to have Schmitt drafted by the Broncos......But (Especially with Lorenzo Neal getting long in the tooth) I'm afraid this kid has "San Diego Chargers" written all over him, imo, this is their kind of draft pick.

Big, strong, fast, mean and physical = Chargers......Tiny, weak, smart, fast and "Perfect for the System" = Broncos!

I'm on the bandwagon though......

I would projectile vomit if that happened. This kid will be a player in the League.

[BOSSHOGG30]

I would think a lot of FBs go this year... considering there are a lot of old FB's about to retire... Neal, Chargers, Richardson, Vikings and so on. Plus all the teams that still need a good full back.

[dogfish]

I would think a lot of FBs go this year... considering there are a lot of old FB's about to retire... Neal, Chargers, Richardson, Vikings and so on. Plus all the teams that still need a good full back.

mack strong also, but i'm guessing they'll stick with leonard weaver. . . he's way more athletic and versatile than strong has been recently, although he's not nearly the same type of run blocker. . . meh, what does holmgren care anyways? their running game suffered with strong out, but the big show doesn't want to run the ball anyways-- that just gave him more of an excuse to do what he's always wanted to, abandon the run game and pass all the time. . .

[Requiem / The Dagda]

Schmitt's value to us is about zero because this offense has no priority for a fullback of his caliber.

[broncosinindy]

Schmitt's value to us is about zero because this offense has no priority for a fullback of his caliber.
HUH i am calling BS on that

[Npba900]

Schmitt's value to us is about zero because this offense has no priority for a fullback of his caliber.

If you want to watch our offense flounder in the Red Zone this season....then you are right, no FB's of the caliber of Schmitt, Caulrick, and Cox have no place in a proven failed Red Zone philosophy displayed by the Broncos last season.

Shanahan is dreaming if he thinks FB's like Sapp is the answer for a lead blocker inside the Red Zone or short yardage conversion on 3rd down.

It will be interesting to see the decisions Shanahan will make in 2008 during the draft. However, coaches and organizations have really passed Denver by over the last 7 years (with the exception of 2006) in terms building teams and drafting the right personnel to fit their schemes and addressing problem areas.

[Simple Jaded]

Schmitt's value to us is about zero because this offense has no priority for a fullback of his caliber.

The Broncos "System" is starting to get on my nerves......

[Watchthemiddle]

This kid would bring the blood and guts our offense desperately needs.

One of the most underated, under-appreciated positions in all of football.

A good hard nosed FB can pave the way for many 1000 yard seasons for a quality RB. Just ask Terrell Davis.

edit: his speed is going to impress at the combine also.

[mclark]

Schmitt seems to have third round value. So do these guys

(Jr) Ray Rice, Rutgers;
(Jr) Steve Slaton, West Virginia;
Tashard Choice, Georgia Tech;
Matt Forte, Tulane.

Without a third round pick, I don't see us picking any of these guys. If we did have a third round pick, and wanted a running back, I'm not sure we'd take a fullback like Schmitt ahead of Rice, Slaton, Choice or Forte.

[Superchop 7]

I love this kid.

He has the heart and soul of a warrior.

Fullback is a HUGE need for the Bronco's, we have to have a stud FB to help compensate for our inexperienced left tackle or Jay is going down.

We need a 3rd round pick in a bad way, we need Schmitt.

As for the running back situation, we can pick up Alridge a little further down, he is lightning fast (4.26 ) and speed backs always seem to produce well for us.