Thread: Ziggy's Early Mock Offseason

With a ton of time on my hands, I thought I'd take a stab at a pre-combine/all-star games mock offseason.

Signings-I'm going to keep it as realistic as possible. While I'd love to have guys like Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Jahri Evans, Duanta Robinson, Logan Mankins, Karlos Dansby, Johnny Jolly, Eugene Amano, and Marcus Spears, they would all come at a high cost. All will either be franchised or tendered at a 1st and 3rd round pick. I've seen too many mock offseasons already that have the Broncos picking them up and keeping the draft picks. Not going to happen.

Trades-While some will argue that Marshall won't bring a 1st and 3rd, I think he will and this is why. He'll be tendered at that price. Knowing that if he doesn't get offered a contract by another team, he'll want to say and do all the right things to get moved on. He doesn't want to play in Denver for another year at a salary of 2+ million. Someone will bite. Sheff won't bring more than a 4th, and Kuper will be tendered for at least a 2nd, possibly more. Here we go:

Trades:
Brandon Marshall to the Baltimore Ravens for 1st (26th overall) and 3rd (89th overall) picks. The Ravens aren't far from being a championship team, and they roll the dice to address thier one glaring weakness.


FA Signings:

NT- Ryan Pickett 6'2" 340 Because of the investment in BJ Raji, the Pack let the big man go. He's a major reason that Green Bay was #1 against the rush last season. He'll cost more than expected, but at 30, he still has 3-4 good years left, and provides Denver with a beast in the middle.
Alternate- NT Aubrayo Franklin 6'1" 320

DE- Jarvis Green 6'3" 285 Green brings depth, experience, and the ability to challenge Kenny Peterson for a starting position along the D-line.

CB- Leigh Bodden- 6'1" 193 He's a playmaker, and at 28 years old, a good investment. It would instantly give us 3 solid corners, 4 in Alfonso pans out. He a quality #2 corner, and will challenge Goodman for a starting spot.

ILB- Larry Foote- 6'1" 239 Another experienced 3-4 LB, he can compete with Andre Davis for the starting ILB spot. After 1 year in Detroit, he should be ready to return to a good defense again.

OG- Bobbie Williams 6'4" 345 Another cheap signing due to his age (33). He will bring depth and beef along the offensive line.

C/G- Rex Hadnot- 6'2" 320 He bring versatility and size along the offensive line. He can play anywhere along the interior. At 27 years old, he'll be a valuable asset in the new system.

WR- Antonio Bryant- 6'1" 205 It's hard to blame Bryant for his drop in production in the offense that he was in. He still has the speed and skills to be a big play receiver at times.

WR- Chris Chambers- 5'11" 210 Chambers is a solid #2 and showed this season that he still has something left. This move allows Eddie Royal to play the slot position that he was meant to play.

EDIT: I've added Eugene Amano after doing some research and discovering that he will be an UFA.
G/C- Eugene Amano- 6'3" 310 Amano brings experience at both the center and guard position, and has been a member of the best offensive line in the NFL over the last 2 seasons.


Resignings-
G- Russ Hochstien
K- Matt Prater
QB- Kyle Orton
LB- Elvis Dumervil
G- Chris Kuper

---Mock draft to follow---

Originally Posted by Ziggy

Trades-While some will argue that Marshall won't bring a 1st and 3rd, I think he will and this is why. He'll be tendered at that price. Knowing that if he doesn't get offered a contract by another team, he'll want to say and do all the right things to get moved on. He doesn't want to play in Denver for another year at a salary of 2+ million. Someone will bite. Sheff won't bring more than a 4th, and Kuper will be tendered for at least a 2nd, possibly more. Here we go:

Trades:
Brandon Marshall to the Baltimore Ravens for 1st (26th overall) and 3rd (89th overall) picks. The Ravens aren't far from being a championship team, and they roll the dice to address thier one glaring weakness.


FA Signings:

NT- Ryan Pickett 6'2" 340 Because of the investment in BJ Raji, the Pack let the big man go. He's a major reason that Green Bay was #1 against the rush last season. He'll cost more than expected, but at 30, he still has 3-4 good years left, and provides Denver with a beast in the middle.
Alternate- NT Aubrayo Franklin 6'1" 320


CB- Leigh Bodden- 6'1" 193 He's a playmaker, and at 28 years old, a good investment. It would instantly give us 3 solid corners, 4 in Alfonso pans out. He a quality #2 corner, and will challenge Goodman for a starting spot.

ILB- Larry Foote- 6'1" 239 Another experienced 3-4 LB, he can compete with Andre Davis for the starting ILB spot. After 1 year in Detroit, he should be ready to return to a good defense again.


WR- Antonio Bryant- 6'1" 205 It's hard to blame Bryant for his drop in production in the offense that he was in. He still has the speed and skills to be a big play receiver at times.

Resignings-
G- Russ Hochstien
K- Matt Prater
QB- Kyle Orton
LB- Elvis Dumervil
G- Chris Kuper

---Mock draft to follow---

I could live with those. The others i think either wouldnt make a contribution or are going to get resigned to their respective teams.

NFL DRAFT



Round 1-
OG- Mike Iupati 6'5" 330- He's a manchild. While most will say that I'm crazy for taking a guard with the 11th pick in the draft, hear me out. Iupati will soar up the boards during the senior bowl and combine. Many will say that we can trade down and get him a little later, but there's no way he drops far from here. He's a dominating lineman that has the athletic ability to play in any scheme, including the ZBS despite his size. He could be the top guard in the NFL inside of 3 years. Teams like San Fran, Houston, Pittsburgh, and the Giants will be chomping at the bit to get him. If the Broncos try to get him later, he'll be gone.






Brandon Spikes- 6'3" 256- This guy may not have the sexy combine numbers, but he's a playmaker and a leader. He can be the future QB of the Broncos defense for the next 10 years.




Round 2-


C Maurkice Pouncey 6'5" 318- Pouncey is the best center in the draft. He can also play guard, and brings the leadership and size that will translate well to the NFL. Pairing him and Iupati will instantly upgrade the O-line with size and talent.




Round 3

DE Corey Wootton 6'7" 280- Defensive end is in need of more athletic players that can stop the run and occasionally get to the QB. Wootton is a bit of a project, but has tremendous upside.

I would be ridiculously happy with the first 3 guys, but would prefer Alualu in the 3rd

G John Jerry 6'5" 350- ......And the transition to the power blocking scheme is complete. Jerry has limited mobility, but is a powerful road grater to put on the right side of the line.


Round 4-



CB Alterraun Verner 5'10" 182- One of the few bright spots on the UCLA defense, Verner is a playmaker. He's decent in coverage and has a nose for the ball. Just what McD looks for in secondary players. He's a steal in round 4.

Round 6-

WR Donald Jones 6'1" 210- Jones will put himself on the map during the combine. He has decent size and soft hands. Sleeper pick here.

Round 7-
OT Tony Washington 6'7" 300- Another project to groom behind Clady and Harris. He's out of Abilene Christian. Has the frame to add another 10-20 pounds and still keep mobility.

Well done.

As much as I like McClain at #10 or 11, if we get an additional #1 w/ a chance to take Spikes, I'd be all over Dez Bryant or Iupati w/ our first.

Can't hate on Pouncey here. I'd consider a WR, but hearing Pouncey's name called wouldn't upset be in the least.

I love Wootton. It's hard for me to believe he drops this far. If he does, I'm ecstatic. Cameron Heyward is another DE who may be considered around this range...or sooner.

Don't love the 3b cuz I think the DLine still needs solidified. Given the Free Agents you listed, we'd have too much competition on the line.

I like Verner a lot.

Rounds 6 and 7 could go anywhere, but I have no issue w/ who you listed.

We definitely need a stud guard so I would be fine with Iupati. If this guy is the next Hutchinson, Moreno will be able to shut up the haters once and for all.

Originally Posted by Ziggy

G John Jerry 6'5" 350- ......And the transition to the power blocking scheme is complete. Jerry has limited mobility, but is a powerful road grater to put on the right side of the line.


Round 4-

CB Alterraun Verner 5'10" 182- One of the few bright spots on the UCLA defense, Verner is a playmaker. He's decent in coverage and has a nose for the ball. Just what McD looks for in secondary players. He's a steal in round 4.

Round 6-

WR Donald Jones 6'1" 210- Jones will put himself on the map during the combine. He has decent size and soft hands. Sleeper pick here.

Round 7-
OT Tony Washington 6'7" 300- Another project to groom behind Clady and Harris. He's out of Abilene Christian. Has the frame to add another 10-20 pounds and still keep mobility.

I'm not sure I wouldn't turn to defense with the second 3rd rounder. But, of
course, that would depend on available talent . . .

-----

Great draft.
And yes, Verner is a steal!
Would love to see you somehow fit in MINN WR Eric Decker in the 2nd, but Pouncey is a huge need!
Solid.
I just re-looked at your FA signings. So, Deckers not a need.

Originally Posted by topscribe

I'm not sure I wouldn't turn to defense with the second 3rd rounder. But, of
course, that would depend on available talent . . .

-----

I thought about that Top, but I think Jerry is the NFL's next Leonard Davis. He'll fall to the third because of limited mobility, but with the transition to the power running game, he's a perfect fit into the new scheme. Anyone else miss the days when this team could take a lead into the fourth quarter and just run the ball down the other teams throats to finish the game? We need an offensive line and running game that can break the will of our opponents.

Not to bitch isn't that like a 8 guards? Teams usually only carry 8 to 9 linemen total.

Originally Posted by elsid13

Not to bitch isn't that like a 8 guards? Teams usually only carry 8 to 9 linemen total.

Not a problem. Amano and Hadnot are centers also. Pouncey is a center. These and the others are on my wish list. It doesn't mean that they all make it out of training camp. The depth in the preseason also allows for injuries, retirements, trades, etc.

Wasn't Clady our 1st rounder a couple years ago and it seems to have worked out damn good, and if so I hope Mcdaniels is smart enough to go after Iupati as the 1st rounder. I would like to see this offseason focused on the lines. I know many will disagree, but previous drafts/FA have failed not doing so, then again I'm no guru either!!

Ziggy I really like this draft and I also like Smilin's draft thread. I will spit fire if Mcdaniels would go after Bryant (like many mock drafts have on the interweb). I'd rather shore up the oline and dline and deal with Marshall's bullshit (if he's not traded) than get another premadonna wide receiver.

Originally Posted by Nomad

Wasn't Clady our 1st rounder a couple years ago and it seems to have worked out damn good, and if so I hope Mcdaniels is smart enough to go after Iupati as the 1st rounder. I would like to see this offseason focused on the lines. I know many will disagree, but previous drafts/FA have failed not doing so, then again I'm no guru either!!

Ziggy I really like this draft and I also like Smilin's draft thread. I will spit fire if Mcdaniels would go after Bryant (like many mock drafts have on the interweb). I'd rather shore up the oline and dline and deal with Marshall's bullshit (if he's not traded) than get another premadonna wide receiver.

I wouldnt label Bryant as a prima donna. He's a good kid with a ton of talent. he got suspended for basically doing something to make himself better. His mistake was lying about doing it. If we have 2 first round picks, I would be very much okay with drafting Bryant and Iupati

Seeing what receivers attitudes are today, I paint them all with the same brush until proven otherwise!! JMO!!