Thread: Lancane's Pre-Combine Mock Off-Season

It’s that time of year again, slosh ridden streets, fetid and raunchy leaves left from the cover of wintertime snowfall and no football…lmao. Well, I meant off-season, but I like my description better then saying were balless! Denver, oh mighty Denver, where art though? So where do the Broncos go from here, something I have been wondering for a while now, some will like what I have to say, but most will hate it, first and foremost…do not look for a bunch of big moves this off-season. Marshall, I expect him, Dumervile, Kuper, Prater and Orton to all be retained. Which eliminates any immediate needs at those positions, too many people are banking on Marshall leaving, including that idiot Bucky Brooks and his dim-witted cronies at the NFLN, I wondered why Shefter would leave the Network and go to ESPN, maybe he saw the idiocy his colleagues would be coming down with this year, I sure do not blame him (now) at least.

So how will Denver improve, obviously both sides of the line are concerns, but Denver really blew the pooch sort-to-speak in the second half of the season. And losing Marshall would really hurt this team, no matter what some idiots believe. Yeah, trade a proven Pro-Bowl receiver for Dez Bryant who will cost just as much and isn’t proven and seems to be just as much a problem on and off the field, that makes a ton of sense. Simply, the team without Marshall would have been 5-11 easily…so most likely the coach willing to trade a Pro-Bowl Quarterback for eh, what’s his face would likely do so. All kidding aside, it would be an idiotic move in my opinion, Bryant could be the next Lelie for Denver. So who should Denver, or who do I believe they will focus bringing in?

Casey Rabach, Center, Washington
Smart, reliable and has some gas left in the tank. Not the answer long-term, but could fill in until someone else is ready to fill the position. He is no Weigmann, but Rabach is a hard-nosed type of lineman who can do it all, would be able to step in immediately and keep the line at a competitive level.

Richard Seymour, Defensive End, Oakland
He knows the system and the coach, and McDaniels loves to bring in former Patriots. Seymour is again, not a long-term answer but he brings more to the table then any defensive end on the roster and he would be able to fill the position for three to four seasons at the least.

Louis Leonard, Nose Tackle, Carolina
Leonard played well for the Panthers until he broke his ankle. Denver pretty much has some quality rotational players at the position. They will likely look to draft a nose, but really there is few of value who can make an immediate impact. Leonard is young enough that he could be the long-term answer if Denver is willing to pay what it would take to bring him here.

I am not going to get into trades, one reason is the value of the draft and of players is a bit screwed this off-season, no team really has the value pick wise to trade up for Denver’s first round pick nor a real need to. One analyst said this is the strongest draft class he has seen…I want to know what he has been smoking, seriously! I do not see Champ Bailey being traded, the Cornerback free agents are rather strong this year, so who would trade for him at this point in his career and of his true value. Re-Signings…Kuper, Dumervile, Prater, Orton and Marshall I believe will all return, I could be wrong, but this would be a stupid year to let such players get away.

So as for the draft…

Rnd 1. Rolando McClain, Inside Linebacker, Alabama


It’s not a real need, that is very true…but no denying he is an upgrade at the position. Now, if and I say if, Clausen is available at the 11th overall position, then Denver drafts Clausen, but I doubt he will be available come the pick. McClain is considered a terror on the field, a game changer with unlimited potential and the type of player to be the cornerstone of a defensive unit. Add in the variables of who I have the Broncos bringing in via free agency, the defense would be vastly improved. There are other variables to the pick, Saban for one and the need to improve the defense another.

Rnd 2. Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Florida


Yep…I said it, and if he is available I am pretty comfortable calling the pick. Why? Well, Tebow has a rocket for an arm, he is a media-love-fest-esque player between his looks, personality and so forth, let alone he is a freak of an athlete. Beyond that, he needs time to develop, giving McDaniels the time he wants with Orton, it silences some fans…not all, and Tebow is a better fit for the pro-spread then many other systems and vice-versa, it is a better fit for him. Lastly, word in New England is that because of Belicheck’s friendship with Meyers, and Belichecks’ high praise for Tebow that he will likely take Tebow with their second pick in the 2nd round of the draft. Add in that Jacksonville wants him as well for ticket sales more or less. It is a good fit for the team and player, and McDaniels could steal him from beneath Belicheck’s nose (remember the Cutler facto, yeah…payback is a you know what!)…lol.

Rnd 3. Marshawn ‘Mardy’ Gilyard, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati


Again with or without the return of Marshall, Gilyard at this point is a smart pick. He comes from a spread system, so less of a learning curve…more importantly, Gilyard’s overall abilities are a good fit for the pro-spread and so three teams should be targeting him; New England, Denver and Arizona, he could fall into the 4th Round, but he is a safe pick at this spot and not a real reach. Marshawn could make an immediate impact for Orton and the other Bronco quarterbacks, add in Gaffney, Marshall and Royal…Denver could easily become a top five offense if they can exploit their run game more.

Rnd 4. Mike Neal, Defensive End, Purdue


This would be no real surprise, it is well known that McDaniels loves high-intensity workout warriors, let alone the products of certain programs, Purdue amongst them. Neal is a versatile, smart and tough kid who has a tremendous motor, he tends to over pursue at times and he needs to work on his mechanics, but he could be a solid mainstay with the right coaching. Is not a natural pass rusher, but against the run and helping to collapse the pocket, well he is one of the better ends in that aspect. Would need time to develop and would likely not contribute right away. It’s no secret that Denver needs to improve on the defensive line, with the additions or similar to above, learning to develop in rotation would suit Neal well.

Rnd 6. John Estes, Center, Hawaii


One of two centers in this draft that I feel is highly underrated, the other is Erik Cook from New Mexico. While Cook is a monstrous beast at 6-6, 315lbs., Estes is only 6-2, 300lbs. What gives Estes the edge over Cook is his experience overall since his sophmore season, he was the team captain and the fence post for that offensive line. McDaniels likes leaders and athletes who like to take such roles. I have a feeling Estes will slip a bit due to the program which he is a product of, but overall he is a good fit for the Broncos, a no nonsense, tough as nails type of lineman who does not mind a bit of smash mouth football. He will not start right away and given the time to develop will be a big help in his transitioning. Another huge plus is his ability to play either guard position, lessening the need to fill more roles then needed.

Rnd 7. Clay Harbor, Tight End, Missouri State


Yep…another Tight End, but one of the best from 1-AA level, Harbor has been a nightmare for teams and a safety blanket for his quarterback, something that will be needed for Tebow and fits well in the spread. He can also transition as a H-Back in certain formations which we know McDaniels is not appauled at using. Could be a real steal if he and Tebow can bond as they mature into the league and grow. I do not expect too much right away from either, but depth is needed at the Tight End position and Harbor is a receiving Tight End who can gain much needed experience learning from the other Tight Ends and their new position coach.

you can take seymour off your fa list...............

Long-term deal or franchise tag coming for Seymour
Posted by Mike Florio on February 18, 2010 3:54 PM ET
When the Oakland Raiders gave up a 2011 first-round pick for Patriots defensive Richard Seymour, they surely didn't intend to have him on the team for only a year.

And he'll apparently be around longer than a year. Unless someone wants to give up two first-round draft picks for his services.

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle reported on Wednesday that the Raiders will use the franchise tag on Seymour if they don't sign him to a long-term deal.

Adam Schefter of ESPN has confirmed the report.

Use of the franchise tag would require the Raiders to offer Seymour a one-year guaranteed contract worth $12.398 million.

Lancane, I've always loved your analyzing, but I'm surprised you haven't mentioned getting more OL other than the FA center. Especially after all that we've seen from the transition from the ZBS and the need for bigger boys.

Originally Posted by Lancane

It’s that time of year again, slosh ridden streets, fetid and raunchy leaves left from the cover of wintertime snowfall and no football…lmao. Well, I meant off-season, but I like my description better then saying were balless! Denver, oh mighty Denver, where art though? So where do the Broncos go from here, something I have been wondering for a while now, some will like what I have to say, but most will hate it, first and foremost…do not look for a bunch of big moves this off-season. Marshall, I expect him, Dumervile, Kuper, Prater and Orton to all be retained. Which eliminates any immediate needs at those positions, too many people are banking on Marshall leaving, including that idiot Bucky Brooks and his dim-witted cronies at the NFLN, I wondered why Shefter would leave the Network and go to ESPN, maybe he saw the idiocy his colleagues would be coming down with this year, I sure do not blame him (now) at least.

So how will Denver improve, obviously both sides of the line are concerns, but Denver really blew the pooch sort-to-speak in the second half of the season. And losing Marshall would really hurt this team, no matter what some idiots believe. Yeah, trade a proven Pro-Bowl receiver for Dez Bryant who will cost just as much and isn’t proven and seems to be just as much a problem on and off the field, that makes a ton of sense. Simply, the team without Marshall would have been 5-11 easily…so most likely the coach willing to trade a Pro-Bowl Quarterback for eh, what’s his face would likely do so. All kidding aside, it would be an idiotic move in my opinion, Bryant could be the next Lelie for Denver. So who should Denver, or who do I believe they will focus bringing in?

Casey Rabach, Center, Washington
Smart, reliable and has some gas left in the tank. Not the answer long-term, but could fill in until someone else is ready to fill the position. He is no Weigmann, but Rabach is a hard-nosed type of lineman who can do it all, would be able to step in immediately and keep the line at a competitive level.

Richard Seymour, Defensive End, Oakland
He knows the system and the coach, and McDaniels loves to bring in former Patriots. Seymour is again, not a long-term answer but he brings more to the table then any defensive end on the roster and he would be able to fill the position for three to four seasons at the least.

Louis Leonard, Nose Tackle, Carolina
Leonard played well for the Panthers until he broke his ankle. Denver pretty much has some quality rotational players at the position. They will likely look to draft a nose, but really there is few of value who can make an immediate impact. Leonard is young enough that he could be the long-term answer if Denver is willing to pay what it would take to bring him here.

I am not going to get into trades, one reason is the value of the draft and of players is a bit screwed this off-season, no team really has the value pick wise to trade up for Denver’s first round pick nor a real need to. One analyst said this is the strongest draft class he has seen…I want to know what he has been smoking, seriously! I do not see Champ Bailey being traded, the Cornerback free agents are rather strong this year, so who would trade for him at this point in his career and of his true value. Re-Signings…Kuper, Dumervile, Prater, Orton and Marshall I believe will all return, I could be wrong, but this would be a stupid year to let such players get away.

So as for the draft…

Rnd 1. Rolando McClain, Inside Linebacker, Alabama


It’s not a real need, that is very true…but no denying he is an upgrade at the position. Now, if and I say if, Clausen is available at the 11th overall position, then Denver drafts Clausen, but I doubt he will be available come the pick. McClain is considered a terror on the field, a game changer with unlimited potential and the type of player to be the cornerstone of a defensive unit. Add in the variables of who I have the Broncos bringing in via free agency, the defense would be vastly improved. There are other variables to the pick, Saban for one and the need to improve the defense another.

Rnd 2. Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Florida


Yep…I said it, and if he is available I am pretty comfortable calling the pick. Why? Well, Tebow has a rocket for an arm, he is a media-love-fest-esque player between his looks, personality and so forth, let alone he is a freak of an athlete. Beyond that, he needs time to develop, giving McDaniels the time he wants with Orton, it silences some fans…not all, and Tebow is a better fit for the pro-spread then many other systems and vice-versa, it is a better fit for him. Lastly, word in New England is that because of Belicheck’s friendship with Meyers, and Belichecks’ high praise for Tebow that he will likely take Tebow with their second pick in the 2nd round of the draft. Add in that Jacksonville wants him as well for ticket sales more or less. It is a good fit for the team and player, and McDaniels could steal him from beneath Belicheck’s nose (remember the Cutler facto, yeah…payback is a you know what!)…lol.

Rnd 3. Marshawn ‘Mardy’ Gilyard, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati


Again with or without the return of Marshall, Gilyard at this point is a smart pick. He comes from a spread system, so less of a learning curve…more importantly, Gilyard’s overall abilities are a good fit for the pro-spread and so three teams should be targeting him; New England, Denver and Arizona, he could fall into the 4th Round, but he is a safe pick at this spot and not a real reach. Marshawn could make an immediate impact for Orton and the other Bronco quarterbacks, add in Gaffney, Marshall and Royal…Denver could easily become a top five offense if they can exploit their run game more.

Rnd 4. Mike Neal, Defensive End, Purdue


This would be no real surprise, it is well known that McDaniels loves high-intensity workout warriors, let alone the products of certain programs, Purdue amongst them. Neal is a versatile, smart and tough kid who has a tremendous motor, he tends to over pursue at times and he needs to work on his mechanics, but he could be a solid mainstay with the right coaching. Is not a natural pass rusher, but against the run and helping to collapse the pocket, well he is one of the better ends in that aspect. Would need time to develop and would likely not contribute right away. It’s no secret that Denver needs to improve on the defensive line, with the additions or similar to above, learning to develop in rotation would suit Neal well.

Rnd 6. John Estes, Center, Hawaii


One of two centers in this draft that I feel is highly underrated, the other is Erik Cook from New Mexico. While Cook is a monstrous beast at 6-6, 315lbs., Estes is only 6-2, 300lbs. What gives Estes the edge over Cook is his experience overall since his sophmore season, he was the team captain and the fence post for that offensive line. McDaniels likes leaders and athletes who like to take such roles. I have a feeling Estes will slip a bit due to the program which he is a product of, but overall he is a good fit for the Broncos, a no nonsense, tough as nails type of lineman who does not mind a bit of smash mouth football. He will not start right away and given the time to develop will be a big help in his transitioning. Another huge plus is his ability to play either guard position, lessening the need to fill more roles then needed.

Rnd 7. Clay Harbor, Tight End, Missouri State


Yep…another Tight End, but one of the best from 1-AA level, Harbor has been a nightmare for teams and a safety blanket for his quarterback, something that will be needed for Tebow and fits well in the spread. He can also transition as a H-Back in certain formations which we know McDaniels is not appauled at using. Could be a real steal if he and Tebow can bond as they mature into the league and grow. I do not expect too much right away from either, but depth is needed at the Tight End position and Harbor is a receiving Tight End who can gain much needed experience learning from the other Tight Ends and their new position coach.

Wow...and you think other are smoking the weed? lol

Lose Tebow and add a OG and I'm actually OK with this.

Originally Posted by Ravage!!!

Lancane, I've always loved your analyzing, but I'm surprised you haven't mentioned getting more OL other than the FA center. Especially after all that we've seen from the transition from the ZBS and the need for bigger boys.

Actually, I do believe we will see one or two added (depending on the rest of FA and the organizations draft)...but I doubt McDaniels is going to completely overhaul a line that was rated one of the better lines in the league this past season, even with the trouble they had with the scheme. However, team is high on Olsen, and I believe Kuper is young enough and big enough to fit a transitional scheme, I would not be surprised to see Denver retain Kuper. Intentionally or not, for McDaniels to completely scrap the ZBS he would have to scrap nearly the entire line including possibly Clady... If they do let Kuper go, then I see them focusing on either Rob Sims from Seattle or Rex Hadnot from Cleveland. They are likely to have more picks from Hillis and Scheffler, so I would say the chances of another lineman besides a center is possible.

Originally Posted by rcsodak

Wow...and you think other are smoking the week?

I must be, obviously...I only have predicted the first round pick of the organization twice in the past three seasons. Including Moreno last year, and Cutler the year we took him.

Originally Posted by SmilinAssasSin27

Lose Tebow and add a OG and I'm actually OK with this.

I can understand the want of a guard and seriously...I think there is a chance we draft one with additional picks, but I am more sound about the Tebow pick then the rest...and that is quite scary. Bowlen, Xanders and even McDaniels know that many fans are not sold on Orton, they have been questioned about drafting a top-tier quarterback since seasons end. McDaniels also has to realize that if Orton has a bad season the fans will be livid, so sometimes football is a bit political in a sense. Drafting Tebow would be smarter then drafting any other quarterback in aspect of time...it has been continually stated that he would take more time to develop, giving McDaniels time to groom him slowly and focus on Orton. Compared to say if they drafted Clausen, Orton would be forced out much, much sooner by the media and fans. If he does not draft a possible future quarterback and Orton sinks, then he could see himself pushed out by fans and the media. Tebow is just a very smart move in that sense. I know people will not like it, I am not sure I do...that is how I feel, people tend to forget that.


If I was drafting it would look more like this:

Rnd 1: Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame
Rnd 2: Cam Thomas, Nose Tackle, North Carolina
Rnd 3: Vladimir Ducasse, Offensive Guard, UMass
Rnd 4: C.J. Wilson, Defensive End, East Carolina
Rnd 6: Erik Cook, Center, New Mexico
Rnd 7: Blair White, Wide Receiver, Michigan State

If he was there. I wouldn't hate Tebow in the third round. Other than that, let some other team deal with convincing him he's a safety.

I like Gilyard and Neal from that list. There are better options with the rest of the picks.

Appreciate the effort though. Good conversation if nothing else

if we draft teblow and it's higher than the 4th round, i will kick somebody's dog to death. . . .

Originally Posted by dogfish

if we draft teblow and it's higher than the 4th round, i will kick somebody's dog to death. . . .

oh oh Dog is gonna get PETA pissed..

Originally Posted by Lancane

I must be, obviously...I only have predicted the first round pick of the organization twice in the past three seasons. Including Moreno last year, and Cutler the year we took him.

Good for you, cane. Really.

That doesn't make this year's mock any better than the next guys, tho, right?

I honestly quit reading after I saw Tebow in the 2nd.

First, you listed Seymour, who everybody knows is going to get tagged. No way in hades that Al sinks a #1 into a 1yr rental.

Add in McClain. He'll be long gone. KC/OAK will grab him up in a heartbeat.

You can do better.

Originally Posted by dogfish

if we draft teblow and it's higher than the 4th round, i will kick somebody's dog to death. . . .

Didn't the team already 'experiment' with another "athlete/QB"....from Colo St?

How'd that work out.



LMAO!

If people think the defenses play up on the line of scrimmage NOW.....Holy CRAP!