http://www.denverpost.com/premium/broncos/ci_15016602
Broncos Mailbag: McDaniels calling his own shots
By Mike Klis
The Denver Post
Posted: 05/05/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT
Hi Mike, what's your view on Josh McDaniel's authority on player personnel decisions? Does he have across-the-board authority? In other words, was it coach McDaniels who fell in love with Tebow, or was it the entire Broncos' organization?
--Matt, Denver
Matt, McDaniels has final-say authority on all player personnel matters. A player as significant as Tim Tebow has to be McDaniels' call. McDaniels is the offensive expert, the quarterback guru.
His brother, new quarterbacks' coach Ben McDaniels, may have had significant influence on the Tebow decision. General manager Brian Xanders, a Florida State alum who may have grown tired of watching Tebow whip his Seminoles, may have had significant influence in the selection process.
But a decision this monumental was ultimately made by McDaniels. As for my view on McDaniels' autocratic power, I don't see how it can work any other way. The Broncos are implementing the offensive system he brought over from the New England Patriots. It's his 3-4 defensive system. McDaniels knows more than anyone else what kind of players fit those systems. He has to make the final call on player personnel.
Mike, I was very surprised we didn't draft Maurkice Pouncey from Florida in the first round to start at center. I actually liked the Broncos' draft, but we all know the key to offense is a good line and the key to a good line is a great left tackle (which we have) and a great center. Can the guys we drafted get it done this year?
--Tod, Sedona
I think by far the greatest concern confronting the 2010 Broncos is their offensive line. There is either too many blockers coming off surgically-repaired injuries (left tackle Ryan Clady, center Russ Hochstein, right tackle Ryan Harris), or there is considerable inexperience (left guard Seth Olsen, center J.D. Walton, tackle Zane Beadles).
Right guard Chris Kuper is the only blocker without a major issue, and he has a contract matter.
Not only are there injuries and youth upfront, the Broncos are switching their blocking system. Instead of the five-man-all-move-as-one zone system that was the Broncos' trademark the previous 15 seasons, they are going to more of a power-pulling system.
And not only are there injuries, youth and a new blocking system, but long-time offensive line coach Rick Dennison has been replaced by Clancy Barone. Regarding the Broncos' offensive line, put its question mark in bold type.
The most encouraging aspect about the offensive line is whatever five blockers are put out there, they will be collectively bigger and stronger than the units of years past. At the very least, this offensive line is built to pick up a few more third-and-1s this year.
Would you please explain why the Broncos traded that fourth round pick to New England to get from 24 to 22? I know Baltimore allegedly wanted Demaryius Thomas. Was this a preemptive move on Denver's part? Why does McDaniels feel like he has to break the world record for the number of trades entered by a coach or GM?
--Riley, Denver
Let's start from the beginning. The Broncos went into this draft with the No. 11 pick in the first round and Nos. 43 and 45 picks in the second round. Their plan was to get both Thomas and Tebow as far back as they could, without losing them.
That meant exchanging the No. 11 and 43 picks for two picks in between -- somewhere in the 20s to early 30s.
To do so, the Broncos had to pick up extra picks by trading back from their initial No. 11 position, and then use some of those extra picks to move in as needed.
The Broncos had maneuvered back to No. 24. Thomas and Tebow were still around through No. 21. New England, as is its custom, was willing to move back from its No. 22 overall pick. Several teams were interested in Thomas, including Baltimore, which had the No. 25 pick. So the Broncos moved into New England's spot, sacrificing only the fourth-round pick they had acquired earlier in the draft while moving back from No. 11.
Once Thomas came off the board, Baltimore was willing to deal away its No. 25 pick. The Broncos then made the deal for Tebow.
The execution of the plan should not be criticized. Fault the plan, if you like. Question the two players the Broncos coveted. But the maneuvering was something to behold.
I have no problem with McDaniels drafting Tebow in the first round. Between McDaniels' ability to develop quarterbacks and Tebow's work ethic, this could be a great combination. However, in a draft that was described as incredibly deep, why did we give up second, third and fourth round draft picks to move up? Did the Broncos have intelligence that would indicate someone would be taking Tebow soon?
--Mike Jackson, Colorado Springs
Mike, the Broncos did think the Patriots might take Tebow at No. 27. They thought Buffalo, which was sitting at No. 41 in the second round -- or two spots ahead of the Broncos' pick on Saturday -- was making a move for Tebow. The Bills later denied interest in Tebow and owner Ralph Wilson said the Broncos "panicked" by giving up so much to get Tebow.
But all that matters in the end is the Broncos got their man. And not just a player, a potential franchise quarterback. If Tebow becomes what McDaniels thinks he'll become, a second, third and fourth-round draft pick is small compensation. Consider the Bears gave up two first-round draft picks, a third-rounder, plus a starting quarterback in Kyle Orton in exchange for Jay Cutler and a fifth-round pick.
Among all the much talked-about movements the Broncos made this offseason, one went mostly unnoticed: Why was Andra Davis released? I thought he was one of the better acquisitions McDaniels made in his first year and seemed to bring steady play and leadership. Also, with all the Tebow talk, I think people have overlooked the fact the other first round pick Demaryius Thomas is a playmaker.
--Mark Mascarenas, Great Falls, Montana
Mark, I agree Thomas was overlooked. But even Sam Bradford, the No. 1 overall pick, became a draft afterthought once the Broncos took Tebow. Thomas will forever be the "other first-round pick" in the Broncos' 2010 draft, even though he was selected ahead of Tebow.
I must respectfully disagree, though, about Davis' release going unnoticed. Considering he was an aging, two-down linebacker, his departure got plenty of attention around here. What has gone unnoticed is the Broncos' faith in Mario Haggan to replace Davis at the "Mike" inside linebacker position, and in Robert Ayers to bounce back from a disappointing rookie season at outside linebacker.
Why was Davis released? His specialty is stopping the run and in three games against lowly Washington, Oakland and Kansas City, the Broncos' defense gave up a combined 732 yards rushing -- 244 yards per game.
Not that all those yards were on Davis or defensive lineman Kenny Peterson, who was also released. But changes in the run defense had to be made. Haggan, at 267 pounds, is stouter than the 251-pound Davis. Plus, moving Haggan inside creates an opportunity for Ayers, a first-round pick in 2009, to seize the strongside outside linebacker spot.
Can you tell me why the Broncos are showing no interest in some of the big D-lineman that are available in free agency or via a trade? I know some carry a big price tag but you could always reduce contracts.
--G. Restauri, Ontario Canada
G., when a team completely overhauls its 3-man defensive front by signing Jamal Williams, Justin Bannan and Jarvis Green from free agency for a combined $50 million, I think that's plenty for one offseason.
Mike, I saw Adalius Thomas was released by the "Broncos East." How was his relationship with Josh McDaniels? And is there much chance the Broncos West will go after him as a free agent?
--Kevin, Wyoming
I don't think so. Thomas' production during his three years in New England didn't match what he did in his final three years in Baltimore. And he will play at 33 this season.
Plus, I don't think McDaniels wants Thomas in his locker room. Thomas started talking too much his last two years in New England. He even took a jab at Bill Belichick. Former Patriot players are scared of knocking Belichick, much less active players.
I think from what we've learned about Josh McDaniels is Adalius Thomas isn't his kind of player.
I admit I was initially down on Tebow, but after doing some research, talking to some people who keep up with college football and watching every minute of video I could find, I like the pick. My question is: Why is everybody so down on him? The biggest knock on him is his mechanics, but he has worked on them and he can be coached. Is there something else?
--Dave, Oregon
Until I read your name, I started thinking this question came directly from Josh McDaniels' computer. I was like you, Dave, in that initially, I didn't think Tebow -- who I consider right there with Vince Young as the best college player of all time -- could cut it as an NFL quarterback.
But for all the talk of leadership, winning mentality and other intangibles, NFL quarterbacks make their money by bringing their teams back from 10 points down, late in the third quarter. And I don't think those pass-every-down situations are well-suited for Tebow, who is widely considered a better running quarterback than passing quarterback.
However, like you Dave, I have come around. I can see Tebow operating a 2-minute drill from his own 20 something like this: Incomplete, incomplete, scramble 13 yards for a first down. Incomplete, incomplete, 17-yard completion for a first down. He may be only 1 for 5 in this scenario. But the Broncos would have the ball first-and-10 at midfield with plenty of time left.
Unlike you, Dave, I have not studied film of Tebow. But I do find it fascinating that smart football men like Jimmy Johnson don't believe Tebow can become an effective professional quarterback, and smart football men like Tony Dungy believe he can.
Can't wait till 2018 to see how it worked out.
I figured Nate Jones would be the final cornerback acquisition for the offseason. Then, we drafted Syd'Quan Thompson and Perrish Cox. At first, I thought, special teamers and return guys. However, the more film I see on them, the more I think they can play corner. Where do you see them fit in?
--Mike, Rochester, NY
Mike, what's with all these mailbaggers watching film? I never watch film unless there's a bucket of buttered popcorn in my lap and Diet Coke in my cup holder.
Anyway, I know the Broncos had a first- or second-round talent grade on Cox, who fell to the fifth round because of character concerns. I like the Cox pick if only because too many people were starting to get concerned about the Broncos becoming overly concerned about character. Some of these people are football players. Players don't want to think they have to become a scout leader in order to stay employed. They want to scratch, belch, grunt, drive fast cars and annihilate on Sundays.
The selection of Cox sent the message that the Broncos' locker room isn't necessarily restricted to angels. Although, it probably wouldn't hurt Cox if he started acting like one.
Mike Klis is entering his sixth season of covering the Broncos for The Denver Post. He previously covered the Rockies and Major League Baseball for 15 years. Pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag.