Thread: Hillis-- Due Diligence Report

Before everyone get to excited remember a) we are going to see more two TE sets to level up the 3/4 defense (meaning less need of FB) b) he a 7th rounder that going have to show that he understand a complex pass blocking scheme.

I wouldn't be surprised if he isn't cut and brought back on PS.

Originally Posted by scott.475

Howard Griffith v2.0...

Man, we could only hope!!!!!!! Grips was a PLOW!

Originally Posted by Ziggy

None of us really know why the Broncos went away from using the FB in the offense on a regular basis. Some say it's because Shanny had a change in philosiphy and that him and most of the rest of the NFL has removed the roll of a pure FB. Others, like myself, think that it's because he hasn't had the right man for the job since Howard Griffith left.

The closest thing we've had to a true blocking FB since Griffith was Kyle Johnson. He had the right attitude, but was an average blocker at best. Even so, he saw his share of time on the field for a while. If Hillis turns out to be a good blocker, I think we'll see him on the field quite a bit. Not only in that traditional FB role, but being moved in motion to split out wide, and in one back sets on obvious passing downs. He showed in college that he can take on a blocking role, and still be a weapon. He has the unselfishness and attitude you look for in a FB, with the speed of a big tailback. He also has very good hands.

Those of us who remember this offense in it's heyday remember just how important Howard Griffith was to TD's success and our 2 Super Bowl winning seasons. If Hillis can block, Shanny will be able to open up another 20 or so pages in the old playbook.

I'm with ya. But there are still some on here that think the FB is 'old school', and that's what TE's are for.

I guess one needs to have been around back in the heydays, when Griff was blasting holes for TD to know the difference, though. Too bad for them.

I posted Hillis' bio, pre-draft....and was happy to see Shanny pull the string. Guess us 'old farts' ain't so dumm after all.

Originally Posted by Dream

The kid is a jack of all trades, but a master of none. He's the perfect fit for the WCO and can contribute in a myriad of ways. He'll bring a dimension to this team that we haven't seen for a while at the position.

That's why I suggested him to Mike.

http://www.broncosforums.com/forums/...6&postcount=17

Originally Posted by rcsodak

That's why I suggested him to Mike.

http://www.broncosforums.com/forums/...6&postcount=17

I don't know what the bigger shocker is, the fact that you had that good of foresight, or the fact that you suggested someone other than an Okie Sooner...

Originally Posted by Buff_bronc_fan

I don't know what the bigger shocker is, the fact that you had that good of foresight, or the fact that you suggested someone other than an Okie Sooner...

*cough*

Did you NOT see who the next kicker is?

As far as I am concerned, he can blow up special teams.

Plain and simple, he is a football player. We need a hard nosed punch you in the mouth presence on this offense.

Maybe he will be the next GREAT 7th rounder to put on Broncos gear.

Originally Posted by rcsodak

*cough*

Did you NOT see who the next kicker is?

Yeah, I'll take him, but Lofton's the one I wanted...

Originally Posted by Buff_bronc_fan

Yeah, I'll take him, but Lofton's the one I wanted...

smh...there is no way you can maintain the regimen I prescribed for you and continue to post here. You really need to take a look at what is important to you.

Originally Posted by Buff_bronc_fan

Yeah, I'll take him, but Lofton's the one I wanted...

True that. But maybe Shanny'll get a certain OU DT in next year's draft. Can't have too many.....

Originally Posted by rcsodak

I'm with ya. But there are still some on here that think the FB is 'old school', and that's what TE's are for.

I guess one needs to have been around back in the heydays, when Griff was blasting holes for TD to know the difference, though. Too bad for them.

I posted Hillis' bio, pre-draft....and was happy to see Shanny pull the string. Guess us 'old farts' ain't so dumm after all.

Well if fullback is 'old school' I'm all for it. Wasn't just two years ago that LT set the record most rushing touchdowns in a season and that was with an 'old school fullback.'

Ok, I know it's the offseason, and I am threadjacking a little, but we have to figure a way to pump up the football talk. There are only so many pics of hot woman I can look at in the lounge Ok, there are never enough, but still...

So, with Hillis, did he lead the team in receiving the last two years because he is a hell of a receiver, or because they had no other receiving options (Monk hurt at times) and crap for QBs?

What about this yards after contact stuff. Anyone that watched Hillis much (only sparinly on my part, as few games were televised), do we have a Tom Rathman type FB, who can catch the ball and when he is running with it, whether a reception or carry, refuses to go down?

I think the Giants or Jets in the late '80s, early '90s had one of those types. A FB, but also almost an H-back being able to fill multiple roles.

So, does anyone think Hillis has the potential to be that type of FB, or just more of the same that we have seen at the position (KJ, Sapp, Anderson) in converted RB's stuck at the FB position?

Originally Posted by Tned

Ok, I know it's the offseason, and I am threadjacking a little, but we have to figure a way to pump up the football talk. There are only so many pics of hot woman I can look at in the lounge Ok, there are never enough, but still...

So, with Hillis, did he lead the team in receiving the last two years because he is a hell of a receiver, or because they had no other receiving options (Monk hurt at times) and crap for QBs?

What about this yards after contact stuff. Anyone that watched Hillis much (only sparinly on my part, as few games were televised), do we have a Tom Rathman type FB, who can catch the ball and when he is running with it, whether a reception or carry, refuses to go down?

I think the Giants or Jets in the late '80s, early '90s had one of those types. A FB, but also almost an H-back being able to fill multiple roles.

So, does anyone think Hillis has the potential to be that type of FB, or just more of the same that we have seen at the position (KJ, Sapp, Anderson) in converted RB's stuck at the FB position?

Since I don't know much about the Razorbacks I don't what to say about his receiving numbers other than you still have to catch the ball and if he was the only option that they trusted the most well I think that says something right there.

Hillis has edge over guys like Sapp and Bell because he has actually been a fullback before he came to the pros so he has a little idea what the position entails. I think he's going make the team and I also think he has chance to be the starting fullback at some point.

Originally Posted by TXBRONC

Since I don't know much about the Razorbacks I don't what to say about his receiving numbers other than you still have to catch the ball and if he was the only option that they trusted the most well I think that says something right there.

Hillis has edge over guys like Sapp and Bell because he has actually been a fullback before he came to the pros so he has a little idea what the position entails. I think he's going make the team and I also think he has chance to be the starting fullback at some point.

Where is Arkansas Bronco when you need him??

His numbers aren't half bad:

Code:

YEAR	ATT	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	FUM	LST
2004	63	240	3.8	42	6	12	97	8.1	18	2	0	0
2005	65	315	4.8	32	3	38	402	10.6	45	4	0	0
2006	13	57	4.4	12	1	19	159	8.4	21	0	0	0
2007	62	347	5.6	65	2	49	537	11	34	5	0	0

A 400 yard and 500 yard receiving year both with over 10 YPR out of the FB position, along with averaging 4.7 YPC when rushing.

So, stats don't tell the full story, but beyond whatever blocking he did for McFadden and Jones, he was a fairly productive back in his own right.