Originally Posted by
Lancane
Lancane’s Pre-Combine Mock Off-Season
Free Agency:
RFA - Gabe Watson - NT - Arizona (4th Round Pick)
(Secondary option, signing RFA Kedric Golston from Washington)
Denver trades their fourth overall pick to Arizona for Gabe Watson, Restricted Free Agent Defensive Tackle. Watson gives Denver a big body defensive lineman who can easily fill the nose tackle position in a rotation system. It helps Denver groom a quality nose to eventually start. A lot of fans are not big on giving up a pick in the draft, but chances of a rookie meeting the success of a pro is slim to none.
UFA - Chris Canty - DE - Dallas
All signs in Denver are leading to the 3-4 scheme being implemented and a good part of success is having players of quality who fit that role. Denver could make a move for Julius Peppers, but Canty in the end will be the better fit. He will likely be the biggest name signed to the Broncos under the new regime. He will automatically be penciled in as a starter in Denver, and likely be a fan favorite from the moment the ink is dry on the contract.
UFA - Kenny Peterson - DE - Denver
Peterson will be the favored Free Agent to return to Denver, he is a perfect fit to be a 3-4 Defensive End and Denver can ill afford to spend top dollar on project players left and right. He will automatically get a chance to earn a starting spot across from Canty against some questionable players on the roster. He is not a long term answer but Denver will likely look to eliminate one need before the draft and this would be a smart move.
UFA - James Sanders - SS - New England
There is no denying that Denver’s secondary is hurting, but on the plus side they still have one of the better cornerback duos in the NFL, sadly they are both nearing the term ‘Elderly’…hahaha. Luckily they have time to fix that later as McDaniels and Nolan look to put a competitive team on the field sooner rather then later. Sanders gives them a young starting safety looking to make a name for himself and Denver fans whom have been begging for a quality safety finally get their wish granted.
NFL Draft:
Denver will walk into the draft looking at three things: Quality, Intelligence and Depth. The trade to Arizona for Gabe Watson will cause some fans to stir, there is not doubt that many people believe in the hype of B.J. Raji from Boston College and Denver could be in the sweepstakes. I think Denver forgoes the sweepstakes and makes a bold move by trading the 12th overall pick to New England for the 23rd and 47th overall picks. Why? New England nees quality linebackers of youth and a good starting cornerback, they also will still have their original second round pick after the trade. It puts them in a prime spot for Rey Maualuga, Malcom Jenkins, Vontae Davis or James Laurinaitis. Not to mention that several of their free agent are restricted and Cassel could nab them some extra picks as well. So this relatively works out for both teams.
The Draft…
Rnd 1. Louis Delmas - FS - Western Michigan
Originally I thought that Tyson Jackson the LSU standout would be a wise choice here, but if Denver re-signs Peterson and signs Canty, then this would be a great spot to finally fix the rest of their defensive backfield. Delmas is a tremendous talent which was a relative unknown till scouts began to see his potential. His mobility is a plus, but what really excites those who get to see him is his ability to lay wood. This boy could knock someone senseless and Denver has missed that since the loss of All-Pro John Lynch.
Rnd 2. Clay Matthews - LB - USC
In my opinion the steal of the linebacker class. Matthews comes from a family with it’s heritage etched in the annals of NFL Football. He is a football player, the type who wants to play ball and thinks about ball and always willing to get better. This is the type of kid who leads defenses and makes them better not only in the lockeroom, but in the clubhouse as well. Clay Matthews will be able to fit a number of roles, be it outside or inside and will excel no matter the difference between positions. I believe he will start on the inside for Denver and likely be a Pro Bowler within his first two seasons.
Rnd 2. Ron Brace - NT - Boston College
Underrated, but what is not to like about that. Brace has something to prove after being in the shadow of teammate B.J. Raji and in Denver he will get the chance to prove it quickly, particularly with the rotational system that is fundemental in New England and Denver, though it is a new team it is a design of both, along with a little bit of San Diego and Baltimore…if that does not get you excited, I don’t know what will! Brace will immediately get a shot to challenge for the starting role, but will likely need time to develop behind whatever veteran is inked by the team. In my honest opinion, Ron Brace will be a starter by his third year.
Rnd 3. Javon Ringer - RB - Michigan State
Yes, a bit earlier then I would imagine some seeing us take a tailback, but there are reasons behind this pick believe it or not. Ringer will not bedazzle scouts with his speed, but he will impress them with his patience and ability to find the gaps to gain the tough yards. Smart football player who will remind fans of Frank Gore, but has better hands. In a spread formation offense that could be invaluable to the success a team has. He could easily mix it up with Hillis and a few other backs on the roster to give an unstable stable some stability! He also has a leg up, being that both Turner and McDaniels are former Big Ten Coaches themselves, and that Ringer comes from the school where McD began his coaching career.
Rnd 4. (Traded)
Gabe Watson trade, if Denver does not trade this would be the idea area to either grab a depth cornerback, receiver…maybe even another linebacker to aid the new 3-4.
Rnd 5. C.J. Davis - OL - Pittsburgh
At first I had Sammie Lee Hill in this slot, who I am high on. But then again Denver will be faced with the possibility of two guards hitting the market soon, let alone an aging center. Davis showed his versatility this season moving from guard to center, he is entering the draft as an offensive guard. But the fact that Denver could use the depth and Davis’ versatility and talent are impressive, Denver may draft him to help solidify the most promising offensive line in the NFL.
Rnd 5. Brandon Swain - OLB/DE - West Texas A&M
A riser, or so I believe…he will be a mid 5th to 6th round pick. His numbers though against weaker opponents is pretty amazing; 24.5 tackles for a loss, 14 sacks and five forced fumbles. Would be a top ten prospect if he had been in a bigger program, so the pick is worth the risk. Jarvis Moss and Elvis Dumervile will both likely get shots at the outside linebacker position, but they need depth and a possible starter if either one of the two do not fit, enter Swain who is one of the more intriguing late round athletes available.
Rnd 6. Patrick Turner - WR/TE - USC
With the implimentation of the new offense in Denver, the fact that Brandon Stokely is nearing retirement and Denver having two quality young starters, Turner could become a major part of the Quarterback friendly offense…at 6-5, 224lbs. Turner has the tangibles to fit well in a spread offense and have a solid career. He will not have a great 40 at the combine, or completely shed everyone in the benchpress…his hands and capability will however get him noticed and Denver in my opinion would be the ideal destination for this young talented kid.
Rnd 7. Zach Potter - DE - Nebraska
An intriguing late round product, he had decent numbers this season…not great. A tad on the slow side, could use some bulk and lacks the moves needed to be a great pass rusher. Potter however has the size and upside one would look for in a traditional 3-4 defensive end. A project pick who will need time to develop and will be drafted for depth, but he has raw natural talent worthy of hoping he is more then camp fodder…no doubt he needs some serious weight room time and coaching, but even in a rotational system this kid could be a plus down the road.
Rnd 7. Brice McCain - CB - Utah
He will be drafted for depth and for the one key position that he may fit, as a returner and even then it may be as a project pick…but the fact that he is likely to clock a 4.36 forty or better come the combine may be enough to salivate Denver’s new Special Teams Coordinator to beg for the kid, a seventh round pick on a young speedy corner who could help in two areas could be more then worth it…fans should not be expecting too much from him though as he will more then likely become a long-term special teams addition.
UDFA:
Brad Jones - LB - Colorado
Louis Ellis - DT - Shaw
Nate Swift - WR - Nebraska
Swayze Waters - PK - UAB
Mike Pagnotta - SS - Colorado State
Lancane’s Pre-Combine Mock Off-Season
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