Official Denver Broncos Thread

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

^Yeah. Obviously our biggest weakness is defense, but he keeps saying the team as a whole needs improving. Offense, Defense, and Special Teams.

That is good coming from the head coach. His job is to improve the team and it looks like he is sticking to it

Rough draft of what I'd like to see.

Offense- fix the redzone woes. Get a starting RB that doesnt need to split carries, can remain healthy. Oline needs to get together and get into run blocking since pass blocking is A+. WRs work on catching the ball and securing it (Marshall specifically). Hillis has to be involved in the backfield more than just a blocking FB, get him out in a flat and use his speed/strength.

Defense- stop the run, get pressure, and coverage will be fine with the first two clicking. Go young, the guys that have been here haven't been able to get the job done. Bring in 2 capable vets that can still play for the linebackers and dline to establish an attitude. All of this really depends on the talent we get from the draft, until then we're nothing more than a sailboat with no wind.

ST- Cover the damn field and stop letting a team start around the 30-40. We still need a good return game despite having Royal. Coverage on our own returns needs to be improved, Royal more times than not had no real chance of getting into space. Starting on our own 20 and deeper doesn't help Cutler & Co. any, a short field once in awhile would be outstanding.

Prater needs to figure out how to make important field goals late in the season, but we shouldn't be happy just getting FGs anymore; they tend to come back to haunt a team later in a game.

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

After the combine, I think Denver has a strong chance of trading down. A lot of the DE's (imo) could be late round picks and transitioned to a OLB of a 3-4. Good news for us since we'll have the chance to pick from a bunch

[Salhus]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

After the combine, I think Denver has a strong chance of trading down. A lot of the DE's (imo) could be late round picks and transitioned to a OLB of a 3-4. Good news for us since we'll have the chance to pick from a bunch

This have anything to do with Maualuga's injury? What's the latest on that anyway? USC's LB's were ridiculous even Maiva and Matthews both.

What would the trade package look like if we traded down? Not real familiar with the balance aspect of trading picks and what not

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

This have anything to do with Maualuga's injury? What's the latest on that anyway? USC's LB's were ridiculous even Maiva and Matthews both.

What would the trade package look like if we traded down? Not real familiar with the balance aspect of trading picks and what not

Maualuga, I think, just re-aggravated his hamstring. His run time was somewhat expected, no one thought they'd see a 4.5 from him. Orakpo ended up leaving the combine as well with a aggravated hamstring. Like you said, the other USC guys did really good with the drills. How much of a reach would it be to take Cushing in the top 15, considering his combine now? I still think he's mid-late pack and possibly falls into the top of the 2nd round. BJ Raji, we need him to somehow fall to 12 but with GB switching to 3-4, odds aren't great

I still prefer Maualuga who will take someone's head off but lucky us, there's a lot more options to go with for improving this defense. Yesterday I kept catchign myself thinking ' I wouldn't mind having that guy' alot, McDaniels has his work cut out for him.

I'm interested in the trading down, I know each pick has an assigned value so whoever you trade with will determine compensation. It'd probably be a swap in the 1st with a pick in either the 2nd or 3rd round (maybe a 4th depending on their score)

[Salhus]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Maualuga, I think, just re-aggravated his hamstring. His run time was somewhat expected, no one thought they'd see a 4.5 from him. Orakpo ended up leaving the combine as well with a aggravated hamstring. Like you said, the other USC guys did really good with the drills. How much of a reach would it be to take Cushing in the top 15, considering his combine now? I still think he's mid-late pack and possibly falls into the top of the 2nd round. BJ Raji, we need him to somehow fall to 12 but with GB switching to 3-4, odds aren't great

I still prefer Maualuga who will take someone's head off but lucky us, there's a lot more options to go with for improving this defense. Yesterday I kept catchign myself thinking ' I wouldn't mind having that guy' alot, McDaniels has his work cut out for him.

I'm interested in the trading down, I know each pick has an assigned value so whoever you trade with will determine compensation. It'd probably be a swap in the 1st with a pick in either the 2nd or 3rd round (maybe a 4th depending on their score)

Ok. No serious injury.

I say if Maualuga and Raji are gone by 12 or a red flag pops up for Maualuga then I would be all for trading down and grabing a guy like Cushing in the later first round.

At 12 it would be a little stretch for Cushing, but I would still prefer him over an inconsistent Maybin.

[kehlis]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I'm interested in the trading down, I know each pick has an assigned value so whoever you trade with will determine compensation. It'd probably be a swap in the 1st with a pick in either the 2nd or 3rd round (maybe a 4th depending on their score)

What about giving the Eagles the 12th pick and maybe a later pick in the draft for their 21st and 28th pick?

Its a long shot but I think they may be tempted to jump at that for the 12th pick.

[Salhus]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

^That would be interesting.

You have any players in mind at 21 and 28?

[kehlis]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

^That would be interesting.

You have any players in mind at 21 and 28?

Nah, I just know that we need all the talent on D that we can get. If we want to compete on defense this year, we would need as much talent as possible so getting 2 first round talents would be awesome compared to the 12th pick which is never guaranteed to work out.

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Nah, I just know that we need all the talent on D that we can get. If we want to compete on defense this year, we would need as much talent as possible so getting 2 first round talents would be awesome compared to the 12th pick which is never guaranteed to work out.

On top of getting more players, the contract for 12th compared to a lower 1st round pick would help the team not take such a huge hit to the cap, or make a long term commitment to a player that has yet to set foot on the field.

Like I've said earlier this offseason, I'm in favor of trading down in order to stockpile picks to bring in a group of guys that can play and want to prove to all the other teams they should have drafted them. It really depends on if we're coming up to the 12th pick and there's just not a guy that gives us the "Wow" factor.

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

JJ Arrington & Correll Buckhalter

With defense a pressing need in Denver, the Broncos are bringing in two running backs for visits on Friday.

The team is meeting with running backs Correll Buckhalter of Philadelphia and Arizona's J.J. Arrington. The team has not signed the players, they are coming in for visits. However, if the visits go well, Denver could finalize deals with both players.

The Broncos are also visiting with Miami safety Renaldo Hill on Friday. The Broncos are looking for help at safety and at cornerback.

The movement at running back is interesting. The Broncos are looking for some stability at a position where seven players were put on injured reserve last season. Apparently new coach Josh McDaniels thinks Buckhalter, who Denver had interest in a few years ago in free agency, could serve a role. Expect 2008 rookies Peyton Hillis and Ryan Torain to get a chance to play as well.

If signed, Arrington could be a third-down back and a returner.

Eh... nothing too impressive yet in the free agency extravaganza for us.

Looks like I'll be spending my mornings again looking at all the news, dead period is over.
Ray Lewis

The Baltimore Sun believes that Denver could be a more likely destination for free agent Ray Lewis than the Jets or Cowboys.

He had a strong relationship with new Broncos DC Mike Nolan when they were in Baltimore and Denver is letting incumbent MLB Nate Webster go. Lewis is thought to have turned down a three-year, $25M offer from the Ravens.

I would be ok with this if he wasn't looking for much money but $8-10M is too high for me. He's the veteran we need in the box but Bart Scott is more appealing to me still. edit - Scott is apparently with the Jets now.

Michael Clayton

The Broncos are expected to make a phone call to free agent Michael Clayton on Friday.

Clayton could fill the Jabar Gaffney role in Josh McDaniels' offense while Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal play the parts of Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Clayton should come cheaply after four consecutive poor seasons

Funny they mention Gaffney, apparently he's scheduling a visit to come here as well.

Ronald Bartell

The Broncos have "lowered their sights" away from free agent CB Ronald Bartell, according to the Denver Post.

Phillip Buchanon reportedly appears a likelier target. Bryant McFadden and Bartell will probably both command five-year, $40 million contracts with $18M or more guaranteed. Denver has too many needs to tie its cap up in 2-3 guys.

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Continuation of Arrington and Buckhalter

Updating a previous item, FOXSports' Alex Marvez reports that the Broncos are expected to sign both Correll Buckhalter and J.J. Arrington after they pass their physicals on Friday.

The Broncos are going to use a backfield committee under Josh McDaniels, just like he employed in New England. Neither signing is very inspiring, but this probably takes Denver out of the running for free agent Derrick Ward. Marvez calls Buckhalter, 30, "a front-runner for a starting spot."

I would atleast like us to look at Derrick Ward (His cost runs around $2.5M a year, apparently he dropped it from $4M)


Jarvis Moss, here's your chance.

The Broncos have informed Jarvis Moss that he will be moving to outside linebacker this offseason.

Moss has the requisite pass rushing skills and athleticism to play outside in the 3-4, but his coverage skills need work. Notoriously underweight, Moss never fit well as a defensive end, so the move should be beneficial.

Ronald Fields

The Broncos will host DL Ronald Fields for a free agent visit this weekend.

Fields, 27, played under defensive coordinator Mike Nolan with the 49ers and can play both nose and end in the 3-4. The Rams have also expressed interest in arranging a visit with Fields. He'll be a good value pickup.

Jabar Gaffney

The Broncos are hosting Jabar Gaffney for a free agent visit on Friday.
Denver is serious about adding a wideout, but isn't aiming high. Still only 28, Gaffney plays like he's in his mid-30s.

The Broncos' other potential target to play with Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall is Michael Clayton.

That makes a possible 2 ex-Patriot WR's in the system here. Chad Jackson and maybe Gaffney. Does Stokely get shuffled down? Royal remains a #2 or does he get put into slot?
Renaldo Hill

Free agent S Renaldo Hill will visit the Broncos on Friday.

Denver went through its fair share of middling safeties under Mike Shanahan and Hill would be another. He became expendable in Miami when the Fins added Gibril Wilson. Hill started 16 games last year and made 77 stops.

Brian Dawkins

NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that Brian Dawkins is on a flight to Denver to visit with the Broncos.

Dawkins is worth more to the Eagles than anyone else, which has hurt his contract negotiations. Now he's showing how serious he is about possibly leaving. Dawkins would play a Rodney Harrison-like leadership role for Josh McDaniels' Broncos, but a return to Philly still seems most likely.

Marques Douglas

The Broncos are expected to pursue DE Marques Douglas, recently released by the Ravens.

Douglas played for new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan in both Baltimore and San Francisco, and the Broncos have a need for bigger defensive ends in Nolan's new 4-3 defense.

Free Agency Cap Room

On the eve of free agency, some teams are positioned too well, and others not so well. Based on numbers gathered Thursday — and these are fluid, changing with each roster move that each team makes — here are the teams with the most and least salary-cap room heading into the start of free agency.

MOST
Tampa Bay — $61 million
Kansas City — $57 million
Philadelphia — $48 million
Denver — $37 million
Green Bay — $34 million

LEAST
Carolina — $1.9 million
New England — $3.2 million
Indianapolis — $6.6 million
Pittsburgh — $7.4 million
Washington — $8.1 million

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Broncos sign longsnapper Lonie Paxton to a five year, $5.3M deal

The pipeline out of New England is running to both Kansas City and Denver. The 30-year-old former Patriot is known as one of the best long snappers in the league and an excellent snow angel maker.

Jabar Gaffney and Andra Davis (I think that's what I heard) are expected to sign soon today.

Arrington and Buckhalter signed. Arrington could bring us a better field position than having Royal play offense, do PR and KR duties

Brian Dawkins signed.

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

It's 3:30 Mountain time and we're expecting 4 more players to sign (I'm assuming Gaffney is one of them)

David Anderson (WR, from CSU & was on the Texans) is joining the Broncos.
Renaldo Hill (S; Miami) signs.

Well today distracted me from hunting The Show, very busy FA market for us.

Signed
Correll Buckhalter (RB)
JJ Arrington (RB)
Lonnie Paxton (LS)
Jabar Gaffney (WR)
Renaldo Hill (S)
Brian Dawkins (S)
Andra Davis (ILB)

[Salhus]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Wow. Out of that list of "signed" players there are only 2 (maybe 3) defensive players.

I'd be excited if we get Dawkins. Leadership and attitude is exactly what the D needs..

[Salhus]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Jabar Gaffney


That makes a possible 2 ex-Patriot WR's in the system here. Chad Jackson and maybe Gaffney. Does Stokely get shuffled down? Royal remains a #2 or does he get put into slot?

I always thought Welker and Stokely were very similar.

Even if Royal is put in the slot that doesn't really mean less snaps. With McDaniels offense the slot guy gets even more looks then the #2 WR.