rockbottom895
Footballguy
Denver Offseason Thread
Denver has a good nucleus of players, and the Broncos feel that one or two key acquisitions could mean a trip to the Super Bowl. However, their ability to make substantial offseason moves is handcuffed by salary-cap issues. While LOT Matt Lepsis, OC Tom Nalen and DT Gerard Warren aren't technically unrestricted free agents, all three can void their current contracts by March 1. If they all return, there won't be enough cap space to sign many free agents. It's also important to note that Denver needs to get younger at several positions. While it will use the draft to add some youth to the roster, don't be surprised to see it sign a few younger midlevel free agents that may not have reached their full potential, as well.
Wide receiver: While Rod Smith, 36, continues to produce, he has lost a step with age so the Broncos need to start preparing for life after him. Ashley Lelie makes some big plays, but he isn't a consistent short-to-intermediate route-runner and he drops passes he should catch. There isn't great depth here either. Denver needs a receiver it can groom to replace Smith and build a receiving corps around.
Interior offensive line: Age appears to have caught up with Nalen, 34, and he now has problems holding his own at the point of attack working against two-gap players. The problem is there is no heir apparent, as there is marginal depth behind him. Making matters worse is the depth at guard is also suspect. If Nalen returns, the Broncos need a good backup swing player that can provide depth at guard as well as center and eventually start at center. If Nalen isn't back, they need a starter.
Defensive safety: Starters John Lynch and Nick Ferguson are still playing well but both are near the end of their careers and neither has good cover skills. Backup strong safety Sam Brandon is an unrestricted free agent and nothing more than a backup. Denver needs a strong No. 3 safety who excels in coverage and is versatile enough to back up both positions.
Defensive tackle: Gerard Warren and Michael Myers are stout against the run but endurance is an issue for both players, as they struggle to sustain their play for an entire game. No. 3 Monsanto Pope is an unrestricted free agent who won't compete for a starting job if he does come back. The Broncos need a situational pass-rusher who can spell the starters as a result.
Quarterback: Jake Plummer is entrenched as the starter but Bradlee Van Pelt is raw, and there is no assurance that he'll be able to move the offense if forced to step in for Plummer. Adding a veteran to back Plummer up would give Van Pelt at least one more season to develop.
The Broncos need a reliable possession receiver who can contribute immediately, and they need to overhaul their offensive line. The only problem is that it will be tough to find the money to sign key free agents if they aren't willing to part ways with key veterans. Most of Denver's unrestricted free agents are role players who add depth and contribute on special teams, so they are considered expendable. However, Lepsis, Nalen and Warren have significant cap numbers. While all three could void their contracts, which would free up some much-needed cap space, the Broncos are expected to bring all three back at this point. Keeping that in mind, their biggest personnel acquisitions could come on draft day.
Any ideas?
Denver has a good nucleus of players, and the Broncos feel that one or two key acquisitions could mean a trip to the Super Bowl. However, their ability to make substantial offseason moves is handcuffed by salary-cap issues. While LOT Matt Lepsis, OC Tom Nalen and DT Gerard Warren aren't technically unrestricted free agents, all three can void their current contracts by March 1. If they all return, there won't be enough cap space to sign many free agents. It's also important to note that Denver needs to get younger at several positions. While it will use the draft to add some youth to the roster, don't be surprised to see it sign a few younger midlevel free agents that may not have reached their full potential, as well.
Wide receiver: While Rod Smith, 36, continues to produce, he has lost a step with age so the Broncos need to start preparing for life after him. Ashley Lelie makes some big plays, but he isn't a consistent short-to-intermediate route-runner and he drops passes he should catch. There isn't great depth here either. Denver needs a receiver it can groom to replace Smith and build a receiving corps around.
Interior offensive line: Age appears to have caught up with Nalen, 34, and he now has problems holding his own at the point of attack working against two-gap players. The problem is there is no heir apparent, as there is marginal depth behind him. Making matters worse is the depth at guard is also suspect. If Nalen returns, the Broncos need a good backup swing player that can provide depth at guard as well as center and eventually start at center. If Nalen isn't back, they need a starter.
Defensive safety: Starters John Lynch and Nick Ferguson are still playing well but both are near the end of their careers and neither has good cover skills. Backup strong safety Sam Brandon is an unrestricted free agent and nothing more than a backup. Denver needs a strong No. 3 safety who excels in coverage and is versatile enough to back up both positions.
Defensive tackle: Gerard Warren and Michael Myers are stout against the run but endurance is an issue for both players, as they struggle to sustain their play for an entire game. No. 3 Monsanto Pope is an unrestricted free agent who won't compete for a starting job if he does come back. The Broncos need a situational pass-rusher who can spell the starters as a result.
Quarterback: Jake Plummer is entrenched as the starter but Bradlee Van Pelt is raw, and there is no assurance that he'll be able to move the offense if forced to step in for Plummer. Adding a veteran to back Plummer up would give Van Pelt at least one more season to develop.
The Broncos need a reliable possession receiver who can contribute immediately, and they need to overhaul their offensive line. The only problem is that it will be tough to find the money to sign key free agents if they aren't willing to part ways with key veterans. Most of Denver's unrestricted free agents are role players who add depth and contribute on special teams, so they are considered expendable. However, Lepsis, Nalen and Warren have significant cap numbers. While all three could void their contracts, which would free up some much-needed cap space, the Broncos are expected to bring all three back at this point. Keeping that in mind, their biggest personnel acquisitions could come on draft day.
Any ideas?
I figured it was just some fan message board. For ESPN to be that off is scary.
ray:
