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Graham Signs with Denver (1 Viewer)

R

rascal

Footballguy
Broncos sign TE Graham

Bill Williamson

Denver Post Staff Writer

Article Last Updated: 03/06/2007 08:40:22 PM MST

The Broncos made their another huge free-agent splash Tuesday night by signing New England tight end Daniel Graham to a five-year contract.

The Thomas Jefferson High School graduate and former CU star signed a $30 million deal with $15 million in guaranteed money.

Graham is the second big-ticket player Denver has signed in the past two days. The Broncos signed running back Travis Henry to a five-year deal with $12 million in guarantees on Monday.

 
That is a lot of money for a TE but Denver had gotten themselves a very good team player. Graham has always been solid in NE.

 
Bump up Cutler. He now has 4 legit targets. Plus, is Rod Smith still around? never mind, just saw that thread. Ouch

 
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Good for Graham. He did nothing but play his butt off for the Pats. He now scores a big contract with a good franchise that happens to be his hometown team. Not a bad day at the office. It will be very interesting to see how Shanny uses both he and Sheffler who looked pretty good last year.

While I hate to see Graham leave the Pats it was inevitable and when they drafted Thomas it pretty much sealed it. Unless the Pats came up with big money (and the odds wewre slim they would) he was a goner.

The big issue with Graham (and it's a big one) is durability. He plays such a physical game and he's probably hurt a good amount because of it. He has not played a full 16 games in his five years with the Pats. His game total are 12, 14, 14, 11, 12. That's a lot of missed time. At the end of the day much of this signing will be judged on how much he plays. If he stays healthy the Broncos get a very good team player who will help them but if he's in street clothes for three or four games a year that's a lot of money to have tied up on the sideline.

 
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I didn't think it was likely, but I was really hoping the Raiders would sign him after they brought him in for a visit. The Raiders are pretty sporadic in their use of the TE these days, but his exceptional blocking would have automatically improved their pass protection.

 
Mister CIA said:
Team Legacy said:
Scheffler owners can't be liking this one.
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Yeah, look at how Graham deflated Ben Watson's value last year.Sincerely, an optimistic Scheffler owner.
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When Scheffler was drafted, it was well known his strength was his receiving and his weakness was blocking. Also well known is Graham's superior blocking, although he's a pretty decent receiver as well. I think the fit in Denver will be very much like the one in New England, and while Scheffler probably will never be an elite fantasy TE, having Graham on the field will free him up to go out on routes rather than stay in to block, and won't hurt his receiving totals very much.
 
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Couch Potato said:
Mister CIA said:
Team Legacy said:
Scheffler owners can't be liking this one.
Click to expand...
Yeah, look at how Graham deflated Ben Watson's value last year.Sincerely, an optimistic Scheffler owner.
Click to expand...
When Scheffler was drafted, it was well known his strength was his receiving and his weakness was blocking. Also well known is Graham's superior blocking, although he's a pretty decent receiver as well. I think the fit in Denver will be very much like the one in New England, and while Scheffler probably never be an elite fantasy TE, having Graham on the field will free him up to go out on routes rather than stay in to block, and won't hurt his receiving totals.
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I would think what you described is the fall back plan. Graham's got alot of talent. Shanny's gotta at least take his new TE out for a test drive. At least the first few weeks I'd expect alot of Graham
 
Boston said:
Good for Graham. He did nothing but play his butt off for the Pats. He now scores a big contract with a good franchise that happens to be his hometown team. Not a bad day at the office. It will be very interesting to see how Shanny uses both he and Sheffler who looked pretty good last year.While I hate to see Graham leave the Pats it was inevitable and when they drafted Thomas it pretty much sealed it. Unless the Pats came up with big money (and the odds wewre slim they would) he was a goner.The big issue with Graham (and it's a big one) is durability. He plays such a physical game and he's probably hurt a good amount because of it. He has not played a full 16 games in his five years with the Pats. His game total are 12, 14, 14, 11, 12. That's a lot of missed time. At the end of the day much of this signing will be judged on how much he plays. If he stays healthy the Broncos get a very good team player who will help them but if he's in street clothes for three or four games a year that's a lot of money to have tied up on the sideline.
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The durability is huge to me. NOt only does he miss games, but he's limited when he plays, taking his receiving out of the game. Frankly, I am stunned at the contract. The upside is huge, and may pay off, but there are known risks with the guy, and it's all about staying healthy. Kudos to his character, because he's out there in pain, playing through it, but that's a huge contract for a guy that's limited. Maybe the Mile HIgh aire will do him well. Great hands, great character, great guy, just unfortunately his body isn't willing.
 
The Jacket said:
$30 mil for a blocking TE (whose never played in 16 games his entire career)? Hahahaha
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I disagree that he's a blocking TE. He's as good a receiver as any in the league. He's just also a better blocker. He blocks, because he's great at setting the corner. But, he also blocks, because many games, he may have injuries causing him to not run, but he's still on the field. Maybe Denver has had conversations of going Matt Lepsis w/ him? Who knows? Lepsis was a TE at CU, as was Graham. Two former CU TE's playing tackle? A lot of money for tackles, but that would be two great tackles. I agree it's a lot of money, but I don't agree with calling Graham strickly a blocking TE, because he's not. He's a better receiver than Watson, just can't run the field as well.
 
PMENFAN said:
The Jacket said:
$30 mil for a blocking TE (whose never played in 16 games his entire career)? Hahahaha
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I disagree that he's a blocking TE. He's as good a receiver as any in the league. He's just also a better blocker. He blocks, because he's great at setting the corner. But, he also blocks, because many games, he may have injuries causing him to not run, but he's still on the field. Maybe Denver has had conversations of going Matt Lepsis w/ him? Who knows? Lepsis was a TE at CU, as was Graham. Two former CU TE's playing tackle? A lot of money for tackles, but that would be two great tackles. I agree it's a lot of money, but I don't agree with calling Graham strickly a blocking TE, because he's not. He's a better receiver than Watson, just can't run the field as well.
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As good a receiver as any in the league...... :goodposting:
 
Graham is an EXCELLENT blocker and an adequate receiver. He hasn't compiled a lot of receiving stats here because of how he was used, which, I think, was one of the reasons there was no chance he was going to stay here. He makes spectacular catches sometimes, but will also stone-hand a routine catch once in awhile.

Very good signing for the Broncos.

 
I'm a Scheffler owner in dynasty and while particularly thrilled by the Graham signing, I'm not particularly worried about it either.

The connection between Scheffler and Cutler is undeniable and it's just not going to go away with some new kid coming on the scene. And until I see otherwise on the field, I'm of the opinion Shanahan has upgraded their other TE (blocking) from Stephen Alexander to Graham.

The owners who should be worried are those of Brandon Marshall. The more mouths to feed the less he's gonna see as the 3rd / 4th / 5th option.

 
Floyd The Barber said:
I'm a Scheffler owner in dynasty and while particularly thrilled by the Graham signing, I'm not particularly worried about it either. The connection between Scheffler and Cutler is undeniable and it's just not going to go away with some new kid coming on the scene. And until I see otherwise on the field, I'm of the opinion Shanahan has upgraded their other TE (blocking) from Stephen Alexander to Graham.The owners who should be worried are those of Brandon Marshall. The more mouths to feed the less he's gonna see as the 3rd / 4th / 5th option.
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:denial:
 
I applaud the signing - great move. Scheffler only had a couple of good games towards the end of the season - what about the games where he was either inactive or had zero playing time? While he should improve, he is not yet the second coming of Shannon Sharpe.

I believe that Graham will improve the run game, and I'm looking to more two-tight end sets. This is a copy-cat league, and alot of teams started going 2TE last year. I wonder if Scheffler and/or Graham will ever see some time lining up in the backfield, H-back style? Broncos have never done this, but they have one of the more innovative offenses in the league, IMO, and change things up all the time.

However, I'm curious how the Broncos will be able to afford Graham and Henry. Weren't they fairly close to the cap to start with?

 
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rascal said:
MrPhoenix said:
Iron_Far said:
....And Cutler looked so good throwing to Scheffler last year...
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Maybe they'll be using the dual TE set? :wub:
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Yeap with Marshall and Walker at WR, and Henry the sole back.THat's the formation that Shanny likes the most, and the one that was used extensively in their SB run.
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Are you sure? This doesn't sound right to me. I'm pretty sure that they ran out of the I or the offset I most of the time, with Howard Griffith @ FB.
 
PMENFAN said:
The durability is huge to me. NOt only does he miss games, but he's limited when he plays, taking his receiving out of the game. Frankly, I am stunned at the contract. The upside is huge, and may pay off, but there are known risks with the guy, and it's all about staying healthy. Kudos to his character, because he's out there in pain, playing through it, but that's a huge contract for a guy that's limited. Maybe the Mile HIgh aire will do him well. Great hands, great character, great guy, just unfortunately his body isn't willing.
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Good recap - although "great hands" etc is pushing it. I'd say "pretty good hands" and decent seperation/etc (for a TE). Overall it is a good signing for DEN, nice fit etc, although I agree they overpaid. I think they've done well overall though.
 
Seems he has been impressing in camp. I noticed this on the blogger yesterday.

Broncos TE D. Graham Expected To Be Big Part Of Offense

Jim Armstrong, Denver Post - [Full Article]

According to Denver Broncos assistant head coach/offense Mike Heimerdinger, tight end Daniel Graham could expect to see as many as 55 receptions with the team in 2007. "I don't think you're off," said Heimerdinger. "The tight end has always been a big part of this offense. We should be able to get him the ball. If he keeps doing what he's doing, I would hope we get him the ball that many times. We need to get him the ball."
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Of course it is coachspeak at this point but I have yet to hear anything negative about him coming out of Denver. Seems like a good situation is turning into a better one.
 
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jafo said:
Seems he has been impressing in camp. I noticed this on the blogger yesterday.

Broncos TE D. Graham Expected To Be Big Part Of Offense

Jim Armstrong, Denver Post - [Full Article]

According to Denver Broncos assistant head coach/offense Mike Heimerdinger, tight end Daniel Graham could expect to see as many as 55 receptions with the team in 2007. "I don't think you're off," said Heimerdinger. "The tight end has always been a big part of this offense. We should be able to get him the ball. If he keeps doing what he's doing, I would hope we get him the ball that many times. We need to get him the ball."
Click to expand...
Of course it is coachspeak at this point but I have yet to hear anything negative about him coming out of Denver. Seems like a good situation is turning into a better one.
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Am I wrong, or did Scheffler seriously hurt himself (knee?) in OTA?
 
The Hank said:
jafo said:
Seems he has been impressing in camp. I noticed this on the blogger yesterday.

Broncos TE D. Graham Expected To Be Big Part Of Offense

Jim Armstrong, Denver Post - [Full Article]

According to Denver Broncos assistant head coach/offense Mike Heimerdinger, tight end Daniel Graham could expect to see as many as 55 receptions with the team in 2007. "I don't think you're off," said Heimerdinger. "The tight end has always been a big part of this offense. We should be able to get him the ball. If he keeps doing what he's doing, I would hope we get him the ball that many times. We need to get him the ball."
Click to expand...
Of course it is coachspeak at this point but I have yet to hear anything negative about him coming out of Denver. Seems like a good situation is turning into a better one.
Click to expand...
Am I wrong, or did Scheffler seriously hurt himself (knee?) in OTA?
Click to expand...
Scheffler broke his foot.
 
Graham strikes me as one of those guys that you can get much later after the Gonzos, Gates and Heaps of the world are gone, but could put up numbers not overly far from the top brass. Big-time value possibility.

 
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30 million to a backup tight end? What a joke. The peanut vendor at Gillette can slap on a jock strap and work a deal with someone if this keeps up.....

 
Power Monster said:
^Yup- the 30 million dollar blocker!
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Why is that so hard to believe? Left Tackles make a heckuvalot more than $30 million, don't they? Daniel Graham blocks better than some of the Left Tackles in the league, and he's also an above-average passcatching threat, to boot. He's like Dwayne Carswell, who was long a Shanahan favorite, only better in pretty much every respect.I really don't think Denver's going to have any problem running a lot of two-TE sets. They already do a lot with their TEs, and Shanahan has always preferred having two TEs, anyway (although he's gotten away from it a bit recently because none of his TEs have been great blockers since Carswell got hurt). I remember a game where Portis got hurt and Mike Anderson (who was the FB at the time) was the primary ballcarrier. Since Denver was playing without a FB, they played the entire game in a 2-TE set, and then before the snap they'd motion one of the two TEs into the backfield, turning a two-TE set into an offset-I formation. Imagine Denver doing that with a blocker of Graham's caliber (not to mention what a threat he would be out in the flats, too).
 
SSOG said:
Power Monster said:
^Yup- the 30 million dollar blocker!
Click to expand...
Why is that so hard to believe? Left Tackles make a heckuvalot more than $30 million, don't they? Daniel Graham blocks better than some of the Left Tackles in the league, and he's also an above-average passcatching threat, to boot. He's like Dwayne Carswell, who was long a Shanahan favorite, only better in pretty much every respect.I really don't think Denver's going to have any problem running a lot of two-TE sets. They already do a lot with their TEs, and Shanahan has always preferred having two TEs, anyway (although he's gotten away from it a bit recently because none of his TEs have been great blockers since Carswell got hurt). I remember a game where Portis got hurt and Mike Anderson (who was the FB at the time) was the primary ballcarrier. Since Denver was playing without a FB, they played the entire game in a 2-TE set, and then before the snap they'd motion one of the two TEs into the backfield, turning a two-TE set into an offset-I formation. Imagine Denver doing that with a blocker of Graham's caliber (not to mention what a threat he would be out in the flats, too).
Click to expand...
Look at what they're paying offensive guards too. :banned:
 
Blackjacks said:
massraider said:
Power Monster said:
30 million to a backup tight end? What a joke. The peanut vendor at Gillette can slap on a jock strap and work a deal with someone if this keeps up.....
Click to expand...
Unless you're Tony Scheffler's mom, you really can't think he's the backup.
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I think they both start with Graham being the blocker and Scheffler being the reciever.
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Scheffler needs to recover from an injury first and Graham should have a chance to show off his catching ability while he's out
 
I agree that Denver will play a load of two-TE sets this years. Further evidence of this trend is former FB Cecil Sapp being converted to RB.

 
SSOG said:
Power Monster said:
^Yup- the 30 million dollar blocker!
Click to expand...
Why is that so hard to believe? Left Tackles make a heckuvalot more than $30 million, don't they? Daniel Graham blocks better than some of the Left Tackles in the league, and he's also an above-average passcatching threat, to boot. He's like Dwayne Carswell, who was long a Shanahan favorite, only better in pretty much every respect.I really don't think Denver's going to have any problem running a lot of two-TE sets. They already do a lot with their TEs, and Shanahan has always preferred having two TEs, anyway (although he's gotten away from it a bit recently because none of his TEs have been great blockers since Carswell got hurt). I remember a game where Portis got hurt and Mike Anderson (who was the FB at the time) was the primary ballcarrier. Since Denver was playing without a FB, they played the entire game in a 2-TE set, and then before the snap they'd motion one of the two TEs into the backfield, turning a two-TE set into an offset-I formation. Imagine Denver doing that with a blocker of Graham's caliber (not to mention what a threat he would be out in the flats, too).
Click to expand...
New England tried using Graham in this H-Back type role. Graham wasn't picking it up, so they stuck with him at TE.
 
zamboni said:
Graham strikes me as one of those guys that you can get much later after the Gonzos, Gates and Heaps of the world are gone, but could put up numbers not overly far from the top brass. Big-time value possibility.
Click to expand...
I agree there is potential, but Graham showed some very inconsistent hands in New England. He dropped a lot of easy passes. Not sure I'd want him as a primary target in the passing game. But he is a great athlete, a hell of a blocker, and he's a runaway train when he has the ball in the open field. He's also great in the locker room and was made a captain in New England.
 
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