Niko Koutouvides confirmed MLB (1 Viewer)

[Jene Bramel]

Okay, so at first glance this doesn't look like a big deal. But, as the Guru himself pointed out as he was poking my DJ Williams fetish via email, teams don't sign above average backup/special teams players to 3yr/7.5 mil contracts without something more in mind. Especially when guys like Boss Bailey have apparently already been in for visits.

Koutouvides is a MLB by trade, and while I don't think he's a very good one, the potential is there.

Here's the Denver Post with the initial speculation:

Koutouvides was considered Seattle's top special teams player and was their backup middle linebacker. He will compete for a starting job in training camp and if he performs well, Denver will move D.J. Williams from the middle to weakside, replacing the released Ian Gold.

At least the move would be to an every down WLB role. Still, it would make it nearly impossible for Williams to repeat his 2007 breakout season.

 

[Fullback Fro]

Okay, so at first glance this doesn't look like a big deal. But, as the Guru himself pointed out as he was poking my DJ Williams fetish via email, teams don't sign above average backup/special teams players to 3yr/7.5 mil contracts without something more in mind. Especially when guys like Boss Bailey have apparently already been in for visits.

Koutouvides is a MLB by trade, and while I don't think he's a very good one, the potential is there.

Here's the Denver Post with the initial speculation:

Koutouvides was considered Seattle's top special teams player and was their backup middle linebacker. He will compete for a starting job in training camp and if he performs well, Denver will move D.J. Williams from the middle to weakside, replacing the released Ian Gold.

At least the move would be to an every down WLB role. Still, it would make it nearly impossible for Williams to repeat his 2007 breakout season.

Who do you think has a better chance to win the middle job? Koutouvides or Winborn?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Who do you think has a better chance to win the middle job? Koutouvides or Winborn?

Koutouvides. Although, you're right that -- today -- it shapes up as who plays better, Winborn at Will or Koutouvides at Mike.

 

[Fullback Fro]

Who do you think has a better chance to win the middle job? Koutouvides or Winborn?

Koutouvides. Although, you're right that -- today -- it shapes up as who plays better, Winborn at Will or Koutouvides at Mike.

Do you think Koutouvides could be this year's Paris Lenon?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Who do you think has a better chance to win the middle job? Koutouvides or Winborn?

Koutouvides. Although, you're right that -- today -- it shapes up as who plays better, Winborn at Will or Koutouvides at Mike.

Do you think Koutouvides could be this year's Paris Lenon?

I was never a Koutouvides fan, but if you mean can he be this year's below replacement level talent who finds his way onto a poor defense then survives lackluster competition all year long and ends up as a low LB2, then yeah, Niko looks like a good candidate today. I've never been a big Koutouvides fan and I'm the biggest DJ Williams apologist on the innernets. I fully expect others to have a well reasoned opinion that Koutouvides got a bit of a raw deal in Seattle behind a very good LB unit and could be a solid breakout candidate. So take my skepticism as you will.

 

[Rozelle]

Okay, so at first glance this doesn't look like a big deal. But, as the Guru himself pointed out as he was poking my DJ Williams fetish via email, teams don't sign above average backup/special teams players to 3yr/7.5 mil contracts without something more in mind. Especially when guys like Boss Bailey have apparently already been in for visits.

Koutouvides is a MLB by trade, and while I don't think he's a very good one, the potential is there.

Here's the Denver Post with the initial speculation:

Koutouvides was considered Seattle's top special teams player and was their backup middle linebacker. He will compete for a starting job in training camp and if he performs well, Denver will move D.J. Williams from the middle to weakside, replacing the released Ian Gold.

At least the move would be to an every down WLB role. Still, it would make it nearly impossible for Williams to repeat his 2007 breakout season.

In comparison, this sounds about right for a backup/special teams player. Kawika Mitchell UFA from NY Giants signed by Buffalo (5 year 17.5 mil)

Reggie Torbor UFA from N.Y. Giants signed by Miami (4 years 14 mil)

Charlie Anderson UFA from Houston signed by Miami (3 years 17.5 7.5 mil)

I'm sure Niko will compete for starting job. As much as Denver would like to bounce DJ back outside, I think it's unlikely Koutouvides play at mike makes it happen. He should be a nice special teamer, and a guy who can be a backup for all 3 LB positions.

 

[Jene Bramel]

In comparison, this sounds about right for a backup/special teams player.

Kawika Mitchell UFA from NY Giants signed by Buffalo (5 year 17.5 mil)

Reggie Torbor UFA from N.Y. Giants signed by Miami (4 years 14 mil)

Charlie Anderson UFA from Houston signed by Miami (3 years 17.5 mil)

I'm sure Niko will compete for starting job. As much as Denver would like to bounce DJ back outside, I think it's unlikely Koutouvides play at mike makes it happen. He should be a nice special teamer, and a guy who can be a backup for all 3 LB positions.

Won't shock me if both Mitchell and Torbor start this year. Miami's LB corps is horrid for a 3-4. Didn't notice Anderson's contract before though -- that's hideous.

 

[Rozelle]

In comparison, this sounds about right for a backup/special teams player.

Kawika Mitchell UFA from NY Giants signed by Buffalo (5 year 17.5 mil)

Reggie Torbor UFA from N.Y. Giants signed by Miami (4 years 14 mil)

Charlie Anderson UFA from Houston signed by Miami (3 years 17.5 mil)

I'm sure Niko will compete for starting job. As much as Denver would like to bounce DJ back outside, I think it's unlikely Koutouvides play at mike makes it happen. He should be a nice special teamer, and a guy who can be a backup for all 3 LB positions.

Won't shock me if both Mitchell and Torbor start this year. Miami's LB corps is horrid for a 3-4. Didn't notice Anderson's contract before though -- that's hideous.

I agree, Mitchell and Torbor should start and with what their paying Anderson ... he better. As you know Jene ... It’s all about how the contract is structured. Mitchell received a 3.5 bonus and you know the contract accelerates to a point he will be more than likely be a cap causality in year 4 or 5. Niko’s contract most likely is for 3 mil or so in the final year, at which time he would see the same fate as Mitchell, unless of course he is a viable starter .

 

[The Man With No Name]

In comparison, this sounds about right for a backup/special teams player.

Kawika Mitchell UFA from NY Giants signed by Buffalo (5 year 17.5 mil)

Reggie Torbor UFA from N.Y. Giants signed by Miami (4 years 14 mil)

Charlie Anderson UFA from Houston signed by Miami (3 years 17.5 mil)

I'm sure Niko will compete for starting job. As much as Denver would like to bounce DJ back outside, I think it's unlikely Koutouvides play at mike makes it happen. He should be a nice special teamer, and a guy who can be a backup for all 3 LB positions.

Won't shock me if both Mitchell and Torbor start this year. Miami's LB corps is horrid for a 3-4. Didn't notice Anderson's contract before though -- that's hideous.

I agree, Mitchell and Torbor should start and with what their paying Anderson ... he better. As you know Jene ... It’s all about how the contract is structured. Mitchell received a 3.5 bonus and you know the contract accelerates to a point he will be more than likely be a cap causality in year 4 or 5. Niko’s contract most likely is for 3 mil or so in the final year, at which time he would see the same fate as Mitchell, unless of course he is a viable starter .

Anderson and Torbor have both started at SLB. Who would play where?

 

[The_Hunchback]

In comparison, this sounds about right for a backup/special teams player.

Kawika Mitchell UFA from NY Giants signed by Buffalo (5 year 17.5 mil)

Reggie Torbor UFA from N.Y. Giants signed by Miami (4 years 14 mil)

Charlie Anderson UFA from Houston signed by Miami (3 years 17.5 mil)

I'm sure Niko will compete for starting job. As much as Denver would like to bounce DJ back outside, I think it's unlikely Koutouvides play at mike makes it happen. He should be a nice special teamer, and a guy who can be a backup for all 3 LB positions.

Won't shock me if both Mitchell and Torbor start this year. Miami's LB corps is horrid for a 3-4. Didn't notice Anderson's contract before though -- that's hideous.

Anderson is 7.5M, not 17.5M. They also just signed Gold recently, but the contract amount wasn't disclosed.

 

[The_Hunchback]

In comparison, this sounds about right for a backup/special teams player.

Kawika Mitchell UFA from NY Giants signed by Buffalo (5 year 17.5 mil)

Reggie Torbor UFA from N.Y. Giants signed by Miami (4 years 14 mil)

Charlie Anderson UFA from Houston signed by Miami (3 years 17.5 mil)

I'm sure Niko will compete for starting job. As much as Denver would like to bounce DJ back outside, I think it's unlikely Koutouvides play at mike makes it happen. He should be a nice special teamer, and a guy who can be a backup for all 3 LB positions.

Won't shock me if both Mitchell and Torbor start this year. Miami's LB corps is horrid for a 3-4. Didn't notice Anderson's contract before though -- that's hideous.

I agree, Mitchell and Torbor should start and with what their paying Anderson ... he better. As you know Jene ... It’s all about how the contract is structured. Mitchell received a 3.5 bonus and you know the contract accelerates to a point he will be more than likely be a cap causality in year 4 or 5. Niko’s contract most likely is for 3 mil or so in the final year, at which time he would see the same fate as Mitchell, unless of course he is a viable starter .

Anderson and Torbor have both started at SLB. Who would play where?

Mitchell is a guy nobody is sure where he is starting right now. I think rumors have him being the WLB which makes no sense. Torbor probably gets to play the OLB in a 3-4 since Porter is there and I don't thing MIA has Spragan anymore.

 

[Beaumont]

In comparison, this sounds about right for a backup/special teams player.

Kawika Mitchell UFA from NY Giants signed by Buffalo (5 year 17.5 mil)

Reggie Torbor UFA from N.Y. Giants signed by Miami (4 years 14 mil)

Charlie Anderson UFA from Houston signed by Miami (3 years 17.5 mil)

I'm sure Niko will compete for starting job. As much as Denver would like to bounce DJ back outside, I think it's unlikely Koutouvides play at mike makes it happen. He should be a nice special teamer, and a guy who can be a backup for all 3 LB positions.

Won't shock me if both Mitchell and Torbor start this year. Miami's LB corps is horrid for a 3-4. Didn't notice Anderson's contract before though -- that's hideous.

Anderson is 7.5M, not 17.5M. They also just signed Gold recently, but the contract amount wasn't disclosed.

I do not see where Mia signed Gold ...

 

[John Norton]

In comparison, this sounds about right for a backup/special teams player.

Kawika Mitchell UFA from NY Giants signed by Buffalo (5 year 17.5 mil)

Reggie Torbor UFA from N.Y. Giants signed by Miami (4 years 14 mil)

Charlie Anderson UFA from Houston signed by Miami (3 years 17.5 mil)

I'm sure Niko will compete for starting job. As much as Denver would like to bounce DJ back outside, I think it's unlikely Koutouvides play at mike makes it happen. He should be a nice special teamer, and a guy who can be a backup for all 3 LB positions.

Won't shock me if both Mitchell and Torbor start this year. Miami's LB corps is horrid for a 3-4. Didn't notice Anderson's contract before though -- that's hideous.

All of these guys may seem to be backups talent wise but they are being paid like starters and will be given every opportunity to start. Especially the guys in Miami who are replacing such great talent as Donnie Spragan and Derrick Pope... The point here is that outside of Williams, Denver's LB corps isn't much better than Miami's at this point. while I completely agree that Koutouvides is neither a great player nor a long term option, I can see him being a stop gap starter for the short term. The comparison to Paris Lenon is actually a very good one. Lenon produced despite playing along side Ernie Sims and it's not at all out of the question for Koutouvides to start and do the same despite the presence of Williams.

One thing I will say here is that Koutouvides is NOT an every position backup. He's a hard headed run stuffing MLB who would likely be a 2 down guy even if he does start.

It's a long way to kickoff and a lot can change between now and then. Heck Denver might draft a true MLB and blow all our speculation out. It's definitely a situation to watch and at this point dampens the stock of Williams just a little.

 

[Rozelle]

In comparison, this sounds about right for a backup/special teams player.

Kawika Mitchell UFA from NY Giants signed by Buffalo (5 year 17.5 mil)

Reggie Torbor UFA from N.Y. Giants signed by Miami (4 years 14 mil)

Charlie Anderson UFA from Houston signed by Miami (3 years 17.5 mil)

I'm sure Niko will compete for starting job. As much as Denver would like to bounce DJ back outside, I think it's unlikely Koutouvides play at mike makes it happen. He should be a nice special teamer, and a guy who can be a backup for all 3 LB positions.

Won't shock me if both Mitchell and Torbor start this year. Miami's LB corps is horrid for a 3-4. Didn't notice Anderson's contract before though -- that's hideous.

Anderson is 7.5M, not 17.5M. They also just signed Gold recently, but the contract amount wasn't disclosed.

Thats sounds better. Sorry bout that Basically the same deal Koutouvides recieved.

 

[Weiner Dog]

In today's salary cap, I'm not so sure a 3-year, $7.5mm deal is a bad price for a backup MLB or special teams star. Heck, the one-year vet minimum is something like $1mm per year anyways.

 

[stevegamer]

Koutouvides was thought of as a possible future MLB in Seattle, before Tatupu was drafted.

He might be a bit better than some of you guys think. He's not a top-tier MLB in the NFL, but I think he can be a middle-of-the-pack guy. And that's not bad.

 

[Rozelle]

In comparison, this sounds about right for a backup/special teams player.

Kawika Mitchell UFA from NY Giants signed by Buffalo (5 year 17.5 mil)

Reggie Torbor UFA from N.Y. Giants signed by Miami (4 years 14 mil)

Charlie Anderson UFA from Houston signed by Miami (3 years 17.5 mil)

I'm sure Niko will compete for starting job. As much as Denver would like to bounce DJ back outside, I think it's unlikely Koutouvides play at mike makes it happen. He should be a nice special teamer, and a guy who can be a backup for all 3 LB positions.

Won't shock me if both Mitchell and Torbor start this year. Miami's LB corps is horrid for a 3-4. Didn't notice Anderson's contract before though -- that's hideous.

All of these guys may seem to be backups talent wise but they are being paid like starters and will be given every opportunity to start. Especially the guys in Miami who are replacing such great talent as Donnie Spragan and Derrick Pope... The point here is that outside of Williams, Denver's LB corps isn't much better than Miami's at this point. while I completely agree that Koutouvides is neither a great player nor a long term option, I can see him being a stop gap starter for the short term. The comparison to Paris Lenon is actually a very good one. Lenon produced despite playing along side Ernie Sims and it's not at all out of the question for Koutouvides to start and do the same despite the presence of Williams.

One thing I will say here is that Koutouvides is NOT an every position backup. He's a hard headed run stuffing MLB who would likely be a 2 down guy even if he does start.

It's a long way to kickoff and a lot can change between now and then. Heck Denver might draft a true MLB and blow all our speculation out. It's definitely a situation to watch and at this point dampens the stock of Williams just a little.

I agree with most everything you say about Koutouvides. Without knowing the particular's of a contract , it's difficult to make an assessment on whether he is being paid starter $. How much is guaranteed? How much can he earn in year two ... year 3? You know how agents make these contracts look better than they are. As for him not being an every position backup ... I was going by a scouting report from Scouts, Inc..

Comment: Koutouvides is tough, physical and smart. He is versatile enough to play all three linebacker spots … source ESPN insider (Scouts.Inc).

I thought outside of his ST play, his versatility to play all three was one of the reasons Seattle valued him.

 

[The_Hunchback]

In comparison, this sounds about right for a backup/special teams player.

Kawika Mitchell UFA from NY Giants signed by Buffalo (5 year 17.5 mil)

Reggie Torbor UFA from N.Y. Giants signed by Miami (4 years 14 mil)

Charlie Anderson UFA from Houston signed by Miami (3 years 17.5 mil)

I'm sure Niko will compete for starting job. As much as Denver would like to bounce DJ back outside, I think it's unlikely Koutouvides play at mike makes it happen. He should be a nice special teamer, and a guy who can be a backup for all 3 LB positions.

Won't shock me if both Mitchell and Torbor start this year. Miami's LB corps is horrid for a 3-4. Didn't notice Anderson's contract before though -- that's hideous.

Anderson is 7.5M, not 17.5M. They also just signed Gold recently, but the contract amount wasn't disclosed.

I do not see where Mia signed Gold ...

I was just going by the FBG news blogger but can't find any information to confirm it.

 

[John Norton]

I agree with most everything you say about Koutouvides. Without knowing the particular's of a contract , it's difficult to make an assessment on whether he is being paid starter $. How much is guaranteed? How much can he earn in year two ... year 3? You know how agents make these contracts look better than they are.

As for him not being an every position backup ... I was going by a scouting report from Scouts, Inc..

Comment: Koutouvides is tough, physical and smart. He is versatile enough to play all three linebacker spots … source ESPN insider (Scouts.Inc).

I thought outside of his ST play, his versatility to play all three was one of the reasons Seattle valued him.

So far as I know he never lined up anywhere but at MLB in Seattle. Maybe he's more versatile that I give him credit for but I have never seen it. There was a time when I expected him to be Seattle's starter and a solid fantasy option. Then they drafted Tatupu in it all went to hell in a hand basket. I'm not his biggest fan at this point but in short, I like him a lot more than Jene and believe we all need to watch this situation closely.

 

[Rozelle]

I agree with most everything you say about Koutouvides. Without knowing the particular's of a contract , it's difficult to make an assessment on whether he is being paid starter $. How much is guaranteed? How much can he earn in year two ... year 3? You know how agents make these contracts look better than they are.

As for him not being an every position backup ... I was going by a scouting report from Scouts, Inc..

Comment: Koutouvides is tough, physical and smart. He is versatile enough to play all three linebacker spots … source ESPN insider (Scouts.Inc).

I thought outside of his ST play, his versatility to play all three was one of the reasons Seattle valued him.

So far as I know he never lined up anywhere but at MLB in Seattle. Maybe he's more versatile that I give him credit for but I have never seen it. There was a time when I expected him to be Seattle's starter and a solid fantasy option. Then they drafted Tatupu in it all went to hell in a hand basket. I'm not his biggest fan at this point but in short, I like him a lot more than Jene and believe we all need to watch this situation closely.

Fair enough. I would think LB is an area they'll address in the draft. Rivers @ 1.12? Or maybe Conners in the 2nd? (should he fall that far)

 

[Jene Bramel]

Niko strongly believes he'll be the starting MLB next year.

There is a new Mike at Dove Valley and his name is Niko.

Broncos fans will want to get to know Niko Koutouvides, the Broncos' new middle linebacker, a position otherwise dubbed the Mike. As in, most likely, the Broncos' starting Mike.

The Broncos did not give Koutouvides a three-year, $7.5 million contract for the primary purpose of bolstering their special teams, much as they could use the help.

Nor did the 6-foot-2, 244-pound Koutouvides turn down a nearly identical offer from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a standing matching offer from his former Seattle Seahawks so he could spend the next three years watching D.J. Williams from the sideline.

"I signed with Denver because of the opportunity to play middle linebacker," Kou- touvides said. "Tampa was pretty much looking at me to be their Sam (strongside) 'backer and back up at Mike. But I've been a middle linebacker all my life. I've extremely excited."

There is no announcement yet from Denver coach Mike Shanahan, but it appears Williams is moving back to the outside, where his preference would be the Will (weakside) position. Koutouvides, who backed up Pro Bowler Lofa Tatupu in Seattle, was recruited with the idea of becoming the Broncos' third starting middle linebacker in three years, after Williams and Al Wilson.

A special-teams standout during his four years in Seattle, Koutouvides is a ferocious hitter who got more playing time last season in the Seahawks' four-'backer packages.

The Broncos' third starting linebacker could be Boss Bailey, brother of star cornerback Champ Bailey. Boss is scheduled to visit Denver on Wednesday and Green Bay later in the week.

"The Broncos said in their perfect world they would like to move D.J. back to his more natural outside position," Kou- touvides said. "I didn't realize it until my visit that he had played all three linebacker positions in his four years here. I feel for the guy. It's tough to move around like that because you want to play on instinct. He's a phenomenal athlete to have been able to start at three positions like that."

 

[Rozelle]

I still don't quite understand when they say "The Broncos did not give Koutouvides a three-year, $7.5 million contract for the primary purpose of bolstering their special teams" 3 year 7.5 is perceived as starting $. Apparently Seattle was willing to match that and use him as a backup, and 4th LB in their 4 LB package, and Tampa as well, unless Brooks or June were going to the bench. He doesn't seem the type for a Tampa 2

If he wins the job, Like Norton said ... "likely be a 2 down guy" . But then again, I wouldn't think Tampa/Cover 2 is a fit.

 

[The_Hunchback]

I wonder what is going on in TB land since supposedly they were set with Brooks and June on the outside. If we can believe what Kout is saying, which I have no reason not to.

I agree with you Rozelle that if TB and Sea were willing to give him the same deal as a backup why some think his contract with Denver makes him a starter. No doubt he probably has a chance if he shows something that he could take the spot I guess.

 

[J Giles Band]

For you baseball fans out there... ahem. I would compare it to a couple summers ago when the Yankees went the bulk of the winter proclaiming Bubba Crosby as their starting CF and that they were completely comfortable with that scenario and then promptly went out and gave Johnny Damon a 5 yr $50+ million dollar contract the first chance they could.

The Broncos likely consider Niko a candidate to start at MLB if they are not able to upgrade in the draft or otherwise, but I don't believe for a minute they signed this guy thinking he is the answer at MLB. And yes, the contract supports this because it obviously isn't starter money.

I believe the notion they signed him to be their starting MLB is a product of too much time and too little football for a few and a bit of reach at this point...

 

[Jene Bramel]

To close the preseason book on this for good...

Williams confirms he's playing Will. As speculated, it's looks like Bailey/Koutouvides/Williams.

 

[carlos1984]

To close the preseason book on this for good...

Williams confirms he's playing Will. As speculated, it's looks like Bailey/Koutouvides/Williams.

Jene, do you think Koutouvides will be a 3 down LB ?

 

[Jene Bramel]

To close the preseason book on this for good...

Williams confirms he's playing Will. As speculated, it's looks like Bailey/Koutouvides/Williams.

Jene, do you think Koutouvides will be a 3 down LB ?

I think it's more likely that Bailey is the second nickel backer.

 

[Mikey16x]

I think the broncos will be drafting Dan Connor... and he will be the starting MLB opening day. =)

 

[msommer]

To close the preseason book on this for good...

Williams confirms he's playing Will. As speculated, it's looks like Bailey/Koutouvides/Williams.

Jene, do you think Koutouvides will be a 3 down LB ?

I think it's more likely that Bailey is the second nickel backer.

When healthy...

 

[Toads]

Whereas Niko:

1.) happened after the first ranking of LB's, and

2.) is not a 3-down backer, and

is unranked in the FBG's ranking listing.

Where does he fit into your first go-around rankings?

Which tier, which level?

Or, does he remain unranked?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Whereas Niko:

1.) happened after the first ranking of LB's, and

2.) is not a 3-down backer, and

is unranked in the FBG's ranking listing.

Where does he fit into your first go-around rankings?

Which tier, which level?

Or, does he remain unranked?

Niko was 56th in my first set of rankings. He'll move up after the draft assuming the Broncos don't add anyone special to the LB corps since D.J. has now confirmed he's been moved. I doubt he'll move into the top 40, though.

 

[cr8f]

I think the broncos will be drafting Dan Connor... and he will be the starting MLB opening day. =)

They gave lot of money to Niko to be a backup. This seems unlikely to me although he is a good ST player.

 

[massraider]

A very nice end of the bench guy, who could easily blow up. Any player with a clear shot at a MLB job needs to be taken seriously.

 

[duece2626]

A very nice end of the bench guy, who could easily blow up. Any player with a clear shot at a MLB job needs to be taken seriously.

Even if that said player is likely only a 2 down LB?

 

[rascal]

Niko isn't going to be special IMO but I expect him to be solid. He will only be a 2-down LB with Bailey and DJ being the Nickel backs. It wouldn't surprise me though to see Denver take a LB in the second round (Lofton, Mayo, etc)

 

[Tecmo]

this signing reminds me of last year with Ryan Fowler signing in Tennessee for 4 yrs - 11.5 mill. He also was a ST standout that wanted a chance to start and he did start. Let's hope Niko fairs better

 

[moleculo]

I don't know if my opinion is worth anything as I am an infrequent IDP reader, but as a Bronco fan I fully expect Denver to draft a LB in the first round. IMO, LB was a position of weakness last season and got worse since then. LB is a position where Shanahan has a clear history of spending a top pick on LB- DJ, Gold, Wilson, Mobley were all drafted in the top two rounds.

I highly doubt that the book on MLB is closed.

 

[Rozelle]

I don't know if my opinion is worth anything as I am an infrequent IDP reader, but as a Bronco fan I fully expect Denver to draft a LB in the first round. IMO, LB was a position of weakness last season and got worse since then. LB is a position where Shanahan has a clear history of spending a top pick on LB- DJ, Gold, Wilson, Mobley were all drafted in the top two rounds.

I highly doubt that the book on MLB is closed.

Sure it is!I agree for the most part... but not so sure they do it in the first round. Rivers could be tempting at 1.12, he has played all 3 LB spots. More likely they trade back to address LB in the first. However, there should be some nice ILB talent available with their 2.11 pick. They could even move up a few spots in the second, should a surprise be there.

Denver has nine picks, 7 on day two.

Round 1, Pick 12 (12)

Round 2, Pick 11 (42)

Round 4, Pick 9 (108)

Round 4, Pick 20 (119) (From Redskins)

Round 5, Pick 4 (139) (From Raiders)

Round 5, Pick 13 (148)

Round 6, Pick 17 (183) (From Texans)

Round 7, Pick 13 (220)

Round 7, Pick 20 (227) (From Buccaneers)

 

[massraider]

A very nice end of the bench guy, who could easily blow up. Any player with a clear shot at a MLB job needs to be taken seriously.

Even if that said player is likely only a 2 down LB?

Sure. I think any starting MLB is worth rostering.

 

[duece2626]

A very nice end of the bench guy, who could easily blow up. Any player with a clear shot at a MLB job needs to be taken seriously.

Even if that said player is likely only a 2 down LB?

Sure. I think any starting MLB is worth rostering.

I agree that any starting MLB is worth rostering, it was the "could easily blow up" part that I questioned. I don't know too many 2 down MLB that hold alot of value. I may be wrong though.

 

[buck56]

been reading he's suppose to win the MLB position for the Broncos. wondering if anybody has any thoughts on his dynasty value.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Some room for new interpretations here, but here's some discussion we had immediately after the signing.

You can also find some relative ideas of how Koutouvides fits in the dynasty picture of a tackle heavy scoring system in our dynasty rankings here. I'm one of only two staffers to have Koutouvides in the top 60 overall linebackers. No one has him in the top 45, presumably because he's yet to prove himself as an every down player with staying power. The prevailing opinion is that he's keeping the position warm until a long term option can be found, similar to the Danny Clark situation in Oakland or Ronald McKinnon in Arizona or Mark Simoneau in New Orleans. Decent vet, but nothing special.

 

[J Giles Band]

Jene - First of all, it appears that I stand corrected about Koutouvides remaining Denver's starting MLB. Since I felt otherwise previously, I should be the first to say so.

Do you have enough of a feel for Denver's defensive scheme this year to say if it favors the MIKE (Koutouvides) or the WILL (D.J.)?

 

[buck56]

been reading he's suppose to win the MLB position for the Broncos. wondering if anybody has any thoughts on his dynasty value.

Thanks!

 

[JOBOOZOSO]

I think Kout will be overvalued this season. Some team will reach for him in every draft. Don't be that guy. As a Seahawk fan, he's nothing special.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Jene - First of all, it appears that I stand corrected about Koutouvides remaining Denver's starting MLB. Since I felt otherwise previously, I should be the first to say so.Do you have enough of a feel for Denver's defensive scheme this year to say if it favors the MIKE (Koutouvides) or the WILL (D.J.)?

All 4-3 schemes are MLBcentric. But it's kind of like Animal Farm -- some 4-3s are more favorable than others. The Tampa-2 bumps the value of the WLB, but doesn't really kill the MLB value. The Bates scheme that Denver started with last year is very favorable to the Mike. It may look like this Denver scheme favors the Will by year's end in the box scores, but it'll be because DJ is a better player than Niko and because Niko will probably sit on passing downs. And it'll hopefully make the "real" Denver MLB to come underrated and easy pickings when he arrives.

 

[obxlegends]

Jene - First of all, it appears that I stand corrected about Koutouvides remaining Denver's starting MLB. Since I felt otherwise previously, I should be the first to say so.Do you have enough of a feel for Denver's defensive scheme this year to say if it favors the MIKE (Koutouvides) or the WILL (D.J.)?

All 4-3 schemes are MLBcentric. But it's kind of like Animal Farm -- some 4-3s are more favorable than others. The Tampa-2 bumps the value of the WLB, but doesn't really kill the MLB value. The Bates scheme that Denver started with last year is very favorable to the Mike. It may look like this Denver scheme favors the Will by year's end in the box scores, but it'll be because DJ is a better player than Niko and because Niko will probably sit on passing downs. And it'll hopefully make the "real" Denver MLB to come underrated and easy pickings when he arrives.

Jene, can you throw us your best projections for D.J. and Niko right now?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Jene - First of all, it appears that I stand corrected about Koutouvides remaining Denver's starting MLB. Since I felt otherwise previously, I should be the first to say so.Do you have enough of a feel for Denver's defensive scheme this year to say if it favors the MIKE (Koutouvides) or the WILL (D.J.)?

All 4-3 schemes are MLBcentric. But it's kind of like Animal Farm -- some 4-3s are more favorable than others. The Tampa-2 bumps the value of the WLB, but doesn't really kill the MLB value. The Bates scheme that Denver started with last year is very favorable to the Mike. It may look like this Denver scheme favors the Will by year's end in the box scores, but it'll be because DJ is a better player than Niko and because Niko will probably sit on passing downs. And it'll hopefully make the "real" Denver MLB to come underrated and easy pickings when he arrives.

Jene, can you throw us your best projections for D.J. and Niko right now?

My best projections? Sounds like an oxymoron to me.In what I believe to be their current projected roles...Williams: 84 solos, 22 assists, 1 sack, 2 FF/FR, 2 INT, 6 PD (LB2-3)Koutouvides: 72 solos, 20 assists, 1 sack, 1 FF/FR, 0 INT, 1 PD (LB4)That may be underrating Williams' tackle potential a little bit. In a short five game stretch in 2004 as the WLB, Williams had 32 solos, which would project to over 100 for a full season. There's upside here, but I'm a little leery of projecting Williams to the 90 solo, LB1-2 tier.

 

[obxlegends]

Williams: 84 solos, 22 assists, 1 sack, 2 FF/FR, 2 INT, 6 PD (LB2-3)Koutouvides: 72 solos, 20 assists, 1 sack, 1 FF/FR, 0 INT, 1 PD (LB4)That may be underrating Williams' tackle potential a little bit. In a short five game stretch in 2004 as the WLB, Williams had 32 solos, which would project to over 100 for a full season. There's upside here, but I'm a little leery of projecting Williams to the 90 solo, LB1-2 tier.

I think you are on target with Niko, but I'd throw him an INT or two. As an ACE ST'er I'm guessing he'll react well to the ball. However, these projections seem to be in the right ballpark. Thank you!

 

[obxlegends]

I found this on a Broncos message board. Sorry that I don't have a link...

"Koutouvides is a natural middle linebacker, but the question is whether he can make the leap to starter after four seasons as a backup in Seattle.

"I wouldn't expect anything else," Koutouvides said. "The perception is he's a backup and special-teams player. I'm not going to talk about how I'm going to be a great player in this league. We'll have to wait until training camp comes and the NFL season begins, and that's where you've got to prove yourself that the Broncos made a great move."

Rollins doesn't have to wait to have an opinion. He already believes the Broncos did well to sign Koutouvides, who would have been playing earlier had he not been stuck behind one of the league's best, Lofa Tatupu.

"Niko was a guy who was ready to be a starter. That's why I hated to lose him," Rollins said. "Niko's a razor-sharp guy. He can command the middle. For the 'Mike' position, that's more than half the battle. You need someone who has some authority, has some command, who can get people lined up. He pays attention to formations and splits.

"Niko is also a very aggressive player. He'll come downhill and attack people. I'm telling you, you guys have got a good 'Mike' linebacker."