***OFFICIAL*** 2011 Denver Broncos off-season thread (1 Viewer)

[moleculo]

Mercifully, 2010 is over and the Broncos can move past the McDaniels debacle. This has been a tough season, and unfortunately, the cupboards are pretty bare. Thankfully, we have the #2 overall, and two second round picks, so that's something.

My concerns (in decending order):

[*]GM: This team needs someone to head the personnel department first and foremost. Bowlen said he wouldn't strap McD with that, but McD ended up being the de-facto GM anyways, with disastrous results. Xanders is still with the team, but no longer holds the GM title. Here's to hoping Bowlen doesn't promote Xanders to being the GM, and looks outside the organization. Let's also hope that Elway is smart enough to stay out of the nuts and bots of running the football side.

[*]Coach: No idea where we go here. Players seemed to respond to Studesville, but I doubt he gets the gig. IMO, front-runner candidates include Harbaugh, Morningwheg, Rivera, Gruden, and Mularkey. Unsure how Tebow fits into this equation, unsure if Martindale will return. Part of me really wants consistency and the chance to turn this around, part of me wants a complete re-build.

[*]Defense front 7: need upgrades across the line here. Dumervil will be back in 2011, not sure if anyone else in the front seven should be guaranteed a roster spot.

[*]QB: need to determine if Tebow is the answer ASAP. What to do with Orton? Certainly, this will provide a ton of drama this off-season. Quinn = garbage.

[*]Defensive backfield: better safety play would help limit the big plays this D has allowed. Resign Champ? Cox = felon?

[*]OL: Harris is continually hurt, and Beadles and Walton need to improve. I think they can, but I'd really like to see some vets brought in to compete.

[*]TE: Depending on the coach who comes in, we need some more players here, IMO. Graham is a good blocker but doesn't have the best hands, Quinn = garbage (again!)

[*]RB: Need a quick back to spell Mareno. CBuck is past his prime, Maroney = sped, at least we got LenDale White coming off if IR! Ball has played well when given the chance.

[*]WR: sole bright spot on this team. Loaded here, between Lloyd, Royal, Demaryius Thomas, Decker, Gaffney.

 

[todd2006]

[*]WR: sole bright spot on this team. Loaded here, between Lloyd, Royal, Demaryius Thomas, Decker, Gaffney.

Is Lloyd a FA?

 

[moleculo]

[*]WR: sole bright spot on this team. Loaded here, between Lloyd, Royal, Demaryius Thomas, Decker, Gaffney.

Is Lloyd a FA?

nope

3/5/2010: Signed a two-year, $2.05 million contract. The deal included a $500,000 signing bonus. Lloyd's second-year salary can increase to $1.4 million if he makes the 2010 Pro Bowl. 2010: $755,000, 2011: $795,000, 2012: Free Agent

 

[todd2006]

[*]WR: sole bright spot on this team. Loaded here, between Lloyd, Royal, Demaryius Thomas, Decker, Gaffney.

Is Lloyd a FA?

nope

3/5/2010: Signed a two-year, $2.05 million contract. The deal included a $500,000 signing bonus. Lloyd's second-year salary can increase to $1.4 million if he makes the 2010 Pro Bowl. 2010: $755,000, 2011: $795,000, 2012: Free Agent

Playing for a payday next year. That's good news.

 

[The Kuhn]

[*]Coach: No idea where we go here. Players seemed to respond to Studesville, but I doubt he gets the gig. IMO, front-runner candidates include Harbaugh, Morningwheg, Rivera, Gruden, and Mularkey. Unsure how Tebow fits into this equation, unsure if Martindale will return. Part of me really wants consistency and the chance to turn this around, part of me wants a complete re-build.

Morninwheg? Mr. Take the wind? I guess Invesco is a windy stadium, but I wouldn't put him in the front-runner tier.Personally, I don't like Moreno as a feature back. I'd rather see a new workhorse come in and make Moreno the change-of-pace option - maybe try the Deangelo lottery?

LB core is a mess- they at least need to make stopping the run a priority ASAP. That's been a problem since 2 years before Shanahan got canned.

 

[moleculo]

A complete list of NFL defenses that have allowed more yards and more points than the 2010 Broncos, all-time:

Rk	Tm Year  G W  L T  W-L%   PF   PA   PD  Tot   TO1	DET 2009 16 2 14 0 0.125  262  494 -232 6274   232	DET 2008 16 0 16 0 0.000  268  517 -249 6466   203	TAM 1986 16 2 14 0 0.125  239  473 -234 6333   324	MIN 1984 16 3 13 0 0.188  276  484 -208 6352   295	BAL 1981 16 2 14 0 0.125  259  533 -274 6793   30

That's right - only 5 teams have had a worse D than the 2010 Broncos.

 

[moleculo]

Broncos schedule interview with Falcons' assistant Mularkey

The Broncos search for their next head coach is officially underway.

The team announced today that it will interview Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey on Friday in Atlanta.

Mularkey was the head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2004-2005 and has been with the Falcons since 2008, where he has coached quarterback Matt Ryan, the No. 2 pick in the 2008 draft.

The Falcons have a bye in the first round of the NFC playoffs. Mularkey is also scheduled to interview with the Cleveland Browns, who fired Eric Mangini on Monday.

Read more: Broncos schedule interview with Falcons' assistant Mularkey - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17007211#ixzz1A6mopjIa

Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse

 

[detox]

I know I am in the minority with this idea, but I think Denver should shop/ trade Lloyd and get value while it can be had. Too many times have we see 7 year vet journeyman wrs have a break out year just to revert back to mediocrity. Get some value out of the guy while you can.

 

[moleculo]

Mercifully, 2010 is over and the Broncos can move past the McDaniels debacle. This has been a tough season, and unfortunately, the cupboards are pretty bare. Thankfully, we have the #2 overall, and two second round picks, so that's something.

My concerns (in decending order):

[*]GM: This team needs someone to head the personnel department first and foremost. Bowlen said he wouldn't strap McD with that, but McD ended up being the de-facto GM anyways, with disastrous results. Xanders is still with the team, but no longer holds the GM title. Here's to hoping Bowlen doesn't promote Xanders to being the GM, and looks outside the organization. Let's also hope that Elway is smart enough to stay out of the nuts and bots of running the football side.

[*]Coach: No idea where we go here. Players seemed to respond to Studesville, but I doubt he gets the gig. IMO, front-runner candidates include Harbaugh, Morningwheg, Rivera, Gruden, and Mularkey. Unsure how Tebow fits into this equation, unsure if Martindale will return. Part of me really wants consistency and the chance to turn this around, part of me wants a complete re-build.

[*]Defense front 7: need upgrades across the line here. Dumervil will be back in 2011, not sure if anyone else in the front seven should be guaranteed a roster spot.

[*]QB: need to determine if Tebow is the answer ASAP. What to do with Orton? Certainly, this will provide a ton of drama this off-season. Quinn = garbage.

[*]Defensive backfield: better safety play would help limit the big plays this D has allowed. Resign Champ? Cox = felon?

[*]OL: Harris is continually hurt, and Beadles and Walton need to improve. I think they can, but I'd really like to see some vets brought in to compete.

[*]TE: Depending on the coach who comes in, we need some more players here, IMO. Graham is a good blocker but doesn't have the best hands, Quinn = garbage (again!)

[*]RB: Need a quick back to spell Mareno. CBuck is past his prime, Maroney = sped, at least we got LenDale White coming off if IR! Ball has played well when given the chance.

[*]WR: sole bright spot on this team. Loaded here, between Lloyd, Royal, Demaryius Thomas, Decker, Gaffney.

12 days later...
[*]Xanders is full time GM , elway is throwing around a little weight wrt coaching search...actually, I've come around on executive Elway, I think he will be more than Marino was in Miami, or Isiah Thomas, or other terrible athlete/executive.

[*]Fox is the guy, and I'm happy about him. I think he is exactly what the Broncos need right now. I'm not sure he can bring us Lombardi trophies, but he can get us back to good, which is a step in the right direction.

Not, it's time for the coaching staff to fill in - There are a ton of rumors right now but nothing concrete just yet. Writing on the wall says Mora Jr as DC, McCoy as OC. I'm not really sold on either guy.

 

[TheWheel]

The Broncos really need to go back to the 4-3. Dumervil will be mini-Peppers. Ayers job would be much easier at the other side. The LBs are better suited to the 4-3 as well.

I agree with trading Lloyd if the price is right.

What's the opinion on Tebow and Orton? I'd personally like Tebow to start. Orton can be the highest paid backup. I can see him getting some attention for trades though.

 

[moleculo]

The Broncos really need to go back to the 4-3. Dumervil will be mini-Peppers. Ayers job would be much easier at the other side. The LBs are better suited to the 4-3 as well.I agree with trading Lloyd if the price is right. What's the opinion on Tebow and Orton? I'd personally like Tebow to start. Orton can be the highest paid backup. I can see him getting some attention for trades though.

I'm not sure Orton wants to be a back-up...can't say I really blame him. I don't really see a way around trading Orton, and I'd bet he could be had for a 3rd or better.

 

[shredhead]

I may be a die hard fan to a fault, but I gotta say, I am happy about the John Fox hiring. I am stoked, and genuinely anxious for the 2011 season to start. I wasn't ever even close to being excited for 2010. I know it will take some time to rebuild this mess McDaniels left us in, but I am excited to see some progress with this team!

 

[GoL]

The Broncos really need to go back to the 4-3. Dumervil will be mini-Peppers. Ayers job would be much easier at the other side. The LBs are better suited to the 4-3 as well.I agree with trading Lloyd if the price is right. What's the opinion on Tebow and Orton? I'd personally like Tebow to start. Orton can be the highest paid backup. I can see him getting some attention for trades though.

Part of me agrees with this assessment. It would make the drafting of Bowers fit much better.The other part thinks that if the Broncos never play the same defensive scheme two years in a row they have little chance of improving.

 

[Buffaloes]

Lammey says Mike McCoy will be back as OC and Studesville will be retained (not sure at what capacity).

I like the moves. McCoy has worked closely with Tebow and worked as OC (didn't call plays) in an innovative pass offense. Chatter around the league seemed to have him as a semi-hot OC candidate. But what's perhaps most important is Tebow is familiar with McCoy and the terminology. With what might en up being a lockout-shortened offseason, I don't think it would have been a good idea to bring in a completely new OC and install a new system. Studesville...the players seem to really like him. He did what he could as the interim guy.

 

[TheWheel]

The thing about the 4-3 is that it can be much simpler that the 3-4. The 3-4 relies on very specific athletes as well. You can win games with an undersized defensive line in a 4-3. Either way, Fairley is the one you want.

 

[moleculo]

Thinking about things a little more, I'm convinced that Fox really, really wants to have Tebow run his show. Some might think that his dedication to Delhomme in the past points to Orton, but I don't think that's the direction Fox wants to go. Here's some bullet-points:

[*]Fox coached against Vick twice a season when Vick was in Atlanta. He knows first hand what a "non-traditional" QB brings to the table.

[*]reports are that Fox really like Tebow prior to last seasons draft.

[*]Panthers did not have a 1st round pick to take Tebow, he was off the board before they were capable of drafting him - instead they took Clausen and Armanti Edwards - IMO, they trying to get a "Tebow-lite".

[*]Tebow will have had a season under his belt - no longer a rookie, and shoul;d no longer be treated with kid gloves. Right now, Tebow is in Dove Valley working out - last year at this time, he was gearing up for the draft. Having a whole year under his belt + a few games of experience mean Tebow should be ready for live action.

[*]McCoy is retained as the OC - IMO, Fox seeking continuity...one reason to do that is to keep Tebows development on track.

I think Tebow will be the opening day starter, and I think that Orton wants and deserves a way out. IMO, Tebow will be opening day starter in 2011.

 

[BusMan]

So, Broncos fans, how do you fill up your time in the offseason? What do you read?

I used to pull the daily PDF press clippings from the .com, but they can be a chore to get through every day.

I get the Bleacher Report digest email but it seems borderline worthless.

Obviously there is denverpost.com, maxbroncos.com and milehighreport.com. What am I missing?

let's end the abortion of 2010 - 2011 broncos thread here.bleacher report is worthless.

I go to orangemane.com, milehighreport.com, and probably the best for pure content and analysis is itsalloverfatman.com.

Thanks, molecular man. I haven't heard of the last site you mentioned so I'm off to check it out.

 

[moleculo]

So, Broncos fans, how do you fill up your time in the offseason? What do you read?

I used to pull the daily PDF press clippings from the .com, but they can be a chore to get through every day.

I get the Bleacher Report digest email but it seems borderline worthless.

Obviously there is denverpost.com, maxbroncos.com and milehighreport.com. What am I missing?

let's end the abortion of 2010 - 2011 broncos thread here.bleacher report is worthless.

I go to orangemane.com, milehighreport.com, and probably the best for pure content and analysis is itsalloverfatman.com.

Thanks, molecular man. I haven't heard of the last site you mentioned so I'm off to check it out.

yeah - itsalloverfatman is pretty new - I think most of those guys used to blog at milehighreport. They generally have some good knowledge WRT schemes, etc. I usually feel like I learned something when I'd done reading there.

 

[BusMan]

Moving back to a 43. Not sure how that'll play with the current personnel, but it makes sense as Fox is more comfortable with that alignment. How would you project the front seven at this time?

Maybe...

RDE Elvis Dumervil

RDT Jamal Williams

LDT Justin Bannan

LDE Robert Ayers

SLB Wesley Woodyard

MLB Mario Haggan

WLB D.J. Williams

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

You left out Fairley.

 

[moleculo]

Moving back to a 43. Not sure how that'll play with the current personnel, but it makes sense as Fox is more comfortable with that alignment. How would you project the front seven at this time?

Maybe...

RDE Elvis Dumervil

RDT Jamal Williams

LDT Justin Bannan

LDE Robert Ayers

SLB Wesley Woodyard

MLB Mario Haggan

WLB D.J. Williams

IMO, Williams is as good as done. I didn't see anything above replacement value from him last year, moving to DT wouldn't help his stock much, IMO. I think a 4-3 is better suited to this team anyways. Add Fairley to that line-up, and it's at least competitive, assuming competent coaching.

Truth be told, we were really running a 5-2 for the past few years anyways. Ayers/Dumervil rarely did anything other than set the edge or rush the passer.

 

[Buffaloes]

Moving back to a 43. Not sure how that'll play with the current personnel, but it makes sense as Fox is more comfortable with that alignment. How would you project the front seven at this time?

Maybe...

RDE Elvis Dumervil

RDT Jamal Williams

LDT Justin Bannan

LDE Robert Ayers

SLB Wesley Woodyard

MLB Mario Haggan

WLB D.J. Williams

I like the DEs as you have posted and I think Bannan would make a solid 1a as a rotational 1-tech DT, but I think there will be a more athletic uptackle to play alongside Bannan than Williams. I agree with the posters who mentioned Fairley but I like Dareus too. Marcus Thomas has proven to be a somewhat reliable ut in the past and showed some versatility playing DE in the 3-4. If he's resigned he can play as a rotational ut. As for LBs, I think Denver has 2 solid weakside LBs in Williams and Woodyard. I do think Haggan would be a decent stopgap as a strongside LB as Woodyard probably doesn't have the size. MLB seems to be a huge issue now though. I'd like to see a natural 4-3 MLB. Williams is a weakside LB and I think he should stay there (if he isn't traded). Maybe Denver can take a guy like Martez Wilson in the 2nd to play MLB?

 

[moleculo]

Champ resigned!!!

As it turned out, Champ Bailey probably took less than market value to stay with the Broncos.

The team and its star left cornerback reached an agreement today on a four-year, $43 million contract.

Bailey, who turns 33 in June, took a pay cut to stay. He will make a guaranteed $11 million this season, or $2 million less than the $13 million he made in 2010.

"The commitment and loyalty that Champ has shown to the Broncos, the city of Denver and this region is exemplary," stated John Elway, the Broncos' vice president of football operations, on Twitter.

Bailey also has $4 million of his 2012 money guaranteed for a total guarantee of $15 million.

The Broncos could have kept Bailey off the free-agent market by placing a $15 million franchise tag on him, so the team essentially got him for four years at the same guarantee as would have for one.

Read more: Broncos re-sign Champ Bailey to four-year contract for $43 million - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17454037#ixzz1Ek38HYKq

Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse

Great, great news.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Nice! Great news and good sign.

 

[BRONG]

So what do you guys think of the schedule (leaving the labor issues aside)? I may go to the first two games actually, looks like I'll be in Denver at that time. Matter of fact, I'll probably go to 3 Mile High games in a span of 6 days.

Monday, September 12th -- Oakland

Saturday, September 17th -- Colorado vs COLORADO STATE

Sunday, September 18th -- Cincinnati

Field may be pretty banged up for that Bengals game, sheesh.

And the game I'd most like to go to is probably Chicago. I cannot stand Cutler and would love to see him get crushed by Dumervil n Dareus. It is gonna be FUN to see THAT reception.

 

[steelcityman]

I thought Tebow was the QB? He might be unproven, but the franchise is going to put him out there as the savior, heck, he's in like 31 commercials already. He may be THE man. He might not. But will have at least a season to prove himself.

Its a long ways off, and preseason will determine my opinion, but I have every intention of drafting him higher than the averages will say. I think he can throw enough to be good, but all the other intangibles will make him a strong QB pick.

fwiw, the rest of my keeper team is filled in, WR, RB, LB, DBs, but I have no QB, well Matt Ryan is okay, but I want someone who can get those huge weeks. All the studs will be kept.

 

[moleculo]

So what do you guys think of the schedule (leaving the labor issues aside)? I may go to the first two games actually, looks like I'll be in Denver at that time. Matter of fact, I'll probably go to 3 Mile High games in a span of 6 days.Monday, September 12th -- OaklandSaturday, September 17th -- Colorado vs COLORADO STATESunday, September 18th -- CincinnatiField may be pretty banged up for that Bengals game, sheesh.And the game I'd most like to go to is probably Chicago. I cannot stand Cutler and would love to see him get crushed by Dumervil n Dareus. It is gonna be FUN to see THAT reception.

If weeks 1 and 2 get pushed to the end of the season, Denver will finish with 5 out of 6 games in Mile High, in December or January, with 5 of those games against AFC opponents.

 

[moleculo]

So here's my uneducated thoughts on the draft:

There are 3 players worth coveting in Dareus, Miller, and Peterson. With the #2 pick, Denver is guaranteed to land one of these. Assuming Carolina goes QB, Denver will have the ability to trade down to 4 and guarantee one of these three...down to 5, if the team trading up wants a QB. Should Carolina go QB and then AZ wants a QB also (leapfrogging Buffalo and Cincy, who could both use a QB as well), denver could do that deal and still end up with one of the big three. To me, that is the dream scenario, assuming Denver can get more than a bag of chips to move down.

The other move-down option is to get down into the 7-10 region, and target Fairley....I think this is more of a plan B, but I also think that Xanders is coveting Fairley right now, so it's possible.

I will be pretty happy with Miller, Dareus, Peterson, or Fairley+compensation.

I would be upset if they take Fairley @2, or if the end up with none of the above.

ETA: I should also add: I believe that the trade-down is the front offices goal, and all of the "we are thinking of drafting a QB" talk is to remind teams like AZ that if they want their QB, they need to act, the QB they want may not be there @ 5.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

Miller was on 104.3 the Fan yesterday and the response seemed pretty positive.....Big Alfred Williams has been pimping him for some time and there is some thought they may take him at #2 even if Dareus is there...

saw Fairly on NFL network last night and I think a team taking him is making a mistake.....is it possible to get a negative score on the Wunderlic....if not I bet he gave it a shot....dude could hardly put a sentence together and was almost impossible to understand....not that that means anything on a football field, but that dude seemed like a trainwreck waiting to happen....

I hate Denver, but personally I don't know if they should fool around with the pick and drop down....let CAR do whatever they are going to do and then take the guy they want....Peterson isn't a huge need right now so I would think it has to be Dareus or Miller even if they have Peterson rated higher....

 

[rascal]

Draft Results:

2. Von Miller, linebacker, Texas A & M.

45. Rahim Moore, safety, UCLA.

46. Orlando Franklin, tackle, Miami.

67. Nate Irving, linebacker, N.C. State.

108. Quinton Carter, safety, Oklahoma.

129. Julius Thomas, tight end, Portland St.

189. Mike Mohamed, linebacker, California.

204. Virgil Green, tight end, Nevada.

247. Jeremy Beal, defensive end, Oklahoma.

Personally I think ranking a draft before a player has signed is stupid, but I do like what they did (abiet DT is a gaping abyss right now). There were so many holes on this team, thanks McDaniels, and I think they got at least four starters. This is a 4-12 team, so to expect instant turnaround is foolish. I'm not entirely thrilled with the Franklin pick as I think he is too slow for NFL OT and will end up at LG (I think he and Beadles will eventually switch), but there was a need there on the O-line and it was addressed.

Our LBs should be a strength as we will have DJ (Will), Irving (Mike), and Von (Sam). Ayers and Doom will be good DEs and I think Moore starts right away at FS. I think Dawkins is done, but I don't know if Carter will suplant him at SS. But either way he will probably see playing time in nickel situations.

I like the selection of two atheletic TEs in Thomas and Green as they will be nice upgrades over brick handed Graham. They will need to work on their blocking though. Since their blocking is a question mark for now I have them #3/#4 TEs respectively.

Mohamed is destined for special teams and Beal is a good value pick (especially with Doom returning from injury).

QB: Tim Tebow, Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn

RB: Knowshon Moreno, LenDale White, Correll Buckhalter, Lance Ball, Jeremiah Johnson, Brandon Minor

FB: Spencer Larsen, Mike McLaughlin

WR: Brandon Lloyd, Demaryius Thomas (inj.), Eric Decker, Eron Riley

WR: Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal (inj.), Matt Willis, Britt Davis

TE: Richard Quinn, Dan Gronkowski, Julius Thomas, Virgil Green, Daniel Coats

LT: Ryan Clady, Chris Clark, Herb Taylor

LG: Zane Beadles, Stanley Daniels, Manny Ramirez

C: JD Walton, Russ Hochstein

RG: Chris Kuper, Eric Olsen, Jeff Byers, Shawn Murphy

RT: Ryan Harris*, Orlando Franklin

DE: Robert Ayers, Jason Hunter

DE: Elvis Dumervil, David Veikune, Jeremy Beal

DT: Kevin Vickerson, Louis Leonard

DT: Marcus Thomas*, Ryan McBean*, Mitch Unrein

WLB: DJ Williams, Wesley Woodyard*, Dominic Douglas

MLB: Nate Irving, Joe Mays, Braxton Kelley, Mike Mohamed

SLB: Von Miller, Mario Haggan, Lee Robinson

CB: Champ Bailey, Syd'Quan Thompson, Cassius Vaughn

CB: Andre Goodman, Perrish Cox, Nate Jones, Chevis Jackson

S: Rahim Moore, Renaldo Hill, David Bruton, Nick Polk

S: Brian Dawkins, Quinton Carter, Darcel McBath

K: Matt Prater*, Stephen Hauschka

P: Britton Colquitt

DS: Lonnie Paxton

* = Tendered RFA (RFA status dependent on lockout)

 

[moleculo]

Mercifully, 2010 is over and the Broncos can move past the McDaniels debacle. This has been a tough season, and unfortunately, the cupboards are pretty bare. Thankfully, we have the #2 overall, and two second round picks, so that's something.

My concerns (in decending order):

[*]GM: This team needs someone to head the personnel department first and foremost. Bowlen said he wouldn't strap McD with that, but McD ended up being the de-facto GM anyways, with disastrous results. Xanders is still with the team, but no longer holds the GM title. Here's to hoping Bowlen doesn't promote Xanders to being the GM, and looks outside the organization. Let's also hope that Elway is smart enough to stay out of the nuts and bots of running the football side.

[*]Coach: No idea where we go here. Players seemed to respond to Studesville, but I doubt he gets the gig. IMO, front-runner candidates include Harbaugh, Morningwheg, Rivera, Gruden, and Mularkey. Unsure how Tebow fits into this equation, unsure if Martindale will return. Part of me really wants consistency and the chance to turn this around, part of me wants a complete re-build.

[*]Defense front 7: need upgrades across the line here. Dumervil will be back in 2011, not sure if anyone else in the front seven should be guaranteed a roster spot.

[*]QB: need to determine if Tebow is the answer ASAP. What to do with Orton? Certainly, this will provide a ton of drama this off-season. Quinn = garbage.

[*]Defensive backfield: better safety play would help limit the big plays this D has allowed. Resign Champ? Cox = felon?

[*]OL: Harris is continually hurt, and Beadles and Walton need to improve. I think they can, but I'd really like to see some vets brought in to compete.

[*]TE: Depending on the coach who comes in, we need some more players here, IMO. Graham is a good blocker but doesn't have the best hands, Quinn = garbage (again!)

[*]RB: Need a quick back to spell Mareno. CBuck is past his prime, Maroney = sped, at least we got LenDale White coming off if IR! Ball has played well when given the chance.

[*]WR: sole bright spot on this team. Loaded here, between Lloyd, Royal, Demaryius Thomas, Decker, Gaffney.

3. Front 7 addressed. Von Miller at SAM and Nate Irving at MIKE will allow DJ to play WILL, his best position. LB corps is drastically improved. Still a glaring hole @ DT. Doom & Ayers @ DE will be fine.4. Tebow looks to be the guy. Vote of confidence from Elway.

5. Safety has been addressed w/ two of the top safeties from the draft in Moore and Carter.

6. Franklin will increase the toughness of the line, specifically in the run game. I'd like Harris to be retained and let him compete w/ Beadles and Franklin...winner gets RT, 2nd place gets LG, 3rd place is utility/first sub. We need some depth here, else Stanley Daniels will return.

7. We have more TE's now.

I'm liking how this is trending. Yes, we still need DT's. The way I look at it, we came into the draft with one glaring hole, and a bunch of smaller ones, with free-agency still to come. Well, now all of the smaller holes are plugged, and we can use all of the FA $'s towards patching this one hole.

If Denver can bring in a starting caliber DT or two and a RB for depth, I think we will be in much, much better shape. Frankly, finding that DT should be a little bit easier, with all of the teams moving to 3-4, a 4-3 DT isn't quite the rarity it once was.

 

[rascal]

I think we should bring Bannan back.

 

[moleculo]

I think we should bring Bannan back.

I've heard rumors that they were thinking about this.

 

[moleculo]

Training camp underway...

State of the union, as of 7/28:

[*]All draft picks signed, except Nate Irving.

[*]Orton taking 1st team snaps and looking much more crisp than Tebow. Broncos allegedly have a trade lined up with Miami, stumbling block is Ortons contract. IMO Dolphins are trying to lowball Orton.

[*]Cecil says Moreno is looking small/fragile, Lendale looks good, Jerimiah Johnson looks like best RB.

[*]Gaffney traded for DT depth.

[*]No stud DT signed - pursuing Mebane, Jason Hatcher, Derek Dandri, presumably Cullen Jenkins.

Guys, as this point, I think that Orton is the 2011 opening day starter for the Broncos.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Guys, as this point, I think that Orton is the 2011 opening day starter for the Broncos.

As he should be. With Tebow a major question mark, it would make zero sense to trade Orton, who has played pretty well for the most part the last two years in Denver.

 

[BusMan]

Guys, as this point, I think that Orton is the 2011 opening day starter for the Broncos.

As he should be. With Tebow a major question mark, it would make zero sense to trade Orton, who has played pretty well for the most part the last two years in Denver.

Orton starts the season. If the team is 3-2 or better at the bye, he starts at Miami and shows them what they're missing. If the team is 2-3 or worse, Tebow takes over after the bye.

 

[moleculo]

Holy crap...between Ty Warren and Brodrick Bunkley, we actually have NFL starting calibre DT's for probably the first time since the infamous browncos. Between them, a returned Dumervil, Von Miller coming in from the other side and a bit of competance in the coaching department, this D promises to be much better...dare we hope for...almost average?

Here's my projected defensive starters, as of 8/2/11:

DE: Robert Ayers

DT: Ty Warren

DT: Brodrick bunkley

DE: Elvis Dumervil

WLB: DJ Williams

MLB: Joe Mays

SLB: Von Miller

CB: Champ Bailey

SS: Brian dawkins

FS: Raheem Moore

CB: Andre Goodman

Much better than last year.

 

[charlatan]

That's some lineup. It sounds like the size / talent they've got up front will provide a good pass rush without much in the way of "help." THAT is very encouraging. Additionally, the fact that Von Miller is apparently blowing up O linemen about every other play I get the sense we're not going to have a sieve of a D this year.

And giving our talented corners and safeties some help... well I think they could have a good year interception wise.

 

[moleculo]

I'm becoming more and more optimistic. Looking at starters alone, I think this is an 8-10 win team. However, I don't think there is any depth, so any key injuries knocks the team back (ahem... Ty Warren, Marcus Thomas, Bunkley... ahem).

I believe that this could have been a 8 win team last year with competent coaching. Here's how I get to that:

[*]SF - Broncos terrible D made Troy Smith look good.

[*]StL - illegal filming story broke just before this game...I think that had the whole team off center

[*]@KC - Broncos were down 10-6 with 12:26 left to play, moreno had amassed 161 yards on the ground up to that point, but McD didn't call a single running play the rest of the game.

[*]@ AZ - Broncos outscored by AZ kicker, McD's last game.

So there's 4 extra wins the Broncos left on the table. IMO a competent coach can win those 4 right there.

On paper, this team will be clearly better than last years. Here's why:

OL: more maturity, time working together. Frankin > Harris. Clady is healthy.

WR: lost Gaffney, Decker is healthy. Call this a push?

RB: McGahee > Buckhalter/Maroney

TE: Fells/Rosario/Julius Thomas> Graham/Quinn

DL: Dumerville > anyone on last years DL

LB: Von Miller > Ayers @ OLB, DJ back @ WLB where he belongs

S: Raheem Moore > Hill

This team is upgraded pretty much across the board. I'm feeling good right now, at least about the starters.