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Sayre Bedinger

Feb 05, 2009 Jun 01, 2012 879 7208

Ever since I was a kid, I have loved football. From trading cards to Starting Lineup action figures, all the way to my Ricky Williams and Tim Couch jerseys...I have always been a FOOTBALL fan.

Thanks to my grandparents living in the great state of Colorado, and me being a youngling when the Broncos were winning Super Bowls, I obviously jumped on the bandwagon at the age of 8 or 9 or somewhere around there, and my love for the Broncos has grown through the years.

I am a very passionate person, and one thing I hate more than almost anything is losing, so if I carry on a debate forever, that's the reason why.

I also really enjoy Iowa Hawkeyes football, and I was born into that as well. My dad is a Hawkeye alum, and basically my whole family is from Sioux City, IA, and we are all big Hawk fans.

I had the privilege of growing up with both Michael Jordan and John Elway, but Jordan's logo was on pretty much every article of clothing I owned growing up. I am a huge Chicago Bulls fan.

The other half of my family is comprised of Chicago Bears fans, and I grew up liking pretty much every team but the Bears, including our beloved Cubbies.

Perhaps my liking the Cubs has made me the optimist I am today. I will always do my best to see the positive in things, and I am not a doom and gloom type of person. I will always give you a reason why the Broncos can win every game in a season, and I refuse to believe that this 4-12 season was anything more than a turning point for our boys!

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SB Nation Cleveland Better Fit for Cavs: Harrison Barnes or Bradley Beal?

At this point, it almost seems a foregone conclusion that the Cavaliers will take Florida shooting guard Brad Beal with the fourth overall pick should he be available when the draft rolls around in June, but is he for sure the best fit?

What do I know, really, I mean last year I thought the best option for the Cavs was to take Derrick Williams and Kemba Walker with their first two picks over Kyrie Irving and whatever else they could get, but they clearly made the correct choice in taking Irving. The NBA is a very point guard/star driven league, and Irving fits both categories. While Derrick Williams was the star of the NCAA tournament two years ago, Irving (who played a handful of games in college) was definitely a better NBA prospect.

The Cavs got that one right.

However, I think this year is a bit of a different story. The Cavs really need to surround Irving with the best talent possible, and last year’s “other” first round pick—Tristan Thompson—really didn’t make much of an impression and needs to make serious improvements this summer.

One thing that makes me think adding Beal could be a great move for the Cavs is that in the scouting report I read, it says he doesn’t need to dominate the ball to be an effective scorer. That is good news, since he won’t be able to dominate the ball with Irving on the floor, presumably at the same time.

On the other hand, Harrison Barnes is an interesting player who reminds me a lot of Luol Deng in his overall game. Barnes is probably a better ball handler, but his quiet demeanor and overall inside out game are pretty comparable to the Bulls’ All Star.

Both players are good fits for the Cavs because Kyrie Irving is going to be able to create offense for them, something they both struggled with in college. Barnes can be extremely effective and even dominant at times when he is not the focal point of an offense, and the same could be said for Bradley Beal.

Both play different positions and would play obviously different roles for the Cavs if they were obtained. If Barnes is added to the mix, he’d be called upon to guard guys like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, other dominant small forwards in the Eastern Conference. Beal is more of an undersized two guard who is going to play a Ben Gordon or Eric Gordon type of role for Cleveland.

I am not sure the Cavaliers can really get this pick wrong, but I will be very intrigued to see who they decide to pair with the reigning rookie of the year.

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Mile High Report Denver Broncos Have the Best Tight Ends in the AFC West?

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 18:  Tight end Virgil Green #85 and tight end Daniel Fells #86 of the Denver Broncos walk to the field prior to thier game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado.  (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)


In a recent post from ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson, the tight ends of the AFC West are ranked 1-11. To nobody's surprise, Antonio Gates checks in at number one on the list, with Kansas City's Tony Moeaki second despite missing all of 2011 with an injury.

I can't say I disagree with those two names up front, and following those two are Denver's Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen at three and four respectively. Williamson says he put Tamme ahead because of his previous experience playing with Manning, but both players seem to add something special to the offense. The Broncos feature a third tight end on the list, 2011 fourth round pick Julius Thomas, a player whom the team is very high on and could be a candidate to break out this season.

The Broncos are the only team in the division with three players in Williamson's top eight tight ends, and while Kansas City has players ranked at number two and five, those are the only two tight ends (Moeaki, Kevin Boss) that represent them on the list. San Diego has Gates at one, Randy McMichael at six, and Ladarius Green at 11 to make it a close race with the Broncos.

But, if you average the rankings out, the Broncos have the highest overall average between three players, and thus you could argue that they went from having the most miserable tight end situation in the league in 2011 (Dante Rosario, Daniel Fells?) to having the best group in the AFC West and one of the best overall crews in the league.

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48 comments  |  2 recs | 

Mile High Report 2012 Denver Broncos OTAs: Defense Features Some Intriguing Position Battles

May 21, 2012; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos middle linebacker Nate Irving (56) and linebacker Mike Mohamed (53) during organized team activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE


Potential. That's arguably the greatest aspect of the NFL offseason. No matter if it's through the draft, free agency, or offseason activities, NFL fans have so much reason to be excited about the coming season because their team is undefeated, and no matter how cynical you are, there has to be some sense of optimism among the fan base.

So is the case with the Denver Broncos, fresh off of an AFC West title and signing probably the best free agent of all time. I don't know about everybody else, but I am more excited for this season than most, because the Broncos have something that they've really not had since the mid-late 1990's, which is a proven superstar quarterback capable of taking over games.

But lost in the quarterback shuffle in Denver is the continued defensive makeover, which is an area of this team that has gone largely ignored up until John Elway and John Fox took over as the leaders of the organization. Since last year's draft, the Broncos have added quite a few young defenders, and have also added some older veterans into the mix. Here are some offseason matchups between players and positions that I am really intrigued by on the defensive side of the ball this offseason.

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53 comments  |  11 recs | 

SB Nation Cleveland Cleveland Browns 2012 Roster Analysis: Quarterback

Much has been made of the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation since 1999, but that’s mainly because they have been unable to find a guy to stick with as the “franchise” player for all this time.

In 2010, I thought the Browns made a huge move going and getting former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, one of the most productive and winningest quarterbacks in college history. McCoy obviously ended his college career on a sour note, but the third round pick of the Browns started a few games in his rookie season, and ignited a fire in his teammates.

At least, that’s how it looked from the outside looking in. From the inside out, it is obvious that in two years, the Browns have seen enough from McCoy that they don’t want him as their starter anymore. Not only did the Browns spend a first round pick on Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden, but Cleveland GM Tom Heckert was quoted as saying they expect Weeden to be the starter when the season kicks off in September.

Despite the lack of confidence in McCoy, I think he has handled it like a professional. I haven’t heard anything from McCoy’s camp except how hard he is working to get better, and he is still working with the starting unit while Weeden works his way to the top of the depth chart.

According to a report from CBSSports.com, McCoy received a phone call after Weeden was drafted by the Browns telling him just to “come in and compete.” As a competitor, there’s nothing that McCoy could ask for other than that, though there were rumors that he was previously told the team would not draft a quarterback in the first round.

In the end, it really didn’t matter whether the Browns took Weeden with the 22nd pick or with their second round pick—the writing was on the wall for McCoy. There were rumors that the Browns and Packers may be discussing a trade for McCoy, but or now, he remains a Cleveland Brown, awkward or not.

Obviously, the Browns selected quarterback Brandon Weeden in the first round to be their quarterback of the future, but since he will be 29 in his rookie year, they also drafted him to be their quarterback of the present. Since Weeden will be 33 or 34 at the end of his rookie contract, the Browns have to believe that he can get them to and win them a Super Bowl within the next five years.

Jon Gruden laid it out perfectly in his QB Camp with Weeden—he beat everyone he faced last year (except for Iowa State) including Andrew Luck’s Stanford Cardinal and Robert Griffin III’s Baylor Bears. Weeden is able to sling the ball around the field as well as pretty much anyone in the draft, and if he was a first round pick at age 28, can you imagine if he were four or five years younger?

He clearly has the tools required to succeed, but he’s going to have to develop faster than most rookies. The Browns have done a pretty good job of getting some competent targets around Weeden as he starts his career as the Browns’ quarterback, but many of those players are still under-developed at this point.

Cleveland drafted running back Trent Richardson, as well as receivers Travis Benjamin and Greg Little with premiere picks over the last two years, but an underrated addition was last year’s fourth round pick—tight end Jordan Cameron. Cameron has unbelievable athletic ability and should be able to contribute a lot more in 2012 than he did in 2011.

So, despite the overall questions concerning Cleveland’s skill positions, it’s not like the Browns haven’t used picks on guys. They are investing high draft picks in skill players, they just either haven’t developed or turned out to be flops.

Also still on Cleveland’s roster is long-time backup Seneca Wallace, who is certainly still capable of starting if the need should arise. Wallace has been in the league for nine seasons since leaving Iowa State, and has definitely been one of the better backups in the NFL throughout that time. His most extensive action was back in 2008 when he started eight games for the Seattle Seahawks, where he developed his relationship with Mike Holmgren, who is once again his boss in Cleveland.

The Browns also have former Duke quarterback and Rams pre-season star Thaddeus Lewis, who is a candidate for the Browns’ practice squad or a third quarterback role depending what they decide to do with Colt McCoy.

Overall, the Browns’ quarterback situation is in a “wait and see” type of mode right now. The general consensus seems to be that Brandon Weeden will take over as the starter sooner rather than later, but Colt McCoy’s future is still uncertain after that. Will the Browns trade him? This will be an interesting storyline to follow as the offseason develops further and rosters begin to take shape.

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Thank goodness we were unable to select him!

14 days ago 2_tiny Sayre Bedinger 7 comments

SB Nation Cleveland Cleveland Browns Mini-camp: New RB Adonis Thomas Scouting Report

The Cleveland Browns signed local product Adonis Thomas, a running back out of Toledo who has big play ability but is very undersized. The draft is one of my favorite things to talk about, and I was surprised to see Thomas didn’t add much weight over the offseason in his preparations for the NFL.

What Thomas lacks in size (5’9" 185 pounds) he makes up for with freakish athletic ability. He runs a 4.45 second 40 yard dash, and has a 38-inch vertical leap to go along with throwing up 19 bench press reps of 225 pounds. For a man of that size, that’s impressive.

During last season, I did a scouting report on Thomas, who was one of the more exciting and productive playmakers I watched in college football last year.

Small back with speed to burn who can make plays and hurt you in so many different ways. Averaging over six yards per carry both of the last two seasons, and has a career high 11 touchdown runs in 2011. Has received very limited carries in college, so his wear-and-tear should not be too bad heading into the pros, but his size does pose cause for some concern because he is not a thick back. He could probably add 10-15 pounds of muscle and maintain his speed. Good receiver out of the backfield with 59 catches over the last two seasons, along with three touchdowns. With the way defenses are being built to stop the pass first, he might be able to get away with playing at this size for a year, maybe two in the NFL. One of the best playmakers in the country when he has the ball in his hands.

Overall, I think Thomas is a great guy to have at least for a camp body. He may be too small to make it in the NFL initially, but you stash a guy like this on the practice squad for a year and develop him physically, and he can become a huge steal as a second year player.

Perhaps he could even contribute as a gunner on special teams or as a punt/kick returner as well. There are a lot of options for a guy who makes plays like Thomas, so I like this pickup for the Browns a lot.

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SB Nation Cleveland 2012 NFL Draft: Phil Taylor Injury Opens the Door for Billy Winn

The Cleveland Browns suffered a huge blow to their defensive line when they lost Phil Taylor likely for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. However, the team drafted a kid out of Boise State who was pretty darn good for one of the best defensive lines in the country (three NFL draft picks in 2012 alone) named Billy Winn, whom they were able to snatch up in the sixth round.

The 6’4" 294 pound defensive tackle had eight tackles for loss and three sacks last year for the Broncos, and he was rated coming out as a second or third round pick, but certainly not a sixth round pick.

Here is what ESPN’s Jamison Hensley had to say about Winn potentially replacing Taylor on the defensive line:

The surprise contributor of the 2012 draft could be defensive tackle Billy Winn, a sixth-round pick out of Boise State. He slid in the draft because of questionable work ethic, but his skills could make him the top candidate to fill in for Taylor.

I had actually never heard that about Winn, regarding his work ethic, but it does raise some concerns. If the Browns are able to get the best out of him, this could turn out to be a good situation for the future of this team, where Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin can have someone else to rotate with on a regular basis.

Winn has pretty solid athletic ability and overall quickness. He is good at making plays happen in the backfield, whether he’s the guy taking on blocks or wrapping up quarterbacks and running backs. I think he will play a much bigger role this year than expected, and he could be a very nice late-round find for the Browns.

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Images

Ravens LB Terrell Suggs out for season. Sorry.

28 days ago 2_tiny Sayre Bedinger 2 comments 1 recs

Sigmund Bloom, top notch NFL blogger thinks Duke Ihenacho may stick in Denver. I saw this video cut-up of Duke and wow--can't believe he wasn't drafted.

about 1 month ago 2_tiny Sayre Bedinger 10 comments

Solid article about one of our newest targets for Peyton Manning.

about 1 month ago 2_tiny Sayre Bedinger 8 comments

SB Nation Cleveland 2012 NFL Draft Recap and Analysis: Cleveland Browns Full Weekend Haul

The Cleveland Browns went into the draft with 13 picks, wound up with 11, but came away with a very nice overall haul of players between the draft and undrafted free agency. Cleveland is obviously looking for a lot of competition all over the roster, but maybe the most intriguing pick they made was their decision to draft Brandon Weeden in the first round.

He wasn’t selected to sit. He will likely start this year and the Browns are essentially in “win-now” mode while they try to also rebuild at the same time. I’m not trying to say that Weeden’s championship window is small, but he will be 29 and even if the Browns’ best case scenario is they get 10 years out of him, I think they need the rest of their roster to develop quickly. Here is their official haul:

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State Mitchell Schwartz, OT, California John Hughes, DT, Cincinnati Travis Benjamin, WR, Miami (FL) James-Michael Johnson, LB, Nevada Ryan Miller, OL, Colorado Emmanuel Acho, LB, Texas Billy Winn, DL, Boise State Trevin Wade, CB, Arizona Brad Smelley, FB, Arizona

Undrafted FAs
James Madison CB Mike Allen; Akron OL Jake Anderson; Idaho OT Matt Cleveland; Oklahoma State WR Josh Cooper; East Carolina CB Emanuel Davis; Arizona State C Garth Gerhart; Wyoming S Tashaun Gipson; Florida DE William Green; Central Florida LB Josh Linum; Pittsburgh CB Antuawn Reed; Florida State WR Bert Reed; Missouri State WR Jermaine Saffold; Ohio State OT J.B. Shugarts; Ohio State LB Andrew Sweat

From top to bottom, this is a really good class of players. I especially like the value the Browns were able to get with Billy Winn and Trevin Wade in the later rounds, as well as getting James-Michael Johnson where they did. Those guys all have starting potential and the Browns are going to reap the benefits of all that competition.

The headliner here is Trent Richardson, whom the Browns traded a few picks to go up and get. In the end, though it will be worth it because I feel like Richardson has star potential from the moment he steps on the field.

As for the undrafted free agents, a couple of the most intriguing names to me are Josh Cooper and Bert Reed, both wide receivers who were productive in college. Cooper may have the inside track at making this team because he and Weeden are already comfortable with each other and have a rapport already built.

It was interesting to me that the Browns only spent one pick (Miami FL WR Travis Benjamin) on the wide receiver position. Benjamin is a speedy guy who can contribute in the return game, but there were certainly some good receivers that the Browns passed on to get him. Here is my pre-season report on Benjamin when I evaluated Miami prospects:

Very talented all-around player who has a ton of speed and playmaking ability down the field. Not a physical receiver, but his numbers do not lie–this guy is a playmaker. Since coming to Miami in 2008, he has been a Freshman All-American and a top notch return man as well as a big play receiver. In 2008, he came in and caught 18 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns, as well as a rushing touchdown. He also returned 22 kicks for 496 yards, and 21 punts for 181 yards.
Career Statistics
Year GP REC YDS YPC TD
2008 12 18 293 16.3 3
2009 13 29 501 17.3 4
2010 13 43 743 17.3 3
2011 11 41 609 14.9 3
Totals 49 131 2,146 16.4 13

As a sophomore, he had another big year with 29 receptions for 501 yards and a career high four touchdowns. He averaged over 17 yards per reception and had a very limited impact on the return game. As a junior, he showed some consistency, catching 43 passes for 743 yards and three more touchdowns, and he added his first return touchdown with a punt return score. Benjamin is a versatile playmaker who has a good amount of speed, and can really help out an NFL team in many different ways. He is experienced, and has solid production. He should be a 5th round pick or higher barring injury, and he is a big play waiting to happen.

Certainly this will be an interesting position battle to watch as the offseason progresses.

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SB Nation Cleveland 2012 NFL Draft Recap and Analysis: Cleveland Browns Full Weekend Haul

The Cleveland Browns went into the draft with 13 picks, wound up with 11, but came away with a very nice overall haul of players between the draft and undrafted free agency. Cleveland is obviously looking for a lot of competition all over the roster, but maybe the most intriguing pick they made was their decision to draft Brandon Weeden in the first round.

He wasn’t selected to sit. He will likely start this year and the Browns are essentially in “win-now” mode while they try to also rebuild at the same time. I’m not trying to say that Weeden’s championship window is small, but he will be 29 and even if the Browns’ best case scenario is they get 10 years out of him, I think they need the rest of their roster to develop quickly. Here is their official haul:

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State Mitchell Schwartz, OT, California John Hughes, DT, Cincinnati Travis Benjamin, WR, Miami (FL) James-Michael Johnson, LB, Nevada Ryan Miller, OL, Colorado Emmanuel Acho, LB, Texas Billy Winn, DL, Boise State Trevin Wade, CB, Arizona Brad Smelley, FB, Arizona

Undrafted FAs
James Madison CB Mike Allen; Akron OL Jake Anderson; Idaho OT Matt Cleveland; Oklahoma State WR Josh Cooper; East Carolina CB Emanuel Davis; Arizona State C Garth Gerhart; Wyoming S Tashaun Gipson; Florida DE William Green; Central Florida LB Josh Linum; Pittsburgh CB Antuawn Reed; Florida State WR Bert Reed; Missouri State WR Jermaine Saffold; Ohio State OT J.B. Shugarts; Ohio State LB Andrew Sweat

From top to bottom, this is a really good class of players. I especially like the value the Browns were able to get with Billy Winn and Trevin Wade in the later rounds, as well as getting James-Michael Johnson where they did. Those guys all have starting potential and the Browns are going to reap the benefits of all that competition.

The headliner here is Trent Richardson, whom the Browns traded a few picks to go up and get. In the end, though it will be worth it because I feel like Richardson has star potential from the moment he steps on the field.

As for the undrafted free agents, a couple of the most intriguing names to me are Josh Cooper and Bert Reed, both wide receivers who were productive in college. Cooper may have the inside track at making this team because he and Weeden are already comfortable with each other and have a rapport already built.

It was interesting to me that the Browns only spent one pick (Miami FL WR Travis Benjamin) on the wide receiver position. Benjamin is a speedy guy who can contribute in the return game, but there were certainly some good receivers that the Browns passed on to get him. Here is my pre-season report on Benjamin when I evaluated Miami prospects:

Very talented all-around player who has a ton of speed and playmaking ability down the field. Not a physical receiver, but his numbers do not lie–this guy is a playmaker. Since coming to Miami in 2008, he has been a Freshman All-American and a top notch return man as well as a big play receiver. In 2008, he came in and caught 18 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns, as well as a rushing touchdown. He also returned 22 kicks for 496 yards, and 21 punts for 181 yards.
Career Statistics
Year GP REC YDS YPC TD
2008 12 18 293 16.3 3
2009 13 29 501 17.3 4
2010 13 43 743 17.3 3
2011 11 41 609 14.9 3
Totals 49 131 2,146 16.4 13

As a sophomore, he had another big year with 29 receptions for 501 yards and a career high four touchdowns. He averaged over 17 yards per reception and had a very limited impact on the return game. As a junior, he showed some consistency, catching 43 passes for 743 yards and three more touchdowns, and he added his first return touchdown with a punt return score. Benjamin is a versatile playmaker who has a good amount of speed, and can really help out an NFL team in many different ways. He is experienced, and has solid production. He should be a 5th round pick or higher barring injury, and he is a big play waiting to happen.

Certainly this will be an interesting position battle to watch as the offseason progresses.

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Mile High Report 2012 NFL Draft: Grading the AFC West Draft Classes

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 29: Melvin Ingram #6 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 29, 2011 in Knoxville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)




The AFC West is widely considered one of the most mediocre divisions in football, and for good reason. Last year, three teams finished 8-8 and the fourth place team--Kansas City--finished 7-9. It seems like a division that no one wants to win, but someone's got to.

However, none of those teams or their fans really care whether or not they win 10 games or whatever, making the playoffs is all that matters, and winning matters, which the Broncos proved last year.

So how did the rest of the AFC West fare in the 2012 NFL Draft? Here are my grades for the three other teams in our division:

1. San Diego Chargers: A

  1. Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina
  2. Kendall Reyes, DL, UConn
  3. Brandon Taylor, S, LSU
  4. Ladarius Green, TE, San Diego State
  5. Johnnie Troutman, OG, Penn State
  6. David Molk, C, Michigan
  7. Edwin Baker, RB, Michigan State

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36 comments  |  1 recs | 

Mile High Report 2012 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos Day Three and UDFA Reaction and Analysis

MADISON WI - SEPTEMBER 18: Omar Bolden #3 of the Arizona State Sun Devils returns a kick-off for a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 18 2010 in Madison Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The 2012 NFL Draft has officially come and gone, and teams have already made a mad scramble for the top undrafted free agents. The Denver Broncos capped off their draft with four picks on Saturday, all four of which were different positions than the previous day.

In fact, the Broncos didn't draft any player at the same position, depending on if you consider Malik Jackson a defensive end or a defensive tackle, but we will dive into that a little bit later.

The Broncos' draft class features some really interesting players, and I'm actually really excited about the undrafted free agents as well. To me, this is a really encouraging draft class and a solid way to build off of what John Elway and company have been able to put together since their first draft class last year. Here is my analysis of the players we've acquired:

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66 comments  |  22 recs | 

Mile High Report 2012 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos Fourth Round Mock Draft

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 24:  Running back Lamar Miller  #6 of the Miami Hurricanes rushes upfield against the Kansas State University Wildcats September 24, 2011 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)




Well if this goes anything like my last few mocks, we should be almost guaranteed not to get either of these guys, but that's why it's fun--because there are a million different options to choose from.

1. Fourth Round, 101st overall: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Is there something wrong with this kid? I thought Miller would be our pick at 36 if he was available based on what I'd heard, but the Broncos passed on him with all three picks. I don't know if we can pass on him at 101 overall, though, he can't be much lower than 64th on our board if he's not higher.

I personally have Lamar with a 90 overall grade, which puts him at a late first round value. Obviously no other NFL team agrees with me. Of course, Miller is raw having left school after his RS Sophomore season, but he has explosiveness that teams covet and he could be that "featured" back that the Broncos seek. I really like Ronnie Hillman in the mix, but I don't feel he is going to be the kind of guy who will carry a full load. I think he and Miller could split the carries as the Broncos' RB tandem of the future, and hopefully Knowshon Moreno can stick around as a rotational player.

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51 comments  | 

Mile High Report 2012 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos Day Two Recap and Analysis

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 17:  Ronnie Hillman #13 of the San Diego State Aztecs is pushed out of bounds by Justin Anderson #34 of the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bow at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 17, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)




The second day of the draft is already in the books, and the Broncos are once again going after quarterbacks. I personally hope this is the last time for about 10-15 years we are talking about the Broncos and the quarterback position unless it has to do with winning football games.

The Broncos set out today with a plan, they executed it, and they were not done dealing.

1. Second Round, 36th overall: Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati

Measurables

6’5, 295 pounds, 10.75″ hands, 33.25 arm length

5.01 forty yard dash, 33 bench press reps, 33.5 inch vertical jump, 108″ broad jump, 7.26 3 cone drill, 4.44 20 yard shuttle

Tackles
G Solo Assisted Total Total/G
13 37 33 70 5.38
Tackles For Loss
G TFL TFL Yards TFL/G
13 21.5 96 1.65
Sacks
G Sacks Sack Yards Sacks/G
13 9.5 66 0.73

I'm sure many of you were not thrilled by this pick given the national hype of Jerel Worthy, Devon Still, and some other guys that were still available, but I was ecstatic when we picked Wolfe. He was a guy who Mel Kiper Jr. actually mocked to us in the first round a couple of weeks ago, so he's been a legit option for our first pick for at least that long (assuming Kiper got that intel from a source in the know that Wolfe was high on our board).

Here's why I'm a big fan of this pick: Wolfe was statistically more productive for a longer period of time than any other player at his position in this draft. As you can see, last year alone he had 21.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, which are great numbers for a defensive tackle.

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152 comments  |  5 recs | 

And they've moved back again. The Broncos have shifted back to No. 36 overall, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking the No. 31 pick. Speculation that the Broncos are targeting an apprentice for Peyton Manning is off and running...

For the past few weeks, we've been hearing about the Broncos' plans to target a developmental QB at some point during the draft process -- possibly Arizona St.'s Brock Osweiler. So could this be their plan at 31? We'll find out soon enough. (And if they don't, expect one of the second-rounders to be used for that purpose).

This. Scares me to death.

about 1 month ago 2_tiny Sayre Bedinger 19 comments

Mile High Report Final 2012 Denver Broncos Mock Draft: Kirkpatrick to the Mile High City

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 05:  Dre Kirkpatrick #21 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts next to  Rueben Randle #2 of the LSU Tigers during the second half of the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 5, 2011 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)



By now I'm sure you've read a thousand mock drafts, and I'm sure every one looks almost the same at this point and you're in a mock draft haze. I'm here to give you mock draft overkill, and my final Denver Broncos mock draft for the 2012 Draft season.

Before I do that, let me show you my final overall first round mock so you can see how I arrived at this point. After the first round, the Broncos' picks are going to be insanely difficult to project, but I will do my best.

Without further delay, my final mock drafts for the 2012 NFL Draft season:

1.Indianapolis (2-14): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
2. Washington - from St. Louis (2-14): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
3. Minnesota (3-13): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
4. Cleveland (4-12): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
5. Tampa Bay (4-12): Matt Kalil, OT, USC
6. St. Louis - from Washington (5-11): Justin Blackmon ,WR, Oklahoma State
7. Jacksonville (5-11): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
8. Miami (6-10): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
9. Carolina (6-10): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
10. Buffalo (6-10): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

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84 comments  |  1 recs | 

Mile High Report 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft: San Francisco 49ers Select Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

With the 30th pick in the 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft the San Francisco 49ers select Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis.

After a season of nearly making it to the Superbowl, the Niners have very few needs. Right guard is one of them, and Kevin Zeiter and Amini Silotulu would be in consideration at this pick. I'm not too big on Zeiter, although he might be the most NFL ready guard from the run blocking stand point. His ceiling on the pass blocking end seems limited. Silitolu has a lot of talent, but the value here, in my opinion, was not there. I also wavered between Shea Mclellin, Coby Fleener, Dante Hightower, Nick Perry and the other defensive ends of value in the 30's. The team has Probowlers (or near) at DE, Linebacker and Tight-end. Stephen Hill and Janoris Jenkins would also fit secondary positions of need, but their already off the board.

Anyways, with the way this mock went down, Poe is the way to go.(BPAAPON) We're all familiar with his superior combine effort, and mediocre game tape, I think the college thing has a lot to do with the bad team he was playing on. Nevertheless, he has tremendous potential, that can only be enhanced going to a team like San Francisco. He would immediately work into the DT rotation behind 8 year veteran Isaac Sopoaga, and be the starter within a couple years.

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Mile High Report 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft: Baltimore Ravens Select Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin

Feb 24, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Peter Konz speaks at a press conference during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

With the 29th pick in the 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select...

Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin

Ravens' GM: Eddie.Teach

GM Explanation: This pick fits perfectly for the Batimore Ravens by getting the BPA and at a position of need. Even though current center Matt Birk was re-signed to a three year deal it will be his 15th season in the league and the Ravens have made it clear that they are looking for a young upgrade at the position. Peter Konz comes from a dominating offensive line at Wisconsin where as the captain of the O-line helped RB Montee Ball tie Barry Sanders mark of 39 touchdowns in a single season. He is a force in the running game, bull dozing his way to the next level and has the strength to withstand bull rushes from the best. He is a smart player with good technique and he will benefit greatly from watching a veteran like Birk as he learns the NFL game.

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Mile High Report 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft: Green Bay Packers Select Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker, Alabama



With the 28th pick in the 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft, the Green Bay Packers select...

Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker, Alabama

Packers' GM: Bronco Rob

GM Explanation: The Packers got torched by many QB's last year so I would address the problem with a good pass rusher to complement Clay Matthews. I think that the best pick would be Mark Barron but he is already taken.

(Editor's note: Rob was unavailable to give a full explanation, but he gave me a board of players to pick from and this was BPA.)

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According to Schefter's Denver sources, we're not expected to pick up Asante.

about 1 month ago 2_tiny Sayre Bedinger 24 comments

Mile High Report 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft: New England Patriots Select Devon Still, Defensive Tackle, Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 12:  Devon Still #71 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after sacking Taylor Martinez #3 (not pictured) of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the game on November 12, 2011 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)



With the 27th pick in the 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft, the New England Patriots select...

Devon Still, Defensive Tackle, Penn State

Patriots' GM: crushsg

GM Explanation: As an organization we are starting to realize that we only have the second best QB in the AFC, and he can only win a superbowl with a good defense helping out. Still is someone who can come in and make a contribution earlier than most rookie DT's. You have to be strong in the middle a Devon offers us some versatility and can play either inside on the 4-3 or outside in our 3-4. We really hope he can replace what Andre Carter gave the team last year be a pillar of our d-line for years to come. He offers us tremendous value as we had him as our second ranked interior lineman.

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Mile High Report 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft: Houston Texans Select Stephen Hill, Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech

Feb 24, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Stephen Hill speaks at a press conference during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE



With the 26th pick in the 2012 MHR Community mock draft, the Houston Texans select...

Stephen Hill, Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech

Texans' GM: Nelliott34

GM Explanation: The Houston Texans have the 26th pick after the best season in franchise history. The Texans are a solid team on both sides of the ball despite losing several starters in free agency. Even without Mario, the team has no glaring needs. I truly believe the Texans could look to move back into the 2nd round because they will be focusing on depth.

Houston truly lacks a solid #2 wide receiver. After Andre Johnson went down with an injury last year, the office was carried by the run game. To take the next step and make a run for a super bowl the offense needs more weapons. Stephen Hill has the potential and talent to fill that need. He can stretch the field to open passing lanes for other wide outs, and can play off of the double teams Andre Johnson will require. I could see the Texans going for Dontari Poe or, in the case of this draft, Dont'a Hightower. However, Stephen Hill has more upside and fits a larger need in my opinion.

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Mile High Report Broncos Safety Brian Dawkins Announces Retirement from NFL

DENVER - SEPTEMBER 19:  Safety Brian Dawkins #20 of the Denver Broncos celebrates his interception in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 19 2010 in Denver Colorado.  (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)


From Brian Dawkins' official Twitter page:

"The Lord has blessed me to play in the NFL for 16 years. I would like to thank the Eagles & the Broncos 4 believing in me. I would like 2 thank all my teammates & coaches that I have been blessed 2 go to battle with. Along with u, the fans 4 helping make my career 1 that I have enjoyed tremendously. In other words. I am announcing my retirement from the NFL. #BBTB"

Dawkins played in the NFL from 1996-2011, including three seasons here with the Denver Broncos. He finished his career in Denver with 332 tackles, five sacks, and three interceptions. Dawkins suffered a career-threatening and likely career-ending injury this past season.

During his time in the NFL, Dawkins became known as "Weapon-X," and is one of the most beloved players in Philadelphia Eagles history. More than a great player, Dawkins is known as a great person and teammate. He was a leader for the Broncos, and had a huge impact on the defense in his time in Denver.

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MHR User crushsg--I need you to email me at sayre111589@gmail.com with your first Patriots pick, your e-mail will not allow me to send mail to your inbox for whatever reason. If I don't hear from you before this afternoon, I'm just going to have to make the pick.

Sayre, Commish

about 1 month ago 2_tiny Sayre Bedinger 0 comments

My co-editor over at NFLMocks.com Jesse Bartolis has a really interesting seven round mock for the Broncos. He's coming out with one round at a time and already has 4 rounds out. Here's the Broncos picks:

1. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
2. Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn
3. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
4. Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State
4b. Adam Gettis, OL, Iowa
5. Marcus Foston, DT, Miami
6. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Check out Mocks for all draft info leading up to the NFL's great 32 team holiday. I'd be happy w/this haul.

about 1 month ago 2_tiny Sayre Bedinger 25 comments

I am having a hard time deciding whether or not this deal is dead or if there are just more hurdles...

about 1 month ago 2_tiny Sayre Bedinger 12 comments

Mile High Report 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft: Denver Broncos Select Jerel Worthy, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State

EVANSTON IL - OCTOBER 23: Jerel Worthy #99 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a defensive play against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 23 2010 in Evanston Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 35-27. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jerel Worthy


With the 25th pick in the 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft, the Denver Broncos select...

Jerel Worthy, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State

Broncos GM: coffee

GM Explanation: Defensive tackle has been a weakness of the Denver Broncos for years. There was hope last year with Broderick Bunkley, but he has since moved on to the Saints. A draft class deep in DT talent allows the Broncos to get a player in the first round that can help solidify the defensive line for years to come. That player is Jerel Worthy. Worthy struggled at the NFL Combine but he shines where it matters most - on the field. A first-team All-American and All-Big Ten first-team selection, Worthy made an impact against very good competition. Jerel Worthy is a prototypical run-stopper and has shown the ability to get into the backfield. He can disrupt the offensive line at the point of attack and push them back, recording at least one tackle for loss in 9 of 14 games in 2011. The knock on Worthy is that he struggles against the double team. I think with his strength and ability this is something that he can work on and improve.

Jerel Worthy is a guy that could blossom with the great coaching of John Fox and Jack Del Rio. He is an elite DT that could become a regular Pro Bowl player. He has some learning to do and that's why I think the Broncos are the perfect location. With this coaching staff you can't pass up a guy with Worthy's potential at pick number 25. Welcome your newest Denver Bronco, Jerel Worthy.

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Mile High Report 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Select Cordy Glenn, Offensive Tackle, Georgia




With the 24th pick in the 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select:

Cordy Glenn, Offensive Tackle, Georgia

Steelers' GM: mikebirty

GM Analysis: After a humiliating playoff defeat to the Denver Broncos the Steelers were sent home to lick their wounds a lot earlier than they expected. The Steelers are not an organisation which celebrate *just* reaching the playoffs, when they play the game they either win or they die.

They have some similar needs to Denver, so stop me when this sounds familiar. The Steelers could do with an upgrade on the defensive line where they will eventually need to replace the old and often injured Casey Hampton, so don't be surprised if this pick is a big space eating nose tackle. The Steelers could take this opportunity to find the long term successor to Troy Polamalu if Mark Barron was to fall this far. They are also on the look out for a #2 running back and a long term answer at back up quarterback - so don't be surprised if they are looking at the same players as Denver in the mid to late rounds.

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