SB Nation User Blog: jaffe28

My Brandon Marshall Scouting Report

jaffe28 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:48:47 -0000

Just wanted to give a look at BMarsh considering all the controversy surrounding him to get some discussion going regarding what he is or is not actually worth to the Broncos in both the short and long term.

2008 NFL Rank Receptions:

#3: 104

#1 = Andre Johnson with 115. Johnson played 16 games to Marshall's 15. As did Welker who is the other ahead of him.

2008 NFL Rank Total Yards:

#7: 1265

#1 = Andre Johnson with 1575

2008 NFL Rank YPG:

#5: 84.3

#1 Steve Smith with 101.5

2008 NFL Rank TDs:

Tied #22: 6

#1 = Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson with 12

2008 NFL Rank 1st Down Rec:

#4: 65

#1 = Andre Johnson with 79

2008 NFL Rank YAC:

Tied #12: 439 (Steve Smith)

#1 = Wes Welker 758

2008 NFL Rank Yard Per Catch:

#124: 12.2

#1 Devery Henderson with 24.8

2008 NFL Rank Targeted:

#1: 181

#2 = Andre Johnson with 170

Comments: These mix stats and my own observations

Positives:

1. BMarsh's raw production kicks ass. He catches a lot of balls for a lot of yards.

2. He's a beast to try and tackle. I was a little surprised he wasn't a bit higher in YAC, then I remembered he gave back about 100 yards over the season circling backwards.

3. He picks up first downs. I didn't look for a breakdown on what down his first down catches come though. I'd like to see it if someone has that info. I'm betting he wasn't our top third down guy. Wouldn't be surprised if both Royal and Stokely finished ahead of him.

4. He gets off the jam pretty well because of his size and gets into his routes on time for the most part.

5. He often demands double-coverage, opening the field for others.

6. He uses his body well to screen defenders when they are behind him so that he can make possession catches despite close coverage.

7. He's competitive and wants to be an elite receiver. He has a decent work ethic from what I can tell.

Negatives:

1. Despite our perception of him, BMarsh has not demonstrated that he is a big play receiver. He has a minuscule YPC average which indicates to me that he does not make a lot of plays down the field. Worse, he disappears in the red zone. He's only managed 15 TDs in his career. Randy Moss has 37, T.O. 38, and Larry Fitzgerald. 28 over the same span. Even a WR like Hines Ward who is known more for scrappiness than big play ability has 20 TDs over the last 3 seasons. Calvin Johnson has 16 TDs in his two seasons playing for the garbage Lions, for the love of Pete. I would think that a big-bodied possession guy like BMarsh should be a monster in tight, but it's not the case.

2. He does not have great hands. Despite being targeted more than any other receiver, he was third in catches. He drops balls. He also doesn't adjust to the long ball in the air well. With his height and general size, you'd think he'd be a great deep ball, jump ball artist. He's not. Most noticeably, he does not come back for the ball well when it is behind him. If he can't run under it, it's an incompletion more often than not. In terms of his hands and the drops, I'm willing to give him some time because of the nerve damage. In terms of going back for the ball, I hope somebody can coach him because he should be a monster at it and isn't.

3. Another factor in the difference between being targeted and number of catches might have to do with brains/discipline/concentration/etc. Specifically, he doesn't always run good routes and seems, to frequently for my taste, to run incorrect routes. We can assume that some of the misreads on such plays were Jay's, but a bunch were Marshall's as well.

4. He has a selfish streak. Brandon Stokely saving him a 15 yarder late in the Cleveland game last year is a big illustration.

5. The off-the-field stuff. No need to go over it in more depth here. Just makes you wonder how much the Broncos can rely on him long term.Whether it's injuring himself severely while horsing around or being on the commish's sh*t-list, you gotta wonder if he's gonna play all the games we need him to.

General:

I'm not trying to bash Brandon with this post. The negatives section is longer than the positives because we all know what he's good at. What we don't talk much about is what he's bad at (or at least what he's bad at on the field as opposed to life skills). My overall take is that BMarsh is one of the top five possession receivers in the NFL and a top ten or twelve overall receiver. He is not, however, a huge difference maker yet. He doesn't score TDs and he doesn't make the difficult play often enough. He (like Jay) has not been clutch in big spots. Basically, despite what looks like good production, I feel like Marshall has significantly underachieved in relation to his physical skills. In the BMarsh trade poll, I voted that I would consider trading him for a 1st and a servicable receiver. I still think like that would be appropiate value. Honestly, I'd be willing to give up BMarsh and a 2 rounder for a similar player in Anquan Boldin.

I love to watch BMarsh in the same way I loved to watch Cutler. He's a freak of physical talent who does some unbelievable things on a football field. At the same time, I think we're still in the land of what Marshall could be rather than what he is. He could be an all-timer but there's still a lot standing in the way.

Former Broncos go UFL

jaffe28 — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:17:47 -0000

Former Broncos go UFL

Both Nate Jackson and David Kircus were drafted by the UFL's Las Vegas franchise.

Critical Thinking and Performance Enhancing Drugs

jaffe28 — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:23:12 -0000

This is more of a general sports than Broncos specific post. Still, I think it's relevant in that it's unlikely that no Bronco is using performance enhancers to gain an edge, make the team or heal an injury.

Every year, when baseball rolls around, we have to deal with a spike in stories about steroids and other performance enhancing drugs (PHD). Mostly that's because MLB had done a terrible PR job around the issue and left itself open to charges of stupidity and hypocrisy. The NFL, on the other hand, has done a good job with their PR overall. They at least look like they are doing the best they can to keep the sport clean. That said, we all know that HGH and cutting edge steroids aren't always detectable, that players generally know how to cycle their use to get both benefit and avoid being caught, and that the NFL has quietly structured their testing to allow players to "sneak" use. The NFL still has players caught and gets some bad press because of it.

Having said all that, I don't want to rehash what should be done to clean up the game, at least not using a traditional argument. I feel that public discourse on the issue is all about revealing scandal and speculation on improving enforcement of PHD bans while little critical discussion occurs around underlying assumptions regarding PHD use. I've wanted to bring this topic up on MHR for awhile because y'all are (by far) the most critical thinking online sports community I've run into.

In the words of South Park's Mr. Mackey, the primary assumption that shapes our social approach to PHD seems to be, "Drugs are bad, m'kay." We are told that PHDs are horrible for long term health, they are clearly a way to cheat your natural human limitations, and they aren't fair to those athletes that choose to follow the rules. I agree with the last, but I am less certain about the first two. My contention is that it may be time to figure out how to integrate steroids and other PHDs into sport rather than fighting a losing battle to ban them.

First point, and a very short one. As with all technologies, once PHDs are out there you can't get the toothpaste back in the tube. Athletes are going to use steroids to get an edge. Management is going to allow as much leeway as possible for teams to compete. Trainers are going to procure the stuff, recommend how to administer, and give tips on dodging detection. None of this is going to go away because there is too much money and esteem available in pro sports for people not to pursue every method to capture both. Is it right? I don't know, but it's a fact. PHDs are not going away, so unless we decide to approach them differenently we'll be hearing about this all our lives, not to mention new "cheating" technologies. How will sport deal with performancing enhancing cybernetic implants in fifty years?

Second point, and I would love to hear from the MD members on this, is that PHD use may not be as physically harmful as we are led to believe. Certainly the shrill proclamations of the MSM on the topic sound like the scare tactics of D.A.R.E. when it comes to illegal recreational drugs. While I believe that someone on LSD once thought they could fly and jumped out a window, I also believe that thousands upon thousands of people have taken the drug without adverse consequences. Similarly, I believe that PHDs have had negative health effects for some athletes, including severe consequences like cancer. At the same time, I have not run into compelling evidence through mainstream discourse that demonstrates that negative health consequences are the rule when it comes to steroid use. I will admit that I am not an MD and don't have the time to go through the academic literature on the subject, but I'm sure if there was undeniable proof the PHD use was universally bad ESPN probably would have said something :).

Further, I want to suggest that potential negative health consequences could be mitigated by closely monitered use in an environment of accepted PHD use. I have a hard time believing that doctors and other trained professionals couldn't run PHD use programs that were nominally dangerous as compared to the circumstances that come with clandestine use. Think about it this way. If I took 100 heroin addicts and let them indulge their habit under professional supervision with the institutional backing of an organization with access to billions of dollars, I'm guessing the adverse effects they experience from their use would be far fewer than those experienced by 100 addicts doing the drug in the current climate of illegality. In the same way, I believe that above ground and monitered use of PHD in sport would be far less likely to have adverse affects on athletes if institutionally supported by the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, IOC, etc. etc. etc. Isn't it possible that accepted PHD use might actually be healthier for players than trying to ban them?

I'm sure a number of you are thinking, "Wow, very interesting, but that's not the point. Steroids are CHEATING you idiot!!!" My question is, why are they cheating? The answer, IMO, is that they are cheating because they are banned. The reason PHD can give a competitive advantage is that some players are using while others are not. If Mega-linebacker is crushing regular running back or beating out regular linebacker because he is using and they aren't, that is clearly unfair and compromises the integrity of the sport. However, the reason he is able to do that is he can't use the drug without the knowledge of others. If PHD were integrated into sport then all the players would have the option of using in a monitered environment and everyone would know who is using what. It seems to me that would cancel the competitive advantage by giving it to everyone. Now mega-linebacker is always competing with mega-guard and mega-pitcher is always competing with mega-hitter. Now we're back to fair.

Further, above board use would solve the issue of "tainted eras" in the record books. If PHDs were integrated and used legally, then we would know that an era of players has a competitive advantage and could properly evaluate that era's achievements in relation to non-using eras. Also, if we had monitered use and a genetically gifted athlete that doesn't use breaks a record we can give him credit for doing it as a "natural" rather than enhanced human.

And that brings me to my last point. There is an underlying assumption, IMO, that juiced athletes are somehow not real. That they are cheating their "natural" place in the athletic order by using technology to raise their potential beyond it's "natural" limits. Not to get too philosophical here, but I think this exposes a bias in what we think of as human and invites a discussion of what humanness is or can be. Right now there is a bias toward the as-God-intended-it/as-Nature-constructed-it model of acceptable humanity. Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man is still the ideal of physical humanity. It is an unadorned, unmodified and genetically natural human perfection. It implies that modified physicality is unnatural and that unnatural is bad. In terms of the use of PHDs this philosphy translates into a negative interpretation of the modified athlete achieving over the genetically natural athlete. Is this a fair interpretation, or is it a kneejerk and uncritical acceptance of a bias toward unmodified physicality.

Human beings are, by evolutionary development and genetic construction, techonolgical animals. One of our greatest gifts is to modify either our environment or ourselves in ways that allow us to adapt quickly to changes. We an go into space because we are capable of taking our environment with us. We are able to create optimum natural athletes through the understanding and development of regimented exercise, managed nutrition and so on. It seems to me that PHD are simply an extension of this technological ability and that they express a different part of natural humanity. In that sense, a modified athlete is as natural as an unmodified athlete and is an equally astounding representation of what nature can achieve. Our technology is an outcome of our natural development and therefore technolgical enhancement is natural, not a perversion. We just need to change our interpretation of what is acceptable humanity to move beyond our current negativity about PHD.

I also want to add one more thing. There is a bias against PHD because they offend the American work-ethic. They are seen as a way to get something for nothing. This is really not the case. In order to gain the maximum benefits of most steroids and HGH, you have to work just as hard as you would to maximize your genetic potential. In fact, achieving a maximum enhanced potential is still a natural gift in that some people may be more genetically amenable to outside enhancement than others. It's just a different expression of humanness.

So I say it's pretty much time to integrate what can't be banned and adjust our understanding of athletic prowess rather than trying to irrationally force athletics to fit our biases about acceptable humanity.

I do realize that I am going to get slammed from at least one quarter on this analysis. While pro and probably high level NCAA programs would have the ability to implement monitered, mostly safe use of PHD, what about lower level college and high school or younger athletes who don't have access to large amounts of institutional resources. They are still going to use steroids, and may even be compelled to do so in order to reach their dreams of competing at the higher levels. Also, the acceptance of use at more elite levels may indicate approval for their use at lower levels, even if unmonitered. I'm not sure how we could deal with that problem, though I'm pretty sure that clanestine use is already a big problem that may or may not have potential to be a bigger problem.

More doom 'n gloom from the national media.

jaffe28 — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:02:31 -0000

More doom 'n gloom from the national media.

It seems our 12th ranked rushing attack last year was an illusion. Anyhow, SI isn't impressed with the Broncos' backfield.

No Need to Worry About the Raiders

jaffe28 — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:15:37 -0000

No Need to Worry About the Raiders

Jim Trotter at SI blasts the Raiders for their handling of Russell while dishing out some criticism for Jamarcus as well. JR and DHB make me wonder if Davis even realizes the best players the Raiders have had were intangibles guys, not measureables guys.

Broncos earn draftguy's top UDFA grade

jaffe28 — Sun, 03 May 2009 04:27:10 -0000

Broncos earn draftguy's top UDFA grade

And they point out we addressed the front seven with draftable players post-draft.

My Post-Draft Opus

jaffe28 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:17:30 -0000

Unlike much of my writing, this is not going to go at things in a humorous or contrarian sort of way. I'm going to go at the Broncos draft with an "at the same time" mindset that reflects my general mixed feelings about what the Broncos did. Basically I'm gonna put down the Kool-Aid while hoping not to slide into negativity. I'm also going to make some general draft observations that don't necessarily have to do with the Broncos.

GENERAL DRAFT OBSERVATIONS

1. The Raiders, specifically Al Davis, are crazy. I seriously considered putting DHB in as the Raiders pick here in my mock and then decided that even Al couldn't be that insane. How you don't get more value for the #7 pick is beyond me. If you like DHB better than Crabtree that's fine, but how you don't recognize that you can have him 15 or 20 picks later is beyond me. Even if you give a value discount, say by letting Philly come up to take Crabtree by swapping the 21st pick and their second rounder you still pick up value and get your guy. And don't get me started on their 2nd round pick. The guy could've been theirs in the fifth round and people still would've been thinking it was a slight reach. I never thought I'd say this, but I am starting to feel sorry for Raiders fans. And I'm sad that a great rivalry is losing it's edge because of the senility of one man.

2. Three of the biggest reaches in the first round were by our division rivals. I am not going to fault the Chiefs much for taking Tyson Jackson where they did because he was clearly the best 3-4 DE in the draft, and while they could've had him 5-10 picks later they probably couldn't find someone to come up for their pick. Larry English at 16 for the Chargers makes me smile. He could likely have been had somewhere in the 2nd round and frankly looks like another Jarvis Moss to me. How Everette Brown fell to the second round and this guy goes 16 is beyond me. The Raiders I've already discussed.

3. In terms of the Broncos draft, my biggest problem was that we also didn't maximize the value of the picks we had. More on this with my breakdown of the specific picks. At the same time, I am pretty sure that we had a better draft than anyone else in our division.

4. What is it with the Bengals? Do they intentionally look for the biggest character risks in the draft? Andre Smith is a talent and no doubt, but the guy is coming into a situation that is likely to make him a bust. I'm so happy for Michael Oher that the Bengals didn't take him. As far as the Bengals in the 2nd round go, they and Maualuga deserve each other. One of the most positive developments of the Broncos draft, IMO, is that Rey Rey is not in orange and blue. Frankly, I consider him to be a more talented version of Nate Webster on the field with the added problem of being a bad risk off the field and a potential disaster in the locker room.

5. The Bills had an iffy first round. Aaron Maybin is not going to contribute until he's been in an NFL strenght and conditioning program for at least two seasons. He may have first round potential but he's a second or third rounder in terms of what he's going to give to the team over the first few seasons on the roster. Wood is a good pick though I'm surprised they didn't address LT.

6. I don't like the Lions draft. Stafford may be a stud, but the probabilities (thanks HT :) ) for first round QBs make this a huge risk. Give me Curry, J. Smith, or Monroe. Much better chance they start early and contribute for a long time. And how in the world you pass on Michael Oher in the 20s is beyond me. When a top-ten talent drops to you and will greatly improve the probability that your new franchise player won't turn into Tim Couch or David Carr you take him. I like Pettigrew but this was a bad idea.

7. How does Ozzie Newsome always manage to come up with a great value pick at a position of need. Oher is likely going to be one of the steals of the draft.

8. The Jets sure didn't give up that much to get to the #5 pick. At the same time, the Browns did alright for themselves. Kind of a win-win IMO.

9. Something very weird happened in the Broncos draft that I'm sure a number of you experienced as well. Three times in this draft, the player I thought the Broncos should pick when they went on the clock were the next pick after we passed on them. Max Unger went #49, Sammie Lee Hill went #115, and A.Q. Shipley went #226. Not sure what it means but it was kind of disconcerting.

10. The first-round picks that I really liked (not counting the Broncos). Jacksonville getting Monroe at #8 who will start somewhere on their o-line for ten years. Michael Crabtree to the 49ers at #10 will help their marginal QBs and rub it in Al Davis' face for a decade. With rare discipline, the Redskins scored great value with Orakpo at #13. Maclin at #19 gives McNabb another dynamic option. Alex Mack to the Browns at #21 is the kind of boring but solid pick that leads to winning teams. Michael Oher will be a steal for the Ravens at #23. Though everyone and their mom married the Steelers to Mack, Ziggy Hood is a good consolation prize who will be developed to start at 3-4 defensive end.

11. Did I say the Raiders were crazy? Yes? Sorry to repeat, but seriously. THE RAIDERS ARE EFFING CRAZY!!!

ANALYSIS OF THE BRONCOS DRAFT

The running theme through my analysis, and the reason I have mixed emotions regarding this draft, is that I'm not sure we got maximum value for our picks. At the same time, I like most of the players we took. While I won't claim to have the pure football knowledge of HT and SlowWhiteGuy or the prospect knowledge of Styg, Broncoman, Colinski, or gnarlybroncodude, I do feel like a have a good general knowledge of the draft and how football works and I'm both happy and concerned about what I saw from Denver in the Draft.

1a. Knowshon Moreno RB, Georgia

I have no doubt that Knowshon is going to be a very good player for the Broncos for a long time. He will have 22-25 touches (18-22 rushes and 3 or 4 catches) a game and make things happen for the offense. He'll take pressure off of our QBs and increase the durability of the plethora of situational backs we have, especially Hillis. He's a stud and worthy of pick #12.

...and at the same time, I can't help but wonder if we couldn't have gotten a comparable running back while pick up value for this pick. We may even have been able to get Knowshon and added value. I'm not going to scream too loudly about it right though because I realize it may have been difficult to find a trading partner. My other concern is that a player of equal or greater value at a position of equal or greater need fell to us at pick #12 in Brian Orakpo. I like him as much or better than Ayers and wonder if we couldn't have had Orakpo at #12 and Knowshon at #18. I'm also wondering if we couldn't have addressed a defensive need here and gotten a back of nearly the same value later in the draft. Running backs always fall and this year was no exception.

Overall, I'm fine with this pick. While we might have gotten more value, Knowshon will likely do a lot for the Broncos for a long period of time and that's what you really want from a first round pick.

1b. Robert Ayers DE, Tennessee

I had Ayers to the Broncos in my mock because I knew that his positional versatility would appeal to Josh McDaniels and I think he has a ton of upside. At his best, I see Ayers as the new era version of Karl Mecklenberg (who was Adalius Thomas before Thomas even knew he could play football). He has the combination of size and athleticism to situationally play anywhere in the front seven. I expect that he will mostly be moved between DE and OLB with some kicks inside to rush the passer in our 4-3 hybrid.

...and at the same time, Ayers makes me a bit nervous in that he didn't produce until his final year in college. Really a minor gripe. My main concern actually was addressed above. I feel like Orakpo and Moreno might have been better for our team than Ayers and Moreno.

Overall, I'm fine with this pick as well. I see what McDaniels sees and as long as he develops into that vision I think he'll be worthy of this selection. He does make me wonder if a 3-4 is going to be our base defense, or if McDaniels is planning to create the ameoba defense to compliment the ameoba offense.

2a. Alphonso Smith CB, Wake Forrest

I like Alsphonso Smith as a player a lot. I think he is going to be a playmaker. He's quick and has good ball-skills. Frankly, he reminds me a bit of Dre Bly when Bly was at his best and used properly. He's a ballhawk and will make plays as a nickleback until he's ready to move into the starting lineup. He also tackles much better than Bly while giving added value on special teams. He can spell Royal on punts and team with Arrington on KOs.

...and at the same time, I have serious concerns regarding what we gave up to get him. I accept the logic that McXander's chose to spend one of next year's 1st round picks to get someone they gave a first round grade and who will contribute immediately. I have concerns that the logic cost us a pick we may have been able to keep and still get either A. Smith or a similar player in S. Smith at our pick at #48. Basically, my complaint is that we may have really wasted a ton of value and flexibiltiy in next years draft to get a player we could have gotten anyway.

Overall, I'm not terribly upset. I do believe that Smith is a talent who was correctly graded by the McXander's team. If we view this as we got 3 first rounders this year instead of just two this looks good. If we think of it as we could have had three first rounders this year and still had two first rounders next year it's a bit more iffy.

2b. Darcel McBath S, Texas Tech

In general I'm cool with this pick. He's going to push Renaldo Hill to be his best if he doesn't want to go to the bench and will likely start for the Broncos within a couple of seasons. He won't be a liability in coverage and will make plays as an Ed Reed sort of centerfielder. As HT pointed out in his analysis, McBath is the best free safety for what he does in the draft.

...and at the same time, I wonder if he's the best 'best at' we could've taken at #48. Max Unger is also a 'best at' at a position of equal or greater need. Unger is clearly the one elite linemen who is best at being versatile. He can play credibly anywhere on the offensive line and is an exceptional prospect at both center and guard. I believe that McBath is a reasonable value at #48, but I think that Unger would have been an exceptional value.

Overall, I'm not gonna cry over spilt milk. McBath is a good player worthy of going mid-second round. I expect he will be a long time contributor to the Broncos defense and special teams.

2c. Richard Quinn TE, North Carolina

Okay, here we go. I like Quinn fine as a player. He is a versatile TE who has a nasty disposition as a blocker and apparently impressed McD with his combine workout and hands. I think he is good insurance for Graham and Scheffler and definitely represents an upgrade from the Jackson experiment.

...and at the same time, I really hate this pick. The reason I hate it is that I am 99.999999% sure that we could have taken Quinn with the first of our third round picks and kept our second third round pick. To tell the truth, this pick reminded me of Coach Shanahan at his worst on draft day. It's silly to give up value in the draft when you don't have to. We could've had this guy and another third round player or multiple later round picks.

Overall, blah. I'm pretty sure that Quinn will be a decent player for Denver, but why we gave up anything to get him is beyond me.

4a. David Bruton S, Notre Dame

Once again, I have no problem with Bruton as a player. He brings great leadership and work ethic to a team that seems to have been lacking both in recent years. He plays hard and he will absolutely kill it on kick and punt coverage.

...and at the same time, I really question the decision to make a second pick at safety when another best fell to us in an area of need. Sammie Lee Hill is clearly the best developmental NT prospect in this draft. His perceived upside is high enough that many draft experts had him going in the third round. That he fell to an area of the draft that is perfect for developmental prospects makes me wonder if McXander's emphasis on taking BPA was properly executed here.

Overall, I see this as a luxery pick for a team that hasn't reached the penthouse and shouldn't be looking for a bubble bath.

4b. Seth Olsen OG, Iowa

This is not an 'at the same time' analysis. This is the one pick that I don't like, period. I don't see how a guy with poor feet and limited athleticism is a fit in an offense that emphasizes frequent pulling by the guards or zone blocking, much less both. Yeah, he's a tough guy with a nasty demeanor and good intangibles but there were other guys like that who fit the system McD has outlined with the same qualities who would have been better fits.

5. Kenny McKinley WR, South Carolina

McKinley is a quick receiver with very good hand and body control. He makes tough catches and gets turned upfield quickly. He offers schematic versatility in that he can play the slot or outside and allows us to maximize both his impact and increase the veratility of Eddie Royal who can also bounce between the outside and the slot.

...and at the same time, McKinley is pretty light in the shorts. I think he can put on 5-10 more pounds of protein armor without losing quickness, but I'm not sure of it. I have questions about his durability.

Overall, McKinley is a good pick and may turn into a steal this late in the draft.

6. Tom Brandstater QB, Fresno State

This guy is as good a developmental pick as any. He's got a good enough arm, learned from a coach with pro experience in a pro-syle offense, reads defenses well, and has upside.

...and at the same time, he reminds me more of Drew Bledsoe than Tom Brady. Not that that is necessarily bad, but I question his mobility and that lowers his versatility. Also, not to beat a dead horse into a bloody pulp of bite-sized bits for the vultures, but I really don't think we had to give up one of our 7th round picks to get Brandstater, or a QB of equal developmental value. Still, not a huge sin if you think he can be your guy of the future.

Overall, I'm fine with this pick. I'm happy with our #1 and #2 QBs and if McDaniels thinks that Brandstater has potential, I'm not going to argue with him.

7. Blake Schlueter C, TCU

This guy fits the mold of what we should covet in a scheme that emphasizes good feet and athleticism. He moves well, is smart, and plays mean. He could develop into a good playr for the Broncos.

...at the same time, he lacks strength and sometimes got pushed around in a league not known for it's monsters on the interior DL. My bigger problem is who he isn't. Like I said before, I would've much preferred to take Max Unger when he fell to us. Schlueter is neither as talented nor as versatile. Further, I thought that A.Q. Shipley, who went one pick later, is a better overall prospect with more experience against tougher competition. Still, I can't say that Shipley was so much better as a prospect that passing on him for Schlueter is a bad move.

Overall, I can't argue too terribly much with this pick. He's a solid prospect with some upside taken in the seventh round.

BRING ME A PITCHER OF ORANGE & BLUE KOOL-AID

I have mixed feelings about our draft, but that doesn't mean that I won't be rooting like crazy for all of these guys to be great Denver Broncos.

I think we did a couple of things with CFA's that make me feel better about not addressing the defensive front seven as much as we could in the draft. We picked up 2 DE, a DT, and a LB after the draft. Of those, I'm pretty darn excited about Pedescleaux who has the look of a 3-4 end with upside. I also like that we got DT Chris Baker from Hampton after the draft. Using a pick on him would have worried me considering his character problems, but as a CFA coming into an organization modeled after the Patriots I think he's worth a shot.

Also, the draft approach tends to make me feel more optimistic about our players in place on defense than I otherwise would have been. Maybe Coach Shanahan's biggest problem is he was accidently drafting and signing players for the 3-4 rather than the 4-3!

Moreover, I think that we clearly did as well or better in the draft than the rest of our division. The AFC West is still likely to be a pretty weak division and I don't see that these players hurt our chances of winning a division title.

Anyway, feedback is both accepted and desired and...

GO DENVER BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jaffe28's Official 1st round mock.

jaffe28 — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:46:27 -0000

1. Detroit: In a rare fit of common sense, the Lions realize that a great LT will help nearly anyone they put behind center.

Jason Smith OT, Baylor

2. St. Louis: After a near brain-fart with the rank odor of Stafford, the Rams also give in to common sense and take a player that will start somewhere on their O-line for a decade.

Eugene Monroe OT, Virginia

3. Kansas City: After discovering that it's a lot easier to trade picks in the late 20s that the top 5, Scott Pioli surprises everyone and decides to complement Bowe on the other side. Matt Cassel goes to the equipment manager for one size larger jock.

Michael Crabtree WR, Texas Tech

4. Seattle: Hasselbeck's injury history and age prompt the Seahawks to get a QB to groom whilst the grooming is good. Matthew Stafford starts thinking about the cookies in the green room.

Mark Sanchez QB, USC

5. Cleveland: Well, Seattle has shot down their deal in place with the Redskins, and despite his perceived love of Jay Cutler, Snyder doesn't want Stafford. Luckily the 'safest' pick in the draft has fallen to the Browns.

Aaron Curry LB, Wake Forrest

6. Cincinnati: Having scoured the various penal league's for a talented felon in vain, the Bengals decided to go with the biggest character risk from the college ranks instead.

Andre Smith OT Alabama

7. Oakland: Al hands Tom Cable the card. In his other hand his chromed cattle-prod gleams maliciously. The card reads, "Darrius Heyward-Bey, SFG (super-fast guy to you), Maryland. Tom whines, "Awwww, boss......" Al raises the cattle-prod menacingly and says, "Make the pick sonny or you're up shit creek without a paddle!" A clever gleam shines in Tommy Boy's eyes, "Paddle? What's a paddle boss? You mean like the on hanging in your office for when we're bad????" Al glares and rasps out, "No you idiot, a paddle like an oar! Straighten up or I'll fire you ya moron!" Ol' Tom jumps up and runs for the podium. "Oher!!! Yes sir, Mr Davis, SIR!!!!!"

Michael Oher OT, Ole Miss

8. Jacksonville: In another burst of common sense, Jack Del Rio reasons that David Garrard might be more effective if he actually had someone to throw the friggin' ball to. Staining his brain, he works the equation out and realizes that Matthew Stafford will probably be awful without such a player so what's the point of picking him?

Jeremy Maclin WR, Missouri

9. Green Bay: Rapidly reassessing the suitability of their interior defensive linemen to play NT in a 3-4, the Packers flip BJ Raji the bird and take the athletic freak who will play rush OLB.

Brain Orakpo DE/OLB, Texas

10. San Francisco: ESPN has been following Matt Stafford since the Seattle pick. Somewhere in the middle of Oakland's turn Matt whips out his cell phone and maniacly stabs at the numbers. Within moments of beginning to talk, tears begin to leak from the corners of his eyes. As Green Bay goes on the clock, Matt slides under the table. From the depths huge, wrack sobs begin to emerge. As the clock winds down on San Fran, Mike Singletary himself walks to the podium arm in arm with Roger Goodell and states, "We feel Matt Stafford has taken great strides in beginning deal with his parents divorce. With the strict understanding that he will continue to undergo intense therapy, he's our guy!"

Matthew Stafford QB, Georgia

11. Buffalo: The Bills are mad. They were sure one of those LTs would fall to them. After calmly ordering the execution of their spy in the Raiders war room, the Bills make the first major reach for need in the draft.

Brandon Pettigrew TE, Oklahoma State

12. Denver: Sith Lord Darth McD lets his blue and orange robe slip from his shoulders. At his feet the dying virgin gasps her last breath as the last of her blood flows across the pentagram painted on the Dove Valley floor. In the candlelight McD reaches for the phone as general managers and head coaches of teams picking in the top eleven suddenly feel free, as if they had been cut loose from dangling puppet strings. Sith Lord McD smiles as his plans to murder and replace Sith Master Darth BillB on October 11th continue to unfold.

B.J. Raji DT, Boston College

13. Washington: Dan Snyder is throwing a temper tantrum. All the equipment in the war room is shattered as Dan rages against the foiling of his man-crush for Sanchez. Mora shall pay!!!! And that damn Pioli insisted on fair value!!!! Meanwhile Jim Zorn has to resort to smoke signals to get their pick to the podium as the phones are toast.

Everette Brown DE, Florida State

14. New Orleans: Despite Sean Payton's desire to give more toys to his offense, he gives into the part of himself that insists his offense will look even better if they don't have to score eighty-billion points to win.

Brian Cushing LB USC

15. Houston: Jedi Master Kubiak rededicates himself to making his army great as he mourns the death of the mighty leprechaun of the force who taught him, Mastermind Yoda Shanahan. He decides that the greatest lesson he learned from his master is the one the master never learned himself. The DL is a Jedi's lightsaber, make it hum and slice as greatly and brightly as you can. With that he adds a bookend for Mario Williams.

Robert Ayers DE, Tennessee

16. San Diego: A.J. Smith hangs up the phone, satisfied at his decision. As he walks back toward the conference table a strange voice enters his head, "No A.J., no. Take Rey Rey. Take Rey Rey. He's the next Say-Ow! Do it, do it, do it!!!" A.J. spins on his heel, intent on picking up that phone. Instead his slick loafers cause him to fall. He cracks his head on the conference table and has a nice long nap.

Tyson Jackson DE, LSU

17. New York Jets: Turns out Rex Ryan wasn't kidding when he said he was satisfied with the QBs on the roster. That, and he can't stand to take one of those offensive pansies in the first round no matter how much sense it might make.

Rey Maualuga LB, USC

18. Denver: Sith Lord Darth McD rages at his foiled manipulation of the that clumsy dolt, A.J. Smith. Get a decent pair of shoes, moron!!!! After meditating in his hatred until the clock is down to thirty seconds, Lord McD goes with his next favorite defensive option.

Clay Matthews LB, USC

19. Tampa Bay: Raheem hands Gandalf a hundred dollar bill. "Thanks man, I knew you could do it. And yeah, I'll be there to give that inspirational speech to the hobbits of Shire Local eleventy-one!"

Josh Freeman QB, Kansas State

20. Detroit: "The Schwartz is with us!" scream Lions fans everywhere.

Peria Jerry DT, Ole Miss

21. Philidelphia: Andy Reid needs to change his shorts when he sees who fell to them all the way at #21. He wonders if that Sith Lord at #18 really knows what he's doing.

Malcolm Jenkins CB, Ohio State

22. Minnesota: Well, the QBs are gone and the remaining receivers don't do much for Brad Childress. Instead he decides to ride that Adrian Petersen horse as hard and far as he can by picking a mauler to play right tackle.

Phil Loadholt OT, Oklahoma

23. New England: Sith Master Darth BillB feels the tickle of his apprentice's ambition and decides he better get on the friggin' ball. The legendary clone army at linebacker is aging or banished, but a new generation has been seeded in Jerod Mayo. Darth keeps it going.

Clint Sintim LB, Virginia

24. Atlanta: Grand Moff Dimitroff goes with the axiom of the Dark Side. Versatility, versatility, versatility. And if it's athletic, so much the better.

Sean Smith DB, Utah

25. Miami: Tuna don't like them prima dona WRs, and his mauler at RT is surprisingly gone to Minnesota. He knows he should replace the prodigal son at CB, gone to Denver but just can't get past his boner for linebackers.

Connor Barwin LB, Cinncinati

26. Baltimore: Harbaugh decided to use Flacco's arm and some speed to stretch the field. A ton of Baltimore fans groan. They've wanted a receiver for a long time, but come on!!! Meanwhile, Rex Ryan giggles while wondering if he'd make a good Santa Claus if this head coach thing don't work out.

Darrius Heyward-Bey WR, Maryland

27. Indianapolis: Prince Peyton doesn't want to betray his good buddy, Jeff Saturday, by bringing in a youngster at center. Instead His Highness insists on Bob Sanders injury insurance.

Louis Delmas S, Western Michigan

28. Buffalo: They can't believe that the first of the second tier LTs has fallen to the end of the round. Hosanas and Hallelujahs warm the frigid spring air of upstate NY. Management breaths a sigh of relief that they may be able to fix the silliness of trading a darn good left tackle. Eben Britton bursts into tears as the card is read. I thought it was meeeeee!!!!" he screams in anguish.

William Beatty OT, UConn

Roger Goodell finally stops pouting as he gets to announce a first round trade. "Well I like surprising people!" he explains. Unfortunately, nobody is really that surprised. New York send the 29th pick in the 2009 draft to Cleveland for Braylon Edwards.

29. Cleveland: Browns fans are amazed but overjoyed when incompetence doesn't completely win out. Management doesn't downgrade from Braylon Edwards to Hakeem Nicks. Instead they go with the best player to fill a genuine need.

Vontae Davis CB, Ilinois

30. Tennessee: The Titans come up with another first-round head-scratcher when they fail to draft a legitimate WR for the 50th consecutive draft. Instead they reach a bit to replace Haynesworth. Luckily for Titans fans, Jeff Fischer's head-scratchers have a way of working out.

Ron Brace DT, Boston College

31. Arizona: Ken Wisenhunt falls to his knees and flings praises to the football gods. He, and everyone else who follows the NFL draft, can't believe that they get their pick of RBs. While there are no actually orgasms in the Cardinals' war room, it's a close thing.

Knowshon Moreno RB, Georgia

32. Pittsburgh: The blue-collar Steelers remain the blue-collar Steelers. Seriously, how can you say something clever when it comes to boring winners like Pittsburgh?

Alex Mack C, California

jaffe28's 7 Round Broncos Mock-Official!

jaffe28 — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:27:24 -0000

I'm going to take a chance with my mock. Since I've been so adamant that the #12 pick completely stinks, I'm going to believe that HCMcD is as smart as me and finds a way to trade it.

1st Round Trade: New England receives #12, Denver gets #23, #58: We actually get jobbed on the trade value chart here, but it's worth it to get out of a pick where value and need simply don't link up. NE in this scenario is targeting whoever is left between Michael Oher and Andre Smith, believing that Washington will take the last of the elite LT prospects if they don't jump. Even with this move, NE still has 2 second rounders and they get a chance to finally upgrade Matt Light who is a gamer but was never elite and is in decline.

Round 1:

18: Clay Matthews LB, USC: Matthews brings positional versatility, a great motor, and team first intangibles. Will bring the attitude that the Rey Rey fans want but with better discipline on the field and chemistry in the locker room.

23: Robert Ayers: DE, Tennessee: Strong with a burst and the size to man the outside in a 3-4. Could also kick inside in a 4-3 hybrid (think Trevor Pryce). Not much of a pass rusher, but stout against the run. A better value here than Tyson Jackson at #12 or #18.

Round 2:

48: Eric Wood C, Louisville: Nasty blocker with the athleticism to pull and get to the 2nd level. Offers some positional versatility in the interior line. Between Wood, K-Lich, Hamilton and Weigmann, should have great depth and versatility in the interior OL.

58: Patrick Chung S, Oregon: Anything he lacks in athleticism he makes up for in intangibles. While I'm not as high on him as many of you are I think he's excellent value at this slot, and all safety prospects look better with BDawk on the roster to tutor them. Will kill people on special teams I think.

Round 3:

79: Derrick Williams WR, Penn State: Versatile pass-catcher with a lot of upside. Seems to do everything very well, though he may not be exceptional at anything. Also a very good returner who can give Eddie Royal a break to concentrate on receiving. Good Brandon Marshall insurance.

84: Rashad Jennings RB, Liberty: I loved him during the senior bowl. He got to the edge despite the fact that he's 231 lbs, and ran over folks in the open field. That includes one play where he ran right through Rey Rey. This might be a bit early for him, but the kids stock is rising and I'm not sure he'll make it to #114.

Round #4:

114: Jaspar Brinkley ILB, South Carolina: We've dissected him ad naseum on MHR. Inside thumper that is ideal to back-up Davis this year and replace him in years to come.

Round #5

149: Terrence Taylor DT/NT, Michigan: Big body with lots of experience who can anchor against the run. Will compete for the long term NT spot in the new 3-4.

Round 6:

185: Mike Reilly QB, Central Washington: McD gets his late round developmental prospect. Intelligent QB who makes good decisions. Has the athleticism to move around if necessary. Not a great arm, but good accuracy. Could definitely develop into a player.

Round 7:

225: Dorell Scott DT, Clemson. Big body with lots of experience who can anchor against the run. Will compete for the long term NT spot in the new 3-4. Deja vu? Yeah, though Scott may have more upside than Taylor does. Either way, competition here is necessary for the team to transition.

235: Brandon Walker OG, Oklahoma: Athletic gaurd with adequate size who shows the ability to move and get to the second level. Ton of experience as a starter at Oklahoma. Probably ends up on the practice squad but upside makes him worth using a pick.

Event: 2011 AFC Championship Game

jaffe28 — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:39:45 -0000

Location: Invesco Field at Mile High

Match-up: Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos

Situation: 4:06 to go 4th QTR. Cleveland's ball, 1st and 10 on their own two.

Score: Denver Broncos 23, Cleveland Browns 17

KOA 850 Game Recap, Dave Logan,

Well Broncos fans, it's come to this. Just like we knew it would on April 25th, 2009 when The Trade went down. Denver's two first round picks from that year have played well. B.J. Raji and Tyson Jackson have been a wall up front. Cleveland has rushed 23 times for just 79 yards with zero TDs. One of Denver's two first round picks in 2010 has also played well. Taylor Mays has 12 tackles, a sack, and one forced fumble. DJ Williams leads the team with 13 tackles. Peyton Hillis, after a 1500 yard regular season and spectacular divisional round, has scored on a twelve yard run and a three yard reception in today's conference championship. Eddie Royal has one TD to go with his 8 receptions for 79 yards. Special teams ace Spencer Larsen blocked a punt through the back of the end zone to round out the scoring for the Broncos. Denver quarterback Brady Quinn is an efficient 19 for 26 for 223 yards and the two scores. He hasn't thrown an interception but did lose a fumble back in the first quarter leading to the Browns' field goal.

And here comes Jay Cutler onto the field. Denver's public enemy number one has been true to form in the AFC Championship. After a regular season in which he threw for 4500 yards and 32 TDs to go along with 19 interceptions, Cutler is 26 out of 39 for 372 yards in this one. He's thrown scoring passes of 81 and 35 yards to Braylon Edwards. He should have had a third scoring strike of 60 yards, but Edwards let a perfectly thrown ball go right through his fingers. Cutler has also thrown two interceptions. NIckleback Jack Williams picked him off at mid-field while the venerable and seemingly ageless Champ Bailey ended Cleveland's last drive with an interception in the back of the end zone.

And here comes Cutler and the Browns' offense out of the huddle. How are your stomachs holding up Bronco fans?