Lest we forget, this is a rebuilding team. Compared to where the Broncos were at the bye week this is great. Man I was almost suicidal. How can you bitch too much about this? It will be exciting to see how the offseason plays out. The glass is half full, I hope EFX fills it up some more this offseason. As I Broncos fanatic since '77, I can't wait to see it happen.

Certainly there is immediate need for core players at positions like OG, ILB, SS and RB. If we build that core, we can take the division again and keep on going from there. Let's not sweat the little stuff.

This is my two cents on what should be a lack of controversy at QB and how I'd like EFX to prioritize.

Continue reading this post »

Not too shabby at all considering the injuries and other challenges the Broncos have had.  The Jets did not spook the Broncos, except perhaps Orton, who seemed a little like he felt  pressure that wasn't visible on the tube, and Hill.  They made Sanchez and the Jets look overrated.  The Packers are a quote-unquote "better team" than the Broncos and the Jets reamed them.  I for one do not forsee a team-wide meltdown by the Broncos, these clearly aren't the 2007-2009 Broncos.  Too many unselfish, character players by comparison to the rest.  Read the Raiders post games quotes.  There was finger pointing going on in that locker room.  I think it augers well.

This will continue to be an entertaining season for certain. The Broncos are a respectable team, and do not seem hapless. Nor do the Chiefs seem hapless.  We will leave that to Oakland. The Chargers play is spotty.  They produce on offense in both the pass and run, but there is a lot of sloppy play, the o-line gives up a bunch of costly sacks and turnovers.  Defensively, they can be had and lack quality front-line players across the field.

Right now it is a very interesting race, the worst is probably behind the Broncos, and we are getting to the good part of the schedule.

See you at the Raiders game!  Crush the Raiders!

These injuries are not cool.   I ain't pushin' no  panic button.  As a fan, I want to see who steps up...

Wink willl have to use the depth he has on the Dline.  They could mix in more 4-man fronts with McBean, Thomas and Fields able to go.

At LB, Wink has fewer options if he wants to have 4 'backers.  Move Haggan outside like last year and put Joe Mays inside like in the preseason when DJ was hurt.  They may have to activate Kevin A. 

Not sure we want see Jarvis Moss, but there will probably be opportunities for him to contribute.   I think it is do or die for him, and he will have to contribute majorly  if he wants to be a Bronco after the bye week.  (He needs to sort out the proper line of scrimmage - remember him keeping drives alive for SD last yr. and BAL yesterday.)  Perhaps they cut him if they activate Kevin A.

We'll know whose injuries are  long term situations from who they pick up or activate from the practice squad.

If Bruton gets the start for Dawk, he'll probably do fine.  Nate Jones also plays safety.  We'll get to see either Cassius Vaughn or Squid play meaningful downs in the 5/10¢ packages.

Should be very interesting.  What do you think?

Saw the preseason contest against the Eagles. Thought the Chiefs looked pretty solid. I have concerns about how we will stack up against the Chiefs.  Haven't noticed where the Broncos look any better overall. 

Todd Haley's offense is a kind of a work in progress, and I am underwhelmed by Matt Cassel, but can they run the rock or what?   Dexter McCluster made a favorable impression on me as a very fast and instinctive player with noticeable big play ability as a runner, receiver and returner - a future star.  I suppose in the long run durability may be a concern although he withstood the big hit by Asante Samuel .  Brian Dawkins, your assignment is to blast Dexter McCluster.  And when the Chiefs lined up that huge guy as a FB to lead block on short yardage, that looked potentially dangerous.   That guy had to be 300 lbs, or a tad over.  I just didn't get his name.

Defensively, the Chiefs got good to very good pressure, some of it in blitz packages, including ones where they brought the house.  Although the secondary is very green, Eric Berry looks like a big time talent.  The Chiefs probably fared real well in this draft with Berry and McCluster.   I didn't focus on the state of the Eagles, who seemed a bit disfunctional. 

I have to sound the alarm (without, however, calling in the Minute Men).  I don't want a split with the damn Chiefs. Methinks the Broncos will have to step it way up to sweep the series.  Talk me down, and complete the obligatory poll.

Update:  The only cuts that some have questioned in the comments are Jarvis Green, Jamie Kirlew and Anthony Carter (v. keeping Alphonso Smith).  Some did not think Matthew Willis deserves to be on the bubble (v.  Brandon Lloyd or Brandon Stokely).

All right, we've seen 'em in practice and in preseason (in some cases they could not even get on the field) .  We have an idea of who stays and who goes right? What are your thoughts on this?  

Here are mine briefly.  Basically, we have a ways to go to winnow the linebackers and running backs as a result of injuries, so I'm not making deep cuts there yet..  But I think I have a handle on the rest.  My take is the Broncos will have plenty of new blood, including rookies, right on or near the front lines, and will want to balance that with vets.

Offense: Here are ten easy ones and three bubbly players.

OL: Seth Olsen and Eric Olsen, Kirk Barton and Paul Duncan.  It is hard to flash at this position, but they have been remarkably invisible for such big guys.

WR: Patrick Carter,  Britt Davis and Alric Arnett can pack their bags now.  I think eventually Willis, who is not beating out Lloyd and Stokely, will have to go as soon as eveyone is healthy.  In the meantime, Willis gets one more chance, and if he drops the next bomb right on his mitts, his dream is probably over.

RB: Toney Baker couldn't make it on to the field so he is gone. From what I saw in practice,  I'd be hard pressed to keep Ball and Hall, two completely ordinary looking backs (although Hall is Studebaker's pet), over White and Fargas, but I'm not ready to pull the trigger until I can see all four in game action.

TE: Riar Greer and Nathan Overbay, go home.  The second tight end is a situational position, and the staff is high on Richard Quinn and Marquez Branson, who offer a couple of diverse options, and you are no better than Branson.

Defense:  Here are eight who come up short and two for the bubble:

DL: Jarvis Green, Jeff Stehle and Ben Garland.  Green doesn't play both end and tackle like Marcus Thomas, and he can't even crack the second line.  Stehle got to play against Cincy, but did not flash.  Garland has another calling.

LB: Pack it up Devin Bishop, you are not highly regarded.  I'm putting Jammie Kirlew right on the bubble with Kevin Alexander. Good motor or no,  Kirlew just does not look strong at all and Alexander outshone him v. Cincy.  That can't be good, because all the veterans looked much better and I think the Broncos are going to err on the side of NFL experience.  Kirlew supposedly has a good motor, and Alexander has lovely physical gifts, but that just makes them interesting practice squad guys.  They are not going to make up any of the loss  of Doom production.  At least the veterans Mays (looks like a disruptive force) and Atkins (veteran smarts) might.

DB: Goodbye, Tony Carter, Sy'd Quan Thompson, Cassius Vaughn and Kyle McCarthy.  Carter had his big moment last year (v. Indy?), but he is short and by no means even a mediocore tackler, and there are plenty of those guys on the roster right now.  Thompson did not make enough of his opportunity in practice to work his way on the field in preseason.  Vaughn may be a one trick pony (returns), and is very green as a back, I don't see him taking up a roster spot.  At least McCarthy can tackle, but I don't think he brings enough to the table.

As I said, I am interested in your take.  Come on, make an argument that I'm wrong, defend your man!

I just wanted to share this with you while I was organizing my thoughts on Friday morning's full pads practice and scrimmage.

QB: Had a chance to observe Kyle close up and get an autograph.  Orton looks very in control.  He gets rid of the ball, he looks buff, and he exudes serenity - like the kid in the song "All Kinds of Time" by Fountains of Wayne.  If you don't know that song, give it a listen, it's neat.  Be ready to see exactly what Orton can be barring broken throwing fingers, etc, so long as the pass protection is average or better.  Quinn looks just like a backup and hopefully he will be a very competent backup.  I happened to go on a day when Tebow appeared to be unable to read coverages or throw a spiral.  I'm assuming that he is a long-term project who cannot fairly be evaluated for a year or two.  Unlike others, I cannot expect any contribution from him this season from what I saw.

O-line: Got a good look at their drills and scrimmaging.  Harris is playing without any apparent limitation.  Kuper looks good.   Beadles and Walton inspire hope and some confidence.  They both look like they will be competitive right out of the chute.  They look like men - very large men compared to what was - and even compared to Harris.  Batiste looks like someone who will make the cut.  Another very large man.  Seth Olsen did not make any impression other than he had long hair like a Viking.

RB: On first impression, LenDale White  stood out as a nice addition.  The rest pale by comparison:  First, #26 is about as big of a running back as I've ever seen (when he was standing next to lineman, he was just not that much smaller).  Second, he blasted through the front seven a few times to the second level (one was for a TD just like on that highlight reel) , showing some speed.  He just seems like a guy that can run effectively against eight in the box, and you know what that can do for your passing game.  Hopefully he has his head screwed on straight and the crowds' chants of "Welcome home LenDale!" which he received every time he did something positive help keep him on track.

WR/TE: I boldly predict  Demaryus Thomas will contribute on day one. The receivers were working on post patterns.  Thomas runs them better than anyone who was out there.  Bombs away Broncos.  He looks very fast.  He demonstrated how good he can be in scrimmage, getting behind everyone on the post, snagging Quinn's (I think) throw over the back's head, over his head, and going to the house.  This is something you did not get with BMarsh.  Brandon Lloyd continues to impress me, but I was a fan when he was with DaBears. Willis can really run and catch. But he is a smurf.  He has terrific quicks and is especially impressive on out patterns.  I have seen him in on returns, and he is no great shakes.  Is there a role for him?  I just don't know.  For my comfort level, if it came down to Stokely versus Lloyd versus Willis, they had better damn well keep Stokely and Lloyd, unless they have a really good trade lined up.  Graham looks ready to go.  I really wish they used him more as a receiver.  Unfortunately, no other TE  impressed me at all.

I'd tell you more, but I have got to move on....

Wouldn't you love to see the Broncos drop a colossal blowout on more teams this year than in the past? It is always a special treat, a lot like ______________________________ [you fill in your favorite].  However, the Broncos have not been nearly as generous in this area as we all would like.  Last season we didn't get to see the Broncos blow out anyone except the Chiefs at Arrowhead.  In 2008 it was Oakland in the opener in Faderland.  So, based on that I have a sense that the Bronocs will probably blow out both of those two teams again this year at home or on the road. That's what I am predicting.  I'm interested in your thoughts and predictions on this topic.

Pork Chop's article linked by our own Sports Guru must just be for fun.  I hope they are  joking that age is a concern of the Brocons defense.  

Super Bowl XXXII defensive starters Neil Smith, Michael Dean Perry, Ray Crockett, Tyrone Braxton, Steve Atwater and Bill Romanowski all started the season well over thirty, finished the season a half a year older (average age 32), and rocked Green Bay for the Broncos first world title.

Guess what, Pork Chop, they were all a year older when they blew out the ATL in Super Bowl XXXIII!

It made mine!  They are my natural enemies.  Caught the game while I was lifting in the gym before I swam some laps.  Wish I was on that field so I could smack down those schmucks Rivers, Phillips and Vincent Jackson who I lost all respect for with that cheesy outburst against a helpless beanbag. LaDanian Tomlinson is washed up.   Nate Kaeding  (or is it Kidding? )= small time Scott Norwood (the guy who missed the game winner in the Super Bowl XXV).  No poise, no class.  That was as bad a clutch performance as the Bronocs v. Raiders at Invesco.  (Hate to bring that up.)   I hate the Chargers so much, and then I hate them some more, so I'm feeling good.  Made a celebratory whiskey sour.  What a nice afternoon!

This sign for the rack of no. 6 jerseys says: "Women's and Kids Sale T-Shirts"  Perhaps it is merely a coincidence.  Perhaps someone has a good albeit mean sense of humor  Anyway I like the picture, and the joke, and I thought I'd pass it along to you, the faithful, and wish you a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Yea etc. from the mountains of Colorado where we have snow and it's -10!

As I said here Mitch has been a very good influence on Matt.  Now this courtesy of Chres Gentilviso's story on Matt:

Since Berger took over the team’s holding duties, Prater has converted all seven of his field goal attempts. He was far from shy about what the 16-year veteran has added to the kicking equation.

“I’m super confident in him,” Prater said. “When I line up I don’t ever have to think about the hold, which (former Broncos punter) Brett (Kern) was good at too. But Mitch has been doing it so long. He kicked as well so he gives me little pointers here and there on kicking, too.”

I posted from here in Colorado that Mike Shanahan, Oak Park native, was a likely candidate, if not odds on, to be your head coach.  Some of you said Lovie Smith's contract made that prohibitively expensive. Not!  The Mastermind® probably comes, at least for two years, at a lower cost than Cowher or the others.  That's because Broncos owner Pat Bowlen is obligated to make up the difference between $7 million and his new deal for the next two years.

Lookit, you now have all your eggs and $ in the Jay Cutler basket.  You  will live and die with him.  Just ask Brian Uhrlacher.  Who will develop no. 6 best, a defensive guru like Cowher, or the Mastermind®, he who developed Elway when he was a pup.  It is noteworthy that Elway without the guidance of the Mastermind® came up short when Dan Reeves had the last word, and regressed to really sloppy play when Wade Phillips was head coach (I was there and it was depressing).  And the Mastermind®'s man-love for no. 6 isn't much of a secret.  There is a lot of unfinished business between those two, since their relationship was cut way short when Mr. Bowlen decided to change direction.

And get this: Kubiak is going probably going to get canned in Houston.  Mike’s kid, Kyle Shanahan, Houston’s offensive coordinator, will probably be on the street. You could do a lot worse than that. Most teams would love Houston’s offense.

There has been a fair amount of buzz about a father-son reunion in the Houston press.  Check this out. 

You heard it here first.

Good interview with Mitch Berger, on KKFN this evening, with Alfred Williams.  It isn't posted on their site yet. Hopefully tomorrow it will be.

Berger has sixteen NFL seasons with 10 teams.  Guy's been around the block.  He finally earned a Superbowl ring last year during a season that saw him cut due to leg miseries in midseason in favor of Paul Ernster -  remember him - and re-signed after Ernster faltered in three games, just in time for Mitch to finish strong and earn a Superbowl ring with his dad, a Steel City native and Steeler fan, in attendance.  Earlier in his career, back in the nineties, when Berger kicked off, he was no slouch.  He has a reputation as a great tackler for a kicker, with two touchdown saving tackles and five in all during the '08 season.  He is a former CU Buff.  A bon vivant, he owns a string of nightclubs in Vancouver (Mitch is from B.C.)

 In fact, here's Mitch with s ome sweet eye candy in Las Vegas this summer enjoy ing some time away from the stresses of the game.  Hubba hubba! 

via thevikingage.com

Obviously, the man knows a thing or two about sick legs so his observations about Matt Prater's leg are probably pretty legit.  He thinks Matt is a definite candidate to break the touchback record  if the Broncos offense gets it in gear and he gets his fair share of attempts.  I believe the record since kickoffs were moved back to the 30 is 30, allegedly set by Rhys Lloyd of Carolina in 2008. Matt has 16 at the moment.  Mitch has been a very good influence on Matt.  Since Mitch has come on board, Matt hasn't missed a field goal or PAT, and has consistenly whaled kickoffs into the end zone and beyond.

Mitch also thinks this year's team is a special group, and "loves what he has seen" from Josh McDaniels.  Mentioned that McD obviously loves what he is doing and that his enthusiasm and his passion is contagious with the players.  That was nice to hear of course.

Tune in to the interview if you get a chance. And please rec this post for the picture!

"AFC: Pretenders

Denver (7-4), second in AFC West

I can't see the Broncos getting beyond nine wins, and a nine-win Broncos team would be in trouble because of losses to Pittsburgh and Baltimore. They had four straight losses before beating the Giants on Thanksgiving, and they have looked awful against suspect opposition. No downfield thrust in the passing game. The defense has slipped from its unreal performance the first six weeks and the pass rush has evaporated. The run game is going nowhere. Even after the Giants win where the Broncos showed life, I don't see them pulling out of it. They could end up dropping a few more games in their division, with good fortune no longer on their side.

Remaining schedule: at Kansas City, at Indianapolis, Oakland, at Philadelphia, Kansas City.

Prediction: Winning at Arrowhead will be tough, and even though they stopped their skid by beating the Giants, they might not win again until they host the Chiefs in the season finale, matching last year's collapse."

Dumbass can't see us beating the Raiders at home!  What an ignorant tool!

The guy inherited a team and won with it, but face it, he is an amatuer.  Look at the bright side, Mike Shanahan, local boy, is coming to the rescue!   The Mastermind ® was burned out at the end of his stint here, but some time off will rejuvenate him like Phil Jackson.

You guys are in a world of hurt on the offensive line, and lack a serious secondary, but at least the coaching at the top will be vastly improved.   A change in defensive coordinators, a more consistent offense and running game, better injury luck, and, voila, the defense will be resurrected.

With the Mastermind® on the sideline ,look forward to moving the ball up and down the field like you would expect from Forte and Jay. By the way, I thought Cutler looked as sharp as he can be in limited opportunities. The fade in the endzone to Knox was picture perfect, and I can think of six or seven times where he delivered the ball in a flash under heavy pressure.  Faster than the human eye could see.... Freakish!

It's a drag that you have to play the Vikings again. They are a juggernaut.  Pray for frigid weather and a more respectable outcome.

to wreck the Bears by beating down and humiliating his own.  Cutler completely undermined their efforts.  But at least two of the five picks weren't Cutler's fault no?  One was the referree right, and the other was what?  Oh, the defender got to the ball first and what, the receiver bumped into him after he picked it off!  Should've been interference!  Are Matt Millen and Mike Papa criminally insane or what?

Cutler stank up the field and they are still saying "none of it matters now if they score."  Hey fells, it matters, Cutler cost his team that game.  At least you could say that, and maybe mix in that he was awful and stunk.  Didn't you see Cutler melt down on the field and on the sideline?  Wasn't that red zone pick at the end predictable?  I saw it coming all the way...I thought Millen and Papa were going to undress Cutler and have a menage a trois!  It was sickening.

The ridiculousness, the unfairness, of the NFL media make me pull for the Broncos and Orton even more.  More love from me!

Mark my words, Broncos will draft in the top seven thanks to Jay!

Broncos were outphysical'ed for once.  Dierdorf said the Ravens were winning on both the offensive and defensive line and I think I saw that duh!

Otherwise, that was a respectable defensive effort.  Baltimore could not run till late.  There was good pressure and receivers were well covered.  Flacco gets some credit, no, for extending plays and pull stuff out of his a**!  What about that little flip when he was going down, good for about 25 yds.  Hang on to your hats, because Rothlesberger has a lot of magician in him!

Kept waiting for that sack/fumble, that fumble, that INT, but they never came.  Looked for a few calls we did not get.  Suppose the no call on Reed hitting Royal in the back was a make up for Zo Smith's grabbing Clayton's jersey.  It didn't matter.

What the hell did they do to us on third down?  We got killed on third and long.  Have concerns about the lack of INT's.  Goodman was so-so, everything big was completed was to Goodman's side, although I saw Champ get burned by Washington and that was disheartening.

Lookit, the offense never had a chance.  Field position was lousy all day.  Berger's punting looked pretty limp, I was disappointed.  The second coming of Ray Guy or Reggie Roby would help.

That kickoff return for a touchdown killed us.  How did that happen?

The Ravens pass rush totally got off under ideal conditions and found a yellow brick road over Hamilton.  Did I see him getting tossed backwards on a play?  I suppose the tight ends were too busy, or were underutilized in the game plan.  That was disappointing.  Graham is one of their gamest players and I think he is consistently underutilized.  Like almost all qb's Orton looks pretty average when he can't set his feet, doesn't he?

He was on the Fan with Scott and D-Mac today.  So Scott asks him, "Did anyone, experts or non-experts, forsee at all Orton being successful with the Broncos."  Porkchop: "No, not really."  Huh?  We've debated that here, and several people have forseen just such a thing!

He also said this: "Josh McDaniels told him [Cutler] in their last meeting that he could make anyone a good quarterback."  What BS, as if Porkchop would ever know what was said in that meeting.  As if that is actually a quote or close to it.  If someone told Porkchop that McDaniels said that, then he is an idiot for believing something so improbable. Then idiot Scott picks up on this as evidence of cockiness and arrogance on McDaniels part and how as a player, he would never have liked being told that anyone could do his job.  The implication was that Cutler was  justified in carrying on as he did.

Did you all hear this?  Don't you that irresponsible idiots in the media posing as journalists?

I'm up here in the foothills about 20 miles from the stadium and it is really blowing - gusts to 40!

IMy view is due west looking right at the Continental Divide.

There is a big storm on the divide less than 100 miles from the stadium.

This stuff will all blow in in a few hours.  Dress accordingly so you don't freeze your can at the game.

I'm heading down at 11.

Well the Broncos took 27 seconds to score the winning touchdown.

You may remember that at the commercial break, there was 20 seconds on the clock.

At that time, Josh McD, who was a math major, is telling the refs that time needs to go back on the clock.

Josh is bringing it strong, the refs are all ears, but the announcers would have you believe that Josh is a loser having a hissy fit.

Come back from the break, the refs are on Bengals sidelinte, telling Marv Lewis what is going down.  Then clock is reset to 38 seconds.  The announcers don't credit Josh.

Broncos don't have a freakin' chance to win without Josh McDaniels presence of mind.

Congrats on your first win, Josh McDaniels.  Congratulations Broncos.

See ya' next week!

Well, the defensive line looks a lot better, noticeably more physical than the last three preseasons!   McBean, Fields, Peterson.  Who bcks them up and why?  I loved Chris Baker, and I like Marcus Thomas versatility, but the latter is by no means a lock, he looks no better than Nic Clemons.  Who else? C. Powell, Matt Askew and E Ped are on the bubble.

With the d-line kind of on track, I want to have clarity at the linebacker spot.  Doom (and his understudy, Ayers who will spell Doom), Williams, and Andra Davis (and his understudy, Larsen, who continues to always bring the wood – he was awesome again) look ensconced.  And what about Jack LB?  Is Mario Haggan really the answer?   Is Darryl Reid?  Are Moss and Crowder both doomed to obscurity other than being known as Shanahan draft busts?

Darcel McBath looked good, he covers and HITS, and will they shuffle the safeties and bench the invisible (to me) Renaldo Hill sooner rather than later?

Zo Smith wasn't too short to break up that pass, was he?

We know the returners will be Zo and Kenney and they looked really good.

Hillis was the best back on the field and on the Broncos, by a country mile.  I thought that Lamont Jordan ran looking at the ground, and I don't think they'll need him at all.  I thought Darius Walker looked better.

Tyler Polumbus was an inspired choice at left tackle. His arms are so long the end can't get into his body. On the late TD to McKinley, he made that play, made the end give up! I bet he will back up both tackle positions.

Made the 130 mile round trip to camp this a.m.  No traffic, gorgeous day, weather in the mid-80's lots of pretty girls!  Absent today were Dawkins, Marshall, Gaffney, Haggan, Stokley, Jordan, and McBean as far as I could tell.  Ryan Harris was out there full speed, looked fine, in fact happy.

There were drills and then Brandstater led the scout team against the first team defense.  Some of the players were renumbered for the occasion.  Folks I had my eye on were not visible in the action from my vantage point.

I had a good look at receivers and backs, as their drills were right in front of me.

WR/TE: Nate Swift stood out, didn't drop a ball all morning.  McKinley did, and also had some nice snags.  C.J. Jones ran Gaffney's parts and looked competent, not that he has much of a chance.  Eddie Royal got audibly very frustrated -- in an entertaining way after a post pattern went off his fingertips.  Otherwise, Andre Goodman looked like he could cover Eddie step for step like a blanket and I had a good feeling from that.  Graham, Sheffler and Quinn are an impressive an array of tight ends - these are some fit looking mothers!.  Sheffler is full on.  Quinn looked good in drills and then dropped two in a row when it mattered, although Simms threw one at his knees.  Jeb Putzier looks in shape, in case someone goes down I guess.

RB: Buckhalter just looks slick.Good thing Knowshon is very dodgy because appears to be just a little runt.  You can tell his charisma is gigantic, however.   It was neat to watch Hillis - he is a man among boys - take it into the line, catch it in the flat and crack back on receivers.  He just looks outstanding.  Poor Ryan Torain, he looks o.k., but he carries himself like one of the odd men out  - and that was kind of sad to see.

Quarterbackwise, Orton and Simms looked completely comfortable - they were running the plays for Friday night, none of which appreared to be run from the shotgun.  They spent more time on that wildcat, crap, if you ask me.

Defensively, I did not see that much till they went 11 on 11.

First string line definitely includes Peterson and Fields, but they kept tossing in everyone at the ends, although I did not notice Powell, Pdescleaux, Thomas or Davis at all..  Jarvis Moss looks healthy and finally saw some animation from him when he started shoving Patrick Marray.  He was lined up at defensive end in the nickel and dime packages.  Saw a lot of Andra Davis, I have to say Ayers looks good standing at OLB but to my untrained eye, looks lost after the snap.  Did not see Woodyard, Robinson or Barrett in the action.

Saw some work on kickoff returns, they went to Smith, Willis and a couple to Moreno and McKinley.

The highlight of day was at the end, I got Graham's autograph.  He is as nice as he is tough.   Wished him a good season and he thanked me.

I grabbed some retro gear for the Browns game, can't wait!

Hey fans, let try to coordinate our schedules so we can meet up at Bronco's camp!  Is there a new Broncos bar and grill near Dove Valley this year where we can retreat after the sessions to refresh and compare notes?

I'll be out there 8:30 am on 7/31 wearing my littletinybroncos name tag.

I've been entertained and enlightened by you all s\ for two years now.  It's time we celebrate and party in the beautiful Colorado summer!

If you base this draft on both the number of picks who will play and overall team impact, the Broncos easily had the the best draft weekend in their division, and as a result, I see them dominating divisional play at 6-2 or better.  Our offense will be awesome and sick!

Broncos A

It is practically a sure thing that Knowshown Moreno will be an every down back and should give the Broncos an elite running game.  I pencil him in for 1000 yds+ plus 500+ receiving yds..  As a running threat that will force our opponents to play 8 in the box, Knowshon vastly increases opportunities for our elite receiving corps.  On top of that, he will just kill secondaries as a receiver. The result will be an elite passing game even assuming average talent at QB, and Brandstater is a potential great addition there.  Moreover, the Broncos will dominate  time of possession like the '96-'98 teams, and that's the best defense of all.  As several others on this site have noted, Moreno was the best possible defensive pick at that spot!  Ayers was considered the second best defensive talent in the draft, and with his versatility, he can contribute in all situations, so he will start.  Alphonso Smith probably will start as the 5¢ corner, kickoff returner and on special teams versus punts  (see interview). In addition to his skills and production, his charisma and confidence are rare.  Darcel McBath can start as the 5¢ safety and in the deep zone.  Quinn can run block in goal line and third down short yardage right away out of the box, and as the esteemed HT notes that he may well be critical in pass protection. The free agent signings on defense are like sleeper cells waiting to attack the league!  My hunger for more size was totally sated with signings of Chris Baker and Everette Pedescleaux. Baker, though possibly an a-hole, has elite size and speed, can sack a QB and provides potential pressure on the pocket.  Baker was between 3rd and 5th big nose tackle prospect  going in to the draft.  Dicey pick? No more so than Brace would have been, and the Broncos probably drafted two or more '09 immediate starters in the second round instead of Brace.  I love Pedescleaux's size, speed and athleticism.  Apparently he has a track record of blocking kicks so he can make a contribution.  When is the last time the Broncos blocked a kick?  Add in the WR, linebacker, and DB prospects they drafted and signed as CFA, and that totals by far the best draft in the division.  Since this was first written, the wise HT pointed out the Broncos have added depth and futures at G and C, though OL was not a pressing need..

Chargers: D Let me get this right, the Dolts hope to replace pro bowler Igor Olshansky with Vaughn Martin, an obscure player at an obscure college, or in plan B, Martin will be possible heir apparent to Jamal Williams?  Not all that likely.  The Chargers needed sacks.  So Larry English replaces Merriman if he is not back, but that's a downgrade.  If Shawn Merriman is back what is English's sack production as a third down player likely to be? It won't matter cause the Broncos O-line can block them.  The Chargers did get two backups at guard, and in the secondary. To cap off their draft, they get Byrd at wide receiver who just drove into a utility pole and was in intensive care Tuesday before the draft.  Good thing they didn't need a receiver anyway. Their sexiest free agent pick up was Darryl Beckwith, who I figure is a special teamer in '09.  Having declined to 8-8 a year ago, all the Chargers did was slap a bandaid on the linbacker position, and remain static everywhere else and vulnerable overall.  You want to see a team try to cover up for an f-ed up draft, the Chargers added players at positions of need today -- from the freakin' Canadian Football Leaugue!

Raiders: F-  The second or third worst team in football in '08, the Raiders need offensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks.  They don't draft a single player at any of these positions.  The D-line need help, so they drafted Shaughnessey, a 260 pound defensive end, who is considered a developmental prospect, not explosive off the edge, and one 250 lb and one 230 lb defensive end. While these two will hopefully convert to a new position, linebacker, the Raiders probably did not draft a single starter on defense. They did draft a starter in Heyward Bey, "raw and unrefined..he may eventually develop into a force..." it has been said, but I don't think he could start anywhere else. That assures the Raiders will definitely try to pawn him off as a starter. They did get a run blocking tight end who could possibly help their running game when they get one.  Did I mention, with their second round pick, at safety, MIke Mitchell (I heard someone over the TV yell "who?"), considered an "unproductive..workout warrior?"  But they are freakin' fast in the 40 and you know how Al Davis loves to line them up and race them!  I'm sure he'll have fun.  What a joke.

Chiefs C-  The other second or third worst team in football, the Chiefs needed help on the D-line, O-line and at TE. Despite having only eight picks, the Chiefs squandered at least three of them.  One squandered pick was on a 6'3" 250 lb. 4.66 wide receiver, Jake somebody.  KC plans, maybe, someday, if they are lucky, to convert him successful NFL TE.  I say he won't start, let alone make them forget one of the greatest ever.  The other two wasted picks were  a kicker and a FB who won't see the field often, if at all.  Not too much call for FB's these days.  While I'd like to have Tyson Jackson on my team and I think he'll start, with the third freakin' pick, c'mon, you've got to be kidding!  I also think McGee could play a little in the DL rotation and this willl give the Chefs line a nice mix of youth, more youth, inexperience, and less experience.  Seriously, the Chefs don't have a d-lineman with more than 3 yrs. in the league.  None of this willl make much difference anyway against the Broncos anyway, who reject pass rushes as well as anyone.  The CB KC drafted, Washington, is not fleet, has to learn the position and get this "may have been better served  to stay in school because he is unpolished."  No, he is not going to be on the field at all to help shut down B-Marsh & Co..  They did not get the OT they desperately needed but instead settled for future depth with a "swing tackle" who will have little impact in '09.  Two guys who will see playing time, one starter.  Bad draft!

I think I have an idea of the type of players The crystal ball I am working with tells me there is not much of a shot at B.J. Raji or Aaron Curry with the  12th pick.

So the thought is that the first two picks (12 and 18) probably have to be used for  a DT/DE and a linebacker, and the Broncos will do well no matter what order things come their way.  I'm personally optimistic that it wil be all good.

D.J. Williams can play anywhere, so the best available linebacker with either of the first two picks makes sense, and then the most appropriate defensive tackle with the either of the other picks.  The Broncos can optimize.

Without a nose tackle in the first two picks, it looks as though they probably have to come away with a nose tackle with the third or fourth picks (48 or 78).

If Brace is available, they can pick an appropriate cornerback, safety or both with their fourth pick.  If Brace is not available with the third pick, then they can pick an appropriate cornerback or safety with their third pick, and choose from the remaining nose tackle options (Baker, Hill or other) with the fourth pick.

The fourth or fifth (85) picks are almost fungible, so if a few nose tackle options are still there at 78, they may want to choose a  quarterback or receiver.

In this manner, the most pressing needs are addressed, and there should plenty of talent available for the fifth through seventh picks and they can look for good depth anywhere they want to.

Does this make sense?

This is going to be an interesting and fun draft, that's for sure.

I'd go pretty wild for this:

12/18  Maulauga/Peria Jerry/James or Laurinitis/Tyson Jackson

48. Sean Smith

78.  Chris Baker/Sammie Lee Hill

I'd like to know who you think are the best/most likely first four picks?

Let's think like Josh. Our defensive front sucks. Who had a great defensive front? Oh, the team I just came from! Who did they have that we don't have? Guys that look like Adalius Thomas, Richard Seymour and Mike Vrabel at ROLB, DE or LOLB, respectively. That's the style that Josh is accustomed to! The Broncos certainly do not have anyone on the current roster that compares. Moreover, depth and age (the future) at safety and corner are issues. Also, it is clear that organization thinks it is in win now mode.  So, suppose the first three draft picks are going for players who can start at these positions. And that, to Josh, bigger and more physical is muy bien.

.What follows here is the usual speculation.

The Broncos really need three picks in the top 50 to address their needs. However, they don't need a top 20 pick at all. The 12th is a complete waste in my estimation. Trade the sucker. So this assumes Ia draft day trade w/ Lions or someone.

Round 1.  Prototype =  Adalius Thomas. College DE. 6'5" 270 Big, fast, can beat the tackle and play solid v. run. One could fantasize about Jarvis Moss all you want fitting that role that role (coverage potential/ no experience), and I wish it were so, but there is not a lot to go on yet as far as that particular experiment is concerned. To me Moss is probably a backup at best, a goner at worst. I believe if Doom does not get peddled, he will be situational pass rusher at most. I don't think he can compete against the good left tackles or tight ends! If i'm Josh, I am considering Brian Orakpo, Robert Ayers, Everette Brown and Larry English for this slot. He can grab English from 25 on, Ayers from 30 on. Ayers be 6'3" 272 4.8 and can play tackle, end or linebacker! Is he the man?

Round 2A.   Do we have a Mike Vrabel clone? it's been a few seasons since we had a decent performance at LOLB. How can Josh expect contribution from Boss Bailey? How about covering your flanks with an OLB like Clay Matthews, Chris Sintim, or Connor Barwin! All should be available at 25th or below.

Round 2B. What about Richard Seymour massive 310 lbs pocket crushercompared to our options at RDE/RDT. Played tackle in college, converted to 3-4 end. I wonder if Sen'derrick Marks, Ziggy Hood or Peria Jerry, tackles all will looked at for this role. Jerry should fall to 25. Marks and Hood should still be around after 40. One of them at 50. Both have girth 300 lbs. plus, and strength, with Hood being a step faster.

Round 4. If our depth at safety has to be Josh Barrett and Vernon Fox, can we please draft Victor Macho Harris or Kevin Ellison instead?

Round 5 .Feels like the Broncos are willing to roll with Ron Fields, and will look in a later roundmerely for a future prospect/appropriate depth at nose in the draft, like Chris Baker (massive guy who can also play DE) . They say Baker is boom or bust. Round 5. I can also see the Broncos grooming a nickelback/cornerback of the future. No dwarves please we want tall and fast! Sherrod Martin looks good to me, tall and swift. Just don't think Jack Williams is going to make it even though we all wish him well. Josh Bell, that may be scraping the bottom of the barrel, man!

What do you think?