Denver answered a huge need when it acquired
defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson from the Jets. Carlton Powers could be a
servicable backup. The offensive line, in need of a boost, got it from tackle
Ryan Clady (first round) and guard Kory Lichtensteiger (third round). Receiver
Eddie Royal will replace Javon Walker, and look for running back Ryan Torain to
be another in a long line of mid- to late-round finds at running back.
Round 1, Pick 12 (12) Ryan Clady OT 6'6" 316 Boise State
Clady is an athletic lineman, who fits into Denver's zone-blocking scheme. He
started 32 games over the past three years, including 26 at left tackle. He has
great feet and long arms.
Round 2, Pick 11 (42) Eddie Royal WR 5'10" 184 Virginia Tech
The Broncos need a return man and he can fit the bill. He's incredibly strong
for his size and can get behind the defense.
Round 4, Pick 9 (108) Kory Lichtensteiger OG 6'3" 310 Bowling Green
Lichtensteiger has great technique, but short arms. The four-year starter at
Bowling Green understands leverage and position. He's very intelligent and plays
with a lot of intensity.
Round 4, Pick 20 (119) (From Redskins) Jack Williams CB 5'9" 186 Kent State
This guy can fly, He ran a 4.32 at his Pro Day and also had very impressive
numbers in the cone drill and vertical jump. He's got good size for a corner.
Given his athleticism, he could be underrated as a prospect and is a great value
at this point in the draft.
Round 5, Pick 4 (139) (From Raiders) Ryan Torain RB 6'1" 222 Arizona State
Torain's a junior college transfer that likes to run between the tackles. Given
Denver's traditional success taking RBs in the middle rounds, the Arizona State
product has potential to develop.
Round 5, Pick 13 (148) Carlton Powell DT 6'3" 300 Virginia Tech
Carlton Powell is a little undersized but was productive at Virginia Tech.
Round 6, Pick 17 (183) (From Texans) Spencer Larsen OLB 6'2" 243 Arizona
Toughness is Larsen's forte. He's an inside linebacker and is not overly big or
fast, but he's a good run-stuffer. He can't play in pass coverage but can come
in during early downs.
Round 7, Pick 13 (220) Josh Barrett S 6'2" 223 Arizona State
Barrett had a great junior campaign and potentially could've been a third-round
pick, but he got benched as a senior. He has all the measurables and exceptional
speed, 4.36 in the 40. Barrett matured a lot after sitting and demonstrated
poise when he came back. His lack of playing time, though, clearly hurt his
draft stock.
Round 7, Pick 20 (227) (From Buccaneers) Peyton Hillis FB 6'1" 240 Arkansas
Hillis is one of the best fullbacks in the draft. Some had him rated higher than
Owen Schmitt who was taken earlier. He was one of the main players responsible
for opening up holes for first-rounders Felix Jones and Darren McFadden and will
have a chance to contribute right away in the NFL as a blocking fullback.
Denver Broncos
2008 NFL Preview
The Broncos have a
bunch of holes and failed to address many of them in the off-season.
The defense cant deal with rushing attacks and with 6 games against
the likes of Larry Johnson, Ladainian Tomlinson, and Darren McFadden
just within the division this will remain an Achilles heel for the
Broncos.
So why cant the Broncos seem to return to glory?
This year, they acquired 11 new
veterans, 10 of whom will be asked to make significant
contributions. That is not how you build a winner in the NFL.
Unfortunately it has become a habit in Denver over the last few
years as in 2005 the Broncos brought in 12 relevant veteran players.
They added only four in 2006 before bringing in another 13 in 2007.
What makes them think that this year that is how they are going to
turn it around? The bottom line is that the front office and head
coach Mike Shanahan have gotten irrelevant over the years. Denver
recently reshuffled its front office. Not that it is going to make
any difference. GM Ted Sundquist did not always click with Shanahan
and was therefore shown the door.
Jim Goodman, was promoted from director of player personnel
to vice president of football operations. In short, Goodman is
Shanahan’s assistant. What Shanahan wants, Shanahan gets.
That is the problem in Denver.
Luckily the non division schedule this
year is remarkably easy. That coupled with the weakness of the AFC
West should make for a .500 season
Offense: Both Cutler and
wide receiver Brandon Marshall must bounce back from health issues and
continue being highly productive. It was learned back in March that
Cutler suffers from Type 1 Diabetes, which led to a significant loss of
weight and strength toward the end of last season. He has been taking
daily insulin injections as a result, and keeping his health under
control this year will be critical. The other question is which castoff
or low round draft pick will be the running back this year. We know it
wont be Ryan Torain who will miss three months with a broken bone and
ligament damage in his elbow.
Defense: For the second year in a row, they will be breaking
in a new defensive coordinator. The hope
is that a change from Jim Bates’s failed scheme will make a significant
difference. Secondary coach Bob Slowik
was promoted to coordinator because his system is more familiar to the
organization, and since the Broncos stopped some of the bleeding against
the run last season once they started bringing safety John Lynch down in
the box, the plan was to play Lynch in a limited run-stopping role in
’08, but the veteran demurred. Insert
Marlon McCree, former Charger who has lost a half-step but
still provides adequate all-around ability.
Special Teams: Talk about transitions,
attempting to replace Jason Elam is some
guy named Matt Prater. Prater
was cut by the Falcons after missing a pair of field goals in Week 2
last year. The punting situation is just as bad.
Sam Paulescu kicked for Denver
in Week 17 and figures to get the job, though he’ll be challenged by
undrafted rookie Brett Kern
Overall: The Broncos are a team in transition, and while they
generally bounce back following a losing season under Mike Shanahan,
they don’t look like a team that will be able to compete with the big
boys in the AFC come playoff time. Look for them to hover around the
.500 mark all season and finish second in the AFC West
