Undrafted College Free Agents

[Mingo]

Jamal Carter S - Miami
Tyrigue Jarrett - DT Pitt
DL Shakir Soto—PITT

Rumored to sign with the Broncos - via Twitter

 

[randymon]

Should see onslaught of UDFA per norm for Elway today and going forward. Hopefully one of the guys I picked in rds 1-7 will make it

 

[Mingo]

Josh Banderas LB Nebraska - rumored to the Broncos

 

[CEH]

Jamal Carter S - Miami
Tyrigue Jarrett - DT Pitt
DL Shakir Soto—PITT

Rumored to sign with the Broncos - via Twitter

Cool I have 2 of these guys in my draft.

 

[LGM]

Litmus test for me is to see just which (if any) UDFA make the team. Yes, there's always the Rod Smith or CHJ out there, but for the most part, if we have more than one starter or one getting playing time, it's going to raise questions on just how well we look at the draft.

 

[Draft Crazy]

Soto is a player I know well. He scored me tickets to the Iowa/Pittsburgh game his JR year... Great guy. Long shot to make the team. Ill be on cloud 9 if he makes the PS here.

 

[cdumler7]

Litmus test for me is to see just which (if any) UDFA make the team. Yes, there's always the Rod Smith or CHJ out there, but for the most part, if we have more than one starter or one getting playing time, it's going to raise questions on just how well we look at the draft.

I guess I don't care where they come from. If they become a star on the team that means every team out there missed on them. Nobody thought CHJ would become even just a rotational guy on the team let alone a top-5 Corner in the league.

To me Elway has shown some weaknesses yes with the draft but he has also found plenty of playmakers in multiple ways. Through the draft we have gotten Von, Malik, Wolfe, Ray, Roby, Paradis, and our starting QB whoever that might be. Good chance this draft gives us a few starters as well.

He has found starters from players that other teams cut like Marshall and Davis. He has found starters that other teams just cast off in FA like Stewart. FA has treated us well with Manning, Ware, Talib, Sanders, and Ward.

So again as long as Elway keeps bringing in a strong team I don't care where they come from. Yes I have definitely questioned some of his draft skills but I actually really like this draft this year. Took some of my biggest crushes of the entire draft.

 

[Draft Crazy]

Denver Broncos
Jamal Carter, S, Miami

Ken Ekanem, DE, Virginia Tech

Deon Hollins, OLB, UCLA

Tyrique Jarrett, DT, Pittsburgh

Marcus Rios, CB, UCLA

Kyle Sloter, QB, Northern Colorado

Shakir Soto, DE, Pittsburgh

 

[LGM]

I guess I don't care where they come from. If they become a star on the team that means every team out there missed on them. Nobody thought CHJ would become even just a rotational guy on the team let alone a top-5 Corner in the league.

To me Elway has shown some weaknesses yes with the draft but he has also found plenty of playmakers in multiple ways. Through the draft we have gotten Von, Malik, Wolfe, Ray, Roby, Paradis, and our starting QB whoever that might be. Good chance this draft gives us a few starters as well.

He has found starters from players that other teams cut like Marshall and Davis. He has found starters that other teams just cast off in FA like Stewart. FA has treated us well with Manning, Ware, Talib, Sanders, and Ward.

So again as long as Elway keeps bringing in a strong team I don't care where they come from. Yes I have definitely questioned some of his draft skills but I actually really like this draft this year. Took some of my biggest crushes of the entire draft.

I guess it matters to me because if you want to win and be in the championship hunt all the time, you can't spend a ton of money in FA. If you want to be the Pats or the Packers, you have to build from the draft, and yes, UDFA's.

I don't mind seeing a guy like CHJ do well, it's when we have a number of players that make the team or have significant roles during the season; it makes me question the process.

And if we have a flawed way of looking at the draft, and I believe we do, then you start hoping for miracles like a CHJ or a FA signing.

Like I've said before, I hope I'm wrong every year, and sometimes I am. But hitting on the draft at no better than 50%, when our last in-house draft pick to make the Pro Bowl was Von Miller, and very few picks staying on the team past their rookie deals and only some of them making it on other teams, I start to ask questions.

 

[cdumler7]

I guess it matters to me because if you want to win and be in the championship hunt all the time, you can't spend a ton of money in FA. If you want to be the Pats or the Packers, you have to build from the draft, and yes, UDFA's.

I don't mind seeing a guy like CHJ do well, it's when we have a number of players that make the team or have significant roles during the season; it makes me question the process.

And if we have a flawed way of looking at the draft, and I believe we do, then you start hoping for miracles like a CHJ or a FA signing.

Like I've said before, I hope I'm wrong every year, and sometimes I am. But hitting on the draft at no better than 50%, when our last in-house draft pick to make the Pro Bowl was Von Miller, and very few picks staying on the team past their rookie deals and only some of them making it on other teams, I start to ask questions.

I do agree the draft has been the worst part of Elway as a GM. I do think his past 2 years have been a bit better. Everyone here knows I am a huge Paxton Lynch fan. I do think he will turn into something. I also really like the Simmons, Booker, Janovich, and Dixon picks.

I also really liked the Shane Ray and Bradley Roby picks who I think have become solid starters for this team. Of the draft we just had I love the picks of Bolles, Henderson, and Butt. I like the picks of Langley and De'Angelo Henderson, and find the picks of Walker and Kelly boom or bust type picks.

 

[nflbronco]

I do agree the draft has been the worst part of Elway as a GM. I do think his past 2 years have been a bit better. Everyone here knows I am a huge Paxton Lynch fan. I do think he will turn into something. I also really like the Simmons, Booker, Janovich, and Dixon picks.

I also really liked the Shane Ray and Bradley Roby picks who I think have become solid starters for this team. Of the draft we just had I love the picks of Bolles, Henderson, and Butt. I like the picks of Langley and De'Angelo Henderson, and find the picks of Walker and Kelly boom or bust type picks.

Can you tell me more about De'Angelo Henderson
I'm pegging Walker Malik jr is that too much pressure to live up too
Kelly is a jerk like Cutler but, worth a roll of dice.

VJ I'm liking him more everyday he convinced John its ok to draft speed.

 

[cdumler7]

Can you tell me more about De'Angelo Henderson
I'm pegging Walker Malik jr is that too much pressure to live up too
Kelly is a jerk like Cutler but, worth a roll of dice.

VJ I'm liking him more everyday he convinced John its ok to draft speed.

De'Angelo Henderson is a fun player to watch. Honestly if I was creating a RB I would maybe go with something along his build. He is very short so what you saw was he would get right behind the OL and the defense would lose him then he would explode through the hole when something opened up.

He has a great jump cut that surprises a lot of people how quickly he gets back up to top speed.

Also a good receiver out of the backfield. So I could see him taking over that Danny Woodhead type role that McCoy loves to use.

As for Walker it all depends how hard he wants to work. I think he has great internal qualities such as leadership and wants to be a great player. I don't think he had the best help at Florida State to get that all figured out. Seemed to rely on the swim move to really win inside and while it worked in college quite often he is going to have to develop more as a technician to become a full time starter. Also needs to add some weight/strength as he would not hold up right now as a full-time starter. I could see them maybe in our base defense putting him as an OLB to add some girth in helping stop the run but at the DE position (where I see him making it if he does) he needs about 15 more lbs of muscle. So yes he could take the Malik path. I do think Malik day 1 had more power though to his game than what Walker does so just have to see.

Like I said I really liked this draft. The Walker and McKenzie picks are the only ones I really don't get excited about. Doesn't mean they can't still do something for this team as Walker brings a pass rush to the interior day 1 (something we were missing) and McKenzie could be an impact special teams guy.

 

[nflbronco]

De'Angelo Henderson is a fun player to watch. Honestly if I was creating a RB I would maybe go with something along his build. He is very short so what you saw was he would get right behind the OL and the defense would lose him then he would explode through the hole when something opened up.

He has a great jump cut that surprises a lot of people how quickly he gets back up to top speed.

Also a good receiver out of the backfield. So I could see him taking over that Danny Woodhead type role that McCoy loves to use.

As for Walker it all depends how hard he wants to work. I think he has great internal qualities such as leadership and wants to be a great player. I don't think he had the best help at Florida State to get that all figured out. Seemed to rely on the swim move to really win inside and while it worked in college quite often he is going to have to develop more as a technician to become a full time starter. Also needs to add some weight/strength as he would not hold up right now as a full-time starter. I could see them maybe in our base defense putting him as an OLB to add some girth in helping stop the run but at the DE position (where I see him making it if he does) he needs about 15 more lbs of muscle. So yes he could take the Malik path. I do think Malik day 1 had more power though to his game than what Walker does so just have to see.

Like I said I really liked this draft. The Walker and McKenzie picks are the only ones I really don't get excited about. Doesn't mean they can't still do something for this team as Walker brings a pass rush to the interior day 1 (something we were missing) and McKenzie could be an impact special teams guy.

Thanks for breakdown

This is why I like Walker he might be Malik Lite at least. He will work hard and get bigger over time.

 

[cdumler7]

Thanks for breakdown

This is why I like Walker he might be Malik Lite at least. He will work hard and get bigger over time.

Yeah the leadership/work ethic side of things is why I have hope in the pick to be something. The fit/value though is tough for me to fully get behind. Just not a fan of a 2nd round pick that I feel like will take 2 years before we might see them be a full time starter unless it is the QB position as I understand most QB's coming out need time to develop. OT is another position that seems to be a project position these days so try to have some patience with that as well.

 

[iknowftbll]

The UDFAs always intrigue me. I think it's always exciting when an UDFA rises to the top of the league at his position and it also speaks to the power of coaching and determination on the part of the individual. How many 1st round draft picks do we see flame out after a couple seasons? And why? In a lot of cases they approach their craft with a sense of entitlement and take for granted how quickly some NFL teams are willing to cut their losses and move on if they aren't getting production. Meanwhile you get a guy who was passed over 250 times and gets a chance with a team to show what he can do and they often jump all over it. And often it doesn't work out, as there is a reason these guys are UDFAs.

I don't necessarily think UDFAs making the team over a draft pick denotes a flaw in the scouting or approach to the draft. I think teams generally make draft picks with a "best case scenario" in mind and that often doesn't work out. Plus some players just get it. A 3rd round pick may look great on tape but just struggle with the transition while an UDFA just clicks in the new environment. People are dynamic and what works with one may not work for the next.

I welcome all these players to the team and hope there's a contributor or two there!

 

[CEH]

Yeah the leadership/work ethic side of things is why I have hope in the pick to be something. The fit/value though is tough for me to fully get behind. Just not a fan of a 2nd round pick that I feel like will take 2 years before we might see them be a full time starter unless it is the QB position as I understand most QB's coming out need time to develop. OT is another position that seems to be a project position these days so try to have some patience with that as well.

With defenses being in sub packages 60% of the time I feel confident walker will be heavily involved in the dline rotation.
My concern is somehow bolles not starting and going another year with our 1st not contributing from day 1. Right now I'm assuming he is our starting LT

 

[Mingo]

On Walker - I think that is an interesting case.

Like Carl points out - he will generate an interior rush on passing downs - which was lacking last season. What is questionable - is can Walker be a 3 down player early in his career? Can he stop the run when the big boys try to drive him off the ball?

So for a 2nd round pick - you get good character and work ethic - an interior pass rush, but a passing down specialist - until the Broncos bulk him up a little to be a 3 down player. Carl has a point on 2nd round value - even as I think Walker is definitely a guy I'd want on my team. It boils down to how bad the Broncos wanted this particular guy. Everyone's value is what someone is willing to pay for your services. I think Walker's intangibles and immediate quality of helping with the interior pass rush - gives me satisfaction even with slot 51.

 

[CEH]

On Walker - I think that is an interesting case.

Like Carl points out - he will generate an interior rush on passing downs - which was lacking last season. What is questionable - is can Walker be a 3 down player early in his career? Can he stop the run when the big boys try to drive him off the ball?

So for a 2nd round pick - you get good character and work ethic - an interior pass rush, but a passing down specialist - until the Broncos bulk him up a little to be a 3 down player. Carl has a point on 2nd round value - even as I think Walker is definitely a guy I'd want on my team. It boils down to how bad the Broncos wanted this particular guy. Everyone's value is what someone is willing to pay for your services. I think Walker's intangibles and immediate quality of helping with the interior pass rush - gives me satisfaction even with slot 51.

Why does Walker need to be a 3 down player in year one? They have Peko and Kerr for the run.

 

[LGM]

Why does Walker need to be a 3 down player in year one? They have Peko and Kerr for the run.

his effort and motor was never an issue against those same 300 lb lineman in college; I don't think motor or stamina will be an issue (Mel even said that talking about him).

I can see us putting 15-30 pounds on him and lining him up inside, if he can keep his speed off the snap. So many options with this kid.

 

[CEH]

Brady was seeing ghosts in the 2015 AFCC game. Denver needs that pressure up the middle to really bring the defense back to championship level. I'm excited to see if Walker can continue to show the knack to pressure the QB from the 3 technique and let Von , Ray and Shaq eat.