Free Agency updates

[cdumler7]

DRC is going to be hard pressed to find a suitor paying more than what we paid Talib for his services. I think his agent overplayed his hand thinking Denver would be compelled to resign DRC out of need. Elway just demonstrated there are other fish in the sea to fill that need with.

I like Talib, actually. He's very physical, and he appears to have matured since his past run-ins. Durability is an issue, but that seems to have been accounted for in the price paid. When you take into account talent vs. durability, I'd say trading him for DRC is a wash.

Elway definitely has shown to be a very good businessman. He understands this business better than I ever thought he would. I mean just look at the TJ Ward contract where last year rated as the top SS in the NFL yet about 5-6 other SS just made as much or more than him this FA. Elway knows how to talk to these players and show them that this game is about more than just money sometimes.

I also like Talib. I do think this is one of the bigger high risk/high reward signings Elway has made in his time here but I do think to win a Super Bowl sometimes you have to do that. Talib when healthy I do think is actually better than DRC. Coverage wise they are about a wash but the fact that Talib can cover TE's and help in the run game is where I give him the advantage over DRC. I also think the Broncos want to play a lot more Press-Man coverage this season. With DRC he just doesn't fit that type of defense as well. He is at his best in off-man coverage. So with the signing of Ward and Talib our defense just became one of the more physical teams at least in the secondary in the NFL. Webster and Harris are not afraid to mix it up when called upon and it wouldn't surprise me to see the Broncos draft one of the bigger corners in the draft at some point as well.

 

[MrDoc420]

@ProFootballTalk: Linebackers Jon Beason, Daryl Smith on Broncos' radar [URL="http://t.co/ZkIksEsXE1"]http://t.co/ZkIksEsXE1[/URL]

Jesus. We are really going balls out on the FA tip so far. Seems like we've lined up visits for damn near every FA out there LOL

 

[cdumler7]

Jesus. We are really going balls out on the FA tip so far. Seems like we've lined up visits for damn near every FA out there LOL

Haha it definitely feels that way. Beason looks like a John Elway type of signing though. He is most likely going to get a 1-2 year type deal wherever he goes to prove he can stay healthy and show that he can play at his pro bowl level again. Smith is my favorite MLB in this FA class but I'm starting to wonder if he will cost too much especially if we sign Ware.

 

[MrDoc420]

Yah, I'd prefer Smith over Beason as he's more fit for our scheme, but I'd take either over Lenon.

A few years back, I actually thought Jon Beason was on his way to becoming one of the best MLB's in the game. Injuries have been a serious issue though.

 

[Morpheus]

Elway definitely has shown to be a very good businessman. He understands this business better than I ever thought he would. I mean just look at the TJ Ward contract where last year rated as the top SS in the NFL yet about 5-6 other SS just made as much or more than him this FA. Elway knows how to talk to these players and show them that this game is about more than just money sometimes.

I also like Talib. I do think this is one of the bigger high risk/high reward signings Elway has made in his time here but I do think to win a Super Bowl sometimes you have to do that. Talib when healthy I do think is actually better than DRC. Coverage wise they are about a wash but the fact that Talib can cover TE's and help in the run game is where I give him the advantage over DRC. I also think the Broncos want to play a lot more Press-Man coverage this season. With DRC he just doesn't fit that type of defense as well. He is at his best in off-man coverage. So with the signing of Ward and Talib our defense just became one of the more physical teams at least in the secondary in the NFL. Webster and Harris are not afraid to mix it up when called upon and it wouldn't surprise me to see the Broncos draft one of the bigger corners in the draft at some point as well.

I think it's pretty easy for Elway to land some of the bigger names in the market by offering these guys fair money and a chance to compete for a championship. Denver has a reputation as a great organization to play for and Denver is a great place to live.


Broncos should be favorites in the AFC against this year, especially if they keep upgrading the defense via Free Agency.

 

[WalkerBoh]

The only thing I wonder about is what's Elway's solution on offense? The biggest problem I saw in the Super Bowl early on was Denver's inability to move the ball, not necessarily the defense. I mean, it took a fluke gift of 2 points, and two additional possessions by Seattle just to build a one TD lead. The fact our offense couldn't answer that early on led to our downfall over the remainder of the game. It will be very interesting to see what the brass has in mind here. All the defensive upgrades in the world won't help if the offense still can't move the ball against another strong defense. I'm patient though, as this can also be addressed vie draft too. I'm not one to expect FA to fix all the holes. That kind of thinking is what leads to paper tigers like the Eagles were a couple years ago, or the Redskins.

 

[cdumler7]

Yeah I wouldn't panic too much about the offense yet. Have to remember 1) Clady is coming back so that right there is like adding an All-Pro to our offense alone. Montee Ball should be even better. He averaged something like 6 yards per carry over the final 8 weeks of the season and playoffs. OL wise the Broncos have quite a few options. They could go to the draft to find a WR (which honestly I don't expect them to bring in any more receivers) and also draft a LG somewhere in the first 3 rounds. They could do some shuffling on the line and try out Franklin, Clark, and Painter at the LG spot and see who wins the battle. They could still go look for one in FA and see if they can find one to hold down the fort for a bit.


Honestly in the Super Bowl I think the biggest issue we had was the Crowd threw the team for a bit of a loop. They hadn't practiced for the 2 weeks leading up to the Super Bowl to have to deal with crowd noise so when there was quite a bit of it communication broke down. I don't think it was so much our OL got overpowered as it was they just were a bit slow getting off the ball because of lack of preparation. Such as Franklin getting beat around the corner a couple of times and Clark as well. Part of that just was the Seahawks got a great jump on the ball. So my guess is next season if they make it to the Super Bowl they will try and practice for that a bit more.


Right now though I couldn't be happier with the start of FA. In Elway I trust seems to be strengthened each season.

 

[Morpheus]

The only thing I wonder about is what's Elway's solution on offense? The biggest problem I saw in the Super Bowl early on was Denver's inability to move the ball, not necessarily the defense. I mean, it took a fluke gift of 2 points, and two additional possessions by Seattle just to build a one TD lead. The fact our offense couldn't answer that early on led to our downfall over the remainder of the game. It will be very interesting to see what the brass has in mind here. All the defensive upgrades in the world won't help if the offense still can't move the ball against another strong defense. I'm patient though, as this can also be addressed vie draft too. I'm not one to expect FA to fix all the holes. That kind of thinking is what leads to paper tigers like the Eagles were a couple years ago, or the Redskins.

An upgrade to the O-line is the first thing I would address. They replaced Alex Gibbs as O-line assistant coach with James Cregg to assist Dave Magazu.

Broncos hire James Cregg as offensive line assistant, Alex Gibbs out - The Denver Post

I know a lot of people think the O-line was solid, and for the most part they were, but Clark had issues against a few teams, not just Seattle in the Superbowl and Zane Beadles is gone, so there are some issues there that need to be addressed. There is talk of moving Franklin to Guard, and drafting a Center or acquiriing one in FA or by trade. With the loss of Beadles to FA and No guarantee Clady is Healthy, we coudl use some depth at all positions on the O-line. I would be happy to see them draft a Center, Guard and maybe sign a Vet Tackle or Guard.

The draft is supposed to be pretty good for WR, which is why the FA Market for WR seems to be dead.

We could possibly resign Moreno and/or Decker at a price that we can afford after they realize the money they thought they could demands is just not there.

The question for Decker is, would he rather play in Jacksonville for more money or take less money to stay on the Broncos?

 

[WalkerBoh]

According to The National Football Post, Eric Decker is scheduled to meet with the Jets.

And here I thought he was worried about his family.....

 

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

The only thing I wonder about is what's Elway's solution on offense? The biggest problem I saw in the Super Bowl early on was Denver's inability to move the ball, not necessarily the defense. I mean, it took a fluke gift of 2 points, and two additional possessions by Seattle just to build a one TD lead. The fact our offense couldn't answer that early on led to our downfall over the remainder of the game. It will be very interesting to see what the brass has in mind here. All the defensive upgrades in the world won't help if the offense still can't move the ball against another strong defense. I'm patient though, as this can also be addressed vie draft too. I'm not one to expect FA to fix all the holes. That kind of thinking is what leads to paper tigers like the Eagles were a couple years ago, or the Redskins.

I think it all starts up front. While some didn't like Beadles he was a pretty good player IMO. Ramirez was a stop gap at best and isn't a very good run blocker. They have only gotten worse on the O-Line as of this moment. That said I'm not too worried about it, Elway always seems to make the right decisions. I don't see how we get him but I would love to see Mack the center from Cleveland. I love what they have done on the defensive side of the ball and we should be a top 5 D on paper.

 

[WalkerBoh]

Yeah I wouldn't panic too much about the offense yet. Have to remember 1) Clady is coming back so that right there is like adding an All-Pro to our offense alone. Montee Ball should be even better. He averaged something like 6 yards per carry over the final 8 weeks of the season and playoffs. OL wise the Broncos have quite a few options. They could go to the draft to find a WR (which honestly I don't expect them to bring in any more receivers) and also draft a LG somewhere in the first 3 rounds. They could do some shuffling on the line and try out Franklin, Clark, and Painter at the LG spot and see who wins the battle. They could still go look for one in FA and see if they can find one to hold down the fort for a bit.


Honestly in the Super Bowl I think the biggest issue we had was the Crowd threw the team for a bit of a loop. They hadn't practiced for the 2 weeks leading up to the Super Bowl to have to deal with crowd noise so when there was quite a bit of it communication broke down. I don't think it was so much our OL got overpowered as it was they just were a bit slow getting off the ball because of lack of preparation. Such as Franklin getting beat around the corner a couple of times and Clark as well. Part of that just was the Seahawks got a great jump on the ball. So my guess is next season if they make it to the Super Bowl they will try and practice for that a bit more.


Right now though I couldn't be happier with the start of FA. In Elway I trust seems to be strengthened each season.

I actually expect to see Denver draft a WR or two. If Decker leaves, we'd be down two since we also lost King last season, and Caldwell looks to be elevated. Denver will want to bring in some fresh youth to rebuild depth.

I'd also like to see Denver incorporate a fullback into the offense. Yeah, I know Manning's not too keen, but a FB who could also catch passes could be a good fit, and would also help pave the road for Ball. Elway should remember that Denver's FB's helped get those two rings he has.

 

[Broncos6482]

I actually expect to see Denver draft a WR or two. If Decker leaves, we'd be down two since we also lost King last season, and Caldwell looks to be elevated. Denver will want to bring in some fresh youth to rebuild depth.

I'd also like to see Denver incorporate a fullback into the offense. Yeah, I know Manning's not too keen, but a FB who could also catch passes could be a good fit, and would also help pave the road for Ball. Elway should remember that Denver's FB's helped get those two rings he has.

Football has changed a lot since then. If you go with a fullback, you've got to take one of your receivers off the field. That means the defense isn't as spread out as they would be, which is playing against your offensive strengths. Try to run with a fullback and you have to have a power blocking offensive line, which isn't really Denver's dna.

 

[cdumler7]

I actually am a pretty big fan of Caldwell. I liked what I saw last year and he worked his tail off to take advantage of the few opportunities he did have. Yes I do think he is a drop off from Decker last season but honestly you just can't improve every position when you are losing some quality players like Decker. He is a decent stop gap type player that will give the rookies a chance to develop. I do think we double up at the position in the draft like we did with Thomas and Decker. Worked out pretty well last time. Plus with the depth of the position this year you can find some quality guys clear into the 5th round.

 

[WalkerBoh]

Football has changed a lot since then. If you go with a fullback, you've got to take one of your receivers off the field. That means the defense isn't as spread out as they would be, which is playing against your offensive strengths. Try to run with a fullback and you have to have a power blocking offensive line, which isn't really Denver's dna.

They used ZBS in the Super Bowl years, yet also used a Fullback in Howard Griffith. Griffith was one of the reasons Terrell Davis enjoyed some of the holes he hit. Not to mention Griffith could also catch the ball when needed. So, no you DON'T have to have a power blocking O-line. We also did a pretty good job keeping the opposing defenses spread out back then too.

I think having a FB would have helped us early on against Seattle too. Could have provided better running, allowing us to move the ball more effectively. Is it the only solution? No, but it's one that's worked for Denver in the past, and Elway up to now seems to be building a team that looks similar to those SB teams he led.

 

[cdumler7]

Just to give everybody a heads up DeMarcus Ware is at Dove Valley right now meeting with Elway and company! Could have our answer very soon whether he is a Bronco or not. 17 teams contacted him with half of the playoff teams being in those 17 teams yet the only interview he has set up is with the Broncos. Looks like he really wants to be a Bronco and the Broncos really want him to be a Bronco.

 

[Morpheus]

They used ZBS in the Super Bowl years, yet also used a Fullback in Howard Griffith. Griffith was one of the reasons Terrell Davis enjoyed some of the holes he hit. Not to mention Griffith could also catch the ball when needed. So, no you DON'T have to have a power blocking O-line. We also did a pretty good job keeping the opposing defenses spread out back then too.

I think having a FB would have helped us early on against Seattle too. Could have provided better running, allowing us to move the ball more effectively. Is it the only solution? No, but it's one that's worked for Denver in the past, and Elway up to now seems to be building a team that looks similar to those SB teams he led.

I heard Nalen give this same breakdown and opinion and I think it makes sense. It at least gives you more options in the run game.

 

[Morpheus]

I actually am a pretty big fan of Caldwell. I liked what I saw last year and he worked his tail off to take advantage of the few opportunities he did have. Yes I do think he is a drop off from Decker last season but honestly you just can't improve every position when you are losing some quality players like Decker. He is a decent stop gap type player that will give the rookies a chance to develop. I do think we double up at the position in the draft like we did with Thomas and Decker. Worked out pretty well last time. Plus with the depth of the position this year you can find some quality guys clear into the 5th round.

Caldwell has better hands than Decker and is faster, but he is not as bog and physical. He also has a great sideline awareness and was making incredible catches in camp last year and played well in the few snaps he saw last season.

I think he makes a very good #2.

This draft is deep at WR talent. We will have options.

 

[cdumler7]

Caldwell has better hands than Decker and is faster, but he is not as bog and physical. He also has a great sideline awareness and was making incredible catches in camp last year and played well in the few snaps he saw last season.

I think he makes a very good #2.

This draft is deep at WR talent. We will have options.

This is where Caldwell to me is plan B for the team. He fits a major need and came at a nice price as insurance. He knows the offense so we didn't have to bring in somebody who has to learn everything right away. My guess is in the first 2 rounds of the draft the Broncos go receiver and try to find a guy that can offer at least a little this upcoming year then eventually step in as the #2 guy. This fits with what Elway is trying to do is fill all the holes with at least decent quality players through FA so they don't have to reach in the draft then have those guys step up year 2 into starting roles for the team. We might have a couple of rookies contribute quite a bit this year but when you are relying on rookies to start to be good you are setting your team up for a world of hurt.

 

[BroncoInCALI]

There are stories out now saying the Broncos are "very interested" in bringing in former Carolina WR Brandon LaFell to add to the WR corps. He is only 27 and is coming off his most productive season in the NFL......

I like that move, if we make it. Then address WR in the draft as well and you have pretty solid group.

I think we should address O-line multiple times in the draft......

 

[cdumler7]

There are stories out now saying the Broncos are "very interested" in bringing in former Carolina WR Brandon LaFell to add to the WR corps. He is only 27 and is coming off his most productive season in the NFL......

I like that move, if we make it. Then address WR in the draft as well and you have pretty solid group.

I think we should address O-line multiple times in the draft......

I think Elway right now is wanting to just mess with Bill Belicheck's head. We sign Talib away from him the guy thought to be the #1 priority this off season. Last year we signed Welker. We also this year sign the guy that ended Gronk's season and is putting this one in jeopardy with Ward. They are now in pursuit of LaFell and right after that all of a sudden it comes out the Broncos are after him too. Not sure we are trying to sign him but maybe just drive up his price a bit for the Patriots.