NFL Draft thoughts

[TDs3nOut]

Thought this kind of cool, since Rick "The Quick" Upchurch was once among my favorite Broncos.

Rick Upchurch to represent Broncos at 2015 NFL Draft

 

[cdumler7]

I see that a recent ESPN Insider piece rates Tyler Lockett as the most underrated prospect heading into the draft. Since I don't subscribe to Insider, I can't read the whole article, but this snippet is available for free:

" 1. Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State

If there is a prospect in this draft who looks like he's simply too small to be regarded as a top pick, it's Lockett. A big-play threat who produced 559 yards on passes 20 yards or more downfield in 2014, he plays much bigger than his 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame suggests, going up to win the ball at the catch point when needed. An impressive route runner, he has quick feet that allow him to quickly get open and find holes in zones well. In a deep receiving class he could fall further than his talents suggest, giving someone a steal on Day 2 or later."

You actually have the whole quote of what they gave on Lockett. I definitely wouldn't mind using our 3rd round pick on this kid. With him bringing special teams help he is definitely worth bringing in as right now we don't really have a punt returner.

The list had a couple of my other dark horse players I am starting to like. One is Trey Flowers of Arkansas to play OLB. Arkansas used this kid all over the formation. He was their Von Miller for their 4-3 defense just that they had him at DE a little more often. He still did the go out in coverage thing from the DE position. Anyway he is probably one of the most balanced prospects in this draft. He is equally great against the run and pass. He doesn't have that great first step that you see with the guys going in the top-10 but he does have great hands to throw defenders off of him. He uses technique to win not just pure athleticism.

Another not on that list though that I am hoping the Broncos look at is Senquez Golson of Ole Miss. I am a stats guy and this kid was a stat machine. He lead all CB's in college football in Interceptions with 10 but even more impressive is he wasn't just a guy who took some big chances where he was willing to give up a big play. He only had 2 games this past year of giving up 50 or more yards in coverage so the guy is equally great at not allowing the completions. I think if we move Roby to Safety then Golson would be a great nickel back replacement. Gives us Harris, Talib, and Golson who have all shown to be great coverage guys plus then our enforcer in Ward and then Roby to be that good all around Safety for the team.

 

[cdumler7]

Just ckd up on your O-line guys Gallick and Morse. Solid in run blkg and def fit in Kubs and z/blkg. I see both more as guard or even center help but not so sure either would be a solid replacement at LT even if and when Clady departs. But your right as far as the talent in this draft and where Denver sits, it`s going to be hard to find a cailber LT like Clady in this draft and if Denver is going to run/ play action more,the need for Clady type "pass" protectection from your LT isn`t as demanding and critical in that offense. That is if you have a somewhat mobile Qb also. I am very intrigued with Rollins,don`t get me wrong. He could really be something special from what I`ve read. I just think if Denver is going to contend this yr the running game/O-line and the D/special teams is going to be what gets them the trophy while Manning is at the helm. IMO, except maybe for Lb, Denver is solid in all the other areas and Manning time is running out.

My issue for this year is just OL is such a tough position to get a grip on. Look at last year in over half the top-7 OL players taken were terrible this last year. Zach Martin and Bitonio or whatever his name was were the only two that found success and that was at the guard position. Same can be said about the year before that. With OL guys coming from spread formations more and more they are finding it just as hard as that of quarterbacks to make the transition to an NFL offense. Throw in most of these 1st round guys they honestly won 90% of the time because of athleticism alone. Technique is not always a big focus on college. I will say I wouldn't mind us taking OL. Right now though I only see two guys that might make it to us that I would be willing to draft at the position. Erving being one and the other being Clemmings. Clemmings graded out as the best run blocking OL player of any position this last year in college football and that was with only 2 years of playing the position. So he is raw but give this guy even a little bit of coaching and he can shine. I would say day 1 of him stepping onto the field he is already our best run blocking OL player. I have no hesitation in saying that. Again though beyond those two the others I just see too many negatives. I've watched more games since a month ago and some I was really high on a month ago I am just praying the Broncos don't take. Don't get me wrong they could all turn into decent players but man this year's crop has some very hot and cold guys. Andrus Peat is a great example in most of the year he was probably the best LT in college football. He had a couple of games though where he just looked like he could care less that he was playing. Now given he is only 20 years old so I think with some maturity he could turn into a more consistent player but I would definitely worry that he would give up one of those 4-5 sack days if we asked him to play RT for the season.

 

[randymon]

Your right CD. It seems like O-line guys taken in first rd ( esp last few yrs and in past) aside from Martin, Bitonio haven`t really panned out so good. Even 2nd rd pks. Unless it`s a guy that you love and is the BPA, do you take a shot at him in 1st. The more I think about it and from listening/reading articles/comments from fans, writers,coaches,etc., if you have a team that has alot of pieces in place already, your better off just going BPA throughout the draft instead of reaching for a "need" per say. Aside from drafting a rb in 1st rd this yr since not only is it very deep rb class, but that`s a position that you either got the instincts or you don`t and the transition to the NFL isn`t as difficult as most other positions it seems anyway, I think especially where Denver sits in this draft, that you do go rd by rd BPA regardless of position. So what if your knee deep in talent at wr? You then have the ammo to trade one of them for a expierienced need such as an O-lineman in that season or next. Their will be teams that are knee deep in talent on their O-line that are desperate for wr help for their QB. That`s just one example of course and not that Denver would go that route but to me it seems your odds would just be better to grab the best talent on your chart and let the chips fall where they fall, then reach for a need and fail, like it seems is going on alot anymore. Get the most out of your pick regardless of position and need I say.

 

[randymon]

I forgot to add or should add anyway, that`s not saying if Denver has a certain O-lineman that they have rated at the top of their list and is available when they pk at 28 ( still think they will trade out also) that they don`t grab him. I just think their guy won`t be there at 28 ( on the O-line) and they will have to think BPA anyway. Ok,I`am done

 

[cdumler7]

Well a few thoughts heading into the last week before the draft...

Looks like the Broncos have narrowed down their quarterback search in the draft to 4 players. They are Bryce Petty, Chris Bonner, Garrett Grayson, and Trevor Siemian.

Most likely Petty and Grayson are going 2nd round. My thought right now is if we use a high round draft pick on one of these guys then that should tell us what the team actually thinks of Osweiler. If we wait though and take Bonner or Siemian then that might show the team still thinks Osweiler is the future.

At this point I am torn on what I want to see the team do. Not really any quarterbacks I like in this draft but not sure I am a huge fan of Osweiler either. Going to be a tough decision. Waiting till next year while a possibility just doesn't seem like something Elway would want to do in putting his hopes for the season in the hands of a rookie.

Beyond that quarterback position some other news coming out is that TJ Clemmings has a broken foot he did not know about. He is one of my favorite players in this entire draft so going to be interesting to see how that all plays out. Also Shane Ray has a toe injury that some think is pretty serious that could drop him down draft boards. Going to be interesting to see how that all plays out.

Finally for those of you who love stats like me and trying to figure out how to weed through at least the pass rushers in this draft to see which ones to go after here is a pretty cool article...

Force Players: 2015 Draft - Implementing Draft Metrics - Rotoworld.com

Right now I'm actually starting to lean towards Owa Odighizuwa of UCLA. I know pass rusher is not at the top of our list of needs but I just love the all around play of this kid and I do think he could be a nice piece to add opposite of Von Miller once Ware is done.

 

[cdumler7]

Nothing to do with the draft but I am listening to a reporter and am finding out more about this now but I guess this past year Elway and Del Rio actually had almost a knock down drag out fight. I guess Elway was pissed after the New England game and how the defense played that Elway actually came and chewed Del Rio out in front of the other coaches and a few players. Del Rio ended up getting so pissed that Elway would disrespect him like that so ended up grabbing him by the throat. Elway was just about to fire him on the spot. While Elway eventually did apologize for chewing him out in front of everybody the relationship was never completely mended. Elway after Del Rio got hired by Oakland texted him "Have fun in Oakland, can't wait to beat you twice a year."

Now in football most of these guys are Type A personalities so it is expected that there will be clashes. Just don't usually hear of it being coaches and management quite like this.

 

[cdumler7]

TD they actually said in the interview I just got done with that Del Rio is actually hated among the Bronco FO more so than that of McDaniels. For some reason he just really rubbed everybody the wrong way and the Broncos just couldn't wait to get him out of town. So it sounds like the rivalry with the Raiders could get a little extra spark from both sides moving forward.

 

[TDs3nOut]

Nothing to do with the draft but I am listening to a reporter and am finding out more about this now but I guess this past year Elway and Del Rio actually had almost a knock down drag out fight. I guess Elway was pissed after the New England game and how the defense played that Elway actually came and chewed Del Rio out in front of the other coaches and a few players. Del Rio ended up getting so pissed that Elway would disrespect him like that so ended up grabbing him by the throat. Elway was just about to fire him on the spot. While Elway eventually did apologize for chewing him out in front of everybody the relationship was never completely mended. Elway after Del Rio got hired by Oakland texted him "Have fun in Oakland, can't wait to beat you twice a year."

Now in football most of these guys are Type A personalities so it is expected that there will be clashes. Just don't usually hear of it being coaches and management quite like this.

LOL Don't know how accurate that story is, but it is awesome -- particularly the alleged text message!

 

[TDs3nOut]

TD they actually said in the interview I just got done with that Del Rio is actually hated among the Bronco FO more so than that of McDaniels. For some reason he just really rubbed everybody the wrong way and the Broncos just couldn't wait to get him out of town. So it sounds like the rivalry with the Raiders could get a little extra spark from both sides moving forward.

Interesting stuff, cd. Never heard anything like that. Always thought that Del Rio, as much as I hated his too conservative approach, was well respected. Love the thought of Johnny Bronco going to unconventional extremes for our cause, though!

 

[cdumler7]

LOL Don't know how accurate that story is, but it is awesome -- particularly the alleged text message!

Well it sounds like there was at least some major hate between the FO and that of Fox and Del Rio. I think Gase was still well liked but Fox and Del Rio had worn out their welcome. Now whether Del Rio actually grabbed Elway's throat I am not sure on but I have now read from multiple sources about Del Rio really burning about every bridge in the organization on his way out. He couldn't wait to leave and the Broncos couldn't wait for him to be gone.

 

[TDs3nOut]

Well it sounds like there was at least some major hate between the FO and that of Fox and Del Rio. I think Gase was still well liked but Fox and Del Rio had worn out their welcome. Now whether Del Rio actually grabbed Elway's throat I am not sure on but I have now read from multiple sources about Del Rio really burning about every bridge in the organization on his way out. He couldn't wait to leave and the Broncos couldn't wait for him to be gone.

All news to me, Bro. Hard to digest. Really optimistic about the new regime, love that Johnny Bronco is prepared to go gangster for our cause, but not sure that is the way to go! LOL

 

[cdumler7]

All news to me, Bro. Hard to digest. Really optimistic about the new regime, love that Johnny Bronco is prepared to go gangster for our cause, but not sure that is the way to go! LOL

Yeah I would say Elway sometimes does take things a little too far. He is so focused on winning that he is willing to hurt some feelings along the way. Just listen to the press conference he had the other day about DT and how he doesn't like him not being at practice right now. Pretty easy to see Elway is all about the Broncos and winning championships. As for Del Rio and Fox I think they were decent coaches for us but just not the type that were going to win us a championship. Fox was good when we had Tebow at Quarterback but not so much when we have Manning. He and Del Rio both were just not willing to take the risks necessary to win in the big games. If anything in the biggest games of the year they seemed to become even more conservative than usual in just not wanting to make the big mistake. They would rather do the bleed out from a thousand paper cuts then to take the knife to throat right off the bat. At least for me that was hard to watch. Now I appreciate all that they did in their time here but it was definitely time to move on. Whether Kubiak and his staff is the answer or not we shall see. I do think Phillips is a better fit for the personnel we have on defense. He is one that can take talent and maximize it. Del Rio is almost the opposite in he can take an average group and limit how much they give up. He can take a bad defense and turn them into an average defense. He isn't one though that can take a great defense and make them elite.

Anyway back to the draft the rumor right now is the Broncos will be taking an OL or DL player in the 1st round. Those are the two positions that people with inside knowledge seem to think the Broncos are really leaning towards. Players they like are Scherff, Peat, Collins, and Humphries for the OL and for the DL they really like the kid from Oklahoma. Humphries is probably the only OL player that would maybe make it to us so if we go OL look for us to trade up. Phillips most likely will be there though.

 

[WalkerBoh]

If we take a QB early, don't assume it's a statement against Osweiler. I see it more as a hedge, since this is Oz's last season under contract. Last thing Denver wants to do is lose Manning to retirement and Osweiler to FA without another option they can go to.

 

[DownSetHutch]

If we take a QB early, don't assume it's a statement against Osweiler. I see it more as a hedge, since this is Oz's last season under contract. Last thing Denver wants to do is lose Manning to retirement and Osweiler to FA without another option they can go to.

I agree, WalkerBoh. I could definitely see us drafting a QB in the early rounds, but I hope we don't. OL, DL, and ILB are more immediate needs.

It would be great if there were a vet backup QB available. That would really help bridge the gap going from Peyton Manning to the next guy, whoever that is.

Four more days until the draft! I haven't been getting home from work until 7pm PST, so I hope I make it home before the Broncos pick. The draft is the best time of the off-season. Can't wait!

 

[randymon]

Of course we won`t hear about this till after draft and even as long as next draft but I wouldn`t be surprised if this yr there`s a bunch of teams looking at trying to trade out of first rd with all the issues/information coming to light on so many 1st rd predicted players. Of course many of them won`t happen because the asking price will prob be to high to jump back in or move up, but there`s got to be alot of teams thinking that way. aside from a potential biggy with Mariota, I can see alot of teams staying pat at least in rd 1 in this draft. Looking at the top 20 pks or so, at least 7 now have red flags attached to them. If I was Denver and if my "go to guy" went off the board early, I would even consider taking a 2nd and 4th this yr and a conditional 2nd next yr if a team wanted back in 1st. As long as it was a team in the top 5-10 or so that was the interested. If Denver did their homework and due diligence in their scouting, they can find some real gems in rds 2-7 IMO. Go for high character/work ethic/steady production over the talented and "star written all over them". "we can tutor them" "flashy guys". Too risky IMO. BPA with high character and good production regardless of position should be Denvers mindset.

 

[TDs3nOut]

Gotta come clean and admit that I have no idea which players we should draft -- other than Tyler Lockette and Joey Mbu, of course! Really hope we knock it out of the park ten times over three days, however!

 

[cdumler7]

So rumors leading up to the draft.

1) Mike Klis has said the Broncos will be taking a quarterback in this draft. It truly is just a matter of when. They do seem to be the team highest on Grayson at this point. They talked to him at the Senior Bowl, went to his Pro Day, and I think have had a private interview with him.

2) At the combine each team is granted 60 interviews. The Broncos interviewed players of only 2 positions. THat would be OL and TE. Good chance that should show they are taking OL early and possibly with using 2 of the premium picks on the position.

3) There has been some talk that Elway is not happy one bit with D. Thomas and how he has handled this off season. The Broncos are rumored to have been shopping him for a 1st and 3rd round pick. Very unlikely with us being this close to the draft but it does sound like there is some frustration brewing on the contract side of things.

4) With the Broncos waiving Quanterus Smith this week there is some talk that Pass Rusher could be jumping to the top of the Broncos draft needs and with 2 premium pass rushers seeing their draft stock fall in Ray and Gregory there is a chance that say if one of them makes it to the early 20's the Broncos will look to trade up and get one. There is some talk that one guy who could fall is Vic Beasley (my favorite player in the entire draft) and the Broncos have been rumored pretty high on him so if he falls into the middle of round 1 watch for the Broncos to trade up for him.

 

[Broncosr0k]

Interesting rumors.

I figure QB has to be on the radar. Grayson is intriguing in that he straddles the line between outright replacing Osweiler and potentially being his backup after Manning.

I am moving more towards the camp of trading D. Thomas or letting him walk after next year. Thinking on recent SB winners none of the last three have had a big name WR. If we were to get a 1st and 3rd for him that would be fantastic. This draft is thick with WR, at least early.

Building an aggressive D would be fantastic so picking up a Ray, Gregory, or Beasley would be pretty awesome even given our weak OL. I think Elway and company will have several plans so that they can still address needs if BPA is not one.

 

[cdumler7]

Alright so going to release my final mock draft before tomorrow's actual draft...

1) Last time I had the Broncos trading out of this spot but the more I read the more I think the Broncos either stay at 28 or try to move up. For this pick I am going with

Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford--This kid has been all over the place in evaluations. I can actually see the Broncos though wanting to move up. He is very young at age 20 but his game is very advanced. The guy is aggressive, technically sound, and comes from Elway's alma mater. Just makes too much sense honestly. We can plug him in at RT or have him compete at LG day 1.

In the 2nd round I actually traded into the 3rd round. This is where I see the Broncos in rounds 3-5 trying to get 3-5 players that can be high upside players for the future. So by trading back I picked up a 3rd, 2 5th round picks, and a 6th. Obviously we don't have that many positions available on the team so will work to move around the board.

3a) Quinten Rollins, CB/S, Miami (Ohio)--I took this kid last time and I am sticking by this. He probably has some of the most upside of any player in this draft in my opinion. My thought here is the Broncos are either moving Roby to safety meaning we have a Corner spot opening open or keeping Roby at Corner and needing more safety competition. I honestly do think that this is Talib's last year in Denver if this kind of move is made. They are very high on Roby and Talib's contract is just too much to have 2 corners making top money. This gives us a great core group if Rollins can continue to develop.

3b) I traded up with this pick one of the 4 5th round picks. With this I get...
Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon--He is a great fit for the ZBS that we will be running. I have heard rumors that some are calling him the best Center in the draft depending which team he would go to. This would help give us 2 young pieces for the OL for Kubiak to really go crazy with.

4a) Once again traded up. I gave up 2 5ths and a 6th round pick here to move up to 10 in the 4th round. This then gives us 5 picks in the first 4 rounds.
Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State--This kid fits perfectly into the type of TE's that Kubiak loves for his system. This kid is very underrated so wouldn't surprise me to see the Broncos try to get him.