What If? March 20

[SpringStein]

Todays first rounder ( and explanation comes from The Athletic writers mock draft:

20. Denver Broncos: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

The Broncos spent free agency making big investments at non-premium positions in safety Talanoa Hufanga, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and tight end Evan Engram. So they can use the draft to keep adding to a defensive front that has developed into the team’s biggest strength. Defensive ends Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers are entering the final year of their respective contracts, and though Denver may extend both, it’s important to keep “feeding those lines,” as general manager George Paton said at the combine. Stewart is a bit of a projection given his lack of raw production in college, but he’s Dane Brugler’s No. 9 overall prospect thanks to the unique traits inside of his 6-5, 281-pound frame. It could become great value for the Broncos, who can address their need for a running back in the second round. — Nick Kosmider

 

[MileHigh64]

Stewart wouldn't be my first choice. He has the size and physical tools but that did not translate in college to production. He's a project and I would rather bring someone in that would make an immediate impact as a first rounder.

 

[Orange Crush77]

I’m always good with drafting defense lol

 

[LGM]

Hard pass on a first round project. Reminds me of a Shanahan draft choice.

 

[Draft Crazy]

I love Shemar Stewart. I wouldn't complain and you can never have enough pass rush but it would draw a red flag after re-signing Cooper, looking good on Elliss and having depth at the position that for some reason we are concerned about re-signing Bonitto long term (which I don't think there is a concern there)

I would more look at it like Payton/Paton are in love and see a superstar if we take him.

I am a yes. I love him even though I am not expecting it. Pass rush in Round 1 is great value. Rather hit on someone we love with his upside then someone we don't feel good about at another position. May also mean that we love others guys whose value we feel is good in the other rounds. Count me in, but I don't expect it.

Where is my Omarion Hampton what if?

 

[Mountain Bronco]

I am always good with more DL talent. He does have some question marks though, but man the upside is enormous.

 

[Draft Crazy]

If we were to draft Stewart I would assume it would be to play EDGE. He can play in both styles of defense though...

 

[BHamita15]

Hard pass at 20 from me. He tested great but hasn't played to those numbers...at all. I'd give Payton and Paton a pass but with side-eye.

 

[Draft Crazy]

Hard pass at 20 from me. He tested great but hasn't played to those numbers...at all. I'd give Payton and Paton a pass but with side-eye.

I've seen that side-eye look. It is deadly!

 

[cdumler7]

Would be interesting what the Broncos would do with Bonitto if they drafted Stewart. If you are using a 1st round pick on the guy it is with the idea of him starting in the next year or two. Cooper is already locked up for a couple of seasons so that leaves the Bonitto spot. Let's say a team called offering a 2nd round pick for him. Would the Broncos pass on that? Let's say because of this move you then move Bonitto then draft Henderson in the 2nd do you like the idea of getting a 2 for the price of 1 kind of thing, but with the knowledge you just lost a guy that is trending in the right direction to becoming a star?

 

[BHamita15]

Would be interesting what the Broncos would do with Bonitto if they drafted Stewart. If you are using a 1st round pick on the guy it is with the idea of him starting in the next year or two. Cooper is already locked up for a couple of seasons so that leaves the Bonitto spot. Let's say a team called offering a 2nd round pick for him. Would the Broncos pass on that? Let's say because of this move you then move Bonitto then draft Henderson in the 2nd do you like the idea of getting a 2 for the price of 1 kind of thing, but with the knowledge you just lost a guy that is trending in the right direction to becoming a star?

Giving up Bonitto for a 2nd would be absolutely close to the same level of stupidity as giving Russ a contract before he played. You don't give up 25 year old star pass rushers but IF you do, the conversation starts with 2 1sts.

 

[cdumler7]

Giving up Bonitto for a 2nd would be absolutely close to the same level of stupidity as giving Russ a contract before he played. You don't give up 25 year old star pass rushers but IF you do, the conversation starts with 2 1sts.

I don't think Bonitto is in that conversation though as a player that commands that kind of trade. He is still undersized and had some weaknesses to his game especially against the run. I don't think that is improving to the level of some of the elite guys in the league. There is a reason his contract extension isn't being talked about in the same level of a Crosby, Garret, or even what Hunter just got. He falls into that next tier like a Montez Sweat contract with the boost in dollars. And honestly that is what I'm basing the trade off of too when Sweat commanded a 2nd round in a trade.

 

[Draft Crazy]

Giving up Bonitto for a 2nd would be absolutely close to the same level of stupidity as giving Russ a contract before he played. You don't give up 25 year old star pass rushers but IF you do, the conversation starts with 2 1sts.

Agree

We will sign him to an extension though. Stewart would be a surprise but if we love him that much then well, never pass on a pass rusher if you think he is that good. I don’t care who you have locked up. Value is value and when contracts become an issue there is always value in moving one. That being said it is doubtful we go this route but whatever is best for the team and makes us a better football team.

I am pretty confident we will lock Bonitto up before the season. Sure he isn’t Crosby or Garrett but he isn’t gonna get paid like them either.

 

[cdumler7]

Agree

We will sign him to an extension though. Stewart would be a surprise but if we love him that much then well, never pass on a pass rusher if you think he is that good. I don’t care who you have locked up. Value is value and when contracts become an issue there is always value in moving one. That being said it is doubtful we go this route but whatever is best for the team and makes us a better football team.

I am pretty confident we will lock Bonitto up before the season. Sure he isn’t Crosby or Garrett but he isn’t gonna get paid like them either.

I'm in agreement that we most likely lock up Bonitto long-term and are very happy about it. This is more if a pass rusher the Broncos really love falls to them and you have a team come with a great offer for Bonitto it would be tough to pass up. Probably would require more than a 2nd round pick, but was going off the offer that the Bears gave for Sweat. I think Bonitto has a little more value that Sweat but that is about where I would think trade talks would start. I'm not sure you could get a true 1st round pick for him. Maybe 1st round value in getting a 2nd this year and a 2nd next year giving Payton a lot more ability to move around the board to get his guys in this and next year's draft.

 

[CEH]

In this division, you have to get to and hit the QB. You can never have too many pass rushers. I'm OK with Stewart if he's the BPA

 

[Draft Crazy]

agree with the trade value too. Bonitto is of more value to us then what he will net in a trade return. Asking a team to give up two firsts plus his contract is a lot and I wouldn’t deal him for a second which is probably what we are gonna be offered if we currently got into trade talks for him.

I think we all agree it won’t get to that point but still fun to discuss how it would go if it did get to that point.

 

[cdumler7]

agree with the trade value too. Bonitto is of more value to us then what he will net in a trade return. Asking a team to give up two firsts plus his contract is a lot and I wouldn’t deal him for a second which is probably what we are gonna be offered if we currently got into trade talks for him.

I think we all agree it won’t get to that point but still fun to discuss how it would go if it did get to that point.

He is for sure worth more to us than a 2nd round pick in return. 2 2nd round picks and I would think about it if you really love the pass rusher you brought in and think Ellis takes that next step in his development. AT the same time I have to think if Bonitto has another great year he at the very worst nets us a 3rd round comp pick so I would be telling teams if they did call you better make it more than a 2nd round pick to even get me to the talking table.