Draft ’07 Update: Jarvis Moss

A couple of our readers suggested looking back at past drafts to see both what we said at the time and what we thought now. Unfortunately, Kyle and I weren’t blogging before late 2006 (at least not on fancy sites like this one!). So, the only draft it would be fair to review would be last year’s. We have our first impressions of each of our draft picks last year as well as an overview of what they did their first season on the team. I know this isn’t ancient history, but it’s as good as it gets for a site as young as ours. Feel free to add feedback about our 2007 draft picks – both your first thoughts and your opinion today!

Our biggest need heading into the draft was definitely along the defensive line (sound familiar). Remember, Bates had just come on board and he was going to reshape our defense. So, our first round draft pick last year was DE Jarvis Moss. Denver traded up from 21 to 17 to get Moss. Both Kyle and I liked the pick, but questioned the need/cost for the move.

Here are some of the things we said after the draft last year…

JON 2007: Well, with both of these issues [his one-game suspension and his battle with a pelvic infection] scaring off the interest from other teams I think Denver would have ended up with a real steal at their original pick. However, the trade up was costly and may not have been necessary. Regardless, we got a talented Defensive End that will push Lang, Dumervil and Ekuban this year.

KYLE 2007: I don’t know if we needed to trade up, but it’s a solid pick and the (2nd) best defensive lineman available at the time, in my opinion.

Always a thorough researcher, Kyle changed his opinion upon further review…

KYLE 2007: Jacksonville could have taken him right there at 17, and rather than calling their bluff, we moved up and got the guy we wanted. In between 17 and 21 sat Cincinnatti, Tennessee, and the New York Giants. I think possibly the Bengals and DEFINITELY the Titans would have had a serious interest in Moss (most mock drafts, including mine, would disagree with the Titans, but remember they went defense anyways with Michael Griffin. If Moss were there they could have gone that route instead of WR too). It’s obvious our coach wasn’t interested in “settling” for Anthony Spencer, the next-ranked DE. Considering Shanahan’s history with Florida, the move makes sense all around, and Moss will fight for a starting spot.

Without much knowledge of the draftees, I think that’s pretty sound logic. And I’m not sure Anthony Spender would have faired any better in our Bates Defense than Moss did; however, playing OLB for Dallas last year he did put up more than twice Moss’s tackles (36), 2 more sacks (3) and an extra forced fumble (2). I know that’s comparing apples to oranges, but what the heck we have the time to digress – it’s the off-season for goodness sake. :)

Over all we were both pleased with Moss, but neither of us would have selected him as our favorite draftee that year.

KYLE 2007: Jarvis Moss was part of the National Champion Florida Gators, and he was integral part of the Gators’ domination over the then-undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes in the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game. Moss forced a key fumble in the second quarter on top of registering two sacks against speedy Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith. He led defensive linemen for Florida with 56 tackles, 11 for a loss, while defensing several passes.

JON 2007: Jarvis Moss was considered one of the quickest pass rushers in college during his last two years, but the general consensus is that he will need to bulk up a bit before competing at the Pro level — he is listed as 6′7″ and 250 lbs. But his 4.70 time in the 40 makes him a definite outside threat.

KYLE 2007:It’s interesting that the curveball that Broncos fans were thrown wasn’t a curveball at all! Everyone was EXPECTING some bold switcharound move, but we went with a solid pass rusher all along. Not my first choice, but a month ago, and now, it was my 2nd.

So… How did Jarvis Moss actually do last season?

Well, In all fairness the entire defense was hindered by the transition to the Bates Defense and the transition back to the non-Bates Defense midseason. However, in Moss’s case his injuries were a bigger factor in keeping him off the field. In the end he only played in six games (started in one of those) and by Nov. 1st he was on IR. In his first couple of games he showed some signs of growing skill and ability including his 2 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble against Oakland in game 2 of the season. But his limited playing time, injuries and his relatively low number of sacks (1) and tackles (14) made 2007 a pretty disappointing year for Moss.

Now, it’s time to sound off, folks!

Tell us what you thought a year ago when Jarvis Moss was selected with our first pick. Were you happy, surprised or angry? Who would you have picked at 21 (or 17)? What do you think of Moss now? Will he break into the starting line up this season?

We want to hear from you!

NEXT UP: Kyle displays fanboy glee over our next pick – Tim Crowder