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Published on 05/07/2009 at Thu May 07 16:32.
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Broncos Add Darius Walker to Running Back Collection

Posted Thu May 7th by

Darius Walker (AP Photo).

Darius Walker (AP Photo).

A week after releasing Selvin Young, the Denver Broncos added another running back to their considerable collection. Darius Walker, formerly of the Houston Texans, was signed today, the Denver Post reports.

The 2007 undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame carried the ball 58 times for 264 yards (4.6 avg.) and one touchdown in 2007. He sat the bench for both the Texans and St. Louis Rams in 2008.

Walker is the Broncos’ eighth running back, joining with Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington, LaMont Jordan, Peyton Hillis, Ryan Torain, and undrafted rookie Kestahn Moore.

McDaniels feels the need to add RB’s as camp bodies. This long list of backs will have to be trimmed at some point.

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  • kerry

    can this guy play NT? no? then who cares. its nice to know we have so many RB’s yet so many holes on defense. this sounds familiar………….is Shanahan still calling the shots?

  • Awesome, Austin

    Why pay any money to another RB when he is going to be cut? My only thought is that McD is unhappy with all the RBs he inherited and is ready to ship them all out or cut them. I think that McD wants have 100% his guys and is cutting everybody within the grace period for a new coach, as proof of the culter drama. Any thoughts on that?

  • kerry

    yeah ive got a thought. McDaniels doesnt have a god damn clue what he is doing and this team is headed straight down the F**KING drain. i mean seriously, another RB. this is getting comical. really.

  • robtink242

    i personally think we should cut all the running backs with 4 + years in this league.

    Or this might be a sign our QB’s sucks and really need a run game.

  • Shawn

    Darrius Walker is a guy I wanted Denver to pick up out of college. Behind Knowshon, JJ Arington, and Peyton Hillis I think that the running backs we have are not that great. Still looking for the right mix. At least he will be cheap.

    By the way, Kerry, are there any players available out there that you think Denver should sign? Possibly some one who would fit as a nose tackle?

  • ryan

    Does Walker bring anything to the return game? Not sure if he contributed in this role in Houston or not. I was thinking the other day about who are going to be the guys returning for us next year, especially of Royal has to be our 1# for half the season.

  • kerry

    Shawn:

    actually yeah there is one NT i would love Denver to get. and thats Gabe Watson from Arizona. MCDaniels just loves trading picks so he should trade our second rounder for him. perfect upgrade for the NT position.

  • robtink242

    no Kerry McD loves dumb trades we get Boldin with our 1st and 2nd. neglecting the d line is a must Kerry

  • http://casey_cuny@hotmail.com Casey

    So the only thing i can think of is since we are so thin at LB we will be having all RB’s on special teams. lol

  • Matt

    … oye.

  • http://fft.com T-Money

    Here’s a crazy idea…. Maybe none of you guys have the slightest clue as to what our offense is going to look like or how it’s going to be run! And if any of you tell me that it’s going to a ‘hand-me-down’ version if New England, you deserve to be punched in the face (stand in line behind Bus Cook, Jay Cutler, Josh McDaniles, Brian Xanders, and Pat Bowlen)!

    No one does, and no one will until July if you watch camp.

  • dbroncos

    I think if we had really any need for RB then this would be a good signing but we dont so it is irrelevant. Walker sounded like a good pick out of college, and probably is a good signing but unless he puts on 120lbs and grows 4-5 inches im not all that interested.

  • broncoNM

    this might be the end of torain or maybe McD is not impressed with the vets he brought in and is making a younger transition at the RB position. Either way looks like McD wants a competitive crowded backfield in camp. Breaking down the RB competition:

    Definitely making the team and projected starters:
    moreno, hillis

    Front runners to make team as back ups and contributors:
    buckhalter, arrington

    On the bubble that needs to prove in camp:
    jordan, walker

    most likely gone:
    torain, moore

  • Kerri Rocks!

    Kerri-
    Girl you know it all! I am so impressed at how you clearly know more than an entire professional coaching staff. Cooler yet, people look to you on this blog for your crackpot analysis. I think you should call Bowlen (if he isn’t already calling you) and offer your brilliant analysis on the moves we are and ARE NOT making.
    We need you in the front office girlfriend! You go girl~!

  • http://myspace.com/paraleipsis jchase8410

    He brought in 3 DL players through CFA who were all rated as mid-late round draft prospects, all rated in the top 8 at their positions in the draft, signed a few veteran FA DLmen…and you, Kerry, keep insisting that he is simply ignoring the DL. Just because he didn’t follow the draft strategy that you laid out for him. How dare this guy not listen to you, the end all be all of college football scouting. There is only so much you can do, you can’t realistically think that the broncos can get anyone they want to just come in and sign. You, who likes to think you live in “reality” and bash every move the Broncos make should understand that is not realistic to think that every available free agent is chomping at the bit to sign with the Broncos. Give them at the very least a f%@&ing practice in pads before running your (fingers) as to the incompetence of the coaching staff.

    Peace and chicken grease!

  • http://mrherculesrockefeller.blogspot.com herc rock

    Hey, you haven’t updated this blog in four hours! what the hell?

  • Shawn

    Gabe Watson sounds good to me. If Arizona is willing to give him up for a second round pick I would be a little bit surprised. Doesn’t he start for the Cardinals?

  • http://mrherculesrockefeller.blogspot.com herc rock

    Oh, and this is starting to get ridiculous with the RB’s.

  • robtink242

    we trade for Dockett from the cards. the guys like 285lbs but a pure monster he cant play NT but can be a Killer end in the 3-4. He played NT in the SB but i doubt he plays a full season there successfully. try are hand get rid of Kenny Peterson or/& Jarvis Moss and/pr Tim Crowder. Just don’t trade draft picks.

  • flbronc

    docket isnt going to get traded. he’s under contract for three years. if he does get moved it’s because someone really ponies up for him. as far as i know watson isnt on the block. i dont think that it is fair to say ‘we should just trade for (insert name and team), and throw them (x draft pick) in the deal’ without knowing what the real story with that player is. if you know of some chatter about the cards looking to move watson- send us some links. i might be for it if it’s a legit situation…

  • mr. me

    camp buddy!!!! :P

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    Why is it so bad that McDaniels is picking up guys to compete in camp?

    Kerry,
    Gabe Watson did alright as a rotational NT. Why should Denver trade for him already after he’s signed his tender?

  • stav

    I agree Easty, I saw this move last night and thought at first, “what the f*&k is he doing?”, then after a few moments, what’s wrong with competition? What are we just suppose to tell Moreno you’re the starter, Buckhalter you’re #2, and so on? No, make these guys fight even though #27 should end up with the job. I’m not a big fan of Walker, but he was pretty damn tough at Notre Dame. I got no problem with it, you figure two of these eight will be cut anyway, and Arrington’s going to be returning kicks, with Hillis as the #1 FB.

    Just look at the DB’s we brought in, is Smith going to push Goodman, I sure as hell hope so. Is McBath going to push Hill, you better believe it. Competition is what these heartless bastards need (the defense). We’ve all bitched the past two years (I know I have) about how the defense has no heart/pride, is undersized, can’t hit, can’t tackle, can’t stop the run, basically they can’t do shit. So if McD wants to bring in multiple guys, fine, puts these players on notice, no one is guaranteed their spot on the defense (except for Champ, DJ, Dawkins). Put these guys to the test and whoever emerges, regardless of contract or experience, those are your starters. And if they get burnt? Guess what? We now have quality depth to fall back on.

    And just to piss a few of you off, I would of liked a DL pick with the last 2nd rd pick or a 3rd round, but in light of what they brought in and did with the UDFA, I’m satisfied that there will be competition for those spots. Baker is a steal, we all know it, and once again, LEE ROBINSON. Someone tell me when that jersey goes on sale!!

  • Anthony

    robtink242
    -you really think Arizona is going to trade a stud for a bunch of backups like get real.
    As far as the running back situation goes who cares half these guys aren’t going to make the team anyway and bringing them into camp to learn the system is a smart move because we had so many injuries last year that just in case we need to bring someone in half way through the season because of injuries at least the players will have some familiarity with what they are doing. C’mon people this is a non-story at best.

  • NathanH47

    If he’s cut before the end of the preseason which is a possibility, he won’t be paid anything but his signing bonus anyway.

    I LOVED Darius Walker in college. He’s extremely versatile and perfectly fits the mold of a “New England” style running back. He’s great off screens and is a solid blocker for his size. Very good hands. Nice depth at the very least.

    I don’t know why people are complaining. I’d certainly say that if we have RB injuries this season like last(that would SUCK) that i’m much more confident with this years group of backs then last years.

  • roshon2411

    uh-oh is the bromance between J-Chase and Kerry over?

    As for the signing, are the Broncos having open tryouts? Better yet, they should have a reality show among the RB’s on the roster, call it, Who Wants To Be A Professional Running Back For A Day!

  • Ryan M.

    ANOTHER RUNNINGBACK??? WHAT THE FRAK????

  • http://broncotalk.net (dee)

    From what I recall the Broncos had 2 roster spots open and now this guys fills up one of them. Why is everyone in an uproar when half of the running backs won’t make the team.

    8 RB’s gives the team OPTIONS, so relax they won’t all be on the 53 man team. I wonder if there will be a seperate thread for this guy when McD cuts his ass.

    Unrelated Topic: Redskins move Orakpo to strong side linebacker , ya I like the Knowshon move better every day that passes.

  • DHB

    So it seems that the pervasive message to begin the McD era is that he is going to do it his way, all else be dmnd. So either we’re all idiots or he is. The biggest question for me is; If McD is the idiot, how much time will it take for Mr. Bowlen to come to that conclusion?

    Secondly, in a Yahoo article the writer points out that McD is a deligator, especially when it comes to the D. Is it possible that Nolan thinks he’s better off than we all do, and is not asking for more bodies/talent? And if so, do we trust him? His credentials aren’t pitiful but they aren’t stellar either.

    http://tinyurl.com/q72ffv

    Finally is it too late to say that I kinda liked Raheem Morris?

  • http://broncotalk.net (dee)

    DBH

    Are things really different that when Shanahan ruled the Broncos? I really dont think so. With all of the issues that have gone on with McD everyone questions him.

    Shanahan also made several decisons that didn’t pan out, and I wont get into them because it could take a while but I’ll summarize by saying (Maurice Clarett)

    With all of this being said he still gets a free pass with most fans with how his legacy is remember as the coach of the Broncos. I from the very beginning want to wait until the season plays out before making any decisons on McD.

    The draft had me thinking twice about McD for a second, but now that I’ve seen the entire picture I again am comfortable with the Broncos strategy.

    Finally, again with this running back signing in all honesty do any of you actually believe he will make the team? The team will begin September with 4-5 running backs, so again I think being upset at this is not logical.

    Sorry for the long post.

  • DHB

    I guess my intention was poorly communicated. I did not mean to bash McD. I think the Shanahan/Broncos split was a good idea, and maybe a year or two past due. I still like Shanny, and I know he can coach, but change in the NFL is a good thing. And I can’t pass judgement on McD yet. I am a huge fan of his push to bring high character people to our team, no matter what happens it is nice not saying defending bone-headed players that should have learned by now.

    I was more looking to the Def and Nolan. Is it possible that he is happy with his choices right now? Or at least better than the options available.

    As for Raheem Morris, I just like the guy, no comment on the current hire. It probably stems from a comparison between him and Mike Tomlin. I like the way the Steelers and every thing (while limited) I’ve seen about Raheem and Tomlin (I know they aren’t the same guy) I have liked.

  • http://broncotalk.net (dee)

    DBH

    I agree with your theory that the defensive coaches may believe that they have the player’s to make their system work. I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens… I will be very interested to see how they play in preseason with the new look defense, and hopefully it works out.

  • soxbigdog

    Anyone else get a feeling like he is just throw crap against a wall to see what will stick ???

  • milehighs

    Now you guys are under standing what i was said.Broncos are on a roller coaster down hill.Kerry was cring about the thing i was writing.Now he s on the band wagon.

  • Tom9798

    Darius Walker is a great addition to the team . . . good instinct . . . good hands . . . great cut speed . . . will play anywhere that Mcd wants him to . . .

    If I were Jordan or Buckhalter . . . I’d be kinda worried . . . . Torain still show guts, speed and blocking ability . . . . so I don’t think I’d be too quick to have him off the team . . . who knows?

    (dee) . . . . Mike Shanahan deserves a “free pass” in his Bronco legacy . . . when McD wins a three AFC Championships and back-to-back Superbowls . . . then he will have a “free-pass” also . . .

    To All . . . just a side-note on Mike Shanahan . . . three years of mediocrity got him canned . . . but it might have been his choosing the wrong assistants to get the job done . . plus a few crappy draft choices . . . . .

    And there has been boatloads of speculation where M.S. will coach this year or next . . . Mike is down in Costa Rica . . . where the lika is quicka . . . and makin’ hundreds of thousands of dollars a month . . . that’s per month . . . doing nothing! . . . but swimming and enjoying the sun . .

    And get this . . . he can do this next year also! . . . . this thanks to Pat “I forgot my medication over the holiday’s” Bowlen . . . .

    Milehighs . . . . the day that Kerry is on your bandwagon will be the day I give up drinking cold beer . . . . don’t stand by the door waiting . . . . . T

  • Roy

    On a positive note… Posted on SportingNews.com is RealScouts list of the top tackles in the league, with Clady being #1, and deservedly so.

    http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=546898

  • robtink242

    i guess Ryan Harris should be #2 he gave up half a sack last year.

  • http://broncotalk.net Ian Henson

    The same way we’ll probably sign at least one more QB, we need RBs for camp. Especially when we’re repairing one of the worst DL’s in Broncos history. Usually in camp RBs man up against LBs and if Hillis and Torain want a shot, they better step up… Of course I expect Hillis to make the team, but he may be one of the only backs to return next season.

  • DC

    Boring!

  • flbronc

    dhb- i liked morris too. but he’s getting the same flack down here that mcd is getting up in denver. he’s doing the same thing with the bucks (minus anything cutler sized). he’s tossed many tampa mainstays- including a first ballot hall of famer in derek brooks, and the biggest fan favorite ever in dunn. then went out and drafted a questionable talent in josh freeman… people arent too happy with him now (much in the same way people are questioning our coach).

    hopefully he and mcd will prove everybody wrong and all their decisions will lead their teams to improvements over last year.

  • robtink242

    flbronc i care less on how the bucks do i just want the broncos to win

  • flbronc

    rob- i hear ya. i was just adressing dhb’s comment on how he might have wanted morris…. we’d be in the same boat if we did as far as personnell changes… that’s all. if the bucks were my fav team, i’d post there…

  • DHB

    flbronc-

    Any new coach is going to get flack. And anyone coming in from an outside organization (in our case, I know Raheem stayed at home), os going to make some unliked changes. I’m not saying McD is the wrong guy either, I just saw something in Morris that I liked.

    I also liked the potential execution in hiring Morris:

    Defensive wiz kid inherits a decent offense (I still stand they are not truly that elite unless yards become points, but that’s another conversation), and a sucktacular defense in serious need of new personnel and energy. We get to keep most of the Off staff (including Jay Coddled) and still have a ton of picks that can be put to rebuilding the Def (3 to 4 year effort). So we become semi-relevant in two years and possibly in the SB conversation in four.

    Now that’s my little fantasy world, and by no means a sure thing. Every wunderkind coach is going to ego him or herself into some mistakes no matter what sport or arena it is in. And in five years we may be gushing “How did we ever doubt you Mastermind II? Will you ever forgive us?” or we might be saying “Can we talk about the Wade Phillips era instead?” but it’s all speculation until the pigskin is actually on the field.

  • robtink242

    i think morris wouldn’t be in any heat over here. he runs a 4-3 so there wouldn’t be a big switch he only needed to adress the front 7 and prob. a few good DB’s.

    no way we drafted a 3 in the secondary or that blocking TE. He might of taken Knowshon to compliment Jay Cutler. Truth of the matter is we would of had a more Defensive draft and cancel all those “rebuilding” talks.

  • robtink242

    but i really want Steve Spag.

  • DHB

    I think this team is “rebuilding” no matter who is in charge. This win now attitude is great, but with several years of abysmal drafting, Def and ST, we have to admit it. FAs are great, but no great team is compiled through expensive used parts.

    Besides, rebuilding is not such a bad thing. I figure we’re rebuilding until we are Conference and league champ material. So is every other team. At least we get to be REbuilt, until last year the Cards needed to be built. We have be rebuilding for ten years, I’d like a better foundation before now, but we changed GCs and are trying again.

    Various other Rebuilding metaphors I resisted using: “gutters,” “Floor joists,” “Public Service hook-ups,” “window treatments.”

  • NathanH47

    Josh McDaniels is the Denver Broncos coach, and I support him!

    Screw Raheem Morris(Josh Freeman and 30 other QB’s).

  • http://bandit Dan Myers

    Coming late to this blog, sick.
    WHOA guys, Walker is a nice fit. Remember the Broncos ONLY have three healthy camp ready RB’s. And whoever commented that Gabe Watson would be a good restricted free agent for a 2rd is really nuts. If he was THAT good, AZ would not let him go AND another team would have made an offer by now.
    BTW, can any of you name the Broncos NT’s? Did not think so! Ron Fields was first. Coach Nolan likes him. J’Vonne Parker was next. Carolina did not cover him from last year. Both are 5th year Nt’s. And my favorite, Chris Baker CFA. Add Marcus Thomas, Carlton Powell, Darrell Reid, Tim Crowder, Matt Askew, Ryan McBean, Kenny Peterson, Nic Clemons and Coach Nunnely has his pieces for the front seven.

  • dbroncos

    Does anyone think that Darius Walker will be better than Selvin Young?

  • NathanH47

    Oh yea dbroncos. He was better in college, he just left early like a dumbass and then went undrafted. From what i’ve read on him though, he treated it as a very humbling learning experiance and has gotten better from it. He honestly has probably top 10 hands out of the backfield in the entire league, and he’s a very smart back.

    The way I see our backs playin out next season-

    Knowshon: 15 carries give or take 4 each game depending on how effective he’s running. He’ll likely pull in a couple catches a game as well.

    Buckhalter: I think he’ll rotate early in games, getting say 3 or 4 carries in the 1st quarter if we’re controlling the ball a little to see how he’s runnin that game and also change it up on the D. His early carries will determine how many he’ll continue to have. In games he starts hot, i see him being the main 2 back with Hillis in goal line sets and short yardage situations. If not, then we look to Arrington or Jordon/Torain(my guess is Ryan gets cut) to get it going as the 2 back.

    Should be a very nice backfield.

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