The Broncos added five more rookies as they announced the signing of several undrafted free agents today…

Steven Harris — College Info Page
University of Florida Gators
Defensive Tackle
6′ 5″ 285 lbs.
Miami/Coral Gables

With this signing the Broncos who were called Browncos when we picked up several linemen from Cleveland will likely be called ‘Brontors’ (or some other silly combination). However, no one should be laughing at the addition of three D-linemen from a championship college team. Harris saw action starting in 2003 and significant starting time in 2005 when he started all 12 games.

This year’s draft reminds me of 2003, and I can only hope our new linemen do as well as our CB’s from that draft.

Tim Duckworth — College Info Page NFL Scouting Report
Auburn University
Offensive Guard
6′ 4″ 318 lbs.
Taylorsville, MS

Duckworth looks to be a solid depth addition to the O-line. He has experience on both sides of the ball and at both guard and tackle on the offensive line. He has had a touch of trouble with his left knee.

Marquay McDaniel — College Info Page NFL Scouting Report
Hampton University
Wide Receiver
6′ 0″ 197 lbs.
Virginia Beach, VA

Looks like a quality WR from a small school — with a respectable number of starts (31). He has quickness and will likely compete for a return duty. His major knock is that he isn’t very physical on the blocking side of things.

Selvin Young — NFL Scouting Report
University of Texas
Running Back
5′ 11″ 217 lbs.

You know we couldn’t start a new season without at least one rookie running back, right?

Young played in 49 career games (starting 16). He tallied 3,060 all-purpose yards during his career and returned two punts and a kickoff for TDs, while earning honorable mention All-Big 12 as an all-purpose back in 2006.

He also is the only UT player in school history to return both a punt and a kickoff in the same game (New Mexico State, 2003).

My take: Never count the rookie out.

Roderick Rogers
Wisconsin
Safety
6′ 2″ 187lbs.
Stone Mountain, GA

Rogers was named second-team All Big 10 the past two years at Wisconsin. He started 26 of 42 career games and totaled 99 tackles, five interceptions, 21 pass breakups and one fumble recovery.

I’ll have to do some digging to find some further info on Rogers, but this was another position that needed some youth, so we should be pretty close to what our roster will look like for camp… although with the Broncos, you never know!

First off, on a real quick note, my apologies for having lost yesterday’s posts for approximately 12 hours. I was hoping the NAU server could rescue my accidentally deleted files, but I got the e-mail this morning saying no-can-do, and so had to rewrite it all myself. Sorry for the inconvenience – your much-needed fix on my Top 10s can now be satisfied. On to the real content…

Announcing the BroncoTalk Offseason Awards! Given to a player, team, coach, GM, etc., the “BOAs” will be carefully decided and given to each every Thursday during the offseason. You’ll see the best and worst each week, starting in 8 days with the BOA for “Best and Worst Coaching Decision.”

Everyone re-set your browsers

The site will be completely moving to http://www.broncotalk.net within the next week or two, and while I would love to have a link automatically redirect you there, this site is hosted on a temporary university server that I have just been informed will be wiped clean once the semester’s over. Had I known this, I never would have chosen this server to host it, but I know I will likely lose readers without the auto-re-direct. My sincere, sincere apologies ahead of time… I hope to have the entire site moved to the domain soon so I can have the redirect up as long as possible.

Also, hopefully this will be my second-to-last ever technical post. I want this blog to be about pure Broncos, not bore you with technical problems/info once a month (the last one will remind everyone “Hey! Change your bookmarks/links to broncotalk.net!).

The 2007 Draft has come and gone, and this week’s Top 10 features the best picks leaguewide. While the Broncos do make a single entry on the list (you may be surprised at who it is), overall it was the lesser teams like Arizona and Cleveland that stole the draft. Note: no draft trades for Darrell Jackson or Randy Moss here, just genuine picks.

10) Joe Thomas, OT – Cleveland, Round 1

Taking Joe Thomas instead of Brady Quinn was a surprise for me – not a huge surprise, considering that these are the Browns we’re talking about, but a surprise nonetheless. While they ultimately got their man (more on that later), getting Joe Thomas too turns out to be the icing on the cake. Look for the Browns’ left side to be one of the best in football for years down the line.

9) Levi Brown, OT – Arizona, Round 1

What’s this reach doing here, you ask? Well, the Cardinals had a need that was so big it was worth it. Some folks criticizing the whole “drafting on need” business, but the bottom line is that if you don’t reach too far it’s definitely worth it. Levi Brown was pegged as a Top 10 pick; he went 5th overall. Is that such a reach? Would another pick have improved the Cardinals more than that? The answer is a resounding no to both.

8) Joe Staley, OT – San Francisco, Round 1

Three Tackles went off the board in the first round – three tackles start out my countdown. Why? It’s a fact that they are the safest pick in the high rounds – just ask former Jets GM Pat Kirwan of Sirius NFL Radio. If an OT is drafted in the first round this decade, he will start 92% of the games over the next 4 years (count George Foster for 6 of those percentiles). The Niners trading up was a bold move, complimenting top-rated LB Patrick Willis well. I expect them to be even more competitive in the NFC West.

7) Michael Bush, RB – Oakland, Round 4

**uggh** **eck** **spdjsflkj** … sorry, I just complimented Oakland. Nice pick… could be better than Adrian Peterson if he’s healthy… *vhsrkuh** … must run to toilet…

6) Tim Crowder, DE – Denver, Round 2

T-Crow is ready to play this year and isn’t a liability against the run like our first round pick is. While he doesn’t have as much upside, he should start Week 1 and make an immediate impact on our team. Love love loved the pick.

5) Jamaal Anderson, DE – Atlanta, Round 1

Reportedly #1 on our board (and mine), Atlanta might have found themselves their own Julius Peppers when they selected this monster 8th overall. If he had waited until his senior year to come out, I believe Anderson would have been a Top 3 pick.

The Vikings got Top-3 talent at 7th overall with Peterson.

4) Adrian Peterson, RB – Minnessota, Round 1

Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson will form one of the best running back tandems in the NFL. While they still have questions at quarterback, I can’t blame them for passing on Quinn, considering they just drafted Travaris Jackson in the 2nd round last year. With a solid running offense and defense, the pressure’s on Jackson to deliver, considering the other pieces of the team are fairly in place.

3) Alan Branch, DT – Arizona, Round 2

What a steal for the Cards. Alan Branch falling to the second round was nearly as big as Brady Quinn’s freefall, and Arizona didn’t have to give up next year’s first to take advantage. I truly believe the Cardinals will compete with the Seahawks for the NFC West this year, trumping the Niners and Rams for the division.

2) Calvin Johnson, WR – Detroit, Round 1

What a strange and unique situation for the Lions at #2 – they don’t want a QB, they’re picking #2 overall, and they’ve drafted wide receivers 3 of the last 4 years. Very early. Oh, and the wide receiver of the decade is available for them when they draft. What’s a man – who’s – job’s – on – the – line to do? Pick Calvin Johnson anyway. Oh, and then cut the fat by trading Mike Williams to the Raiders. Great move by Matt Millen and company.

Are the Browns this year’s Saints?

1) Brady Quinn, QB – Cleveland, Round 1

The story of the 2007 Draft felt a lot like 2005, when Aaron Rodgers fell all the way to the 20s and ultimately to back up Brett Favre. Brady Quinn comes into a completely different situation and may be looked at to start in Week 1. While tape study has shown this guy’s weakness, I still insist that he has the work ethic and FBI to get the job done and be a star in this league. Better prospect, in my mind, than JaMarcus Russell.

The true grades for these picks won’t be known for years down the line… Brady Quinn could be the next Ryan Leaf… Calvin Johnson the next Charles Rogers. But looking at how things turned out now, the big winners over the weekend were those who weren’t afraid to get “their guy,” something that the ol’ paralysis by analysis motto contradicts fully.

The Patriots acquired Moss for a mere 4th Round pick.

The New England Patriots’ recent acquisition of Randy Moss could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back – the camel, naturally, being every other team in the National Football League. It’s also a sense of cleansing for our bitter rival Oakland Raiders – cutting the fat, so to speak, effectively ending that era of frustration and beginning anew with lesser talent, but lesser problems. How will these moves affect our beloved Broncos as we approach the season and ultimately playoffs?

First of all, it should be noted that the Patriot’s acquired Moss for a 4th round pick. A real steal at first glance, but of even more importance is that Moss restructured his deal, effectively guaranteeing him one year with the Pats. That’s it. One year and this marriage is likely done. I doubt the Patriots would be willing to pay Moss at the end of the year, and I doubt Moss would be willing to take whatever lesser money they’re giving him. No, this move is most likely intended to give Moss the chance to A) win a ring, and B) (and more importantly) prove he’s still “got it” and to get a fat contract as a UFA in 2008.

But before I get into more details about the Patriots’ point of view on the matter, it needs to be discussed from the Raiders’. Much like the Eagles improved once they cut Terrell Owens in 2005, removing Moss from the silver and black is effectively removing a cancer from the team. Maybe now the players will actually listen to their coach! It’s a good move for the Raiders, and I actually expect them to be less talented, but better, because of it. But they still can’t beat us so we move on…

Back to the Pats. I believe they are the frontrunners to win it all. I thought it was us and them until we cut Al Wilson, but we’ve got to move on from that and look forward to still being competitive. I believe they can beat any team in the league – hell, they could go undefeated. That’s how much talent they’ve compiled by adding Moss, Donte Stallworth and Adalius Thomas (not to mention a solid draft, addressing “needs” at safety and linebacker). But lucky for them they won’t be facing us this year, or else I don’t think that undefeated record would be nearly as in sight.

Why? We match up so well against them. We have Champ Bailey, who can shut down anyone in the league, including Randy Moss. We have Dre Bly, who matches up well against Stallworth. While I wish we had better coverage at safety, I’m still a Domonique Foxworth fan, and believe he’s a great nickelback / safety when needed.

Plus, the real Achilles heel of the Patriots would have to be their running game. While Laurence Maroney was a stud last year, he’s injured (again), and cutting Corey Dillon only took away their depth at the position. If you can’t run the ball, you can’t go deep into the playoffs (just ask Peyton Manning about that).

If we were to meet the Pats in the playoffs, I feel our defense has improved enough (even with the loss of Wilson) to contain their weapons and fight it out in a classic grudgematch. It would be Jay Cutler‘s first game against Belichick, and that’s always nerveracking. But if I were to tell you now it would be impossible to be the ONE TEAM to beat the Pats all year… I’d be lying. We have all the tools to contain the Beast from the East… and hell, I’m counting on it.

The 2007 NFL Draft has come to a close, and while the Broncos didn’t clean house by any means (that requires at least 5 picks, or so I’m told), our team is much better today than it was Friday. I’m not a fan of draft grades the day after – you’ll see every sports section of every newspaper giving out grades today. I’m sure the Browns got an A, and probably the Cardinals. I won’t slap a grade on any team’s, including the Broncos’, draft outcomes, but tomorrow my Top 10 will run through the best picks made. But I will look back over the weekend that was and analyze each move for what it means to my (and your) favorite football team.

Looking back at 2006, you see that the Broncos selected all skill-positions on Day 1. Jay Cutler is our most significant pick yet, the big-armed QB who has all of Colorado talking Super Bowl again. Trading our early 2nd rounder for Javon Walker possibly saved what was left of our season last year – with Rod Smith‘s game falling off a bit, we might not have finished with a winning record had it not been for Javon’s play. And Tony Scheffler needs only to improve his blocking game to guarantee a longterm spot on our roster as premiere TE in the league. Last year’s Draft was full of flash and sizzle, setting up the Broncos offensive future for the longterm.

2007’s Draft couldn’t have been more different. First, our focus was almost completely on the defensive side of the ball, selecting only one offensive player through the entire draft. Second, we selected all linemen, which I love but doesn’t have that same sizzle as a QB and a Pro Bowl WR. If we were shopping in a grocery store, last year we splurged on filet mignon, fine wine and ice cream. This year we bought burgers, potatoes and beer, the bare bones of our team that will help us in the trenches for years down the line.

Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida – 1st Round, 17th Overall

It’s been said that the Broncos might not have needed to trade up to draft this Florida standout. Shanahan and company could have stayed put, and Moss would have fallen right into our lap. Upon further review, I couldn’t disagree more. 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.

Tim Crowder, DE, Texas – 2nd Round, 56th Overall

This is my favorite pick of our draft, simply because Tim Crowder was among the most productive Defensive Ends in the draft; he played at a big time college program, and he’s a character guy with all the intangibles you look for. He’s more poised to start in Week 1 than Moss, but with less upside longterm. He was a steal at 56, especially considering that he isn’t the liability against the run that Moss is at this time. I expect him to start across Ekuban in Week 1 against Buffalo.

Ryan Harris, OT, Notre Dame – 3rd Round, 70th Overall

I’ve heard a lot of skepticism of this pick among Broncos fans online. Many question his motor and his determination, but Ryan Harris has been a career starter at one of the nation’s premiere programs at Notre Dame. I would invite such skeptics to remember the old addage “Give me a Pro Bowl Quarterback, I’ll show you a Pro Bowl Lineman” (similarly with cornerback, defensive lineman). And Brady Quinn was the #1 QB on my board, and everyone’s board until he played against JaMarcus Russell in the Sugar Bowl. He wouldn’t have been nearly as effective without a quality OL watching his back, and Harris anchored the left side, the most vital part of that line. That being said, the line didn’t play well against LSU, and big games could be a concern for Harris. I expect him to compete for a starting job, but barring injury, he’ll likely learn from the sidelines in year 1.

Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida – 4th Round, 121st Overall

Our final draft choice cost us our 3rd rounder in 2008, and with the recent focus by Commissioner Roger Goodell on character, it brings the controversy all the more into light. Marcus Thomas is a first round talent with enough baggage to potentially drop him out of the league entirely. He was suspended and ultimately banned from the Florida Gators for directly disobeying Coach Urban Meyer. Will getting out of Florida help this young man to overcome his troubles in the past? Does he want the help, or will he dance to the beat of his own drum like Maurice Clarett? Only time will tell.

In 2006, the Broncos defense somewhat fell apart, and our running game was not what it used to be. With the draftees we’ve picked this weekend, we can hope for better play on third downs, both offensively and defensively. With Champ Bailey and Dre Bly clogging the lanes, all we need is a pass rush to become dominant defensively, as we were through Week 9 last year. And with Travis Henry running behind a healthy Matt Lepsis and crew, we can plan on our ground game being all the more solid. While not as flashy as 2006, look for these draftees to make a more immediate impact on our ultimate goal: Super Bowl XLII in Glendale, AZ.

The Denver media sure is going overboard with the coverage of Marcus Thomas’ past off-field issues. I’ve gotten almost sick of it — and it’s only been 24 hours!

It’s time to recall a time last year when two of our Denver Broncos broke a team rule (which also had to do with curfew) and paid for it with a one game suspension. I am, of course, talking about the preseason punishment of Al Wilson and Champ Bailey last year.

Now, many in Bronco Country will begin siting differences in the these cases. Yes, Yes. I know neither Al Wilson or Champ Bailey has broken team rules before — let alone failed a drug test. And I know that this was a preseason game. But that’s not why I’m bringing this up.

The point I’m making is that Mike Shanahan felt he had to serve two of his defensive captains with sitting out a game (preseason or not) in order to show the team that his rules applied to everyone.

In that way, Urban Meyer did the same thing. Thomas was a defensive captain and many of the team’s players saw him as a role model. So, if Meyer would have allowed Thomas to continue to thumb his noses at team rules he would have had a locker room meltdown. On championship teams, leaders pay a severe price when they fail to set a good example.

Mark my words: If Meyer didn’t suspend Thomas the Florida Gators would NOT have gone on to win the championship.

Thomas would be wise to take a look at the responses Wilson and Champ gave when asked about their punishment. Both of them stood in front of the media and explained both their error and their respect for the coaches rules. That is what makes those two leaders on our team. And with the help and guidance of these leaders, Thomas can learn a lot.

Who knows, if Thomas grows into a leader like Wilson, Champ, Smith and Lynch one day his story will be the example we use for draftees that come into the league with past issues.

I’m not sure what to think about this one…

Marcus Thomas — Team Info Page NFL Scouting Report
University of Florida Gators
6′ 2.5″ 314 lbs.
Jacksonville, Florida

We traded several picks (including a 2008 pick) to jump into the fourth round and pick up a kid with an admittedly spotty past. On the surface that appears to be poor judgment; however, there are a couple of things to consider. One, Thomas is the right size and has the right skill set to fit into Bates new D-line. Two, he would have gone somewhere in the first round if he hadn’t missed most of 2006 because of his suspension. Three, there’s a friendly face already in Denver with Jarvis Moss in town.

I think everyone can agree he has a wonderful upside, now the 10 million dollar question is: Was he worth the price?

That depends on three things.

1. Who did Denver miss in this year’s 6th and 7th round and what will they miss in next year’s draft?
This question may be discussed for months (and even years) but we can say with certainty that this year’s targets in the 6th and 7th round were not important enough to Shanahan, Bates and Sundquist to warrant missing Thomas. Remember that these guys work for a long time (and with a very talented scouting team) to determine what value each of these players has to our team. Because they did trade up, we can assume that their targets in those later rounds must not have been super-value pickups (as rated by their team of scouts).
The question about next year’s draft pick is another story; However, it still holds considerable value as a potential pick and giving up draft picks is always painful.

2. What will the team have to pay Thomas?
This one is a bit easier as we’ve heard from Shanahan that Thomas’ contact will be easy on the team’s cap and even tighter on issues off-the-field. It will, for example, include paying back his signing bonus if he doesn’t comply with the leagues drug policy.
This is a considerable safety net for the Broncos going forward. There is no way they would have talked a player without these past issues into this kind of agreement, so that benefits us.

3. What kind of player will Thomas be for the Broncos?
Of course this question is ridiculous to ask on the eve of the draft, but this will be the most important element in the long-term equation. If Thomas plays like his pre-trouble scouting report predicts and he becomes a Pro Bowl caliber tackle, then we all start talking about how we got the steal of the decade. However, if Thomas never becomes a starter or has continuing issues with drugs and curfews, Shanahan and company will hear about it all the way through next year’s draft.

That said, I have to say my first impression of Thomas in his post-draft interview was positive. I personally think he will grow into a leader on our defensive line… Then again, I’ve always been a ‘glass half-full’ kinda guy.

Shanahan went line again, but this one is a bit more interesting. Photo Courtesy

Reminding most Broncos fans of Maurice Clarett, the selection of Florida Defensive Tackle Marcus Thomas is full of controversy. Our second Florida Gator selected, Thomas is infamous for being kicked off the team in 2006 following a second positive test for marijuana and an unauthorized road trip to Jacksonville (his hometown). Athletically, he has the measurables and production of a first rounder, potentially about Amobi Okoye. But his off-field issues merited him a Day 2 selection to the Denver Broncos.

Ht: 6-3 Wt: 314 Pos: DT Class: Senior 40-Time: 4.97 Sacks (2006): 4* *In 5 Games

On Marcus Thomas:

After 5 months out of football, his workout disappointed when he ran a forty time of over 5.2. He worked out again a few weeks later, posting an impressive (and possibly career-saving) sub-5.0 time.

Thomas’ issues off the field are well documented, as is his disdain for authority (Gator Coach Urban Meyer in particular). Rumor has it that the unauthorized road trip he took to Jacksonville, FL was specifically disapproved by Meyer, and that Thomas went anyway. New Broncos Assistant Coach/Defense Jim Bates will have no tolerance for that kind of player, and Thomas’ ability to make the team could be based solely on that.

These issues aside, Thomas is a phenomenal player on the field. He posted 4 sacks in the 5 games before the suspension (and remember, he is a DT not a DE pass rusher). He played at below 300 lbs. but would likely stay at his current 315 lb. range because Bates likes big space-eating Defensive Tackles. His upside is huge, but at the great cost of his downside (off-field incidents). If he is able to keep himself together, he could have the biggest impact of all our draftees in 2007 and beyond.

The Broncos gave up a lot to draft Thomas, moving up from the 6th round to the 4th. We used our 2008 3rd rounder and our 6th and 7th this year to pick him with the 22nd selection in the 4th round. I don’t get the math, and it seems the Vikings robbed us blind, but Shanahan must have seen enough in this guy to say those picks were worth it, regardless of where he was actually drafted. In Shanny We Trust, eh?

That’s the last pick the Broncos have in the 2007 NFL Draft. I’ll post a recap either later today or tomorrow.

The Broncos select an Offensive Lineman on the first day for only the second time this decade. Photo Courtesy

Not since the failed George Foster Project has Head Coach Mike Shanahan opted to take an offensive lineman on Day 1 of the draft. That changed yesterday, as the mastermind selected Ryan Harris, the nearly-300 lbs. Tackle from Notre Dame with the 70th pick Overall (6th pick in the 3rd round).

Ht: 6-5 Wt: 299 Pos: OT Class: Senior 40-Time: 5.11 Bench (225lb.): 22

On Ryan Harris:

I feel like I’m getting mixed reviews on our third round pick out of Notre Dame. On the one hand, his athleticism on the field is top notch. His measurables, on the other hand, leave something to be desired.

Even for massive Offensive Tackles, posting a 5.11 40-time is good at best. Harris is by no means massive, weighing in at a pound short of 300. His vertical leap of 25.5 inches was good for a heavy lineman, but could have also been better. But this isn’t about track and field, it’s about football, and Harris could prove to be a steal in the 3rd.

First off, above all other teams (even New England), the Broncos value intelligence on the offensive line. Our blocking system is unique and difficult to understand, and Harris is noted for his intellect. While the rule of thumb for Broncos linemen has been to sit the bench for most of the first year, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Harris pick up our system and begin playing at Right Tackle if he wins the spot in training camp.

Harris is excellent in pass protection, but his quickness and athleticism on the field allow him to make blocks on the second level, a key to the Denver running game. If he is able to quickly soak up the zone blocking scheme, I could easily see him starting on the right side. Eventually he could become our all-important Left Tackle (currently being held down by the underrated Matt Lepsis, as we all know).

All three of the Broncos’ picks have been linemen, indicating that Shanahan and company are less interested in flashy picks this time around (remember that in 2006 we took a QB, traded for Javon Walker, and a pass-catching TE on Day 1. That was all flash. This year is all meat-and-potatoes). On Day 2, look for them to address DT, RB, and possibly WR/S with our remaining picks.

Tim Crowder is now a Denver Bronco. Photo Courtesy

The Broncos made another move to improve their pass rush on Saturday, selecting Texas Defensive End Tim Crowder with the 56th overall selection.

Ht: 6-3.5 Wt: 271 Pos: DE Class: Senior 40-Time: 4.74 Sacks (’06): 11.5

On Tim Crowder:

Crowder is the second defensive end selected from a recent National Championship team, having started in the BCS Title game in January 2006. He has always been the standard in production, finishing his senior year at Texas with 11.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss.

While his measurables leave something to be desired (you will see that 1st round selection Jarvis Moss is taller, leaner, and quicker), no one can bash his technique, as he has excellent leverage and knows how to maintain his balance. He is also a solid tackler – less of a liability against the run than Jarvis Moss, although his lack of speed could leave him burned at the pro level.

Gripes on Crowder mainly focus on his speed. While he found ways to be very productive his senior year, he is sometimes reported to take plays off, and if he gets knocked to the ground he is slower to get up than most scouts would like. He had been scouted as a 3-4 defensive end but obviously Shanahan and Jim Bates felt like he could impact this team, so he will be wearing the orange and blue this season, and we couldn’t be happier.

An interesting side not: Victor Abiamiri went to the Eagles immediately after we picked, another defensive end. Look forward to comparing these two prospects as their careers flesh out over the years.