Ok, I’m a bit late with my day one post — I was actually camping in the Smokey Mountains with several friends Friday and Saturday so I had NO TV and wasn’t able to see the draft (that’s the first time in several years). Anyway, I’ll assume everyone knows that we picked up Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder and Ryan Harris and dive into my thoughts on each.

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The Broncos take Jarvis Moss at 17. Photo Courtesy

With the 17th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida. 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.

The move makes sense if we go after Carolina DT Kris Jenkins with our remaining 3rd round pick.

On Jarvis Moss:

Ht: 6-6 Wt: 250 Pos: DE Class: Senior 40-Time: 4.70 Sacks (’06): 7.5

Scout.com: A sensational athlete and a disruptive force in the opponent’s backfield… a conventional pass-rushing defensive end.

NFL Draft Countdown: An oustanding athlete… has upside.

This is the player who “fits” the 21st overall pick. Jarvis Moss is 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. Some concerns include his lack of total sacks for the season, as well as his positive test for marijuana in 2006. He might have been available at 21, but Shanahan traded for him nonetheless.

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.

[EDITOR’S NOTE 2007.06.22 – Yeah, this post didn’t translate too well to WordPress. It was heavy on the PHP and the like, and I still need to tweak it… sorry for the mess]

The Offseason Superbowl has arrived! Already I can throw my mock draft out the window.

– Surprises So Far
– To see the picks thus far, click here!

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Jamaal Anderson went to the Falcons at 8. My Mock Draft be damned.

The Broncos take Jarvis Moss at 17. Photo Courtesy

Calvin Johnson is (temporarily?) a Lion.

The best linebacker prospect became unavailable when the Niners took Patrick Willis at 11.

Hey! I got one right! Adrian Peterson is a Viking at 7.

As if I didn’t hate the Steelers enough… they took my linebacker Lawrence Timmons (#83 in the pic) at 15.

The Bills, not able to take Patrick Willis, reach for Marshawn Lynch at 12.

As expected, Russell went #1 to Oakland.

BroncoTalk’s BEST VALUES AVAILABLE:

– Alan Branch, DT, Michigan

– Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee

– Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan

(13:30) And that does it for BroncoTalk’s Live Coverage! Gotta go to work, but I’ll keep this as a regular “blog post” for your viewing pleasure. For further coverage, I’d recommend Mile High Report.

(13:20) Cleveland stole the draft by getting both Joe Thomas and Brady Quinn. They gave up the kitchen sink for it though, giving up their 2nd this year and their first next year. Highway robbery by the Cowboys (who just so happened to invent the Value Chart). Kansas City is on the clock, and they’ll likely take Joe Staley or possibly Alan Branch.

(13:17) Dallas trades out! Cleveland will take Brady Quinn here!

(13:04) Jacksonville takes Reggie Nelson at our 21 spot. Receivers, Alan Branch, and Brady Quinn are falling like crazy. Interesting Pat Kirwan tidbit: that’s 9 consecutive defensive picks.

(13:00) Half an hour before I have to head off to work. I wonder where Quinn will fall. I wonder who Jacksonville will take at our 21. I wonder if Joe Staley will fall past Dallas and into Kansas City? Or would the Chiefs take Quinn at 23? It’s getting juicy just as I have to leave!

(12:58) Giants are up – the pick? Aaron Ross, another Texas DB, back-to-back.

(12:50) Tooting my own horn a bit, but my #1 rated non-DE just went to the Titans at 19. Above Reggie Nelson. Michael Griffin will see us on Monday Night Football in week 11.

(12:41) A bit ago, the Bengals took Leon Hall. I’m writing up stuff on Jarvis Moss now…

(12:27)The pick is in (it cost us our second 3rd round pick and our 6th). Everyone’s saying it’s Joe Staley… here comes the announcement. It’s Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida.

(12:23) TRADE ALERT We’re up at 17!!

(12:21)Jacksonville is on the clock, I’d probably guess they’d go Safety or Defensive End (Reggie Nelson/Jarvis Moss). I might be the only person in the world who thinks they could go Brady Quinn here too, but we’ll see. Also, rumors involving the Browns trading up for Quinn have been mentioned, with their 2 & 3 just about equaling our 21.

(12:16) Justin Harrell just went above Alan Branch as the 2nd DT off the board. We’re still in the Alan Branch business.

(12:08) The Packers are on the clock, and Sirius guys are saying Brady Quinn might go here. I have a feeling they might trade with the Chargers for Michael Turner. Then you could see San Diego target a corner or wide receiver. Gil Brandt thinks Meachem will go here.

(12:04) Little late getting this one out, but Pittsburgh took my guy Lawrence Timmons. Now Anderson and Timmons are both gone, and the only one worth 21 is Alan Branch to me. I doubt he’ll fall that far.

(11:53) The run on corners has begun! The Jets moved up to 14 to select none other than Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh’s CB and arguable best of the bunch. I can’t believe they sold the draft for him. Bad pick.

(11:49)The Draft Genius Gil Brandt thinks the Jets have moved up to take Brady Quinn, Chad Pennington be damned.

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A lot was said during Mike Shanahan‘s pre-draft press conference. For more details, go to the Official Denver Broncos Blog by Andrew Mason.

On Middle Linebackers

He wouldn’t go into details regarding the Al Wilson release besides admitting that it was “tough.” He also spent a bit more time discussing D.J. Williams, who has played strongside linebacker for us the past two years.

The opportunity to put D.J. in the middle, we’d like to do that…. [Williams] fits the middle linebacker mold pretty easily, [it’d be] natural for him to make that transition…. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t step up.

On Defensive Line

It’s obvious that Shanahan has a lot of confidence in our defensive line. He spoke at length about DTs Alvin McKinley, Amon Gordon and Antwon Burton, saying that they fit better into our defensive scheme this year under Jim Bates than they did under the previous defensive regime. He also said that we have more depth along the defensive line than most people think.

On Other Bad News

He spoke briefly on Javon Walker, whom Broncos fans know was present in the limo when Darrent Williams was killed on New Years Day. He also spoke on the character issues that have become paramount in the league, specifically mentioning Brandon Marshall, Todd Sauerbrun and Travis Henry. Regarding the latter 2 and their one-strike-you’re-out status with the league’s substance abuse policy: “These guys know one time, they’re gone. No second chances.” He also said Marshall’s recent arrest has not affected his status with the team.

On Draft Trade Rumors

He was actually surprised about some of the information leaking – not so much how it did, but when it did. Apparently the trade to #2 with Detroit was agreed upon the day after the Combine. They backed down the next day, which Shanahan said was common. And the Texans rumors to trade up to #10 are over a week old according to our head coach. He did say very glowing words about Calvin Johnson, and he jokingly called Florida defensive end Jarvis Moss “horrible.” He’s aware that everyone is expecting him to trade, but he did say that the Broncos wouldn’t trade up just for trading’s sake. I’ve said time and time again I hope we move down and take two players like Michael Griffin, the Texas safety, and Anthony Spencer. We’ll all know what the plan is tomorrow.

What Does it All Mean

Not much, really. If you take everything that Shanahan says literally, then we don’t need a linebacker, defensive lineman, safety, or wide receiver in this year’s draft. We have plenty of depth in those positions and should look elsewhere. As Broncos fans know, that’s not the case and Shanny is simply giving out a little poker face. As much as I can’t accept a 9-7 season, I know Shanahan is all the more livid about last year. By all indications, he has made numerous moves to improve this team since the timer hit zero on Dec. 31.

When I look at the draft tomorrow, I could honestly see us going a number of routes. We could trade up to get CJ, which would be insanely exciting. We could trade up to get a linebacker; we could trade up to get one of the top 5 defensive linemen like we did in my mock. We could stay put and take Jarvis Moss, Paul Posluszny, or (MY GUY) Lawrence Timmons. We could trade down and get 2 for 1, as I mentioned above with Griffin and Spencer. Or Coach could pull a 2006 and go the direction no one else thought. I mean, seriously, did anyone see us moving further up to get Cutler? As crazy as last year was, I really have no clue which way we’re going at the end of the day. My gut’s telling my Calvin Johnson or linebacker, but who knows except the mastermind we call our coach?

Jared Allen tells Chris Simms who’s the man. Photo Courtesy

Division rival Kansas City Chiefs must be reeling after they find themselves short three of their key starters through the first four weeks of the season (and two of them for quite awhile). The Breaking News today regards restricted free agent defensive end Jared Allen, who has been handed down a suspension through the first 4 weeks of the regular season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. This is the third hit Kansas City has felt in the past two weeks, and it all began when their All-Pro Guard Will Shields called it a career less than two weeks ago.

First Balloter

Shields is widely regarded to be a likely “first balloter” – someone who will make the Pro Football Hall of Fame the first year he is eligible. His retirement further weakens the Chiefs’ offensive line – their biggest strength for the past several years. With Larry Johnson trade rumors running wild (although since denied by KC brass), it seems the Chiefs running game will fall off quite a bit in 2007.

Returner won’t return

The other loss involved the trade with the St. Louis Rams that was announced earlier this week, as Dante Hall was traded to the Missourri rival for a 5th round pick. Hall has long been a nightmare for Broncos fans in Arrowhead, especially in the return game. The Chiefs will definitely look to get a big-name receiver and returner in the draft (although Ted Ginn Jr. would likely be gone by 23). Basically, more great news for Broncos fans.

The Man I Still Want

I’ve posted before, particularly in my Free Agency Preview in early March/late February, that I wanted the Broncos to go after Jared Allen. He’s a restricted free agent, meaning he’s available to negotiate, but the Chiefs have the right to match the offer. And he’s a quality pass rusher who also plays the run well – a commodity the Broncos lost since Trevor Pryce went down with injury in 2004.

Call me crazy, but I STILL want the Broncos to go after Allen. If anything, the compensation needed to take him away has just lessened significantly! We could easily get the 25-year-old for a Day 2 pick! I don’t know if Kansas City would be willing, but their front office relationship has to be more amicable than the one between the Broncos and Raiders – they’re not so hateful towards each other that they can’t make a deal that would be beneficial for both teams. Is a 4th round pick worth 12 Allen games in 2007? Yes! Is it worth the risk of a year suspension? Yes! We’d spend a 4th round pick to ensure Allen is no longer a Chief, at the least! And the reward – Allen being a career Bronco – is too great to consider a 4th rounder too high of compensation.

Make the move, Shanahan. Make the move.

Lawrence Timmons (#83) takes down Miami’s Kyle Wright. Photo Courtesy

Tomorrow is the NFL Draft, and I honestly feel I’ve exhausted all possible angles in my in-depth pre-draft coverage. Except for one – and this one may be the most important on Saturday, given the recent release of defensive captain Al Wilson, combined with the recent free agent pick-ups of Warrick Holdman and D.D. Lewis – linebackers. Who’s out there? Who’s worth moving up? Who’s worth staying put? And if we have a choice between Jamaal Anderson or Jarvis Moss and Lawrence Timmons, who are we going to take?

The MIKEs

Patrick Willis, ILB, Ole Miss – Patrick Willis is pegged to be taken by Buffalo at 12 by just about every mock out there (including mine). He was extremely productive and still has the potential to improve (particularly in coverage). If We Drafted PW – We’d likely move up to 10 to get him, giving up most (if not all) of the rest of our Day 1 picks. He would be a stalwart inside, and D.J. Williams would stay in nickel packages since he’s better in coverage. It would be a great fit, but I’d rather stay put and take one of these other LBs.

David Harris, ILB, Michigan – A solid 16 tackles for loss in his senior campaign has moved this hard worker to a 1st round grade. More than any other linebacker, this guy reminds me of Wilson coming out – not the quickest, has shorter arms, but has exellent intangibles, including being an instant leader on the field. If We Drafted DH – we could stay put, and even then it could be considered a reach. I’ve said time and time again the Broncos should move down – if we were to do that, this guy could fall right to us and keep Williams on the outside.

The SAMs (and WILLs)

Jon Beason, OLB, Miami (FL) – Could we be targetting another ex-Cane (D.J. Williams)? Beason is the most polised of the OLBs, and the most ready to make an impact immediately in 2007. On top of that, he’s versatile, with experience at all 3 linebacker position. If We Drafted JB – or any of these OLBs, DJ would likely move inside and he would fill in at strong.

Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn St. – “Puz” is the total package, a jack of all trades, but, as the saying goes, a master of none. He has good pass rushing and blitzing skills. He’s solid in coverage and he knows how to make plays. He’s a smart player and a playmaker, with all the intangibles and the hard work you’re looking for. He tends to play himself out of tackles at times, and I’ve read “can play out of control” in more than place. Injuries are a bit of a concern since he destroyed his knee two years ago, but he came back strong in 06 to put up similar stats as the year before. If We Drafted PP – we’d be getting “the best linebacker ever to play at Penn State,” the famous quote given by none other than Hall of Famer Jack Ham.

Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida St. – This guy (in the picture above) has only one year of starting experience, but his measurables are through the roof and has excellent athleticism. He’s the biggest risk/reward of the first round linebackers – he could be the greatest, and just as easily, without the proper honing and coaching, he could turn out to be a bust. An insane 18 tackles for loss out of 79 (roughly 1 in 5 tackles) demonstrates his athletic ability and tendency to make big plays. If We Drafted LT – the beauty of the pick would be in its subtlety. He could develop at strong with Williams and Ian Gold filling in at MIKE and WILL, respectively. The pressure would be off, and he would be free to just eat up runningbacks as he saw fit. He’s my #1 choice for linebacker – it gives Williams his much-deserved chance to shine, and it will let Timmons grow to be the freak that I believe he will be. Has all-time great potential written all over him.

Rumors that are flying today indicate we have our crosshairs on Patrick Willis by trading up to 10 with Houston. I would love that pick, but Timmons is my guy and I hope the Broncos sit still or trade down just a bit to snatch him up. The Draft’s tomorrow – I have to work around 1 PM MDT, so the Broncos should have drafted by then. Look forward to brutal criticism or glowing complements, depending on how I feel at the moment. Knowing our history with Shanahan, and how I’m the blindest Shanny fan there can be, even if I don’t like the pick at first, I know I’ll be turned shortly thereafter.

Well, the Schedule for 2007 is officially posted (see side panel)… Let’s waste no time and dive into the highlights!

We will have at least six nationally televised games in 2007. Three of those will be ESPN’s Monday Night Football games including contests against Greenbay, Tennessee and San Diego. The game pitting Mike Shanahan against former Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak in Houston on December 13th will be televised on the NFL Network. And the only scheduled Sunday Night Game on NBC is against Pittsburgh at home — although four of Denver’s late season games are eligible for the NFL’s Flex Scheduling (allowing them to become the Featured Sunday Night Game).

The preseason will include games at San Francisco and Dallas and then two games at home against Cleveland and Arizona. The regular season will begin on September 9th in New York against the Buffalo Bills.

Other schedule notes:

* Denver’s home games against Oakland and San Diego happen in the first five weeks.

* Denver has road games against both teams from the Super Bowl last year (Colts 9/30 & Bears 11/25).

* Denver’s Bye is Week #6 (the weekend of Sunday the 14th).

* Pittsburgh comes back to Mile High the week after our bye.

* We avoid a trip to Kansas City in December by playing them Nov. 11th.

* From Nov 4th thru X-mas (8 weeks) Denver plays 6 games on the road.

Rocky Mountain News reports that the trade for Al Wilson that had been heavily speculated the past 48 hours is now off. Apparently Wilson even flew to New York for a physical, which he failed, ending the trade negotiations on the spot.

The real news here? The Broncos are really, really serious about moving Wilson. My heart breaks. I’m sure Wilson will get traded somewhere now. I’m just glad we’re not getting something like Justin Tuck and a 4th-round pick for him, which was rumored earlier.

Another Layout Change

I spent most of the day working on the new layout, BroncoBlog v.4.0, which will be unveiled completely with the new domain (still TBA so no one steals my .com). You can check it out here.

Next T³

UPDATED 03/24 — This Tuesday’s Top Ten will be the Top 10 Reasons Al Wilson Should Stay. I could name a hundred, but this will do just fine.

Al Wilson is trade bait.

As the saying goes, where there’s smoke there’s fire. And a lot of smoke has been blowing around Al Wilson‘s camp lately, culminating in the latest report that he is being dangled in trade talks with the New York Giants, the Detroit Lions, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Adam Schefter of the NFL Network has reported that a trade could be finalized as soon as today, Friday, with draft picks and NYG DE Justin Tuck likely involved in the trade.

UPDATE: Obviously hindsight is everything.  This piece ran in early 2007, when we were hoping to keep Wilson and certainly weren’t interested in Tuck, who had done nothing in the league up to that point.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! It was hard enough to lose Trevor Pryce last year, but it was a little more understandable considering his production had seemingly dropped. Wilson was elected to the Pro Bowl just last year, is our defensive captain, and one of the longest-tenured Broncos on the team. He spoke at both funerals for Darrent Williams amd Damien Nash for crying out loud! While Wilson’s camp is spinning this the right way, I can’t help but have this very sour taste in my mouth over the whole thing.

Our cap situation is mostly to blame, with Wilson due between $5 and $6 million this coming year. Word is that Shanahan has been very impressed with Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams, and has been looking for him to start at middle linebacker. This would let him and veteran Ian Gold start in nickel packages. Reportedly Nate Webster could become more involved, while the Broncos would definitely look in the draft to add depth and perhaps find a quality starter.

CBS4 Denver reports this morning that a deal is not as imminent as immediately believed. While this is a bit of relief for me (I mean, anyone is tradeable for the right price, and initial trade talks are very different from continuing talks), I still think that Wilson has likely played his last game in a Broncos uniform.

And I hate it so so much. We’re overspending for aging defensive linemen, and it’s costing us our defensive captain. Is Kernard Lang‘s or Daniel Graham‘s or Travis Henry‘s cap room worth the same as Al Wilson’s? Absolutely not. If you go through with this, Denver, you’re making a huge mistake. If we can’t afford to pay Wilson $6 million this year, we sure as hell shouldn’t be able to pay Graham $30 million over 6 years.