Analyzing The Denver Broncos First Day of the 2009 NFL Draft

The Denver Broncos shocked the NFL world today by selecting Knowshon Moreno with the 12th pick in the NFL Draft today.

Moreno, a former sophomore running back out of the University of Georgia, rushed for over 1000 yards in each of his two seasons against the tough SEC defenses, and scored 33 touchdowns in 26 games at the collegiate level.  Even though he’s under six feet tall, he weighs 207 pounds, and is a very explosive runner.

In a win against Florida in 2007 as a freshman, Moreno rushed for 188 yards, and three touchdowns against the Gators.  With that game, Moreno shows he can perform under pressure, and against good defenses, like that of the Gators. 

If Moreno can transfer the explosiveness that he possessed in college into the NFL, he should have a very successful career.

Broncos fans wanted Moreno, but thought he would be a long shot selection, since the Broncos are mainly going for defense in this year’s draft. 

Moreno was a Heisman Trophy candidate entering his sophomore season, and won the Georgia Bulldogs’ Offensive MVP, finished second in the Doak Walker award voting, which is college football’s award for the best running back, and was All-SEC for the second time in two years.

I really like the pick of Knowshon Moreno.  With the Broncos finishing the year 8-8, and having seven running backs finish the year on the injured reserve, we needed a durable running back to get the job done. 

Moreno, who hasn’t missed a game in his college career, seems to be the guy who can carry the work force for the Broncos.

Entering the season, other than Moreno, the starting running back position could’ve been up for grabs.  With many “average” running backs, anyone could’ve won the job.  However I think Moreno will sweep up the Broncos’ running back mess, and could star under the Broncos’ running system.

Our second pick of the day, and 18th overall in the draft, was Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers.

Ayers, who played in the SEC with Moreno, has had 112 tackles in his collegiate career.  Even though he’s never forced a fumble, Ayers has recorded nine sacks, despite barely playing in his freshman year.

Ayers, a senior, weighs 272 pounds, but Denver Broncos’ head coach Josh McDaniels likes the fact he can perform just as well if he weighed 292 pounds, which means the Broncos might try to bulk up the defensive end. 

Ayers’ best game probably came in his second to last game of his career, against Kentucky.  He recorded six tackles, and two sacks, en route to a 20-10 win over the Wildcats.

The Broncos also selected corner back Alphonso Smith out of Wake Forest, and safety Darcel McBath out of Texas Tech.  Picking up two hard hitters out of two conferences should really help the Broncos’ secondary this year.  And with the last pick of the day, the Broncos picked up tight end Richard Quinn out of North Carolina.

Overall we picked up two players from the SEC, two from the ACC, and one from the Big 12 conference.  All big conferences that know how to play football and should offer a little more experience than other conferences.

Overall, I really like what the Denver Broncos did with the 12th and 18th overall picks in the draft.  Even though I would’ve rather had the Broncos pick Southern California inside linebacker Rey Muauluga instead of Robert Ayers, I can’t be complaining.  They picked up the big defensive end that they needed, without having to trade up for Boston College end B.J. Raji.

Denver Broncos First Day Draft Grade:  B+

Introducing the NFL’s Best Linebacker Trio

I would like to introduce the newest addition to the best linebacking trio in the entirety of the league:

Here comes former Wake Forest star Aaron Curry, added today to the Seahawks’ trifecta of young stud linebackers.

You could see the enthusiasm on his face as he was selected. The raw emotion of the tears streaming out of his eyes was a display not shown by any of the other top ten picks.

Curry could not ever be thankful enough to be landing in his current situation, the tears were not for nothing.

He is now paired with two of the league’s bright rising defensive stars: Leroy Hill and three-time Pro Bowler Lofa Tatupu. The trinity has now been completed.

Curry was a No. 1 pick, Tatupu No. 2, and Hill No. 3; coincidence, or providence?

Instead of being a savior in a Kansas City, Cleveland, or even a Cincinnati, Curry will serve to complete the Seattle’s linebacking puzzle.

The Julian Peterson trade now looks brilliant, as they got 10 years younger at one ‘backer spot and picked the draft’s top-rated player for another. To boot, the ‘Hawks added a new starting DE in Cory Redding, sufficiently filling the void that was Lawrence Jackson and those two sacks last season.

As long as Curry does not bust as big as Rick Mirer did, this will be the first time in recent memory I’ve thrown my support towards Tim Ruskell and his offseason moves.

He filled the WR problem with the top available free agent at the position, T.J. Houshyourmama

He got bigger on the DL with Colin Cole, who gives the Seahawks a 3-4 NT-type to play alongside rising star DT Brandon Mebane

He retained T Ray Willis, who could have been a starter elsewhere.

Plus, he did not draft Mark Sanchez, that should speak for itself.

Yes, the trade for Redding was a bit questionable, as he let go a guy who “simply” went to the Pro Bowl three times in his three years as a Seahawk.

But the payoff came today when Seattle got a guy who could be Julian Peterson for the next 15 years if he plays to his potential.

Ruskell also has paired Kerney with a reliable DE, so look for the Seahawks to be huge on QB pressure to help out that secondary.

Tim also got a future first-round pick for a No. 37 pick today, and although some of the avaiable prospects were tempting, nothing as good as a potential top-10 or 15 pick. Let’s hope the Denver defense can repeat last season’s performance, or lack thereof (cross your fingers).

We could be looking at Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford, or Tim Tebow, wearing the Seahawks green and blue, certainly more appealing then a Dirty Sanchez.

All are in the Seahawks’ grasp now, as they have two first-round picks as ammunition to move up. And all they had to sacrifice was a second-rounder this year

Brilliant draft, and a brilliant day for the Most Depressed Sports City in the Nation.

Seahawks Second-Round Trade with Denver: How Good of a Deal It Can Be?

The Seahawks have made their first trade of the 2009 draft. They swapped their second-round selection (37th overall) to the Denver Broncos for Denver’s first-round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft. And just to make it clear, that 2010 pick from Denver is the Broncos’ pick, not the Chicago Bears pick they recently received in the Cutler trade.

 

With the selection just acquired from the Seahawks, the Broncos selected cornerback Alphonso Smith from Wake Forrest.

 

This trade could be result in a huge boon for the Seahawks if (and only if) the Broncos don’t do that well in the 2009 regular season and end up receiving a top-10 pick in next year’s draft.

 

In that case, it could be great, especially if Seattle gets all of its top players healthy. With a little luck, the Seahawks could go deep in the Playoffs and still have a very high selection.

 

Either way, Seattle now has two first-round picks in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Knowshon Moreno at No. 12: One of the Worst Draft Picks in Recent NFL History

Moreno will be great when he’s on the field, but he’s probably going to get injured for significant chunks of the season.  It is not pessimism or negativism to say so…that is simply the nature of the running back position.

The bizarre thing is that McDaniels said he is stocking up on RBs because the Broncos had seven RBs end up on IR last year…his thinking is completely backwards! 

It is precisely because of the fact that the Broncos had seven RBs end up on IR last year that the very last thing in the world that the Broncos should do is draft a running back in the top half of the first round!  I know that Moreno is not injury prone, but every year there are RBs with a prior reputation for durability who get injured. 

Using a high pick on a RB is worthwhile only as a final piece of the puzzle, in other words to win a Super Bowl within a couple years.  For the Broncos to win a Super Bowl any earlier than 2011 is unrealistic…they should have waited until at least 2011 to draft a stud RB if they really wanted one. 

I know the Broncos later got Robert Ayers, but their defense has so many holes that they absolutely needed to use both first round picks on defenders.

What makes things even more ridiculous is the history at New England.  How did McDaniels not realize that the one first round RB with the Patriots (Lawrence Maroney) ended up not being worth it. 

Last year, the Patriots had injuries simultaneously at one point to Maroney, Sammy Morris, and Lamont Jordan, and they still won games with a practice squad player named Benjarvus Green-Ellis at RB.  The success in New England never depended upon a having a stud running back…the most talented RB to play for the Patriots during the past decade was Corey Dillon, and even he lasted only two seasons. 

What is the point of investing in a rotation of RBs (with the Broncos already having Buckhaulter, Arrington, Jordan, Hillis) when you then invest heavily on one single RB at No. 12 overall?  What is the point of having Josh McDaniels run the offense, a coach with a reputation for being about “the system,” if you make your chief talent acquisition (your highest pick in the draft) on offense instead of on the terrible defense?

Sportmeister’s NFL Draft Previews: Denver Broncos

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

The Broncos have been the soap opera of the off-season.

From firing long-time coach Mike Shanahan to the Jay Cutler tirade, Denver has kept the NFL interesting. Now that the draft is here, it’s time for first-year coach Josh McDaniels to really step up. They were able to grab another first-rounder in the draft, and while many expect them to grab a quarterback of the future, the Broncos need defensive help in the worst way. With Kyle Orton the incumbent starter, Denver might be better off fixing the defensive priorities first, and giving Orton a shot, or looking for a QB in 2010.

Denver Broncos Draft Picks:

Round 1, Pick 12 (12)

Round 1, Pick 18 (18)

Round 2, Pick 16 (48)

Round 3, Pick 15 (79)

Round 3, Pick 20 (84)

Round 4, Pick 14 (114)

Round 5, Pick 13 (149)

Round 6, Pick 12 (185)

Round 7, Pick 16 (225)

Round 7, Pick 26 (235)

Team Need 1: Defensive End

With two number one picks, many expect Denver to use the first one to fill the quarterback need if it’s still there.

Denver is switching to the 3-4, and needs to load up on defensive bodies first and foremost. None of the options the Broncos currently have can command double teams and give linebackers the opportunities to make the plays. That is why Denver needs to focus on a DE with one of their first picks. The best options are going to be Tyson Jackson, Robert Ayers, and Everette Brown, who will switch to LB most likely and play a flex role. At 12 and 18, one of those players should be available, giving Denver the chance to grab a quarterback that they so desperately want, but not ignore the pressing need here.

Team Need 2: Linebacker

Theoretically, if I was running the Broncos, I would use both my first round picks on a DE and an LB, but it’s highly unlikely that will occur.

Instead, Denver is probably going to wait until the second round to snatch a linebacker. With the 3-4 defense, they are going to need someone who can rush the pass from the outside opposite Elvis Dumervil, or they could look at a punishing tackler inside. Considering the great dropoff in talent with ILBs, if Denver cannot look to grab James Laurinaitis, they should wait until the later rounds to grab a project. This should force Denver to look at an OLB, and grab someone like Paul Kruger or Clint Sintim. With a load of picks, Denver should grab a lot of potential contributors to the 3-4.

Team Need 3: Running Back

As The Fantasy Guru Derek states, Mike Shanahan hates your fantasy football team.

Well, Shanahan is gone, but he leaves a gamut of running backs that are not a franchise player. Of Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington, Ryan Torain and Selving Young, it’s a who’s who of nobodies. Denver has a lot of picks, and could look to the later rounds at a Glen Coffee, Rashard Jennings, James Davis, among others. They shouldn’t waste a first-rounder, but should definitely fill this need to help Orton out.

Denver had a crazy off-season, but is ready to put it behind them and focus on the future. They are stacked with picks, so this is an imperative draft to make Josh McDaniels first season a positive one.

Kyle Orton: Why I Like Him

A lot of people that I talk to tell me that trading Jay Cutler was the biggest mistake a coach could have ever made. And to that, I strongly disagree. Although Cutler was a franchise QB AND chosen by most polls to be one of the top 10 in the entire league, I believe Kyle Orton could have done just the same.

Granted, Kyle Orton didn’t have the best season last year, but I don’t think ANY quarterback does great when your best receiver is your running back. That being said, any QB who throws 18 touchdowns, runs for three, and throws for 2972 yards with the main source as the backfield definitely has potential to be a franchise quarterback (in my perspective).

Another reason is because of Denver’s brand new head coach, Josh McDaniels. If I recall, McDaniels was a part of New England’s organization when they won the Super Bowl in 2001. McDanials had worked with Brady, who became the MVP AND the youngest quarterback to win a super bowl.

Go back two years ago, when Tom Brady broke Peyton Manning’s record for most touchdown passes in a single season (50), was named NFL MVP for the season, AND Offensive Player of the Year.

An impressive QB, yes, but you can’t say McDaniels had nothing to do with it. McDaniels also helped improve Matt Cassel last year, and as you all know, Cassel was good enough that the Chiefs traded for him to be their starting QB.

To me, those are legit enough statistics to the point where I can rest easy knowing McDaniels will continue to improve Kyle Orton. On a side note, Orton will have Brandon Stokley (one of the best slot receivers in the NFL), Eddie Royal (One of the top five rookie receivers in the previous season), Tony Scheffler (Denver’s passing receiver, and a good one at that) and Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall to throw to.

And I am very excited to see what he’ll do for us this season

Denver Broncos 2009 Mock Draft: The Beginning of Rebuilding

In the months before the election, many Americans, and specifically Coloradans, were moved by President Obama’s messages of hope, reassessing the American dream, and change.

In August, the Democratic National Convention was held in Denver, and Obama’s commencement speech was given in the Broncos’ beautiful Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium.

Whether Broncos owner Pat Bowlen was in attendance or not I don’t know, but I do know he was swept up in the soon-to-be President’s theme of change.

Bowlen fired long-time, all-time great head coach Mike Shanahan, and with him went exhausted, ineffective ideas and schemes.

With Shanahan came the departure of GMs, yes two, and all previous assistant coaches besides Bobby Turner, running backs coach, and Rick Dennison, special teams coach. Both are tenured, serving Denver as assistant coaches for over a decade each. Included in the firings was Jeremy Bates, offensive play-caller, and the initial request of a trade by Jay Cutler.

In came Josh McDaniels, a young, relatively unproven entity at head coach, able to conceive the greatest offense in the history of the NFL. McDaniels didn’t take much time to make changes of his own, hiring Brian Xanders as GM, and seemingly handing him a list of pink slips to hand out on his first day.

McDaniels and Xanders began to cut the fat off the sluggish, unproductive Broncos team, starting with many defenders. Jamie Winborn, Dwayne Robertson, and Dre’ Bly were the big names to be sent home early, and more have come since then.

Jay Cutler, the latest Denver ex-Bronco, the most prestigious player to leave Broncos country, was unable to swallow his pride and subdue his ego long enough to even look at McDaniels’ extensive and exciting playbook.

McDaniels and Co. were forced into trading away their young gunslinging QB Jay Cutler. Cutler, the one player on the Broncos’ 2008 team that seemed safe, asked to be traded after the month and a half long McJaygate fiasco.

McDaniels and Xander got as close as possible to a “king’s ransom” for the pro bowl quarterback, getting veteran QB Kyle Orton and two first-round draft picks from the Bears.

With the departures came an extensive list of newcomers as well, 16 veteran free agents in all, including Brian Dawkins, Andre Davis, and Chris Simms.

Now, as the draft approaches, beginning tomorrow morning, the Broncos brass must continue to focus on the future of the organization.

2009 will be the first time in Denver Broncos history that the team has two picks in the first-round, and how they use them will be crucial.

Will the Broncos try to package the No. 12 and 18 picks together in order to move up drastically and have a chance at QB Mark Sanchez?

I say no because Denver would be better served taking two players in order to add as much talent as possible. Sayre Bedinger, B/R Broncos Community leader, agrees the Broncos won’t take Sanchez; read his reasons here.

Instead, Denver will use both picks separately and grab two different players-of-need.

Following is my Denver Broncos’ mock draft for 2009. Instead of speculating where Denver will trade picks, which is likely to happen with 10 overall, I will assume the Broncos will pick at the spots they currently own.

 

1. B.J. Raji DT (12th overall)

The Broncos’ biggest weakness at this point is defensive line, and Raji could be a great DT in the NFL.

At 6’2”, 337 pounds, Raji is a beast of a tackle, and can create penetration when needed. In his senior season, Raji had 42 tackles (22 solo), 16 stops behind the line, and a team-high eight sacks.

This young player could be the centerpiece of the Broncos’ new defensive line for years to come.

 

2. Brian Cushing OLB (18th overall)

Denver’s second most glaring weakness currently is at linebacker, and as they shift to the 3-4, an OLB is needed. While Rey Maualuga would be an awesome addition, he will likely go earlier than 18th. Some are predicting just a few earlier, 16th to San Diego.

Cushing though, is a great linebacker, “considered one of the finest strong side outside-linebackers in the game” according to NFL.com. He can blitz, track down running backs, and drop back into pass coverage.

Cushing would be an excellent complement to D.J. Williams on the weak-side, and would definitely improve the Broncos’ defense.

 

3.  Sean Smith CB (48th overall)

Smith, a converted receiver to cornerback, is new to the position but could learn much under Champ Bailey and the other veterans in Denver’s defensive backfield.

He had 46 tackles (23 solo), a forced fumble, nine defended passes, and five interceptions in his senior season in which he started all but one game. At 6’4”, 214 pounds, Smith would be an imposing figure as a corner, matching up well with the bigger receivers in the NFL game today.

The Broncos need a CB, as many of their DBs are aging; if not Smith, look for them to take at least one somewhere.

 

4.  Rashad Johnson S (79th overall)

Johnson could be undersized at 5’11”, 204 pounds, but he left Alabama a captain and was considered the SEC’s premier safety in 2008.

The safety had 89 tackles (60 solo), caused a fumble, and led Alabama with five interceptions and 11 passes defended.

He could be a great complement to Brian Dawkins’ hard hitting style as a safety that can cover.

 

5. Graham Harrell QB (84th overall)

The Broncos need a quarterback somewhere in this draft, so why not Harrell?

In 2008, Harrell passed for 5,111 yards, 45 touchdowns, compared to only nine interceptions for Texas Tech. He is heralded as a strong leader with decent mobility. However, a weakness could be his long ball, as he “does not have a cannon arm” according to NFL.com.

But Harrell would be a nice addition to the Broncos, competing for a job against Orton and Simms.

6.  Derek Walker DE (114th overall)

Walker, at 6’4”, 268 pounds has a legitimate NFL body, and uses his quickness off the ball to get around the edge of offensive tackles.

Walker proved to be versatile in his senior season at Illinois, playing all four lineman positions, and starting every game but one. He had 33 tackles, two fumble recoveries, intercepted a pass, and even blocked a field goal.

Walker would be a welcomed addition to Denver’s front seven.

 

7. Edwin Williams C (149th overall)

Williams was a solid three-year starter for Maryland, and was a first team All-ACC selection his senior year in 2008.

He is a leader on the offensive line, and is alert to blitzes. However, Williams lacks speed and can lunge at second-level defenders at times.

Denver, though, needs a center as Wiegmann enters his 14th season at the position.

 

8. Sam Swank K (185th overall)

The Broncos should take a kicker to compete with second-year player Matt Prater, as Prater missed many key field goals in 2008.

Swank has a legitimate NFL leg, routinely kicking field goals over 50 yards, and could help Denver’s special teams if he were to beat out Prater.

 

9. Curtis Taylor FS (225th overall)

As both of Denver’s safeties are aging, it may be in their best interest to select two. If that is the case, Taylor would be a good find late in the draft. His 6’2”, 209 pound frame is perfect for the position and he is quite athletic.

 

10. Herb Donaldson RB (235th overall)

Donaldson is a relative unknown from Western Illinois, but would improve the Broncos’ depth at running back. He posted over 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns his senior season, a prospect that could become valuable later in his career.

So there you have it, my mock draft for 2009. The Broncos could pick any of these players, or none at all. Much of that depends on where players are taken and at what picks.

No matter what though, Denver needs to focus on defense in this draft, adding few offensive players here and there to bolster the squad. However, if they were to move up to take one of the two potentially great QBs, that would be beneficial also.

When all is said and done, the Denver Broncos will be a much improved team after this weekend.

 

Denver Broncos: What Will the Broncos do on Draft Day?

 

Let’s Play GM

Now that the smoke has finally settled from what has become affectionately known as “McJaygate” there seems to be a peace in the Mile High area as Head Coach Josh McDaniels prepares for his first NFL Draft or could it just be the calm before the storm? When the deed went down a few weeks ago, there were many skeptics and critics that did not agree with the decision to trade away your former first round pick for a journey man quarterback.

Now that we’ve had time to digest, what has changed? One thing seems to be certain, McDaniels appears content to remain steady with his two quarterbacks (Orton and Simms).

 

If this is the case and Mr. Peter King (SI.com) is correct with his assessment that McDaniels really likes Orton, then as the Bronco’s GM what do you do with your two picks?

As part of the Cutler deal, the Bronco’s inherited the Bears 2009 first round pick at number 18. If you are the team’s GM what do you do with your two first round draft picks? This is a dilemma that the team’s new GM Brian Xanders is facing.

If Orton is now the right guy in Denver, then the answers for Xanders and McDaniels seem logical. Following one of the worst seasons this franchise has ever seen with their defense finishing near the bottom in 2008, this should be the focus on Saturday.

This year’s pool of prospects is filled with a great many talents and the Bronco’s should have plenty of opportunity to snag a couple at 12 and 18 in the first round of the draft on Saturday. At number 12, the team could easily target one of this year’s talented class of linebackers and out of Southern California, there are three (Brian Cushing, Ray Maualuga, & Clay Matthews) to choose from alone.

Switching to the more traditional 3-4 defensive scheme the Broncos are in need of strong inside linebacker play as well as a big man in the middle to play nose tackle. Some experts think that Boston College’s B.J. Raji (DT) could fall to number 12 and this is where the Broncos should look, but it is not likley that he’ll slide that far. Another name that will be on the team’s radar, but it is unlikely he’ll last past the top 10 is Texas’Brian Orakpo (DE).

Again there is plenty of talent to consider, but the way the draft is likely to shape up, the Broncos will likely have their pick of litter (past Aaron Curry) at the linebacker position. All signs would point towards the Broncos taking inside linebacker Ray Maualuga. His addition inside could allow LB D.J. Williams to move back to a more natural outside linebacker position.

At number 18, the team would then be able to look for a defensive playmaker in the secondary or up front. Defensive end Tyson Jackson (LSU) and defensive tackle Jerry Peria (Ole Miss) could be potential targets for this spot if the team is looking for their needed help up front or they could give a look at corner back Vontae Davis (Illinois). Davis is considered one of the best athletes and defensive backs in the nation entering this year’s draft.

If I am the GM of the Broncos my choices may not be quite clear yet, but with two first round picks I know I have very good choices. The speculation of making a deal to draft up would not be a consideration. While the future could look promising with a young arm, why tie up so much cash on a promise, when I can build for now.

 

Based on what I know about Orton and what I believe in McDaniels as an orchestrator and offensive mind, my needs to be addressed in this year’s draft will be the defense.  I am confident that the arms I have in camp will be adequate for my team to compete.

So where do I go and what do I look for; an inside playmaker, an immovable force up front, and a stud defensive back will be high on my charts for 2009.

 

 

By David G. Ortega

 

 

Why Knowshon Moreno Would Be A Smart Choice For The Denver Broncos

The NFL’s biggest offseason event, the Draft, is now only one day away. By Monday, all the guessing, all the mock drafts, and all the speculation will be finished.

Each team will have seven aspiring young men hoping to make a name for themselves at the highest level.

But before that can happen, the GM’s, Scouts, and Coaches must do their jobs. Correctly picking the right players for a specific team is a skill practiced by professionals, amateurs, and fans alike.

When the 12th, and later the 18th picks come into the spotlight, Josh McDaniels, Brian Xanders, and the rest of the scouting staff for the Denver Broncos will have 15 minutes to get it right.

The Denver Broncos will be drafting defense in the first round, we can be sure of that. They have two picks, and therefore they can also afford to use one of them on offense, if Coach McDaniels chooses to do so.

If an offensive player is drafted by Denver on Saturday (the first and second rounds), it should be Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno.

With their first pick, the 12th pick, the Broncos will most likely draft a defensive lineman or linebacker. Tyson Jackson and B.J. Raji (if he’s available) are the most practical and obvious targets.

Presumably, the Broncos will have a defensive hole filled by the time their second first round pick, the 18th acquired from Chicago in the Jay Cutler deal, rolls around.

With the 18th pick, it is almost certain that Moreno, arguably the top running back in this year’s draft, will be on the board.

Most mock drafts have Moreno going to the Philadelphia Eagles with the 21st overall pick. Others have him going as late as the 29th pick, and still others have him going in the top 10.

If the Broncos are forced to decide between Moreno and a defensive player such as “Ziggy” Hood, Clay Matthews, or Peria Jerry, it would be wise for them to go with Moreno, who is a better value overall.

Running back is a definite need for the Broncos. If last year’s new-starter-every-week trend is going to be prevented in 2009, the team will need as many quality backs as they can get.

Currently, the Broncos have five running backs on their roster. They include LaMont Jordan, J.J. Arrington, Correll Buckhalter, Ryan Torain, and Selvin Young. Peyton Hillis is listed as a fullback.

The current group includes two career-backups (Arrington and Buckhalter) and two younger guys still trying to prove themselves (Torain and Young).

The one thing this group does not have is a true star back. A guy who will be the starter every week and who will definitively lead the team in overall rushing.

Jordan and Hillis are big, strong backs who may be used on the goal line. Arrington made a name for himself as a third-down runner. Buckhalter has always been a solid backup. None have experience being the true No. 1 guy.

Moreno could be “that guy” for the Broncos. He has tremendous upside and very few negatives. Analysts have put him on their “can’t miss” lists.

His only weaknesses; the lack of “top-gear” kind of speed and smaller frame have caused some teams to shy away from him. The Broncos do not need a big back. They already have Jordan and Hillis.

If a scenario happens where the team must choose between Moreno and a slightly-lower potential defensive player, it would be a smart move to draft the running back and leave the defense for the second round and beyond.

Considering the man making the decisions for the Broncos, Josh McDaniels, is an offensive guy by instinct, it is not unreasonable to think that he might draft an offensive player with good talent over a defensive player. Especially if they have a Tyson Jackson-type player already drafted.

It is also important to consider that the Denver offense will have to be more balanced in 2009.

2008’s offense was dominated by the passing game to the point where the team would use empty-backfield shotgun formations for drives on end.

Without Jay Cutler the offense will be more dependant on the running game, and as the old adage goes “the run will set up the pass.”

A good running game with a star back at the front of a deep group would undoubtedly take pressure off of Kyle Orton, Chris Simms, or whoever the starting quarterback may be.

The Broncos should think carefully about drafting Knowshon Moreno with the 18th pick, as it will be a move they are unlikely to regret.

Be sure to follow the draft this weekend (April 25th and 26th) on the NFL Network, NFL.com, ESPN, and other sports broadcasting services. It will be an interesting day.

Mark Sanchez: Three Reasons the Denver Broncos Shouldn’t Trade Up for the USC QB

Contrary to what I have previously reported, the Denver Broncos (according to the Denver Post and ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio) have inquired about trading up in order to draft USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. 

I have stated that Denver has a “one percent chance” of landing Sanchez and that the only real option for him coming to Denver would be falling to the 12th overall pick. 

I still stand by that statement.

Despite the fact that I have virtually guaranteed that Sanchez will not be acquired by the Broncos, especially by trade, the media surrounding Denver (Mike Klis, Denver Post) is doing their best to make me look like a fool. Still, I stand by my statement that Denver absolutely should not trade up for the hottest prospect in the draft.

Sure, he has the “it” factor, but if Denver “sells the farm” to move up and get him, they are sorely mistaken. 

Not that it will ever matter to him, but if Josh McDaniels tries to trade for Mark Sanchez, here is a list of gripes I will have.

 

1. Why?

You have absolutely set your team up in a perfect position to improve the defense greatly. Why are you trying to throw that away? Certainly not for a lack of talent, as Denver fans are absolutely split on which players to take with their two first round picks. 

Ayers? Jackson? Maualuga? Cushing? Matthews? Raji? Laurinaitis? Jenkins? Butler? 

You have an opportunity to fix the part of Denver’s squad that actually struggled last season. If you trade up for Sanchez, you are wasting it.

 

2. Guaranteed money

Matt Ryan made over $30 million last year in guaranteed money alone. Any quarterback taken in the top 10 will command at least that. 

Is a guy whose college coach did not even think he was ready to leave school really worth it? Sure, he looks like a superstar without the pads on, but will he earn his paycheck this year, or will he sit on the bench behind Kyle Orton or Chris Simms?

3. Instant Impact?

What kind of impact will Sanchez have this year? Next year? 

Mark Sanchez is not even going to play for Denver in 2009 unless there are injuries to Simms and Orton. It simply seems ridiculous that the Broncos would move up to get him.

 

Overall, the report on ESPN that Denver is looking to trade up for the former USC star is bogus in my mind. In fact, I just heard Ed Werder quote Josh McDaniels as saying, “No player in the draft is worth [the Broncos’] two first round picks. If they thought they were one player away, then they would make the move. But they are not one player away.”

Denver cannot afford this.

They have too many needs on defense, and Sanchez will not have an immediate impact.  In fact, three years down the road, Sanchez may be getting dumped due to the fact that McDaniels could be getting fired if he makes this risky move.

Josh McDaniels is smarter than this, and the Broncos will not be moving into the top 10 of the draft to take Mark Sanchez.

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