Memo to Josh McDaniels: Let Peyton Hillis Play Tight End

(Above: That’s the body language of a guy who just lost his job.)

Peyton Hillis, the country boy known best for blocking at Arkansas, rather than running over linebackers, had his chance.

And no, he didn’t blow it. At least, not by performing poorly or turning the ball over.

It was just plain, bad luck.

The fact is, Hillis was Mike Shanahan’s last resort when running backs started dropping like flies in 2008, and by some miracle, plotting the former fullback into the starting lineup turned out to be the best coaching move Shanahan made last season.

Hillis ultimately found his way on IR, but before he did, he was an absolute magician on the field, making spectacular catches, running through and around defenders, and always having a nose for the first down or goal-line.

It’s as simple as this: Hillis is a gamer. The kid can play.

He’s stocky and doesn’t have 4.4 speed, but he is ultra athletic and versatile, and actually runs in the low 4.5’s, making him an ideal prospect for a bruiser at running back.

However, after Shanahan was shown the door, so too were Hillis’ dreams of ever starting at tailback again for the Denver Broncos.

Rather than hold steady and give Hills a chance, after he ran for over 340 yards, five touchdowns, and averaged five yards per carry, new coach Josh McDaniels brought in several washed-up veterans to compete, and then drafted Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno.

This, all coming from the guy who drove Jay Cutler out of town.

A regular Ted Thompson.

But I’ve already made my gripes about all of that. I get it; Hillis isn’t a running back in Denvers’ mind, and probably not for many other teams, either.

That’s fine.

But what isn’t fine, is wasting this guy’s heart and talent as a blocking back, trying to create a poor man’s Mike Alstolt, or worse, not letting him touch the ball at all.

Game tape alone shows how versatile and athletic Hillis is, but a quick glance at the numbers also show his potential to be dominant in several different facets.

So, I say this: If he can’t tote the ball, then let him catch it, dance around, and score some touchdowns.

There’s just one problem, and his name is Tony Scheffler.

But I’ve got the perfect solution for McDaniels. Do away with Scheffler, just as he did with Cutler. After all, Scheffler wants more money and is already upset about losing his friend and quarterback.

So kill two birds with one stone. After all, Hillis has great hands, excellent body control, and is a better overall athlete than Scheffler.

Hillis has solid size for a tight end at 6’2”, and at 250 lbs, clearly has the mass to take on defensive ends and linebackers.

We already know he can block, help out in the running game, and after seeing him destroy Miami with seven catches for 116 yards and a touchdown last November, he clearly can catch in traffic, and can get yards after the catch.

The point is, if McDaniels doesn’t do something with this kid other than line him up as a blocker, he’s making his second dumbest move in only his first season.

Despite Hillis still being on the team, if he’s not used properly and allowed to display his abilities, it will be the second complete waste of talent by Denver management and coaching in just one year.

It’s perfect, really.

One look at Hillis, and you instantly think-Dallas Clark and Chris Cooley.

That, or one-man wrecking crew.

Richard Quinn: Denver Broncos’ Newest Tight End Has High Hopes, Realistic Goals

When the Denver Broncos obtained the final pick of the first day of the 2009 NFL Draft from the Pittsburgh Steelers, many expected the Josh McDaniels regime to go with a defensive player.

Instead, he shocked nearly every Broncos fan by selecting little known tight end Richard Quinn out of North Carolina.

Quinn was rated behind Brandon Pettigrew as the best blocking tight end in the draft, but as we all know, blocking is not the most appealing attribute for a tight-end prospect at this level.

Still, the Broncos were in need of depth at this position. Behind veteran Daniel Graham are Tony Scheffler, Jeb Putzier, and now Richard Quinn, who will likely assume the third tight end duties.

Many Broncos fans were upset with the selection of Quinn, as a third tight end was not very high on the wish list of a fan base that saw arguably the worst defensive performance in franchise history in 2008.

Now that the draft has passed and the dust has settled, the drafting of Quinn is shaping out to be one of the more intriguing moves the Broncos have made this offseason. 

Even when he first arrived in Denver, Quinn told the press he was shocked the Broncos called his number on day one of the draft, and that he was expecting to go somewhere in the third to fifth rounds.

McDaniels made it very clear that he did not care when a player was “supposed” to be drafted and went out and got his man regardless. 

Quinn was the fifth pick on the first day for the Denver Broncos and the second offensive player selected.

While he is known mainly for his blocking skills, the former Tar Heel really impressed scouts with his pass-catching abilities during offseason workouts and could be a very valuable asset in the red zone, an area in which the Broncos struggled to convert in 2008.

“Oh yeah. I make sure I try to take advantage of every opportunity when the ball comes my way,” Quinn said.

Many seem to forget that as bad as Denver was on defense last year, their second ranked offense in terms of yardage struggled to put points on the board, finishing just 16th in the NFL in scoring offense.

With the additions of players like Jabar Gaffney, Knowshon Moreno, Blake Schlueter, LaMont Jordan, and now Quinn, the Broncos appear to have a group that can be effective in the red zone.

While the experience of the NFL was surreal at first, Quinn said he now realizes that it is time to get to work, and as a second-round pick, he needs to learn quickly.

“[The NFL] is just very, very fast. I’m just trying to keep up with the speed of the game—knowing what to do when you’re on the line—just kind of process everything and know what you have to do when you get on the ball,” Quinn said.

When he was drafted, Quinn jumped out to many as a guy who compares very favorably to current Broncos tight end Daniel Graham. It only seems fitting that Graham would be a great mentor for the youngster.

“Daniel Graham has been taking me a little bit, after a play he will pull me to the side and tell me what I should have done better on that play,” Quinn said.

“[He gives] me little hints and tips to not make the same mistakes on the next play.  Daniel Graham is a good leader, good guy. I really respect him a lot.”

Quinn also believes the depth the Broncos have at tight end has been a big help for not only him, but everyone else at his position.

“We’ve got some very talented guys out there on the field. Guys running around, making plays. It’s exciting to watch,” Quinn said.

“We’re getting better everyday…I always try to pay attention to what the veteran guys are doing at first so when it’s time for me to go up, I know exactly what to do: try to minimize all my mistakes as much as possible.”

While Quinn’s contributions may go largely unnoticed in 2009, the second-round pick will not disappoint Bronco fans. His blocking and pass-catching abilities in the red zone should bring instant impact to this team’s offense.

The Crux of the Issue on the Denver Broncos: The Linebackers

Will.  Jack.  Mike.  Sam.

These four names are the titles of the linebacker positions in a 3-4 defense.  The Denver Broncos are now acquainted with these titles and the defense as a whole. You see the Broncos are no longer Mike Shannahan’s team, they are Josh McDaniel’s team. 

While many people focus on the offensive changes that are occurring on the Broncos, such as the loss of Pro-Bowl QB Jay Cutler and the addition of Kyle Orton an even more important change has occurred.  That is the evolution of the Denver defense that was ranked 29th yardage wise and 30th point wise last season under Slowik.

The new coach is Mike Nolan, a man who has a proven track record in improving defenses, he did this in San Fransisco, Baltimore, New York (Jets), Washington, and New York (Giants). 

As the Defensive Coordinator for the Denver Broncos, Mike Nolan will have the difficult task of turning one of the worst defenses in the league to a championship caliber defense.  The first thing to do was to change the 4-3 the Broncos were previously using, and make that into a 3-4, a model familiar to Head Coach McDaniels and Mike Nolan. 

Now, this article is primarily focusing on one singular part of the 3-4 defense, possibly the most important part. We’re going to focus on the playmakers in this rare defense: the linebackers.  Now, in the 3-4 defense, there are four linebacker positions Will, Jack, Mike, and Sam. 

Will is the weakside outside linebacker or the outside linebacker that is on the opposite side of where the Tight End would line up. 

Jack is the weakside inside linebacker or the inside linebacker away from the Tight End position as well. 

Mike is the strongside inside linebacker that is the inside linebacker that is closer to the Tight End. 

Lastly there is Sam, the strongside outside linebacker or the linebacker that lines up on the outside directly against the Tight End.

Position by position, this is how we would fill each position, based on depth charts, training camp performances, and educated guesses.

 

Will

So the first position to talk about is the weakside outside linebacker.  Now for the most part this is the position that will get the most sacks because they will be going up against no TE so they have a clearer path to the QB. 

So we are looking for a guy that can rush the QB, play athletically, have good speed, and still be able to cover the field if needed to make an open field tackle.  Right now there are two real candidates for this position, which is Elvis Dumervil the front-runner and Jarvis Moss the backup right now. 

Both are former defensive ends that have had to convert to become the outside linebackers for this team.  Dumervil is more of a tweener, too small to play a 4-3 end and linebacker, but the right size for a 3-4 outside linebackers. 

Moss was actually recognized as the fit for a 3-4 outside linebacker in the draft, before being drafted as a 4-3 defensive end.  Now Dumervil had 8.5/12.5 sacks in his first two years as an undersized defensive end, using wonderful moves and his quickness.  Now being able to hide under the big defensive ends in the 3-4 gives him a distinct advantage. 

He also has been smooth in coverage, which has been very important in this transition.  Moss is a 6’6″ monster, who has been labeled a bust seeing as he has failed to produce over the past year.  He has size, speed, and athleticism that weren’t used well during his time as a defensive end. 

Both have attacked the role with enthusiasm, but in the end I am expect Jarvis Moss to come as the starting weakside outside linebacker because his talent will be more balanced for the position. 

Elvis Dumervil will still be a good pass rusher so expect him to be woven in on blitz packages, using his speed, size, and moves he should be effective on passing downs.

 

Jack

There is no competition at the Jack spot which is the weakside inside linebacker in the 3-4 on the Denver Broncos. It has been claimed by the Broncos most formidable linebacker in all these years, D.J Williams. 

In 11 games, he recorded 93 tackles and 2.5 sacks.  He also had a beastly game against the Saints recording 16 tackles. He was able to accumulate all these stats while injured a good part of those 11 games. 

Now remember, when Nolan changed the 49er’s defense, he made Patrick Willis the same position as D.J will play.  Under Nolan’s guide, Willis became a Pro-Bowler something that could very well happen to D.J seeing as both of them are comparable.  D.J has already attacked his role with excitement stating in this position he can,” Go to the ball and make plays.”

 

Mike

Now Mike is the strongside inside linebacker, this is probably one of the most important positions for the 3-4 defense. 

Because the strongside inside linebacker does a lot more running stopping it is very crucial to be able to start the tempo early, meaning that not only does the strongside have to stop the run, and make plays but they also have to generally face more blockers.

Now on the Broncos there are three players that are vying for the starting spot, that is Andra Davis, Wesley Woodyard, and Spencer Larsen. 

Davis is the veteran of these three, and will most likely be the one who starts from day one but because the position is backed up by both expect that both will get significant playing time early in the year and then one will most likely steal the spot by the halfway point. 

I expect this will be Wesley Woodyard, he has been a beast, making plays all over the field and at the same time being able to hold his ground and stop the runs even with more blockers. 

Behind him Spencer Larsen will still get some playing time, but because he is used more as a utility for a couple different positions he won’t be starting as an inside linebacker, but rotating between his positions.  Davis will be the starter for the first five or so weeks but then expect it to be Woodyard.

 

Sam

The last position is Sam, the strongside outside linebacker.   This is a position that also gets sacks, but it is also a position that deals a lot with the running game that tries to cut to the outside. 

For Sam to do the job properly, the position needs to be played by someone who is a bit bigger but at the same time has athletic ability to make the plays in the backfield and to the quarterback. 

There is also a large possibility that a lot of the QB’s blindsides are protected by extra blockers, which means that the strongside outside linebacker must be able to get past through power and skill with speed in order to pressure the QB.  Now right now there is a front runner for this position as well, it is Darrell Reid. 

He used to be the former defensive tackle in a 4-3 for the Colts, so he obviously has the size.  The big question has been his ability to add speed and athleticism to that frame and make the plays that are needed.  

Yet he has shown the coaches so far that he is capable of that.  Like the inside linebacker this is a position that is subject to change because behind him is the first-round pick for the Broncos, Robert Ayers.  Ayers is the definition of Sam, he is a big guy, but he also possesses a lot of athleticism that is required to play the position. 

Another big point in his favor is the fact that he is familiar with the Five-Technique that is often used to set up in a 3-4.  With this experience, his youth, his frame, and talent do not expect him to be a backup for very long. 

Even as a backup he will get plenty of playing time as a strongside outside linebacker, the thing is though he will have to prove himself ready for the big leagues.  Reid to start, Ayers to take over eventually.

This is the most important part to a 3-4, the linebackers are the heart and soul of the 3-4, if they fail the team will fail.  In the end the defensive line maybe very important but they are just there to take up space and really provide a smokescreen for the defense. 

I don’t know if the linebackers will succeed but the linebackers will be the ones that will have to pick up the slack and make the plays to lead this team to victory. 

At the end of the day, the linebackers are the core of this team, and they must be strong so the defense and ultimately the team can build off them.

Go Broncos!

Josh McDaniels: Success or Failure?

After Denver Bronco owner Pat Bowlen fired Mike Shanahan, the search for a new head coach began.  After taking into consideration all possible options, it was decided that New England’s offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels would be the best option.

The decision to hire McDaniels was met with mixed feelings.  Some thought he would be the guy who could turn around a struggling team, primarily on defense, and make them into the playoff-caliber team they once were.  Others looked at the situation and questioned whether McDaniels knew what to do to turn the team around.

More people began to question this new coach after a dispute with franchise QB Jay Cutler led to his trade to Chicago in return Kyle Orton and several draft picks.  However, he would get a chance to prove his worth in the NFL draft.

Going into the draft, the main concern most fans had was the defensive line.  Last year’s line was one of the worst in the league, and the defense finished 29th overall.  It was apparent that Denver needed some new players.  With the switch to the 3-4, finding players who knew the scheme was also important.

McDaniels, however, had other things on his mind.  For his first pick, not only did he skip D-line, but the entire defense as well, going instead with RB Knowshon Moreno.  Now, Moreno is good, and a lot of the good linemen were taken, but there were still some players who could help turn the defense around.

For his second pick, McDaniels came did draft a D-lineman in Robert Ayers.  However, Ayers is a 4-3 lineman and has no experience for the 3-4.  But it is a step in the right direction.

The third pick is one of the most questioned, with Alphonso Smith being taken.  Now, Smith is a very good CB but does not help improve Denver’s poor defense.  And to get him, Denver traded one of their first round picks next year, as well as a third round this year, to Seattle.

Pick No. 4 was safety Darcel McBath, a player that can help out a lot in the secondary in a few years.  But by this time, people were beginning to wonder.  Surely McDaniels would pick someone who could help on the D-line.  Or at least maybe a LB.  Those were the two most crucial positions.

The fifth pick was the worst of the draft, TE Richard Quinn, a blocking tight end, something Denver has zero use for, at least with defense being a problem.

The sixth pick McDaniels had would also be the last defensive player he would pick.  safety David Bruton was picked, a follow-up to McBath.

There is no need to mention the rest of the picks.  Denver needed defensive linemen who knew and were successful in the 3-4.  They did not fill that need.

Now, serious questions are being raised about McDaniels.  Can he lead the team?  Does he know what he’s doing?

There is still potential for McDaniels to prove himself as a good head coach.  It will be difficult considering the decisions he has made so far.  However, Bowlen is willing to give him a chance and so should the fans.

Aligning the Denver Broncos’ Stars

It is coming—that time of year when you have the highest of hopes for your team. Not a real team but your fantasy team.  Fantasy draft day is probably the best day of the season.  Nothing has gone wrong yet. No injuries, bye week dilemmas or tough matchups. My sleeper picks haven’t hit the snooze button. It is a beautiful day.

 

The question is, what can we expect from the Bronco’s stars this year? It is only June, so this is a first stab at it.  I reserve the right to change my mind as the offseason progresses. 

 

 

Quarterback

 

Since we don’t know for sure who the starter is, I’ll assume it is Kyle Orton. Putting a value on Orton may be tricky. New team, better line, new scheme, upgraded receivers there are a lot of questions. Every question is on the upside, but his value last year is still holding him back. 

 

I would put Orton in the really good backup category. He isn’t a top-tier guy up there with Brady and Manning, but could be a starting caliber QB in larger leagues or leagues that allow more than one QB to play (I hate those leagues, but they are out there).  Orton has a lot of sleeper potential and can most likely be had at a bargain price.

 

 

Running Back

 

History has shown that RB is the one position where rookies can consistently make an impact. Every year, there are rookie running backs that light up the league.

 

This year’s star is Denver’s own, Knowshon Moreno. If you are a Bronco’s fan, especially in a keeper league, you owe it to yourself to get this guy.  Don’t spend the next five years cringing every time he scores a TD. Your Sundays will be ruined. He will be a starter on your team. Not worth your first pick but consider grabbing him on the way back down.

 

Denver’s other running backs hold little value except as backups. If someone besides Moreno gets the starting nod, it will be a committee situation that has frustrated many Bronco’s RB owners over the past several years. They will have value but it will be limited.

 

 

Wide Receivers

 

This is the Bronco’s strongest suit, and with the wide-open offensive style that we are expecting them to run, there could be a lot of value here.

 

Brandon Marshall is the crown jewel of the Bronco’s WR corps.  The problem is we still have questions about his full-season availability.  I am of the opinion that he will be suspended for some time this year.  Delaying his trial until August just adds to the uncertainty. 

 

I would say even with the risk of losing him for some period of time, Marshall still has top 10 WR value (top five without those concerns). Any player can be lost to injury, so value him as a more injury-prone WR with great upside.  Steve Smith and Marshall both posted good numbers last year despite their suspensions.

 

Eddie Royal also has value in fantasy leagues. He could be a starter in a 12-team league but most likely only a backup in eight-team leagues. Still, there is a lot of upside, and it only increases with the spread offense and the risk of losing Marshall to suspension. There will be very few leagues in which Royal remains a free agent.

 

The other Bronco receivers most likely have little fantasy value.  Brandon Stokley will have a reduced rol,l and Jabar Gaffney will get his opportunity, but will not be a fantasy star. Keep an eye on them, and be prepared to pounce if Marshall is suspended.

 

 

Tight End

 

This is an area I am not real sure about.  Both Tony Scheffler and Daniel Graham are good receivers, but we don’t know how much Josh McDaniels will use them as receivers.  No position is more dependent on the coach’s discretion in fantasy football than the TE.

 

The fact that Scheffler spent most of the offseason as trade bait makes me concerned about his value. If not for this, I would value him as a potential starter in a 12-team league, though he was a marginal starter at best last year. He has also not completed a 16-game season, so with that I would consider him a quality backup.

 

Graham has always excelled as a blocker. He seems to have some great pass catching ability and has made some clutch catches for the Broncos, but he does not have a lot of fantasy value. No points awarded for great blocks.

 

 

Defense/Special Teams

 

You have to be a Bronco’s fan to draft Denver as your primary defense.  Their lackluster return ability, field goal percentage, inability to create turnovers and propensity to give up huge points over the past few years makes them a homer pick at best. Not that I haven’t made home picks in the past. 

 

The secondary should be improved, but creating turnovers is also dependent on pass rush. I don’t have the confidence in them until we see them on the field.

 

I have never played in a league with IDP’s ,so I will defer to someone else on that.

 

Good luck this year to everyone who plays and may your euphoria last past draft day.

 

Best Slot Receiver Ever? Brandon Stokley Held in High Regard by Peers

If there is one player on the Denver Broncos who has been part of some big moments in NFL history, it is wide receiver Brandon Stokley.

Since being selected in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Stokley has had his share of the spotlight.

In his rookie season he caught three passes in the Super Bowl, including a 38-yard touchdown strike in the first quarter.

During the 2004 season, he caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning that not only gave Manning the single-season passing touchdowns record, but also made the Indianapolis Colts the first team in NFL history with three wide receivers to have over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns each.

While Stokley may not see it this way, getting injured for all but four games of the 2005 and 2006 seasons was a blessing in disguise.

When he became a free agent on March 1st of 2007, he was not considered to be among the big names on the market.  He was coming off of a serious Achilles injury, and many considered his playing days to be over, especially since he was not going to be catching passes from Peyton Manning anymore.

Stokley signed a fairly modest two year contract with the Denver Broncos in the summer of 2007, but the Broncos would soon learn that he was worth far more than he was getting paid.

In the 2007 season, Stokley played in 13 games and caught 40 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns.  Undoubtedly though, the most important statistic for Stokley was the fact that he averaged 15.9 yards per reception, easily a first down and then some.

In 2008, it was much of the same from Stokley.  He played through injuries, and in 15 games caught 40 passes for 528 yards and three touchdowns.  Even though his average per reception was not as good, he still had 10.8 yards per catch.

Since his days in Indianapolis, Stokley has been known for being sure-handed on third downs, which is what new Broncos Head Coach Josh McDaniels remembers him for.

“He’s been a pain in the butt from afar really,” McDaniels said. “He’s been one of the best third-down receivers in the league in terms of getting open past the sticks and converting and keeping the offense on the field…He’s a good person for some of our young players to emulate.”

And the young players are definitely taking notice. 

Stokley is said to be one of the top slot receivers the game has ever known by some scouts, and second year player Eddie Royal hopes to become a Wes Welker type slot player in the Broncos’ new offense.

“He’s been great for me—great in helping me grow as a wide receiver,” Royal said. “Just watching him in the slot every day, they should teach tape just watching him, every route he runs. It’s great getting little tips from him.”

While Stokley himself said he feels a bit like he signed as a free agent with another team due to the change in system, Josh McDaniels thinks he is a good fit with what is being called “Patriots West”.

“Brandon is certainly a veteran player who has done a lot of great things in this league and fits really well into our system and what we do,” McDaniels said.

The new system McDaniels brings over from New England requires the wide receivers to be good route runners, but most importantly sure-handed on third down. 

Stokley is the poster child for that role in an offense, and he will fit in very nicely.

Ready For War: The Broncos Schedule Uncovered (Game Two)

(This is a continuation of last weeks article on game one at the following link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/190949-ready-for-war-the-broncos-schedule-uncovered-part-one)

 

Game 2 at Denver, Sunday 9/20

Fresh off of their win in Cincinnati, the Broncos host another team from the Buckeye State—the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns had a meltdown last season, similar to Denver’s in which they lost their last six games. Blame it on the offense, blame it on the defense….”Blame it on tha Henny.” 

Everyone on the Browns team had their hand in the cookie jar, when it came to their end-of-the-year explosion.

The Browns have a new coach in Eric Mangini. Mangini came from the Jets and brought a lot of the Jets’ players with him. Mangini signed eight players from the Jets squad. Will the NFL change their name to the Cleveland Brets this year, a la the Denver Browncos of 2006?  

The Browns’ offense ended the year ranked at 31st overall in the total offensive yards and passing yards categories. The Browns still don’t have a starting quarterback, though they have two good choices in Quinn and Anderson. With a look at their draft and free agent acquisitions, the Browns may be moving towards more of a spread offense, which wouldn’t be a surprise since Mangini is a Belichick-desciple. 

The Browns drafted two wide receivers in the second round and signed three more in free agency (Mike Furrey, Syndric Steptoe, and David Patten). They also added Robert Royal, a receiving tight end and decent blocker. All of these guys put together, form a “team” of receivers, rather than having one superstar. 

Each of these players is capable of getting 400 to 500 yards, in the 2,3,4,5 wide receiver position. Furrey had one 1000-yard season in Detroit and Patten was a huge target for Tom Brady during the Super Bowl years. Alongside Braylon Edwards, this receiving corps should be enough to bring their passing offense back into the top 20. 

With the addition of new draftee Alex Mack, the Browns are looking for more aggressiveness in the front— they may play Mack at guard or center. Also, an interesting free agent signing was George Foster. Foster never fit in the Broncos’ system and looks to have lost his starting job in Detroit as well. 

I have always thought that Foster, at 6’5, 338 pounds, would play an excellent guard in the NFL. This may be where they are looking to place Foster. I don’t believe he can win a starting job at either of the tackle spots. Foster also will be competing with new free agent signee John St. Clair, who can play guard or tackle.

Jamal Lewis will be back, totting the rock again. He was able to get 1,000 rushing yards last season, but the line needs to do a better job of pushing forward, as he only scored four touchdowns. 

The loss of Kellen Winslow should effect the Browns somewhat, but their relationship was so rocky, I think it may make them a better team in the long run. I think this will give other players a chance to step up and contribute, rather than sitting back and letting “tha soulja” take over.

The defense got beat up at inopportune moments last year, which led to their losses and low rankings. The defense ranked 26th overall in yards allowed with their rush defense leading the way ranking 28th in the NFL.

The additions of linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens, should shore up the left side of the line and help stop the run. The addition of defensive end Kenyon Coleman, will give the Browns a stout run-stopper to man the left corner. Hopefully, the Browns star nose tackle, Shaun Rogers, will come back and play again for the Browns. 

If they don’t save this situation quickly, they may end up giving him up to another team part way through the summer. Defensive Tackle C.J Mosley has been brought in as insurance, in case this happens.

Overall, I think the Browns have improved enough to have a better season than 4-12.  With their new coach Mangini at the helm, I see him turning the club around much like he did for the Jets.  However, there are still a lot of questions for this team on both sides of the ball. 

Who will be the starting Quarterback? What will happen with Shaun Rogers? 

Even though the Broncos had a better record, both teams have so many similarities that it makes them somewhat of an even match up. The Broncos get the edge for playing at home. Eventually the Broncos running game will wear down the Browns defense and the Broncos will prevail.

Broncos 17, Browns 9

 

 

The Complete 2009 AFC Quarterback Predictions

The Quarterback is the most valuable part to any offense. Without a good quarterback, an offense usually crumbles. Of course there are exceptions to every rule as Joe Flacco proved last season as an effective game manager, but less than stellar quarterback.

Just look at what Drew Brees did this last season. While the rest of the offense was struggling to stay healthy, Brees single-handedly kept his team in nearly every game only for the defense to blow it.

With a good quarterback under center, every team is a playoff contender. Those teams who struggle at the quarterback position like the Vikings or Titans rely heavily on their running game to carry the team, but a quarterback has more of an impact overall.

I will try to make this a series for each position, so keep checking back with me. I’ll try to post the NFC as soon as possible.

The Top NFL Free Agents on the Scrap Heap and Where They Might Go, Pt. 3

If you have trudged on long enough you have now come to the third part of my Free Agency series.

The last article on TE’s and OL was not the greatest subject matter on the planet; luckily the crop gets fresher.

In this article, we begin to move to the defensive side as we take a look at the top three DTs, DEs, and OLB’s available on the scrap heap. 

If you have not yet already, check out the first two parts to this series for more free agent insight: 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/189830-top-nfl-free-agents-on-the-scrap-heap-and-where-they-could-go-part-one

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/191348-top-nfl-free-agents-on-the-scrap-heap-and-where-they-might-go-part-two

 

Defensive Tackle

Dewayne Robertson

He was once a highly touted prospect who came out after his junior season and got selected at No. 4 overall by the New York Jets.

Robertson came in with high expectations his first year and got a mediocre 43 tackles and 1.5 sacks. In his Jets’ tenure he averaged 51 tackles per season, but failed to generate much pass rush never eclipsing four sacks in a season.

He was traded in April, 2008 to the Denver Broncos for a conditional 2009 draft pick that turned out to be a fourth rounder. After the Denver stint did not turn out positive, the team cut him loose and he is currently playing football for the AF2 Oklahoma Yard Dogs Franchise. 

As it stands with what’s available on the scrap heap, Robertson has the most potential to be able to land a starters job on an NFL team. 

Now that the high expectations have been failed and are in the past, he can attempt a redemption run. He could be someone’s missing rotational guy that could push their pass-rush over the edge. He could be the guy who comes in to mesh with a run stuffing DT like Jaguars’ Pro Bowler, John Henderson.

He has shown enough to warrant someone taking a flyer on him by averaging decent 51 tackles per season as a starter. 

Plausible Destination: Houston Texans

The Texans are a great young talented team that is poised for a playoff berth this season. They upgraded at DE by adding big ticket FA Antonio Smith with a five year, $35 million dollar contract.

Not retaining Jeff Zgonina or Anthony Weaver was not devastating, but creates some depth concern. 

Adding Robertson would give them a good rotational guy who could edge projected No. 2 DT Shaun Cody. Pairing him alongside Amobi Akoye and Cody would give the Texans an interior on defense with a good blend of size, speed, and athleticism.

With Antonio Smith on the outside, the Texans have a good thing going with the front four. 

 

John Thornton

He has been a reliable starter for many years, including the last six years with the Cincinnati Bengals. With all of the roster turnover teams experience, you have to be decent to nail down the same starting job for six years. 

His play has dropped off as of late; the dismal Bengals’ defense he was playing in likely had a role.

With a better supporting cast, Thornton could be an effective starter again. 

Plausible Destination: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons drafted Peria Jerry in the first round and already possess a young talented DT in Jonathan Babinueax. Subtracting reliable veteran DT Grady Jackson leaves the need for a veteran presence in the interior, and Thornton fits the bill.

Adding Thornton would give them a veteran starter to plug in if Jerry struggles during his rookie season. 

At worst, Jerry thrives and Thornton becomes an excellent rotational tackle. 

With all of the veteran subtractions on defense this offseason for the Falcons, adding some proven depth would not hurt.

 

Darwin Walker

Plain and simple, he has been a mediocre player his entire career.

In the six seasons he has held a significant starting role, averaging 4.6 sacks and 31 tackles per season.

After he left Philadelphia, he hit rock bottom in terms of production. His average production in the past means he will probably find his way onto an NFL roster by the time training camp rolls around. 

Plausible Destination: Minnesota Vikings

With the Williams duo facing four game suspensions, the Minnesota Vikings are likely going to turn to the FA market for some short term depth.

They could go after any of the aforementioned players, but Darwin could fill their short term need. His ability to create pressure in the pocket will lead plays to their All Pro DE Jared Allen. When the Williams brothers return, he could be an effective rotational tackle along with DT Jimmy Kennedy.

 

Defensive Ends

Vonnie Holliday

I’m surprised no one has picked up this guy. He has been a quality DT and effective starter for many seasons. Holliday averaged seven sacks in the nine seasons he has held a starting job.

He was a highly sought after FA coming from Green Bay, where he averaged eight sacks per season and ended up signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was recently a contributor to the Dolphins 2008 turnaround, stepping up his play, tallying 46 tackles, and 3.5 sacks.

He was cut after failed contract negotiations this past off-season. 

Someone is going to sign him and he could land a starting job on several teams. He is getting up there in age, (33) but still has enough in the tank to be a solid starter.

Plausible Destination: Seattle Seahawks

With the seven million dollars in cap room the Seahawks have not been counting the rookie pool, I would love to see them go after a guy like Holliday.

Adding him would give the DL tremendous depth and would shadow what the New York Giants are doing with making their DL rotation so deep.

Holliday would give the Seahawks additional insurance in case Pro Bowl DE Patrick Kerney’s shoulder begins to ail him again.

They would not have to resort to putting in rookie DE Lawrence Jackson or the bipolar Darryl Tapp.

 

Josh Thomas

In a limited backup capacity, Thomas managed to scrap together a 26 tackle average the last three seasons for the Colts.

Given an expanded role he could be gold in a rotational role for someone. He’s only 27, so he has plenty of potential upside and could blossom into a quality starter if given the right opportunity.

Plausible Destination: Denver Broncos

They need all the help they can get on the front seven—it is a mess.

He has just enough size to be a 3-4 DE (280 lbs.) and could step in and be a starter for the Broncos.

He would go along side the projected starter NT Ronald Fields. A starting three of Thomas, Fields, and Dumervil is not spectacular, but should help raise their near dead last rankings in every statistical defensive category.

 

Kalimba Edwards

Recently a cap causality of the Oakland Raiders, Edwards is a serviceable starter who is a proven commodity. Just last season he racked up 48 tackles and five sacks in only ten starts.

He is only 29 years old and still has some quality years ahead of him before the tires take on too much tread.

Plausible Destination: Washington Redskins

After cutting veteran DE Jason Taylor, their options to fill his void are 13, and 12 year veterans Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn.

At the very least, Edwards gives them some depth and the potential upside to upend one of these over the hill veterans. After adding the $100 million dollar man Albert Haynesworth, surrounding him with some more pieces would help stabilize the front line. 

 

Outside Linebackers

Derrick Brooks

The future Hall of Famer has gotten up there in age, (35), but still has around three years that someone can squeeze out of him.

His veteran savvy, poise, leadership, and knowledge of the game are great qualities to bring to a team. He could walk on and start for almost any team in the NFL. His age puts some red flags up in a league where youth is premium.

Brooks is most likely going to be signed when a starting LB from a team is injured. 

Plausible Destination: New England Patriots

The Patriots have not found a replacement for veteran LB Mike Vrabel whom they traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. Brooks would fit the bill of Belichick preference of employing veteran players nicely.

He would be able to tutor Defensive Rookie of the Year, Jerod Mayo, and would go along nicely with veteran LB Tedy Bruschi.

Nabbing him would fill the only need on the New England roster; that team is looking great.

 

Freddy Keiaho

He is the best free agent Linebacker left on the market in terms of playing ability and upside.

In his first two seasons as a starter, he has averaged 93 tackles and has nowhere to go but up. He would be a starter for the majority of NFL teams, and I am surprised he has not been picked up yet. 

Plausible Destination: Denver Broncos

They have nowhere to go but up on defense, and grabbing Keiaho would give them a quality starter and additional flexibility to shift things around on the front seven.

He would represent an upgrade over current starter Boss Bailey and would round out the LB unit nicely.

 

Morlon Greenwood

He is a proven starter who saw his production drop as his role was diminished with the Houston Texans. Before they began phasing him out of a starting role, he posted four consecutive 100+ tackle seasons.

He is only 30 and still has plenty of gas left in the tank. He will be in the battle for a starting role for whichever team picks him up.

Plausible Destination: Philadelphia Eagles

They don’t have the most overwhelming group of LBs, and putting Greenwood alongside Stewart Bradley would make this group formidable. Upgrading a defensive unit that was part of an NFC Championship team would only be for the better.

The Eagles two weakest links are the LB unit and their failure to provide Pro Bowl QB Donovan McNabb a true No. 1 WR. 

In the series finale, I will examine the top remaining MLBs, CBs, and Ss that can be had on the scrap heap.

10 Best Running Backs Not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio is where NFL greats take the next step and become immortal legends. Since opening its doors in 1963, 253 former players, coaches and administrators have received football’s greatest honor, but there is a growing list of seemingly deserving players who for one reason or another have been unable to earn a bust in Canton.

Over the next several weeks, I am going to review every football position through a series of “Top 10” lists that looks at the best eligible players in NFL history at each position who are not in the Hall of Fame. I will also look at the 10 most deserving players not in the Hall of Fame (regardless of position) and 10 players who are in the Hall of Fame, but maybe shouldn’t be.

I am starting my position-by-position rundown by looking at the best eligible running backs not in the Hall of Fame.

As is the case with all offensive skill positions, the statistical numbers accumulated by running backs has ballooned over the last three decades. Of the top 50 players in career rushing yards in NFL history, only seven played a majority of their careers prior to 1980.

In 1980, Jim Brown and O.J. Simpson were the only members of the 10,000-career rushing yards club. Today, that club includes 24 players.

Among running backs in the Hall of Fame, 16 totaled less than 6,000 career yards rushing, but all of those players completed their careers prior to 1972.

It will probably start to sound like a broken record as I move through this series, but one of the biggest problems with the Hall of Fame selection process is that as the game changes and statistics increase, the Hall of Fame voters have forgotten an entire generation of great players who played most of their careers before the stats explosion of the last three decades.

That is particularly the case for running backs, as the Hall of Fame voters seem to have basically decided to ignore the position despite its obvious value in helping teams win championships. Rather than genuinely comparing stats from skill position players of all generations to determine who legitimately belongs in the Hall of Fame, voters seem to have tossed the entire issue aside by gravitating toward selecting players at positions where statistics have little impact.

Since 1995, only four running backs (Eric Dickerson, Marcus Allen, Barry Sanders, Thurman Thomas) and nine wide receivers have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Conversely, during the same period, 18 offensive linemen and 10 defensive linemen have received the call from the hall.

So, as I look at who I consider to be the best eligible players at each position not in the Hall of Fame, career statistics will be just one of a number of factors used to create each list.

First and foremost, I am looking at the career of each player in the context of when he played. I will look particularly at how he compares against other players (Hall of Famers and non-Hall of Famers) from that era and whether, at the time of his retirement, he was considered a legitimate candidate for the Hall of Fame.

I look forward to comments, discussion and disagreements.

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