Bowlen Speaks on Marshall and the Draft

Mike Klis recently came out with an article depicting the thoughts of Broncos owner Pat Bowlen.  In the work, Bowlen discusses his desire for Brandon to stay, but understands that if Josh feels he can get a good package that is beneficial to the team, that he probably wouldn’t override it.    I think it is safe to say that the uncertainty regarding the CBA is something that is definitely impacting the thoughts and ways teams are going to operate over the next few months.

Additionally, Bowlen has stated he wants Kyle Orton to stay in Denver, but would like to see the Broncos draft a quarterback in this years draft.  But how early does he want one drafted?   Quite unsure, but the aura of the article sounds like Bowlen is eager to have a young buck take over the reigns of the franchise sometime in the near future.

Unfortunately, this is the wrong year for the Broncos to be searching for a quarterback in the draft.  In my honest opinion, it is the least talented position in this years class.  A great article from the National Football Post gives some grade rankings for the players available and how the number grade corresponds to their potential in the league.

I am not high on Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen, but undoubtedly those two are the most heralded members of this years class.  I like Dan LeFevour and Sean Canfield, however they are more likely NFL back-ups than potential starters.   will continue to follow the development of this story as the draft process progresses.  If we are indeed eager to take a quarterback, I have a feeling it’ll be sooner than later.

A Little Bit of Change in the Hall of Fame

Earlier today it was announced that former Broncos running back Floyd Little has finally been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  After years of being shunned, Little will soon be forever enshrined in Canton.  Simply known as “The Franchise”, Little earned this nickname by saving the AFL Denver Broncos from relocation during the late 60s and early 70s.

Little ended his 117 game career with the Broncos amassing 6,323 rushing yards and 2,418 receiving yards and 52 total touchdowns.  He was also a special teams ace amassing 891 punt return yards and 2523 yards on kickoffs.  Folks, that is over 12,000 all purpose yards in 9 seasons in the NFL.

Although I never got to see Little play, his presence and importance to the Denver Broncos is unprecedented and known to all fan faithful.  A heart-felt congratulations to Little and his family, and to the Broncos fans across the nation who had lobbied for his entry into the Hall for years upon years.  Today is just another day to celebrate being a fan of the best team in the National Football League, and the man who saved our franchise — the Denver Broncos.

Another certain memory to be engraved in the minds of Broncos fans everywhere, lets all join together and proclaim that “This one is for Floyd!”  and let this serve as a gentle reminder that the Broncos are gaining some credibility in the Hall of Fame.  (Unfortunately, Shannon Sharpe was not elected this year – but hopefully will be next year.)

An Absolute Mockery

With the Senior Bowl over and the Super Bowl nearing its eclipse, NFL teams will start assembling their draft meetings in the coming weeks in preparation for the Scouting Combine at Indianapolis and subsequently to construct their draft boards.   This is my initial mock draft for 2010, which will undoubtedly change as the process goes on.

Keep in mind, once the Broncos start bringing in players for personal workouts, we will have a better idea of who they are pursuing in the draft.  Seven of the ten players they drafted in 2009 were brought in for private workouts prior to the April spectacle.  I expect a trend of such familiarity to continue, and will edit draft choices in the future based on known rumors and information provided.

Note: I will not be projecting any trades in my mocks.  I will only pick players with the selections we have until the actual trades occur.  There is no sense in getting peoples hopes up and giving them illusions that we are going to have a million picks in our arsenal.

First Round Selection: Dan Williams, DT – Tennessee

No deep explanation is necessary.  In my previous entry, I provided the arguments for and against the Broncos considering Williams at this selection.  Nose tackles are in extreme demand and Denver could miss out if they opt not to make a move for one early.  Ronald Fields isn’t a terrible player, but an upgrade is needed.  My early prediction is that the Broncos will tap Williams at #10/#11 if he is available.  That’s two Volunteer defenders the past two drafts in the first round, for those of you keeping score at home.

Second Round Selection: Demaryius Thomas, WR – Georgia Tech

Whether or not the Broncos choose to move Brandon Marshall is up in the air, but the uncertainty surrounding the situation and the Collective Bargaining Agreement itself is enough for the Broncos to take a hard look at acquiring a wide receiver in this years draft class.  At 6′3 – 230 pounds, Thomas is one of the most physically imposing receivers available in this class.

He brings a solid tool set into the NFL, but scouts are still interested in his 40 time and improving his route running ability.  In his final season with the Yellow Jackets, he caught 46 balls for 1154 yards with a staggering 25.1 yards per carry and 8 touchdowns.  Even with his lack of speed, Thomas is deceptively fast and could be the deep threat the Broncos desperately need on offense.

Third Round Selection: Alex Carrington, DE – Arkansas State

I have a feeling that most of Broncos Nation can be in consensus that the players we have at end on our roster are not suitable material if the team hopes to improve their overall defense, especially against the run in the 2010 season.  A player to keep your eye out for is (RS) Senior DE Alex Carrington, who has enjoyed a successful career with the Red Wolves.  In 2008, he was named Sun-Belt Defensive Player of the Year after accumulating 53 tackles, 19 of them for loss and 10.5 sacks.

His numbers regressed as a senior, but he still produced 41 tackles, 14.5 of them for loss and 9.5 sacks.  At 6′5 and over 280 pounds, Carrington has the size 3-4 teams are looking for in potential 5 technique ends on the outside.  It is quite possible with the wealth of teams switching schemes, that Carrington could go a lot earlier than this.  Some outlets are projecting him as a top 50 selection in this coming draft.  If that is the case, the Broncos may have to use their second rounder in order to acquire his services.

Fourth Round Selection: John Jerry, OG – Ole Miss

With Head Coach Josh McDaniels stating in recent press conferences in interviews that the Broncos are looking to upgrade their trenches and formally switch to a power blocking scheme, they would be wise to consider John Jerry out of Ole Miss to bolster their redzone presence and effectiveness in the running game.

Jerry might not have the quickest feet and be as agile as one would like, but what he lacks in that area he makes up with tremendous size, power, instincts and fantastic bloodlines.    Jerry would be a tremendous value for our team at this point in the NFL Draft.

Sixth Round Selection: Joique Bell, RB – Wayne State

One word:  Production. Whether or not Bell will be here at this point in the draft is uncertain, but the Broncos are in the market for another powerful downhill runner to pair with Knowshon Moreno to bolster our rushing attack in 2010.

Seventh Round Selection: Walter McFadden, CB – Auburn

Andre Goodman and Champ Bailey are slated to be our starters for the 2010 season, with youngsters Alphonso Smith and Tony Carter in competition for the spots behind them.  Ty Law may still be around, but I’m fairly certain he turned 50 sometime last month.  McFadden isn’t the quickest corner there is, but shows good instincts and ball awareness and has made a lot of good plays for the Tigers over the past two seasons.  It couldn’t hurt to add some more youth to our secondary.