Senior Bowl practice comment

Senior Bowl Game

Senior Bowl practice comment

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Senior Bowl practice comment

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

East West Shrine Game

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Senior Bowl practice comment

East West Shrine Game

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Senior Bowl practice comment

B-

2009 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

by Jay Goldberg

The grade of B- is more reflective of the Broncos going in different directions than I thought they should in the draft, than it is a negative comment on the talent of the players that they added.  After all, the Broncos drafted five players from my list of players who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than them in the draft.  I thought the Broncos should have addressed their front seven more than they did on day one.  They did, however, sign some college street free agents that could find roles on their defensive line.

As far as trading Jay Cutler, I get it and I do not disagree.  The "New England way" for a quarterback is: first a leader, second a quarterback who can read defenses, third a quarterback who won't make mistakes, and fourth a quarterback who can win you games.  Cutler is not an ideal fit for that type of offensive philosophy.  If the Broncos started the year with Cutler, he may have played poorly in that offense and eroded his some of his trade value.  So, I believe the Broncos did the right thing trading him now.  In fact, I believe that when Cutler sulked, Bronco management took a sneaky strategy to allow his brooding to grow so it would be easier to get rid of him. 

DRAFT PICKS

The Broncos, like most NFL teams had Moreno rated more highly than I did.  I was probably the only draft analyst who had a high second round grade on him instead of a first round grade.  Even if he was good value at this spot, I wouldn't have gone running back here, I would have gone running back later.  Last year in my analysis, for teams that drafted a running back earlier than I would have, I wrote that I would have waited and drafted Tashard Choice.  After he went to the Cowboys I thought he might be buried so my observation would fall flat.  However he shined after injuries to Jones and Barber.  This year the running back I liked a lot who was available relatively late was Javon Ringer.  Once again, however, it may take an injury for my observation to be judged since he was drafted by Tennessee.  As for what I would have done differently if I were Bronco management, keeping the trade in the mix, my first and second round selections for the Broncos would have netted me, ILB Maualuga (and yes, I know this is much higher than where he went, but he's worth it), CB A Smith, DT Brace, OLB Veikune and DE Gilbert (or DE McGee).  We'll see which would have been better over time.

Robert Ayers is a very good football player, but I'm not sure how well he fits in to the 3-4 defense.  He isn't big enough to play end, and he isn't athletic enough to drop in coverage as a linebacker.  Oh, that doesn't mean he won't be a good player in the 3-4, just not as dominate as one would hope for from the 18th pick in the draft.

Other draft analysts may question trading a number one next year to draft Smith, but not me.  He was my second rated corner in the draft and is a much, much better player on the field than a workout warrior.  Smith has great ball instincts and will be a Pro Bowl talent despite his short stature.

McBath was a reach in round two.  In fact, I had Bruton more highly-rated.  McBath, a converted corner, is a plus in coverage but with Dawkins and Hill signed as free agents and the promising Barrett on hand, even as the draft unfolded for Denver up to this point,  I can't see taking him over Veikune, Cody Brown, Gilbert or McGee.  Especially with Denver grabbing Bruton in round four and Clemons also available later in the draft.

Quinn, one of the best blocking tight ends in the draft was rising up many analyst's boards as the draft approached.  On mine, he remained a fourth round value.  I can see some team that had few holes possibly reaching to select him in round two, but not the Broncos.  I would have gone with McGee or Gilbert and been more than happy if I landed a tight end like Bear Pascoe or David Johnson, who are also good blockers, later in the draft.

David Bruton had a great workout.  He is an amazing athlete.  He didn't always show that athletic ability on the field, but he showed me enough for me to strongly believe he will be a better NFL player than college player.  Long term, teamed up with Barrett, he could give the Broncos a very fast, very good young safety duo. 

Olsen was good value in round four.  He has quick feet and is a very effective run blocker.  He may never be Pro Bowl caliber, but is the type of kid who will be a long-term solid starter in the NFL.  A good get by Denver.

McKinnley was a nice get in round five.  He has good speed, quickness and hands, and down the line could be productive replacing Gaffney in the New England "Gaffney-role" in the Broncos' offense.

Brandstater was one of my two favorite developmental quarterbacks in this draft.  He has the arm, pocket awareness and escapability to flourish in the Broncos' new offensive scheme.  He will need to see the field better so he can make better decisions if he is ever going to rise above solid backup status, but I can see that happening, especially with Josh McDaniels coaching him up.

Schlueter had one of the best workouts ever for a center, and was an extremely effecdtive football player at TCU.  He is fast, he has quick feet, and he is very athletic.  He will need to bulk up a bit, but is an intriguing prospect who was an excellent seventh round pick.  He was on my list of players who will have a better NFL career than  many drafted higher than him in the draft (as was Smith, Bruton, Olsen and Brandstater).

 COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

After failing to land big bodies for their defensive line in the draft the Broncos made some good college free agent signings.  Of all their signings, Chris Baker is the best and I expect him to make their team and be a contributor.  To me, in a 3-4 defense Baker is at end, and in fact, played end in a 3-4 at Hampton.  At 326 pounds he runs the forty in under 5.00 and has quickness and athleticism.  Whether he will grow into a solid long term starter or reliable backup will depend upon his work in the weight room.  He needs to build a bit more strength and stamina.

If the Broncos decide to trade Scheffler, Branson has a shot to stick as a receiving threat at tight end.  If Scheffler stays he could be a good practice squad candidate.  Branson catches the ball well and has good speed for a tight end.

Carter is a short corner with good speed.  He has acceptable athleticism, strength and quickness as well and has return ability as well.  Despite his short stature, Carter isn't afraid to hit so he could stick as a special teams player and extra corner, however with all the talent in camp it will be a tough task.   If he doesn't stick,  he could make the Broncos' practice squad.

Colquitt has a NFL-leg, but he will be showcasing it for other teams.  Kern will be Denver's punter.

Rulon Davis has the frame to play end in a 3-4 defense.  However he will need to add some bulk and strength to make the team.  He can always work on his body from the practice squad if he shows enough talent.

Johnson is an interesting case.  He was thought to be an early second day pick as a cover corner and then put up numbers more associated with cover two corners or free safeties.  However, as a cover two corner or safety you need to tackle and Johnson only lifted the bar 7 times.  Still, the kid has talent so it will be interesting to see what happens to him in Broncos' camp.  Since I have a fifth round grade on him, even after his workout, I'm betting that he has a future in the NFL.

Pedescleaux is the third big-bodied college street free agent signed by Denver.  He has the size and speed to work with and could land a spot on Denver's bench or practice squad.

Lee Robinson is another player who was hurt by his workout  (don't tell me the numbers count less than the tape).  Robinson played outside linebacker in college.  However, he is a good football player and has the size to play inside in the Broncos' three-four.  He may be a bit of a long shot, but don't count this kid out.

Swift is a gritty kid with good hands who will have to make his primary living in the NFL playing on special teams.  He has the make-up to perform well there, and if he sticks and is forced into action on offense, he can catch the ball.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

After two years in a row of three players from my "draft value list", last year the Broncos only grabbed one (Crowder) and go their lowest draft grade from me since I started grading drafts in 2002.  This year they are back to three and since they are a round six player, a round seven player, and a free agent, you know I am going to love the late value the Broncos stole in this draft.  In fact, my only question in this draft, which is a minor point, is that Royal is a true slot receiver (albeit a good one), and the Broncos need a reliable #2.  Stokely is also best served in the slot, and I don't have faith in Jackson as a consistent #2 receiver (too many drops that kill drives).  Therefore, Hawkins would have been my pick.  He is going to be a very good starter in the NFL.  However, Royal will be a force in the offense from the slot after he adjusts to the NFL.

DRAFT PICKS

For some reason Clady went from the logical option for Kansas City at number five after Long was off the board to behind Albert, to falling out of the top ten.  Lucky Broncos.  Clady is an athletic left6 tackle who is immediately a much better option than Ryan Harris and could end up the best left tackle to come out of this draft in the long run.

Royal is fast, makes sharp cuts, knows how to get open and is an elusive receiver.  Even though he lacks size and bulk he has good strength so will be able to get off the line.  Before getting too excited know that the most catches he had in a year at Virginia Tech was 33 and the most yards 497.  His upside is as a top slot receiver.

Lichtensteiger is Nalen's heir apparent.  In the meantime he can also fill in at guard if needed.  He held his own during the Senior Bowl when he had to step up against tougher competition than he faced at Bowling Green.

Jack Williams is an interesting player.  While on the small size he is built very compactly, has good strength and terrific speed.  He is also a great athlete and has top-end change of direction skills.  At corner he shows good cover skills and has a nose for the ball.  Personally, I would like to see him add 10 to 15 pounds and move to free safety where he could be a special player if he can maintain his speed and agility at that weight.  His strength/change-of-direction/ball skills fit perfectly there.

Denver drafts a running back in round five and he immediately becomes a "sleeper" on hundreds of fantasy football sites.  Before getting too excited remember that he is coming off Lisfranc surgery and you may not see what he can really do until 2009 (assuming he makes it all the way).  When healthy he has the skill set to do well in Denver's zone blocking system.

Powell is an undersized, athletic defensive tackle who could help in the nickel and provide depth.

Larsen is the first of three players from my "draft value list".  Larsen is plain and simple, a football player.  His size indicates he should play in the middle in a 4-3, his measureables are more in line to play inside in a 3-4.  Larsen is a strong, instinctive kid with more quickness than you think.  It wouldn't surprise me if he winds up as Denver's starting middle linebacker at some point during 2008.

Josh Barrett in round seven is an out-and-out steal.  This kid was my number one rated strong safety.  He's big, can hit, and has rare speed for a strong safety.  Some question his ability to learn complex systems,  He thinks too much and doesn't play instinctively.  However, give him some time and you could have an in-the-box presence like Roy Williams, with Bob Sanders speed.  Worst case Denver has a monster special teams player.

Peyton Hillis is the ideal west coast fullback.  He is an excellent receiver with good size, strength and speed.  He was my top-rated fullback.  He also blocked for two first round picks in this draft (McFadden and Jones).

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Alridge is a Darren-Sproles type of player.  He is fast, quick, cuts on a dime and is an explosive athlete.  He also catches the ball very well and can line up in the slot or out wide and run patterns down the field.  He is also a good return man.  However, un-like Sproles who is short, Alridge is small.  Alridge is an intriguing signing who could play dividends as a spot player if Denver can afford a spot for him on their roster.

Polumbus is the type of athletic tackle that Denver prefers.  He is a big man who should, at worst, be a practice squad member.

Sam is a one-dimensional, big, strong receiver.  He has his work cut out for him to make the roster.

Hartley will get a look in camp because of the Elam defection. 

Kern is an underrated punter.  He has a real chance to win the job in preseason.

Woodyard was one of the best free agent signings by any team.  This kid is an active player who has good speed and quickness.  He is undersized which caused him to fall out of the draft.  Certainly he didn't fall out of the draft because he is over-aggressive which causes him to miss some tackles because that is coachable.  Woodyard will be a special teams staple and could force his way onto the field on defense down the line.  This kid isn't NFL-starter-ready now, but could be a solid weakside "tackle-hound" linebacker in the future.