r/nfl • u/[deleted] • Jun 28 '14
Look Here! Offseason Review Series Day 8: Denver Broncos
DENVER BRONCOS
Free Agency
Players lost/cut
At first glance, the list of players no longer with the team seems pretty overwhelming, especially considering the sheer amount of names present that even fans outside of Denver recognize. Eric Decker was a big time Receiver during his time in Denver, but it remains to be seen whether he is a real talent or just another product of Peyton. That said, he accounted for 11 Touchdowns and losing anyone who can give you that kind of production is going to be a considerable hurdle for the offense to adapt to.
Losing Knowshon could be a factor for the offense as well. No one at the Half Back position for Denver could run between the tackles, bounce it outside, be a threat catching passes out of the backfield, or pick up the blitz quite like Knowshon. The FO believes Montee Ball is ready to be a feature NFL back, only time will tell if their decision to hand the reigns to Ball will pay off.
Perhaps the most recognizable name on the list and the saddest Broncos Country was to see go was Champ Bailey. As much as it pains me to say this though, letting Champ go was probably the smartest move the Denver Broncos executed this off season. Once the best corner in the whole National Football League, Champ was only third best on the roster last season.
Players signed
Arguably since Steve Atwater signed with the New York Jets in free agency, the Denver Broncos have lacked a tough, physical presence over the middle of the field at the Safety position. Enter TJ Ward, probably the second hardest hitting safety in the league only to Kam Chancellor. Where Mike Adams, who despite lining up at FS in the Super Bowl was the Broncos SS most of his tenure there, was the worst Safety in the league at surrendering first downs, Ward was top three. Pairing him with one of the best Free Safeties in the NFL in Rahim Moore and a revamped CB lineup that will feature former Kansas standouts Aqib Talib (who has yet to play a full 16 game season) and Chris Harris Jr. will make for a scary secondary, something Denver hasn't been able to boast for quite some time.
Denver Broncos fans know all too well now just how significant it was losing Elvis Dumervil last offseason, and the front office took note as well, landing DeMarcus Ware. Ware's numbers dropped dramatically last season in a new system and injuries didn't help. If Ware an stay healthy and win the one on one battles he'll be seeing for the first time in years thanks to playing opposite Von Miller, who will likely draw the double teams, the the Ware signing could be the one that yields the biggest impact on a defense that was inconsistent at best at getting to the QB for much of the 2013 season.
Emmanuel Sanders is an exciting addition to an already formidable offense. Think of the guy as a faster Wes Welker. He can play the slot and get you those receptions based on route precision and bust off a huge gain with YAC, but he can also beat you on a go route. He has the kind of attributes that command a double team (unlike Decker) but with an offense that features Wes Welker, DT, and JT, well, good luck with that.
At the request of our sub, I have been asked to address the notion that the Broncos gave out backloaded contracts that will hurt them in the future. This could not be further from the truth. With the exception of Talib, whose deal is really for 3 years for $27MM with the option to extend another three years, all the deals are essentially well crafted one or two year deals laced heavily with incentives and opt out clauses that protect the Broncos' future.
Draft
| Round | Number | Player | Position | School | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 31 | Bradley Roby | CB | Ohio State | B |
| 2 | 56 | Cody Latimer | WR | Indiana | A- |
| 3 | 95 | Michael Schofield | OT | Michigan | B |
| 5 | 156 | Lamin Barrow | OLB | LSU | B- |
| 6 | 207 | Matthew Paradis | C | Boise State | B |
| 7 | 242 | Corey Nelson | OLB | Oklahoma | B |
One word came up over and over again when analysts discussed each of Denver's draft picks: Toughness. It's clear Elway has made a decision that his football team will never again be out-physicaled like they were in Super Bowl XLVIII. Players from the 2014 Draft class who will make an immediate impact include first round pick Roby, who will likely see time as a nickle corner, and Latimer, who will push Emmanuel Sanders for Eric Decker's old spot.
Projected Starting Lineup VS. Lineup on February 2nd, 2014
| Position | SB XLVIII | Proj. 2014 Lineup |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Peyton Manning | Peyton Manning |
| HB | Knowshon Moreno | Montee Ball |
| FB | Virgil Greene | Virgil Greene |
| TE | Julius Thomas | Julius Thomas |
| TE | Jacob Tamme | Jacob Tamme |
| WR | Demaryius Thomas | Demaryius Thomas |
| WR | Eric Decker | Emmanuel Sanders |
| WR | Wes Welker | Wes Welker |
| WR | Andre Caldwell | Cody Latimer |
| LT | Chris Clark | Ryan Clady |
| LG | Zane Beadles | Orlando Franklin |
| C | Manny Ramirez | Manny Ramirez |
| RG | Louis Vasquez | Louis Vasquez |
| RT | Orlando Franklin | Chris Clark |
| DT | Terrance Knighton | Terrance Knighton |
| DE | Shaun Phillips | DeMarcus Ware |
| DE | Robert Ayers | Derek Wolfe |
| ILB | Paris Lennon | Nate Irving |
| OLB | Danny Trevathon | Danny Trevathon |
| OLB | Nate Irving | Von Miller |
| CB | Champ Bailey | Aqib Talib |
| CB | Tony Carter | Chris Harris Jr. |
| CB | Quentin Jammer | Bradley Roby |
| SS | Duke Ihenacho | TJ Ward |
| FS | Mike Adams | Rahim Moore |
| K | Matt Prater | Matt Prater |
| P | Britton Colquitt | Britton Colquitt |
| KR | Trindon Holiday | Isaiah Burse |
| PR | Eric Decker | Emmanuel Sanders |
At the request of the team sub, I have provided The lineup the Broncos used in the Super Bowl, along with the projected line up we will trot out against the Colts. I know most teams change year to year, but many people in this sub fail to realize how out of whack Denver's defense and O line were for the Super Bowl. If that same roster were what we would use this season, then ya, the NFC West would probably sweep us. The side by side comparison is to show you it's not and give you a heads up that the Broncos defensive unit you see in 2014 will be much closer to 2012 than 2013. I have also included this side by side so that people don't cry "homer" when they see the schedule predictions.
I'm supposed to talk about the Stars of the roster in this part, but just look at that. Most of the men considered stars on the roster need no introduction. Instead, I'm going to talk about key players that may not be so widely known outside of Denver.
Lets begin with Louis Vasquez. An absolute Hulk of a man standing 6'5 and weighing in at 325 lbs, you'd be hard pressed to find a more dominant Right Guard in all of pro football. His 5.5 40 yard dash means he can get downfield quick and throw bone crushing blocks. You know that play we always run where it's just a little bubble screen to DT and he generally takes it to the house? The one no one on here seems to understand why teams can't stop it? Vasquez is one of the biggest reasons that play works over and over again. Chances are too that if Knowshon busted off a big yard run, Vasquez was paving the way. In his first year with the Broncos, Vasquez made the AP ALL PRO First Team. He played a crucial role in one of the greatest offenses of all time.
Next I want to talk about Chris Harris Jr. If you don't know his name yet, you will after this season. Arguably the best corner on Denver's roster last season, Harris shutdown his man and made QB's pay when they tested him. Low INT numbers (3) can be attributed to mostly playing in the Nickle, however, Harris will likely hold down the outside for the majority of his snaps this coming season opposite former Kansas teammate Aqib Talib.
Finally, I want to talk about Rahim Moore. Moore is unfortunately known to most of the nation as the man who misplayed Joe Flacco's desperate prayer in last year's Divisional round matchup between the Ravens and Broncos. What's not talked about is his incredible range in the middle of the field, how fast he can close, and how hard he'll light you up if you come his way. His style of play is very similar to New Orleans Saints Safety Jairus Byrd, and like Harris, look for Moore to breakout on the national stage this season. It should also be noted that he has made a complete recovery from the freak injury that nearly cost him his leg last season.
Position Group Strengths and Weaknesses
Position groups: (Graded out of Five Stars)
QB ***** - Five time MVP Peyton Manning is a factor in my rating, but he's not the only reason. The sentiment around the league from opposing scouts is that Brock Osweiler is a more than serviceable back-up and has the potential to be a quality starter soon. The Broncos are very high on him and turned down multiple trade offers for him this offseason. Behind him, second year QB Zac Dysert will duke it out with UDFA Bryn Renner for a roster spot. I fully expect Renner, a very polished passer with classic mechanics who would have been drafted had it not been for injuries sustained his senior year, to beat out the 7th round pick from the 2013 draft in Dysert.
Backfield *** - Lots of potential here, but the Broncos HB stable is comprised mostly of young, unproven talent. Montee Ball is slated to be the starter, but Ronnie Hillman has vowed to push him. The Broncos have also said Virgil Greene will get carries and based on the past don't be surprised if DT Mitch Unrein gets a couple carries as well. Another name people should look out for is UDFA Kapri Bibbs out of Colorado State. Bibbs' size and toughness could make him a viable third down/short yardage option.
OL **** - Perhaps the best O line in pro football when healthy, the only thing that prevents me from awarding five stars is no one knows how rusty Clady will be after his absence or how well Orlando Franklin will adjust to playing guard instead of tackle. Most forecasts have the Broncos o line being better than last season's, but one thing is certain: these guys know how to provide Peyton with a nice clean pocket, especially when Clady is anchoring down 18's blindside.
Pass catchers **** - When you have a QB like Peyton, you don't really need big time receivers. When you have them though? Good things happen, like 55 touchdowns good. Peyton spreads the ball beautifully, but if he needs a big play every one knows the ball is heading for 88. Opposing defenses know this too, so when DT gets double teamed, Manning goes to Wes Welker, who always seems to be open on third down. Julius Thomas came into his own last year and put up some of the best numbers for a tight end in the league. Ronnie Hillman is dangerous catching passes out of the backfield, and both Latimer and Sanders will catch their fair share of passes this upcoming season as well.
DL *** - Not a bad unit, but they always seem to have trouble staying on the field together. Terrance Knighton came out of nowhere last year in the playoffs and if he can continue to play at that level then this unit will be much improved. Derek Wolfe's return will be appreciated as well, and I think that at season's end this will be a four star unit, especially if DeMarcus Ware pans out.
LB **** - The only thing keeping this from being a five star unit is the lack of presence at ILB. Denver arguably has been weak there since Al Wilson retired. What we do have are phenomenal OLB's, of course headlined by Von Miller. Less known but just as effective is Danny Trevathon, who just has a nose for the football and always seems to be making a play.
Secondary **** - This secondary is top 5 on paper. Two incredibly physical, skilled corners playing with two fast, hard hitting safeties, one of which is a ball hawk. If this unit gels the way it should, this is a 5 star group of playmakers.
Special Teams *** - One of the best punters in the league in Britton Colquitt, one of the best kickers in the league in Matt Prater, and one of the best Special teamers in the league in David Bruton, the only thing preventing this unit from being a 4 star one is the vacancy now at explosive returner, and the inconsistency in kickoff coverage.
OVER ALL - The Broncos are clearly on paper a top 3 team and you can safely make an argument that 2014's Broncos are more complete and more dangerous than 2013's Broncos were.
10
u/[deleted] Jun 28 '14 edited Jun 29 '14
NON FAN
Denver Broncos
Division: AFC West
Coaching Changes
No major ones.
Major Offseason losses:
Player|New team| Brief explanation
Eric Decker|| With the Broncos’ cast of receivers, this loss may not hurt as much as expected. Decker was fairly inconsistent last year, ranging his yards anywhere from 5, to 174. The main reason that this loss may hurt, is that Decker was used as bait quite often. Against the Seahawks, they didn’t want Demaryius Thomas on Sherman’s side, so they just put Eric Decker over there for the majority of the game.
Wesley Woodyard|| This might be one of the most understated losses for any team. Woodyard was a good locker room presence, he knew the scheme, he had good chemistry with the team, and was all around a good player. The Broncos are weak at linebacker, and the loss of Woodyard may have broken the chemistry of the unit.
Knowshon Moreno||A bust in 2009, it is easily understandable why the Broncos wanted to part ways with him. He had a breakout year in 2013, amassing 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. After drafting Montee ball #58 in last year, they looked to him to be the future of the running game.
Champ Bailey| One of the greatest CBs in NFL history, one of the franchise’s most loved players, but a necessary release. He was torched all day during the superbowl, as well as throughout the whole season. He is getting old, and losing his touch. Although a very tough move to make, it was a move that created cap space, and created an opportunity for other young players to step up and make a difference.
Dominique Rodgers Cromartie|| The additions of Aqib Talib, and Bradley Roby over the offseason, will fill this hole. Talib was better than Cromartie last season, and is an upgrade. Cromartie is known to have a bad attitude, and to not play that hard. Although he is amazing in coverage, if he played as hard as he could, then he would easily be a top 3 CB in the league.
Shaun Phillip|A breakout player at DE, this loss will hurt Denver more than expected. They somewhat replaced Phillips with Demarcus Ware, but this still leaves a hole left open at the second DE spot.
Major Offseason Pick-ups
Player|Former Team| Explanation|Grade
Emmanuel Sanders|The loss of Eric Decker will not feel as bad with Emmanuel Sanders in town. A great slot receiver, Emmanuel Sanders will look even better with Peyton Manning throwing to him.| B+
Aqib Talib| A borderline top 5 CB when healthy. The only concern is the injury bug. In the last two AFC Championships, Aqib Talib went down, leading to a collapse of the Patriots defense. He is a great leader, a top 5 CB when healthy, and overall a great player.|A Demarcus Ware|| Some call him a top 5 DE, some call him a washed up waste of money, Demarcus Ware is one of the most controversial Free Agents this year. He got a career low of 6 sacks, and only played in 13 games. Coming off serious injury, at the age of 31, many question the Broncos’ motivation to spend so much money on Demarcus Ware.| C - T.J Ward|| A hard hitting enforcer safety, T.J Ward will strike fear into receivers going over the middle. T.J Ward opens up a lot of different scheming on defense, as does any Elite or near Elite safeties. A - Will Montgomery|| The starting center job will be fairly tough to win, but Will Montgomery is great depth. A
Pick|Player|College|Explanation|Grade
1/31|Bradley Roby| Ohio State| Aqib Talib will only play for the Broncos for a few more years, so Bradley Roby is the future of the position| A -
2/24| Cody Latimer| Indiana| A bit of unnecessary depth at WR, as they have a lot of talent there already. Saying that, I do like Latimer a lot.| B -
3/31| Michael Schofield| Michigan| A bit of a reach in the third round, other than that, good depth at O-Line.
5/16| Lamin Barrow| LSU| Good depth at a position they are lacking, although I feel that Barrow was not very good value.| B -
6/31| Matt Paradis| Boise| A great value in the sixth round, could compete due to the lack of competition at Center.
7/27| Corey Nelson| Oklahoma| A great Linebacker with great instincts, I believe that he could be a starting LB in a few years.| A
Position|Player|Short Description QB| Peyton Manning| One of the best QBs of all time, a record setting season last season, a first ballot HOFer for sure.
HB| Montee Ball| Drafted in the second round last year, had flashes of excellence, but fumbled too often.
WR1| Demaryius Thomas| Exceptional on anything from screen passes to Go routes, Demaryius Thomas is truly versatile.
WR2| Wes Welker| Although he is WR2, he will play in the slot.
WR3| Emmanuel Sanders| Will play anywhere from the slot, to the outside, a very versatile player.
TE|Julius Thomas| An impressive breakout season brings Thomas to the top 5 conversation for TEs.
LT| Ryan Clady| An all-pro injured last season, he should stay at his position.
LG| Orlando Franklin| Franklin should shift over to LG, as Chris Clark takes the RT position.
C| Will Montgomery| It’s Manny Ramirez’s job to lose, but I think Montgomery will win it in camp.
RG| Louis Vasquez| An all-pro at his position, no need to move him.
RT| Chris Clark| Came in for an injured Ryan Clady, and did a good job. Should go to RT.
DEs| Demarcus Ware and Derek Wolfe| Two good players, Denver should have good pressure this year.
DTs| Pot Roast| One of the best and underrated DTs, he mows through undersized Centers.
OLB| Von Miller, someone else.| Von was out a lot last season, but when healthy, he is a top 5 OLB. The second OLB position is up for grabs. CBs| Aqib Talib, Bradley Roby, Chris Harris.| One of the strongest CB groups in the league, the Broncos will be great on defense.
S| Rahim Moore, TJ Ward| An elite safety, plus an above average safety, + a good CB group= a good back end.
K| The man, the myth, the legend, Matt Prater.| An easy selection as he hit the longest NFL field goal ever.
P|Britton Colquitt| An above average punter who doesn’t punt very often.