Find Replacement For Eric Decker In Draft

Eric Decker is a fan favorite, especially among the female fans of Denver. Eric Decker is also a very good football player. So good that it is likely that Denver will not be able to retain his services for the upcoming season. John Elway is left to find a replacement for a wide receiver who was highly productive, and a favorite of Manning. While watching the combine this weekend I cam across a player who would not only be a replacement from Decker, but could be a slight upgrade in certain aspects of the game like deep play ability, and ability to run after the catch. This players name is Jeff Janis, and he comes out of Saginaw State University. At 6'3 and 220lbs one would guess he would be a possession receiver, but then you see his 40 times of being in the 4.3's and came in officially at 4.42, and you can see how he is also a deep threat. He set a record for receiving yards in Division II college football with over 1600 yards, and was able to haul in 106 passes in a year and you see a complete player. Every player has drawbacks and the fact this kid played in Division II shouldn't hold him back. However if it keeps him under wraps long enough for Denver to draft him in the mid rounds as a replacement for Decker (should he leave) I think Denver would have found a diamond in the rough. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dNdDnMNvi4

Denver Broncos 2014 NFL Draft Overview

After looking at the positions Denver should focus in free agency and the combine starting this past week it is time to really look at the direction Denver should go in this years NFL draft. To put it bluntly Denver should look at the best player available when the 31st pick in the draft. As an independent blogger I still have the freedom to say that I believe Denver's roster from top to bottom is already the best in the NFL. However the teams in the NFL are so closely matched that things can change drastically over the course of one offseason. Teams like Oakland and Cleveland have a ton of free cap room, already have some solid young pieces, and are just two examples of teams who could arise quickly this season. Great teams are built in the draft and Denver needs to make sure it hits on their picks this year. All the positions where Denver has holes such as corner, middle linebacker, safety, defensive end, and even defensive tackle are all possibilities. However they could also look to add depth to positions like wide receiver, guard, and even running back. While last years draft was not bad I think they expected more out of Sylvester Williams, and even Montee Ball. Denver needs to have one or two guys that they draft this year to really step up. Some names that should be available when Denver picks are Stephon Tuitt a DT from Notre Dame, Bradley Roby a corner from Ohio State, Dee Ford a DE from Auburn, Kelvin Benjamin a WR from Florida State, Jason Verrett a corner from TCU, Yawin Smallwood a MLB from UCONN, and even though it may be a little high to take Shane Skov, or Chris Boreland, both middle linebackers from Stanford and Wisconsin respectively I think there names would be in the mix as well. Another potential player here would be a corner named Keith McGill who is 6'3, and very talented. Any of these players would be solid pick ups, but one thing is for sure and that is Denver should not get to fascinated with any prospect and should take the best player available when it comes time for them to make their draft picks.

Denver Bronco Free Agent Running Back Breakdown

This past years super bowl is still tough to watch. Not so much that we lost, but the fact that Denver didn't even seem to show up. One of the things I think we saw through the playoffs, and especially the super bowl is you have to be able to run the ball, and not just when you need to pick up a first down. Next year I think Denver will still play at the frantic pace it played with this past season, but I hope we see more of an attempt to get the rushing attack going early, and often. Knowshon Moreno had a very good year, but he is somewhat injury prone. I do not think he should be resigned. That leave Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman, and CJ Anderson as our running backs. Ball looks to be the real deal, but he has had fumble problems since he got to the NFL. Ronnie Hillman also has big problems with holding on to the ball, and is more of a change of pace back than anything. Finally CJ Anderson who had great showings in the preseason before he got injured, but he too is very young and unproven. With Denver wanting to win a super bowl now I am not sure Denver has time to wait until one of these guys sets himself apart from the others. 1) Ben Tate from the Houston Texans. Tate has managed to make a name for himself while running behind Arian Foster. Ben Tate runs hard, blocks well, and would be the feature back on just about any other NFL team. The problem with getting Tate is he is going to ask for a lot of money. I would say he is worth it, but Denver has other needs and doesn't need to break the bank on bringing in a RB to split carries with Montee Ball. Still, in my opinion Tate is the best free agent back available. 2) Maurice Jones-Drew from the Jacksonville Jaguars. This is a move that probably makes more sense than any other. While MJD is not the perennial pro bowl player fantasy owners are use to seeing he can still play the game at a high level. Also, as far as the risk vs reward goes I think it should be noted that MJD has put up the numbers he has in Jacksonville, and done so while being the only offensive threat on the entire team. I think if he came to Denver where he isn't responsible for carrying the entire offensive load he could get back to being the force he once was. He has connections here through Jack Del Rio, and he has to know that Denver will give him the best chance to win a super bowl. 3) Legarrette Blount from the New England Patriots. Blount is 6 feet tall and weighs 250lbs, but still has good speed and quickness. While he never was really a feature back anywhere he would fit into the mold of what John Fox likes at running back, and that is a guy who doesn't do anything real fancy yet can get the tough yards and punish a teams defense. With Denver looking to incorporate their running game more into their game plan each week getting a 250lb work horse would seem like a no brainer. Blount paired up with Montee Ball would give us two solid runners, and Hillman would be a good change of pace back. Blount would be able to keep the clock going, and the other teams offense off the field after Denver jumps out to a lead. Knowing that they have to make their running game more of a priority next year. All three of the above mentioned players are physical, hard nosed players who have shown they can get the job done. Bronco fans would probably like nothing more than to go back to how this team won its super bowls in '98 and '99, and the way they won was Elway and the offense would jump out to a lead, and then it was time for TD to take over and run the clock out. Denver proved it had the best offense in the history of the game last year, but overlooked their running game and I think that ended up really hurting them. I firmly believe that one of these backs would be the only missing piece on the Broncos offense.

Denver Bronco Free Agent Defensive Tackle Breakdown

The 2013 Denver Broncos finally put getting big, strong, and powerful defensive tackles on the team a priority. Prior to this year Kevin Vickerson was the only defensive tackle I thought was a true player at that position. He showed that during the season when he is healthy he can play at a very high level. Denver also signed Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton to the team from Jacksonville, and while he had a slow start one could make an argument that he was the best defensive player Denver had coming down the stretch. Along with the signing of Knighton Denver used their first pick in the draft to take Sylvester Williams out of North Carolina. He basically disappeared for the first half of the season, but finished strong and showed he could get to the QB by getting a couple sacks during the time he was in the game. All that being said I still think Denver needs to add another veteran to the team who is as big and as strong as the 3 players I mentioned above. With Vickerson coming off a hip injury getting a guy who could step in for him would be a smart move. So, once again, if I was in the front office of the Denver Broncos these would be the players I would target. 1) Linval Joseph from the New York Giants. Denver would be a much improved team if they could land a guy like Joseph. First off he is big, 6'4 and 325lbs, physical, and has a great motor. He could come into Denver and be a nice addition to competition that will take place to see who will be the starters at defensive tackle going into next year. 2) Jason Hatcher from the Dallas Cowboys. While Joseph is a younger guy who will be looking for a larger contract, Hatcher is older (31), would be more affordable than Joseph. I also believe Hatcher has the best pass rush ability of all the other DTs up for free agency as he put up some impressive numbers last year getting 11 sacks. While he isn't as wide as other defensive tackles (Hatcher weighs 299lbs) Hatcher more than makes up for it by using his length (6'6). This is a player who reminds me of Richard Seymour, in that he is tall, exceptionally strong, and he is quick enough to get up field to the opposing teams QB. Sylvester Williams has shown his ability to rush the passer, and adding Hatcher would give Denver another guy who can generate pressure up the middle. I get excited when I think about the possible defensive line we could put out in nickel, and dime situations. With Hatcher and Williams at defensive tackle we will be able to make a team think twice before trying to run on us. Then when you put Shaun Phillips, and Von Miller on the outside you now have 4 guys who can flat out get to the QB. 3) Paul Soliai from the Miami Dolphins. Soliai fits the mold of what Denver would be looking for him to do. He is older so he to could probably be attained at a cheaper price, and being 6'4 and 340lbs it would give Denver another 330+ pound defensive tackle to plug up the middle with. While not as versatile as Hatcher, Soliai could come in and compete for a starting spot just like every other player has to. He would be a great insurance policy should Vickerson, Knighton, or Williams get injured. Finally I am including a long shot here, but BJ Raji from Green Bay is available and I have read that Green Bay doesn't necessarily want to sign him. I am not sure Denver has the cap space to bring in a guy like Raji who would step in and be one of the starters here immediately. If there was a way that Denver could land Raji we would go from having two very good defensive tackles to having a very special player there as well. If I had to pick one of these guys to come to Denver it would be Jason Hatcher from Dallas. To get a guy who who not only has the size to stop the run, but also can generate a LOT of pressure up the middle by using his length to compliment his strength. Now obviously I would love to see BJ Raji come here, and I think Manning and Champ have both agreed to to renegotiate their contracts to free up more cap space, but I am still not sure they could afford what Raji will most likely ask. Of course there are other solid players out there at the defensive tackle position, but these are the four that caught my eye the most.

Denver Broncos Free Agent Defensive End Breakdown

Up until last year Denver enjoyed the service of a fantastic defensive end, and one of the most prolific pass rushers in the game in Elvis Dumervil. Had his fax machine worked correctly he would still be a Denver Bronco, and while Shaun Phillips stepped in and did more than a great job at filling in Denver could use another pass rusher who is consistent, and can play the run as well as the pass. Shaun Phillips is also a free agent, and while Denver has said they will let their free agents test the market there has been talk that Phillips is the free agent Denver would like back the most. With Von Miller coming back next year Denver will get one of the top 2 defensive players in the game back into their line up. Denver is in a position where their window for the winning a super bowl is down to about 2 years, and adding another top flight pass rusher would help ensure they achieve that goal. Like I did with the other positions I have broken down I will put out the names of players I would target if I was in the front office of the Denver Broncos. 1) Jared Allen from the Minnesota Vikings. Last time Allen was a free agent there was talk that he could decide to come to Denver. He opted to go to Minnesota, and continued to play at an incredibly high level. The one player on Denver whose health issues concern me most is Derek Wolfe. During the Seattle pre-season game Wolfe had to be taken off the field on a stretcher and taken directly to a hospital. Once he returned to the field he had trouble keeping weight on, and just wasn't the Derek Wolfe we have become accustom to seeing. Should Wolfe not be able to return to football Denver really will have a big hole at defensive end. Should he be able to come back and Denver is able to land Jared Allen it will give Denver one of the most well rounded, biggest, and physical defensive lines in the game. 2) Justin Tuck from the New York Giants. Justin Tuck is not the dominant force that he once was in the NFL where he could play any position on the defensive line and dominate anyone he came up against. That said he still managed to get 11 sacks, and was able to force a couple fumbles last season. Denver would make sense for Tuck because he won't have to carry the load as far as getting pressure on the QB goes due Von Miller coming back, and hopefully Shaun Phillips as well. What makes Tuck special isn't just his pass rushing ability. He is also good against the run, and can play the 3 technique (gap between the center and guard) and the 5 technique (the gap between the guard and the tackle). Derek Wolfe is able to do the same thing, as can Malik Jackson. Having players who can play multiple positions opens things up for your defensive coordinator to get creative. Tuck is also an older player who has been to the super bowl, and he would provide great veteran leadership. 3) Michael Bennett from the Seattle Seahawks. We all saw in the super bowl that the Seahawk defense is extremely physical, plays with an edge, and are fast. Bennett is around the same size as Allen and Tuck, and is probably a step faster than both. He managed to rack up 8.5 sacks last year as well as forcing a fumble. Usually a player coming off a super bowl win will try to capitalize on his teams success by turning it into a big free agent deal. He is slightly younger than Allen and Tuck, so there is the potential to sign him to a contract that is longer than 2 years. If Bennett is looking to go to a place where he will not be the focal point of opposing teams offensive lines he could put up some big numbers here as he will most likely never get double teamed because opposing teams usually save that distinction for Von Miller. You can never have too many pass rushers, but bringing Shaun Phillips back, and signing one of the above players will not only create more pressure, but will help free up Von Miller to get up field and make plays in the backfield. Robert Ayers has not shown enough to warrant giving him another contract, and while Jeremy Mincey is a highly touted defensive end who came here from Jacksonville he didn't really show any signs of being special. In this climate of "win NOW" the Broncos need to bring in players who will have an impact right now. I am not saying that we mortgage the future, but we do not have the time for a player come here and develop. Which is why, in my opinion these 3 players would make the most sense for Denver to target this offseason.

Denver Broncos Free Agent Safety Breakdown

During 2013-2014 season the Denver Broncos were able to have a lot of success by piecing together their secondary seemingly on a weekly basis. Going into the season cornerback was pretty set as far as starters go with Champ Bailey, Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie, and Chris Harris making up one of the better groups of corners in the league. Rahim Moore was the starter at free safety, and Duke Ihenacho won the battle for strong safety. Rahim Moore is a solid starter in the NFL, and while Ihenacho flashed at times he showed that he was shaky against the pass. Denver will get Rahim Moore back healthy next year, but I wouldn't be surprised if they went out and signed a true strong safety. Should Denver look to go after a strong safety they should include the following players in their consideration. 1) TJ Ward from the Cleveland Browns. TJ Ward is a player who would be a household name if he didn't play in Cleveland. Ward has above average coverage ability, can cover a ton of ground, has amazing instincts, and is a punishing hitter. Though he is a bit undersized he would fit fantastically into what is hopefully an attempt to get more physical on defense. 2) Donte Whitner from the San Francisco 49ers. Whitner also fits the profile of the type of safety that Denver is looking for. He would be coming from one of the most physical defenses in football with San Francisco, and would provide a verbal leader in the defensive backfield. Also a bit undersized Whitner, like TJ Ward, makes up for any issue with his size with ferocity, and speed. 3) Bernard Pollard from the Tennessee Titans. Bernard Pollard is a player who you hate if you are playing against him, but would be happy to have on your team. Think Bill Romanowski. Pollard does not have the coverage skills that either of the above two safeties have. In fact I would say the weakness in his game is his coverage skills. What Pollard does exceptionally well is tackle, and play physical football. He has a reputation for playing on the borderline of dirty, and while I wouldn't assume any players intentions are malicious Pollard plays an old school style of football. Denver needs attitude, Denver needs a player who can get under opposing teams skin, and Denver flat out needs more nasty on its defense. Pollard would fit that roll fantastically. As of today nobody is really sure how the safety position in Denver will turn out. Champ Bailey has recently said he would be open to a move to free safety, Denver could look to the draft, or stay with Ihenacho. Regardless of their decision safety will be a position to watch going into the 2014-2015 season.

Denver Bronco Free Agent Cornerback Breakdown

Going into the 2013 season corner was one of the positions where Denver didn't look to have any holes. With Champ Baily still on the outside, Dominic Rodgers Cromartie coming in, and Chris Harris being regarded as one of if not the best nickelbacks in the NFL. Then in Champ went down in the preseason with a foot injury that I do not believe he ever really fully recovered. That left Denver with Rodgers Cromartie, and Chris Harris as their starters which was not bad either. When DRC was injured in the New England game during the regular season we all to to see just how much he meant to this team. Re-signing him should be one of the top priorities of the offeason, if not THE priority. Most people still think Champ has enough left in the tank to play at a high level at corner, but there is talk of him moving to safety as well. Should Denver not sign DRC, and Champ moves to safety Denver would be left with Chris Harris and either Kayvon Webster, or Tony Carter on the other side. Webster looks like a player, but was exposed a bit in the regular season game against New England and never really seemed to get his swagger back. Tony Carter has a issue with tackling, and being physical. He is a good special teams player, and can be a teams 3rd, or 4th corner but he is not a starter. So to get back to the Super Bowl it is pretty clear that they will have to sign a corner. 1) Charles "Peanut" Tillman from the Chicago Bears. Thinking about this move for the last couple days I think Tillman makes the most sense. Granted his older he still has the size 6'2 and 198lbs, and coverage ability to be a impact player at corner. He also would be another veteran to help guys like Kayvon Webster, Chris Harris, and whatever corner the Broncos most likely will draft this year. He is known for making big players, and is also not afraid to get physical. Again, he most likely will not be the long term solution in the environment where Denver's window for a Super Bowl is the next 2 years he could be a nice piece to get us there. 2) Brent Grimes from the Atlanta Falcons. Grimes can play the ball, is tough, and isn't afraid to tackle. He is another player that creates turnovers, and has a reputation for making a big play. His play speaks for itself, and would be a big pick up for Denver. 3) Aqib Talib from the New England Patriots. Denver fans got to see how much of an impact Talib made in the AFC Championship. With New England apprehensive to give him big money getting him to Denver may be in the cards. He is 6'1 and 205lbs so he would have the size teams want at corner, but still has the coverage ability to play anywhere. He is younger than the players mentioned above, and he also doesn't have an issue with tackling. Bringing back DRC should be the priority, but probably more than any position Denver needs to bring someone in. Next year Denver will be getting back Von Miller, Kevin Vickerson, Chris Harris, Rahim Moore, and Derek Wolfe all back healthy. Adding a player like one of the 3 above would set Denver up to be at corner, and give Jack Del Rio more freedom in the defenses he calls.

Denver Bronco Free Agent Middle Linebacker Breakdown

As of this date Denver doesn't posses a middle linebacker that could be a starter in the NFL. Along with making sure the defense is in the right formation, and making the correct audibles, the middle linebacker is the heart of the defense. Denver hasn't had a real middle linebacker since Al Wilson was on the team, and it was also apparent in the Super Bowl that Denver simply doesn't have a true emotional leader of the defense. There are a few options here. One would be moving Danny Trevathan inside and having him play the Mike, and allowing Wesley Woodyard to move back outside to the weakside linebacker position where he doesn't take the pounding that comes with playing the Mike. That would be a gamble as Trevathan hasn't played in the middle and even he would probably have to gain about 10lbs to be effective. If that move doesn't happen there are a few free agent options out there. If I were the GM I would target one of these players. 1) Brandon Spikes from New England would be a great fit as he brings an element of physical play, but he is also an emotional player that the rest of the Denver defenders could rally around. At 6'2 and 255lbs he has the size and strength to make a difference inside. Though his 40 time when he came out of Florida was pretty bad, but you have to look at the film to really see what he can do, and he is every bit as physical the film showed. He is also still a fairly young player which is also a benefit. 2) Jon Beason from the New York Giants has expressed he wants to stay in New York, but John Fox drafted him so even if there is an outside chance that Denver could land him it would be worth a try. More of a 3 down linebacker than Spikes, and Beason is also regarded as one of the better linebackers in the football. The reason I have him at number 2 is it will take a lot of money to get him here, but he could be a fix if Fox can talk him into leaving New York. 3) Daryl Smith from the Baltimore Ravens. Daryl Smith is a little older than the above 2, and wouldn't provide the long term solution for Denver, but Denver is looking to win now, and Daryl Smith could be the most athletic of either of the above linebackers I am suggesting. Smith also played for Jack Del Rio in Jacksonville, so he would be immediately familiar with at least the concept of this defense. While not the emotional player that Brandon Spikes is Daryl Smith can is one of the more underrated linebackers in the NFL. All 3 of these guys can play football, but to me Brandon Spikes would be the best pick up. He is younger, more physical, and brings that edge Denver so desperately needed against Seattle. If Denver wants to get serious about becoming a more physical team middle linebacker is the place to start. With Kevin Vickerson making a huge impact last year before he got hurt, and Terrance Knighton really asserted himself as one of the better DTs in the league getting Brandon Spikes would solidify that middle of the defense bring that leadership and nastiness on defense Denver is missing.

Free Agent Wish List For Denver Broncos

Keeping this one short and to the point here are some free agents that Denver should look to target this offseason. Running Back: Ben Tate, or Maurice Jones Drew Wide Receiver: Kenny Britt, Robert Meachem, Mario Manningham Defensive End: Jared Allen, Lamar Houston, Justin Tuck, Michael Bennett, Michael Johnson. Defensive Tackle: BJ Raji, Johnny Jolly, Ryan Pickett, Henry Melton Linebacker: Brandon Spikes, Karlos Dansby, Jon Beason, Jonathan Vilma Cornerback: Walter Thurmond, Peanut Tillman, Aqib Talib, Brent Grimes, Alterraun Verner, Brandon Browner, Deangelo Hall Safety: TJ Ward, Chris Clemons, Bernard Pollard, Ed Reed, Donte Whitner The reason I chose these players is they all have some nastiness to their game, and it was obvious in the Super Bowl that is something Denver was missing. Obviously Denver can't sign all of these players, but these are the names I found that fit best into the holes Denver has.

How To Fix The Denver Broncos In 2014

The Super Bowl is over. It was humilating. Time to move on to next year. I do not believe that things are as bad for the Broncos as a lot of people would have you believe. Denver simply couldn't get anything going from the 1st snap of the game. Regardless of that play I think the game would have been much different had we not been missing Ryan Clady, who is one of the top left tackles in the game, Von Miller, one of the two best defensive players in the game, two of our starting defensive linemen in Kevin Vickerson, and Derek Wolfe, and two starting defensive backs in Rahim Moore and Chris Harris. So as we look at next year we have to figure all those guys will be back healthy next year. Going into next year Denver will again have one of, if not the strongest rosters in the NFL. They do need to add a couple pieces. The first thing that should be on their list is to get help in the secondary. Signing a guy like TJ Ward from Cleveland would be a big upgrade for our safety positions. It would give Denver a real physical strong safety that can come up in the box and stop the run, or drop in coverage and not be a liability. Obviously bringing Dominic Rodgers Cromartie back should be a priority as he is one of the better young corners in the game, but another move Denver should look to make is signing Brandon Browner from Seattle. Browner originally spent time with Denver, but was let go and picked up by Seattle. He is coming off being suspended for NFL subatance abuse which should allow Denver to get him even cheaper. If not Browner maybe a Aqib Talib, or Brent Grimes would be the right fit. The next huge need for Denver is a legit middle linebacker. For this spot I purpose two names. One being Brandon Spikes from New England. He is one of the premier run stoppers in the NFL, and plays with a nastiness and mean streak that Denver needs. He also has the personal attributes to be an emotional leader on the field for Denver that Denver has been missing for quite sometime. The other player would be Daryl Smith from Baltimore. He fit in well taking over for Ray Lewis, and could also be the defensive leader Denver is looking for. Finally the last need on defense for Denver would be another proven pass rushing defensive end. There are a couple different ways Denver could go here. Jared Allen is a free agent, and he could come in immediately and be the every down defensive end we are looking for. Another option would be to go after Justin Tuck. Who can play up and down the defensive line, and get pressure from everywhere. In my opinion adding Jared Allen would be the move to make as with Von Miller coming off one side and Allen coming off the other it will be tough for any QB to have enough time to get comfortable in the pocket. Offensively there are not really any big changes that need to be made. Decker will be a victim of the salary cap as he will be looking for something in the 7 million dollar per year range, and Manning has proved over and over that he can take a guy like Austin Collie, or Blair White and make them solid NFL receivers. I think re-signing Bubba Caldwell would be the smart move here. One move I think would be worth taking a look at is bringing Maurice Jones Drew. While he is not the back he once was, but he is still one of the better backs in the NFL. While I think Montee Ball will be a very good NFL player the window for Denver winning a Super Bowl just got one year smaller, so bringing in a guy like Jones Drew is the type of move Denver needs to make to make opposing defenses respect Denver's running game. Finally the last decision that Denver needs to make is on Zane Beadles. Denver had the best offensive line in the NFL last year, but when they needed to run the ball at times they struggled. Was Zane Beadles the problem? Probably not. Denver will have to choose if he is the best guard available for the team, or if another free agent out there is. Players to target: TJ Ward, Brandon Browner, Brandon Spikes, Jared Allen, and Maurice Jones Drew. Players to keep: Dominic Rodgers Cromartie, Zane Beadles, Wesley Woodyard