2015 Broncos Offseason Discussion...

[usafshelland]

Obviously not the season we were wanting (or paid for), but it is what it is...should be lots of talk this offseason on where we are headed...

HC - whom are we getting?

Well, with Jack Del Rio headed out the door over to the Raiders (uggh, I now hate him again), John Fox going elsewhere (I predict to Chicago), and Adam Gase taking interviews (I REALLY hope Denver pushes to get him) are we in a predicament? IF Denver doesn't get Adam Gase, then I have a very strong feeling that Peyton is retiring (I have seen some reports about going after Gary Kubiak (yuck!) and/or Dan Quinn (at least our Defense should be better).

Thomas & Thomas...

Is there any reason for either one of them to stay unless the Front Office offers some sort of big pay day (especially with no Peyton Manning at QB)? I would say the answer is no, and the both go elsewhere...I think we'll push hard at DT, but not so much on Orange Julius. So I have some hope that we'll get DT back...

RB galore...

I think the one area where we are getting fortunate is RB. We must have the greatest productivity at the position for the fewest cost. (Currently have 5 RBs at a measly $3.6M). I wouldn't be surprised if we released Jeremy Stewart ($660,000 and our 3rd most expensive RB), and likely traded away Ronnie Hillman. Granted, you might say that Montee Ball could be traded away. Personally, I think you have a pretty good mix in Ball, Hillman, and Anderson. Anderson will be your 1st and 2nd down back. 3rd and long, you put in Hillman for his receiving skills. 3rd and short, you put in Ball for his short range ability. Or you could put in JuWan for his bruising ability...

WR situation (7 WRs, 2 FAs, $9.5M+)

So this is a kind of a precarious situation if you ask me...and I don't think any moves with DT will be made until the HC and QB situation pan out. I think DT would love to come back and play with Peyton and be part of the quest to get Manning his next ring, just not so sure he doesn't test the FA waters if it's Osweiler as the starting QB. As far as Welker, he's gone. I just see no reason for the Broncos to bring him back. His skills have definitely declined (some will argue that he just didn't get the targets). But having to pay him probably more than Emmanuel Sanders ($5M+) doesn't strike me as a good business move. Question would be then, whose going to be the guy to go over the middle? Unfortunately, I don't think we have anyone else on the roster to fill that role (some argument could be made for Caldwell, but I don't think he wants to do it).

TE's...uhhh, do we have any? (4 TEs, 3 are FAs, 1 guy... who?)

So something that will definitely need to be addressed. Currently we have 4 TEs on the roster with 3 being UFAs. YIKES! The other guy (Dominque Jones) has 1 year left and $660k. I almost think you HAVE TO resign all of them... the market out there for this year isn't that great. Granted there are some exceptions (i.e. Jordan Cameron, Charles Clay, Owen Daniels, Zach Miller).

Enter DEF...

[Wolves4Life]

Originally Posted by usafshelland

Obviously not the season we were wanting (or paid for), but it is what it is...should be lots of talk this offseason on where we are headed...

HC - whom are we getting?

Well, with Jack Del Rio headed out the door over to the Raiders (uggh, I now hate him again), John Fox going elsewhere (I predict to Chicago), and Adam Gase taking interviews (I REALLY hope Denver pushes to get him) are we in a predicament? IF Denver doesn't get Adam Gase, then I have a very strong feeling that Peyton is retiring (I have seen some reports about going after Gary Kubiak (yuck!) and/or Dan Quinn (at least our Defense should be better).

Thomas & Thomas...

Is there any reason for either one of them to stay unless the Front Office offers some sort of big pay day (especially with no Peyton Manning at QB)? I would say the answer is no, and the both go elsewhere...I think we'll push hard at DT, but not so much on Orange Julius. So I have some hope that we'll get DT back...

RB galore...

I think the one area where we are getting fortunate is RB. We must have the greatest productivity at the position for the fewest cost. (Currently have 5 RBs at a measly $3.6M). I wouldn't be surprised if we released Jeremy Stewart ($660,000 and our 3rd most expensive RB), and likely traded away Ronnie Hillman. Granted, you might say that Montee Ball could be traded away. Personally, I think you have a pretty good mix in Ball, Hillman, and Anderson. Anderson will be your 1st and 2nd down back. 3rd and long, you put in Hillman for his receiving skills. 3rd and short, you put in Ball for his short range ability. Or you could put in JuWan for his bruising ability...

WR situation (7 WRs, 2 FAs, $9.5M+)

So this is a kind of a precarious situation if you ask me...and I don't think any moves with DT will be made until the HC and QB situation pan out. I think DT would love to come back and play with Peyton and be part of the quest to get Manning his next ring, just not so sure he doesn't test the FA waters if it's Osweiler as the starting QB. As far as Welker, he's gone. I just see no reason for the Broncos to bring him back. His skills have definitely declined (some will argue that he just didn't get the targets). But having to pay him probably more than Emmanuel Sanders ($5M+) doesn't strike me as a good business move. Question would be then, whose going to be the guy to go over the middle? Unfortunately, I don't think we have anyone else on the roster to fill that role (some argument could be made for Caldwell, but I don't think he wants to do it).

TE's...uhhh, do we have any? (4 TEs, 3 are FAs, 1 guy... who?)

So something that will definitely need to be addressed. Currently we have 4 TEs on the roster with 3 being UFAs. YIKES! The other guy (Dominque Jones) has 1 year left and $660k. I almost think you HAVE TO resign all of them... the market out there for this year isn't that great. Granted there are some exceptions (i.e. Jordan Cameron, Charles Clay, Owen Daniels, Zach Miller).

Enter DEF...

If 1 of them is tagged they have no choice but to stay. I think If Gase isn't the coach they need to do whatever they can to get Quinn, They NEED to keep both Thomas' at whatever cost because the rest of their offense (minus CJ and maybe Sanders) can't carry the full load. Broncos D hasn't been the greatest so I don't know how they can improve without going out and getting 4-5 players which I don't think I've ever seen any team do (unless it's a combo of FA/Draft).

[Carl]

Hi yea disappointing sums up my feelings, I am not a massive Manning fan so my hopes were tempered fairly or not by his post season legacy, however the run we have had is better than mediocrity! How many coaches have a 4 year record as follows -

• 8-8, playoff win
• 13-3, 1st seed
• Conference champion and Super Bowl lose
• 2nd seed
• four straight playoff appearances, three straight Division titles

then gets the boot?!

Honestly the optimum chance the Manning Fox teams blew at home against the Ravens, think that we could have won that Super Bowl.

Kubiak said he wants to stay in Baltimore however read we have approached them for permission to speak. He might want to be Elway's no.2 again?! I like the guy and suggest the run game would come to the fore again.

Undecided on Manning, with him we guarantee positive win/ loss record however he's on the slide. Brock is the unknown, if hes a bust would we be surprised? Elway loves him though and he knows more than me on QB's.

Demaryius Thomas notwithstanding his most recent performance is a top 5 WR and needs retaining, JT is to injury prone and not great in run blocking so hes expendable if Kubiak is hired.

Interesting times!

[Pot Roast]

Glad Fox is gone, I didn't like the signing to begin with I always thought he was too conservative. But I thought JDR or Adam would have gotten the job..

Manning hopefully makes a decision soon after a HC is hired, because weather he comes back or not will change the way the team is headed.


Keeps:
Demaryius Thomas
Terrance Knighton
Julius Thomas
Virgil Green One of the Best Blockers at the position imo.
Bradon Marshall
Aaron Brewer
John Youboty Another off-season I think we be ready to bring it.
Franklin

Noteable Cuts:
Brock Osweiler
Wes Welker he just plain got old and isn't worth the change.
Jacob Tamme
Rahim Moore
Quinton Carter
Nate Irving


I Think Montee Ball had a rough year but to be fair he did miss a lot of pre-season due to appendix surgery, and once he finally got on track had a groin injury. I like CJ Anderson but I just don't ever see him busting a run for more then 25 yards. Ronnie Hillman was a stud when he was healthy I don't mind keeping him.

How we should attack the draft:
1st: Safety/LB hopefully one falls into our laps maybe even leap frog a few teams if there's someone still on the board. I really want Benardrick McKinney I enjoyed watching him play in college and I think he will be a 3-down ILB that we need.

2nd: TE or Oline. I'm not sure if there's any big names in the tight ends that would garnish a 2nd but if there is one I would act.

3. TE or Oline ^ whatever we didn't get here

4th. LB or S

5th. Oline hopefully a sleeper.


Of course if Peyton hangs them up I think we should go after a QB,
Garrett Grayson slips to the 4th I say we pull the trigger. I think he will be a sleeper, and a Battle with Dysert should do the team well.


Go Broncos!

[usafshelland]

Originally Posted by Pot Roast

Glad Fox is gone, I didn't like the signing to begin with I always thought he was too conservative. But I thought JDR or Adam would have gotten the job..

Manning hopefully makes a decision soon after a HC is hired, because weather he comes back or not will change the way the team is headed.


Keeps:
Demaryius Thomas
Terrance Knighton
Julius Thomas
Virgil Green One of the Best Blockers at the position imo.
Bradon Marshall
Aaron Brewer
John Youboty Another off-season I think we be ready to bring it.
Franklin

Noteable Cuts:
Brock Osweiler
Wes Welker he just plain got old and isn't worth the change.
Jacob Tamme
Rahim Moore
Quinton Carter
Nate Irving


I Think Montee Ball had a rough year but to be fair he did miss a lot of pre-season due to appendix surgery, and once he finally got on track had a groin injury. I like CJ Anderson but I just don't ever see him busting a run for more then 25 yards. Ronnie Hillman was a stud when he was healthy I don't mind keeping him.

How we should attack the draft:
1st: Safety/LB hopefully one falls into our laps maybe even leap frog a few teams if there's someone still on the board. I really want Benardrick McKinney I enjoyed watching him play in college and I think he will be a 3-down ILB that we need.

2nd: TE or Oline. I'm not sure if there's any big names in the tight ends that would garnish a 2nd but if there is one I would act.

3. TE or Oline ^ whatever we didn't get here

4th. LB or S

5th. Oline hopefully a sleeper.


Of course if Peyton hangs them up I think we should go after a QB,
Garrett Grayson slips to the 4th I say we pull the trigger. I think he will be a sleeper, and a Battle with Dysert should do the team well.


Go Broncos!

I appreciate your opinions, but I would have to question some of them...

1) QBs... you know we have Peyton, Brock, and Dysert (on practice squad). So Peyton retires, you cut Brock, and start Dysert?

2) TEs... the market is ok for TEs, but I do like you resigning JT and Virgil. Granted Virgil has hands made of rocks...

3) S... we HAVE to re-sign Rahim Moore and Quinton Carter. The market for safeties is not all that great at best, and there's only ONE legit S coming out of the draft. I think for the cost to re-sign Rahim Moore and Quinton Carter is better than going out and trying to find someone to replace them.

[Pot Roast]

Originally Posted by usafshelland

I appreciate your opinions, but I would have to question some of them...

1) QBs... you know we have Peyton, Brock, and Dysert (on practice squad). So Peyton retires, you cut Brock, and start Dysert?

2) TEs... the market is ok for TEs, but I do like you resigning JT and Virgil. Granted Virgil has hands made of rocks...

3) S... we HAVE to re-sign Rahim Moore and Quinton Carter. The market for safeties is not all that great at best, and there's only ONE legit S coming out of the draft. I think for the cost to re-sign Rahim Moore and Quinton Carter is better than going out and trying to find someone to replace them.

1. That's right I thought we had another guy on the PS Renner must have not been very good. I think getting a vet like Colt McCoy would work and draft a qb if Peyton is gone. If Peyton stays I say we cut Osweiler regardless.

2. I wish we would use virgil in the backfield more, he had a few rushes, he's big strong and fast enough to really plow those short yardage situations. Like you said his hands are stone, and that's why i think we would need to draft or get another te that is really balanced in blocking and catching.

3. I don't see it man, Rahim Moore and QC are liabilities. Carter is injury prone and isn't all that good to me to begin with, I guess it comes down to price. Moore to me is inconsistent and I just don't seem him being the guy we need, he has had some great games but has had more stinkers. I say we sign a vet like Stevie Brown and Draft a Safety. I think the draft has some solid Safeties. I think one has to go though.

[usafshelland]

Originally Posted by Pot Roast

1. That's right I thought we had another guy on the PS Renner must have not been very good. I think getting a vet like Colt McCoy would work and draft a qb if Peyton is gone. If Peyton stays I say we cut Osweiler regardless.

2. I wish we would use virgil in the backfield more, he had a few rushes, he's big strong and fast enough to really plow those short yardage situations. Like you said his hands are stone, and that's why i think we would need to draft or get another te that is really balanced in blocking and catching.

3. I don't see it man, Rahim Moore and QC are liabilities. Carter is injury prone and isn't all that good to me to begin with, I guess it comes down to price. Moore to me is inconsistent and I just don't seem him being the guy we need, he has had some great games but has had more stinkers. I say we sign a vet like Stevie Brown and Draft a Safety. I think the draft has some solid Safeties. I think one has to go though.

Please refresh my mind what S out of college you are thinking... from what I recall, only 1 had a rating of over 90. I swear it seems like the draft classes have kind of gone downhill year by year...

[usafshelland]

Let me also throw this out there... we cut Peyton... that gives us something like $41M in cap space for 2015... more than enough money to go out and there and sign some people.

[addicted36]

Hope that a Redskins fan can join the party. I'm a big fan of Brock Osweiler, more so then most and wanted to share this

Brock Osweiler gets high marks from Denver Broncos - NFL.com

If Peyton does not come back it immediately opens up 19 million in cap space for you that you could use on impending Free Agents

[addicted36]

Brock Osweiler, too, in waiting game - AFC West Blog - ESPN

Elway said he told Manning Monday, when the two met in Elway's office, to take "five-six weeks" to make his decision about next season. Elway also added he believed Manning would be back and that he and the Broncos wanted Manning back.

Good news for those wanting him back, good overall article about the QB situation

[Pot Roast]

Originally Posted by usafshelland

Please refresh my mind what S out of college you are thinking... from what I recall, only 1 had a rating of over 90. I swear it seems like the draft classes have kind of gone downhill year by year...

I like to go by the eyeball test more so then rating, and of course the combine.

Jalen Mills from LSU could go 1-3 according to walter football, I watched him play and I really like what he brings to the table, plus LSU is a factory for Safeties.

I think Peyton is done, I mean all cordinators are gone and he reportedly doesn't like change.

I say the Broncos bring a vet in if they don't draft another qb without Peyton. I want Osweiler out, I think we go 8-8 at best with him.

[packman80]

If manning retires Denver will be 6-10 next season.

[jbrandonw]

You guys think Sanders will stay?

[Pot Roast]

Originally Posted by jbrandonw

You guys think Sanders will stay?

Latimer replaces him at the end of his contract, I don't see him leaving. He was signed for three years.


Hopefully Latimer takes the next step and can be a consistent number 3 next year.

[addicted36]

Originally Posted by Pot Roast

I like to go by the eyeball test more so then rating, and of course the combine.

Jalen Mills from LSU could go 1-3 according to walter football, I watched him play and I really like what he brings to the table, plus LSU is a factory for Safeties.

I think Peyton is done, I mean all cordinators are gone and he reportedly doesn't like change.

I say the Broncos bring a vet in if they don't draft another qb without Peyton. I want Osweiler out, I think we go 8-8 at best with him.

Why? You normally do not throw away a 2nd round pick like that without knowing what you have. He's gotten better each preseason game he's played. Manning takes the practice reps, so he's not had much opportunity but he's definitely shown improvement and looked good for them when he got to play.

[packman80]

Elway so happy with what he has done he thanks himself.

John Elway Starts Broncos Press Conference by Thanking John Elway | Bleacher Report

[Pot Roast]

Originally Posted by addicted36

Why? You normally do not throw away a 2nd round pick like that without knowing what you have. He's gotten better each preseason game he's played. Manning takes the practice reps, so he's not had much opportunity but he's definitely shown improvement and looked good for them when he got to play.

Clearly the Broncos do not trust him, Manning had a torn quad and we had the playoffs locked up, if they thought Osweiler was a decent enough QB they would have let Peyton rest tell the playoffs. Now I know we were playing for the first round bye but his game against the Bengals was pathetic, and come on it was the Raiders really? Are Second string QB should be able to edge out the Raiders at home........................But they didn't and that's why I want him out.

Peyton could have had three weeks of rest and who knows maybe against the colts he wouldn't resort to throwing fireballs a mesmerizing 3 whole yards down field.

[56chev]

Originally Posted by packman80

Elway so happy with what he has done he thanks himself.

John Elway Starts Broncos Press Conference by Thanking John Elway | Bleacher Report

GOSH this made me literally laugh out loud.

Originally Posted by Pot Roast

Clearly the Broncos do not trust him, Manning had a torn quad and we had the playoffs locked up, if they thought Osweiler was a decent enough QB they would have let Peyton rest tell the playoffs. Now I know we were playing for the first round bye but his game against the Bengals was pathetic, and come on it was the Raiders really? Are Second string QB should be able to edge out the Raiders at home........................But they didn't and that's why I want him out.

Peyton could have had three weeks of rest and who knows maybe against the colts he wouldn't resort to throwing fireballs a mesmerizing 3 whole yards down field.

A part of me hates to say this, but you have good points.

I WANT Brock to be the guy, something makes me think it isn't going to happen, but I'd love to have a young, Broncos drafted franchise QB.

I think the biggest thing (IMO) with Brock is the fact that no one really knows how good he'll be, or how bad. There are so many things that we as fans have no idea about, his work ethic, his development as a QB, how does he get along with Manning? Elway? The other players? There are so many variables, and, again IMO the only way to find out is to let him take the wheel even if for a short time. Problem with this is as I see it if Manning stays next year, Brock's rookie contract is up at the end of '15 and with him being such a question mark, can we pay him what he is "worth"? I tend to think that another team needing a QB will gladly scoop him up and give him a shot.
________

I REALLY want us to sign Demaryius to a good contract, I think he is our guy. Sure he has some drops here and there, but he is great after the catch, he catches *most passes, he gets open, he's big, he's physical, everything you'd want in a WR.

I have mixed feelings on Julius, as someone above stated, there isn't a huge crop of TE's in the league that can do what he can do. However he is NOT a blocking TE, which makes him pretty much a WR (not a hugely bad thing). We do however have too many TE's, 4? Cut two imo.

I agree with USAFShelland on Rahim and QC, considering the lack of GOOD safety's in the league, we should pony up on them. I think we ended up with the 3rd? ranked defense, so we shouldn't mess up a good thing too much. I do however think we are SEVERELY lacking at the LB position, I think we need to go hard at the draft on an LB.

[LordLansdowne]

Originally Posted by Pot Roast

Clearly the Broncos do not trust him, Manning had a torn quad and we had the playoffs locked up, if they thought Osweiler was a decent enough QB they would have let Peyton rest tell the playoffs. Now I know we were playing for the first round bye but his game against the Bengals was pathetic, and come on it was the Raiders really? Are Second string QB should be able to edge out the Raiders at home........................But they didn't and that's why I want him out.

Peyton could have had three weeks of rest and who knows maybe against the colts he wouldn't resort to throwing fireballs a mesmerizing 3 whole yards down field.

Peyton Manning was the boss. He's not getting benched by the coaches and he's not going to take himself out of a game (he's got records to break and stats to put up).

If Peyton retires it's going to be a full competition between Osweiler, Dysert, a vet or another draft pick.

[Brafcauknid]

Originally Posted by Pot Roast

Glad Fox is gone, I didn't like the signing to begin with I always thought he was too conservative. But I thought JDR or Adam would have gotten the job..

Manning hopefully makes a decision soon after a HC is hired, because weather he comes back or not will change the way the team is headed.


Keeps:
Demaryius Thomas
Terrance Knighton
Julius Thomas
Virgil Green One of the Best Blockers at the position imo.
Bradon Marshall
Aaron Brewer
John Youboty Another off-season I think we be ready to bring it.
Franklin

Noteable Cuts:
Brock Osweiler
Wes Welker he just plain got old and isn't worth the change.
Jacob Tamme
Rahim Moore
Quinton Carter
Nate Irving



Go Broncos!

The broncos simply do not have the funds to keep JT, DT, Franklin, and Knighton. Its going to be extremely difficult to keep 2 of those 4. Not to mention, pot roast's latest comments dont sound like he has any interest in sticking around denver.

[TheBurg]

Thoughts on Dysert from Broncos fans? I think he can be a very good starter.

[56chev]

Originally Posted by TheBurg

Thoughts on Dysert from Broncos fans? I think he can be a very good starter.

I seem to remember your Dysert drum beating from a little while back.

Honestly though, he doesn't get hardly any mention, most Broncos fans have no idea who he is. (I feel like the only reason I know who he is is due to card collecting)

At the very least, he's a seventh round QB on our practice squad that will have to prove himself at some point whether it's on the Broncos or somewhere else.

[green4407]

Cut Manning, bring Tebow back...

[usafshelland]

Love those trolls....said no one ever.

[Pot Roast]

Originally Posted by green4407

Cut Manning, bring Tebow back...

higher playoff winning percentage at least.LOL