BroncosFan2010 Posted December 14, 2017 Share Posted December 14, 2017 2018 SALARY CAP – 184.4M (178M Salary Cap + 11.4M Rollover) CAP SPACE - $34.4M CUTS OT Donald Stephenson (+0) OT Menelik Watson (+4.8M) OT Cyrus Kouandjio (+0.7M) RB CJ Anderson (+4.5M) - DL Zach Kerr (+1.5) TE Jeff Heuerman (+0.7M) OG Max Garcia (+0.7M) LB Deiontrez Mount (+0.7M) RS Isaiah McKenzie (+0.4M) TOTAL – 14M ADJ CAP SPACE – 48.4M ROOKIE RESERVE – 8M ADJ CAP SPACE – 40.4M RESIGNED WR Cody Latimer – 1 year / Vet Min (0.8M) WHY? Latimer has shown a bit of potential as of late, but this signing is primarily for his ST abilities. DL Shelby Harris – 1 year / RFA Tender (1.8M) R7 Comp WHY? Harris showed quite a bit this season as a pass rushing 34DE and should form a nice backup pass rush specialist duo at 34DE with Walker next season. LB Shaq Barrett – 1 year / RFA Tender (2.7M) R2 Comp WHY? He has played quite well this season, easily outplaying Shane Ray. While the FO will hope Ray returns to form in 2018, keeping Shaq at this price is an easy decision. OC Matt Paradis – 1 year / RFA Tender (2.7M) R2 Comp WHY? Despite regressing from his 2016 form, he is still a capable Center who should be tendered and given a year to prove he can return to pre-injury form. TE Austin Traylor – 1 year / ERFA Tender (0.5M) WHY? Cheap backup that come out of nowhere to become arguably our best TE this season. Keep him cheap for another season as TE3 and see what happens. LB Zaire Anderson – 1 year / ERFA Tender (0.6M) WHY? He is barely backup caliber but I don’t see this team brining in three new ILB, so we keep him for ST duties and emergency situations. LS Casey Kreiter - 1 year / ERFA Tender (0.6M) WHY? Quality LS who comes back on the cheap. NT Kyle Peko - 1 year / ERFA Tender (0.6M) WHY? Continue to develop him in hopes that he someday takes over for his cousin. His inability to gain mass is concerning though IMO. TOTAL – 10.3M ADJ CAP SPACE – 30.1M NFL FREE AGENCY QB Eli Manning – 2 years / 30M / 15M Guaranteed / 15M WHY? With Darnold/Rosen gone at #1/#2 and Cousins demanding 25M+, we elect to try out the Manning route again. Eli is not an elite player, but with a competent OL and playmakers, he can become a game manager with some deep play potential. His fit here is obvious, a stopgap that we can afford, wont demand long term money and has family connections to the organization. OT LaAdrian Waddle – 3 years / 18M / 8M Guaranteed / 5M WHY? Will third time be the charm for middling RT’s? It has to be, because this FA OT crop is horrid outside Solder (Who we cant afford), and we cant rely on a non-elite prospect to protect one side of Eli. Waddle has been coached up by the elite NE OL staff and has played very well filling in for Cannon. He has tons of starting experience and should slide in at RT and provide above average pass blocking immediately. Not great in the run game, but you cant ask for everything from a mediocre talent like him. Ideally we find a better option in the draft and Waddle becomes our swing OT, an underrated need that we have not come close to filling for years. WR John Brown – 3 years / 15M / 6M Guaranteed / 4M WHY? The WR3 spot has been a nightmare for a few years now and we need a solid vet to slide in and provide something of note. Brown is a burning outside WR who can keep the defense honest. He allows Sanders to slide into the slot on passing downs, something he hasn’t been able to do as much lately with our poor WR talent demanding he play outside. Brown has injury and consistency issues, but at this price he is a worthy risk with decent upside. Eli takes downfield shots and Brown can get open on long developing routes, and we all know this team has a huge void in big plays. TE Ed Dickson – 2 years / 7M / 3M Guaranteed / 3M WHY? A stopgap, seam busting TE with great speed. Dickson is a guy that seems to always almost put it all together but never quite has. In Denver, he will be handed the starting spot as Eli’s pass-catching TE and given all opportunity to succeed. I think he will prove to be an excellent value and love his pass catching abilities from the TE spot. 2018 NFL DRAFT 1.05 – Saquan Barkley RB – Penn State (Junior, 5’11, 230lbs, 4.49 40) WHY? Transcendent talent who literally has every trait you look for in a Running Back. I truly believe that the additions of Eli and Saquan will put this offense back into respectability overnight. Barkley is Ezekiel Elliot with homerun speed and immeasurably better character. I expect him to be a HOF caliber player and the new face of this franchise. http://www.cfbstats.com/2017/player/539/1072444/index.html 2.05 – Will Hernandez OG – UTEP (Senior, 6’03, 340lbs, 5.54) WHY? While Quenton is talked about continually, this big kid is an excellent plug/play prospect at OG in his own right. He isnt a nimble, second level blocker but always wins his 1-vs-1 matchups using elite technique and excellent power. He has nimble feet and a high motor, with nearly 40 starts in college to his name. With his football IQ and NFL ready body, he can come in and start immediately, providing DEN with what could quickly become an elite IOL. 3.05 – Josey Jewell ILB – Iowa (RS Senior, 6’01, 236lbs, 4.78 40) WHY? Finally a defensive player, and in Jewell we get a great one. He is a tremendously instinctual ILB who plays bigger than his listed weight and can stack/shed surprisingly well. He is the QB of the surprisingly good Iowa defense and has the skillset to step in and start immediately. I would compare him to a post-injury Sean Lee as he doesn’t have pre-injury Lee athleticism but plays a similar game. Very aware in zone coverage and made a ton of big plays in the passing game at Iowa. http://www.cfbstats.com/2017/player/312/1055540/index.html *** Denver trades 3.35 & 4.05 to Cincinnati for 3.12 *** 3.12 – Tyrell Crosby OL – Oregon (Senior, 6’05, 320lbs, 5.29 40) WHY? We signed Waddle but need to continue to beef up our OT talent pool. Crosby is a mauling, hardworking OT who has graded elite in pass protection this season. He is likely limited to RT but should make a very good one in time, and has the mentality and leverage to play OG if that doesn’t work out. Another tough, play-through-the-whistle type player who can immediately provide swing tackle depth and should over seat Waddle within a year for the starting RT position. 4.06 – Michael Gallup WR – Colorado State (Senior, 6’01, 200lbs, 4.52 40) WHY? Despite signing John Brown and having a healthy Carlos Henderson, our WR position is still a bit worrisome. DT and Manny are aging and its unlikely both are with us too much longer. Brown has a history of injuries and can be inconsistent. Enter Gallup, a twitchy and tough WR who can play outside but has the toughness and quicks to play slot as well. He is a great fit as an eventually Sanders replacement but doesn’t have the talent level to ever become more than a #2WR, and that’s fine because this is round four. http://www.cfbstats.com/2017/player/156/1078503/index.html 5.05 – Rashard Fant CB – Indiana (RS Senior, 5’10, 180lbs, 4.48 40) WHY? Another playmaking, tough, athletic defensive addition. Fant can be too handsy and tackles inconsistently, but he plays the ball extremely well and loves to attack the WR in press man coverage. I don’t have much faith in Langley and think Talib is on his last season with Denver, so we add another talented CB and hedge the field on one developing. http://www.cfbstats.com/2017/player/306/1055461/index.html 5.23 – Skai Moore LB – South Carolina (RS Senior, 6’01, 218lbs, 4.67 40) WHY? Everyone agrees that we need more playmakers on both offense and defense, and despite taking a ILB in R3 we double dip on the hyper disruptive Skai Moore. This kid is a little wolverine. Despite being a tweener, he manages to make plays all over the field. He likely would be a top 50 pick if not for a horrendous injury that makes his long term viability questionable. Regardless, he is healthy now and back to making plays behind the LOS and in the passing game. Love his fit as a passing down ILB covering the TE, or as a Joker type moving all around the field and blitzing the QB into oblivion. He, to me, has starter potential at ILB should we part ways with Marshall in a few seasons. http://www.cfbstats.com/2017/player/648/1057201/index.html 6.05 – Darius Jackson EDGE – Jacksonville State (RS Senior, 6’02, 237lbs, 4.77 40) WHY? Uber productive small school talent that just has a knack for making plays on the QB. He isnt the most athletic, but is pretty technically sound and could contribute on ST immediately. Good, hardworking kid who understands how to rush the passer with a litany of moves. 7.05 – Jeb Blazevich TE – Georgia (Senior, 6’05, 235lbs, 4.78 40) WHY? This is a Practice Squad pickup. Blazevich has elite measurable but was unable to put anything together in Georgia. We draft him and hope a few years on the PS gets his technique, confidence and feel shored up. http://www.cfbstats.com/2017/player/257/1063157/index.html OFFENSE QB – Eli Manning / Trevor Siemien / Chad Kelly RB – Saquan Barkley / Devontae Booker / De’Angelo Henderson FB – Andy Janovich WR1 – Deymarius Thomas / Cody Latimer WR2 – Emmanuel Sanders / Michael Gallup WR3 – Josh Brown / Carlos Henderson TE – Ed Dickson / Jake Butt / Austin Traylor LT – Garret Bolles LG – Will Hernandez / Max Garcia OC – Matt Paradis / Connor McGovern RG – Ronald Leary / Connor McGovern RT – LeAdrian Waddle vs Tyrell Crosby DEFENSE DE – Derek Wolfe / Shelby Harris NT – Domata Peko / Kyle Peko DE – Adam Gotsis / DeMarcus Walker EDGE – Von Miller / Darius Jackson ILB – Brandon Marshall / Skai Moore ILB – Josey Jewell / Zaire Anderson EDGE – Shaq Barrett / Shane Ray CB1 – Aquib Talib / Brendan Langley CB2 – Chris Harris / Rashard Fant CB3 – Bradley Roby FS – Darian Stewart / Will Parks SS – Justin Simmons / Jamal Carter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broncofan Posted December 14, 2017 Share Posted December 14, 2017 Quick comment besides props for being the 1st - John Brown has sickle cell trait. Take him off our list. Nice to see a 1st list. At work will look in depth later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AKRNA Posted December 15, 2017 Share Posted December 15, 2017 Billy Price is getting a bit overlooked also, not just Hernandez. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
champ11 Posted December 15, 2017 Share Posted December 15, 2017 I'm pretty low on Eli, tbh. One of the best receivers of all time kinda saved his career. Obviously he'd be an upgrade and I'm not sure what other vet options are going to be out there....I agree that we will chase a vet QB and Eli may well be the best option. I like the draft. I'm not high on the TE situation or John Brown, but you can only do so much in one offseason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
broncos_fan _from _uk Posted December 15, 2017 Share Posted December 15, 2017 my initial reaction to the barkley pick is a negative one. I dont like picking a RB that high based purely on value alone. I love the player, and agree he could be HOF caliber, but its a tough sell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroncosFan2010 Posted December 15, 2017 Author Share Posted December 15, 2017 Quote Quick comment besides props for being the 1st - John Brown has sickle cell trait. Take him off our list. Ya, forgot about that. Will change it next time. Quote I'm pretty low on Eli, tbh. One of the best receivers of all time kinda saved his career. Obviously he'd be an upgrade and I'm not sure what other vet options are going to be out there....I agree that we will chase a vet QB and Eli may well be the best option. I disagree that Odell saved his career, and also disagree that Odell has done anywhere near enough to be considered one of the best all time but that an argument for another day. There is something to Eli having 'been there' in relation to the playoffs that I really value. I think he would really help bring the team a steadying influence and while its not measurable, love the idea of a veteran, respected QB in the locker room. That's not something that comes with guys like Teddy, Tyrod, Tanennhill, Bortles, etc. The idea of a two year deal really fits my idea of our window too. In two years guys like Wolfe, Talib, DT, Manny, CH and even Von are all likely to start declining. That's when we should aim for a true rebuild. But now I think we can win a hell of a lot of games with a vet like Eli behind center and an offense that's based on ground/pound. Quote I'm not high on the TE situation or John Brown Outside Jimmy Graham, who is too expensive and getting long in the tooth, and Eifert, who is IMO way too risky, there isn't much TE talent to poach. Dickson is a really underrated seam buster. Basically a old Eric Ebron in many ways who just never developed to his full peak. I think he could be very suprising though if given starter reps. I targeted John Brown for a deep threat bridge until Carlos is ready. Looking at #3WR, we probably shouldn't pay more than 3-5M per season. With that budget, its a inconsistent injury risk like Brown or a declining possession guy like Decker. I like Mike Wallace and Paul Richardson too, but both are going to be too price, especially Richardson IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
champ11 Posted December 15, 2017 Share Posted December 15, 2017 @BroncosFan2010 I like your point on Eli. I think he's prooooobably a worse player than Teddy (major question mark)/Tyrod/Tannehill (also a health question mark) right now, but it probably isn't significant enough to overlook what he adds leadership wise and counting on him to win playoff games. I'd take any of those guys. As for Odell, I don't mean in a career accomplishment lens, but if you were just looking at most talented/best receivers ever to play he would prob be in the top 10 or 20 for guys you would want for a season. I think he put off the Eli declining narrative a bit with his spectacular play. I believe he has the best stats ever for a WR through their first three seasons. And fair points on TE and WR as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anewdawn Posted December 19, 2017 Share Posted December 19, 2017 I get what your thinking with Eli but you have to wonder if a guy whose lived in his brothers shadow would want to follow his same path to Denver especially when Payton got us a ring. That's a lot of pressure on Eli and that's why I don't think it's a fit. He'll likely hear everyone out but I believe he won't come. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsthomp2007 Posted December 19, 2017 Share Posted December 19, 2017 I think Donald Stephenson stays...considering the dearth of talented RTs in the league and the likelihood that a lineman has to sit a game or two...Stephenson becomes a nice backup commodity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broncofan Posted December 19, 2017 Share Posted December 19, 2017 On 12/15/2017 at 1:15 PM, champ11 said: @BroncosFan2010 I like your point on Eli. I think he's prooooobably a worse player than Teddy (major question mark)/Tyrod/Tannehill (also a health question mark) right now, but it probably isn't significant enough to overlook what he adds leadership wise and counting on him to win playoff games. I'd take any of those guys. As for Odell, I don't mean in a career accomplishment lens, but if you were just looking at most talented/best receivers ever to play he would prob be in the top 10 or 20 for guys you would want for a season. I think he put off the Eli declining narrative a bit with his spectacular play. I believe he has the best stats ever for a WR through their first three seasons. And fair points on TE and WR as well. My main concern with Eli is that a mobile QB is likely needed at that tier of talent. Eli has experience but being an OBJ dynasty owner (and them playing most games earlier than ours), having watched about 3/4 of their games (PHI too, Ertz owner lol) I can also say without any doubt over the last 2 seasons when Eli gets pressure he sees ghosts and bails on plays a lot earlier than he used to. That's so likely with our OL on a regular basis with a stationary QB. Now, that's just one guy's opinion, but PFF's public data (now it's a week behind at Week 14), matches what I see from watching the games - Eli's just really bad against pressure. https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/nfl-qb-rankings-by-pff-grade-after-week-14 (don't look at the overall rank, but at how he fares facing pressure - there he ranks 20th - contrast that to Taylor, who ranks 5th, and even a guy like McCown does way better). FWIW, I think Eli would thrive in a place like JAX, where their D and run game and OL (who operates at a much higher level than ours) protects his weaknesses. I don't think our situation would. For a QB to succeed on our team, mobility is a must, at least until our OL is much, much better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsthomp2007 Posted December 19, 2017 Share Posted December 19, 2017 What about all of the sudden news about the push for Kirk Cousins. I am lukewarm on the thought of Kirk Cousin...I like that he is tenacious. And, not having to draft a QB allows the Broncos to fortify the offensive line, or get a top tier ILB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7DnBrnc53 Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 I don't think the Broncos will keep Siemian. And, it doesn't sound like Sanders will stay, either. Also, with Jake Butt, Dickson probably won't be necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebestever6 Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 17 hours ago, jsthomp2007 said: What about all of the sudden news about the push for Kirk Cousins. I am lukewarm on the thought of Kirk Cousin...I like that he is tenacious. And, not having to draft a QB allows the Broncos to fortify the offensive line, or get a top tier ILB. Where is this news havent heard it once. If its true I'd hate the move you're gonna have to give up draft capital. And Cousins is 29 25 and 1 as a starter. Really don't see him as a guy who elevates teammates. I see Cousins as opportunistic when hes playing poor competition he'll have a field day. But, when he plays good competition he is what he is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsthomp2007 Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 19 minutes ago, thebestever6 said: Where is this news havent heard it once. Come on man! https://247sports.com/nfl/denver-broncos/Bolt/Yahoo-Sports-believes-Kirk-Cousins-lands-with-Broncos-112396816 https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/12/19/16794492/rumor-expect-the-broncos-to-make-a-big-push-for-quarterback-kirk-cousins-this-offseason https://predominantlyorange.com/2017/12/18/kirk-cousins-future-quarterback-broncos/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebestever6 Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 6 minutes ago, jsthomp2007 said: Come on man! https://247sports.com/nfl/denver-broncos/Bolt/Yahoo-Sports-believes-Kirk-Cousins-lands-with-Broncos-112396816 https://www.milehighreport.com/2017/12/19/16794492/rumor-expect-the-broncos-to-make-a-big-push-for-quarterback-kirk-cousins-this-offseason https://predominantlyorange.com/2017/12/18/kirk-cousins-future-quarterback-broncos/ I think these articles are lazy to get to their points. Elway has had success with a free agent qb and has sucked in the draft. But, that free agent qb was Peyton Freaking Manning. Also, Cousins is not a true free agent Washington will at least put the transition tag on him to aquire some sort of picks. So not only will money be a factor but Denver essentially would be paying Cousins and giving away draft capital for a qb who is 29 25 and 1 as a starter. Really hope Elway doesn't go down this rabbit hole. Hopefully a team like Clevland saves us much like Houston did with Brock fingers crossed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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