2008 NFL Draft Preview: Denver Broncos' Wishlist
After an impressive 2-0 start in 2007, Denver fell off the contender map with a 1-5 stretch. The Broncos were 30th in rush defense and 28th in points allowed. They were solid rushing the ball as usual (9th in the league), but didn't turn enough drives into touchdowns (21st in points scored). After a Travis Henry meltdown after 4 weeks, Selvin Young was a pleasant product of the Denver Broncos school of running backs, gaining 730 yards and 5.2 yards/carry. Brandon Marshall emerged as a top-flight wide receiver with 102 catches, 1325 yards and 7 TDs. Elvis Dumervil has been a great pass rusher in his first two seasons, amassing 20 sacks and 5 forced fumbles.
The top need areas for Denver for the 2008 draft are offensive line, defensive tackle, safety and outside linebacker. Sam Adams and John Lynch are still productive players on defense, but are old enough that Denver needs to plan for the future at those positions.
With the #12 pick in the 1st round, Denver can target offensive tackles Jeff Otah (Pittsburgh) and Chris Williams (Vanderbilt) or safety Kenny Phillips (Miami). In the 2nd and 3rd rounds, Denver will look for a defensive tackle or offensive lineman. Dre Moore (Maryland) and Pat Sims (Auburn) are 300+ pounds and a force on the defensive line. Roy Schuening (Oregon State) and Branden Albert (Virginia) are good options in the 3rd round at offensive guard. Denver has many options for linebacker in the 2008 NFL draft, especially in the later rounds. Alvin Bowen (Iowa State) and Jeremy Lehman (Illinois) can be had in the 5th round and beyond.
Looking ahead to 2008, Denver is significantly ahead of Kansas City and Oakland in the AFC West, but San Diego is clearly the class of the division. Denver can compete for the playoffs when the defense returns to form. Jay Cutler will rebound and Brandon Marshall will only get better with a healthy Javon Walker on the other side of the formation. Denver will improve on their 7-9 record in 2008 with the possibility of the playoffs.
Published by Chad Parsons
I am a fantasy football junkie that lives and breathes statistics and strategy about the game. Follow me on twitter @nfl_fantasy1 for tons of fantasy football information everyday. View profile
- Top 5 Players in 2007 NFL Draft by Position - Quarterbacks A look at who sits atop the rankings of each position as we head into the NFL Draft. From quarterbacks, to kickers; from big lineman, to undersized cornerbacks, there are the top players who are going to make a differ...
- Top 5 Players in 2007 NFL Draft by Position - Wide Receivers A look at who sits atop the rankings of each position as we head into the NFL Draft. From quarterbacks, to kickers; from big lineman, to undersized cornerbacks, there are the top players who are going to make a differ...
- Top 5 Players in 2007 NFL Draft by Position - Running Backs A look at who sits atop the rankings of each position as we head into the NFL Draft. From quarterbacks, to kickers; from big lineman, to undersized cornerbacks, there are the top players who are going to make a differ...
- Top 5 Players in 2007 NFL Draft by Position - Tight Ends A look at who sits atop the rankings of each position as we head into the NFL Draft. From quarterbacks, to kickers; from big lineman, to undersized cornerbacks, there are the top players who are going to make a differ...
- NFL Draft 2007: Host of RBs Worth First-Round Pick A preview to April's 2007 NFL Draft, featuring the running back position
- 2006 NFL Preview: The Denver Broncos
- Denver Broncos NFL Training Camp 2007 Update - Receivers
- 2008 NFL Draft Preview: USC Tight End Fred Davis
- 2008 NFL Draft: Kenny Phillips
- 2008 NFL Draft Preview: Penn State Linebacker Dan Connor
- 2008 NFL Draft Preview: Kentwan Balmer
- NFL Team History- the Denver Broncos
|
|
11 Comments
Post a CommentIn addition to the errors reported by the other commentators, Denver has no 3rd round pick, having traded it to draft Marcus Thomas last year. #1 need is DT, then LB, then S. Phillips would only make sense in the second round, and he might be there since while he's a good athlete, he's a pretty crappy safety.
Nah ! Keep Javon, imagone two massiv WR tht Cutler can throw to in Javon and Brandon it wud be amazing.
Trade shitty travis henry hes crap wev got Selvin Young now!!
I want Kenny Phillips hes had a proper good season n Lynch could retire at any time !
kenny phillips will be their 12th pick
I think that the Broncos need a stronger o-line and a run stoppin DT. and someone to replace the aging John Lynch once he retires. Travis Henry is stayin wit da broncos. I also think they need another cornerback cuz champ bailey's performance this season was really disappointing. I think we're really gonna get off da ropes dis seasson.
Yo, that's Liam BRENT Kelly
What kindof a joint you bozos runnin here
Man, who IS the clown who wrote this pos article.
Jay IS the franchise III.
We have: Marcus Thomas, Tim Crowder, Ebenezer Ekuban, Jarvis Moss
ALL coming to play in next years season.
I say we MUST pick up Jeff Otah of Pittsburg OR Ryan Clady from the jr. Broncos of Boise State
Once Jay has a solid pocket and we establish the run again our defense WILL get THE BEST HELP you can give it:
AN AWESOME OFFENSE THAT GOES ON LONG DRIVES AND SCORES MAD POINTS
My only other concern is safety and I think everyone IS allcorrect about Kenny Phillips if he is still available.
We get Otah or Clady
AND Phillips.... HELLO SUPERBOWL....
P.S. did I mention that the GRASS IS BLUE (!!!!!!!) in Boise?!!?
IT'S TRUE...FOR REAL...THE GRASS IS REALLY BLUE!!!!!!!
GO BRONCOS
Sam Adams was released mid-season (funny that the person who posted the comment chastizing the author about this was also wrong)
Cutler did not suffer a sophomore slump, this was his first full year starting, and was much better than the limited action he saw last year.
Pathetic. Adams was kicked off of the team weaks ago. Someone didn't do their homework. And Cutler was deemed by most folks to have made great strides. Sophomore slump? This is just poor writing.
Sophomore Slump by Cutler? Having to replace Sam Adams at safety? Did you even watch one game the Broncos played this season? Cutler made great strides in his second season getting the ball out more quickly and with his decision making. Sam Adams was released before the season began, he's not even on the team!!! Also, we are getting Tom Nalen and Ben Hamilton back on the Offensive line from season-long injuries, and Ryan Harris, who we drafted last year, will be replacing Matt Lepsis. DEFENSIVE TACKLE is by far the #1 need, followed by outside linebacker, then worry about depth at the O-line and Safety position.
"Jay Cutler suffered a sophomore slump".....? What season did you watch?