Before everyone gets too excited about the draft, I want to focus on one thing. Namely- the last championship level team that started three rookies on the defensive line. Without doing any research, I can say with 90% certainty that such a team was the first team ever to win an NFL championship, because everyone was a rookie. Other than that, it's just not done. Nor should Bronco fans expect all three rookies to come in and perform at a high level. Jarvis Moss only started one year in college. Despite having 2 defensive ends and 2 defensive backs drafted, Texas had an atrocious pass defense (despite playing in a generally poor passing conference). Marcus Thomas really likes to get high. There will be growing pains. I do think it's funny that Denver's defense could feature rookies up front, solid veterans in the middle (and at cornerback) and really ancient geezers at safety. It's kind of like a time machine moving backwards. That's not necessarily a good thing, when Jarvis Moss could beat John Lynch over 40 yards. Further, I don't expect Ryan Harris to start right away- it's just not the Bronco way. expect him to backup at both tackles going into the season.
On a much more self important note- I would like to point out that I called every single Broncos draft pick as guys Denver would key on- even the third round offensive tackle and flier defensive tackle. I also got Selvin Young, who was signed as a rookie free agent. You might argue by saying, "yeah, well you mentioned half a dozen guys at every position." I would respond by saying, "jeez- don't be a dick." What does all this mean- I watch way too much fucking football.
One final thing to keep in mind- Denver has now acquired 4 players this offseason who have been suspended for substances (Moss, Thomas, Travis Henry, and Todd Sauerbrun). I personally don't consider smoking dope back in the day to be terribly detrimental to one's "character" as much as say, getting drunk during wight room sessions (Maurice Clarett) or just being a general asshole (Daryl Gardner). That said, Henry, Moss, and Thomas are ever spotted heading for a laser show at the planetarium, it's probably best to just cut them all right away. Also, pretty much my entire DVD collection should be banned from the team plane (Caddyshack, Big Lebowski, Super Troopers, Dark Crystal, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, The Last Unicorn, Half Baked, yes I'm going to do this for a while, Tron, Animal House, Lancelot Link, Dazed and Confused, The Stoned Age, did I say Half Baked? I did? Weird. Anyone else want chili fries?)
2 comments:
Who's the starting D-Line? Ekuban, Lang, Warren & McKinley? I hope Veal gets a serious look at that DT slot.
Ced Cobbs just got released.
I believe that the timetable for a championship caliber team was set the moment Jay Cutler stepped on the field. If done right, two to three years is when you are ready to make a run with a young quarterback entering his prime. If all goes well, the Broncos will have a stout defensive line, fast defensive ends, a young and fast linebacking and safety corp (Abdullah might be a decent safety) if these positions are drafted for next year, and three solid, veteran cornerbacks. The Broncos have been bringing along some offensive linemen that they drafted for the last couple of years, they are short one playmaking WR (maybe? I liked Marshall last year).
At least, I hope so.
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