Between now and the 2007 NFL Draft, THN will be taking a look at all of the NFL teams’ off-season needs. Up next is the team with the twenty-first overall pick in the draft, the Denver Broncos.
2006 Results: 9-7 (3rd in AFC West)
2007 Projected Cap Status: $101,400,000 or $7.6 million under the Cap
2006 Season Recap:
Head coach Mike Shanahan finally had enough of Jake Plummer's mistakes and benched the veteran eleven games into the season. instead the broncos went with with Jay Cutler under center, who went 2-3 to finish the season and the Broncos missed the playoffs by 1 game (after starting with 7 wins in the first 9 games). Javon Walker caught 69 passes for more than a 1000 yards and 8 touchdowns in his first year with Denver, one running back named Bell ran for 1,025 yards while the other running back with the same last name scored eight times, but neither showed to be a every down back in 2006. The Offense wasn’t the only issue in Denver. The defensive performance cost both defensive coordinator Larry Coyer and defensive line coach Andre Patterson their jobs at the end of the season. Champ Bailey, John Lynch, and Al Wilson all went to the Pro browl.
Team needs:
1. Defensive line:
The Broncos need speed on the ends to get to the quarterback, DE Patrick Chukwurah fits that mold but he’ll get a better deal somewhere else and the Broncos won’t match it. The Group brought over from Cleveland can provide depth and play in situational roles but they do not dominate and draw double teams to free up other players.
2. Defensive Back:
This position became a need after Darrent Williams was shot and killed in January, Domonique Foxworth, was drafted at CB the same year as Williams but was forced to play strong safety last year due to injuries to that position. Foxworth did not fair well as a strong safety but may flourish opposite Champ Bailey. With John Lynch and Nick Ferguson getting even older and Foxworth moving back to cornerback, depth will be needed at safety and corner.
3. Running Back:
Running back remains a question for Denver. They would like to have a bigger back, but Shanahan will be happy if the Broncos rush for 2,000 yards as a team. Tatum Bell lost 5 fumbles and only scored twice which may be the reason he was jettisoned.
Un-Restricted Free Agents: LB Keith Burns
OG Cooper Carlisle
LB Patrick Chukwurah
FB Kyle Johnson
WR Quincy Morgan
DT Michael Myers
DE Kenny Peterson
RB Cecil Sapp
Restricted Free Agents: LB Louis Green
Check out more at THN's exclusive 2007 NFL Draft section.
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