Bronco player anaylsis: Trindon Holliday

When Houston decided to cut Trindon Holliday, it didn’t take long for the Broncos to immediately scoop him up. And that quick signing definitely paid off. Holliday was one of the top return man in the league last year, and was a key component in the almost-victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Holiday has earned himself the consideration of being a nightmare for any special teams coach. Despite his extremely small frame, (5’5, 169lbs) he isn’t afraid to run into players, but his agility is ultimately what creates the biggest distance between him and his defenders.

Last season, Holliday finished ninth in the league for kick return yards, and tenth in punt returns. He recorded a critical kickoff and punt return touchdown in the same postseason game. His postseason punt return for 90 yards set the NFL record for longest touchdown in postseason history.

The former star from LSU is still young going into his third active season, and the Broncos expect big things from him in the future.

Oakland interested in Williams?

According to The Denver Post, the Broncos are pursing a possible trade for former defensive captain D.J. Williams. Williams was suspended for majority of the season last year, and was never able to
regain his spot at the top of the depth chart.

Bill Williamson of ESPN reports that Oakland could potentially become interested in making some kind of deal for Williams. This would not only bring a sizeable veteran to their struggling defense, but also rekindle the coaching relationship between him and head coach Dennis Allen.

If no trade is made, expect the Broncos to restructure Williams’ deal greatly. With his achy past, there is simply no reason to keep him on board as one of the highest paid defensive players on the team. If no deal between the two parties can be made, it’s in the best interest for both to part ways.

Broncos tag Clady

In recent news, the Broncos have decided to label the franchise tag on all pro left tackle, Ryan Clady. Clady has been an integral part of the offense since his rookie year, and is still considered one of the top pass blockers in the game. His play certainly was tested more than ever last season, as he had become the premier blocker for Comeback Player of the Year Peyton Manning. Protecting his infamous blind side, Clady’s position and level of play was not only crucial, but also heavily examined by many during every game last season.

In my opinion, it would be better to offer Clady a new deal that would make him a Bronco for life. Denver, however, is clearly optimistic about their relationship with Clady, and they feel that his mind is
set on staying with the Broncos.

If any team makes an offer for Clady, the Broncos will be forced to match, or better the offer, or else forfeit their first round picks for two consecutive years. This is usually a rarity, but it would not surprise me if the Chargers began to show interest in Clady. As comfortable as it seems with Boise State product, the Broncos must remain on their toes for any possible indications that he wants to leave. 

D.J. Williams a Bronco no more?

The Broncos are luckily in a position where there is not much need for heavy improvement. Of course there are areas that need more work, and if better players are available, Denver should be the first to sign them, but the actuality of cutting veterans from the team does not seem that likely. However, the Broncos might be enticed with shopping around or eventually cutting former-captain D.J. Williams. Williams has been a solid player throughout his tenure with the Broncos, but it all came to a screeching halt when he was suspended twice in one season. Once for a DUI, the other…for taking performance
enhancing drugs.

When Williams returned to the active roster mid-way through their winning season, linebacker and Williams’ replacement, Wesley Woodyard, was playing exceptionally well in his new position, and the Broncos didn’t seem to want to break their current trend. The former all-pro was sent to ride the bench and occasionally work his way back into the starting rotation, but that never happened.

Williams was, to his benefit, very optimistic about his chances of playing. And besides this, he actually agreed with the Broncos that his job was his to lose…and he lost it. “I’ve done the crime and had to do my time,” Williams told Denver Post reporters. Williams deserves credit for his humble response to the Broncos depth chart decisions. Coming from a former captain, his attitude seems to be a rarity nowadays in the NFL.

Yet as nice as he is treating the entire situation, Williams, when he did play in live action, did not outperform his competition, and hence, is playing less and less. It would not be surprising if the Broncos decided to cut ties with Miami veteran if no trade interest becomes available.  

Manti Te'o shouldn't be first option in draft

As reported by the Denver Post, Vice President John Elway is expected to talk with Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o. Te’o, who has been at the top of the mountain when it comes to personal matters going public, certainly wants to change his current stigma, and allow teams to evaluate him as a football player, not as a celebrity.

The Broncos are looking for a possible replacement for the aging Keith Brooking who only signed a one-year deal last season. Brooking played very well for his age, yet the time to find new and fast talent is now. Te’o fits into this thinking process, however the question of his true football ability will
certainly become a heated issue.

There’s no denying that Te’o was a dominant college football player this year. He recorded seven interceptions, nearly led the league in turnovers, and was the winner of nearly every single defensive award. He was even a runner-up candidate to the Heisman trophy. But as a football fan and as coach, it’s important to evaluate talent more so by their overall game play than just by their highlights.

Notre Dame did not play a tough schedule. Yes, they defeated a ranked Oklahoma, Michigan, and Stanford. But were these really great victories? Oklahoma’s season was nowhere near as dominant as years passed, Michigan still seems to up-and-coming after losing so many years ago to the D-1AA Appaliachian State, and Stanford, well the Stanford win altogether is very questionable. This is the same team that only played against Boston College or Wake Forest, and still went into triple overtime with an unranked Pittsburgh.

But off the rant about Notre Dame, when credit is due, it’s right to give it. Notre Dame still went undefeated in the regular season, which is certainly not an easy task, regardless of who you are playing. Te’o, was definitely a major factor in their victories. Their defense kept them in games this year, and was basically why the team was so successful. The anchor of this defense was obviously Te’o. He made the necessary plays when his team needed him. Can this translate to the NFL? Maybe, but like the rant shows, it’s important to measure the “real” competition that Te’o dominated.

In the BCS National Championship Game, the story was completely different. The star linebacker clearly did not show up. Reports have argued that Teo’s infamous girlfriend story was looming in his head during the game, and as a result cause him to be preoccupied.

For the record, this is complete nonsense. This is the biggest game of Te’o’s career, and it’s not like he is a little kid. Te’o is set to make millions of dollars by the end of next year. If he can’t free his mind of “public” stress in the most important game of his life, than how will that translate to the NFL, where
every game is basically on a national stage.

Te’o was completely flat against the first real competition he faced all season. While Te’o should not get all the blame for the loss, his publicity and his “god-like” play that he was described as leading up into the game, only diminished as the quarters went on. He missed countless crucial tackles, and was getting manhandled on nearly every play. And yes, that Alabama team was exceptional, yet still, only a few of them will make the NFL, let alone start on a team. If Te’o cannot perform on a grand stage against “real” competition, how could NFL scouts truly evaluate him as a dominant threat in this year’s draft.

I think it be wise for Denver to truly reconsider their meeting with Te’o. There are far better linebackers in the draft and in free agency available, and with the current situation, not drafting this “amazing” player will not be that bad of a move. The bottom line, scouts must really see something special in this kid that can grow, because it doesn’t translate on the field. His name, his publicity, and of course, his school, is the reason why he is boasted so highly.

Does Denver's defense need to improve?

There’s not much more we could’ve asked from the Denver Broncos last season. Well, maybe a Super Bowl victory would’ve been nice, but nevertheless, the Broncos were undeniably an all-out powerhouse for at least 80 percent of the season. The key to the victories, of course, was Peyton Manning. This team went from praying for last minute wins to entering games with a “You can’t beat me!” attitude. Although this season was unexpectedly cut short, the value of Manning surely has not
been presented.

Having coming off his recent neck surgery, Manning nearly had career number, landing himself as a runner-up MVP and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. The skepticism was great, but Manning clearly defied the odds. Now, getting stronger, and obviously more in depth with the offensive line and working receiver group, the sky is truly the limit.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. As great as the situation may be, and Las Vegas picking Denver to win it all next year certainly doesn’t help the mantra, there is still room for improvement, since they did lose their only playoff game last year. The draft will be a pivotal time for the Broncos as they not only need to assess new available talent, but see who’s who on their current roster.

On the defensive side of the ball, where the most improvement is needed, expect the Broncos to focus on crucial defensive positions during early rounds of the draft.  Last season, the pass rush was great, but it was clearly from the outside. Linebacker Von Miller and defensive end Elvis Dumerville charged Coach Jack Del Rio’s pass rush scheme to combine for 18.5 sacks, that helped land Miller the Defensive MVP award.

But was this rush enough? While rookie Derek Wolfe played great in his first season, gaining more and more playing time as the season continued, the interior pass rush was often missing. Veteran Kevin Vickerson was certainly effective against the run, but against the pass, was a completely different story.

The Broncos should consider drafting a good defensive tackle early, if available, to better this situation. With a dominant pass-rusher in the middle, Denver will essentially be stacked on the defensive line. It will also allow older veteran like Vickerson and Justin Bannan to get more breaks with rotation.

If Denver would find themselves in a situation where there is not an adequate solution at their turn in the draft, they should certainly look to free agency to add to the d-line depth.  Perhaps a good idea would be signing former New York Giant, Chris Canty. Canty is no superstar, but is an effective pass
rusher. In a conference that is clearly not known too well for their powerful offensive lines, Canty should be very effective in Denver’s current system.

Denver holds in the first round, looks to rebound on Friday

Despite much speculation over the past couple of months, the Broncos have decided to hold off on their pick order and agree to terms to change their draft position with both New England and Tampa Bay. As the second round is set to begin tonight, it seems clear that Denver, who now have a decent amount of picks over the next few rounds, will finally address their team needs. Look for Denver taking a defensive tackle, quarterback, and/or running back tonight. IMO the best option for them, who will make the largest impact, both on the field, and internally within the organization, would be Heisman candidate LaMichael James (running back, Oregon). The guy is simply a game-changer.