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Mike Shanahan

OTA Days? Coaching Questions
2008-05-19 17:04:00
Very soon there will be a new flood of information and video of our 2008 Denver Broncos… And I simply can’t wait!!! So, as our Broncos begin their first official day back to field work, I thought I’d list off some of the things I’m interested in watching as we start seeing coverage of Denver’s OTA ...
Spygate Stirring Up Denver Broncos Cap Infractions from the 1990?s
2008-05-15 15:00:00
Really? This again? Any Broncos fan who’s been surfing for news around the recent Spygate meetings between former Partiots employee Matt Walsh and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter has undoubtedly heard a resonating theme: The Denver Broncos cheated too. Yes, fans, the Denver Broncos cheated the salary cap. But not ...
Jason Elam?s Departure from the Broncos a Matter of Money, Commitment
2008-05-12 23:00:00
A lot of fans, including myself, were scratching their heads at Jason Elam’s departure this offseason. As we all know, he’ll be kicking for Atlanta now, while the Broncos will be relying on a few untested guys to battle over camp and win the job. The Broncos had an offer on the table ...
Lichtensteiger ?A Perfect Fit? for the Broncos
2008-05-01 16:11:00
Ladies and gentlemen, meet Kory Lichtensteiger.  (It’s going to be a while before I can type that from memory)  The Van Went Ohio Times Bulletin has a draft experience piece up on Kory.  And in case your were wondering; of course I’m a regular reader of that paper, who isn’t?  It sounds like the center/guard ...
Daily Links - Broncos Draft Post Mortem
2008-04-28 14:30:00
Who had the best draft? Football field not required. Broncos: B [Yahoo! Sports] More grades. Broncos: C+ [ESPN] More grades. Broncos: D+ [USA Today] Through it all, Shanahan says we’re better, and I agree. [Rocky Mountain News] What?! Never heard of Tom Nalen, Mr. Lichtensteiger? [Denver Post] The Broncos kept seeing their ...
Shanahan and I Share a Brain - Clady to Start from Day One
2008-04-27 03:33:00
Great news from Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan - first round choice OT Ryan Clady has already locked up the left tackle position. It’s his to lose. ?He?ll start at left offensive tackle the day he comes in,? Mike Shanahan said Saturday. ?Pretty simple, wasn?t it?? ?The thing that impresses you is his feet.  I ...
Report on Shanahan?s pre-Draft Presser
2008-04-25 19:08:00
I jotted down some notes and quotes on Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan’s press conference, as the Broncos get set for the 2008 NFL Draft tomorrow. Of course he didn’t do anything to give away his hand, but if you’re like me you’ll appreciate the few nuggets here and there about the roster and ...
Shanahan Takes the Mic Shortly
2008-04-25 18:00:00
Mike Shanahan will be addressing the media in his pre-draft presser in approximately 15 minutes (10:15 MDT).  You can watch it live at that time by visiting the Denver Broncos official site here. Of course, Shanahan is the last man in the NFL who would give anyone a clue as to his draft plans.  Even so, ...
Daily Links - Home Sweet Home
2008-04-23 18:02:00
Domonique Foxworth is excited about returning to the cornerback position. [DenverBroncos.com] Wait… this is news? [Denver Post] Jim Armstrong points out that making solid choices in the later rounds can be just as important as the first round choice. I just like this article because it looks like Mike Shanahan is either trying ...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and The Draft, A Look Back -- 2002
2008-04-23 16:22:00
Whew!  After losing my appetite doing the past two draft reviews I am hoping for some improvement in the 2002 draft.  Looking at some of the name, I am feeling pretty good about how this will all shake out.  Care to join me, taking a look back at the 2002 Denver Broncos draft?  Let's do it. 1st Round -- Pick 19(19) - Ashley Lelie, WR (Hawaii) -- We've gone through several receivers the Broncos drafted to be that down-filed threat.  Lelie was the latest, and coming out of college it appeared that it was a solid move.  The choice came down to two receivers, Lelie and Javon Walker.  The Broncos went with Lelie, mainly because of his speed.  Lelie quickly showed what made him a star at Hawaii, making several acrobatic catches his rookie season.  Playing mostly a reserve role, Lelie was still able to catch 35 passes, averaging 15 yards per grab, and two TD's.  He improved each of the next two seasons, catching  a career-high 54 pa...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and The Draft, A Look Back - 2001
2008-04-22 13:45:00
Up next is 2001, a year that might go down as one of the worst in Shanny's tenure.  For the second season in a row the Broncos took a DB in the first round, once again with little success.  How did the rest of the draft go?  Not much better.  Let's take a look. 1st Round -- Pick 15(15) - Willie Middlebrooks, CB (Minnesota) -- I will never understand this pick.  Ever.  People have tried to explain it to me.  I still don't get it.  Middlebrooks was an average DB and a below average school who had missed a significant amount of time because of an ankle injury to boot.  Middlebrooks has decent size, at 6-1, 200, but doesn't have great speed, nor great cover skills.  His career showed as much, with Middlebrooks fighting injury most of his rookie year.  He was active 43 of the next 48 games, playing mostly special teams.  After the 2004 season the Broncos traded Middlebrooks to the 49'ers for DE John Engleberger.  Middl...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and The Draft, A Look Back -- 2000
2008-04-20 19:42:00
Onward, to the 2000 draft.  The Broncos were coming off their worst season in over a decade, still grappling with the daunting task of replacing John Elway, dealing with the unknown of Terrell Davis' knee injury from the season before.  The team was definitely in a state of transition, and it was becoming imperative that Mike Shanahan starts coming up huge in the draft.  Did he hit a home run in 2000?  Let's take a look.1st Round -- Pick 15(15) - Deltha O'Neal, CB (CAL) -- The Broncos had the #9 pikc in the draft, but chose to trade down, swapping the pick with Baltimore, getting the #15 pick as well as the Raven's 2nd round pick.  At 15, the Broncos went defense, selecting Deltha O'Neal.  The  O'Neal selection is one a bit tough to gauge.    There were times O'Neal looked like he was going to be a stud.  A shut-down corner and electric return guy that was going to be a force in the NFL for a long time.  At other times, h...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and The Draft, A Look Back -- 1999
2008-04-18 16:19:00
In the 5th edition of my look back at each Broncos draft lead by Mike Shanahan and company I look at the final draft of the 20th century, and the second in a row for the Broncos following a World Championship.  It would be the first since 1982, however, that John Elway was not a part of the draft, or part of the Broncos, and the first time it really sunk in with me that #7 wouldn't be taking snaps on Sunday afternoons. Let's take a look back at the 1999 draft, and how the Broncos fared to start the post-Elway era in Denver. 1st Round -- Pick 31(31) -- Al Wilson, LB(Tennessee) -- If Terrell Davis was the best pick made by Mike Shanahan to date, Wilson would have to qualify a close second.  Wilson was drafted with the final pick of the first round and immediately became the vocal and emotional leader of the defense.  Wilson played in all 16 games during his rookie campaign, and overall has played in 125 of 128 total team games since 1999.  Wilson became a 5 tim...
Cutler?s Leadership Birth in a Nutshell
2008-04-18 16:03:00
For as long as I can remember Ralph Routon has been the lead sports editor here in Colorado Springs for the Gazette.  Recently Ralph took an executive editor position for our other paper, the Independent or “CSIndy”.  They are more of the anti establishment, anti-gazette paper.  I was never particularly enamoured with Routon’s work at ...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and The Draft, A Look Back -- 1999
2008-04-18 15:19:00
In the 5th edition of my look back at each Broncos draft lead by Mike Shanahan and company I look at the final draft of the 20th century, and the second in a row for the Broncos following a World Championship.  It would be the first since 1982, however, that John Elway was not a part of the draft, or part of the Broncos, and the first time it really sunk in with me that #7 wouldn't be taking snaps on Sunday afternoons.Let's take a look back at the 1999 draft, and how the Broncos fared to start the post-Elway era in Denver.1st Round -- Pick 31(31) -- Al Wilson, LB(Tennessee) -- If Terrell Davis was the best pick made by Mike Shanahan to date, Wilson would have to qualify a close second.  Wilson was drafted with the final pick of the first round and immediately became the vocal and emotional leader of the defense.  Wilson played in all 16 games during his rookie campaign, and overall has played in 125 of 128 total team games since 1999.  Wilson became a 5 time pr...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and The Draft -- 1998
2008-04-17 18:06:00
For the first time in team history the Broncos prepared for the 1998 NFL Draft as the defending Super Bowl Champions.  That means a lot of low round draft picks, and a lot of busts and fliers.  The 1998 draft is a perfect example, and one most Bronco fans would probably like to forget. Let's take a look at each pick, and how their career ended up.  At the end, I'll grade the draft and give my opinion. 1st Round -- Pick 30(30) -- Marcus Nash, WR(Tennessee) -- Marcus Nash was a tough prospect to gauge coming out of Tennessee.  Nash was thought to have a lot of potential, would disappear for games at a time while a Volunteer.  When drafted with the last pick of the first round, Nash was expected to be the deep, down-field threat to team with Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey and Shannon Sharpe.  It was another example of Shanny taking a flier on a guy with a lot of questions, but tremendous upside.  Unfortunately, it didn't work out for Nash, who caught al...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and The Draft -- 1998
2008-04-17 17:06:00
For the first time in team history the Broncos prepared for the 1998 NFL Draft as the defending Super Bowl Champions.  That means a lot of low round draft picks, and a lot of busts and fliers.  The 1998 draft is a perfect example, and one most Bronco fans would probably like to forget.Let's take a look at each pick, and how their career ended up.  At the end, I'll grade the draft and give my opinion.1st Round -- Pick 30(30) -- Marcus Nash, WR(Tennessee) -- Marcus Nash was a tough prospect to gauge coming out of Tennessee.  Nash was thought to have a lot of potential, would disappear for games at a time while a Volunteer.  When drafted with the last pick of the first round, Nash was expected to be the deep, down-field threat to team with Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey and Shannon Sharpe.  It was another example of Shanny taking a flier on a guy with a lot of questions, but tremendous upside.  Unfortunately, it didn't work out for Nash, who caught all of...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and the Draft, A Look Back -- 1997
2008-04-15 18:52:00
The Broncos once again went into trade mode for the 1997 draft, choosing quality over quantity after the playoff disappointment the year prior.  at the end of the draft the Broncos had only selected 3 players, hitting pay dirt with two of them and using a draft pick to acquire another key starter.  Let's take a look. 1st Round -- Pick 28(28) -- Trevor Pryce, DT/DE(Clemson) -- An adverse side effect to being a competitive team year in and year out is the realization that you are going to draft late in Round 1 every year.  It adds a layer of pressure to getting it right, and for the most part Shanny has done a good job with these late first rounders.  In 1997 it was Trevor Pryce, who showed instantly he was going to be a force on the line for Denver's title teams.  Starting in 1998, Pryce missed 1 game in six seasons amassing 58 sacks during that time.  During that time Pryce was elected to the Pro Bowl 4 times and became a dominant force on the Denver...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos And The Draft - A Look Back, 1996
2008-04-12 20:13:00
I continue my look back at the history of the Denver Broncos in the draft under Mike Shanahan.  Today I take a look at 1996, a year the Broncos made a surprise selection in the first round, from a school few had ever heard of and fewer could locate on a map. Let's take a look at each pick, and how their career ended up.  At the end, I'll grade the draft and give my opinion. 1st Round -- Pick 15(15) -- John Mobley, LB(Kutztown, PA) -- The Mobley selection gave everyone a glimpse of what type of personnel guy Shanny was going to be.  Un-afraid to select anyone, from anywhere at any time, the selection of Mobley brought a collective "Who, from where?" from Broncos fans.  Shanny also started a trend of having no contact with players he was intent on drafting to avoid losing the guy he wanted.  On the field, Mobley became a solid linebacker, collecting over 100 tackles 3 different seasons, including 139 tackles in 1997 and 118 in 1998, the Broncos back-to-back ...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and The Draft -- A Look Back -- 1995
2008-04-09 19:24:00
We are quickly approaching the 2008 NFL Draft, the 14th draft for the Broncos under the guidance of Mike Shanahan.  With recent events, including the firing of GM Ted Sundquist, the spotlight is on Shanny as prepares for what looks to be the most important draft of his tenure.  Part of the fun of having a coach like Shanny around so long is we get the chance to look back at past successes and failures.  I will be doing that form now until the draft, starting with Shanny's first draft in 1995. The 1995 Draft was unique for the Broncos, to say the least.  The team didn't have a pick until the 4th round, thanks in part to a trade with Atlanta for WR Mike Pritchard.  Let's take a look at each pick, and how their career ended up.  At the end, I'll grade the draft and give my opinion. 4th Round -- Pick 23(121) -- Jamie Brown, OL(FLorida A&M) -- For a late 4th round selection, Brown was able to last longer than most players in the NFL.  Brown pl...
Herm Edwards Embraces Rebuilding Mode
2008-04-03 23:30:00
I was listening to a sports talk radio show at work today when the hosts started comparing the situation with the Broncos to the situation with the Chiefs. Then I heard this (semi-quoting here): “Herm Edward embraces rebuilding mode.” I can only take it that the hosts were trying to imply that the Broncos ...
Broncos Release Details on Brandon Marshall?s Arm Injury
2008-03-25 22:13:00
The extent of Brandon Marshall’s injuries have been released on the team’s official site, following an apparent visit with Broncos Head Athletic Trainer Steve “Greek” Antonopulos. Brandon Marshall sustained right forearm lacerations to one artery, one vein, one nerve, two tendons and three muscles. All have been repaired, and his right forearm and elbow will be immobilized ...
Daily Links - Broncos, Falcons in Game of Wits for Elam
2008-03-21 20:14:00
So Atlanta offered a better deal to Jason Elam than Denver did, but Elam is giving the Broncos a chance to increase their offer. Too bad the Broncos are broke. [Denver Post] That hasn’t stopped Mike Shanahan from building his own small kingdom mansion. [Denver Post] Which is a bit ironic, isn’t it? (maybe ...
2008 Season: MIKE?S BIG SHOW
2008-03-18 22:38:00
I think we?re in for an interesting season in ?08. A season we might entitle: MIKE?S BIG SHOW. Cause in my opinion, the outcome of this season is going to have a major influence on the future of my favorite Broncos coach, Mike Shanahan. Yes, the news has been full of talk about ...
Question: How Does a Head Coach Fire a GM?
2008-03-13 17:59:00
Riddle me this, batman, how exactly does a Head Coach fire a GM? I ask this question because in 99% of the organizations around the NFL the position of GM is above the position of Head Coach. So, for example, in San Diego it was the GM that fired Schottenheimer not the other ...
Daily Links - Sundquist Reactions Around the Web
2008-03-13 15:34:00
Mike Kizla at the Denver Post tells us some of the stuff that happened behind the scenes, and tells us the writing was on the wall. [Denver Post] Is Mike Shanahan slipping into a mad scientist role? [Thin Air] Some Broncos fans aren’t surprised at all. [The Beat] Jason Elam is back in the country, but ...
Sundquist ?Surprised,? ?Disappointed? in Release
2008-03-13 06:01:00
?I had envisioned myself being general manager of the Denver Broncos my entire working life and really thought that would happen. So for it to end this way, I?m very disappointed.? The shocking news that came earlier tonight was just as much a surprise to the man it involved as it was to the rest of ...
Ted Sundquist No Longer Broncos General Manager
2008-03-13 02:16:00
Ted Sundquist, General Manager of the Broncos since 2002, has departed as GM of the Denver Broncos, the team’s official site reports. Head Coach Mike Shanahan said, ?I am grateful to Ted for all his hard work and efforts on behalf of the Broncos for the past 16 years. Now is the time for our organization ...
Even Mike Shanahan Has Thoughts On Brett Favre
2008-03-04 20:11:00
Mike Shanahan released this statement about Brett Favre -- "Brett Favre is one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of professional football. You're judged by winning, and he's won more games than any other quarterback who has ever played. But I will remember him just as well for being such a fierce competitor and an outstanding leader. "He was the face of the Packers and a great credit to our game. It was an honor to coach against him." Did Brett die or just retire???
Shanahan Aggressively Denies ?Spygate II? Allegations
2008-03-04 12:24:00
With the New England Patriots “Spygate” charges stealing the NFL headlines as of late, any hint or indication of spying or cheating in the NFL is taken as seriously as possible. Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan was casually accused of cheating in a September Yahoo! Sports article, and is now lashing back at ...
Cowboys Still Interested in Javon Walker
2008-02-27 23:44:00
Matt Mosley, former Dallas Cowboys beat writer and current NFL blogger for ESPN, reports that his recent conversations with sources inside the Cowboys organization indicate that the team is still interested in obtaining the services of Javon Walker (full story). However, a trade might not be likely. The Broncos would like to move Walker in ...
Time for Change in Denver ? Why Mike Shanahan Should be Fi [Digg]
2008-01-31 21:59:00
Cool article on why should Mike Shanahan should be fired.
Time for Change in Denver ? Why Mike Shanahan Should be Fi [Digg]
2008-01-31 21:59:00
Cool article on why should Mike Shanahan should be fired.
Statement From Mike Shanahan Regarding Mike Heimerdinger
2008-01-16 20:36:00
"The Tennessee Titans have requested consent to talk to Mike Heimerdinger about their offensive coordinator position, and we have granted them permission. "The opportunity in Tennessee would give Mike the chance to go back to an organization and work with a head coach with whom he is very familiar, handling the entire offense and having full control over game-planning and play-calling responsibilities." Have a safe trip to Nashville, Mike...I am sure it is a One-Way ticket!!
Daily Links - The Season Ending Press Conference
2008-01-11 17:25:00
56 minutes later, you can find a detailed recap of Mike Shanahan’s season-ending presser here. [Mason’s Morsels] Or in less-detailed article format, if you prefer. [Denver Post] In the end, Shanahan pinned the blame on himself. [Rocky Mountain News / Photo Courtesy] The offensive line struggled, but Coach likes the direction it’s heading. [Denver ...
Vote Young, Webster, Shanahan for Week 10 Awards
2007-11-13 20:05:00
Win a game, get nominated. Pretty simple, right? Three Broncos are nominated for four awards this week after the Broncos took care of business. Selvin Young is nominated for both the Diet Pepsie Rookie of the Week Award, as well as the FedEx Ground Player of the Week. Young scored his ...
Quick Hits - Shanahan?s Week 10 Monday Presser
2007-11-13 01:50:00
News in regular type, my slant in italics (haha… slant in italics… get it?). John Lynch is still suffering from numbness and tingling. He won’t play or practice until those symptoms subside. This doesn’t sound good… will we be seeing ANOTHER veteran captain on Injured Reserve this year? Javon Walker is a “long shot” ...
Daily Links - Rebuilding? No. Panic Mode? Absolutely.
2007-11-08 15:37:00
Jay Cutler said the Broncos are in full panic mode after two huge lopsided losses, and I can’t say I disagree. “The Broncos aren’t used to this. We’re not used to going 3-5. We’re not used to giving up 40 points in two games so far and getting blown out. … So, everyone’s a ...
Mike Shanahan?s Achilles Revealed
2007-11-05 17:44:00
Let me clearly state: Mike Shanahan is an offensive guru. He has created three separate Playoff and/or Super Bowl caliber offenses during his years in Denver. First, he took Elway’s Broncos (who were at the bottom of the AFC West and finished 7-9 in 1994) to the playoffs in only two years and ...
NFL Fans Vote Mike Shanahan Coach of the Week!
2007-10-27 02:53:00
Head coach MIKE SHANAHAN of the Denver Broncos is the MOTOROLA NFL COACH OF THE WEEK for games played on October 21 - 22, the NFL announced today.   Mike Shanahan brought his Broncos to a 3 - 3 record with a 31 - 28 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Shanahan's offense put up points in every quarter including a 49-yard field goal as time expired to give the Broncos the win.  QB Jay Cutler passed for 248 yards that included three touchdowns to lead an offense that converted 70 percent of their third downs throughout the game.  Denver is last in the NFL in stopping the run and the Steelers have the league's second-best rushing offense. Yet, Denver's defense was so effective that Pittsburgh RB Willie Parker (93 yards on 21 carries) had only three rushes for 10 yards in the first quarter. Shanahan was selected as Motorola NFL Coach of the Week from among three finalists by voters on NFL.com.  The other finalists were head coaches DICK JAURON of the Buffalo Bi...
Daily Links - Defense Needs to Gel
2007-10-03 15:37:00
Domonique Foxworth knows this team has the talent and coaching to be great, they just need to gel. And then he goes all philosophical on your ass. - DenverBroncos.com Is now-unsuspended Kenny Peterson the X-Factor this defensive line has been missing? Hey, why not? - Rocky Mountain News So, Colorado sports fans, what will ...
Mike Shanahan is trying to kill us fans!
2007-09-17 05:23:00
Seriously. Any one reading this with a heart condition feeling as though their life is in danger? Last week we had the late field goal, and then this time we watched the Broncos lose, then not lose, and then win. I think this game is taking years off of my life. Good thing I don’t ...
Wednesday Presser -- Mike Shanahan and Jay Cutler
2007-09-06 00:42:00
Each Wednesday during the season the Coach and the Quarterback take time to answer questions fromt he media.  You can be sure that the MHR will have you covered all season long when it comes to these Press Conferences.  Here are some quotes from today's Q and A -- Head Coach Mike Shanahan -- On playing at Buffalo early in the season -- "I can't say I look forward to playing Buffalo when it's 20 degrees below zero, which I've done a number of times, but they've got a great home crowd. It's a great football atmosphere. It's always a battle. I enjoy playing them. It's a game you've really got to prepare for and you know what type of environment you're getting in to." On feeling different going into the season -- "No. It's the same thing every year. You've got your butterflies--Everybody looks forward to that first game before you get started. All your preparation during the offseason obviously through the four preseason games leads up to this weekend to get s...
Training Camp Quotables - Mike Shanahan - July 28
2007-07-29 06:09:00
Here are some more quotes from today, this time from HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN -- On getting ready to start camp -- "To be honest with you, during the season it's a pretty good grind. To put everything you could possibly do into six or seven months of work is always tough. After the season's over with, I like the time off, but it's short with things you have to get done. With free agency, the draft and all the camps, it's always tough to end the season like we did. You work hard to put the best team together in the offseason and a good evaluation of the draft. Now we are ready, and I am pretty optimistic."     On what was accomplished during OTAs -- "We had 15, and you're allowed 17. It's really a must now. You've got about a third of your football team that turns over every year, you've got guys who have to get used to your terminology and the system that you are using. Every year, you have to play the games. The camps are a little shorter this year. We have to ...
Top 10 Reasons to Love Mike Shanahan
2007-05-15 23:14:00
Reasons every Broncos fan should love Mike Shanahan. #11 - He's helped us do something no other team has done over this decade - (nearly) always beat the Patriots.
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and the Draft -- A Look Back -- 2002
2007-04-24 21:48:00
Whew!  After losing my appetite doing the past two draft reviews I am hoping for some improvement in the 2002 draft.  Looking at some of the name, I am feeling preety good about how this will all shake out.  Care to join me, taking a look back at the 2002 Denver Broncos draft?  Let's do it. 1st Round -- Pick 19(19) - Ashley Lelie, WR (Hawaii) -- We've gone through several receivers the Broncos drafted to be that down-filed threat.  Lelie was the latest, and coming out of college it appeared that it was a solid move.  The choice came down to two receivers, Lelie and Javon Walker.  The Broncos went with Lelie, mainly because of his speed.  Lelie quickly showed what made him a star at Hawaii, making several acrobatic catches his rookie season.  Playing mostly a reserve role, Lelie was still able to catch 35 passes, averaging 15 yards per grab, and two TD's.  He improved each of the next two seasons, catching  a career-high 54 p...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and the Draft -- A Look Back -- 2001
2007-04-24 19:07:00
If I am going to finish this thing I have got to get a move on.  Expect to see 2 per day this week so we can get through it all.  Up next is 2001, a year that might go down as one of the worst in Shanny's tenure.  For the second season in a row the Broncos took a DB in the first round, once again with little success.  How did the rest of the draft go?  Not much better.  Let's take a look. 1st Round -- Pick 15(15) - Willie Middlebrooks, CB (Minnesota) -- I will never understand this pick.  Ever.  People have tried to explain it to me.  I still don't get it.  Middlebrooks was an average DB and a below average school who had missed a significant amount of time because of an ankle injury to boot.  Middlebrooks has decent size, at 6-1, 200, but doesn't have great speed, nor great cover skills.  His career showed as much, with Middlebrooks fighting injury most of his rookie year.  He was active 43 of the next 48 games, p...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and the Draft -- A Look Back -- 2000
2007-04-23 19:42:00
Onward, to the 2000 draft.  The Broncos were coming off their worst season in over a decade, still grappling with the daunting task of replacing John Elway, dealing with the unknown of Terrell Davis' knee injury from the season before.  The team was definitely in a state of transition, and it was becoming imperative that Mike Shanahan starts coming up huge in the draft.  Did he hit a homerun in 2000?  Let's take a look. 1st Round -- Pick 15(15) - Deltha O'Neal, CB (CAL) -- The Broncos had the #9 pikc in the draft, but chose to trade down, swapping the pick with Baltimore, getting the #15 pick as well as the Raven's 2nd round pick.  At 15, the Broncos went defense, selecting Deltha O'Neal.  The  O'Neal selection is one a bit tough to gauge.    There were times O'Neal looked like he was going to be a stud.  A shut-down corner and electric return guy that was going to be a force in the NFL for a long time.  At other times, h...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and the Draft, A Look Back -- 1999
2007-04-20 23:24:00
In the 5th edition of my look back at each Broncos draft lead by Mike Shanahan and company I look at the final draft of the 20th century, and the second in a row for the Broncos following a World Championship.  It would be the first since 1982, however, that John Elway was not a part of the draft, or part of the Broncos, and the first time it really sunk in with me that #7 wouldn't be taking snaps on Sunday afternoons. Let's take a look back at the 1999 draft, and how the Broncos fared to start the post-Elway era in Denver. 1st Round -- Pick 31(31) -- Al Wilson, LB(Tennessee) -- If Terrell Davis was the best pick made by Mike Shanahan to date, Wilson would have to qualify a close second.  Wilson was drafted with the final pick of the first round and immediately became the vocal and emotional leader of the defense.  Wilson played in all 16 games during his rookie campaign, and overall has played in 125 of 128 total team games since 1999.  Wilson became a 5 tim...
Mike Shanahan, The Broncos and the Draft -- A Look Back -- 1998
2007-04-19 20:18:00
For the frst time in team history the Broncos prepared for the 1998 NFL Draft as the defending Super Bowl Champions.  That means alot of low round draft picks, and alot of busts and fliers.  The 1998 draft is a perfect example, and one most Bronco fans would probably like to forget. Let's take a look at each pick, and how their career ended up.  At the end, I'll grade the draft and give my opinion. 1st Round -- Pick 30(30) -- Marcus Nash, WR(Tennessee) -- Marcus Nash was a tough prospect to guage coming out of Tennessee.  Nash was thought to have a lot of potential, would disappear for games at a time while a Volunteer.  When drafted with the last pick of the first round, Nash was expected to be the deep, down-field threat to team with Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey and Shannon Sharpe.  It was another example of Shanny taking a flier on a guy with a lot of questions, but tremendous upside.  Unfortunitely, it didn't work out for Nash, who caught all o...
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