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Broncos Position Battles: Running Back.

May 17, 2013 -- 10:22am

The Broncos 2013 rookie minicamp has concluded and now it’s time for their regular minicamp to start. On Monday the 20^th of May we’ll see the full Broncos squad together in practice for the first time since the playoffs. Denver has an eye on a Super Bowl championship but there are a few key position battles that have to be settled in camp before their road to glory can begin. In this series “Broncos Position Battles” I’ll examine the competitions we’ll see play out before the start of the regular season.

RUNNING BACKS

With the 58^th overall selection in the 2013 NFL draft the Broncos selected Montee Ball out of Wisconsin. He’s got plenty of experience after finishing his college career with 983 touches. Some see that as a negative as running backs have only so much tread. However, Broncos new Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase sees that as a positive. “The thing that I love about Montee, that he does, is he has great vision. I never really saw him take the massive shot.” Gase continued. “He did a great job of being able to avoid the big hit. I don’t think that’s going to affect him. I think what he does is carry the ball. That’s his strong suit.”

Ball will compete for the starting job with Ronnie Hillman, Willis McGahee, and Knowshon Moreno. Some think Hillman is best suited as the team’s change of pace runner and big play weapon out of the backfield. Hillman is the fastest running back on the Broncos’ roster and is dangerous in the open field. He’s considered the ‘Lightning’ of what the Broncos want to be a ‘Thunder and Lightning’ backfield. That leaves McGahee and Moreno as the biggest competition for Ball as the team’s featured runner.

McGahee is bigger than Ball, weighing about 20 pounds more than the rookie. He has the pro experience and has played at a high level for years. Last season before he was hurt, McGahee was one of the leading rushers in the NFL. However, fumbling was an issue for McGahee last year and he injured his knee in a week 11 game against the Chargers and was lost for the season. Some have speculated the team would release McGahee because of his $3 million cap number in 2013. The Broncos would save $2 million this year if McGahee was let go. That’s speculation at this point, but the Denver Post says McGahee and Moreno may be competing for one job in training camp.

Moreno is a more versatile player than McGahee and has proven to be a reliable pass blocker and receiver out of the backfield. It was Moreno the Broncos turned to after McGahee went down in week 11. He had been inactive for eight weeks at that time, but seemed more mature and focused when he got the call to be the starter. Moreno lacks the power of McGahee, lacks the speed of Hillman, and has a history of durability issues – including last year when he went down in the playoff game against the Ravens with another knee injury. Moreno’s cap number is larger than McGahee’s ($3.25 million) but with more dead money on his contract the Broncos would only save $945,000 if Moreno was released.

The Broncos are seeking better balance in the ground game in terms of outside runs versus inside runs. Last year the Broncos became predictable with their inside runs under former OC Mike McCoy. That play is better suited for backs like McGahee or Moreno. This year we could see outside zone stretch plays as the hallmark of the ground game. They recently hired Alex Gibbs as an O-Line consultant and he is considered the godfather of the zone blocking system. Peyton Manning perfected the stretch play with the Colts and backs like Edgerrin James and Joseph Addai were very successful in that system. Zone stretch plays to the strengths of both Ball and Hillman.

Gase commented on the design of the ground game at rookie minicamp. “We’re going to be a little more balanced on inside/outside runs. It’s going to be predicated, obviously, on what the defense is giving us, so as the game goes, it’s probably going to change. That’s the great thing about having the line coaches we have. [Offensive Line Coach] Dave Magazu, [Tight Ends Coach] Clancy Barone, with him up top, kind of letting us know, ‘Hey, outside’s good, maybe we should stay with the inside.’ It’s going to change throughout the game. It’s basically what the defense is giving us, and we’ll go opposite.”

Montee Ball averaged 7.1 yards per carry outside the tackles over the last two seasons. He saw almost 37 percent of his carries go outside the tackles over that period as well. Ball has the vision to find holes some don’t see. He also is a patient runner who anticipates where cutback lanes are going to be. Ball is considered a favorite to win the starting job in training camp.

No rookie running back has had a ton of success under head coach John Fox. The most carries by a rookie runner under Fox was 184 by Jonathan Stewart (Panthers) in 2008. If Ball wins the starting job we could see him finish the year as the most featured runner under the Fox regime. In fact, our Broncos insider Mike Klis believes Ball could get around 225 carries on the season if he’s the featured runner.

Running Back is the top position battle to watch this offseason. The favorite is Montee Ball but the rookie won’t be handed the starting job, he’ll have to earn it on the practice field.

Grading the AFC West Draft Class

May 06, 2013 -- 10:14am

The NFL draft has wrapped up and it’s time for rookie minicamps to begin across the league. Now is the time to look at the draft picks in this division to see who will make the biggest impact, who was the biggest reach, and who could be a sleeper pick.

Biggest Impact in 2013

Broncos: RB Montee Ball (Wisconsin), second-round

Ball is the hammering running back the Broncos have been looking for. He was extremely productive in college, breaking the NCAA record for rushing touchdowns (77) and total touchdowns (83). Ball is known as a workhorse back after compiling 983 touches at Wisconsin. However, he's more than just a between the tackles banger. He averaged 7.1 yards per carry outside the tackles in 2012. Ball gained 36.1% of his FBS-leading 3,750 yards on rushes outside of the tackles over the last two seasons.

Chiefs: OT Eric Fisher (Central Michigan), first-round

Fisher helps the Chiefs immediately and upgrades their O-Line play as both run and pass blockers. He’s position versatile and can line up at either left tackle or right tackle. The Chiefs may keep left tackle Brandon Albert around in 2013 after unsuccessfully shopping him around the league before the draft. Fisher is the fourth OT drafted by the Chiefs in the first-round over the last 15 years. Only the Lions (five) have drafted more at the position. Fisher had an impressive Senior Bowl where he proved he could handle the speed and power from some of the best defensive players in the nation.

Raiders: CB D.J. Hayden (Houston), first-round

The Raiders were considering Hayden with the third overall pick. Instead, they traded with the Dolphins, moved down to 12^th overall and still got their man. He’s got a good size/speed combination, a nose for the football, and the ability to high point passes for interceptions or break ups. No Raiders defender recorded more than two interceptions last season. 59 players recorded at last three interceptions in the NFL last season. Oakland’s two free-agent acquisitions at cornerback (Tracy Porter and Mike Jenkins) had one combined interception last year. Hayden will step in and start right away for this team.

Chargers: OT D.J. Fluker (Alabama), first-round

The Chargers were hoping a guy like Lane Johnson (OT, Oklahoma) would fall to them at 11^th overall but that wasn’t the case. There was a huge run on OL in the top 10 and it left Fluker as the best option for the Chargers. They need OL help all the way across and Fluker will give them a quality starter on the right side for years. He’s big, strong, and plays with a nasty streak. Fluker immediately improves them as a run blocking team. The Chargers tied with the Lions for the fewest rushes of at least 20 yards (four) in the league last season. San Diego’s offensive line didn’t create push at the line of scrimmage. The Chargers were one of two teams to average less than 2.0 yards before contact per rush.

Biggest Reach

Broncos: CB Kayvon Webster (South Florida), third-round

Webster is a good player, but I had a fifth-round grade on him. I saw him at the Shrine Game earlier this year and he impressed me with his straight line speed and ability to track deep passes. Webster has a nose for the football and can come up to help in run support. We'll see if he can improve his hip swivel to turn and run with speedy WRs at the NFL level. There was a run on CBs earlier in the draft so that likely bumped Webster up the board.

Chiefs: RB Knile Davis (Arkansas), third-round

I don’t understand this pick whatsoever. With RBs left on the board like Jonathan Franklin (UCLA), Stepfan Taylor (Stanford), Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina), and others it made zero sense to add Davis here. His injury history is so long that it reads like Infinite Jest. Davis suffered an ankle injury during 2009 spring practice but played in all 26 games during his first two seasons at Arkansas (2009-10). In 2011, Davis missed entire season after suffering a fractured left ankle during preseason scrimmage (Aug. 11). He also missed the Tulsa and South Carolina game this past fall with a hamstring injury. Simply a bad pick. Even if he can stay healthy he doesn’t have the skill set of the RBs I mentioned earlier.

Raiders: There were zero players taken by the Raiders I felt they reached too far for.

Chargers: DE Tourek Williams (Florida International), sixth-round

It’s hard to call a sixth-round pick a reach, but Williams was graded as a priority free agent for me. I preferred players like Michael Buchanan (Illinois), Cornelius Washington (Georgia), Armonty Bryant (East Central Oklahoma), and Joe Kruger (Utah). All of those guys were still on the board when the Chargers reached for Williams. It’s a curious move indeed.

Sleeper Pick

Broncos: WR Tavarres King (Georgia), fifth-round

I like this addition by the Broncos. King is a smooth athlete who can glide down the field and get on top of the defense in a hurry. With Eric Decker a free agent after this year we could see King emerge as an important part of this Broncos WR corps in 2014.

Chiefs: TE Travis Kelce (Cincinnati), third-round

The Chiefs needed to do something at the TE position and adding Kelce gives them a player with arguably the highest upside in this class. Kelce is a violent blocker and has enough speed to challenge the middle seam of the defense. His strong hands and red zone ability should make him a favorite of QB Alex Smith.

Raiders: QB Tyler Wilson (Arkansas), fourth-round

This is one of my favorite picks in the entire draft. I had Wilson rated as my number one QB this year. He’s got a gunslinger’s mentality, toughness, athleticism, and arm strength to make every throw in the pros. Wilson may be a backup this year behind Matt Flynn (how ironic it would be if Flynn was beat out by a rookie named Wilson two years in a row?) but could emerge as the team’s starter in 2014. I believe in GM Reggie McKenzie and he picked a great QB here in the mid-rounds.

Chargers: WR Keenan Allen (California), third-round

Once considered a first-round talent we saw Allen fall to the third-round because of a PCL injury from last year that was slow to heal. If healthy, Allen is a linear athlete who can make difficult catches seem routine. The Chargers needed weapons in the passing game for QB Philip Rivers and they get tremendous value here with Allen.

Overall Grades for AFC West

Raiders: A

Broncos: A-

Chargers: B-

Chiefs: C

In Depth Look at Broncos 2013 Schedule

Apr 19, 2013 -- 11:16am

The NFL is America’s sport. The schedule for the 2013 season was announced Thursday, and two TV Networks (ESPN, NFLN) aired three-hour prime time specials upon the release. The Broncos have the easiest schedule in the league this year, and I think they can easily win the AFC West and contend for the Super Bowl. Let’s take an in depth look at how their record could evolve.

Broncos 2013 Regular Season Schedule (All times Eastern)

Week 1: Thursday, Sept. 5, Baltimore, 8:30 p.m. – Revenge will be on the minds of Broncos Country as the season kicks off with a rematch from the playoffs. Baltimore isn’t the same team they used to be but Denver can make a statement with a win in the opener against the defending Super Bowl champs. The Broncos need to focus on shutting down Ray Rice and control the deep passing game of Joe Flacco. I guarantee CB Champ Bailey won’t let Torrey Smith burn him this time around. Broncos Record: 1-0

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 15, at NY Giants, 4:25 p.m. – It’s Peyton Manning vs. Eli Manning for the third time in their pro careers. In 2 games against his brother Eli, Peyton Manning is 2-0 with 531 Pass yards, 4 Touchdowns, and 1 Interception. The Giants will have a new look ground game with second-year RB David Wilson and they lost TE Martellus Bennett (Bears) in free agency. If they go to the Super Bowl Denver will be back to this stadium. Broncos Record: 2-0

Week 3: Monday, Sept. 23, Oakland, 8:30 p.m. – Dennis Allen enters his second year as the Raiders head coach and is in a make or break season. New QB Matt Flynn will have difficulty winning in a shootout against Peyton Manning. The Raiders are trying to get back on track as a franchise but aren’t there yet. Broncos Record: 3-0

Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 29, Philadelphia, 4:25 p.m. – Chip Kelly’s offense in Philadelphia is going to put the Broncos defense to the test. The Eagles will use a turbo charged hurry up offense to wear opponents down. It’s something the Broncos struggled with last year when facing a similar scheme against the Patriots. Difference is the Pats have Tom Brady, while the Eagles will try to make things work with Michael Vick or Nick Foles. Advantage: Denver. Broncos Record: 4-0

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 6, at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. – How about those Cowboys! Dallas has a strong secondary and could be a handful for the Broncos WR corps. Denver’s secondary will also have their hands full trying to cover WRs Dez Bryant and Miles Austin. If the Broncos pass rush can make QB Tony Romo uncomfortable then they will win. Broncos Record: 5-0

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 13, Jacksonville, 4:05 p.m. – This game would have been more interesting if Tim Tebow was the QB in Jacksonville. He won’t be, instead the Jags are relying on Blaine Gabbert or Chad Henne to be an effective starter. Nothing else matters. The struggles of the QB position in Jacksonville means the Broncos get an easy win at home. Broncos Record: 6-0

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 20, at Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m. – He would never admit it but you know this game means a lot to Manning. He returns to the house he built (Lucas Oil Stadium) and will get to play the only opponent he’s never faced during his pro career. It’s Manning vs. Andrew Luck with the second-year QB playing at home. The Colts will have a more controlled, underneath passing game under new Offensive Coordinator Pep Hamilton (Stanford). I’m expecting a shootout but a Broncos victory in Overtime as Manning wills his team to victory. Broncos Record: 7-0

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 27, Washington, 4:25 p.m. – It’s been a long time since head coach Mike Shanahan has roamed the sidelines at Mile High. This time he will be on the opposite side as coach of the Redskins. QB Robert Griffin III should be healthy at this point and will be difficult to slow down. Shanahan also found another sixth-round RB last year, Alfred Morris who rushed for over 1,600 yards in 2012. The Redskins will try to use their strong ground game to keep Manning and the Broncos offense off the field. It’s not enough and the Broncos roll into their bye week without a blemish on their record. Broncos Record: 8-0

Week 9: BYE

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 10, at San Diego, 4:25 p.m. – Denver faces off against former OC Mike McCoy who moved on to be the head coach of the Chargers. By this time the Chargers should be used to McCoy’s system and I am expecting a bounce back year from QB Philip Rivers. They still can’t match up with the Broncos as they lack the firepower to keep up with Denver’s dangerous offense. Broncos Record: 9-0

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 17, Kansas City, 4:05 p.m. – The division run continues this time at home against the Chiefs led by new head coach Andy Reid. The Chiefs don’t lack talent the way the Chargers do, can get after the passer, and have a strong secondary. This is going to be a home-and-home split. Denver’s at home and gets a hard fought win. Broncos Record: 10-0

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 24, at New England, 8:30 p.m. – A potential playoff preview here and one that will help determine home field advantage. Wes Welker returns to Foxborough and wants to show the Patriots what they’ve been missing. It’s a classic Manning vs. Tom Brady showdown but this time it goes against the Broncos. The 1972 Dolphins pop the champagne as Denver suffers their first loss of the season. Broncos Record: 10-1

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 1, at Kansas City, 1 p.m. – It’s looking like back-to-back losses as I’m expecting a season split with the Chiefs. Arrowhead Stadium is always a tough place to play and many believe the Chiefs will be in the hunt for a Wild Card spot. An energized Chiefs team makes it two losses in a row for Denver. Broncos Record: 10-2

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 8, Tennessee, 4:05 p.m. – Denver gets back on track by coming home to the Mile High City and playing an inferior Titans team. QB Jake Locker can’t hang with Manning and the Broncos should be able to frustrate the ground game featuring both Chris Johnson and Shonn Greene. Broncos Record: 11-2

Week 15: Thursday, Dec. 12, San Diego, 8:25 p.m. – The Broncos are gaining their stride for a postseason run and can’t be beat by a Chargers team that has plenty of rebuilding to do. Mike McCoy comes back to Denver and loses in a blowout. Broncos Record: 12-2

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 22, at Houston, 1 p.m. – Last year the Texans beat the Broncos at Mile High. This time around the new look offense is too much for J.J. Watt and the Houston defense to handle. Another playoff preview game here with the Broncos coming out on top. Broncos Record: 13-2

Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 29, at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. – With the number one seed in the AFC wrapped up the Broncos can rest their starters here. It’s time for QB Brock Osweiler to get some playing experience. Manning starts but leaves after the first quarter. Osweiler shows well and tears up the Raiders defense for 250 yards passing and 2 Touchdowns. Broncos Record: 14-2

The Broncos have at least five primetime games this year and will be a favorite to win the AFC and win it all. The Super Bowl is held outdoors in a cold weather city (New York), so Manning will have to prove he can overcome his cold weather playoff woes. No problem, Denver wins the Super Bowl.

Broncos Draft Needs — Defensive End

Apr 16, 2013 -- 10:17am

Second in a series analyzing the Broncos’ draft needs.

Roster: Derek Wolfe (DT), Robert Ayers, Malik Jackson, Jeremy Beal, Ben Garland

The Broncos traded out of the first-round last year to move back and with the 36^th overall pick they selected Wolfe. He had a strong rookie season and finished the year with six sacks. Ayers has never lived up to his first-round draft status but can be an edge setter for the Broncos on run downs. Jackson played in 14 games as a rookie and had five tackles on the year. He’s got the strength and length to be a solid pro and part time player. Beal was put on Injured Reserve last August after spending his rookie year (2011) on the Practice Squad. This is a make or break year for him. Garland is the former Air Force standout who gives the team quality depth. He spent last year on the Practice Squad but could be asked to do more if he makes the active roster.

Needs

The Broncos need to add to their pass rush. Elvis Dumervil moved on to the Ravens in free agency and it left a gaping hole on their Defensive Line. They have a nice rotation right now but adding pass rushers is never a bad idea. Depending on what players fall in the Draft we should see the Broncos address the position with at least one pick.

Top five DE prospects

1. Cornellius ‘Tank’ Carradine, Florida State.

Carradine was looking like a top five pick last year during his breakout season for the Seminoles. Then he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee on a non-contact play on November, 24^th. Now Carradine is trying to come back from the injury and prove that he is more than just a one year wonder. Carradine can bend around the edge to get after the QB. He also has the strength to rip away from blockers and shows a good nose for the ball.

2. Margus Hunt, SMU.

Hunt was an Estonian track star who has only played football since 2009. He is freakishly athletic for a big man and is a raw prospect with huge upside. Hunt is tall (6’8”) and too often will get upright and lose leverage as a run defender. Once he learns better technique he could be one of the best edge rushers in the game today. Hunt also set a NCAA record for blocked kicks because of his long arms and height. I saw Hunt at the Senior Bowl earlier this year and he wasn’t overly impressive. Hunt showed me the athleticism, but also showed that his football knowledge is still in the infancy stage.

3. Damontre Moore, Texas A&M.

He backed up Von Miller at the ‘Joker’ position to start his career with the Aggies. When Miller left to join the Broncos then Moore was able to flourish as a pass rusher, increasing his sack totals every year. Moore had 57 solo tackles (21 tackles for loss), 12.5 sacks in 2012 and was once considered a top five draft pick. Then at the Scouting Combine he ran a 4.95 40-yard dash, injured his hamstring doing so, and could only bench press 225 lbs 12 times. Moore compares closely to current Broncos DE (and former top 20 pick) Robert Ayers. He should be a solid run stuffer who can set the edge and compile about eight sacks per year.

4. Sam Montgomery, LSU.

Montgomery was productive for the Bayou Bengals and is a disruptive player against the pass and the run. He’s chiseled, has functional strength, and the straight line speed to take blockers by surprise. Montgomery suffered a torn ACL in 2010 but added over 30 pounds of muscle yet still retained his burst and athleticism. Some scouts say he has track star speed and plays with a high motor. He needs to develop more moves to get after the passer as too often he relies on speed/edge moves to create pressure.

5. Alex Okafor, Texas.

Okafor has position versatility and can line up inside or outside on the D-Line. He has violent striking hands and does a good job of disengaging quickly. He had 12.5 sacks in 2012 to go along with 20 QB pressures. Okafor is technically sound but lacks the bulk to stand strong against the run. He’s built like a speed rusher but lacks the speed to use the edge effectively.

Under radar

Michael Buchanan, Illinois.

Buchanan is an intriguing prospect with good size and developmental upside. He’s tall (6-6, 274 pounds) and has a large wingspan to bat down passes, plus he has the athleticism and closing burst to be a quality edge rusher at the pro level. Buchanan is most known for his devastating spin move that he can execute at full speed. However, his bag of tricks after that is rather empty. Buchanan needs to develop more moves as a pass rusher. His position versatility (can play both defensive end in a 4-3 and outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme) boosts his draft stock, but his lack of consistent motor and limited pass rush moves make him more of a fourth- or fifth-round pick in this draft class.

Last word

Since the Broncos lost Elvis Dumervil to the ‘fax fiasco’ a need for DE depth is there. Dumervil wasn’t much of a run stuffer but was more known as a pass rusher. The team needs to find someone who can keep contain against the run in addition to getting edge pressure. I expect them to address this position in one of the first three rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Broncos Draft Needs - Running Back

Apr 09, 2013 -- 12:58pm

First in a series analyzing the Broncos’ draft needs.

Roster: Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno, Ronnie Hillman, Lance Ball

McGahee began the season as the Broncos starting RB but was injured (knee) in week eleven and missed the rest of the regular season and the postseason. Up to that point McGahee was leading the league in fumbles (five total, four lost) and had only three 100-yard games on the year. Moreno was inactive from week three until he got a chance to start in week twelve. He responded with a couple of regular season 100-yard rushing performances against the Raiders and the Ravens, but was lost to another knee injury in the playoff game against the Ravens. Hillman patiently waited and learned behind both RBs as a rookie. He showed a willingness to run between the tackles even though he’s not known as a pile pusher. Ball gives the team veteran depth at the position but will be on the roster bubble during training camp.

Needs

The Broncos need to add a big, physical RB to the roster. McGahee isn’t the same player he used to be and has been plagued by fumbling and injuries over the last two years. The best way to address this position is through the draft, although I would advise against using a premium pick (first- or second-round).

Top five big RB prospects

1. Eddie Lacy, (5’11” 231 lbs.) Alabama.

Lacy is the best RB in a talent poor class. He’s got the size the Broncos need and is a better receiver than some are giving him credit for. I like the way he can grind and wear down a defense running inside. Lacy needs to stay healthy as durability (ankle sprains, turf toe) has been a problem for him. Currently, Lacy has not worked out for scouts as he’s been bothered by a hamstring injury. We’ll see if he can have a good Pro Day on April 11^th.

2. Stepfan Taylor, (5’9” 215 lbs.) Stanford.

Taylor would be a nice fit for the Broncos. While Lacy is seen as a late first-round pick, Denver could add Taylor in the third-round. He’s got a complete game, showing good ability as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Taylor’s biggest knock is that he doesn’t have a second gear and can’t pull away from defenders.

3. Marcus Lattimore, (5’11” 221 lbs.) South Carolina.

If it wasn’t for his second knee injury (2011, 2012) then I would have Lattimore as a top 15 pick in the first-round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He’s now seen as a third-round pick with the upside to start and be a star in the league. He reminds me of Texans RB Arian Foster with his size/speed combination. Lattimore comes from a great family and is known as a hard worker and a good person. Some think he’ll be ready for the start of the 2013 regular season. If the injury needs more time to heal Lattimore could miss his rookie season on Injured Reserve the same way Willis McGahee did for the Bills in 2003.

4. Christine Michael, (5’10” 220 lbs.) Texas A&M.

The story with Michael has always read ‘what might have been.’ He’s got incredible physical traits when healthy but durability has been an issue for him during his college career (2010 broken right leg, 2011 torn ACL). I was impressed with Michael when I watched him at the Shrine Game practices earlier this year. He’s a big RB with an aggressive running style. He explodes out of every single step and thus gets to top speed in a hurry. His top speed isn’t what it used to be after his knee injury but some feel it will be back this fall. Michael butted heads with Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin and reportedly overslept for some team interviews at the Combine. Even with those character concerns most scouts feel he won’t make it out of the third-round.

3. Le’Veon Bell, (6’2” 235 lbs.) Michigan State.

I’m not a huge Bell fan because I see him as a momentum runner like James Starks (Packers). However, I do recognize that he could be a value pick if selected at the correct spot. If the Broncos added Bell in the fourth-round I would be ok with that. Bell is athletic for a big man and he’s shown a tendency to jump over defenders that go low to tackle him. He has build up speed and needs big holes to get a head of steam. Bell also has build up power and isn’t an instant steamroller like some assume when they see his size. Bell reminds me of a poor man’s Brandon Jacobs (former Giants, 49ers).

Under radar

Zac Stacy, (5’9” 216 lbs.) Vanderbilt.

Stacy was impressive on film and I liked what I saw when I watched him from the sidelines of the 2013 Shrine Game practices earlier this year in Tampa Bay, FL. His game is all about yards after contact. He’s a no-nonsense runner with little wiggle but good power and leg drive. If the Broncos miss out on the RBs above then selecting Stacy on the last day of the draft makes sense.

Last word

The Broncos have options in the 2013 NFL Draft in several different rounds. Adding a big, power RB could bounce someone like McGahee off the roster. We know the Broncos aren’t going to stand pat at the position and could select a RB in the first three rounds of the Draft.

Scouting Report: Ryan Nassib

Apr 05, 2013 -- 3:24pm

As we approach the 2013 NFL Draft I will be releasing my scouting reports on some of the top players in the draft. I watch extensive film on all of these players and will list what I see broken down into Positives, Negatives, All Star Impressions, Combine Impressions, and Pro Comparisons. Today I break down QB Ryan Nassib from Syracuse.

Positives:

Nassib processes things quickly. He can zip passes between two defenders and does a good job using his eyes to manipulate the defense. Nassib can use his feet to keep plays alive and is a tough football player with the mentality of a Linebacker. He’s an intelligent QB who isn’t rattled by pressure.

Negatives:

He needs to improve his poor footwork, both with a clean pocket and on the run. He will loft deep passes and puts too much air under this throws when going deep. Nassib lacks bucket accuracy because of this. His setup and release have average speed.

All Star Impressions:

Nassib had an up and down week at the Senior Bowl. He’s an effort thrower who failed to show good touch. On one play Nassib overthrew one of the fastest WRs in Mobile, Marquise Goodwin (Texas). He did have great play fakes, using his eyes and shoulder fakes to make coverage bite.

Combine Impressions:

I didn’t get a chance to interview Nassib at the Combine. Those that did came away impressed.

Compares To:

A higher upside version of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Titans