We’ve lost a lot of our coaching staff the last few weeks, any names out there being discussed as replacements?

Welcome to Free Talk Friday!

Feel free to comment about whatever you want here, related or not to the Broncos.

What is the Shrine Bowl?

The East-West Shrine Bowl is the longest-running college all-star football game in the nation. An important part of America’s football tradition, the event gives top college players a chance to showcase their talents to NFL scouts and a national television audience.

Why is this in r/DenverBroncos**?**

Because draft season is upon us and this is a fun scouting opportunity! Broncos assistant Strength and Conditioning coach Korey Jones is on the East coaching staff.

Which players are you excited to see?
West Roster | East Roster

CBS Sports is doing an inaugural award for Offensive Lineman of the Year, with Quinn Meinerz being a finalist. Do you think he'll win and do you think the NFL would make this an actual award in the future ?

Link: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cbs-sports-offensive-lineman-of-the-year-award-eight-nominees-including-three-competing-in-super-bowl/

Hey all, just wanted to start off saying this is all second hand information. But I’m someone who is a huge nerd about following college draft prospects, so I’ve been following the senior bowl closely. From what I’ve seen there’s a few nice value picks out there at positions of need for Denver to take.

Of course we’d all love to have the big name players, Egbuka, Warren, Jeanty etc. however, the reality come draft day is that we will likely be taking some guys that are less in the lime light and show high ceilings in the NFL. Here are a few of my picks based on our offseason needs and scheme fits:

1. TE-MIA-Elijah Arroyo-6’4” 245lbs:

From what I’ve read and watched in the senior bowl early in is that Arroyo is an NFL ready physical specimen with great footwork and hands. Arroyo was, from how it sounds, very underutilized in Miami’s offense. He’s got the physique to play at this level, but has unexpected elusiveness and ability to create separation. He may come in handy if Denver is unable to get Warren of Loveland in round 1.

2. OT-NDSU-Grey Zabel-6’6” 305lbs:

Another guy with an NFL physique. Grey has had scouts calling him the most dominant offensive lineman at the senior bowl. Granted there are several premier OT’s that aren’t participating, Grey looks to be a game changer and potential starting NFL LT, though his best position may be at Guard, he’s shown versatility across the OL. Zabel has shown a quick drop and strong grip in early senior bowl action making him a valuable commodity that may be available in the middle rounds of the draft. Though some scouts are starting to project his potential to go much earlier.

3. OT-MIA-Jalen Rivers-6’5” 325lbs

Rivers is another versatile piece on the offensive line, but so far has been one of the best Senior Bowl linemen at Center, Guard, and Tackle. It’s rare to see a guy be that impactful at multiple positions on the line. Rivers would likely be a RT prospect, but showed great strength and agility for someone at his size.

4. RB-GA-Trevor Etienne-5’9” 205

I think we’re all fairly familiar with Etienne so dark horse may be a stretch. But he’s been one of the most impressive senior bowl players so far. His biggest asset, which Payton will love, is his pass catching and route running out of the backfield. He’s shown elite escapeabilty and footwork to make defenders miss. He’s probably the best “Kamara Comp” (though I hate comps) at the senior bowl.

5. RB-Brashard Smith-SMU- 5’10” 196

Smith again showed his value as an elite pass catcher and route runner out of the backfield. But he’s also showed his elite vision, quick cut, and burst ability when toting the rock in senior bowl reps. Smith is a guy some teams are looking at as a potential switch to WR full time which may be tempting to Payton as he’s shown a proclivity for drafting pass catching half backs.

6. WR - Arian Smith - GA - 6’0” 185lbs

This one surprised me. Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying we take Smith in the first 3-4 rounds of this draft, but he may be a great, high ceiling, option late in the draft. Prior to the Senior Bowl I haven’t even seen Smith on any draft board rankings. However, he’s shown great physicality to battle through contact on routes and fantastic pass catching skills. He absolutely “Mossed” a corner at the front of the end zone in day two. He didn’t show great separation skills, but would make a nice jump ball option for Nix.

7. WR- Jaylin Noel- ISU-5’11” 200lbs

If you’re looking for top of his class pass catching ability, look no further. Noel has been a huge stock riser early in camp making the second best impression of all receivers at the Senior Bowl. Noel will be another option in the mid to late rounds of the draft. He is probably the most well rounded receiver at the Senior Bowl, showing great footwork in route trees, physicality in 1v1 drills, and strong speed/separation skills posting an unofficial 4.45 40 prior to the senior bowl.

General Notes:

It’s hard to get good reads on defensive linemen at the Senior bowl as most of their value is eating blocks and clogging the middle. Sorry I couldn’t get more information on prospects here as it’s a big need for us, but the Senior bowl drills primarily showcase good skill players, edge rushers, and O-line talent. Defensive backs are usually put in really tough situations as well and are hard to grade out.

I know we are likely all tired of hearing this in this thread. But it’s becoming increasingly hard to ignore the temptation of drafting Tez Johnson. I admittedly have been bullish on Tez as his hands during the season were concerning and he shows some redundancy on our roster with Mims and Franklin. However, the early reports from the Senior bowl are that Tez is the best WR out there. He’s been described as “unguardable” based on his route running and top of the class quickness. We’re talking 5-10 yards of separation getting created on almost every route he runs. With the Bo Nix connection he may be worth taking in rounds 2-4 if he’s there and punting on some of our other WR options.

Another notable stock riser at reciever has been Tai Felton from Maryland. He’s honestly been great, but I personally don’t love his game as his slight frame and lack of strength will make it hard for him to excel against NFL secondaries IMO. Yes, he’s larger than Tez, but Tez is more compact and deceptively strong. Felton is 6’1” 185 and would need to add a lot of strength IMO to excel at the next level.

Harold Fannin Jr. from Bowling Green is less of a dark horse as he’s the 3rd TE on a lot of draft boards, but I feel he’s been overshadowed by Warren and Loveland. Fannin is big, strong, and plays more like a top physical WR prospect than a TE in passing situations. He’s also a willing and able run blocker at the position. He’d make a great consolation prize for anyone that loses out on the Warren/Loveland sweepstakes.

Also a brief note on Arian Smith. He’s gotten mixed reviews based on him dropping the more easy catches thrown his way. Which was a trend at GA too. I just liked what I saw from him a lot and he made a lot of more difficult catches and showed and ability to win deep balls and stop on a dime for shorter routes.

I hope that everyone enjoyed reading this. Again I’m no scout, this is all a regurgitation of what others are saying and my personal observations from the video available.

The Denver Broncos 2025 offseason is huge, being we finally have our feet under us with a young and promising roster. Not to mention a solidified Franchise Quarterback on a rookie deal.

We've seen trends from similar scenarios to have a 'Swing for the Fences' type of moves while you have your most expensive position retained on a rookie contract. (God Bless Bo Nix) And this year will be interesting being they're limited skill players up for grabs.

Yes, you can make an argument that trading picks for a guy like Garrett Wilson would be the right play to realign our offense. But, not only do we miss out on the opportunity to draft a franchise ballplayer with a loaded offensive rookie class, we also have to pay a premium price for a player of that caliber.

My suggestion...

Hold onto draft capital and hit homers in free agency and drill the draft, again. We are so close to solidifying our offense. Let the young guys blossom and continue to hit on key players in the draft and supplement the holes from Free Agency.

Free Agency -

Tee Higgins; Yes, of course we are all salivating at the idea that we have a legitimate shot at signing a player like Tee Higgins. Yep, the one with the 3TD 131 yard performance against our beloved Riley Moss. You and everybody else seeking a true WR1. I expect him to have the option to strategically choose his fate. I also expect him to have the option to all but hold the pen to the pad too when it comes to a contract. A high dollar man well deserving of a high dollar contract.

Chris Godwin; Coming off a broken ankle, yes, but he was unbelievably productive out of the slot. A position I consider very valuable in our offense. Godwin takes the reigns. He is my #1 target, and probably our most realistic shot at coming to terms with a premium free agent.

Elijah Moore; Solid WR in a very uncertain organization. Cleveland has regressed with this Deshaun fiasco and I certainly believe Moore could be freed from their hot mess. A skilled player.

Aaron Jones; Solid RB that will demand a fairly significant RB contract, and cause a lot of noise. He can and will be a difference maker with his speed and experience. But, highly sought after considering the FA RB market is slim. He will have a fair amount of options.

JK Dobbins; Young running back who IF healthy can be a promising player. Coming off a reset in 2024-2025, I highly doubt a team would be capable to pry him off of a Harbaugh. But, we've seen crazier.

*consider Najee Harris; I don't love..But he's 26 years old..Probably looking to reset his career trajectory and reinstate his role somewhere else. Would imagine it would be a relatively friendly deal, too.

Juwan Johnson; Younger TE who has familiarity with a Sean Payton led offense. At 28 years old, he can be a promising player developed into a solution we lack depth and efficiency at.

Skill Player Draft Preferences

1st Round - Tyler Warren, PSU**, Colston Loveland,** UoM**, Emeka Egbuka,** OSU, Luther Burden, Missouri

2nd Round - Quinshon Judkins, OSU, Tre'Veyon Henderson, OSU, Tre Harris, Ole Miss, Jayden Higgins, Iowa State, Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green, Mason Taylor, LSU, Kaleb Johnson, Iowa,

3rd Round - Devin Neal, Kansas, Gunnar Helm, Texas, Tez Johnson, Oregon, Jaylen Noel, Iowa State, Jalen Royals, Utah State, Terrance Ferguson, Oregon, Eliajh Arroyo, Miami, Cam Skattebo, ASU

Honorable Mention Guys:

Ollie Gordon, Jarquez Hunter, Raheim Sanders, Luke Lachey, Jordan James, Theo Wease Jr., Donovan Edwards

Lets not forget we have a young crop ready to balance out. A handful of guys looking to make a splash. Names like... Troy Franklin, Devaughn Vele, AT Perry, Tyler Badie, Audric Estime, and Blake Watson, are all candidates expected to improve in 2025-2026. Young guys ready to get involved.

Go Broncos, and God Bless Bo Nix.

I visited Mile High (From OKC) in July. Went back last month for a ski trip and couldn't find it.

Any help?

I see a lot of people excited about the idea of trading for Garrett Wilson (rightfully so). I think a cheaper and more realistic option may be giving the Colts a call and inquiring about Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. The Colts seem to have a crowded WR room and could potentially look to move Pittman’s large contract or move Pierce before it’s time to re-sign him.

Feel free to discuss whatever you'd like in this thread, even if it's not related to football! Just remember to abide by the community rules.

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My Dream Broncos Off-Season (Probably unrealistic)

Draft

• 1.20- TE- Tyler Warren

• 2.20 -> WR- Tez Johnson

• 3.20 -> RB- Ollie Gordon II

• Day 3: LB/DL/S

Free Agency

• Sign DE Chase Young (3yr/$55m)

• Sign FS/SS Jeremy Chinn (2yr/$18m)

• Sign LB Dre Greenlaw (3yr/$60m)

• Sign CB Charvarius Ward (2yr/$30m)

• Sign TE Juwan Johnson (2yr/$14m)

• Sign LB/S Isaiah Simmons (2yr/$11m)

Potential Trades Broncos Receive: Garrett Wilson Jets Receive: 2026 2nd, 2027 3rd, 2026 5th & 6th

Alternatives

• LB Zack Baun (if he leaves Philly)

• TE Mike Gesicki

• RB Aaron Jones

-LB Devin Bush

-WR Chris Godwin

-S Justin Simmons

Restructure OT Mike McGlinchy OG Ben Powers LB Alex Singleton

Release S PJ Locke (Not that great & for cap reasons)

Keep em around

Re-sign QB Zack Wilson

Re-sign DL DJ Jones

Re-sign LB Cody Barton

Re-sign P Riley Dixon

Extend WR Courtland Sutton

Extend EDGE Nik Bonnito (Wait till Mid 2025 szn & evaluate his performance)

Extend DL Zach Allen

Extend CB Ja'Quan McMillian

No one expected us to win against Buffalo anyways, but we were one FG away from beating an undefeated team. I still wake up in a cold sweat cus of that game.