Denver Post staff writer Bill Williamson posts his Broncos Mailbag each week during the NFL season on DenverPost.com. Welcome to a special installment in the week leading up to the 2006 NFL draft.
To drop a question into the Broncos Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
The Broncos brass trading away a sterling first-round draft choice is perplexing. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to fill talent holes in the team with the best coming out of college. At Nos. 15 and 22, the Broncos would have had an opportunity to pluck the first- or second-best wide receiver, tight end, defensive end or safety. Now we’re back to throwing darts or taking chances with what’s left. The Broncos have found some gems and, at times, got lucky with middle-round picks, but those have been rare, not common. So what are they thinking? I hope this is isn’t a move based on money.
— Louis Gray, Bartlesville, Okla.
Louis – I realize fans get nervous when No. 1 picks are swapped. But you have to remember the bottom line: Denver has moved from No. 29 to No. 15 in the draft and has stockpiled picks. – the most in the NFL – and seven picks in the first four rounds, tying them with the New York Jets for the most. So, the team is looking for quantity. Can’t blame a team for that.
Is it just me, or are free agents and otherwise “available” players actually avoiding the Broncos? Canceling trips to Denver, publicly stating they want to play for someone else? Sign free agents? They can’t even get them to visit!
— Paul Joseph, Denver
Paul – There have been some cases in which players have backed out of visits this offseason: Jamal Lewis, Mike McMahon and Joey Harrington. All are unique situations. Lewis was offered more money to stay in Baltimore; McMahon went with his former coach, Brad Childress in Minnesota; and Harrington wants to play in Miami because he’ll be the starter to open the season. So, don’t get too worried that Denver has become the Siberia of the NFL.
Why, oh, why are Trevor Pryce and Mike Anderson gone? I believe Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is a brilliant coach bringing in the Brownies from Cleveland when everyone thought he had a screw missing. No screws missing there. But this sending off of Pryce and Anderson … I do not understand. Make me understand, will you?
— Laura, New York
Laura – It came down to money and the amount of production the team thought it would get out of the players. Both players are in their 30s, and the team decided it wasn’t worth the investment.
What are they going to do with Ashley Lelie? Are there any rumors other than the Javon Walker trade (not that Javon wouldn’t be promising) that you have heard about? Also, what are your thoughts on the Javon Walker deal? Thanks!
— Josh Bozarth, Denver
Josh – The team and Lelie’s agents are trying to arrange a trade. If it happens, it’d likely happen in the draft. The team will pursue Walker this week, and a package involving the two players is possible.
With all the picks Denver owns in the upcoming draft and its interest in obtaining a running back, I think the team should make a stockpile and trade all the way to No. 1. Do you think this is possible?
— Ryan Jobe, Grand Junction
Ryan – Likely not. Trades are possible, but the team is not going that high.
Mike Shanahan is known for taking gambles, and the Broncos are looking for a backup QB. Is there any chance the Broncos could use a draft pick to select Marcus Vick? He could easily fit into the Broncos’ system.
— Ricardo Casares, Mexico City
Ricardo – Remember, Maurice Clarett? Sure you do and, yes, anything is possible. Vick has some skills, and the team is looking for young quarterbacks. So it’s possible. But the Broncos will likely draft a quarterback in the middle rounds.
Any thoughts on Ron Dayne being projected to take the “lion’s share” of the carries next year? Do you think he can handle the load?
— Michael Blinn, Renton, Wash.
Michael – Dayne is the starter – right now. But let’s see after the draft and after camp. I see the team picking up a running back early and then giving that player, Dayne, Tatum Bell and Cedric Cobb the opportunity in camp.
Do you think that the best wide receiver in the draft this year could actually be a tight end – Vernon Davis? Does he have the ability to move out to the receiver position and become Rod Smith’s eventual successor? He has receiver speed and hands, and he isn’t known for his blocking ability.
— Joe McMinn, Richmond, Va.
Joe – No, Davis is a tight end, a great receiving tight end, but a tight end all the same. Don’t expect Davis to go get him now that they have traded one of their first-round picks.
I was under the impression that Tatum Bell was going to be the starter prior to the 2004 season, and now he may as well be a third-stringer if the Broncos draft a running back. What happened that he fell out of the coaches’ plans?
— Ariel Belkin, Los Angeles
Ariel – Bell has had injury issues. The coaches would like to see him develop into the primary back, but the team wants to see him stay healthy first.
Why hasn’t there been more said about Jeremy Bloom being drafted by the Broncos? He was one of the best playmakers I’ve seen in college football in a long time. Plus we could probably pick him up farther down the board? Aren’t we looking for a versatile all-around weapon? Doesn’t Bloom fit that mold?
— Aaron McElherne, Ames, Iowa
Aaron – The Broncos don’t talk a lot about any prospect, so don’t be put off by the fact that he didn’t visit the team. Denver could use a kick returner, and Bloom could be a possibility late.
It’s great that the Broncos got quite a few nationally televised games this season, but with the NFL Network televising the Thanksgiving night game, what do all of the Broncos fans do who don’t subscribe to this service? Will the game be televised on local TV and cable? Unfortunately, I think in a few years we will all have to subscribe to some special service in order to watch the NFL at all.
— Allan Bulmann, Colorado Springs
Allan – Yes, the Thanksgiving night game at Kansas City will be televised locally. Local stations will bid, and it would be shown locally on free television, just as ESPN games are.
With Darrent Williams and Domonique Foxworth returning and lobbying for the starting position opposite Champ Bailey for the upcoming season, do feel that Roc Alexander will be a part of the team when the season begins? And if he is a part of the team, what do you think about moving him around to a safety position?
— Lorenzo A. Javier, Colorado Springs
Lorenzo – Alexander may have his work cut out for him. He’ll need a good training camp to make the roster.
Bill Williamson recently completed his second season as a The Denver Post’s NFL and Broncos beat reporter. To drop a question into his Broncos Mailbag .
