A Royal Shock

Let me preface this by saying that I am ecstatic about Denver's 12th overall pick. I have been an opponent of the "Denver must draft an offensive lineman in the first round" theory from day one. This is primarily because I don't want Denver to go the route of Jacksonville or Baltimore and reach for a player at a needed position. Clady is so athletic and such a distinctive fit for our system that this pick almost seems predestined. Broncos fans should be excited about Clady's potential and regardless of his Wonderlic score and his strange personality get behind him as the future at left tackle.

Eddie Royal at #42, however, was a total shock and largely disappointing. There is a lot about this kid to find intriguing. He's small, but bulky. He's got world class speed. He's a tough kid that's not afraid to run across the middle of the field. He's a good blocker--something Shanahan undoubtedly liked. He fills an immediate need on special teams in the return game. He has the speed to stretch the field and the hands to make the big catch. He's seemingly everything that Denver needs in a receiver to overcome the inadequacies of last year's 7-9 team.

So what's not to like? Well, you've come to the right place. I've grown up in a Hokie family my whole life and don't miss too many Hokie's games. Consequently, I've seen the veritable library of Eddie Royal footage. I know precisely what Denver's getting. Here are my two big concerns:

• Durability. I know this has been parroted in the media and I'm not at all concerned about his toe injury or his concussion. Its these two words that terrify me: compartment syndrome. This is a vascular condition that causes your ankles to swell abnormally when your heart rate increases. Its very painful and often chronic. Correcting this condition is extremely difficult and complete correction is virtually impossible. This is based on an explanation offered by a close friend who was discharged from the military because of the same condition. I sure hope Denver has done their homework on this one.
  
  
• Beamer Ball. VA Tech is the best in the business at special teams execution. They consistently have an explosive kick return game and punt blocking unit. Some of you may remember DeAngelo Hall was among the nations best kick returners for the Hokies before he entered the league. Understand, a lot of this has to do with the scheme and the coach. Royal has some good experience in a return specialist role, but being a serviceable kick returner for the Hokies doesn't insinuate that you're the next Devin Hester.
  
  
• Playing Speed. Eddie Royal showed us world class speed at the combine. If you watch him on film, however, he doesn't play as fast as that time would indicate. In fact, Eddie Royal is not a very 'quick' player on the field. Royal's straight-line speed is every bit as fast as his 4.39 40-time indicates, but he doesn't play with elite quickness when making plays.

For all these reasons, I am little weary about this pick. I sure hope Royal proves me wrong! For #42 value, I think I'd be more comfortable with Dexter or DeSean Jackson. Both players are probably purely kick return specialists, but at least you are getting a distinctive talent in a needed role. With Royal, I think Denver was trying to get a first round talent, when really there was a reason many thought he'd still be waiting to hear his number called on Sunday.

I'll be back with more draft coverage tomorrow.

Jackson Signs a Palatable Deal

The Rocky Mountain News reports that Darrell Jackson signed a $1.5 million contract with escalators that could raise his salary to $2 million. The deal is for one year. Given that Jackson is one year removed from being among the league's elite wide receivers, this is a deep discount. Let's hope that Jackson's woes in San Francisco were a function of Alex Smith.

Darrell Jackson Inked to One-Year Deal

The Rocky Mountain News reports a one-year deal with Darrell Jackson is imminent assuming he passes his physical. The 29-year-old receiver has reached the 1000-yard receiving mark 3 times in his career, has surpassed the 60-reception mark 5 times, and has scored 50 touchdowns in an 8-year career. Jackson was lost to the black hole in San Francisco in 2007 before being cut earlier this spring. He's had some durability issues, but a healthy D-Jack is among the premier wide receivers in the NFL today. The terms of his deal have not yet been disclosed.

Sammy Parker Signs Minimum Deal

The Denver Post reports that Sammy Parker signed a 1-year deal for the league minimum plus a $40k signing bonus. It appears that Denver thinks highly enough of Parker to give him a shot to make the team this spring. If he fails to make the cut, the cap loss is nominal. In the event that Parker blossoms into a quality player, he comes at a great price.

Something tells me D-jacks will cost a pretty-penny more...

Broncos Evaluating Several Free Agents

According to the Denver Post (here and here), the Broncos are considering a number of free agents to fill roster needs. Here's a list:

• Mike Vanderjagt, K: The infamous choke artist and locker room cancer from the Colts who also happens to be the most accurate of all time is seeking employment. After being unceremoniously dumped by the Colts, Vanderjagt couldn't last one season with the Cowboys. I doubt you'll find a more enigmatic player at a more mundane position in NFL history. I've made no secret about my disdain for Vanderjagt in the past. At 38, why deal with this guy? I'd rather take my chances with the 23-year-old Prater.
  
  
• Darrell Jackson, WR: Set to turn 30 this season, Darrell Jackson is perhaps a hamstring injury shy of putting together a dominant NFL Career. After finally playing to his potential in 2003 and 2004, Jackson has missed 30% of his games to injury the last 3 years. After 2 injury plagued seasons, Seattle finally gave up on Darrell Jackson who then journeyed to division rival San Francisco. Despite appearing in 15 games last year, Jackson narrowly ousted RB Frank Gore for the teams 3rd leading receiver, behind Arnaz Battle and Vernon Davis. In his defense, San Francisco was awful last season; however, I'm unconvinced that Jackson's asking price will be commensurate with his value as a 4th receiver. My guess is that this doesn't happen and that we are better off as a result.
  
  
• Samie Parker, WR: In 2 years as a starter in Kansas City, Parker failed to log more than 72 receiving yards in any game and had only 3 touchdowns. He's a small receiver with great speed, but he never developed into an elite route runner and he doesn't have great ball skills. After 4 years in Kansas City, the Chiefs dumped him. To his credit, Herm has run every Vermeil-type speedy receiver out of down in favor of 6'3" behemoths. Parker doesn't strike me as a guy who makes any teams 53-man roster, but he's an inexpensive player who has some intriguing athletic capabilities. If he signed a near-minimum deal with nothing guaranteed, he'd add some competition at training camp with the possibility of making the team.
  
  
• Mitch Berger, P and Mike Barr, P: Both are journeyman punters; both are 30 or older; both played for the Cardinals last year; and both are decidedly average. This looks like some training camp competition for Paulescu. I don't expect either to be wearing a Broncos uniform in September.

That's everything!

Cutler Criticizes Marshall

Things between Cutler and Marshall seem a little heated based on Cutler's comments in today's Rocky Mountain News. It sounds like Cutler is just as fed up with reading about Marshall's problems as we are.

Revealing Comments from Shanahan

The Rocky Mountain News has a summary of comments made by Shanahan at his latest press conference. Among these are the following notable tidbits:

• Shanahan confirmed the free-agent acquisition Keary Colbert will line up opposite Brandon Marshall at WR. In justifying this decision, Shanahan compared Colbert to Eddie McCaffrey who, like Colbert, was left for dead by the Giants before resurrecting his career in Denver.
  
  
• Shanahan stated Chris Kuper comes into camp as the starter at left tackle rather than 2006 3rd-rounder Ryan Harris. This was unexpected given that Kuper filled in at guard last season for the injured Ben Hamilton while Erik Pears manned the right tackle position. Many (including me) expected Pears and Kuper to compete at right tackle while Harris manned the left side. Pears apparently will keep his job from last year moving Harris to 3rd on the depth chart. Ben Hamilton and Montrae Holland are the starters at guard.
  
  
• According to the Denver Post, Shanahan also defended his decision to fire Ted Sundquist. The article quotes Shanahan as saying the following:
  
  

  "With Ted, I don't make a decision like that very quickly," Shanahan said. "It was a very tough decision. But I thought it was one I needed to make because eventually it gives us the best chance to be a better football team. I don't go into any reasons why."

  
  
  Shanahan also vigorously refuted the accusation that he's fired every defensive coordinator he's ever met. In his defense, Shanahan pointed out the--despite what most seem to think--Ray Rhodes retired in 2002 for health reasons. He also points out that he gave Slowik the reigns on the defense but didn't want Bates to quit.
  
  On offense, Heimerdinger and Kubiak left to pursue different opportunities. Shanahan insightfully points out that any success in the running game is credited to Rick Dennison, in the passing game Shanahan gets the credit. From that perspective, it makes sense that a talented offensive coordinator would want to get out of Shanahan's shadow.

Based on Shanahan's comments, the likelihood of Denver going after a receiver or tackle with the 12th overall pick is seemingly small. For the rest of his comments, check out the article linked above.

It's also nice to see a columnist defend Shanahan. The press has been acrimonious ever since Sundquist was fired. Ultimately, a return to the top of the AFC in 2009 will turn all these carpers into neophytes.

Marshall Calls Out Woody Paige

BroncoTalk has an entertaining write-up on Marshall's rebuttal to the outspoken Woody Paige. Paige wrote a scathing indictment of Marshall following the injury sustained to his forearm while engaged in 'horseplay' with his brother. I can't stand the tabloid melodrama, so I don't have much too say; but if you're interested, BroncoTalk has a good synopsis with links.

Grow up, Brandon!

Woody Paige wrote a scathing indictment of Brandon Marshall in today's Denver Post. In it, he claims that Marshall, dubbed "Baby T.O.", may live up to his nickname in more ways than one. In addition to 'horseplay' (and his subsequent lying about it), Marshall is facing DUI charges. He has a history of domestic violence.

Paige also discusses Brandon Marshall's involvement in the Darrient Williams shooting. He claims that Marshall instigated the conflict (which included spraying champagne on his interlocutors) with area gang members that culminated in William's shooting. Marshall has never discussed the incident with the media.

I think I've read this story before; it doesn't end well. The more I learn about Brandon Marshall, the less confident I am that he is a long-term solution at wide receiver. Maybe drafting a wide receiver in round 2 isn't such a bad idea after all.

Bored Media Proliferates Meaningless Story

For those of you who didn't read it at the 63,000 other media sites that can't stop talking about it, Brandon Marshall slipped on a McDonald's wrapper and is in a cast. This is expected to have no impact on his preparedness for the 2008 season.

In related news, his DUI proceedings were postponed. I was going to show you the oft-played film of Brandon Marshall AT his DUI hearing IN his cast (how's that for killing two birds with one stone), but decided I'd rather watch some sick Brandon Marshall highlights instead, enjoy:

The Jay Cutler to Brandon Marshall Show

UPDATE: And so the drama continues. Adam Schefter, Chief NFL propagandist, (the same guy who, falsely, said Eli would miss 6-8 weeks with his separated shoulder in 2007) is reporting that Marshall's injury was (a) not caused by a McDonald's bag and (b) much more serious than originally reported. This will reportedly have no impact on his preparedness for the upcoming season. So relax and watch the sick highlight video.

UPDATE #2: The whole story was fabricated to spare Marshall the humiliation of admitting he was rough-housing with a relative (who knows if that's even the correct story). Anyway, Adam Schefter is exonerated (for now). Marshall's injury was pretty serious, but he's not expected to miss the start of training camp.