NFL draft offers slim pickings for teams on hunt for big running back

[admin]

A lot has been made of the lack of an elite quarterback on this year's draft board.
If teams stack the graded players solely on ability/potential, there are many scouting staffs that could get through the top 32 without putting a quarterback in there.
Now, nobody really thinks things will go down that way when the draft rolls around, but question marks are there at quarterback and...

Post your comments on the Denver Post article, NFL draft offers slim pickings for teams on hunt for big running back (click that link to go back and read the article).

[Wisdom]

Slim pickings I agree. I don't see any superstars but I do see a few work horses that will probably have a solid, but unspectacular careers. Unfortunately, Denver needs a spectacular RB to carry this team.

[Ronbo]

If I couldn't get Lacey, Bell would be my second choice because he's a big back who doesn't mind contact. I would not take a flyer on Lattimore unless I got him real cheap. I think people are overlooking Monte Ball. He didn't run fast at the combine but all he did was score touchdowns at Wisconsin so he might be worth a look.

[wowlfie]

I would go with Le'Veon Bell (6-1, 230) as a solid backup for McGhee. We can also always hope that Mario Fannin can stay healthy (4.38 in 40 and 222 lbs). But so far two years on IR and still a rookie! Jeeze.

[TurboElf]

Tebow!

Charlie Casserly says he could be the next John Riggins!

I don't know if I would go that far, but I would love rooting for T2 again!

[The New Guy 1]

Slim pickings I agree. I don't see any superstars but I do see a few work horses that will probably have a solid, but unspectacular careers. Unfortunately, Denver needs a spectacular RB to carry this team.

I get that you do not like the #2 candidate for the 2012 NFL MVP, but like it or not, this team is built around the pass. We do not need a running like AP to have a great year. There is enough versatility in our stable of backs, we just need a good ground and pound guy. Someone who can get the tough yards when needed. I do not see a need to devote a high draft pick on a guy if we are reaching. Bell looks to fit the mold if available at his draft position. There are other areas that need more concentration with our high draft picks and FA dollars. Make no mistake, it needs to be addressed. Just not the top priority in my opinion as we are still in a good position to have a productive offense. A descent back with the right skill set will fit well.

[retro-grouch]

The problem with this situation is that you can't really maximize value in a situation of scarcity unless you get lucky.

Lacey will most likely get picked at least a few spots above the Broncos. Is he worth the cost of moving up in the first round? Probably not. The same situation could arise in a later round. You can pay transaction costs to move around and fill a need, but you might have a better player at another position sitting right there for the taking.

The situation seems to lend itself to move in free agency but finding a complement to the guys already on the roster is tricky.

[retro-grouch]

One would hope that this 2013 running back situation serves to strongly motivate Ronnie Hillman. The first position is there for the taking, but he would have to have an excellent off season and preseason to grab it with both hands. His physical conditioning would have to make him tougher and heavier. His recognition and his technique would have to improve in pass blocking.

It's doable. Carpe Diem!

[DenverCUfan]

I wouldn't mind Montee Ball in the 3rd.

[dh1000]

The guy I would go after is Bell from Michigan State. The way he run kind of reminds me of Bettis. He has quick feet for a guy his size and can power inside or he can get outside if he needs to. He is a Steeler kind of back and I believe we will have to beat the Steelers to the punch to draft him.

Lacey is probably the best back but would not move up to get him. If he would fall all the way to us we would have to think long and hard about taking him. Lattimore was the best back before the injuries and if he is still around in the 4th or 5th round at the earliest I would take a chance on him.

[retro-grouch]

It's not completely clear to me that Montee Ball in the third is a better value than Le'Veon Bell or Mike Gillislee in the fourth.

The film I saw of Ball (admittedly very limited) was uneven and some of it featured really bad defensive efforts. Bad defense doesn't make him bad, but it does make him tougher to evaluate.

In the third, Ball is a better inside runner than Taylor, but Taylor is extremely smooth in the passing game. Block, release, catch, turn, first down. Rinse and repeat.

Gillislee is not super fast, doesn't really have the build that the Broncos are looking for, hips and legs are too skinny, not a tremendous ceiling. But he always seems to find a way to make a positive play and he did that against good defenses.

[retro-grouch]

Does Jacob Hester have upside potential that we didn't see in 2012?

The Broncos should retain one of the following: Lance Ball, Jacob Hester, Chris Gronkowski, or Mario Fanin. Ball is probably better than Hester, but is he worth extra money as an UFA?

Get Niles! Why not?

[The New Guy 1]

I know we talking RBs here, but what are people's thoughts on Tyrann Mathieu? The guy has first round talent and may be available in the third.

I know he has a lot of off field issues, but with the veteran presence on this team, he might stay in line and live up to the billing. Mostly, I think PM will hold him to a standard like he seems to do with the rest of the team, but Bailey in the back field and maybe a little counsel from the likes of Lynch and Dawkins maybe just the trick. Also, great veteran leadership in the FO.

To be clear, I am not advocating this, just wanted to see what the smart guys on the board think.

[rbemoras]

If not Lacy with 1, I think they pick CB.
I would like the pick of Bell @ 2/3

[djeffers]

I think we should address RB with a free agent. Someone like Shonne Greene. Then draft a late round RB that would be strong on special teams.

[WizardIsI]

Burkhead to the broncos

[retro-grouch]

I know we talking RBs here, but what are people's thoughts on Tyrann Mathieu? The guy has first round talent and may be available in the third.

Under Elway the Broncos seem like a team that will downgrade a prospect pretty heavily for off-the-field issues or attitude problems. In theory, there might be a point at which they would see Matthieu as a worthwhile risk but in practice other teams that are less gun shy will snatch him off the board before he tempts the Broncos.

[setaoc1]

Draft Burkhead! He is already a beast @ 210 lbs. But he will beef up to 220lbs and can be secured in later rounds. They don't come tougher or more durable running between tackles.