Road to Germany

To be honest I’m on late but I feel guilty, having spent the day picking fights on Twitter after I ignored news for two weeks (until the Wiegmann release yesterday)… but I’m also watching Family Guy.

So I’m going to run through some links, I’m going to throw some freebies at you from the work I’ve been putting in on the publication side of the Fanball menu, and I’m going to make it easy on all of us.

- I was intrigued by the thought of Stan Kroenke becoming the owner of the Denver Broncos.

He is a man known to indulge in spending sprees on athletes from time to time and I tend to believe he would be of benefit for local fans who enjoy watching star talent. But let’s be honest. This town has been spoiled by Bowlen and if he sticks around, I see no reason to complain. I just wish he would ditch the Johnny Cash look and go back to good ol’ days when animal pelts pulled chics… not red paint and spit.

- Knowshon appears to have fallen in a bit of trouble. To be clear, this did not happen in Denver (we have enough negative press). He goes back to his old haunts in Georgia to see his buddies and gets a little rowdy. Hopefully he learns his lesson and gets it in the rearview. (BTW, Fanhouse also offered a solid interview with The Know during Super Bowl coverage… on the positive tip.)

- This was the most intriguing story I read today.

- The Darrent Williams trial continues to move along. I have to say, it is upsetting to see it has taken this long. Like I already said… we have enough bad press. Letting this horror drag on for so long is… concerning.

- Before I offer some of my own offensive line submissions I wanted to note a respectable offering from Tim Lynch at the Mile High Report, taking a look at the centers in the Draft. It’s not too shabby… but I’d roll with another suggestion than the kid from Notre Dame. If I were Brian Xanders I’d actually stay old and see if the hometown kid wanted to come back to learn behind him. Speaking of which…

- I recently authored a bunch of player capsules to be published in the upcoming NFL Draft Guide from Fanball, focusing my efforts (as always) on the offensive linemen. I’d like to offer you three players – one from each position – that excite me (for the Broncos or any other team you might prefer). It’s just a small taste and I’m giving it to you early… but if you want the rest (and a ton of other Draft info and commentary) make sure you pick up the Guide when it hits the stand.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale
STRENGTHS Veldheer is widely respected as the best lineman from the Division II ranks and has recently earned praise as one of the best-kept secrets in the game. He has dominating size and outstanding athletic talents but scouts drool over his wingspan and wide frame. He demonstrates an advanced knowledge of proper blocking techniques despite existence in a league where technique is not a necessity.

WEAKNESSES Much of the evaluation is based on potential as Veldheer, though dominate, has limited experience against quality competition. He often used brute strength to do the job for Hillsdale and is likely to need time to adjust to NFL speed. Tape shows he can play a bit erect at time but technique concerns are minimal. 

BOTTOM LINE Veldheer is the ultimate gamble for teams to consider. His athletic skills are undeniable and he has showcased surprising comprehension of advanced techniques despite the second-tier environment. Following the Texas vs. The Nation game some scouts touted Veldheer as “the best offensive lineman there.” His stock is on the rise and a positive combine will add to the intrigue.

 OFFENSIVE GUARDS

Mike Iupati, Idaho
STRENGTHS Iupati is a massive physical specimen with outstanding athletic gifts. Standing 6-foot-5 with 330 pounds on his frame, Iupati plays with intent to maul and has the strength and straight-line speed to put it to efficient use. He has a large wingspan and will engulf at the point of attack. If he stays upright he can serve as a benefit in the second level.

WEAKNESSES Iupait has hit the IR on several occasions, all blamed on a damaged shoulder. Scouts believe he can be compromised by double takes, a sign of technique flaws that will need to be addressed. Being so large Iupati has also struggled in longer games and may need better conditioning. He has a motor but his ability to bring it with consistent effort is in question.

BOTTOM LINE Few of the offensive linemen selected in the first round will not be tackles, but Iupati is one target a team might consider. He is experienced, polished, and tailor made for any team looking to support improved gains on the ground. Iupati is one of the largest, strongest commodities on the market this season and a team will see immediate benefits from his presence.

OFFENSIVE CENTERS

Jeff Byers, USC
STRENGTHS Byers has produced at every level of the game, the former Gatorade National High School Player of the Year with four productive seasons spent at an elite collegiate program, named for three consecutive seasons as an All-American. He has advanced recognition skills, displays strong technical acumen, and has no long-term durability concerns. Coaches rave about his leadership skills and character.

WEAKNESSES Byers failed to earn immediate promotion at USC as expected, leading some to question his passion. He is studious and patient and fails to display a mean streak some scouts covet. He is not a mauler and has been tabbed as finesse blocker, leading some to wonder if he would be better suited for guard at the professional level. He has adequate (not excellent) mobility and will need time with professional coaching to improve technique in run blocking.

BOTTOM LINE Byers is a sound commodity and would be a worthy candidate in later rounds for a team seeking depth for the position with hopes for the future. His resume may not scream for attention but there are no major points of downfall or worry.

- The organization offered their own views on free agency.

- Our friend Sayre Bedinger thinks (like us) the Broncos should go offensive line with the 10… though we differ on the target of choice.

- Frank Schwab from the Gazette has his idea of team needs.

- Noticed Mel Kiper is looking at the same DT the Stable has tabbed as a hopeful target for Denver on Sportscenter this evening, though the Worldwide Leader hasn’t posted the version of Draft Lab on their YouTube channel yet, so instead…

- Broncos are raising season ticket prices this season.

- The Broncos added the final piece to the coaching puzzle.

- You may not like Josh… but he is missed.

- Kissing Suzy Kolber’s take on Tim Tebow (trust me, it’s for lovers and haters alike).

- And if you don’t like that, you might like this.

- If you enjoy golf I have you covered there as well.

That’s all I’ve got… thanks for stopping in.

Tags: Brian Callahan, Brian Price, Brian Xanders, Bryan Bulaga, Casey Wiegmann, Darrent Williams, Fanball, Jeff Byers, Josh McDaniels, Kevin Mawae, Knowshon Moreno, Nnamdi Asomugha, Pat Bowlen, Stan Kroenke