The NFL’s Best “Farm Systems”–#9: Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos certainly don’t have a whole heck of a lot to be giddy about as we enter the 2011 offseason. Coming off of what was probably the worst season in franchise history, they had the worst defense in the NFL in 2010 and fired their head coach with about a month left in the season. It really was a tumultuous season for the Broncos, but they were still a competitive team at times, and showed flashes of the 6-0 team that they had in the early goings of the 2009 season.
Mainly, what the Denver Broncos have at some key positions is youth, and they come in at number nine in our “Farm Systems” series because of it. In case you missed the first one, featuring the Detroit Lions, in order to qualify for this list, a player must be entering his third NFL season or sooner. Obviously, a lot of these teams could be poor teams, but teams with a lot of potential, such as Detroit. We will pick one team from each division, as well as two wild cards. In this case, the Broncos are the AFC version of a wild card where the Lions were the NFC wild card.
1. Tim Tebow, Quarterback
Heading into the 2010 NFL Draft, Tim Tebow was one of my favorite prospects in the whole crop, and despite the fact that he’s raw (what NFL prospect isn’t besides Ndamukong Suh?) I think he provided some of the best long term upside of the entire class of players, much less at quarterback. It’s been said that Tebow has #1 pick intangibles, and I would agree, and I also think he has #1 pick athletic ability and throwing capabilities. Cam Newton is being discussed as the top pick, so why wasn’t Tebow? Because of a hitch in his motion? All he’s ever done in life in general is win, and especially in football. Who is betting against Tim Tebow? Count me out of that group, please.
2. Knowshon Moreno, Running Back
Moreno doesn’t have breakaway speed, but he has proven over the last two years that he could be one of the most dangerous dual threat running backs in the NFL. He is superb in the passing game, and has shown that when the Broncos’ line is competent, he can really make defenses pay. If he can stay healthy, he should crack 1,500-1,750 total yards this season with ease.
3. Demaryius Thomas, Wide Receiver
Thomas is going to be nursing an injury over the next few months, so you might not hear his name a whole lot. However, this guy has the makings of an absolute superstar in the NFL at wide receiver. Turn on the tape against Kansas City (home) and Seattle to see what I mean. He is so athletic, so big, and so fast that defenders will not be able to keep up with him. Outstanding blue-chip prospect with a good head on his shoulders.
4. Darcel McBath, Safety
When healthy, McBath is the kind of head-hunter you love to have in the secondary. He was an All-American in college and showed excellent ability his rookie season before injuries sent him to the reserve list, where he spent the majority of the 2010 season. He will come back this year healthy (remains a concern in this area) and could wind up starting for the Broncos at safety.
5. Zane Beadlers, Guard/Tackle
The versatile performer played both guard and tackle for the Broncos and struggled a little when he played RT, but he really came into his own at left guard as the season went on and Ryan Harris was healthy. I think his future is at left guard, and he should be in that slot for a long, long time.
6. Robert Ayers, Defensive End
Ayers should be higher on this list, but after two years, this is probably his final shot at being considered a mid-level prospect. He has the ability to be an excellent base defensive end in a 4-3 alignment, where he was really making strides at Tennessee before being drafted by the Broncos. Now that he will be in his more natural position, I think you’ll see significant numbers increase for Ayers.
7. J.D. Walton, Center
JD Walton is a very key player for the Broncos. In the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft, they picked up their starting center for the next 8-10 years it seems. Walton plays with a nasty streak, and I think he could be a solid starting center in the NFL for years to come.
8. Eric Decker, Wide Receiver
Decker mainly only saw playing time last year as a special teams player, but he saw a little action toward the end of the season at receiver and made the most of it. He didn’t have outstanding numbers, by any means, but Decker was one of the top receivers in college football and fell to the third round of the draft due to injury. I had a first round grade on him, so he was fantastic value. He has deceptive speed and great hands.
9. Perrish Cox, Cornerback
Cox is in a little legal trouble right now, but from everything I’ve been told, he likely will face a minor punishment from the NFL if anything at all. That said, Cox has excellent ability, and he showed the ability to be a playmaker last year, but also got a few lessons along the way. In the fifth round, he was an excellent value for the Broncos.
10. Syd’Quan Thompson/Cassius Vaughn, Cornerback/Special Teams
Thompson is a smaller corner who fell hard in the draft because of a slow 40 time, but made one of the biggest interceptions of the season for the Broncos against Houston and became a key special teams player for them as well as a nickel and dime back. Vaughn has unbelievable speed and could be the answer the team has been searching for at punt returner, and he returns as arguably the team’s best special teams gunner.
Honorable Mention: David Bruton, Safety/Special Teams
Bruton is a leader of the Broncos’ special teams units, and his contributions in that area are invaluable. He has great size and speed and can also fill in at safety when called upon.