sign in sign up
<<
Home , Howie Roseman, Jason Licht, Jeff Holland, Jim Irsay, Jordan Brailford, Kyle Shurmur

Another pass rusher? Yes, Broncos could use depth after Von Miller, . By Ryan O’Halloran Post March 5, 2019

If the Broncos needed immediate, every-down help at outside linebacker, their decision would have been made Sunday by watching Mississippi State’s run the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine.

The 260-pound Sweat blew up social media by posting a time of 4.60 seconds, a defensive lineman record. Coupled with his on-field production (22 sacks in 2017 and 2018), Sweat helped himself on the Stadium turf.

The Broncos are unlikely to go that direction with the 10th pick, because they have Von Miller and Bradley Chubb as book-end pass rushers.

General manager John Elway, though, was asked last week about improving the pass-rushing depth.

“You think we need another one?” he asked. “Everybody talks about one. We have two and you ask me about a third?”

Well … yeah.

“We’ll see,” Elway said. “The (free agent) market is big. There are a lot of outside ‘backers on the market as well as a lot of edge rushers in the draft. I think we’ll have an opportunity to get a third one, however that is — free agency, the draft or our own (free agent) with Shaq (Barrett).”

Using one of their Day 3 picks (rounds 4-7) on a pass rusher would be a better financial option than dipping into free agency.

Barrett has proclaimed his intent to be a starter, and that opportunity won’t be with the Broncos. His camp’s targets should be teams with enough salary cap space to splurge ( and the to name two).

It is hard to imagine a scenario where former first-round pick Shane Ray would re-sign with the Broncos. That leaves Jeff Holland as the current third rush linebacker, behind Miller and Chubb. An undrafted free agent from Auburn last year, Holland spent most of 2018 on the practice squad before playing in three games (six tackles in 43 defensive snaps).

There is playing time available.

Barrett played 275 snaps last year and was slowed by a hip injury. Ray played 253 snaps, was hobbled by an ankle sprain and was a healthy scratch to end the season.

Miller (14 1/2 sacks) and Chubb (12) accounted for 61.6 percent of the Broncos’ sacks last year (26 1/2 of 43). Just as the Broncos need an improved interior pass rush, they would benefit from added production from the backup outside rushers.

Long gone by Day 3 will be Ohio State’s , Kentucky’s Josh Allen, Clemson’s , Florida’s Jachai Polite, Florida State’s Brian Burns and Sweat.

Mid- to late-round candidates could be Georgia’s D’Andre Walker, Michigan’s Chase Winovich and Oklahoma State’s .

Walker (6-2/251) had 13 sacks and 24 1/2 tackles for lost yardage his final two years with Georgia, where he played for new Colorado coach Mel Tucker.

Walker was Georgia’s defensive MVP as a senior and led the team in sacks (7 1/2) and tackles for loss (11) and specialized in making impact plays on third down. He also had four forced .

Winovich (6-3/256) had 18 sacks and 44 1/2 tackles for lost yardage in 45 career games. Winovich arrived at Michigan as a linebacker, switched to tight end and then to defensive end. He was a third- team All-American in 2018 (five sacks).

“The first thing that pops up on (every team’s) list is they just like how hard I work and my playing style and never taking a play off,” Winovich said. “I take that as a pretty big compliment. I pair that with some of explosiveness.”

Brailford (6-3, 252) entered the draft instead of taking a sixth year of eligibility that was awarded because of a stress fracture injury. He had 15 sacks in 36 games.

“I think it took a while (to get a rhythm back in 2017), but I made a couple of plays early, got my starting spot back and just took off from there,” Brailford said. “I was ready (to turn pro). I think I had done all I could at OSU and proven what I needed to.”

Broncos’ Isaac Yiadom played through injured shoulder last season By Kyle Frederickson Denver Post March 5, 2019

Rookie cornerback Isaac Yiadom injured his shoulder against the 49ers in Week 14 last season. He kept playing. In all, 54 defensive snaps over the Broncos’ final two games.

“It was tough,” Yiadom said, “but it’s part of the game.”

Yiadom was all smiles Monday, though, about seven weeks removed from successful labrum surgery and speaking with reporters inside the Colorado State Capitol. He joined teammate tight end Troy Fumagalli, Broncos director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos, former safety Steve Atwater and others for testimony in support of House Bill 19-1083 — which requires athletic trainers in Colorado to be “licensed” rather than “registered” to ensure proper care and legality when practicing across state lines. A senate vote is now the last thing standing between the bill and the governor’s signature into law.

Yiadom said his shoulder is “feeling great.” He credits the Broncos’ athletic training staff in allowing him to play the final two games of the year through injury.

“Every single day I was in (the training room) before practice and after practice,” Yiadom said. “They were making sure I wasn’t doing anything to aggravate it, making sure I was ready for game day, icing it and giving me all the treatment I needed. After games, it would be pretty tough. But before the next game, it would be definitely stronger and I would have full range of motion so I was able to play.”

Denver selected Yiadom with the No. 99 overall pick (third round) in the 2018 NFL draft. A rash of injuries in the Broncos’ defensive backfield led to an expedited learning curve. Yiadom appeared in 13 games with one start and compiled 20 tackles, three pass deflections and one . He was a regular on special teams.

Yiadom has met briefly with the Broncos’ new coaching staff and said he’s already picked the brains of Ed Donatell and cornerbacks coach Renaldo Hill. The goal: regain 100-percent health by the start of OTAs in May.

“I’ve been learning a little bit from them,” Yiadom said, “and I’m excited to work with them.”

With NFL free agency essentially starting in 7 days, a look at Broncos’ shopping list By Mike Klis 9NEWS March 5, 2019

Given the way John Elway operates, free agency opens not on March 13, but one week from today.

Yes, next Monday, March 11, is only when the free-agent negotiating window is to open. The start of free agency doesn’t officially begin until 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 13.

Elway likes to get ahead of the frenzy. Last season, the Broncos’ finished a deal with Case Keenum for two years and $36 million on the first day of legal tampering, two days before the market opened.

When Keenum didn’t work out, Elway went to Plan B for this season and traded for Baltimore’s Joe Flacco on Valentine’s Eve – a full month before the free-agent and trade season opens.

The point is, Bronco fans should be ready for Elway to make another major move as soon as one week from today. Here are the Broncos positions of need, and free agent players that could be on their shopping list:

CORNERBACK The Broncos are so depleted at this position they need to pick up a No. 2 and No. 3 cornerback to play alongside Chris Harris Jr.

They’ll try to fill one hole in free agency. Among those available are Ronald Darby, Bryce Callahan, Pierre Desir, , Steven Nelson, Kareem Jackson, Darqueze Dennard, Justin Coleman, Jason Verrett, and the Broncos’ own Bradley Roby.

Callahan played the previous four years with Broncos’ head coach and defensive coordinator Ed Donatell in .

SAFETY This position would come into play only if the Broncos move on from Darian Stewart and they don’t think any of their young backups – Will Parks, Dymonte Thomas and Jamal Carter – are quite ready to become a full-time starter alongside Justin Simmons.

The Giants’ would be a splash signing. Then there’s Adrian Amos, a four-year starter for Fangio and Donatell with the . Amos could help set the defense for the other Bronco players.

RECEIVER I heard from a couple people at the combine the Broncos have interest in Tampa Bay’s . How much interest won’t be known until the free-agent negotiating window opens a week from today when it becomes time to talk money.

Humphries is coming off the best year among all free agent-eligible receivers as he had 76 catches for 816 yards and five for the Bucs in 2018. Humphries is also a solid punt returner, which would fill another underrated void on the Broncos’ roster.

Humphries works out of the slot and though Denver already has a very good slot receiver in Emmanuel Sanders, Sanders’ preference is to stay outside.

Other free-agent receivers who would give the Broncos a boost are the Eagles’ Golden Tate and Mike Wallace, the Chargers’ Tyrell Williams, Baltimore’s John Brown (if Broncos are convinced his sickle cell trait won’t be a problem), Washington’s Jamison Crowder, Jacksonville’s Donte Moncrief and Cleveland’s Breshad Perriman.

Tight end who can block The Broncos need one for their throwback, zone-block running offense. Jeff Heuerman would fit if the Broncos can re-sign him before he hits free agency. Heuerman has developed into a nice, two-way (blocking and receiving) tight end. If only his tall, strong body wasn’t so susceptible to injury. He’s missed 27 games through his first four seasons – 11 in his last three.

If Heuerman gets a better deal elsewhere, Baltimore’s Nick Boyle is considered one of the league’s best blocking tight ends. The best all-around tight end in this free-agent class may be Pittsburgh’s Jesse James, who played the last four seasons alongside Mike Munchak’s offensive line.

James had 112 catches the past three seasons, an average of 37 per year. What has to really impress the Broncos, though, is he hasn’t missed a game since he started dressing for the second-half of his rookie season in 2015 – a streak of 56 consecutive games.

Durability hasn’t exactly been a strength of the Broncos’ tight end room in recent years.

New England just cut Dwayne Allen, but the Broncos aren’t among the multiple teams reportedly visiting with the veteran.

Jacksonville’s James O’Shaughnessy is another tight end known as proficient blocker.

Offensive line The Broncos’ certainties are Garett Bolles at left tackle, Ron Leary at left guard and Connor McGovern at either center if Matt Paradis leaves via free agency or right guard.

Paradis will hit the market next week and field offers. The Broncos will monitor his situation and they could make a competitive counter.

The Broncos are also trying to sign guard-right tackle Billy Turner before he hits free agency.

So depending how it plays out, the Broncos will need either two starting offensive linemen, or none. They had interest in Miami right tackle Ja’Wuan James last year.

If they wind up in the market for centers, the Broncos could look at Kansas City’s Mitch Morse, the Steelers’ B.J. Finney or Minnesota’s Bret Jones.

Defensive tackle There are so many first- or second-round caliber defensive linemen in the draft, the Broncos could wait until late-April to snag Domata Peko’s replacement at nose tackle.

But the Broncos have always given good looks to defensive tackles with experience. , Colorado State-Pueblo’s Michael Pennel, Christian Covington, Brent Urban, Henry Anderson and Darius Philon are among the possibilities.

Inside linebacker With Brandon Marshall about to get his release, the Broncos need an inside linebacker in their 3-4 defense who can run. Todd Davis and Josey Jewell are both terrific players -- just not cover guys.

It makes sense for the Broncos to go young at this position and train him along with Davis and Jewell. LSU’s is often mentioned as the Broncos’ No. 10 pick in the draft, but he could go a couple spots before.

In free agency, the biggest name is Baltimore’s C.J. Mosley, although he’s not the best cover guy. The Eagles’ Jordan Hicks may be a more well-rounded linebacker. The Broncos will find it difficult to compete with the or New York Jets in free agency as those have more salary cap space than they can spend.

‘I don’t like to lose’: John Elway draws lessons from his most successful offseason five years ago By Nicki Jhabvala The Athletic March 5, 2019

His voice hoarse and eyes tired, John Elway leaned into a microphone to relive a night of disappointment. Less than 48 hours had passed since his Broncos, then owners of the league’s most prolific offense, were blown out by the Seahawks and their “Legion of Boom” defense in XLVIII.

What was supposed to be an afternoon of celebration instead was the start of many painful and bittersweet weeks — bitter from the loss and sweet from the record-shattering journey there. Elway knew the feeling well, having been to five Super Bowls as a player, losing his first three before experiencing the thrill of victory in 1997 and again in ’98.

The bad ones linger. Still.

“I’m not over them yet,” he said that day in February 2014. “I just add this one to it.”

But the angst gave way to optimism over the next six weeks as Elway began to remake the Broncos in free agency, turning the offense-first club into a defensive stalwart. Armed with cap space and a star quarterback, he set out to find an “edge” that offseason, along with an answer to an elite defense like ’s. He acquired both and altered the identity of the Broncos for years to come.

When the market opened, Elway opened the Broncos’ checkbook, signing three defensive starters and another weapon for . Safety T.J. Ward was acquired first, then cornerback Aqib Talib, then veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Ware. Receiver Emmanuel Sanders took the final chunk of the $124.5 million shopping spree that led to a win in two years later.

“With Peyton, we were really good on offense,” Elway said in 2016. “But the thing I’m proud of is since I got here is we concentrated on the defensive side.”

The fall from Super Bowl 50 has been swift and steep for the Broncos, but Elway’s most successful offseason five years ago still provides reassurance and lessons to draw from as he begins what is arguably his most important offseason to date. Elway remains driven to fix what has become broken in Denver, and while most eyes are on an offense that has lagged, reviving the defense remains just as important to Elway.

Maybe even more.

The numbers are staggering and paint a picture of two very different periods in the Elway era.

In Elway’s first 100 games as an executive, the Broncos went 71-29 (.710), winning five consecutive AFC West championships, appearing in two Super Bowls and winning one. Elway’s 71 total wins are believed to be the most by any NFL team’s general manager through his first 100 overall games.

The Broncos have gone 13-25 (.342) since, with consecutive losing seasons and zero playoff appearances. In that span, which includes the end of 2016, the Broncos had two different head coaches (they’re now onto their third), three different offensive coordinators and four different starting .

Manning is so often pointed to as the common denominator, and rightfully so. He changed the course of the franchise when he signed in 2012 and again when he retired in 2016. The Broncos, still searching for his true successor, are banking on Joe Flacco being at least their bridge to the future.

But Elway, the Hall of Fame quarterback who is often criticized for his evaluation of quarterbacks, has found more success on the defensive side. He lost a Super Bowl with one of the NFL’s greatest offenses, only to return two years later and win it with one of the NFL’s top defenses, led by coordinator Wade Phillips. Denver’s defense led or ranked among the top five in passing defense for three consecutive years. And Elway’s pride in the defense, in part, sold him on his latest head coach — a coach with similarities to Phillips whom Elway believes can right the ship.

“The key piece was adding Vic (Fangio),” Elway said last week. “His history and the success he’s had as a coordinator, that was step No. 1. I got a feel for what he wants on the defensive side because to win a championship you got to be great on one side of the ball. We won it with defense the last time. I think Vic gives us a good opportunity to get back defensively. And with the staff he’s put together offensively, hopefully, we can improve a lot over the last couple of years.”

To Elway, the second key piece for the defense was the trade for Flacco, a veteran quarterback he believes can not only steady the offense but afford them flexibility in building up a unit that has many holes. The secondary that was once the backbone of the defense needs significant help behind starting cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (Harris’ agent met with the Broncos at the combine, but any significant progress on an extension will likely have to wait until the team has a clearer picture of their financial situation for this year and next.) The defensive line that figures to lose Domata Peko needs depth and an infusion of youth. The linebacking corps that is expected to lose Brandon Marshall needs that rare three- down back with enough speed and power to shut down running backs and tight ends alike.

When the free-agency negotiation period begins in a week, the Broncos figure to be players on the market, even though their cap space will be modest once the Flacco deal becomes official. Elway has said he tries to fill the team’s biggest voids in free agency so they don’t enter the draft with glaring needs. But when April does roll around, don’t be surprised if Elway plucks another defensive player with his top pick. He has taken a defender first in six of his eight drafts, and the class of 2019 is loaded with pass-rushing and defensive-line talent and features a linebacking group that showed out at the combine.

Devin White, regarded as the top inside linebacker in the 2019 draft, ran a blistering 4.42-second 40- yard dash that left him in tears on the sideline. When asked about the prospect of playing in Denver, the eyes of the 6-foot, 237-pound star from LSU lit up.

“Man, it would be great from a football standpoint just knowing that they’ve got Bradley Chubb on one side and the GOAT, Von Miller, on one side,” White said. “So a lot of people wouldn’t be keyed in on me and I’m going to be the sneaky player that’s going to making a lot of plays in the middle. That would be a great fit.”

Elway was lauded for the 2018 draft before his selections even arrived in Denver. When so many thought he would take a quarterback at No. 5, he instead snagged the best defensive player on the board in Chubb.

On paper, Elway’s 10 selections and his signings from the pool of college free agents that year were wholly unlike those of the previous two, when he chased good athletes instead of proven football players with records of captainship.

“We had a good draft,” Elway said. “I’m sure we’ll lean that way again this year.”

For the most part, the class of 2018 lived up to its billing, despite injuries across the roster and a disappointing 6-10 finish. But its success will ultimately be dependent on their contributions in Year Two, when the Broncos more than ever need them to make a leap from newcomers to regular contributors.

Elway’s legacy, however, will be dependent on much more. In an odd reversal, the contributions of Elway’s free-agent signings paled in comparison to his draft picks last year. The man who admitted he’s not done “swinging and missing” needs a home run in 2019, both in the draft and free agency. The Broncos need to rediscover that edge that Elway found in 2014 — a mentality shift that may start with Fangio’s “death by inches” coaching philosophy.

“It’s not about the glitz and the glamour and what somebody does on the offensive side,” Elway said. “I think it’s about getting the foundation right, especially for us. That’s our fit. Again, all of the other coaches that got hired are great coaches, but what was best for us was that we needed to start at the ground again and build up.”

For years, the Broncos set the benchmark in the AFC West, but the resurgence of the Chiefs and quarterback have left Denver playing catch-up. The road back to playoff contention, Elway has said, starts in the division.

But maybe, just as it did in 2014, it all starts with the defense.

“I don’t like to lose,” Elway said. “It’s a goal of mine to get it fixed and get it back to where it should be. I feel like that’s my responsibility. I enjoy that challenge.”

After combine, Broncos still have to decide if they see QB of future in this draft By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com March 5, 2019

When the ’ football decision-makers, including John Elway, departed from the scouting combine earlier this week, they had some more information in hand about the top prospects in the draft.

They had a long list of answers from face-to-face discussions with those players, they had a pile of medical information, and they had seen the on-field workouts.

But in the weeks to come, they still have to decide if quarterback is still high on their list of draft priorities. That means as in using a first-round pick high, and if they think any of the quarterbacks in this draft can help them fill out what is still an unfinished long-term plan at the position.

“I think that being 6-10, you evaluate every position," is how Elway put it at the combine. And as for this year’s draft class behind center, Elway added: “We’re still in the process of studying them. We’ll keep looking at them. I think that there are a lot of people excited about next year’s class. But we’re going to spend the time on this year’s class and see where we come out on that. I think there’s some good players in this draft too."

And while Elway isn’t likely going to publicly say which of the quarterbacks he likes best in this draft, what is clear what the Broncos have already done at quarterback and what Elway has said they are willing to do.

The Broncos have the framework of a trade in place for Joe Flacco to be their starting quarterback. That deal, for what is expected to be one of their two fourth-round draft picks in exchange for Flacco, 34, will become official on or shortly after March 13 when the new league year begins.

Elway has also said his “preference" would be that last year's starter -- Case Keenum -- stays (if Keenum is willing to take a pay cut) to be Flacco’s backup. Keenum is set to earn an $18 million base salary at the moment and is guaranteed, whether he’s on a roster or not, $7 million of that base salary.

Flacco starting and trying to keep Keenum might well say everything about what Elway really thinks about this year’s draft class of quarterbacks and what he thinks about the ability of any of those quarterbacks to move into the lineup quickly.

It was clear as the combine drew to a close this week that, no matter how optimistic the league’s talent evaluators are about either Oklahoma's or Ohio State's -- the top two quarterbacks in this draft -- most in the league do not think either of those players was as NFL ready as Baker Mayfield, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, was a year ago.

With Flacco on board, possibly Keenum, as well as the No. 10 pick in hand, that leaves Elway trying to decide if the top quarterbacks are worth surrendering the bounty of draft picks -- and potential impact players that could come with them -- that it would take to move up in the draft. Or, if the Broncos believe one of the other quarterbacks down the board is worth bringing in to develop into an eventual starter.

In the end, the Broncos are in need of solution that goes beyond Flacco and Keenum. They do not have a quarterback on their current roster they selected in the draft, as none of the five Elway has selected since being hired in 2011 remains with the team. But to use a premium pick on a quarterback the organization isn't totally sold on, or isn't up to the challenge, is no solution either.

“We’re going to do everything we can, at every position, to get back to playing the way we need to play," Elway said. “That includes quarterback and every other position on the field."

Shaquil Barrett interested in remaining with Broncos, but wants starting job By Troy Renck KMGH March 5, 2019

Vic Fangio brings a no-nonsense approach as a first-time head coach. His players praise his honesty and creativity, with Bears linebacker Khalil Mack coining him an "evil genius." To execute brilliant schemes, it requires the right pieces. The Broncos defense showed improvement last season in takeaways and sacks, but remained a shadow of the unit that barefisted its way to the Super Bowl 50 victory. Denver finished 13th in points allowed per game (21.8), 14th in passing touchdowns against and 21st in stopping the run.

The Broncos require better at multiple positions. And while the offensive needs include linemen, a tight end and a receiver, the defense boasts concerns at linebacker and corner. At outside linebacker, the Broncos are set with starters Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. However, depth is lacking beyond second- year player Jeff Holland. Veteran Shane Ray is expected to leave in free agency, and might join him. The Broncos maintain interest in keeping Barrett, a former CSU star. He hasn't ruled it out. But there's a caveat.

"I still wanna start, too," Barrett told Denver7. "I just wanna play and be on the field on the last drive instead of on the sideline."

Barrett is prepared to test free agency, evaluating opportunities. He is not closing any doors. Barrett boasts 14 career sacks as a key reserve.

The inside linebacker spot is a more pressing need. The Broncos want to supplement the duo of Todd Davis and Josey Jewell. Davis is a strong run stopper and Jewell, despite lacking speed, showed good instincts as he made Brandon Marshall expendable this offseason. Denver has been connected to LSU's Devon White with the 10th overall pick. White helped his case by running a 4.42 40-yard dash last week at the NFL Combine. Another player Denver is expected to at least inquire about is Baltimore's C.J. Mosley. ESPN reported Monday that the Ravens will not franchise tag the veteran, which would make him a free agent.

Mosley, 26, is a four-time All-Pro and has ranked in the top 10 in tackles in a season twice. Fangio discussed the inside linebacker spot last week.

"We need to add to that group," Fangio said, "but I like some of the players we do have available there in Todd Davis, Josey Jewell and other players that have played in backup roles. But I'd like to see us add a player or two there to be competitive."

Speculation is beginning to simmer around free agency. On March 11, clubs can begin talking with agents of players who will become free agents on March 13 at 2 p.m. Denver is expected to be active, casting a wide net. The Broncos need a cornerback -- they would like to supplement their group before the draft -- and names like the Colts' Pierre Desir, Packers' Bashaud Breeland, and the Texans' Kareem Jackson could make sense. 32 things we learned from the 2019 NFL scouting combine By Ryan Koenigsberg BSN Denver March 5, 2019

There’s a lot to be learned from the press conferences at the NFL Combine, especially from a Broncos perspective, as John Elway is always very open in his meetings with the media in Indy.

But as valuable as those pressers are, what happens outside of the Convention Center is often more interesting.

Below is a sampling of what we learned in speaking with team and league sources behind the scenes.

The Broncos are enamored with Joe Flacco Publically, the Broncos aren’t able to talk about their acquisition of Joe Flacco in a trade with the , a move that will become official when the new league year starts in early March. But behind closed doors, the team is beaming with excitement.

In speaking with multiple team sources in Indianapolis, the word that comes to mind to describe the team’s feelings towards the 34-year-old quarterback is “enamored.” Keep in mind, these conversations were not in a public setting, where team personnel are obviously going to back their players, this was behind-the-scenes chatter, where you’re sure to get a more honest assessment.

The Broncos think they got a “steal,” that they got a guy who was not put in a position to flourish in Baltimore recently, that they got “the perfect fit” for the offense that they are going to run and that Flacco can still be a “top-ten quarterback” in the league.

It’s also important to note that this was not a John-Elway-iron-fist move, this was a collaboration from the top down. Flacco is going from a place where he had become an afterthought to a place where he will be viewed as the guy.

Broncos changed draft prep after ‘acquiring’ Flacco With the information above in hand, this should come as no surprise, but per BSN Denver sources, when the team agreed to the trade that will bring Flacco to Denver, they shifted their draft preparations away from first-round quarterbacks.

This is congruent with the news that they did not meet with any of the top four quarterback prospects in Indy, although they did meet with both Drew Lock and Daniel Jones in Mobile during the Senior Bowl. Of course, that was before the Flacco news came down.

Now, Denver will still do their due diligence on the top QBs, but they will now shift their focus to other impact players in the first round this year.

McCartney was already in line for a promotion Remember when everyone thought the great relationship between the Broncos and 49ers may have been fractured when the 49ers declined Denver’s request to interview? Well, it appears as if that was a bit overplayed. According to sources on the 49ers side, the team didn’t want to see their whole assistant staff get picked apart, so they declined all initial requests to get an idea of who was desired before deciding which interviews they would eventually allow.

That relationship also paid off for Denver during their search for a quarterbacks coach. In , and around the NFL, T.C. McCartney is viewed as a true up-and-comer—a “future head coach,” as one source described him, saying the same thing about Rich Scangarello, as well. With that in mind, Kyle Shanahan was prepared to give him a promotion, per a 49ers source. The only “catch,” per se, was that the promotion would not come in McCartney’s area of expertise, quarterbacks.

So, when the team from his home town called with interest in making McCartney their QB coach, John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan did right by the Colorado native and allowed the move.

That will play well for Shanahan and the Niners in coaching circles.

Mike Munchak is beloved If there was one sentence we heard more than any other in Indianapolis it was, “Oh, ‘Munch’ is so great,” or something in that vein.

Folks who spend time in Broncos HQ are blown away at the new offensive line coach and his kindness, thoughtfulness and willingness to help anyone in any way he can.

One area in which Munchak has been especially helpful in is sharing knowledge with young coaches on the staff. From the first-timers in their current post all the way down to the quality control staffers, the longtime coach who was also a Hall-of-Fame player has helpful bits of advice for everybody, and he will make time for anyone who is interested in that advice.

Also, it wasn’t just Broncos’ folks who raved about Munchak, it was just about everyone that we spoke with across the league.

Additionally, there is real confidence within the building that Munchak could be the one who finally gets the best out of Garett Bolles.

Additional tidbits While a first-round quarterback is likely off the table, the Broncos are still interested in taking a quarterback in the later rounds. Keep names like Brett Rypien, Jarret Stidham and Tyree Jackson in mind. Even with Flacco in the fold, Denver still needs to add depth at the position.

Don’t be surprised to see the Broncos go offensive line in the first half of the draft. Also, don’t be surprised if that player is viewed as a talented-yet-raw prospect on the line. If Denver thinks they can get a player with high upside who drops because they aren’t quite refined, they feel they have an ace in the hole in Munchak who can develop them better than anyone else.

32 things we learned from the 2019 NFL scouting combine By Nate Davis USA Today March 5, 2019

The 32 things we learned from the 2019 NFL scouting combine:

1. Let's talk about No. 1 off the top and concede that Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray won the week by simply measuring in at 5-10 and 207 pounds. Those dimensions almost certainly cemented him as a top- five pick, but buzz is already building that the Heisman Trophy winner will make it consecutive Sooners passers drafted first overall after Baker Mayfield was the guy in 2018.

1a. But some advice, Kyler? Work on that stage presence, buddy — too early to be getting miffed at innocuous media questions.

1b. That said, other Oklahoma players here clearly have strong affinities for both Mayfield and Murray, even if one likes to talk trash and dance in the locker room and the other one is reserved. We'll let you figure out which is which.

2. Does that make the combine's loser Josh Rosen, Arizona's first-round pick a year ago? Suffice it to say the trade rumors are building, and Cardinals GM opted not to throw water on them, saying: "Is Josh Rosen our quarterback? Yeah. He is right now, for sure." Hmm.

3. Though he's certainly in no position to get Murray with the 10th pick, Broncos GM John Elway — up to now, he's favored small-forward-sized options like Joe Flacco, Brock Osweiler and Paxton Lynch — sounded like he'd have pause about taking a vertically challenged passer because he thinks the run game operates more effectively when the quarterback is under center. Elway suggested small QBs do best in shotgun, which allows them to see the field better.

4. The consensus seems to be that linemen (defensive and offensive) and tight ends are the deepest position groups in this draft.

5. We saw why to some degree Sunday watching blazing 40-yard times turned in by Michigan DE (4.58) and Mississippi State's Montez Sweat, whose 4.41 established a modern combine record for defensive linemen.

6. Quarterbacks will forever be most prized in the NFL, but it seems increasingly that pass rushers — especially on the interior — are atop the next tier of any GM's wish list. Being able to generate pressure from a direct path up the middle is becoming the best way to disrupt QBs while counteracting quick, short-area throws.

7. However it's also interesting to note how position specificity, particularly on defense, is becoming less important. You've got to be able to defend the pass or affect the pocket to play in this league, and 4-3 vs. 3-4 distinctions or slot, corner, safety designations are getting outdated.

8. Almost every coach or GM who spoke at the combine was asked about acquiring . Almost nobody wanted to talk about it, though Steelers GM said "interest has grown" as he tries to accommodate the disgruntled star's desire to be traded and claimed he'd even be willing to send AB to an AFC North rival if Pittsburgh's price was met.

8a. Browns GM John Dorsey did offer: "I'm not going to talk about another team's players, but, Kevin, if you're out there, here's my cell phone right here."

8b. Sidebar: Colbert doesn't agree with the perception that Pittsburgh's locker room is an endless source of drama. (Insert thinking, pondering emoji.)

9. Raiders coach Jon Gruden was asked what he looks for in pass rushers. He responded: “Production," the ability to win one-on-one matchups, line up anywhere and defend the run, among other attributes. (Insert thinking, pondering emoji.)

10. , Gruden's new counterpart as Oakland's GM, seemed like a kid in a candy store, armed with three first-round picks in his new role after 14 years of analyzing the draft so well for NFL Network. And sounds like Mayock, who loves to give people a hard time with a sly grin, is enjoying being hazed by Gruden. "I’ve known Gruden for a couple of years, but you walk in at 5:30 in the morning and he looks at you like, ‘Why are you late? I’ve been here an hour.’ It’s been awesome," beamed Mayock.

11. Speaking of Mayock and smack talk, his shoes aren't that big. Daniel Jeremiah has been fabulous following his promotion to Mayock's chair as NFL Network's primary draft guru. (But helps to have Charles Davis blocking for you.)

12. As for Odell Beckham trade rumors, Giants GM Dave Gettleman was quick to stick a pin in them. "We didn’t sign Odell to trade him," he said. "That’s all I need to say about that."

12a. And Eli Manning rumors? Giants coach said he fully expects the two-time Super Bowl MVP back. Gettleman was less definitive, but that's Gettleman.

12b. Still, no way the Giants can pass on a quarterback in the first round again. Right?

13. That doesn't mean Big Blue will take Vanderbilt QB Kyle Shurmur sixth overall, but pretty cool that Pat Shurmur got to attend a combine as a head coach in which his son participated as a prospect. "I’m extremely proud of him," Pat Shurmur said of Kyle. "He graduated in three and a half years. Helped (the Commodores) win games. He’s a good player.”

14. How 'bout them Hawkeyes? Not only is it a virtual lock that Iowa's T.J. Hockenson and will be the first teammate tight ends both picked in the first round since the common draft began in 1967, they might very well both be in the top 20.

15. Franchise tags are always a popular combine topic (Tuesday is the deadline to use them), and the Eagles made news by announcing they won't tag Nick Foles, with GM claiming the Super Bowl LII MVP "deserves the opportunity to lead a team." Probably true and also a good sound bite, but the reality is a tag-and-trade of Foles was going to be quite complicated from a cap perspective, and Philadelphia was probably never going to get more than the 2020 third-round compensatory draft pick it seems likely to net from Foles' looming departure (to Jacksonville?). And there are already beneficiaries, with DE Brandon Graham and C Jason Kelce agreeing to extensions.

16. Seattle coach was among many asked about his current views on instant replay in the wake of the Saints' controversial NFC Championship Game loss. Said Carroll, "I'd like to just keep griping about it, like we always do."

16a. Funny, but Carroll was also one of the few coaches who offered thoughtful suggestions for expanding replay. He's not advocating adding judgment calls like pass interference but would like to see an amendment that allows replay to protect defenseless players who are illegally hit.

17. Almost time to officially give the Legion of Boom "R.I.P." status after Carroll said of FS Earl Thomas' impending free agency, it's "a great opportunity for Earl."

17a. Conversely, Seahawks GM John Schneider seemed quite confident free agent DE Frank Clark will be back.

18. Given his success in as a quarterback/receiver/tight end/special teamer, seems everyone is looking for their own Taysom Hill.

19. Every NFL decision maker seems excited about the Alliance of ... provided the extra piles of game film provide personnel fixes to their own teams.

20. Plenty of talk the last few months about DT Ed Oliver's sideline confrontation with former head coach Major Applewhite. But Oliver is a delightful guy in person, telling reporters that he almost didn't get a chance to try and become Aaron Donald 2.0 after his horse Oreo "tried to kill me."

20a. Oliver is also interested in selling bull semen to make a few extra bucks. Not kidding.

21. So great having Bruce Arians back on an NFL sideline. When the new Buccaneers coach was asked who would back up QB Jameis Winston in 2019, he offered a signature response: "Hopefully (the backup) never plays. Tom Moore had the best saying ever when he was here in Indy with Peyton (Manning). Somebody asked him ‘Why doesn’t the number two guy get any reps?’ and he said, ‘It would be (crappy), and we don’t coach (crappy).’” Oh, Bruce. Welcome back.

21a. Fantasy alert on O.J. Howard. Bucs GM said: "When I pointed out O.J. to Bruce, one of his first days in the office, O.J. was rehabbing out on the field, and Bruce's eyes got about this big. I know he's excited."

22. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer's idea of "romantic"? Listening to new hire Gary Kubiak talk about Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh's offense. Contain yourselves, ladies.

23. Welp ... the Cowboys no longer need to consider selecting a tight end in the first round. But given how deep and talented this draft's group is, Dallas definitely has a golden opportunity to get prodigal son Jason Witten's successor.

23a. Lastly, on Witten ... never change, Steve Smith.

23b. Final Cowboys note: Jason Garrett's supportive tone for DE Randy Gregory, who's been suspended for substance abuse violations once again, was striking given how the coach immediately shut down questions about pending free agent DL David Irving, who's also indefinitely suspended for ongoing substance abuse issues.

24. GM-speak for a position lacking elite prospects: "It's a deep group" ... even when it isn't. Looking at you, running backs and safeties.

25.Buffalo QB Tyree Jackson made noise by running a 4.59 40 on Saturday, remarkable given his 6-7, 249-pound frame. But Jeremiah issued two words of caution to USA TODAY Sports: "."

26. With Murray opting not to work out, Ole Miss' D.K. Metcalf was the on-field star at , blazing a 4.33 40 and posting a 40½-inch vertical jump. He seems like the clubhouse leader to be the first receiver drafted.

26a. But if the NFL doesn't work out, Metcalf can always become a personal trainer.

27. Meanwhile, highly regarded Clemson DT is also going to have post-football options. He's already earned his master's degree but is looking ahead to a possible television job when he's done playing, saying he needs to "use this million-dollar smile I’ve been told I got."

28. If you were hoping for new clarity on Todd Gurley's health, Rams coach Sean McVay continues to maintain his star wasn't dealing with anything more than wear and tear and McVay's criticism of his own play calling during the playoffs, so ...

29. Getting straight answers at the combine has historically been tough given it occurs before transactions can officially be processed ahead of the NFL's new league year, which begins March 13. As such, new Ravens GM Eric DeCosta wouldn't admit he's dealing Flacco to Denver. Said DeCosta: "We haven’t made any decisions yet." LOL.

30. Most any resident or visitor to Indianapolis will recommend eating at St. Elmo Steak House and understandably so. But consider CharBlue if you're in town. Founded by former Colts LB Gary Brackett, it's some good eating. (No, he didn't pay us to say that or discount the food. Just sayin'.)

31. I had a delightful dinner with esteemed colleague Mike Jones on Friday — it was his second visit of the week to CharBlue (he didn't invite me the first time). As we parted following the meal — on a crisp, dry evening conducive to walking off surf and turf calories — I watched that dude call an Uber for a 150- yard ride (well, maybe a little longer) back to his hotel. I hope the driver gave Mike one star, which would be more than he deserves. IMO.

31a. Mike also had our server run my corporate card twice on a bill we were supposedly splitting. FYI, bosses.

32. Dearest mother — @CaptAndrewLuck was baffled this week by queries to top brass about potentially relocating the combine encampment for assessing tenderfoot troops to the municipality named for Angels sitting on the Pacific's distant shores. For now, it blessedly seems no westward march is imminent as recruits train for "professional days." Onward.

Robert Kraft just the latest team owner whose personal behavior has tarnished the NFL shield By Daniel Kaplan Sports Business Journal March 5, 2019

The NFL talks incessantly about protecting the shield — the image and brand of the sport — and is foremost worried about its reputation. Controversies surrounding the league’s players are certainly nothing new, but the reputational risk has increasingly come from misbehaving owners. The prostitution scandal that last week ensnared one of the league’s most powerful owners, New England’s , makes him only the latest member of his exclusive club to cast a pall on the league.

In 2014, Indianapolis Colts owner was arrested on charges of impaired driving and found with illegal pharmaceuticals and $29,029 in cash. In October 2017, Bob McNair of the came under fire for reportedly saying during a meeting to discuss the national anthem controversy, “We can’t have inmates running the prison.” And two months later owner Jerry Richardson was accused of workplace harassment, which led him to sell the team last year to .

And then there are the owners, like the ’ and the ’ , whose personal businesses were found to have defrauded customers or partners. And while largely no fault of the owners, there have been ugly inheritance disputes that surrounded the just a few years ago and, currently, the Denver Broncos.

“There is no business that wants this kind of attention,” Amy Trask, the former president of the Oakland Raiders and now an NFL commentator on CBS Sports, said about Kraft and his fellow owners’ missteps. “It’s hard to say whether there is more of [this] or whether it’s a different day and age where more is known about everything. If things happened of a similar nature 30 years ago, there [was] no Twitter, no internet, I don’t know whether there is more or we simply know about it.”

Marc Ganis, a sports consultant with deep ties to the NFL, expressed a similar point that there is a microscope focused on all large organizations.

“Every institution is going through this, whether it’s the church, or the Senate, or the House, or the White House, whether it’s broadcasters or movie production companies, whether it’s Wall Street, it is hitting every industry, every very visible industry,” he said.

Nevertheless, Ganis predicted that the owners’ off-field matters would not impair the NFL’s popularity, which surged this year as reflected in improved television ratings.

“One of the most important things we have learned in the last decade or two about NFL fans is that they care passionately about the games being played and being played by the best players,” he said. “They get really angry when either of those two things are taken away. They also care deeply about how the game is officiated.”

The question confronting the NFL is how to handle Kraft, who pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The 77-year-old has owned the team since 1994 and has overseen its run of success that includes six Super Bowl titles, and he is a member of key committees including finance, broadcast and labor. He typically would be scheduled to go to this week’s NFL committee meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., but there is no word yet on whether he will attend.

The conventional wisdom is that Commissioner Roger Goodell will fine Kraft — league rules say owners can only be fined a maximum of $500,000 — and perhaps suspend him from interacting with the Patriots for a few games this coming season. Irsay, who got a six-game ban in 2014, is the only owner to be suspended this century.

The larger question, however, centers around Kraft’s standing within ownership circles and whether he’ll retain the same sway as a power broker in the upcoming broadcast and labor negotiations. In 2011, he helped seal the current CBA by negotiating one-on-one with NFLPA executive committee member Jeff Saturday, and his tight connections with broadcast executives have helped ease mega-TV deals.

But while Kraft has Goodell’s ear, he also has his detractors among some owners, evidenced by the glee privately expressed during the saga. A source close to one such team questioned why Kraft would attend an Oscars party the weekend the news broke about the prostitution charge, arguing passionately that it showed the owner did not understand the shame he had brought on the league.

The same source, and others sympathetic to Kraft, all worried about what appears to be the erratic behavior of visiting the establishment in question the same January morning of the AFC Championship Game that his Patriots would ultimately win in Kansas City.

More than the alleged illegal act itself, it is Kraft’s judgment that could be questioned and subsequently damage his standing within the NFL’s small circle of power. Other owners may, for instance, ask themselves what the ramifications would have been if this public charge had erupted during a tense moment of CBA talks.

Those questions, more than the misdemeanors Kraft has been charged with, have the power to finally move him off the pedestal he has been building for a quarter of a century.

Broncos, Cards, Raiders have interest in Antonio Brown By Kevin Patra NFL.com March 5, 2019

A market for Antonio Brown appears to be taking shape.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the have garnered enough interest in the receiver to be able to trade him before March 17, per sources informed of the situation.

Brown is due a $2.5 million roster bonus on March 17, setting a theoretical soft deadline for a potential trade.

Rapoport notes that the Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, and are among the teams that have appeared most intrigued by the possibility of trading for Brown.

The Raiders own a glaring need at receiver and enough draft capital to make a trade. Raiders coach Jon Gruden loves adding veterans and likely wouldn't fear adding a potentially combustible locker-room presence to the mix.

The Broncos are an interesting option as John Elway attempts to rework his roster on the fly and get back to the playoffs. Reuniting Emmanuel Sanders with Brown would be intriguing, especially after the two had a brief social media spat this offseason. A trio of Brown, Sanders (when healthy) and Courtland Sutton would provide a huge boost for a struggling Broncos offense.

The Cardinals certainly could use a player of Brown's caliber alongside future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald and second-year receiver Christian Kirk. Adding Brown to Kliff Kingsbury's offense would be a big boon for the coach's first season.

Several other teams could get into the mix over the coming weeks, especially with a shallow free-agent receiver market. At this stage, it appears the Steelers at least have a market for Brown, and interest seems to be growing, as GM Kevin Colbert said last week.

NFL'S CHAD KELLY PLEADS NOT GUILTY In Vacuum Cleaner Beatdown Case By Staff TMZ March 5, 2019

This is gonna be interesting ...

Ex-Broncos QB Chad Kelly pled NOT GUILTY to felony criminal trespassing stemming from allegations he broke into a Colorado home after Von Miller's Halloween party ... only to be chased out by a person beating him with a vacuum cleaner tube.

The 24-year-old appeared in court in Arapahoe County, Colorado on Monday to enter the plea. This is a huge deal for Kelly -- because if convicted, he faces up to 3 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

The trouble for Kelly started after he left Von Miller's Halloween party on October 22 ... and allegedly wandered into a nearby home.

Cops say Kelly broke into the home around 1:17 AM and sat down on the couch next to a woman who was holding her baby. Kelly was allegedly mumbling incoherently at the time.

Police say someone in the home chased Kelly out while striking him with a tube from a vacuum cleaner. He was ultimately arrested for felony criminal trespassing.

Broncos GM John Elway was clearly pissed about the whole ordeal ... and cut the 24-year-old QB just hours after the arrest.

Elway and the team said in a statement, "Even though Chad's no longer part of our team, we've offered to help him however we can and are supportive of him in every way possible."

Kelly is due back in court in April.

Broncos cornerback Isaac Yiadom‘s rehab has begun after postseason shoulder surgery.

Isaac Yiadom out of sling after shoulder surgery By Charean Williams Pro Football Talk March 5, 2019

Broncos cornerback Isaac Yiadom‘s rehab has begun after postseason shoulder surgery.

“My shoulder is feeling great now,” Yiadom said, via Nicki Jhabvala of TheAthletic.com. “I’m out of the sling. I’m like seven weeks in, so I’m just taking it one week at a time and getting better.”

Yiadom, a third-round pick in 2018, injured his right labrum in Week 14 against the 49ers. He played the final two games with the injury, even making an interception in the regular-season finale.

He is expected to be ready for training camp.

In 13 games, Yiadom made 20 tackles, three pass breakups and an interception as a rookie.

Report: Broncos have no interest in taking on Antonio Brown’s contract By Michael David Smith Pro Football Talk March 5, 2019

Broncos cornerback Isaac Scratch one team off the list of potential Antonio Brown suitors.

Despite an NFL Network report that the Broncos were among the teams most interested in trading for Brown, Mike Klis of 9 News in Denver reports that Broncos General Manager John Elway is emphatically not interested in Brown.

Specifically, the Broncos don’t think Brown is worth the price, which includes a $12.625 million salary this year and possibly a $2.5 million roster bonus.

It’s important to remember that any team trading for Brown is trading for that contract as well. And plenty of teams will decide that they simply wouldn’t want to have to devote that much of their salary cap to Brown, even if the only cost of acquiring him were a seventh-round draft pick. For the Broncos, the cap hit may preclude any interest in Brown even before they start talking about what they’d have to trade to the Steelers to acquire him.

Chad Kelly pleads not guilty to criminal trespassing charges By Curtis Crabtree Pro Football Talk March 5, 2019

Former Denver Broncos quarterback Chad Kelly has pleaded not guilty to felony criminal trespassing charges stemming from an incident on Halloween night.

According to TMZ, Kelly entered the plea in court on Monday. He is due back in court in April.

The incident occurred after Kelly’s left a Halloween party hosted by Broncos linebacker Von Miller. Kelly reportedly entered a nearby house, which was occupied at the time. Kelly sat down on the couch next to a woman her child before a male entered the room and hit Kelly with a vacuum cleaner tube.

Kelly departed the house and returned back to Miller’s before police showed up and arrested Kelly for trespassing.

The event led to Kelly’s release from the Broncos. Kelly was the final pick of the 2017 NFL Draft.