We're fast approaching the opening of training camp for this year, meaning every fan has hope that their team can win the Super Bowl this year. Its also the time that every fan looks at their Rookie Draft classes and imagines them being that special catalyst that brings their team all that glory. I try to contain my expectations somewhat, and try to set reasonable goals for these players starting an NFL career. Last year I did ok with some of my predictions, hopefully this year I'll be a bit better.
1. Garrett Bolles will start every game at Left Tackle. I dont think this is such a bold prediction, unless Bolles suffers an injury and misses time. Denver has no other solution at LT unlees Ty Sambraillo can return to form, so Bolles becomes the default option. I wasn't too excited with this pick, but if Bolles adjusts well he can be a good LT in this league.
2. Demarcus Walker will have 5 sacks, and 19 tackles. Walker I think is only ever going to be a rotational pass rusher. He's going to give Denver some good pass rush ability in limited snaps, rotating with Adam Gotsis and Derek Wolfe among others, but looking to him to do more than that this season is a fool's errand. Its also a crowded front right now, so standard downs likely wont see him playing much.
3. Carlos Henderson will be targeted 61 times, and will end up with 48 catches, with 568 yards and 3 Touchdowns. He's also going to put in some good work on returns, with 32 returns for 468 yards on punts. This was the first pick that I was really excited about in this draft class. Henderson dominated in the AAC, and brings a real set of explosive ability. Mike Mccoy really prefers his #1 wideoout to get a clear majority of targets with the tird guy getting roughly as many passes as the Tight Ends. I think 61 targets for Henderson is about right for him to be the main guy in 3 wideout sets.
4. Brendan Langley will have 8 special teams tackles, and 15 tackles overall. Langley is a developmental guy who should provide good help on punt and kickoff coverage. He wont play many defensive snaps unless the #NoFlyZone suffers injury setbacks, and even then he's going to be buried deep on the draft chart.
5.Jake Butt will spend the season on the Non-Football Injury list. This is a great value pick, but Denver has several solid Tight Ends, and Butt is coming off a second ACL injury. There will be little reason to rush him back before week 6 at a minimum.
6. Isaiah Mckenzie will have 22 targets, with 11 catches, and 8 rushes for 82 yards. Mckenzie is an undersized returner, who might be able to wrest the job away from Carlos Henderson. Mckenzie I think will handle more Kickoffs than punts, but he'll see some limited time as a wide out and gadget type player.
7. Deangelo henderson wil have 32 rushes for 145 yards and 1 touchdown. The speedy back I think is going to be fighting for a roster spot, but I think he snakes it away from Bernard Pierce to be the 4th back on the roster.
8. Chad Kelly spends the season as the 3rd QB. Under Elway Denver has always carried three Qbs on the roster. Kelly is a super high upside pick, for whom this is an excellent chance to get his head on straight and perhaps carve out a nice NFL career. There is a slight chance Kelly ends up on the Non football Injury list though, after having several ffseason injuries and tearing an acl last year.
No comments:
Post a Comment