Devontae Booker-a player to watch in preseason

[Ray_T 753]

Hey guys, I was going over my draft notes and one thing I got thinking about:

 

Kubiak was VERY happy he got booker.

 

I know CJA is scheduled to be the starter, but I keep thinking back to the days when Shanny was coaching and Kubiak was the OC.

 

They made a ton of rookies into instant starters over a period of time.

 

I know Kubiak is a bit more stable than shanny is, but hes also not afraid to go with a rookie if the rookie shows he can get the job done.

 

based on this I'm saying Booker most likely IS a player to watch. If he lights it up in pre season, dont be surprised if hes the week 1 surprise starter.

[Flgatorguy87 160]

I'd expect a split backfield this year, and have seen it predicted that way by several.

[weepaws 3,191]

I saw that the Broncos have both Hillman and Booker listed second on their depth chart behind Anderson .

 

Looks like a bigger mess than last season.

[montana 89]

Booker was really fun to watch in college...of course so was Gordon & Abdullah.

 

I'd love to see him get an opportunity.

[tanatastic 2,062]

Will lead the broncos in rushing or at least outscore CJA. Would bet anything, thats just how it goes in denver, its always the other guy.

[Ray_T 753]

Will lead the broncos in rushing or at least outscore CJA. Would bet anything, thats just how it goes in denver, its always the other guy.

cant disagree. it was more that way during the Shanny years, but his old OC is there, and I think CJA if he starts, will be on a short leash.

 

The only thing I'd recommend is not to spend a high pick on anyone in this backfield.

[LoOnAtIk 75]

But the Broncos just paid CJA...

[giraldi02 474]

Don't sleep on Kapri Bibbs

[Ray_T 753]

But the Broncos just paid CJA...

you can look at it that way, but the broncos also lowballed CJA and gave him an extremely low offer (prompting him to seek out a better deal in Miami) so you could argue that the Broncos may not be in love with CJA.

 

Also, in the Shanny era, that didnt seem to matter all that much, and Kubiak trained up a new RB almost every year during that regime's reign. It didnt matter if the incumbent had a contract or not.

 

I am not saying CJA will be replaced. I'm just saying this management has done this in the past and we shouldnt discount this possibility outright when they got a guy they handpicked and look happy to have got him.

 

I honestly think this is more likely to happen next year, but I would not rule out this year entirely.

[tanatastic 2,062]

cant disagree. it was more that way during the Shanny years,

Heres a little food for thought to back up my claim that its always the other guy, even in recent years.

 

2015- supposed to lead the team: CJ

Led the team: Hillman

 

2014- Supposed to lead the team: Ball

Led the team: CJ (Ball and hillman hurt)

 

2013: Supposed to lead the team: Ball (debateable, but he was a hot rookie)

Led the team: Moreno

 

2012: Supposed to lead the team: Moreno

Led the team: Mcgahee

[LoOnAtIk 75]

you can look at it that way, but the broncos also lowballed CJA and gave him an extremely low offer (prompting him to seek out a better deal in Miami) so you could argue that the Broncos may not be in love with CJA.

 

 

This.

 

I think you're way over analyzing this. CJA was a restricted free agent. The Dolphins signed him to an offer sheet where the Broncos had the choice to match it or let him walk and receive a pick I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) as compensation from the Dolphins.

 

Simple question: If they didn't want him, why would they match the offer?

[weepaws 3,191]

They wanted him , but they also kept Hillman also .

 

It's a RBBC and instead of two Rbs they are going to roll with three of them.

[Ray_T 753]

This.

 

I think you're way over analyzing this. CJA was a restricted free agent. The Dolphins signed him to an offer sheet where the Broncos had the choice to match it or let him walk and receive a pick I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) as compensation from the Dolphins.

 

Simple question: If they didn't want him, why would they match the offer?

I'm not saying they didnt want him. They did. I'm saying the lowball offer they originally gave him suggested they dont love him the way some here think they do.

 

I'm the first to admit, there is a good (better than 50%) chance CJA is going to be the starter this year.

 

what I'm saying is that he is not a lock and this kid could be the sleeper. Hand picked by the HC and OC for his ZBS blocking scheme.

 

I personally believe it is more likely the kid will start next year, but there is the possibility that it happens sooner as this organization has a history of turfing the guy who is supposed to be the starter in favour of an upstart rookie (or underrated free agent signing)

[Vikings4ever 550]

This.

 

I think you're way over analyzing this. CJA was a restricted free agent. The Dolphins signed him to an offer sheet where the Broncos had the choice to match it or let him walk and receive a pick I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) as compensation from the Dolphins.

They tendered him at the lowest level, no compensation if he signed elsewhere.

[giraldi02 474]

They wanted him , but they also kept Hillman also .

 

It's a RBBC and instead of two Rbs they are going to roll with three of them.

 

Kapri Bibbs will beat out Hillman

[We Tigers 71]

I think you're way over analyzing this. CJA was a restricted free agent. The Dolphins signed him to an offer sheet where the Broncos had the choice to match it or let him walk and receive a pick I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) as compensation from the Dolphins.

 

Simple question: If they didn't want him, why would they match the offer?

 

The Broncos didn't really have a choice. Remember that this was going down in March, during a weak free agent RB class to boot. When Miami offered CJA, Ivory and Lamar Miller had already signed with the Jags and Texans, respectively. There weren't many decent players out there. Had the Broncos not resigned him, they'd be going into the draft with a team of Juwan Thompson and Kapri Bibbs (primarily special teamers) and Hillman, who Booker has now pushed to the roster bubble.

 

Anderson's contract is also very frontloaded. The Dolphins did it to try to keep Denver from matching, but the result is that CJA basically gets all his guaranteed money this year. There's not much of a long-term investment there. Booker's in as good a situation as just about any other backup in the league right now.

[weepaws 3,191]

Can you see Booker taking over as the season goes on ?

 

I think he can .

[We Tigers 71]

It wouldn't be too surprising to me. I mean, Anderson had a very nice run in the playoffs, but let's not forget that he was hot garbage almost all regular season. He didn't top 70 total yards or score a TD until week 7. He ran behind Hillman the entire second half of the season. He only scored 5 times and broke 100 total yards just twice. His amazing stretch in 2014 was unreal, but he's looking more like any old running back now that we've seen more of him.

[weepaws 3,191]

Thank you for your answer .

[LoOnAtIk 75]

 

The Broncos didn't really have a choice. Remember that this was going down in March, during a weak free agent RB class to boot. When Miami offered CJA, Ivory and Lamar Miller had already signed with the Jags and Texans, respectively. There weren't many decent players out there. Had the Broncos not resigned him, they'd be going into the draft with a team of Juwan Thompson and Kapri Bibbs (primarily special teamers) and Hillman, who Booker has now pushed to the roster bubble.

 

Anderson's contract is also very frontloaded. The Dolphins did it to try to keep Denver from matching, but the result is that CJA basically gets all his guaranteed money this year. There's not much of a long-term investment there. Booker's in as good a situation as just about any other backup in the league right now.

Ok but, week 1???

[We Tigers 71]

Of course not, unless Anderson gets injured or plays awful in preseason. But if you're drafting Booker in redraft, you're not taking him till the double digit rounds like any other backup RB, so week 1 is irrelevant. In dynasty, even more so.

[Ray_T 753]

Of course not, unless Anderson gets injured or plays awful in preseason. But if you're drafting Booker in redraft, you're not taking him till the double digit rounds like any other backup RB, so week 1 is irrelevant. In dynasty, even more so.

agreed.

 

Lets make this clear, you are not drafting this guy in round 4-6, you are drafting him in the last or second last round of the draft (if you draft him at all)

 

for most leagues, he may be a priority free agent.

 

I myself would like to take him in the second last round ahead of my kicker. Most likely he sits on my roster one week (maybe 2 if CJA starts & stinks the joint out in week 1)

 

after that, if it does not appear he will play, then I'll drop him and pick up someone more likely to help me immediately.

 

You are NOT treating this guy as a top 20 RB. Nor should you.

[Ray_T 753]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000685192/article/broncos-booker-stealing-firstteam-reps-from-hillman

 

Booker got some first team reps.

 

I wouldnt look into this unless he's getting them all the time. I think it's typical for a team to try out the new guy with the 1's once he learns enough of the playbook. Mostly just to see what he can do.

[weepaws 3,191]

I think that is very interesting news .

 

There is more there than you might think .

 

The Rbs postion in Denver is going to be worst than last season .

[Ray_T 753]

Broncos website has booker & hillman as Co #2 RB.

 

so it is looking like Hillman is being pushed to the bubble.

[shutdown 40]

Competition aside, there are two other reasons I'm avoiding this backfield...

 

1. O-line turnover (see below)

2. QB Play - yes I know Manning was terrible last year, but I still think defenses respected what he could do mentally, even if his physical skills had diminished. Thus defenses were still, to some degree geared to face a team with the threat of a passing game. That's all about to change this year. Defenses are going to scheme to shut down the run first, and force Denver to beat you through the air. That O-line isn't going to be able to handle a stacked front, at least not early in the season for sure.

 

https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-ranking-all-32-nfl-offensive-lines-entering-the-2016-season/

 

Key stat: The Broncos let go of their offensive lineman with the highest run-blocking grade last season (Evan Mathis, Cardinals), as well as their O-lineman with the highest pass-blocking grade (Louis Vasquez, UFA)

 

The Broncos might have the most-changed offensive line from 2015 to 2016, with just Matt Paradis returning at center and Max Garcia, who saw significant playing time late in the season, taking over at guard. Ty Sambrailo is moving from tackle to guard—and is expected to start—but didn’t look great in his three starts in 2015, and will be new to the position. Donald Stephenson has rarely graded out well at tackle, and Russell Okung had his best year in 2012. This is a line that will need to develop chemistry quickly.

[the spanker 28]

Competition aside, there are two other reasons I'm avoiding this backfield...

 

1. O-line turnover (see below)

2. QB Play - yes I know Manning was terrible last year, but I still think defenses respected what he could do mentally, even if his physical skills had diminished. Thus defenses were still, to some degree geared to face a team with the threat of a passing game. That's all about to change this year. Defenses are going to scheme to shut down the run first, and force Denver to beat you through the air. That O-line isn't going to be able to handle a stacked front, at least not early in the season for sure.

 

https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-ranking-all-32-nfl-offensive-lines-entering-the-2016-season/

 

Key stat: The Broncos let go of their offensive lineman with the highest run-blocking grade last season (Evan Mathis, Cardinals), as well as their O-lineman with the highest pass-blocking grade (Louis Vasquez, UFA)

 

The Broncos might have the most-changed offensive line from 2015 to 2016, with just Matt Paradis returning at center and Max Garcia, who saw significant playing time late in the season, taking over at guard. Ty Sambrailo is moving from tackle to guard—and is expected to start—but didn’t look great in his three starts in 2015, and will be new to the position. Donald Stephenson has rarely graded out well at tackle, and Russell Okung had his best year in 2012. This is a line that will need to develop chemistry quickly.

 

Good info most appreciated.

[weepaws 3,191]

Booker is the Rb on this team I'm going to target .

[tanatastic 2,062]

Booker is the Rb on this team I'm going to target .

x2, I am getting him everywhere I can.

[Kent 228]

Booker is the Rb on this team I'm going to target .

I'm leaving this backfield alone if Hillman makes the team. If they don't cut Hillman and CJ goes down you will see Booker and Hillman share carries. It's will be a disaster.

[Ray_T 753]

x2, I am getting him everywhere I can.

shouldnt be hard. His ADP isnt all that high. but I'm sure it is now on the rise.

[weepaws 3,191]

I'm leaving this backfield alone if Hillman makes the team. If they don't cut Hillman and CJ goes down you will see Booker and Hillman share carries. It's will be a disaster.

I think that's the smart move if they keep Hillman .

[tanatastic 2,062]

I'm leaving this backfield alone if Hillman makes the team. If they don't cut Hillman and CJ goes down you will see Booker and Hillman share carries. It's will be a disaster.

That alone would more than justify his adp. Also I think Booker blows by Hillman, CJ stumbles and Booker leads the team in rushing ala Anderson, Gary, Portis, mcgahee, Moreno, Anderson, Hillman before him. Denver is Cinderella central every year at RB and I am always Prince Charming.

[Kent 228]

That alone would more than justify his adp. Also I think Booker blows by Hillman, CJ stumbles and Booker leads the team in rushing ala Anderson, Gary, Portis, mcgahee, Moreno, Anderson, Hillman before him. Denver is Cinderella central every year at RB and I am always Prince Charming.

Sanchez is Another reason it may be best to just let someone else deal with Denver RBs.

[BufordT 434]

Denver is waiting (begging actually) for one of these guys to step up. I don't believe they want a committee. The RB to start producing first will be the one to get the full time gig. CJA in all likely hood will get the first opportunity but he'll be on a shorter leash this year than last. I think the proper play is to pass on CJA and grab Booker as late as you can.

[Ray_T 753]

Kubiak as a general rule does not like to use a committee. While he is not afraid to go with a rookie, he's not one of those coaches who likes to split carries.

[gpann101 32]

I'm not trying to damper anyone's expectations for any Denver backs but if memory serves me correctly...the O-line was HORRIBLE!

[Frozenbeernuts 2,264]

I'm not trying to damper anyone's expectations for any Denver backs but if memory serves me correctly...the O-line was HORRIBLE!

Plus they lost Mathis. We will see if the Broncos can win another title without having an offense at all.

[Ray_T 753]

I'm not trying to damper anyone's expectations for any Denver backs but if memory serves me correctly...the O-line was HORRIBLE!

Maybe so, but Kubiak is a good coach. He will get the new guys coached up.

 

but it may be reasonable to expect the first 3 or 4 weeks of the regular season to be a bit rough.

[Kent 228]

Maybe so, but Kubiak is a good coach. He will get the new guys coached up.

 

but it may be reasonable to expect the first 3 or 4 weeks of the regular season to be a bit rough.

Yeah, but a tough start is a major problem considering they don't mind benching the starter. Then the situation becomes like last year and it's a total loss at the team RB position for all Denver RB owners. I lived it last year as a CJ owner. Feels like the same thing is going to happen this year with that offense.