AFC West: Dnever Broncos
Yes, the 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Gerry Melendez/The State/MCT via Getty ImagesMelvin Ingram worked out with future AFC West rival Von Miller during the combine.A year after Denver took Miller with the No. 2 pick; Miller spent the early part of the offseason working with Ingram. The two share the same agent.
Thursday night, after he unexpectedly fell, the Chargers took Ingram with the No. 18 pick. He is considered one of the best picks of the first round because of his value and the need he fills in San Diego. Expect the Chargers to unleash Ingram and allow him to rush the passer.
At the combine, Ingram said Miller inspired him. Miller has 11.5 sacks as a rookie and he was a major reason why Denver’s defense improved in 2011.
“We just try to compete against each other every day,” Ingram said of Miller at the combine. “Obviously, he's the Defensive Rookie of the Year. So I just try to pattern myself after him because I feel like he's had a lot of success in the NFL.”
My impression from Ingram at the combine was that he was a confident, polite and good-natured player. Oh, and he’s scary athletic as he showed in college. He is a playmaker with great speed. How good of an athlete is Ingram? He was his high school team’s point guard at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds.
Frye over Russell: See you later, JaMarcus
Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesCharlie Frye has started just two games over the last three seasons.Just when we thought Russell’s career couldn’t plummet any further, Russell’s standing in Oakland has taken another plunge.
Folks, not only is it official that Frye will start Sunday at Denver, but it’s official that the Raiders have given up on Russell. The team clearly feels like it cannot compete with him. So there goes the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft.
Frye has started just two games in the past three years. Let’s face it: Frye wasn’t selected to start because of his ability. He was selected because he’s not Russell. The Raiders don’t want any piece of Russell. Frye is a third-stringer and still, he is considered a better option in Oakland. That’s all you need to know about how the Raiders feel about Russell.
When he announced the decision to the Denver media in a conference call, coach Tom Cable declined to talk about Russell in much detail. This has to be a sign that the team will look elsewhere in 2010.
There is basically no salvaging Russell's career in Oakland now.
Russell may have sealed his fate in Oakland by playing horribly in the second half of a 34-13 loss to Washington on Sunday after Bruce Gradkowski, who played well in four starts after replacing Russell, hurt both knees. Russell had no spark and the rest of offense lost its momentum when he came into the game. Russell was sacked six times in a half.
The coaching staff and Oakland owner Al Davis clearly decided that the offense doesn’t respond to Russell. Perhaps Frye will give the team a chance to compete in the final three games if Gradkowski can’t return.
Don’t discount the idea of J.P. Losman getting a chance to play down the stretch. He just signed with Oakland. At the very least, Losman will get a chance to show Oakland what he can do heading toward 2010.
Thus, one day into his Raiders tenure, Losman seems to have a better future in Oakland than Russell. Russell, who has disappointed the team with his lack of work ethic before, said last week he would not consider taking a pay cut to stay in Oakland.
After Wednesday’s decision by the team, it appears it won’t be Russell’s choice.
The Kansas City Star has an interesting look at the Chiefs’ trade of Jared Allen to the Vikings in April. The trade netted the Chiefs a first round and two third-round picks. The Chiefs turned the picks into left tackle Branden Albert, tight end Brad Cottam and running back Jamaal Charles.
Allen has clearly outplayed the three youngsters combined so far. But this trade (made by the former Kansas City regime) was made for the future and because the Chiefs did not want to pay Allen. Yes, he is stud but, at least, the team got something for him instead of him leaving as a free agent.
Albert and Charles have a chance to be good. But at this point, you have to say the Allen trade does favor Minnesota.
Former Denver quarterback Jay Cutler is impressed by Denver’s defense. Cutler is probably wondering where the defense was last year. Denver gave up 112 points in the final three games as the Broncos made a historic divisional collapse.
The Chargers’ defense had an extra long meeting on their bye week. After the group gave up 497 yards in a loss at Pittsburgh, there was plenty to discuss.
It looks like tackle Mark Tauscher is heading back to Green Bay. He worked out for Kansas City last week.
The Broncos-Patriots game could be played in bad weather Sunday. Snow is in the forecast for Denver.
Broncos trim roster, cut draft choice
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
The Denver Broncos cut four players Tuesday to get down to the NFL-mandated maximum of 75 players.
There was a mild surprise. The team cut center Blake Schlueter, a seventh-round pick. The Texas Christian product wasn’t, by any means, considered a lock to make the team, but you would think a draft choice would make it past the round of 75 and, at least, compete for a spot on the practice squad.
The other name of note was veteran tight end Jeb Putzier. He finished last season with the Broncos and was re-signed by the new regime this offseason. The other players cut were punter Britton Colquitt and receiver C.J. Jones.
Big names still could be on trading block
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
The Jay Cutler trade saga may be over, but there are still some key players in the AFC West that could conceivably be traded in 2009.
Let's take a look at some players who have been mentioned in trade talk:
Tony Gonzalez, tight end, Kansas City: Gonzalez has been talked about in trades since last October. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said last month that the team didn't want to trade Gonzalez. But Gonzalez countered by saying he is "neutral" to the idea. Gonzalez will likely stay in Kansa City but it wouldn't be a surprise if teams pursue him.
Larry Johnson, running back, Kansas City: Johnson could be released or traded. He previously asked for a trade but his agent said last week that Johnson is open to returning to the team.
Michael Bush, running back, Oakland: I'd be surprised if he was dealt but Oakland has three solid running backs in Bush, Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden. Fargas may be difficult to trade because of his contract. There is no way Oakland is going to deal McFadden, the No. 4 overall pick in 2008. Bush could fetch a decent return in a trade and Oakland would be just fine with a Fargas-McFadden combination. Bush's name has been mentioned in trade talk, but moving him would be risky.
Tony Scheffler, tight end, Denver: Scheffler has reportedly been on the trading block because new Denver coach Josh McDaniels uses a system in which only one tight end is used. The Broncos starter is Daniel Graham. Scheffler, meanwhile, is close friends with Cutler. The former training camp roommates could both be former Broncos if the price is right. Scheffler is a solid field stretcher who could attract interest around the league.
Brian Waters, guard, Kansas City: Waters reportedly asked for a trade earlier this offseason. The Chiefs have said Waters is a under contract and will stay with the Chiefs. Still, if a team -- Buffalo perhaps -- offers a mid-round draft pick, the aging Pro Bowl player could be on the move.
Here are some players who could be dealt around the league and might be attractive to teams in the AFC West:
Anquan Boldin, wide receiver, Arizona: Boldin could be on the move and Oakland needs a receiver. It would take, at least, the No. 7 pick, but Raiders' owner Al Davis loves stars and he loves to make a splash. It could be a fit.
Chad Ocho Cinco, receiver, Cincinnati: The same goes for the Bengals standout who may be finally wearing out his welcome in Cincinnati. Ocho Cinco may be declining some but he could be a solid fit in Oakland. He'd likely cost less than Boldin in a trade.
Brady Quinn, quarterback, Cleveland: The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Quinn could still end up in Denver. If he did, it would be understandable. He fits McDaniels' system and the Broncos are not set at quarterback after the Cutler trade.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
The AFC West was well represented in the final fan Pro Bowl voting. The fan voting represents a third of the final tally with player and coaches votes accounting for the other two thirds of the voting. Players and coaches vote this week. The Pro Bowl teams will be announced Tuesday afternoon.
Here is a look at the players from the AFC West who won the fan voting:
Wide receiver, Denver Broncos, Brandon Marshall
Was it deserving? Sure, a bit surprising but deserving. In his third season, Marshall has clearly caught the attention of fans around the league -- barely. He beat New England's Randy Moss by 18 votes. Marshall has 83 catches for 1,033 yards. He deserves to go to Hawaii.
Tight end, Kansas City Chiefs, Tony Gonzalez
Was it deserving? Absolutely. Gonzalez is having a brilliant season. Although the Chiefs are struggling, Gonzalez continues to play hard.
Cornerback, Denver Broncos, Champ Bailey
Was it deserving? No. Bailey is a lock for the Hall of Fame but he has missed the past six games with a torn groin. He just hasn't been on the field enough this season to go to the Pro Bowl.
Punter, Oakland Raiders, Shane Lechler
Was it deserving? Sure. He is still a standout.
Retuner, San Diego Chargers, Darren Sproles
Was it deserving? Probably not. He is a star and a game breaker but the Jets' Leon Washington is having a big season, too.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
