Elvis Dumervil & Warrick Dunn

[Polo]

Two part thread.

First Dumervil....I was thinking that this guy may not have a place in the Broncos new 3-4. They may be willing to part with him for one of our 4's ...Would you pull the trigger? I haven't watched or followed the Broncos much, but a quick review of his stats and remembering some of his college days make me believe that he'd definitely be an upgrade and may even flourish playing with Mario. Anyody know what his contract looks like?

http://www.nfl.com/players/elvisdumervil/profile?id=DUM179959


Next Dunn....Looking at his stats, it doesn't seem he did too shabby last year either. He's a veteran back (which Kubes seems to like), seems pretty durable he's played in this same system under Gibbs and he's had a lot of success in it. He's also played with Schaub. Would you guys be interested in bringing him in? And if so, at what price?

http://www.nfl.com/players/warrickdunn/profile?id=DUN705495

 

[gtexan02]

Dumervil is a great situational pass rusher, and I bet he finds a place on the Broncos as a pass rushing OLB in the 3-4. As for Dunn, Im done with older running backs. I want a young guy with fresh legs who can move the pile and score the tough yards. Dunn is neither of those things

 

[Cjeremy635]

I voted for Elvis Dumervil. I agree with gtexan, I'm done with older back, espcially one at the end of their career. It's one thing for a veteran with a lot left in the tank, but if something happened to Slaton, I don't think Dunn has enough left in the tank to carry the full load of the running attack of this offense. Just my 2 cents, they aren't worth much, and I honestly don't follow either of those players very much. This is just my first impression.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

I've been a HUGE proponent of trading for Dumervil. I think he's exactly what we're looking for in a DE due to the Antonio Smith signing. He was drafted in the 4th round of the '06 draft. I think he becomes a free agent next year and makes virtually nothing (think Slaton kind of $'s). Antonio Smith + Mario Williams as our primary DE's. Then on passing downs Smith moves inside and Dumervil comes in as our situational pass rusher. I love it love it love it.

Here's my thinking into this: 1. He's a proven pass rusher in the NFL 2. He's a better pass rusher DAY 1 than just about any player in this draft 3. He just turned 25 years old so he's not an aged veteran, still young that has NFL experience. 4. He fits perfectly as a 4-3 end 5. Could you, honestly, find a better prospect at any position (particularly a pass rusher cuz thats a NEED) at the draft pick we'd give up? My answer is no. I've heard nothing as to if there are character or injury concerns so this would be a no brainer for me.

Onto if Denver would make this trade. They're supposedly switching to a 3-4 and there's speculation he could be the pass rusher in that system but no guarantee. They don't have the personnel to immediately run a 3-4 so I think they'll still be playing a decent amount in a 4-3, unfortunately. Dumervil makes next to nothing financially. It makes sense for them to keep him even as just a situational player... BUT if he doesn't look like he'll be a longterm player for them, it makes sense to get a draft pick for him (like Sage) instead of leaving via free agency the next year.

They've got some picks from the Cutler trade but even having an extra 4th could help if they want to move up to secure Mark Sanchez, BJ Raji or any other player they covet.

Warrick Done- LOL... accidental pun there with his name. I wouldn't mind having Dunn on the team. I'm not as familiar with him but know he's been successful under Alex Gibbs in the past. No idea about price or how much he has left in the tank.

 

[Polo]

Dumervil is a great situational pass rusher, and I bet he finds a place on the Broncos as a pass rushing OLB in the 3-4.

Maybe...some guys don't adjust well to that though...But even if they do convert him, I'd imagine that he'd have to cover sometimes...

As for Dunn, Im done with older running backs. I want a young guy with fresh legs who can move the pile and score the tough yards. Dunn is neither of those things

Not even as a Roosevelt Colvin, Cato June type signing?

Personally I think that Dunn has consistently been a 'tough' guy that can get yards when the field shrinks...I know he's not the biggest guy, but I do think that he could have some value to our team...I wouldn't sign him to any kind of big contract, but I think thats an option that I would atleast explore...

 

[Polo]

I can understand not wanting Dunn, but for those saying neither what do you have against Dumervil?

 

[RipTraxx]

What do you think Josh McDenver will want for him? I'd give a 5th, possibly the 4th we picked up for sage.......

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

Here's another thing to consider. They've got the #12 and #18 picks in the 1st round this year. There could be a little strategery on draft day.

Scenario 1:
#12- Tyson Jackson 3-4 DE
#15- they trade up to jump san diego if they think Rey Maualuga 3-4 ILB could be taken. They give us Dumervil as compensation for moving down 3 spots. (PVC says its 150 pts which is the 24th pick in the 3rd rd).

Scenario 2:
#12- They select a DE/OLB hybrid that they think fits better for their team than Dumervil... maybe E. Brown, B. Orakpo, A. Maybin. They don't have to worry about SD or our team taking one of these guys and they actually give us a guy that would be a better fit?
#15- Same trade up but they take DE Tyson Jackson to anchor their line if they think San Diego may take him.

 

[infantrycak]

Lots of folks thought Dumervil would convert to a 3-4 OLB prior to that draft so I am not sure why you think he won't fit a 3-4 now.

 

[Polo]

Lots of folks thought Dumervil would convert to a 3-4 OLB prior to that draft so I am not sure why you think he won't fit a 3-4 now.

What if I wasn't in the group that ever thought he'd be able to convert?

I'm not saying he can't or won't make the transition, but I think it is also entirely possible that the "lots of folk" that felt like he could make the transition may not include the Broncos FO and coaching staff. Those "lots of folk" also may be wrong.

I don't see anyone in Denver declaring that Dumervil is going to be their OLB of the future or play anything other than possibly a situational role. Even if he does have some value to them that doesn't preclude them from trading him in order to get guys they think fit better.

 

[Vinny]

No way they trade Elvis Dumervil. They have been working him out on the edge and he is taking linebacker drops in early drills in mini-camp. He projects to be their starting weak side edge guy...he is their best edge rusher.

 

[drewmar74]

I can understand not wanting Dunn, but for those saying neither what do you have against Dumervil?

I voted against both.

Dunn, just because I'd like to see a second young back in the stable and not an older one with a lot of miles.

Dumervil because, even though I think he'd do well, I really think the price tag would be steep in terms of draft picks. I'd rather see what we can scrape up in the draft.

 

[nunusguy]

Good poll Polo, and good subject because so mnay teams are converting to the 3-4.
I do wonder how Dumervil is going to do as a 3-4 OLB ? For the first time so far as I know he'll be playing from the upright stance and therefor the 3-4 is gonna be a whole new world for him.
And just take a look at the Chiefs who will be playing their #3 overall from last year, former LSU DT Glen Dorsey, as a 2-gap guy at DE in the 3-4. And then theirs former UT backer Derrick Johnson wo will be at inside LB for the first time in the Chiefs 3-4 because he's not a pass-rusher. Actually as I
recall now, that's why the Texans didn't draft him when they had the chance.

 

[Vinny]

Good poll Polo, and good subject because so mnay teams are converting to the 3-4.
I do wonder how Dumervil is going to do as a 3-4 OLB ? For the first time so far as I know he'll be playing from the upright stance and therefor the 3-4 is gonna be a whole new world for him.
And just take a look at the Chiefs who will be playing their #3 overall from last year, former LSU DT Glen Dorsey, as a 2-gap guy at DE in the 3-4. And then theirs former UT backer Derrick Johnson wo will be at inside LB for the first time in the Chiefs 3-4 because he's not a pass-rusher. Actually as I
recall now, that's why the Texans didn't draft him when they had the chance.

I think Dorsey will be 'Gary Walker in a good year' good eventually at the 3-4 end position.

 

[TexanAddict]

I was a huge Warrick Dunn fan during his first stint with the Bucs, but not sure I would want to rely on him now. He does have a lot of experience playing within the ZBS, however.

I also saw this article that said these two RBs might be available for mid- to late-round compensation:

Chiefs running back Larry Johnson

Summary: In February, Johnson told a radio station that he would "rather play somewhere else." Johnson has since softened that stance and reported last weekend for the team's voluntary minicamp.

Likely compensation: A mid- to late-round pick. Consecutive rushing seasons of 1,700-plus yards in 2005 and 2006 landed Johnson a big contract extension. Since then, Johnson's productivity has plummeted because of injuries and disciplinary issues.

Trade odds: Poor. A release seems more likely than a trade if the Chiefs ultimately can't get Johnson to lower his 2009 base salary of $4.55 million. To his credit, Johnson is being a good soldier and has immersed himself in Kansas City's offseason program.

Patriots running back Laurence Maroney

Summary: Maroney appeared on the verge of being New England's bell-cow running back after a strong end to the 2007 season. Maroney, though, was once again beset by injuries in 2008 and may not be the best fit on the tight ship run by coach Bill Belichick. New England also has an overload at the position with newcomer Fred Taylor, promising youngster BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and veterans Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris.

Likely compensation: A mid-round pick. With 12 selections in this draft, the Patriots may be more interested in stockpiling choices for 2010.

Trade odds: Fair. A team with a running back need like Arizona and New Orleans would be intriguing landing spots for Maroney.

FoxSports

 

[Vinny]

I saw a report on the NFL network that Larry Johnson and his new coaches are on the same page now....I think they worked out their situation.

 

[HOU-TEX]

I saw a report on the NFL network that Larry Johnson and his new coaches are on the same page now....I think they worked out their situation.

True, but I think it had a lot to do with Larry finding out that nobody was really interested in trading for him.....and his baggage.

 

[Vinny]

True, but I think it had a lot to do with Larry finding out that nobody was really interested in trading for him.....and his baggage.

bottom line is that LJ is very talented and I'm sure the new coaches would love to feature him...if he doesn't stay his own worst enemy.

 

[TexanAddict]

I would still consider Maroney if the compensation truly is a mid-round pick (one of our 4ths). I think he might fit well in the ZBS and is already used to playing as part of a RB committee. Especially if the RB cupboard looks like it's starting to run bare during the draft.

 

[ObsiWan]

I voted against both.

Dunn, just because I'd like to see a second young back in the stable and not an older one with a lot of miles.

Dumervil because, even though I think he'd do well, I really think the price tag would be steep in terms of draft picks. I'd rather see what we can scrape up in the draft.

what he said....

 

[Texan4Ever]

Elvis Dumervil is a good pass-rushing DE who has 25.5 sacks in three seasons. The only downsize to him is his height as he is only 5'11", however, he has proven he can play and get to the QB so I wouldn't mind trading a 4th for him. I can only imagine, if this guy were 6'5" or even 6'3", he would have been selected higher in the draft.