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Denver RBs on the Block

AcresHomesTexan

No Longer Arlington: Escaped From Jerry's World
Staff member

Kaiser Toro

Native Mod
No thank you on Selvin Young, as I have seen way too much of him to know he is not worth givin up anything for other than league minimum.

I did like Hillis at Arkansas and before the injury.
 

Maddict5

Hall of Fame
torain had alot of pre-season hype from denver fans.. dont know if its justified or not cos he got injured before nearly anyone saw him

hillis did lok good

wouldnt mind giving up a late rounder on either
 

Texecutioner

Hall of Fame
Hillis was the most consistent RB that Denver had last season that came out of nowhere when he got his chance because all of their backs got hurt. If the Texans want a nice guy and a bruiser to pair with Slaton than here is the guy. When he was playing, he was doing everything from running in between the tackles to catching short passes, he was a total utility player for them. He would be a very big help to this team no question. There is absolutely no reason why we shouldn't be going after this guy and trying to trade a late rounder especially since we were going after Ced Benson. If we could get Hillis, that would take a lot of the importance away from having to use a pick in the 3rd or 4th on a RB to pair with Slaton.

If HIllis goes to a team that utilizes his strengths he'll be a nice player to have for many years. He is really young and doesn't have a lot of miles on him either. Plus he already knows the running system that we run over here.
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
I remember someone on this board was all over the Hillis train last year?

I can't remember who it was though? Beerlover maybe? Or Threetoedpete? I think it was one of them, or both.
 

Texecutioner

Hall of Fame
I remember someone on this board was all over the Hillis train last year?

I can't remember who it was though? Beerlover maybe? Or Threetoedpete? I think it was one of them, or both.
I never knew who he was until last season, but when he got his chance he was all over the place getting those tough yards that the Broncos had been lacking in getting all season. Unfortunately he got hurt in like his 3rd start or something like that. The dude was all utility type of player though that could play well on basically any team.
 

Dean 74

Practice Squad
c'mon guys,
don't we love the hometown guys? ;)
selvin comming from jersey village high and being a longhorn?
-74
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
I never knew who he was until last season, but when he got his chance he was all over the place getting those tough yards that the Broncos had been lacking in getting all season. Unfortunately he got hurt in like his 3rd start or something like that. The dude was all utility type of player though that could play well on basically any team.
I really liked him at Arkansas. He played FB and I think he was all conference.

He isn't the best blocker for a FB, but he runs very well and he can catch out of the backfield.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
don't be surprised if the Texans take a look at one or all since they fit ZBS & Kubiak has a proclivity for Shanahan players :scarygirl:
 

WolverineFan

Hall of Fame
Well instead of drafting a big RB in the 3rd or 4th round we could send a late round pick to Denver for Hillis. He's a big bruising RB and already has experience in the zone blocking scheme. Actually he was very effective in it last year. I also love Ryan Torain, but it seems like he's been injured every season since he was a SOPH in college.
 

El Tejano

Hall of Fame
Who was the kid that came from UofH that tore us up in the preseason game last year? Can't we trade for him?
 

Texecutioner

Hall of Fame
I really liked him at Arkansas. He played FB and I think he was all conference.

He isn't the best blocker for a FB, but he runs very well and he can catch out of the backfield.
He found the end zone in every game he started last season I believe. He is the kind of bruiser that we could use in the red zone. If Smith isn't trying to pull off a deal on a guy like this that could easily help the team that should be able to be had for a late pick like 6th or something, I won't ever expect the Texans to go after any real free agents. This is a guy that could be had for cheap right now, and exactly what we need. Mcdaniels is letting a lot of those Broncos players go right now and all but Cutler will probably go for a bargain since teams know that Mcdaniels doesn't want them and if they keep those guys Mcdaniels probably won't utilize certain players any way, so it's pretty useless to keep them.
 

El Tejano

Hall of Fame
Just asking...we got an extra 4th right? So we have a pick to spend. Not necessarily a 4th but what I'm saying is getting rid of a pick for a player with experience (good experience at that) doesn't hurt the number of picks we have in this year's draft. I say make the deal and get it done.

P.S. Can someone remind me how we got the extra 4th again?
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
At 6'2" and 250#, he is a bruiser, difficult to bring down. Last year, when given a chance, he managed 5 yds/carry for 5 TDs and no fumbles. He knows the system. But here's the hooker............he's coming off a December injury leading to post-season hamstring repair. Despite this, he should have enough time to rehab adequately by OT. And this type of repaired injury is less likely to recur than a pure tear. I say bring him in.
 

Ole Miss Texan

Hall of Fame
Hillis is exactly the kind of player I would think McDaniels likes and would want to keep.

In anycase, I'd definitely give up a late round pick for the guy. He could be a GREAT fullback in this system and a good guy to split carries with Slaton. I would be excited about that.
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
Hillis is exactly the kind of player I would think McDaniels likes and would want to keep.

In anycase, I'd definitely give up a late round pick for the guy. He could be a GREAT fullback in this system and a good guy to split carries with Slaton. I would be excited about that.

That use of his talent was not that highly touted at the time of his draft. However, with the correct coaching, this could be a definite dual potential.:

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter who totaled 62/347/2 on the ground last season when he led Arkansas in receiving with 49/537/5. Junior-year totals included pass-catching numbers of 19/159. Has lined up at both fullback and tailback. Used to return punts the past three seasons.

POSITIVES: Athletic lead blocker who.s also been productive handling the ball. Plays with a good degree of quickness, shows good vision, and fast enough to turn the corner and create space for the ball-carrier. Works hard, seals opponents from the action, and chips defenders to open lanes for running backs. Effective receiver who adjusts to the errant throw and makes the reception in stride. Possesses the speed to be a downfield pass-catching threat. Instinctive, immediately picks up blitzes, and stays with assignments.

NEGATIVES: Marginally strong at the point, gathers into blocks, and rarely finishes off defenders. Does a lot of unnecessary cut-blocking. Lacks top ball-carrying skills.

ANALYSIS: Hillis is an oversized running back who lacks the pure strength to be a lead blocker. His pass-catching skills and athleticism are best suited for a west coast offense.

PROJECTION: Early Fifth Round
[LINK]
 

El Tejano

Hall of Fame
At 6'2" and 250#, he is a bruiser, difficult to bring down. Last year, when given a chance, he managed 5 yds/carry for 5 TDs and no fumbles. He knows the system. But here's the hooker............he's coming off a December injury leading to post-season hamstring repair. Despite this, he should have enough time to rehab adequately by OT. And this type of repaired injury is less likely to recur than a pure tear. I say bring him in.
CND says it's a go so let's make this deal. The other thing we need to think of is there are other RBs on the roster right now too so that gives him some time to heal also.
 

Texecutioner

Hall of Fame
Hillis is the best RB out there for the Texans in this entire off season. I've actually been wondering for about two weeks if Mcdaniels was going to want to keep this guy or not. He could be the bruiser next to Slaton and could be a good red zone guy. I'll be pretty ticked if we don't at least try and make a move on this guy after Kubiak has gone after tons of Denver cast offs the last 3 years. Here is the best one that could help us out of any of the ones that he brought in before so we should be all over this. He knows our running scheme and has the skill set that we're currently looking for. I'd have no problem trading one of our 4th rounders for him for sure.
 

HOU-TEX

Ah, Football!
Hillis is the best RB out there for the Texans in this entire off season. I've actually been wondering for about two weeks if Mcdaniels was going to want to keep this guy or not. He could be the bruiser next to Slaton and could be a good red zone guy. I'll be pretty ticked if we don't at least try and make a move on this guy after Kubiak has gone after tons of Denver cast offs the last 3 years. Here is the best one that could help us out of any of the ones that he brought in before so we should be all over this. He knows our running scheme and has the skill set that we're currently looking for. I'd have no problem trading one of our 4th rounders for him for sure.
You'd give a 4th for a guy that's had 68 carries and coming off a torn hamstring? Sure his ypc is nice, but I'll pass.

I'm pretty sure we'd be able to pick up a healthier and likely better player with one of our 4ths.
 

Texecutioner

Hall of Fame
You'd give a 4th for a guy that's had 68 carries and coming off a torn hamstring? Sure his ypc is nice, but I'll pass.

I'm pretty sure we'd be able to pick up a healthier and likely better player with one of our 4ths.
He didn't have any career threatening injury. The guy was a beast for the Broncos in the few games that he started and was a blue collar work horse with a great attitude willing to do whatever was asked. That is exactly the kind of player that the Texans need in short yardage situations and to block as well which is something he also has no problem doing. We need a bruiser who is good in the red zone, well here he is and he comes from the same scheme that we currently run.

Did you watch him last season in those games, or just look at his stat line?I look at the 68 carries as a plus, because he hasn't had his body torn up that much other than that hamstring injury which is something that pretty much every NFL player gets at some point.

I'd be happy to give up a 4th round pick for this guy and I'd consider it a bargain as well. You don't come across to many high character blue collar guys like Hillis to often especially at the RB position where a lot of them tend to be divas.
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
Hillis is the best RB out there for the Texans in this entire off season. I've actually been wondering for about two weeks if Mcdaniels was going to want to keep this guy or not. He could be the bruiser next to Slaton and could be a good red zone guy. I'll be pretty ticked if we don't at least try and make a move on this guy after Kubiak has gone after tons of Denver cast offs the last 3 years. Here is the best one that could help us out of any of the ones that he brought in before so we should be all over this. He knows our running scheme and has the skill set that we're currently looking for. I'd have no problem trading one of our 4th rounders for him for sure.
Peyton Hillis: (Hamstring) Recovering Well
RotoWire.com Staff - RotoWire.com
Mar 17, 1:04 pm EDT

Hillis (hamstring) was told by doctors that his recovery is ahead of schedule and he expects to be fully recovered by April, the Denver Post reports.

Recommendation: Hillis had surgery on December 12 to repair a torn muscle in his hamstring after injuring it during a game against Kansas City. While he began last season as the starting fullback, he eventually made his way onto fantasy teams due to the Broncos’ rash of injuries at the running back position. With three running backs added to the roster already this offseason, it is probable that Hillis will go back to primarily being a blocker.
 

HOU-TEX

Ah, Football!
He didn't have any career threatening injury. The guy was a beast for the Broncos in the few games that he started and was a blue collar work horse with a great attitude willing to do whatever was asked. That is exactly the kind of player that the Texans need in short yardage situations and to block as well which is something he also has no problem doing. We need a bruiser who is good in the red zone, well here he is and he comes from the same scheme that we currently run.

Did you watch him last season in those games, or just look at his stat line?I look at the 68 carries as a plus, because he hasn't had his body torn up that much other than that hamstring injury which is something that pretty much every NFL player gets at some point.

I'd be happy to give up a 4th round pick for this guy and I'd consider it a bargain as well. You don't come across to many high character blue collar guys like Hillis to often especially at the RB position where a lot of them tend to be divas.
Yes, I did watch a Bronco game or two. I'd still use one of my 4ths in the draft for a RB.
 
Assuming Hillis is recovered from his injury, I'd be willing to acquire him for any one of our later picks starting with the one we got for Sage (now #122 after the compensatories were announced).

Hillis started his career at Arkansas as a tailback but got switched when McFadden and Jones arrived the next season. But even while those two devoured the headlines and the yardage, Hillis continued to produce in his limited carries. He was always a weapon in the passing game, too. He can play both TB and FB, so he'd be an ideal addition to bolster our depth at both positions. He's nowhere near Leach as a blocker, but as a backup FB, we could do worse.

I would be stunned if the Broncos put him on the block. But, if they do, we should definitely inquire.
 
P

Polo

Guest
I wouldn't trade a fourth for any of those guys. I'd rather use that fourth on a RB in the draft.
 

El Tejano

Hall of Fame
Hillis does this for our team:

You can put him and Slaton on the field at the same time. Slaton splits out wide (instead of Leach who we know is not going to get the ball thrown to), defense shifts because they have to guard Speed Slaton or he will kill you, and yet you could still hand off the ball and get the first down. Or vice versa.
 
P

Polo

Guest
Hillis does this for our team:

You can put him and Slaton on the field at the same time. Slaton splits out wide (instead of Leach who we know is not going to get the ball thrown to), defense shifts because they have to guard Speed Slaton or he will kill you, and yet you could still hand off the ball and get the first down. Or vice versa.
That's a good idea, but for some reason I think they'd still put Leach out there.

And why couldn't we get a back that will enable us to do that in the draft?


I'm not arguing against hillis, I'm just not sold on giving up a fourth rounder for him.
 

Texecutioner

Hall of Fame
That's a good idea, but for some reason I think they'd still put Leach out there.

And why couldn't we get a back that will enable us to do that in the draft?


I'm not arguing against hillis, I'm just not sold on giving up a fourth rounder for him.
Peyton Hillis got significant playing time in weeks 11-14

Week 11 - 10 carries for 44 yards and 2 TD's
Week 12 - 17 carries for 74 yards and 1 TD
Week 13 - 22 carries for 129 yards and 1 TD
Week 14 - 8 carries for 58 yards and 1 TD (And he got hurt early on in the first half of this game)

And in week 9 he didn't get any carries but had 7 receptions for 116 yards and a TD there as well, so he is very good in the passing game.


So basically he is a one year player that didn't even get hardly any carries until week 11 and did nothing but post nice yardage gain after gain and got at least 1 TD in each game.

Do you just think it's that easy to cherry pick RB's the 4th round that can be consistent like this guy is? Just because we got lucky with Slaton doesn't mean it's that easy at all.

It makes no sense to gamble on a draft pick that might or might not work when there is a PROVEN player that got 5 TD's in only 3 and half games of significant playing time. The guy is not only a guy that will move the chains consistently, but he finds the end zone which is exactly what the Texans are looking for.
 
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Texecutioner

Hall of Fame
Wow! I guess production means nothing to some people in here. All Hillis has done is produce when he had his opportunities. He is easily worth a 4th rounder and the more I think about it, the dude is even worth a 3rd round pick when his production is considered for what he's done in the rushing game and the passing game.
 
Hillis is also an incredibly low-mileage back. As was noted above, he only got 68 carries last season. But in college, he only carried the ball 205 times his whole career. Some guys log that many carries by early November. Still, he's produced whenever he's been given the chance.

They guy can be a feature back--he showed that in Denver before a freak injury ended his season. He was outstanding in short yardage. He's got a fullback mentality (though he's not in Leach's league as a lead-blocker) and can definitely back up that position, too. He's always been a great receiver out of the backfield. I don't know how he is in pass protection, but Cutler was only sacked 3 times in the seven games that he amassed statistics in.

He won't turn 24 until after the 2009 season and has three years left on a contract that only pays him about $1.3 million total.

I know we all love having draft picks because it makes the draft that much more fun to follow. But you can never be sure that the guy you draft--especially in later rounds--can hack it at this level. Will they wilt when they are being hit, play-after-play, by the runaway locomotives who play linebacker in the NFL? Hillis has already proven that he can play in this league. Frankly, a fourth rounder for him--if healthy--would be a bargain. Which is why I can't imagine the Bronco's wanting to move him. But if they are that stupid, I'd be beating their door.
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
Assuming Hillis is recovered from his injury, I'd be willing to acquire him for any one of our later picks starting with the one we got for Sage (now #122 after the compensatories were announced).

Hillis started his career at Arkansas as a tailback but got switched when McFadden and Jones arrived the next season. But even while those two devoured the headlines and the yardage, Hillis continued to produce in his limited carries. He was always a weapon in the passing game, too. He can play both TB and FB, so he'd be an ideal addition to bolster our depth at both positions. He's nowhere near Leach as a blocker, but as a backup FB, we could do worse.
Never mind wrong threed
 

Maddict5

Hall of Fame
i also agree a 4th is too high... but id be fine with a 5th and delighted with a 6th or 7th

this FO has a great record in the 4th
 
I think I'd give a 4th at most, it sure would be nice to have a guy like that as a compliment. You still have another 4th and probably still select a late round back somewhere in day 2 so....I'd say go for it.
 

WolverineFan

Hall of Fame
I think I'd give a 4th at most, it sure would be nice to have a guy like that as a compliment. You still have another 4th and probably still select a late round back somewhere in day 2 so....I'd say go for it.
Yea, but just because we want a RB in the 4th round area and we have two 4th round picks doesn't mean we should give one up for him. I would much rather squeeze Denver as much as possible and do it for a 5th, I could live with that. A 4th? Not to high on the idea. Once you get past the 4th round quality defenders are hard to find and defense is exactly what we need.
 

Ole Miss Texan

Hall of Fame
Ooh, im gonna keep beating this drum! I think Hillis would be a perfect fit on this team. Stick him on the roster as our backup FB. He would technically be our 2nd RB though. He'd get the stats and make the probowl as a FB! Anyways back to my beat... trade our 3rd round pick for Peyton Hillis and Elvis Dumervil. :)
 

WolverineFan

Hall of Fame
Ooh, im gonna keep beating this drum! I think Hillis would be a perfect fit on this team. Stick him on the roster as our backup FB. He would technically be our 2nd RB though. He'd get the stats and make the probowl as a FB! Anyways back to my beat... trade our 3rd round pick for Peyton Hillis and Elvis Dumervil. :)
That I could live with. We would (once again) lose an early round pick, but by getting 2 players at positions of need that would be a good deal. Don't really think the Broncos would be dumb enough to make that move though lol.
 

Lucky

Ride, Captain, Ride!
Staff member
The Texans could have had Hillis for a 7th round pick, last year. Instead, they took the forgettable Alex Brink. A practice squad QB they had no intention of carrying on the roster. Hey! Maybe the Broncos will swap Hillis for Brink? :jk:

He wants to trade the QB, TE, and RBs. What exactly did Josh McDaniels like about the Broncos when he took the job?
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
The Texans could have had Hillis for a 7th round pick, last year. Instead, they took the forgettable Alex Brink. A practice squad QB they had no intention of carrying on the roster. Hey! Maybe the Broncos will swap Hillis for Brink? :jk:

He wants to trade the QB, TE, and RBs. What exactly did Josh McDaniels like about the Broncos when he took the job?
Their money?
 

mexican_texan

Furry Tractors
The Texans could have had Hillis for a 7th round pick, last year. Instead, they took the forgettable Alex Brink. A practice squad QB they had no intention of carrying on the roster. Hey! Maybe the Broncos will swap Hillis for Brink? :jk:

He wants to trade the QB, TE, and RBs. What exactly did Josh McDaniels like about the Broncos when he took the job?
What did you expect out of a 7th round pick? Brink's a good project, Hillis isn't all that great.
 

Lucky

Ride, Captain, Ride!
Staff member
What did you expect out of a 7th round pick? Brink's a good project, Hillis isn't all that great.
Just joking around. If I really wanted to provoke the Sunshine Club, I'd mention that David Anderson was selected one pick prior to Marques Colston, back in the '06 7th round. Only to have a Sunshiner remind me that Colston's not that great, and David+Anderson=crazy delicious.
 

Texecutioner

Hall of Fame
What did you expect out of a 7th round pick? Brink's a good project, Hillis isn't all that great.
No one said he was great, but you don't have one negative thing you can say about him while he has been on the field. He may not have been great, but he was VERY GOOD. Getting 5 TD's rushing in 3 and half games is damn good. A FB/HB that can get 116 off of 7 receptions in his first game of real playing time is GREAT!

Hillis is EXACTLY what the Texans need right now.

I seriously find it hilarious how ANYONE in here could scoff at a guy like Hillis after so many in here BEGGED and begged to get Benson over here when Hillis waaaaay out played Benson in Benson's first season, 2nd season, and 3rd season. And Hillis doesn't ahve the baggage, the arrests, or the poor attitude that Benson has always had. Some of you guys sure seem to get off to big name guys that have been over rated. Hillis just isn't a big name guy, but the guy is football player all the way.
 
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