There have been many culprits for the Broncos disappointing season but one of the chief reasons is their reliance on roster upheaval. They have developed very few players through the draft, changed coordinators and systems several times and have released 19 players since this season began. That doesn't cover the amount of free agents and trades that have backfired in the Mike Shanahan era, either. So, it was with a bit of surprise that I read Jeff Legwold's column in today's Rocky Mountain News. It seems that the Broncos are regarded as the front runners to land Jason Taylor in a trade if Bill Parcells decides to move his new team's best player. Legwold argues that missing out on Patrick Kerney in free agency last season was part of the reason for the Bronco slide and acquiring Taylor would remedy that. Kerney would indeed look good on the Broncos, he'd look good on any defense, but that's not a good enough reason to pick up Taylor.
Quick fixes aren't the salve for Denver's wounds. As good as he is, Taylor will be 34 and the Broncos need to focus on developing the players they already have. He would also cost them high round draft picks, which the team needs to start taking more seriously.
When the Broncos dip their toe into the free agent/trade market this season they need to look for help at linebacker and safety before defensive end. Tim Crowder and Jarvis Moss, both drafted this year, show signs of being good players. Elvis Dumervil is already a good player so that gives you three talented defensive ends to work with. If the idea is to create some continuity and build a winning system you have to do it with players who will be around for more than a year or two.
They'll also need to look for some defensive tackles that fit whatever scheme defensive coordinator Jim Bates settles on. Taylor won't help them with that, nor will he help them in the middle of an offensive line that hasn't been as effective as it was in years past. All that he would be is a big name, something that hasn't been working well for the Broncos.
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