Much thanks to the Denver Broncos PR for the following:
Head Coach Josh McDaniels addressed several injuries on Thursday.
On Brandon Stokley: “He’s got a minor deal with the shoulder and just kind of fell on the ground but hopefully he’ll be back out there.”
On Ryan Harris:“(He’s) good. We’re hopeful – and I don’t want to say an exact day or date – but hopefully (we will) see him out there soon. He’s doing well and we’re excited about getting him back out and I know he is too.” On Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and Ryan Harris all recovering from foot injuries: “At this point we’re going to err on the side of being real careful and not put them in a situation where (it’s) the last day of minicamp on June 13th and all of a sudden we have a foot injury. If there’s a guy who is borderline ready and not ready, we’re not going to push it. Really, we’ve told all the players August is the time we want you to be ready to go. If they are ready I think we’ll be excited to see them out there. They’re all taking a bunch of mental reps. They’re all in the film session and they’re all seeing the things were doing and getting all the information but hopefully everybody will be ready by August.”
Thursday, the Denver Broncos held their final practice of the month. The heat was up, 80-degrees up.
Second-year QB Tom Brandstater could also be on the "Hot Seat" as Tim Tebow has already passed him on the depth chart. Tebow was the #3 QB in practice, going 2-for-5 with an interception. Although the media has made a big to-do of a 1st Round Draft Pick passing a potential practice squad Quarterback, McDaniels downplayed the 'promotion.'
“We’ve been flopping them all,” he said. “The only thing consistent is that Kyle is in the first huddle.”
Kyle Orton got more reps with the first team than all the other QB's combined, going 15-of-25 with two interceptions. The first pass of 7-on-7 (thrown by Orton) was picked off by linebacker D.J. Williams, who returned it for a score. New-comer Brady Quinn seemed to have had a better session, throwing a touchdown to Tight End Dan Graham on his first attempt. Tom Brandstater only threw one pass, which fell incomplete. Wide receiver Brandon Stokley was held out of Thursday's passing camp practice because of a shoulder injury. Rookies Demayrius Thomas and Eric Decker are also recovering from foot injuries, and have not yet participated in practice. In their absence, the other WR's stepped up, particularly Brandon Lloyd. In 7-on-7 drills, Lloyd scored three times, while hauling in some nice one-handed grabs. Holdovers from 2009, Eddie Royal and Jabar Gaffney, had solid practices as well.The team is done for the weekend, but will be back on June 2-4, and June 7-9. We'll continue to bring you coverage. Check out photos from practice here, and video highlights of today's practice here.
On Tuesday, the Broncos announced the signing of their second pick of the seventh round, defensive end/linebacker Jammie Kirlew. The deal, a four year contract worth $1.84 million dollars with a $50.000 dollar signing bonus, is similar to the deal Syd'Quan Thompson received when he signed his contract last Friday.
Kirlew played in 48 games for Indiana, starting 41. Over his four years, he collected 220 tackles, 9 forces fumbles and 6 fumble recoveries. He also had 23 sacks and 52.5 tackles for loss.
From the start of the draft, the Broncos had their eye on Kirlew. He told Gray Caldwell of DenverBroncos.com:
“I was getting a couple of calls through the draft from them,” the linebacker said. “They were telling me that no matter what they were trying to get me up there. They found a way to get me up there and I’m excited."
When the Broncos realized Kirlew was still on the board after trading back into the seventh round, they decided to grab him with their final pick. Kirlew posses a lot of the qualities that head coach Josh McDaniels looks for in a player: versatile, hardworking and smart. Kirlew left Indiana with two degrees, in public finance and management. Said Kirlew:
“The smarter player I become, I think definitely my instincts are going to be faster,” Kirlew said. “I’m going to be able to make more plays and be quicker on the field, which is going to be important for me to be able to be productive in the NFL.”
With a lot of depth at the linebacker position, Kirlew will have to work hard to claim a roster spot once the final cuts come around at the end of August. But if anyone is up for the job, it will be Jammie Kirlew.
After getting a long weekend break from "Voluntary" Passing Camp camp, the Broncos returned to Dove Valley today to continue where they left off.
Practice was anything but uneventful; Denver experienced gusts of wind from 45 to 70 miles per hour, having an effect on practice. A tree fell over during practice, while passes were often way overthrown. Kyle Orton was 2-7 in 7-on-7, Quinn was 2-5 with an interception, Tom Brandstater's only pass was intercepted, and Tebow's only pass attempt was completed.
The wind did aid the punters though. From the back of their own end zone they kicked them as far as 100 yards. Punters Britton Colquitt and A.J. Trapasso would have been setting records if it were in a game. Kicker Matt Prater also had some fun, kicking several of his attempts through the uprights and all the way over the top of the Dove Valley building.
“Growing up in Florida, with the hurricanes and all that stuff, I’ve gone out and kicked before storms come, and it wasn’t anything like this. This was constant,” said kicker Matt Prater, whose kicks in the crosswind occasionally curved at angles approaching 60 degrees. "Kicking that way was awful … Hopefully we don’t have a game like this, but if we do, I have experience.”
It's May, and Depth Charts don't exist, but the Broncos gave a little hint as what the offensive line-up may look like this fall. Tyler Polumbus, Seth Olsen, J.D. Walton, Chris Kuper and Zane Beadles (from left to right) were on the first team O-line. Spencer Larsen continued to play fullback, with Moreno in the backfield. Receivers Jabar Gaffney and Brandon Lloyd got some good playing time at WR with Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Brandon Stokley not participating. Thomas and Decker are recovering from injuries, and veteran Stokley has been known to get the occassional day off to address aches and pains. Eddie Royal was also a frequent target of passes during today's 7-on-7 periods.
The defense looked a lot different than it did last season, with newly signed Baraka Atkins joining Robert Ayers, Mario Haggan, and D.J. Williams as the linebackers. Le Kevin Smith, and new-comers Jamal Williams and Jarvis Green made up the defensive line, Justin Bannan was excused from practice for personal reasons. The secodary looked the same as it did last year, with Champ Bailey, Andre' Goodman, Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill playing with the first team. Second-year corner Alphonso Smith also played with the first team, in Denver's "nickel" package.
Last offseason, rumors went around that Josh McDaniels attempted to trade Jay Cutler for Brady Quinn. It never happened, and Cutler was shipped to Chicago, in exchange for Kyle Orton.
This offseason, Josh McDaniels again had a chance to trade for Brady Quinn, and this time it didn't fall through. When a coach targets and goes after a player in such a manner as McDaniels has, it shows the confidence he has in that player. The Broncos have plans for Quinn. I believe on opening day, he'll be ahead of Tim Tebow on the depth chart, either behind Orton, or as the starter.
Quinn has already made some solid strides in Denver, in his first practice with the team he impressed. The former Notre Dame stand-out is entering his fourth year in the League, and has a very impressive arm. He's also eager to learn, he was the last one off the practice field last Monday, (the Broncos first day of OTA's). He stayed behind working and talking with a few coaches.
With much attention given to Tebow's great personality, coachability, and pure mania, many have missed many of the same traits in Quinn. Brady has a winning attitude, and even better, a team first attitude. On Thursday, Quinn was on Les Shapiro and the Jim Armstrong's on 1510 AM radio show. He had some great things to say, regarding the playbook, and other topics.
Speaking of the playbook, that's an area Quinn has a slight advantage over Tebow. Brady Quinn's playbooks have been similar from Notre Dame (Charlie Weis) to Cleveland (Eric Mangini) to Denver (McDaniels), his offensive know-how keeps harking back to New England.
“When you look at the NFL in general, the scheme is a scheme. Teams just call it something different,” Quinn said. “In the end, there’s some little different wrinkles here and there. For the most part, it’s just called something different. No matter what offense you really come from — at least in the NFL — a lot of the stuff is pretty similar.”
I don't believe the Broncos brought in Brady to sit on the bench for the rest of his career. His time is coming, and it may be closer than many expect.
Sidenote: Today, Seventh round draft pick cornerback Syd’Quan Thompson and the Broncos agreeded on a four-year contract worth more than $1.2 million.
Earlier today, I was reading Andrew Masons latest post, Noting OTAs: Fullbacks, O-Line, Etc. After reading about Denver using Spencer Larsen more as a fullback in practice, it got me thinking about the Broncos rushing attack last season.
It’s been a few years since the Broncos were one of the teams that most often used a fullback; the slot was gradually de-emphasized in Mike Shanahan’s final years as coach and was further marginalized last year. But the substantial work given to Spencer Larsen and tight end Marquez Branson at fullback Monday offered evidence that the position will have increased relevance to the team this year. “We’re going to use a little bit more two-back sets,” McDaniels said. “We’re still going to be spread out and do some of the things that we’ve done before"
Mason went on to note how the use of a fullback has helped the Panthers rushing attack have great success over the past few years. Using a Tight End as a fullback is also something the Panthers did, also generating success. After reading all this, I looked over Spencer Larsens games from last season, and how the Broncos rushing attacked fared when he was blocking.
For most of the first half of the 2009 NFL season, Spencer Larsen was out with an injury. But he returned mid-season ready to go. His third game back, against the Redskins, the Broncos used him in many eye and gadget formations, along with TE Tony Scheffler. On one of the first plays of the game, Denver lined up in a double-back formation, and Knowshon Moreno rushed for 15 yards. The success of the rushing attack opened up the passing game, with Orton finding Brandon Marshall wide open a few plays later for a score. Later in the game, Marshall lined up close to the O-line, with Tony Scheffler in the backfield, in place of a fullback. Buckhalter got a first down off the formation, before fumbling the ball. A short while later, Denver lined up in an off-set eye formation. Orton then did a play action (faking to Moreno before preparing to pass), then hit Marshall again wide open for a 75-yard touchdown. In the second half of the game Simms came in, and didn't play well, while the defense broke down. The Broncos got away from two-back formations, and ended up losing the game. Rookie Knowshon Moreno rushed for 97 yards, mostly in the first half - when Larsen was in the game. Using Larsen helped the run game against the Redskins, and opened up the passing game.
Two weeks later on Thanksgiving, Denver used some similar formations against the Giants. Tight ends Tony Scheffler and Dan Graham lined up in the backfield a few times, as well as Larsen. Moreno scored on a goalline run, with Larsen as the leading fullback. In the game, Moreno rushed for 88 yards, while Correll Buckhalter pounded out 51 yards.
The next week Denver traveled to Kansas City. Veteran running back Correll Buckhalter ran all over the Chiefs defense single handily, in one-back formations. While Moreno thrived in eye formations, scoring twice, rushing behind the blocking of Larsen. Are you beginning to see a trend yet? Towards the end of the game Peyton Hillis went in as tailback, and rushed for about 50 yards behind Larsen's blocking. In the game, Denver rushed for about 250 yards.
Watch the highlights from the Chiefs game below, notice the blocking of Spencer Larsen (#46) and the play action pass plays that are set up by the run: Towards the end of the season, Denver got away from two-back formations and the running game was mediocre, at best. Spencer Larsen didn't play fullback often in the last four game, and the Broncos finished the season 0-4.
The Broncos rushing attack cleary was most successful in two-back formations last season. Running behind a fullback (or a Tight End) especially aided Knowshon Moreno, who had his ups and downs. This season, expect McDaniels to use Larsen, and formations with Branson in the backfield more often. Two-back formations should improve the Broncos rushing attack, possibly even to the extent to Moreno to having a breakout year.
Monday at Dove Valley, over 80 players, vets and rookies alike, all practiced together for the first time. Denver's Organized Team Activities (OTA's) that run from the 17th to the 19th are officially called "Passing Camp". All positions are participating though, and it's a time for coaches to start evaluating players, and for the players to start adapting to the playbook and speed of the game.
J.J. Arrington, D.J. Williams, Ruch Hochstein, Ryan Harris, Jamal Williams, Ryan Clady, Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas, and Darrell Reid are among the players not participating, most are nursing injuries. Williams was "excused" from practice, and is expected to report later today.
The most notable player participating was Pro Bowl outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil. It was expected he would show, but not practice. He did show, and practiced. Dumervil led the NFL in sacks last season, and is looking for a new contact. The restricted free agent has skipped the team's offseason conditioning program, choosing to rather work out on his own in Miami. The Broncos had Dumervil sign an injury waiver to allow him to practice.
Head Coach Josh McDaniels had this to say on Dumervil practicing: "It says a lot about Elvis and what kind of professional he is." Dumervil added, “It’s the business side of football, we all know that. For the most part I’m just happy to be out here and be with the team. At the end of the day, I’m going to be a Bronco in 2010."
The real show of the day was QB Tim Tebow. Much like Rookie Mini Camp, a large crowd of media were present, keeping a close eye on Tebow. Kyle Orton took the first team snaps, followed by Quinn, and Brandstater. Tebow at first handled the handoffs, then threw short goal-line passes to the running backs. Second-year QB Tom Brandstater was the only one to threw an interception, compliments of Renaldo Hill. Overall all four Quarterbacks looked good.
Rookie Wide Recievers Thomas and Decker didn't practice, they are both still healing from foot surgeries. Head Coach Josh McDaniels said while Thomas is closer to being able to practice than Decker, the team doesn't want to rush it. Twenty-three year-old WR Eddie Royal, who is entering his 3rd season, looking very good in practice, sporting a new dark visor for the first half of practice. He also had some nice catches in heavy coverage. Royal also handled the Kick Return duties.
Dog House Alert: After a false start during a drill, Zane Beadles ran a lap around the practice fields.
At the end of practice the team did 5 sprints across the field and back, Tebow finished first in each one. Another interesting note, I recall Tebow saying he'd be "The first one in, and the last one out", he may have been just referring to meetings and workouts but I was expected practice as well. Today, he wasn't the last one off the field, rather, QB Brady Quinn.
The club has finished up day one, only the morning session was open to the media, Tuesday practice will not be open to the media. Overall things looked good, a concern continues to be the offensive line. The starting O-line was, Tyler Polumbus, Seth Olsen, Dustin Fry, Chris Kuper, and Zane Beadles. The Broncos are hoping Ryan Clady and Ryan Harris recovery quickly, as the line is the biggest erea of need.
Today will be the first time in 2010 that the entire Denver Broncos roster will be on the field at Dove Valley for the first Organized Team Activities in 2010. The team helt a rookie minicamp two weeks ago to give the rookies a first glance at life in the NFL. Now the rest of the veterans will join them for a three day minicamp starting today. Though officially listed as a 'passing' camp, the minicamp will give all veterans their first opportunity to get back on the field since the 2009 season. Here are a couple of interesting stories to watch during the first Broncos minicamp of 2010:
Tebow Watch This morning, NFL Network analyst Michael Lombardi tweeted he was on his way to Denver to cover the three-day minicamp for NFL Network, and he likely will not be the only journalist there. Jim Saccomano, the Broncos' vice president of public relations, mentioned a "crazy interest" by the media in the minicamp, the "greatest interest since John Elway came in as a rookie". Though headcoach Josh McDaniels has said on numerous occasions that Kyle Orton will be the starter for the Broncos in 2010, look for the media to be around Dove Valley in large numbers for every mini camp this off season, as well as record attendance during training camp. If Tim takes one snap more than Kyle, they will likely be the first to declare a quarterback controversy in Denver, Colorado.
The Dumervil Dilemma Earlier this week, the Denver Post reported Elvis Dumervil would arrive in Denver on Sunday to attend the organized team activities. Dumervil will be on the field practicing, as well as working out with his team mates and join them in meetings. Dumervil has yet to sign his tender, and is looking for a long term contract. Though I expect Dumervil to be around the facility for all the upcoming minicamps, he will likely not sign his tender until the very last moment (June 15) to show his unhappiness with his contract. I would not be surprised if Dumervils agent accompanied him to Denver to meet with Brian Xanders about the situation. I expect Denver to work out a long term contract with Elvis before the start of training camp.
Offensive Line Concerns Going into the off season, we all knew about the two main concerns the Broncos had. The offensive and defensive line. The Broncos signed several big name free agents to shore up the defensive line, and it will be interesting to see how much they improve from last year, especially against the run. And while the team drafted several young, talented players for the offensive line, it remains the #1 concern going into the 2010 season. Lef tackle Ryan Clady injured himself while playing basketball and looks doubtful to return when the regular season starts in september. Ryan Harris, who injured his foot in the middle of the 2009 season, will likely be able to join the team on the field when training camp starts, but a date has not been confirmed. Guard Russ Hochstein is also recovering from injury, and backup Matt McChesney will likely retire after a freak injury while playing golf. It looks like Chris Kuper is the only starter from last years offensive line who will be on the field when minicamp starts today. Look for an interesting battle between rookies Zane Beadles, J.D. Walton, Eric Olson and second year players Tyler Polumbus and Seth Olsen to see who will fill the holes on the line until Clady, Harris and Hochstein return from their injuries.
Notes: Voluntary mini camps: May 17-19, May 24-27, June 2-4, June 7-9. Mandatory mini camp: June 11-13.
Free agent, Pro Bowl Running Back Brian Westbrook met with Broncos officials at Dove Valley last Thursday. The meeting reportedly went well, and it is expected the two sides will continue to talk, and possibly work out a contract.
In his prime, Westbrook was one of the most explosive and dangerous player in the NFL. That is about 4-5 years in the past. Yet, he could help the Broncos, as he did the Eagles in recent years. Although his blows to the head have taken a toll, he is a tough guy, various leg injuries between 2006 and 2009 only sidelined him four games in that span. The concussions are the concern, one more of them and his career would probably be finished.
It has become obvious that Head Coach Josh McDaniels likes backfield committees, he practiced the practice in New England and brought it to the Broncos last season. Then-rookie Knowshon Moreno provided a nice touch along with Correll Buckhalter; LaMont Jordan got a fair share of carries as well. If Denver did add Brian, he would make a great situational player. He still has some left in the tank, and can catch the ball well out of the backfield, while providing a good running attack.
Signing him would be a gamble, because of his injuries, but Josh McDaniels has said he is healthy:
"He's a great person, a great football player and he's healthy now," Josh McDaniels told the Denver Post. McDaniels went on to add, "I think he fits in with the molds of our backs. They're not one dimensional and he certainly isn't either. If we have the opportunity to add him we just think it would make our football team better."
NFL teams including the Broncos and Bills have expressed some interest in Australian rugby star Greg Inglis, according to the Sunday Mail in Australia. According to the Herold Sun, up to four NFL teams would like to trial the bustling Australian Test centre at three-day camps in September.
Inglis is a young, big dude (6-foot-5, 238 pounds, 23 years-old) who won the "Golden-Boot" award as the best Rugby player last year. With the similarities between rugby and football, his skills could possibly be tweaked, giving him a shot at Pro Football.
Going from one sport to American Pro Football would be a hard, and unlikely task. That's not to say it hasn't been done before. Wesley Duke played basketball in college before joining the Broncos in 2005. That season he scored a Touchdown, but multiple ACL injuries prematurely ended his football career. Had it not been for his knee problems though, he may have become a good Tight End.
With that said, going from Basketball player to Football Tight End is very different from going from Rugby Center to Football Returner or Linebacker. The kid does have skills though and good moves, with nice speed. Playing with a helmet and pads would probably slow him down, as well as home sickness. Inglis’s agent Allan Gainey told the Sydney Morning Herald,
"Inglis is such a natural athlete that it would be hard to imagine he’d struggle at NFL. What he may struggle with is being homesick. He loves being close to his friends and family."
Being homesick isn't gonna earn him a roster spot, but in his on-field skills could. There's no harm in giving him a tryout.
Bronco offensive linemen Matt McChesney is expected to retire after suffering an injury when a golf cart accidentally hit him on the same ankle in which he had surgery last offseason.
"It was just a freak accident," said McChesney, a former Niwot High School star. "It stinks."
McChesney only played in 4 games in his career, while bouncing from team-to-team. He was on the Jets active roster in 2005, and Dolphins in 2008 before joining the Broncos.
The accident happened a only a few weeks after Left Tackle Ryan Clady suffered a partially torn patellar tendon in his left knee while playing basketball. Non-football related injuries are a growing problem for the Broncos.
Since January, Denver has drafted, signed, and re-signed a total of 11 offensive lineman, an area were the team struggled last season. In 2008, Denver allowed just over 8 sacks, in 2009 they allowed 34. Clearly the line (on both sides of the ball) could use some changes, and the Broncos are making them.
We wish McChesney the best, and hope his post-football life goes well.
Star Outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil is expected to be in Denver Sunday, for Organized Team Activities (OTA's).
"I think we'll see Elvis on Sunday, and we're looking forward to that," coach Josh McDaniels said Thursday afternoon after giving the keynote speech at the scholarship luncheon for the John Lynch Foundation at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Meanwhile, former Bronco John Lynch seems to be loving post-football life. Lynch and his family have remained in Denver since his retirement in 2008. He still gets his football fix by working as a color analyst for FOX on Sundays. He said he’s learning to be more critical in his analysis.
Former Broncos star Tyrone Braxton and former North Dakota State University defensive back is getting his bachelor’s degree in university studies 27 years after leaving school.
Today, the Broncos claimed Guard Stanley Daniels off waivers from the Packers. He started three years at the University of Washington; The next regular-season game in which he plays will be his first; He’s been on the practice squads of the Jets and Packers, and was also in camp with the Rams three years ago.
Tebow Mania Alert: We couldn't possibly write a post without mentioning Tim Tebow. Gray Caldwell has a great article up about him on DenverBroncos.com. He goes into detail how Tebow is different - in a very good way.
Apparently Tim Tebow is a pretty good athleate, duh. Not only was he a star football player in college, he can play baseball as well. At a High School, Tebow hit 12 homers on 15 pitches. Rookie Wide Reciever Eric Decker isn't too bad at baseball himself - Decker batted .319 with 43 runs, four homers, 11 steals and 25 RBIs in 56 games in his second season on the diamond, but his focus on football hurt his (MLB) draft status. He did end up being drafted by the Twins, but chose football instead.
Veteran free-agent running back Brian Westbrook met with Broncos officials at Dove Valley on Thursday about the possibility of joining the team for the 2010 season. The meeting reportedly went very well, and Josh McDaniels told the Denver Post Westbrook is "healthy".
Tim Tebow is more than just a football player. He is a name, writes Garrett Barnes. Tebow was a great add by the Broncos, they will get a lot out of him, on the field, and in good publicity. You won't hear about him being in a night club fight, or being arrested for carrying a gun. Record jersey sales are a nice bonus for the Broncos as well.
All football fans love football jerseys. Sometimes though, it's hard to pick what jerseys to buy; going with your favorite player might not be such a great idea, as those often become Throwback jerseys.
There's no safe jersey out there of current players-players are hurt, cut, and traded throughout football season. For Bronco fans, the safest way to go is buy a Throwback John Elway jersey, he'll never be traded. With that said, I've created a list of the safest, and riskiest/don't buy current Bronco jerseys. First off, the safest:
Knowshon Moreno, #27. Last April, the Broncos drafted Knowshon Moreno with the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft. He has four years left on his $23 million contract, and is on the verge of a breakout season. Broncos Head Coach Josh McDaniels has said Moreno will get more carries this year, and it is expected Moreno will overcome his rookie woes. He'll be around for awhile, getting a #27 jersey would be a good idea.
Ryan Clady, #78. In 2008, the Broncos drafted Clady with the 12th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Clady has four years left on his contract, which is worth up to $17.5 million. His rookie year he allowed the least sacks in the League. He has "Wow'd" everyone since he stepped foot on the field. The Broncos love him, as do the fans. A recent injury may slow him down this season, but he'll be around for more to come. A #78 jersey is the way to go.
The ultimate safe jersey to buy: A dirt cheep Brandon Marshall #15. That's right, Marshall. You can find those anywhere from $5-20 most anywhere. A little embroidery, and you have "Tebow."In the end, you get a Tim Tebow #15 jersey for about $30, saving you at least $50. Even if Tebow is a huge bust, it's only 30 bucks.
Two jerseys you should stay away from:
Kyle Orton, #8. Not to sound like Woody Paige or anything, but his days in Denver are clearly numbered. He's $2.612 million contract ends after this season. Orton may be the starter this season, but right now it doesn't look like he will be long after then. I would not recommend getting a #8 jersey.
Champ Bailey, #24. No, you didn't read that wrong, Champ Bailey. For years Bailey has been one of the Broncos top players in jersey sales, as well as performance. Yet, his $63 million contract ends after this season, and he'll being turning 32-years-old. He may not get a contract extension, and he is slowly starting to slow down. Three-four, or even two years ago I would have said get a #24 jersey, but not now.
Two more risks: Eddie Royal #19, he has 2 years left on his $3.9 million contract. And, 36-year-old Brian Dawkins #20, who has four years left on his contract which is worth anywhere from $17-27 million.
There you have it, I hope I've helped you decide if you are looking to buy a Bronco jersey. I might be completely wrong; jersey buying is a risky business. Personally, I have a John Lynch #47, and two #92 Elvis Dumervil's, I'm also expecting a few #15's to go around come Christmas time.
Running Back Brian Westbrook may get to reunite with former Eagles CorrellBuckhalter and Brian Dawkins. He is en route to Denver, and is going to meet with the Broncos tomorrow, per Adam Schefter's twitter:
Filed to ESPN: Fresh off visit with Redskins, former Eagles RB Brian Westbrook is now en route to Denver to visit the Broncos on Thursday.
If Westbrook were to sign on with the Broncos, he'd be joining his former Philly back-up CorrellBuckhalter, who rushed for over 640 yards last season in Denver. Knowshon Moreno, J.J. Arrington, and Lance Ball are among Denver's six RB's who are currently on the roster.
Last year, head injuries haunted Westbrook, who only started seven games, while rushing for 274 yards. The 30-year-old is entering his 10th NFL season, and has drawn interest from the Rams, as well as the Redskins, who are coached by fromer Bronco Head Coach Mike Shanahan. In 2007, Westbrook surpassed 2,000 yards from scrimmage, and scored 12 touchdowns.
The Broncos are reportedly very serious about him, and for good reason. He has some gas left in the tank, and there's not much depth behind Moreno and Bucky.
I would be all for adding on Westbrook, he's a vet that's been there, and done that. As long as he is healthy, he would be a great pick-up for the Broncos.
Rookie Wide Receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker have quickly become good friends. They are also getting to know the other WR's well. Decker told me,
"Brandon Stokley, is a player (teammate now) I am most familiar with. I was introduced to him after I suffered my injury this past fall and gained a tremendous amount of respect for him. A great player but a better person!"
Demaryius says he has "clicked'' with Eddie Royal. In a fan-submitted comment [via The Denver Post], I asked Thomas who he has clicked with best since arriving in Denver. His reply:"
I got to know Eddie Royal a little bit and he seems like a good guy. We texted a lot after I was drafted. We have the same agent (Todd France), so that's how we kind of got know each other. Mostly by texting."
Decker has not met Royal yet, but is looking forward to it,
"Eddie is in our agency too, so I am excited to get an opportunity to meet him," Eric told me in an interview. "Brandon I obviously met before and think very highly of him."
Brandon Stokley helped Eddie Royal a lot his Rookie year, now both the Receivers look to do the same for Thomas and Decker. The Broncos Receiving corps will be a close unit this season, with plenty of talent. The Broncos currently have 12 wide recievers on the roster, who will all push each other to become better. Training camp and the 2010 season will be very exciting to watch; the development of Thomas and Decker, as well as the other WR's, will be a hot topic.
Last weekend, Bronco Defensive Tackle Ronald Fields was arrested in Houston Texas, for allegedly carrying a weapon, a misdemeanor charge. The Broncos have not commented on the situation, and it is not known if they will keep Fields for a second season. Gun-carrying in the NFL is a growing problem.
Today, the NFL announced the full Pre-Season schedule for the 2010 NFL Season. The Broncos first game will be against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, August 29th. It is a home game, and will be aired on FOX at 8 p.m. (ET).
I'm starting to lose faith in Al Davis, the Raiders have released JaMarcus Russell. He was the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft, and perhaps the biggest bust in the history of the game.
We would like to wish a belated Happy Mother's Day to all the Bronco fan Mommies out there. Tim Tebow's mom is reaping the fruit of labor of love. "For 25 years, she's pretty much put her life on hold for me and my siblings," Tim said. "She invested in our lives — we were her No. 1 priority, and nothing else really mattered. Now, she's getting to do a lot of things she loves to do.
Apparently Ray Lewis was shocked by help given to Tim Tebow. “The thing I was more shocked by, is you see all the people who were willing to help him," Lewis said in an radio interview. ". . . I don’t know why he was any different than anyone else." This is not really news-worthy, yet people are blogging and talking about it everywhere I look. So Ray-Ray doesn't like him, big deal.
Woody Paige is at it again. Last season he wrote an article stating the Broncos should bench Kyle Orton against the Redskins and start Chris Simms. (Orton ended up getting hurt, and Simms lost the game.) Now, Paige says the Broncos need to trade Orton - Now. His logic is, it will help Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow, and Tom Brandstater develop, will benefit the Broncos, and is the only fair thing to do for Orton. I disagree. Last season Orton helped the Broncos, and was a good Quarterback. Keeping him around for at least this season would be a good idea - he could help Quinn and Tebowdevelop. Tim Tebow is a project, and he still needs time, Quinn is a question and naming him the starter right away would be foolish. Then there's Brandstater. He has a Lot of fans, and I don't really understand why? He had one good preseason game, and it wasn't really that good. He was 16-of-30 for 187 yards with one INT. If Orton had those kind of stats in a game I doubt fans would give the kind of support Tom is getting. That's not to say I don't like Tom, he is good, but not as good as Orton - yet. No, the Broncos shouldn't trade Kyle - yet.
Bill Williamson recently posted an article naming the "Best in the West" over at ESPN.com. In the post, he names who he thinks are the best players at each position. Tackle Ryan Clady, Guard Chris Kuper, Tackle Ryan Harris, Nose Tackle Jamal Williams, Outside Linebacker Elvis Dumerivl, Inside linebackerr D.J. Williams, and Defensive Backs Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins are among the players. The Broncos got some nice love, but a lot of his picks were uneducated. Thomas Jones, Malcom Floyd, and Luis Castillo are on the list, and are expected to do about: Nothing this season. Rookies Eric Berry and Rolando McClain also made the cut. While it is expected they will contribute immediately and become great players, pronouncing them "Best at their position" is jumping the gun.
New Broncos rookie wide reciever, Eric Decker, did an interview with Josina Anderson of Fox31 the other day, you can watch it here.
The Broncos may have signed an Undrafted Gem. Running Back Toney Baker out of North Carolina State was signed by Denver a few days ago. Whether or not this kid makes it out of camp, he is undoubtedly the most intriguing prospect in the undrafted free agent class due to his more than legitimate chance to crack the final roster by the end of training camp. Ben Garland is living the dream. Garland, an element leader in Cadet Squadron 27 at the Academy, totaled 115 tackles, 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two blocked kicks in 39 career games played -- including 34 starts -- for the Air Force. He story is inspiring, and we wish him the best.
We all remember Pro Bowl Offensive Guard Mark Schlereth, who played twelve seasons, and won three Super Bowls. What not everyone is aware of is that he had 29 surgeries during his football career. That didn't stop him from playing at 100%, and becoming a star. He is now a very successful an analyst for ESPN.
This week, he'll be on Fox's new show: Althete 360. The show shows both sides of being a professional athlete, the glory - and the pain. Schlereth had a lot of pain while playing, but that didn't slow him down. "The average play lasts 7 seconds, for those seven seconds I can hang my pain on a hook, and I'm gonna go out here for 7 seconds and try and tare you up," Schereth told Mark Adickes, who is the host of Athlete 360. Adickes played for both the Redskins and Chiefs, and is now an orthopedic surgeon. The show will be on most Fox stations this Monday; you can view the full schedule here. The great people over at '360 gave me a chance to preview the show, I'd recommend you be sure to catch it. Schlereth is a class act, the show was very insightful, and I learned a lot about him I never knew before. Be sure to catch it on your TV this week!
Today, the Denver Broncos signed Guard/Tackle Maurice Williams. Williams spent the last nine seasons with the Jaguars. He was placed on the Jags injured reserve after rupturing his right biceps in the Jaguars' season opening last season.
During his career, he started in 100 games, allowing 27.50 sacks over that period (averaging about 3.5 sacks allowed per season). He should get a chance to play, and at the very least adds some very nice depth to a injury prone line.
Read more on the Broncos Offensive Linemen acquisitions here: A Fortified Front
Rookie WR'sDemaryius Thomas and Eric Decker have quickly become good friends. Sometimes when adapting to the "foreign language" of NFL terminology, and the speed of the game, a Rookie struggles. So having a friend go through the process with you makes its that much easier. Such is the case for Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker.
Today, the 49ers extended the contract of star LB Patrick Willis for five years. The tackling machine will make $50 million with $29 million guaranteed. This is good news for Elvis Dumervil - who is looking for a new contract. Although it is unlikely Doom will get 50 Mill, Willis' contact extension gives Dumervil's agent some leverage in negotiations.
A little more news on Dumervil, reportedly, the Jaguars are showing interest in one of Denver's OLB/DE's. It could be Robert Ayers, Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, or somebody else. It's just a rumor, and most likely nothing will come of it. The Jags are also reportedly interested in Brady Quinn - cue the trade rumors. Over the past week I've heard and read a lot of articles about Brady Quinn, and possible trade rumors. One Bleacher Report writer even went as far as to say Quinn was the odd man out in Denver. That is so inaccurate I'm not even going to link back to the story. The Broncos have shot down those rumors, stating they will 'never' trade him. They also told Fox31's Josina Anderson that they "have no interest in letting go of Quinn".
Not only is Quinn not going anywhere, he is very much in the QB race going on in Dove Valley. With Tebow's ballyhooed arrival and Orton's status as the returning starter, Quinn's offseason addition to the Broncos' roster has been pushed into the background. But he wants a shot to prove he can be the man. He declares himself healthy from a foot injury that put him on injured reserve to close the 2009 season with Cleveland. Quinn willdefinatly get a chance to prove himself in Denver.
Denver Post writer Woody Paige says it's not fair to rip Tebow for his faith. I totally agree. He is a man that stands up for what he believes in. He'll also probably never get in a Night Club fight, or disrupt practice. Former QB Kurt Warner, who recently retired after three Super Bowl starts, Drew Brees, the MVP of Super Bowl XLIV, former Bronco Jason Elam, Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford all openly shared their religious convictions, look where they are now. I'm totally with Woody on this and I seldom agree with him.
Over at MHR, Sayre Bedinger has a great post up about the Broncos strong depth in the secondary. You can read it here. The Broncos are very fortunate to have so much depth and longevity in the secondary, which will be key if the Broncos are to make a run at the AFC West title or even further.
The Broncos have used up the draft picks they got via the Cutler trade from 2008. It's all said and done, and Denver comes away with starting quarterback Kyle Orton, outside linebacker Robert Ayers, first-round receiver Demaryius Thomas, third-round receiver Eric Decker, one-half of tight end Richard Quinn (Bears' draft pick plus one more to get him) and one-third of quarterback Tim Tebow (draft pick plus two more). On paper, the Broncos have a chance to make this the NFL's most significant blockbuster trade since 1989, when Jimmy Johnson used Herschel Walker to resurrect the Dallas Cowboys' franchise. I definitely approve of the trade now.
After Denver traded Brandon Marshall for two draft picks, they had a serious depth issues at Wide Receiver. Over the past few weeks, the Broncos have addressed that problem.
Today, the team signed free agent WR Dicky Lyons Jr. Last Friday Lyons had a tryout, and practiced with the rookies. The 25-year-old played football at the University of Kentucky. During his college career, he caught 141 passes for 1,752 yards, while scoring 18 touchdowns. He also contributed on special teams, averaging 23.6 yards per kick return. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent last season with the Atlanta Falcons. His father, Dicky Lyons Sr. also played for the Falcons, and played college ball at Kentucky.
Lyons joins, Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, Rookies Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, hold-overs Brandon Lloyd, Matthew Willis, Kenny McKinley, and undrafted free agent signees Alric Arnett, Patrick Honeycutt and Landis Williams. The Broncos will have some very good competition at the position this year in training camp.
To make room for Lyons on the roster, Denver waived undrafted free agent rookie running back Chris Brown. Expect many more transactions before the season opener on September 12th.
Today, the Broncos held their second day of Rookie Mini Camp. The practice was closed to the media, so a report on practice is unavailable.
Head Coach Josh McDaniels did hold a presser after practice though, here is a short summary:
"We want them to get familiar with the way we do things, our program here, all the people in the building here,"Head Coach Josh McDaniels said. "Now they know our cafeteria, our training room and our equipment managers. Right now they're getting their first workout in with our strength and conditioning people. It's really more trying to get their feet wet so when they come back it's not a hundred things different. Hopefully they leave here and kind of know all those things and have that under their belt so when they come back we can be solely focused on football."
WR's Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, drafted in the first and third rounds, respectively, have not practiced in this weekend's camp, but have closely observed.
Yesterday, a Denver District Court judge sentenced Willie D. Clark to life in prison without parole for the murder of Denver Broncos player Darrent Williams.
Added on were 1,152 years in prison for his 16 other attempted murders.
It's really sad to see two lives wasted because of a scuffle at a night club. Darrent Williams was a great player - and person, we'll never forget him. Justice has prevailed.
On Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and Ryan Harris all recovering from foot injuries: “At this point we’re going to err on the side of being real careful and not put them in a situation where (it’s) the last day of minicamp on June 13th and all of a sudden we have a foot injury. If there’s a guy who is borderline ready and not ready, we’re not going to push it. Really, we’ve told all the players August is the time we want you to be ready to go. If they are ready I think we’ll be excited to see them out there. They’re all taking a bunch of mental reps. They’re all in the film session and they’re all seeing the things were doing and getting all the information but hopefully everybody will be ready by August.”
Monday at Dove Valley, over 80 players, vets and rookies alike, all practiced together for the first time. Denver's Organized Team Activities (OTA's) that run from the 17th to the 19th are officially called "Passing Camp". All positions are participating though, and it's a time for coaches to start evaluating players, and for the players to start adapting to the playbook and speed of the game.
Rookie Wide Receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker have quickly
Last weekend, Bronco Defensive Tackle 
