Denver Native (Carol)
04-30-2010, 07:31 PM
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14992744
When the Broncos drafted Zane Beadles at No. 45 overall last Friday, they couldn't have imagined just how important the offensive lineman's versatility would be immediately.
Beadles, who played tackle at the University of Utah, took reps at both left and right tackle Friday in the first day of the team's rookies-only minicamp, and expects also to work at guard throughout the preseason.
Those reps at left tackle are especially important now that starter Ryan Clady will miss at least three months after partially tearing his patella tendon while playing basketball last week.
"Definitely that's not a good thing for the team, you never want to hear someone go down with an injury," Beadles said. "But for me, it's not something I need to worry about. I need to come in here, and whether he's here or not, I've got to work hard and learn as much as I can. Because it is a huge step up from college."
Beadles will likely continue to work at both tackle positions when the team holds its first full-squad minicamp from May 17-19, though Tyler Polumbus will likely see significant reps at left tackle as well while Clady heals.
"The big thing is just learning, and I think the best way to learn is by making mistakes," Beadles said. "I'll get plenty of chances to do that."
Thomas, Decker don't practice
Neither of the Broncos two rookie wide receivers, first-round pick Demaryius Thomas or third-round pick Eric Decker, were able to participate in the first minicamp. Both are recovering from foot surgeries.
Thomas broke the fifth metatarsal in his left foot just before the combine. He said he hopes to be able to participate in the team camps in mid to late May. Decker suffered a Lisfranc sprain midway through last season at the University of Minnesota, and he might not be ready to practice until the start of training camp in late July.
But both players wore their new Broncos practice jerseys and helmets Friday as they joined their new teammates on the field for stretching. They also watched the receiver and offensive drills.
"A lot of it is the mental reps, in the film room and on the field, just trying to see the formations and understand what to do out there," Decker said.
The Broncos had three undrafted wide receivers able to fully participate: Alric Arnett from West Virginia, Landis Williams from Maine and Patrick Honeycutt from Middle Tennessee State. Two other receivers, Dicky Lyons Jr. from Kentucky and Rockeed McCarter from James Madison, were also participating on a tryout basis.
Geer: Broncos a dream come true
Former University of Colorado tight end Riar Geer was disappointed when the final round of the draft concluded last Saturday and he hadn't been selected.
The Broncos helped alleviate some of the sting when they offered him a free agent contract.
"This is my dream team," said Geer, who grew up in Fruita on the Western Slope. "It makes me want to make the team even more."
Footnote. The only two non-rookies to participate in the camp were punters AJ Trappaso and Britton Colquitt. Both players came out of college in 2009 and are competing for the Broncos' punting job.
When the Broncos drafted Zane Beadles at No. 45 overall last Friday, they couldn't have imagined just how important the offensive lineman's versatility would be immediately.
Beadles, who played tackle at the University of Utah, took reps at both left and right tackle Friday in the first day of the team's rookies-only minicamp, and expects also to work at guard throughout the preseason.
Those reps at left tackle are especially important now that starter Ryan Clady will miss at least three months after partially tearing his patella tendon while playing basketball last week.
"Definitely that's not a good thing for the team, you never want to hear someone go down with an injury," Beadles said. "But for me, it's not something I need to worry about. I need to come in here, and whether he's here or not, I've got to work hard and learn as much as I can. Because it is a huge step up from college."
Beadles will likely continue to work at both tackle positions when the team holds its first full-squad minicamp from May 17-19, though Tyler Polumbus will likely see significant reps at left tackle as well while Clady heals.
"The big thing is just learning, and I think the best way to learn is by making mistakes," Beadles said. "I'll get plenty of chances to do that."
Thomas, Decker don't practice
Neither of the Broncos two rookie wide receivers, first-round pick Demaryius Thomas or third-round pick Eric Decker, were able to participate in the first minicamp. Both are recovering from foot surgeries.
Thomas broke the fifth metatarsal in his left foot just before the combine. He said he hopes to be able to participate in the team camps in mid to late May. Decker suffered a Lisfranc sprain midway through last season at the University of Minnesota, and he might not be ready to practice until the start of training camp in late July.
But both players wore their new Broncos practice jerseys and helmets Friday as they joined their new teammates on the field for stretching. They also watched the receiver and offensive drills.
"A lot of it is the mental reps, in the film room and on the field, just trying to see the formations and understand what to do out there," Decker said.
The Broncos had three undrafted wide receivers able to fully participate: Alric Arnett from West Virginia, Landis Williams from Maine and Patrick Honeycutt from Middle Tennessee State. Two other receivers, Dicky Lyons Jr. from Kentucky and Rockeed McCarter from James Madison, were also participating on a tryout basis.
Geer: Broncos a dream come true
Former University of Colorado tight end Riar Geer was disappointed when the final round of the draft concluded last Saturday and he hadn't been selected.
The Broncos helped alleviate some of the sting when they offered him a free agent contract.
"This is my dream team," said Geer, who grew up in Fruita on the Western Slope. "It makes me want to make the team even more."
Footnote. The only two non-rookies to participate in the camp were punters AJ Trappaso and Britton Colquitt. Both players came out of college in 2009 and are competing for the Broncos' punting job.