TXBRONC
05-19-2008, 11:03 PM
Here's the latest from TSN. Rasizer thinks that D.J. moving back to the weak side will make him a pro bowl caliber linebacker.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=413516
Broncos Team Report
Posted: May 19, 2008
Lee Rasizer
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: Defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson admitted recently that while he could play a nose guard in a 3-4 with the Jets, his inexperience at that spot led to too much hesitation. Also, the extra weight taking on both 'A' gaps meant more wear and tear on his balky left knee.
Now at his desired playing weight of about 310, Robertson is back at the natural three-technique position that made his a top-five pick in 2003. And he's been locked in during offseason workouts.
Robertson has an innate feel for the angle playing over the guard and how blocking schemes are trying to attack him. So big things are expected with him as a one-gap slasher. But Robertson may still need to combat frequent double-teams until the other Broncos linemen prove they can't be handled with single-blocking. . . .
Kicker Matt Prater's length strength isn't in question, and he should be among the top kickoff specialists in the NFL if he lasts the season. But keeping from spraying his field-goal attempts will ultimately determine his long-term success. And he has tweaked his technique extensively through work with special-teams coach Scott O'Brien and former kicker Jason Elam over the last several months in an effort to acquire such consistency.
Prater has altered his approach to the ball, keeping his head low as he attacks it. He has learned how ball placement on the hold can help combat weather and field location. But the biggest lesion gleaned so far is not trying to kill the ball. It was a key trait making Elam so consistent.
Prater has enough leg to get the ball through the uprights with the same easy swing, even outside 40 yards. It's apparently worked so far. In workouts leading up to minicamp, Prater maintained he has been perfect on his field-goal attempts.
LINEBACKERS ANALYSIS: It was only a few years ago Denver's linebacker trio was considered the NFL's best, anchored by Al Wilson. But now it's a unit in transition.
D.J. Williams will move for the fourth time in his four years, this time from middle linebacker. But Williams had his best season as a weakside player as a rookie in 2004 and can use his athleticism and speed better from that spot to flow to the ball. He could flourish in his old college position.
Denver signed Boss Bailey, the former Lion and brother of ace cornerback Champ Bailey, and his coverage skills on tight ends will be pivotal in a division with Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates. But the younger Bailey must prove he can remain healthy and productive for a full season.
The biggest question is at middle linebacker, where Niko Koutouvides is the likely starter after backing up Lofa Tatupu in Seattle. Koutouvides is known as an aggressive, effort player but he has never been tested for more than spot starting duties. Grade: B-minus. Pro Bowl-caliber players: Williams
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=413516
Broncos Team Report
Posted: May 19, 2008
Lee Rasizer
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: Defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson admitted recently that while he could play a nose guard in a 3-4 with the Jets, his inexperience at that spot led to too much hesitation. Also, the extra weight taking on both 'A' gaps meant more wear and tear on his balky left knee.
Now at his desired playing weight of about 310, Robertson is back at the natural three-technique position that made his a top-five pick in 2003. And he's been locked in during offseason workouts.
Robertson has an innate feel for the angle playing over the guard and how blocking schemes are trying to attack him. So big things are expected with him as a one-gap slasher. But Robertson may still need to combat frequent double-teams until the other Broncos linemen prove they can't be handled with single-blocking. . . .
Kicker Matt Prater's length strength isn't in question, and he should be among the top kickoff specialists in the NFL if he lasts the season. But keeping from spraying his field-goal attempts will ultimately determine his long-term success. And he has tweaked his technique extensively through work with special-teams coach Scott O'Brien and former kicker Jason Elam over the last several months in an effort to acquire such consistency.
Prater has altered his approach to the ball, keeping his head low as he attacks it. He has learned how ball placement on the hold can help combat weather and field location. But the biggest lesion gleaned so far is not trying to kill the ball. It was a key trait making Elam so consistent.
Prater has enough leg to get the ball through the uprights with the same easy swing, even outside 40 yards. It's apparently worked so far. In workouts leading up to minicamp, Prater maintained he has been perfect on his field-goal attempts.
LINEBACKERS ANALYSIS: It was only a few years ago Denver's linebacker trio was considered the NFL's best, anchored by Al Wilson. But now it's a unit in transition.
D.J. Williams will move for the fourth time in his four years, this time from middle linebacker. But Williams had his best season as a weakside player as a rookie in 2004 and can use his athleticism and speed better from that spot to flow to the ball. He could flourish in his old college position.
Denver signed Boss Bailey, the former Lion and brother of ace cornerback Champ Bailey, and his coverage skills on tight ends will be pivotal in a division with Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates. But the younger Bailey must prove he can remain healthy and productive for a full season.
The biggest question is at middle linebacker, where Niko Koutouvides is the likely starter after backing up Lofa Tatupu in Seattle. Koutouvides is known as an aggressive, effort player but he has never been tested for more than spot starting duties. Grade: B-minus. Pro Bowl-caliber players: Williams