Denver Native (Carol)
05-27-2010, 09:09 AM
http://www.denverpost.com/premium/broncos/ci_15170365
The Broncos signed a cornerback in free agency and selected two more in the draft, but don't exclude 2009 second- round draft pick Alphonso Smith from playing a big role.
Smith has spent time as the first-team nickel cornerback in this week's passing camp, ahead of players such as veteran Nate Jones, who signed in March, fellow second-year player Tony Carter and rookies Perrish Cox and Syd'Quan Thompson.
Sure, it is only May, but it is a positive sign for Smith, who had little go right in a disappointing rookie year, during which he was passed over several times for playing time as the team's third cornerback.
"I'm just trying to take as many reps as I can to get better as a nickel player and a cornerback and to help the defense," Smith said.
Smith said he spent much of his offseason studying the Broncos' defense so he is better prepared for what he hopes will be a better sophomore season.
"I needed that leap year," Smith said.
Veteran cornerback Champ Bailey said he already has seen improvement from Smith.
"He's grown a lot," Bailey said. "I think he understands what we expect from him."
New way to practice.
The Broncos have altered the way they practice special teams, including kickoff and punt coverage, for the 2010 season. Coach Josh McDaniels said his staff has decided to break the coverage units into specialized groups, much as they practice during offensive and defensive sessions.
In Monday's practice that was open to media, that included a punt coverage drill with two players teaming to "tackle" a returner and a specialized drill for "gunners" such as David Bruton and Josh Barrett.
Bailey, on Tebow.
Bailey remains a die-hard Georgia Bulldog, so he had to put aside the loyalty to his college when the Broncos drafted Tim Tebow, who starred at quarterback for Florida, Georgia's biggest rival.
Tebow was 3-1 against Georgia in his collegiate career.
"I hated him. He was a Gator and I'm a Dawg," Bailey said, laughing. "He was a great college football player, probably the best ever. He did everything in college that you can probably do. I wish my career went like that."
The Broncos signed a cornerback in free agency and selected two more in the draft, but don't exclude 2009 second- round draft pick Alphonso Smith from playing a big role.
Smith has spent time as the first-team nickel cornerback in this week's passing camp, ahead of players such as veteran Nate Jones, who signed in March, fellow second-year player Tony Carter and rookies Perrish Cox and Syd'Quan Thompson.
Sure, it is only May, but it is a positive sign for Smith, who had little go right in a disappointing rookie year, during which he was passed over several times for playing time as the team's third cornerback.
"I'm just trying to take as many reps as I can to get better as a nickel player and a cornerback and to help the defense," Smith said.
Smith said he spent much of his offseason studying the Broncos' defense so he is better prepared for what he hopes will be a better sophomore season.
"I needed that leap year," Smith said.
Veteran cornerback Champ Bailey said he already has seen improvement from Smith.
"He's grown a lot," Bailey said. "I think he understands what we expect from him."
New way to practice.
The Broncos have altered the way they practice special teams, including kickoff and punt coverage, for the 2010 season. Coach Josh McDaniels said his staff has decided to break the coverage units into specialized groups, much as they practice during offensive and defensive sessions.
In Monday's practice that was open to media, that included a punt coverage drill with two players teaming to "tackle" a returner and a specialized drill for "gunners" such as David Bruton and Josh Barrett.
Bailey, on Tebow.
Bailey remains a die-hard Georgia Bulldog, so he had to put aside the loyalty to his college when the Broncos drafted Tim Tebow, who starred at quarterback for Florida, Georgia's biggest rival.
Tebow was 3-1 against Georgia in his collegiate career.
"I hated him. He was a Gator and I'm a Dawg," Bailey said, laughing. "He was a great college football player, probably the best ever. He did everything in college that you can probably do. I wish my career went like that."