Denver Native (Carol)
06-08-2010, 10:03 PM
http://cbs4denver.com/broncos/broncos.offensive.line.2.1740104.html
The only sure thing on the Denver Broncos offensive line right now is guard Chris Kuper, who secured a multi-year contract. Other than Kuper, the whole line is just one big question mark after another.
The offensive line has undergone a major overhaul. Veterans like Ben Hamilton and Casey Wiegmann are gone. They've been replaced by players who are younger, bigger and faster; guys that head coach Josh McDaniels hopes and expects to play with an edge.
"(J.D. Walton is) kind of a nasty guy, not personally, but on the football field, which is kind of a good attitude to have for an interior lineman," McDaniels said.
Walton was the Broncos third-round pick from Baylor in the draft. He doesn't mind McDaniels' characterization one bit.
"We're mean guys, so you've just got to take pride in that and just have fun with it," Walton said.
"When we're on the field it's all business and hard work and we're tough guys and we'll mush a couple faces in the dirt," rookie guard Seth Olsen said. "But when we're off the field we've got to be together. That's just how we have to play, we have to play as a unit."
It's going to take some time. The offensive line has to play in unison, but first they have to figure out where they will play. Zane Beadles was thought to be playing guard, but with Ryan Clady injured he could see time at left tackle, even if he might not be a perfect fit. It's been said his arms are a little short to play tackle.
"I've heard that plenty of times. What matters is how you use them," Beadles said. "As long as I can maximize my ability … I don't really get into the measurables too much. If you can play, you can play."
Olsen figures to be a swing man, playing wherever he's needed most.
"I played guard for three years in college, I played center this past year, so I'm pretty comfortable all over in the middle," Olsen said. "If they wanted me to play tackle I'd be comfortable with that too … it's all on Coach McDaniels."
Walton is sure where he's going to play. He's supposed to fill the vacancy at center.
"I've got to earn that position, you know. Ain't nothing given to you. So I've got to come out here and learn this offense as quick as I can and bust my butt," Walton said. "It's a detailed offense and it's going to take time to learn it."
"We knew we needed to add some interior depth offensively," McDaniels said. "It felt like we got players, Zane Beadles and J.D. Walton, that can do that."
McDaniels said they wanted to create a competition so that ultimately the best five players are on the field in September.
The only sure thing on the Denver Broncos offensive line right now is guard Chris Kuper, who secured a multi-year contract. Other than Kuper, the whole line is just one big question mark after another.
The offensive line has undergone a major overhaul. Veterans like Ben Hamilton and Casey Wiegmann are gone. They've been replaced by players who are younger, bigger and faster; guys that head coach Josh McDaniels hopes and expects to play with an edge.
"(J.D. Walton is) kind of a nasty guy, not personally, but on the football field, which is kind of a good attitude to have for an interior lineman," McDaniels said.
Walton was the Broncos third-round pick from Baylor in the draft. He doesn't mind McDaniels' characterization one bit.
"We're mean guys, so you've just got to take pride in that and just have fun with it," Walton said.
"When we're on the field it's all business and hard work and we're tough guys and we'll mush a couple faces in the dirt," rookie guard Seth Olsen said. "But when we're off the field we've got to be together. That's just how we have to play, we have to play as a unit."
It's going to take some time. The offensive line has to play in unison, but first they have to figure out where they will play. Zane Beadles was thought to be playing guard, but with Ryan Clady injured he could see time at left tackle, even if he might not be a perfect fit. It's been said his arms are a little short to play tackle.
"I've heard that plenty of times. What matters is how you use them," Beadles said. "As long as I can maximize my ability … I don't really get into the measurables too much. If you can play, you can play."
Olsen figures to be a swing man, playing wherever he's needed most.
"I played guard for three years in college, I played center this past year, so I'm pretty comfortable all over in the middle," Olsen said. "If they wanted me to play tackle I'd be comfortable with that too … it's all on Coach McDaniels."
Walton is sure where he's going to play. He's supposed to fill the vacancy at center.
"I've got to earn that position, you know. Ain't nothing given to you. So I've got to come out here and learn this offense as quick as I can and bust my butt," Walton said. "It's a detailed offense and it's going to take time to learn it."
"We knew we needed to add some interior depth offensively," McDaniels said. "It felt like we got players, Zane Beadles and J.D. Walton, that can do that."
McDaniels said they wanted to create a competition so that ultimately the best five players are on the field in September.