Ziggy
07-14-2010, 07:16 PM
Denver Broncos 2010 Training Camp Preview- Offense
As we draw closer to training camp, we're going to break down the Bronco's roster by position. This week, the offense is under the microscope.
Fullbacks-
Currently on the roster: Spencer Larsen, Russ Hochstein
During the 2009 season, the fullback position was rarely used. Expect to see more 2 back sets in 2010. Spencer Larsen should have a lock on the starting position. He's played well when called upon, and should be primed for his third NFL season. While he lacks the soft hands to be utilized more as a receiving back, he brings an attack mentality to the blocking aspect his game. His only other competition on the roster currently is Russ Hochstein, who played FB in goal line and short yardage situations last season before moving to guard full time after Ben Hamilton's injury. With the new depth on the interior Oline, I expect to see Hochstein regularly at FB during camp once he gets back from rehabbing his injured knee.
Projected starter- Spencer Larsen
Projected backup- Russ Hochstein
When it's all said and done- No, I don't expect to see Tim Tebow in at the fullback position, regardless of depth. Don't be surprised to see another offensive lineman or tight end moved to FB part time in camp to give the Broncos more options here.
Tight Ends-
Currently on the roster: Daniel Graham, Richard Quinn, Marquez Branson, Riar Greer, Nathan Overbay
During the 2009 season, tight ends were used more as blockers than receivers. Don't expect that to change this season. Daniel Graham is still one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL. Until Ryan Clady returns, expect Graham to be babysitting the left tackle position early and often. With the Broncos commitment to both the power running scheme, and stretching the field more often, Graham will be more valuable to this team than ever. Richard Quinn will provide some power on the other side of the line in 2 tight end sets, and Marquez Branson will make his bid to replace Scheffler during camp.
Projected Starter- Daniel Graham
Projected backup- Richard Quinn
Other final roster candidates- Marquez Branson
When it's all said and done- The Broncos should carry 3 tight ends into the season. Riar Greer and Nathan Overbay will make their cases in camp, but I doubt that either will sniff the final roster.
Quarterbacks-
Currently on the roster: Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, Time Tebow
During the 2009 season, Orton was consistent but unspectacular. He's proven throughout his career that he can manage a team with a good defense, but he's not going to produce many wins on his own. Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow bring the mobility and physical assets that McDaniels craves in his quarterbacks, but neither have proven themselves in the NFL. I expect Orton to be the starter, but on a short leash. He'll be required to stretch the field more often this season. If he can't do that, look for him to be replaced by mid season. After trading back into the first round to select Tebow, the Broncos will find a way to use him. Expect to see him on short yardage and goal line situations often.
Projected Starter- Kyle Orton
Projected Backups- Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow
When it's all said and done- Although I expect Orton to begin the season as the starter, I'd be shocked if he finished that way. Quinn and Tebow will compete in camp. With Orton having obvious limitations, I expect both to have a realistic shot at lining up with the starters by week 8.
Center-
Currently on the roster: Dustin Fry, JD Walton. Both Russ Hochstein and Eric Olsen can also play the position if injuries play a part here.
During the 2009 season, Casey Wegman's level of play dropped dramatically. Lacking the bulk to move bigger defenders, he was pushed around throughout the season. Out is Wegman, and in come the big boys. At 320 pounds, Dustin Fry brings the size, but 305 pound JD Walton brings the nasty disposition that Oline coaches long for in their lineman. Walton has been running with the first team in OTA's, and I don't expect that to change in the next decade or so. Watching him play, I see a young Tom Nalen with 20 more pounds of muscle..
Projected Starter- JD Walton
Projected Backups- Eric Olsen, Russ Hochstein, Lonnie Paxton
When it's all said and done- With Paxton guaranteed a roster spot, I don't see Fry making the cut.
Guard-
Currently on the roster: Chris Kuper, Russ Hochstein, D'Anthony Batiste, Zane Beadles, Eric Olsen, Seth Olsen, Stanley Daniels
During the 2009 season, Kuper played injured often, Ben Hamilton proved ineffective, and Hochstein was average at best in relief. The Broncos have shown their confidence in Kuper with a shiny new contract extension. He should anchor the right guard position for years to come. The competition will be at left guard. Seth Olen is entering his 2nd season and played well in the power blocking scheme at Iowa. I look for the starter to be either him or 2nd round pick Zane Beadles, with Beadles having the slight edge. Hochstein could push them, but he's more of your 'jack of all trades, master of none' type of player. While that versatility will land him a spot on the final roster, it won't win him a starting position along the offensive line.
Projected Starters- Chris Kuper, Zane Beadles
Projected Backups- Russ Hochstein, Seth Olsen
When it's all said and done- Eric Olsen may not make the final roster with the Broncos, but he's a sure fire practice squad candidate. His versatility should help him stick somewhere in the NFL.
Tackle-
Currently on the roster: Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, Chris Marinelli, Paul Duncan, Kirk Barton, Tyler Polumbus
During the 2009 season, Ryan Clady's play dropped off some, but not enough to keep him from being named all-pro. He's established himself as one of the premier tackles in the league. Ryan Harris was once again injured, and the line play fell off dramatically without him. Going into the last year of his contract, it's imperative that he keep himself on the field and healthy during the 2010 season. With the possibility of southpaw Tim Tebow being the future at QB in Denver, the right tackle position will become even more important to the future success of the franchise. A big year from Harris will probably result in a big contract in the off season, especially with the lack of quality depth at tackle.
Projected Starters- Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris
Projected Backups- Tyler Polumbus
When it's all said and done- The Clady injury during the off season was devastating. If he doesn't return healthy early in the season, the Broncos line could be in trouble again. Ryan Harris will also be coming off of a major injury, and as previously stated, the depth at tackle leaves much to be desired. Chris Marinelli will get a chance to make the final roster if either Harris or Clady are late to return. If not, look for him to be put on the practice squad.
Running Back-
Currently on the roster: Knowshon Moreno, JJ Arrington, Correll Buckhalter, Toney Baker, Lance Ball, Bruce Hall, Kolby Smith
During the 2009 season, Buckhalter was solid when healthy. Knowshon Moreno ran hard, but often into the wrong gap. Knowshon will have to have more patience this season. He has the physical tools to be a 1500 yard back, but does he have the vision and the patience? JJ Arrington will give it another go after missing a full season with a knee injury. The wild card in this group is Toney Baker. Before his knee injuries, he was a first round talent. If he's back to 100%, he has the ability to be the surprise of training camp. The revamped interior offensive line will be a huge factor in how well this group of backs do.
Projected Starter- Knowshon Moreno
Projected Backups- Correll Buckhalter, JJ Arrington, Toney Baker
When it's all said and done- Tim Tebow may end up with more rushing TD's than any of the backs. I expect him to be in often on short yardage and goal line situations. If Arrington has lost his explosiveness, he's more than likely lost his career in the NFL.
Wide Receiver-
Currently on the roster: Jabar Gaffney , Eddie Royal, Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Brandon Stokely, Kenny McKinnley, Alric Arnett, Patrick Honeycutt, Brandon Lloyd, Matt Willis
During the 2009 season, Brandon Marshall continued to put up big numbers. The Broncos ultimately decided to go in another direction, and traded their pro bowl receiver to the Dolphins. Demaryius Thomas will try to fill his shoes, but it's highly unlikely that he can do it in his first year. Brandon Lloyd showed flashes of brilliance late in the season when he got his chance to get on the field. Jabar Gaffney is a solid pro, and will make the roster. Eddie Royal may be the biggest key to this group. After having an outstanding rookie season, his numbers dropped dramatically last year. McDaniels has stated publicly that he didn't use Royal as much as he should have, and hopes to move him around more this season. Look for the Broncos to also cut back Eddie's duties on kick returns this year, and let him focus more on his receiving duties.
Projected Starters- Demaryius Thomas, Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney
Projected Backups- Brandon Lloyd, Eric Decker, Kenny McKinley
When it's all said and done- The surprise cut here was Brandon Stokely. I'm giving the edge to McKinnley due to his return abilities. With Royal playing in the slot more, I just don't think that there will be enough playing time to justify keeping Stokely.
The Denver Broncos offensive will look to run with authority and stretch the field more often this season. Do they have the horses to do it? I believe they do. Will they be a top 5 offense? I believe they won't. The focus will be on improving in both short yardage and red zone situations, and keeping the defense off of the field more often this season. Look for offensive improvement, but not domination.
As we draw closer to training camp, we're going to break down the Bronco's roster by position. This week, the offense is under the microscope.
Fullbacks-
Currently on the roster: Spencer Larsen, Russ Hochstein
During the 2009 season, the fullback position was rarely used. Expect to see more 2 back sets in 2010. Spencer Larsen should have a lock on the starting position. He's played well when called upon, and should be primed for his third NFL season. While he lacks the soft hands to be utilized more as a receiving back, he brings an attack mentality to the blocking aspect his game. His only other competition on the roster currently is Russ Hochstein, who played FB in goal line and short yardage situations last season before moving to guard full time after Ben Hamilton's injury. With the new depth on the interior Oline, I expect to see Hochstein regularly at FB during camp once he gets back from rehabbing his injured knee.
Projected starter- Spencer Larsen
Projected backup- Russ Hochstein
When it's all said and done- No, I don't expect to see Tim Tebow in at the fullback position, regardless of depth. Don't be surprised to see another offensive lineman or tight end moved to FB part time in camp to give the Broncos more options here.
Tight Ends-
Currently on the roster: Daniel Graham, Richard Quinn, Marquez Branson, Riar Greer, Nathan Overbay
During the 2009 season, tight ends were used more as blockers than receivers. Don't expect that to change this season. Daniel Graham is still one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL. Until Ryan Clady returns, expect Graham to be babysitting the left tackle position early and often. With the Broncos commitment to both the power running scheme, and stretching the field more often, Graham will be more valuable to this team than ever. Richard Quinn will provide some power on the other side of the line in 2 tight end sets, and Marquez Branson will make his bid to replace Scheffler during camp.
Projected Starter- Daniel Graham
Projected backup- Richard Quinn
Other final roster candidates- Marquez Branson
When it's all said and done- The Broncos should carry 3 tight ends into the season. Riar Greer and Nathan Overbay will make their cases in camp, but I doubt that either will sniff the final roster.
Quarterbacks-
Currently on the roster: Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, Time Tebow
During the 2009 season, Orton was consistent but unspectacular. He's proven throughout his career that he can manage a team with a good defense, but he's not going to produce many wins on his own. Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow bring the mobility and physical assets that McDaniels craves in his quarterbacks, but neither have proven themselves in the NFL. I expect Orton to be the starter, but on a short leash. He'll be required to stretch the field more often this season. If he can't do that, look for him to be replaced by mid season. After trading back into the first round to select Tebow, the Broncos will find a way to use him. Expect to see him on short yardage and goal line situations often.
Projected Starter- Kyle Orton
Projected Backups- Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow
When it's all said and done- Although I expect Orton to begin the season as the starter, I'd be shocked if he finished that way. Quinn and Tebow will compete in camp. With Orton having obvious limitations, I expect both to have a realistic shot at lining up with the starters by week 8.
Center-
Currently on the roster: Dustin Fry, JD Walton. Both Russ Hochstein and Eric Olsen can also play the position if injuries play a part here.
During the 2009 season, Casey Wegman's level of play dropped dramatically. Lacking the bulk to move bigger defenders, he was pushed around throughout the season. Out is Wegman, and in come the big boys. At 320 pounds, Dustin Fry brings the size, but 305 pound JD Walton brings the nasty disposition that Oline coaches long for in their lineman. Walton has been running with the first team in OTA's, and I don't expect that to change in the next decade or so. Watching him play, I see a young Tom Nalen with 20 more pounds of muscle..
Projected Starter- JD Walton
Projected Backups- Eric Olsen, Russ Hochstein, Lonnie Paxton
When it's all said and done- With Paxton guaranteed a roster spot, I don't see Fry making the cut.
Guard-
Currently on the roster: Chris Kuper, Russ Hochstein, D'Anthony Batiste, Zane Beadles, Eric Olsen, Seth Olsen, Stanley Daniels
During the 2009 season, Kuper played injured often, Ben Hamilton proved ineffective, and Hochstein was average at best in relief. The Broncos have shown their confidence in Kuper with a shiny new contract extension. He should anchor the right guard position for years to come. The competition will be at left guard. Seth Olen is entering his 2nd season and played well in the power blocking scheme at Iowa. I look for the starter to be either him or 2nd round pick Zane Beadles, with Beadles having the slight edge. Hochstein could push them, but he's more of your 'jack of all trades, master of none' type of player. While that versatility will land him a spot on the final roster, it won't win him a starting position along the offensive line.
Projected Starters- Chris Kuper, Zane Beadles
Projected Backups- Russ Hochstein, Seth Olsen
When it's all said and done- Eric Olsen may not make the final roster with the Broncos, but he's a sure fire practice squad candidate. His versatility should help him stick somewhere in the NFL.
Tackle-
Currently on the roster: Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, Chris Marinelli, Paul Duncan, Kirk Barton, Tyler Polumbus
During the 2009 season, Ryan Clady's play dropped off some, but not enough to keep him from being named all-pro. He's established himself as one of the premier tackles in the league. Ryan Harris was once again injured, and the line play fell off dramatically without him. Going into the last year of his contract, it's imperative that he keep himself on the field and healthy during the 2010 season. With the possibility of southpaw Tim Tebow being the future at QB in Denver, the right tackle position will become even more important to the future success of the franchise. A big year from Harris will probably result in a big contract in the off season, especially with the lack of quality depth at tackle.
Projected Starters- Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris
Projected Backups- Tyler Polumbus
When it's all said and done- The Clady injury during the off season was devastating. If he doesn't return healthy early in the season, the Broncos line could be in trouble again. Ryan Harris will also be coming off of a major injury, and as previously stated, the depth at tackle leaves much to be desired. Chris Marinelli will get a chance to make the final roster if either Harris or Clady are late to return. If not, look for him to be put on the practice squad.
Running Back-
Currently on the roster: Knowshon Moreno, JJ Arrington, Correll Buckhalter, Toney Baker, Lance Ball, Bruce Hall, Kolby Smith
During the 2009 season, Buckhalter was solid when healthy. Knowshon Moreno ran hard, but often into the wrong gap. Knowshon will have to have more patience this season. He has the physical tools to be a 1500 yard back, but does he have the vision and the patience? JJ Arrington will give it another go after missing a full season with a knee injury. The wild card in this group is Toney Baker. Before his knee injuries, he was a first round talent. If he's back to 100%, he has the ability to be the surprise of training camp. The revamped interior offensive line will be a huge factor in how well this group of backs do.
Projected Starter- Knowshon Moreno
Projected Backups- Correll Buckhalter, JJ Arrington, Toney Baker
When it's all said and done- Tim Tebow may end up with more rushing TD's than any of the backs. I expect him to be in often on short yardage and goal line situations. If Arrington has lost his explosiveness, he's more than likely lost his career in the NFL.
Wide Receiver-
Currently on the roster: Jabar Gaffney , Eddie Royal, Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Brandon Stokely, Kenny McKinnley, Alric Arnett, Patrick Honeycutt, Brandon Lloyd, Matt Willis
During the 2009 season, Brandon Marshall continued to put up big numbers. The Broncos ultimately decided to go in another direction, and traded their pro bowl receiver to the Dolphins. Demaryius Thomas will try to fill his shoes, but it's highly unlikely that he can do it in his first year. Brandon Lloyd showed flashes of brilliance late in the season when he got his chance to get on the field. Jabar Gaffney is a solid pro, and will make the roster. Eddie Royal may be the biggest key to this group. After having an outstanding rookie season, his numbers dropped dramatically last year. McDaniels has stated publicly that he didn't use Royal as much as he should have, and hopes to move him around more this season. Look for the Broncos to also cut back Eddie's duties on kick returns this year, and let him focus more on his receiving duties.
Projected Starters- Demaryius Thomas, Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney
Projected Backups- Brandon Lloyd, Eric Decker, Kenny McKinley
When it's all said and done- The surprise cut here was Brandon Stokely. I'm giving the edge to McKinnley due to his return abilities. With Royal playing in the slot more, I just don't think that there will be enough playing time to justify keeping Stokely.
The Denver Broncos offensive will look to run with authority and stretch the field more often this season. Do they have the horses to do it? I believe they do. Will they be a top 5 offense? I believe they won't. The focus will be on improving in both short yardage and red zone situations, and keeping the defense off of the field more often this season. Look for offensive improvement, but not domination.