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Lonestar
08-18-2010, 04:19 PM
Analysis: Broncos may have some surprises on 53-man roster
By Jeff Legwold
The Denver Post
POSTED: 08/18/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT
UPDATED: 08/18/2010 01:14:03 AM MDT


Broncos DL Ben Garland (Denver Post file photo)
When an NFL team makes those final coach-wants-to-see-you decisions about the 53-man roster, it's the last five or six spots that can be filled by a surprise or two — by those who made the most of training camp and the preseason games.

During the Broncos' preseason opener Sunday at Cincinnati, some intriguing decisions about playing time could be found down the depth chart.

They included:

Kevin Alexander. The undrafted rookie linebacker was among the players who came off the bench to replace starters against the Bengals. He is in the mix to be a back-of-the-roster swing guy at linebacker who could play the inside or outside positions.
Alexander played inside linebacker and defensive end at Clemson. And he has a lot of athleticism; he played in the same high school backfield as Buffalo Bills rookie C.J. Spiller.

Alexander (6-feet-4, 265 pounds) fits the mold that Broncos coach Josh McDaniels wants at Alexander's position. Alexander found his way to the quarterback Sunday and made a couple of hits.

Nate Jones. A savvy veteran the Broncos pursued in free agency, Jones can play cornerback and safety and will always get plenty of work on special teams. That's a full plate and puts him in good position with McDaniels, who values versatility.
Riar Geer. Another undrafted rookie, Geer has said he blocks better than some NFL personnel people gave him credit for as he prepared for the April draft.
Geer entered Sunday's game after tight end Daniel Graham left late in the first quarter.

The Broncos may be forced to use more two-tight end formations early in the season if all-pro offensive tackle Ryan Clady doesn't return from knee surgery as quickly as they hope. The Broncos kept three tight ends when they cut the roster to 53 players last year.

If he doesn't make the roster, Geer could be signed to the Broncos' practice squad.

Ben Garland. The defensive lineman from Air Force is facing a big decision: Enter flight school, which most likely would end his pursuit of an NFL career, or fulfill his military commitment for two years outside of flight school and attempt to restart his NFL career while serving in the reserves.
Garland, who plays with full-throttle effort all the time, made four tackles Sunday against the Bengals.

While parts of his game remain raw, Garland has tremendous footwork for a 300-pounder. That's something defensive line coaches are always looking to find.

Jeff Legwold: 303-954-2359 or jlegwold@denverpost.com

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_15809083

Traveler
08-19-2010, 12:38 PM
While it still too early in the preseason, which surprise player(s) does everyone expect to make the final roster?

My money is on Cassius Vaughn.

Sconnie Bronco
08-19-2010, 12:55 PM
While it still too early in the preseason, which surprise player(s) does everyone expect to make the final roster?

My money is on Cassius Vaughn.

Cassius Vaughn sounds like he should have been a character from one of the Rocky movies. "

Its like, "Hey, do you remember when Rocky fought Cassius Vaughn?".

And then, "Yeah, wasnt he that guy he fought between Apollo Creed and Clubber Lang?"

TXBRONC
08-19-2010, 01:02 PM
Cassius Vaughn sounds like he should have been a character from one of the Rocky movies. "

Its like, "Hey, do you remember when Rocky fought Cassius Vaughn?".

And then, "Yeah, wasnt he that guy he fought between Apollo Creed and Clubber Lang?"

Well he ends up returning punts or kicks, or both then he'll have to weave and bob with the occassional ropeadope. :D