Denver Native (Carol)
05-01-2009, 09:10 AM
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_12267866
We've seen how they perform in a suit and tie. Now let's see how the Broncos' newest additions do in helmets and jerseys.
Denver coaches get their first chance to check the Broncos' 10 draft picks — as well as 17 undrafted free agents — when the team's second offseason mini-camp opens today.
It's the first chance for all these rookies to make a good impression and the beginning of the process of earning a roster spot come September.
"I'm looking forward to the competition as it begins this week," coach Josh McDaniels said at the conclusion of the draft.
In all, the Broncos' roster contains 88 names, and this three-day camp — which is technically voluntary — will help coaches decide which players will be around for training camp and which will eventually make the 53-man roster to start the season.
The progress of a couple of the newcomers will be particularly interesting to follow.
First, there is running back Knowshon Moreno, the team's top draft pick last weekend, who should immediately make a push for playing time.
The team had only three healthy running backs at the first mini-camp two weeks ago, so Moreno should get plenty of early repetitions.
Even though he was the team's first selection, Moreno said he knows his initial spot on the depth chart — just like when he arrived at the University of Georgia and spent his first year playing only on the scout team.
"I learned from the guys that were there, just like I'm going to do here," Moreno said.
Then there is the second first-round pick, Robert Ayers, who is expected to start his professional career at defensive end, though he has never before played that position in a 3-4 defense.
Undrafted nose tackle Chris Baker, who played two years at Penn State and one at Hampton, is the only interior lineman added to the roster, and he'll move right into competition with players such as Ronald Fields, Marcus Thomas and Carlton Powell.
Rookie Tom Brandstater, selected in the sixth round, fills out the team's depth chart at quarterback.
Brandstater isn't expected to push his way into the battle between Kyle Orton and Chris Simms, but McDaniels liked the former Fresno State player's raw ability enough to move up to draft him.
The team will hold one more voluntary camp in late May and a final three-day camp from June 12-14 that is mandatory.
Broncos mini-camp
What: Second of four mini-camps. This camp is for all players, including the 10 rookie draft picks and 17 undrafted free agents. A third camp, in late May, will be for the passing game only.
When: Today-Sunday
OTHER KEY DATES:
Mandatory team camp: June 12-14
Preseason opener: Aug. 14 at San Francisco
Regular-season opener: Sept. 13 at Cincinnati
We've seen how they perform in a suit and tie. Now let's see how the Broncos' newest additions do in helmets and jerseys.
Denver coaches get their first chance to check the Broncos' 10 draft picks — as well as 17 undrafted free agents — when the team's second offseason mini-camp opens today.
It's the first chance for all these rookies to make a good impression and the beginning of the process of earning a roster spot come September.
"I'm looking forward to the competition as it begins this week," coach Josh McDaniels said at the conclusion of the draft.
In all, the Broncos' roster contains 88 names, and this three-day camp — which is technically voluntary — will help coaches decide which players will be around for training camp and which will eventually make the 53-man roster to start the season.
The progress of a couple of the newcomers will be particularly interesting to follow.
First, there is running back Knowshon Moreno, the team's top draft pick last weekend, who should immediately make a push for playing time.
The team had only three healthy running backs at the first mini-camp two weeks ago, so Moreno should get plenty of early repetitions.
Even though he was the team's first selection, Moreno said he knows his initial spot on the depth chart — just like when he arrived at the University of Georgia and spent his first year playing only on the scout team.
"I learned from the guys that were there, just like I'm going to do here," Moreno said.
Then there is the second first-round pick, Robert Ayers, who is expected to start his professional career at defensive end, though he has never before played that position in a 3-4 defense.
Undrafted nose tackle Chris Baker, who played two years at Penn State and one at Hampton, is the only interior lineman added to the roster, and he'll move right into competition with players such as Ronald Fields, Marcus Thomas and Carlton Powell.
Rookie Tom Brandstater, selected in the sixth round, fills out the team's depth chart at quarterback.
Brandstater isn't expected to push his way into the battle between Kyle Orton and Chris Simms, but McDaniels liked the former Fresno State player's raw ability enough to move up to draft him.
The team will hold one more voluntary camp in late May and a final three-day camp from June 12-14 that is mandatory.
Broncos mini-camp
What: Second of four mini-camps. This camp is for all players, including the 10 rookie draft picks and 17 undrafted free agents. A third camp, in late May, will be for the passing game only.
When: Today-Sunday
OTHER KEY DATES:
Mandatory team camp: June 12-14
Preseason opener: Aug. 14 at San Francisco
Regular-season opener: Sept. 13 at Cincinnati