Running back Maroney could be part of Broncos' long-term plans
By Mike Klis
If it becomes apparent that newly acquired Laurence Maroney is working out as a running back, the Broncos would like to work out a contract extension before he becomes eligible for free agency after this season.
"Certainly we would love to have an opportunity to keep a young player at that position around for more than a year," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said. "I think that would be the goal for sure — to give us some guys that really have an opportunity to be here for a long time."
In his first day with the Broncos, Maroney didn't put on the team colors. He didn't practice Wednesday because the transaction did not clear the NFL office until after the Broncos' early afternoon practice.
But Maroney did pass his physical and the trade went through. Besides Maroney, the transaction included the Broncos' sending their 2011 fourth-round pick to New England with the Patriots sending their 2011 sixth-round pick to Denver.
The Broncos' 2011 draft lineup:
First round: One pick.
Second round: Two picks. The additional pick came from Miami in the Brandon Marshall deal.
Third round: One pick.
Fourth round: No picks. It was sent to New England for Maroney.
Fifth round: No picks. Sent to Tampa Bay for right to move up and draft Syd'Quan Thompson and Jammie Kirlew.
Sixth round: Two picks. One from the Pats in Maroney deal, one in trade with Detroit for tight end Dan Gronkowski. The team sent its own pick to Cleveland for Brady Quinn.
Seventh round: No picks. Sent to Detroit for Gronkowski.
But never mind next year. The question is, can Maroney help the Broncos this year? A first-round pick in the 2006 draft, Maroney never has had so much as a 900-yard rushing season. Not often considered, though, is that the Pats and Broncos have pass-oriented offenses that ask their backs to take standing-start handoffs from a shotgun-positioned quarterback.
"If you're playing in an offense that uses three and four and five backs, expectations of 1,500 yards rushing probably aren't realistic," McDaniels said. "This guy has a lot of football in front of him and we're excited to have him."
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com
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