The sight of Brandon Stokley in a Broncos practice uniform for the first time was perhaps the most promising image of the two-and-a-half-hour session that opened the Broncos’ two-day minicamp.
“He’s ahead of schedule,” Head Coach Mike Shanahan said. “When we start camp, he should be 100 percent (to) go.”
Stokley didn’t take part in the team and seven-on-seven portions of the session, but he did run pass routes, moving smoothly in his first practice since surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon.
“I didn’t do a whole lot,” Stokley said. “I feel a little like a rookie — with the butterflies and everything.”
For the actual rookies, Monday’s minicamp was just another offseason practice. For those arriving from NFL Europa, however, it was their first practice with the Broncos. Of those NFL-E newbies, Kevin House made the biggest impression of the afternoon, intercepting a pass and taking it, well, “to the House.” (I promise, that’s the last time I’ll use that God-awful pun.)
Other moments and notes from the session …
… Specialized situations were the focal point of the practice, as the Broncos worked in timed situations, placing two and four minutes on the clock while working in goal-line scenarios. “It wasn’t just a review of our normal situations,” Shanahan said. “We got in some good work today.” …
… During the practice, Ryan Harris hit the ground and was examined by team trainers. The third-round pick walked back to the sidelines under his own power …
… Eddie Moore remained with the first team at strongside linebacker …
… Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy had a crash course in Denver’s defense during his first day on the field. “It’s going to take him a while,” Shanahan said. “He hasn’t been in camp; he doesn’t know our system, so we’ll get a chance to work a couple of days here.” …
… Up front, Matt Lepsis was back at left tackle, with Chris Kuper — in his new jersey number 77 — lining up at right guard. Ben Hamilton at left guard, Tom Nalen at center and Erik Pears at right tackle rounded out the offensive line. The Broncos mixed and matched combinations on the defensive line, going along with the afore-mentioned focus on specific situations …
… Ian Gold, Curome Cox and John Lynch each intercepted passes; two of those picks came on tipped footballs …
… And of course, we close with photos:
“I thought he missed half of his head,” Shanahan said of Walker’s John Riggins-esque ‘do.
Back with more later … until then, vaya con Dios.
Tags: 2007 Minicamp
Good stuff Mason. Thanks as always.
You think you could get a better picture of Walker’s hair?
Yeah, Walkers hair is awesome!
I hope Hixon pans out as a good return guy. And good to see Marshal with the hands of glue!
I cant wait till training camp. Please post long highlight vids this year Andrew. Thank you for your great coverage!
Man that is some awesome stuff, great pictures, think you could get a good one of Selvin Young, Dre Bly, or Travis Henry?
Best I’ve got on the hair … for some reason I couldn’t get the settings on the camera quite right and the photos weren’t as sharp as I would have liked.
As for the highlight videos, we’ll do our best … but the stuff we’ve got isn’t much today, because we could only shoot the first 10 minutes of the session, just like with team camp.
Hey great pics. I love reading your blogs I feel like i’m there watching the practice. Can you get some pics of travis henry? I would like to see our new running back in action. Can you also get some of champ and bly? Champs the man and I just wanna see what bly is up to.
I’m really glad to hear about the Brandons… Marshall and Stokley back on the field is good news!
Thanks for the info and pics!
Jonathan Douglas
http://www.mydenverobsession.com
wow i LOVE walkers hair! he is so AWESOME! domenik hixon will do GREAT this year! i met him and he is very very nice! but……WHERE ARE THE PICS OF CHAMP BAILEy?????????lol! broncos will do great this year!
I’m curious if Walker’s mohawk is in tribute to Darrent Williams. If so, that is very cool. Can’t wait for the season, the Denver defense should be great this year…
I want free broncos tickets for the Home game against the Raiders so I can watch you guys kill the Raiders because I am your Number One Fan.
[...] First, and foremost, is the excellent coverage of all things orange & blue by our hero of the Denver blog-o-sphere Andrew Mason. He continues his work with daily news and pictures from mini-camp. Check out the pictures here: DAY 1 [...]
Hey can you please send me a Champ Bailey Jerzey for free because my Birthday just past and I am your number one fan so can you My address is 781 South McCoy Drive Pueblo West, CO 81007 So you can send it their when ever you want to send it.
Sorry, Higgisb … I’m just a chronicler; I don’t have any special access or hookup for jerseys or tickets.
[...] He continues his work with daily news and pictures from mini-camp. Check out the pictures here: DAY 1, Day 2 * Brandon Stokley was out on the field and running around. He even participate in 7-on-7 [...]
OK Andrew, what is your opinion of the Bronco’s up coming year? I always have hopes and a lot of faith in these fella’s! I would like to see a Super Bowl ring on all the Bronco’s fingers! What is the latest on Jay? I need some opinions!
Sports Illustrated…
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting…