The Broncos’ first mini-camp of the Josh McDaniels era wrapped up on Sunday, and it did nothing if not get the players and coaches even more excited for this year’s campaign.
“It was great,” McDaniels said. “You could see the energy that’s out here — the players are practicing hard, the coaches are coaching hard and everybody has the same goal in mind, which is to get better every day. We’re going to pay the price right now to try to win in September.”
Sunday’s practice was open to the media, so here are some quick hits from the session:
Coach McDaniels has certainly taken a hands-on approach for the first three practices. Not only has he rotated from position group to position group, he’s also gotten involved in some of the drills. He lined up as a defensive back to make sure the receivers were running crisp routes, and even tried to slap the ball away from running backs to stress ball control as they finished up a drill.
“He’s had some good offenses over the last few years in New England, and you don’t get that way by just sitting back in your chair and watching TV,” Chris Simms said. “I think he’s a pretty hands-on guy.”
Speaking of coaches being up-close-and-personal, Jabar Gaffney and Offensive Line Coach Rick Dennison got to know each other a little better Sunday morning. During 7-on-7 drills, Kyle Orton dropped back and launched a pass to Gaffney, who was streaking past his defender down the sideline. Players began to shout as Gaffney neared the offensive line position group, and the receiver made quite a catch over his shoulder before running right into the back of Dennison. The coach hopped right back up with a smile, and the offensive line applauded as Gaffney jogged back to the huddle, got a fist pound from Chad Jackson and a laugh and high five from Orton.
“I said ‘Great catch’ to Jabar and I’ll try not to do that again,” Orton said with a smile. “But it was a great play.”
Orton and Simms split the repetitions evenly throughout Sunday’s practice, and afterward the two were asked separately how to describe the process of learning McDaniels’ offensive system.
“Whatever you put into it is what you get out,” Orton said. “There are plenty of teams implementing new systems and plenty of quarterbacks that have to learn new systems, so it’s nothing overly challenging. Just come in and put the work in — it’s not rocket science.”
Simms agreed that it might not be rocket science, but he had another metaphor ready.
“It’s a new language,” he said. “Any time you’re learning a new language things are going to be hard, just trying to get everybody on the same page. There are some new routes for receivers that they haven’t run before, and there are routes that I haven’t thrown before, so it’s a matter of us all getting on the same page.”
The snow hasn’t melted from the team’s practice field, so once again they took to the “bubble,” an indoor field surrounded by a dome that looks like it’s made out of a Moon Bounce. But being forced indoors didn’t stop Matt Prater from practicing field goals. Lonie Paxton snapped the ball to Brett Kern, who held for Prater, and the kicker simply booted the ball against the side of the dome.
The quarterbacks were involved in an interesting drill during practice — fielding ground balls and tossing the baseball back toward the wall of the dome.
“Just trying to get quick feet, quick hands and get the ball out,” Orton explained.
Plenty of fans seem to be interested in how the linebacker corps is taking shape this offseason. Here’s one update — Wesley Woodyard said he’s been taking some repetitions at inside linebacker when the team runs a 3-4. He said it’s not much different from the role he played last season — “just flying around, making plays,” he said. It seems to be working out so far — during 7-on-7 drills he read a route the whole way, jumped it and returned an interception to the endzone, which resulted in plenty of shouting from the defensive sideline.
A few new faces took some snaps with the linebackers during 7-on-7 drills as well, including Elvis Dumervil and Tim Crowder.
“It was kind of shocking at first, but to see (Dumervil) drop out of there, him and Tim Crowder, to be able to drop back, they look like linebackers out there like they’ve been doing it for years,” Woodyard said. “So it’s been a pretty good fit for those guys.”
Now that this mini-camp is over, the team can look foward to the NFL Draft, which starts this Saturday.
“I think it’s always exciting when you get an opportunity to add good football players to your team, whether it be through free agency or the draft,” McDaniels said. “The draft offers a lot of good young players and we’re looking forward to the ones that are going to end up as Broncos here after seven or eight days.”
Click here for a photo gallery of Sunday’s practice.
BroncosTV also put together a feature on the final day of camp.
The team’s next mini-camp takes place the weekend after the draft — May 1 – 3.
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My Mock Draft
#12 CB Malcolm Jenkins 6-1/201/ SR- Ohio State
#18 RB Chris Wells 6-1/237/ JR- Ohio State
#48 DT Ron Brace 6-3/329/ SR- Boston College
#79 FS Rashad Johnson 6-0/195/ SR- Alabama
#84 S David Bruton 6-2/210/ SR- Notre Dame ran a 4.43 40 @ combine.
#114 QB Graham Harrell 6-2/217/ SR- Texas Tech
#149 DT Terrance Taylor 6-0/319/ SR- Michigan
#185 TE Bear Pascoe 6-6/260/ SR- Fresno State
#225 K David Buehler 6-2/225/ SR- USC
#235 OG Travis Bright 6-5/329/ SR- BYU
What do you think? I cant wait!
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
GOT YOU LOL
THATS WHY YOU DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE OR READ!!!
10 picks this year… that’s awesome!! Best scenario would be to get Sanchez if they really want him. If not, stick to schedule and take the best possible player with every pick or shift around for best results landing who they really want on defensive. Raji, Ty Jackson with 12th pick. A LB @ 18th pick…Rey Maualuga, DE/LB Aaron Maybin or LB Brian Cushing. (Chargers looking to land Ty Jackson or Maualuga as well w/ 16th pick). Agree w/ Monodono taking Brace in 2nd if we don’t get Raji. Have a feeling there will be some shifting on draft day w/ Bucs, Jets, Redskins trying to move up and land Sanchez — we’ll see. If so, we could have an outside shot a Raji. In the later rounds maybe WR Quan Cosby (Texas) and FS Curtis Taylor (LSU) could be considered. I also agree w/ Monodono on the kicker fr USC (David Buehler).
WILLIAMS55LB, like your opinion matters. Didn’t you just post a lie?
we need front 7 not secondary we can get a safty in patrick chung later in the rounds or sean smith
monodono have been a denver fan before you were born. learn the game. youll catch on soon you probably 15 years old.
now to all you true denver fans WHOS EXCITIED ABOUT SATURDAY!!!
If I knew my post would make people start putting fake posts up. I would have kept it to myself man! People need attention don’t they. lol
No clue or class
WILLIAMS55LB – Yes it actually is funny when you’re 12. You must be in Jr. High, it’s something I would have done at that age. As far as the draft, sorry but you have no clue dude. Go back to your geometry homework or post your mock draft for all to see, then we’ll compare after Saturday.
monodono – Interesting #12 pick you got with Jenkins. I’ve heard a lot of good things about him. You never know he could be the next Asomugha. I would not go with a RB at #18 though. There should still be some good talent at DE with that pick and I think they have to fill that position first.
I still say the first round could be a moot point because I think they are trading up with KC or Seattle to land Sanchez. You don’t take the guy to dinner and a game after a workout for no reason. A migraine after mini camp is NEVER a good sign. JMcD didn’t like what he saw. That’s the way I read it.
yea you guys are right i must forgot that were switching to a 3-4 defence and that we got runed all over last year. man. you guys can go cuddle up with each other later.
lets see, draft tyson at 12 one problem fixed
draft rey or james at 18 two problems fixed
draft ron brace at 46 three problems fixed
lets draft a SAFTY at 12 even when we have young great players that we learn from the best with champ and brian and get a guy later in the rounds like patrick chung
just like little kids want to stars they see not the players
1 or 2 things are gonna happen. Their gonna trade the 1st and 2nd round pick to get him. 2. Stafford doesn’t go #1 and he falls to us. Jacksonville is not trading out they want either Maklin or Crabtree. Kc wand Raji or 1 of the OTs. Seattle is sendind a smoke screen they dont want Sanchez but because of the Jets and Redskins going crazy ova him. Seattle think they playing spades and they faking like they got the BIG JOKERS. They really wanna move back and get a RB.
kyle orton is fine mcdenver had been planing working out sanchez for weeks. and if orton isnt the man we got next year when the year of the qb comes out.
They not gonna Draft a DB or S high Because they just got the guys they want in beginning of the off-season. They ot the kid from Indy, Carlton by all accounts with what I’ve heard have surprised them so they will get a good DB at 18. I feel we should not (on the thought that Chicago wont be as good as everyone think and we get a lottery pick ) and do whats best for the D. We need Run stoppers bad on the D- line and everything else on D will fall in place.
100% agree Greatness007
I meant a D-lineman at 18 sorry! lol
WILLIAMS55LB – It’s all in fun for me. So you like Tyson Jackson at #12? Not a bad pick, but I think he will do better in a 4-3. I think the Broncos will be using 3-4 and 4-3 next year, but I think Everett Brown is a better pass rusher.
With Shanahan getting rid of Foxworth (???) I think we still need a good nickel and dime back. I agree with you it appears our D-line is a more pressing need based on last year but, I’ve said this before, maybe the coaches see talent in the guys we have. Maybe they see the failures last year was a combination of lack of coaching and a poor scheme.
I think they should look at Adam (pacman) Jones. I know, I know, I know. But the guy is a great corner and he can return too. With his off field trouble they could get him for a cheap one year deal. I personally would take a gamble on that guy, he’s that good.
aSharpeIdea_84, I didn’t go with a DE at 18 because we have a boatload of players that can play that position, so I looked elswhere and RB looks good to me.
You could be right about the first round being a moot point. My choices are stricktly IF there are no trades. Either way The Broncos are sure to improve.
Keep your eyes on Terrance Taylor saturday, He’s That Diamond in the rough. Ron Brace is the better NT out of Boston, He will command a Double Team every down He plays.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Jack and Josh Bell can play that Nickel/Dime DB. We have pass rushers but they were to small to stop the run. So they could not pin the ears back and rush. They was always looking for the run First the pass rush 2nd. Thats why they last year had Engelburger in most of the time than Doom. He was a not good on run d. AT that 3-4 OLB position though he’ll be a force trust and believe!
yea agree aSharpeIdea_84. but brown reminds me of jarvis moss too much and well were did that go?
tyson would be ideal player for nolan in are new 3-4 and ron brace. but see idk about the 18 pick cause we have grreat linbackers so were do we go with that?another pass rusher?or do we go rey or james
monodono – Ah, I do see your point, but with the new RB’s acquired in FA and Hillis and Torain coming back it seems that it could be a wasted pick on another RB. I don’t think McD would bring in 3 RB if he were going to take one in round #1. If Raji falls to #12 I don’t see how they pass on him either, providing of course they are not trading up.
But whether they package the #1′s this year and get Sanchez or wait till next year and go after Tebow, Bradford or McCoy, it will be interesting once training camp starts to see how Orton and Simms do with this system. I say let the kid start and learn as quickly as possible. Look at P. Manning or even Elway their rookie years.
If the Broncos only win 4-6 games with Orton, it will look really bad on McD. But if they only win 4-6 games with Sanchez, he’s a rookie and it will be expected.
And maybe we make the playoffs with a rookie QB like Ryan and Flacco did.
See? Not a clue about 1st round, but almost everyone agrees with Ron Brace at #48.
And I know it’s against the common opinion, but I think it’d be great if we pick an amazing kick-punt returner with any of the first 4 picks. No matter if it’s a CB, a WR or a RB. I’d love to see a Hester or a Sproles with the Broncos.
Do you thing anyone of our actual 6 RBs could feel that spot? I don’t. And a WR? Royal, maybe, but I wouldn’t risk using him like that anymore. Any CB? None that I know. So?
Now, is there any great kick-punt returner in the draft?
J.J. HARRINGGTON WILL BE THAT ROLE NO DOUBT
Tyson Jackson can go in either package 3-4 or 4-3… shifting inside for 4-3. I like Maualuga but realistically don’t believe he will be there for 18th pick, unless San Diego goes for RB Chris “Beanie” Wells.
Good point Williams55LB: Brown also reminds me of Jarvis Moss. Jarvis was our 17th pick overall in the 1st round two years ago.
I like Moss but so far hasn’t really done much. (Injured his 1st yr).
Monodono – did Wells ever make it for his workout with the Broncos?
i believe we only had 5 ppl return on defense from what I seen….there is one thing for sure this will not be the same defense as last year…with the pick ups in the off season and the draft I expect to have a top 15 defense ….monodono nice mock draft not to sure about #12 and #18 but I do like the guys just not when there should be better defensive players there…but i see your on the right path
yea i love rey but laurinaties is the guy that i want great leadership and reminds me of urlecker. but rey is a beast but may only be a two down back
no wells blew us off from what was reported
he missed he “flight”
Brian Urlacher –what a great story. He played both Safety & Linebacker at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque… a true leader.
Laurinaitis would also be a solid choice and should be available as he is predicted to go late in 1st round or early 2nd round.
Thanks for the update on Wells….maybe he does want to play in Sunny Southern Cal afterall…. lol.
he is injury pron anyways. i really like shaun greene
I don’t know why we’d want to wait to “see” if we have a QB or not in Ortin or Simms. If we can grab Sanchez than we should. I’d feel better with 3 potential QB’s competing especially if one of them hasn’t been given up on by another team like our two all stars now.
Don’t get me wrong, I have “some” potential faith in them. Either way if we pick up a 3rd QB there will be some trade value in who ever doesn’t work out. This is gonna be an interesting weekend. I want to be shocked in a good way this time by Joshy boy…U ran my man outta town, now you’d better turn us around…all eyes on you. Here’s your provin grounds (or death sentence) young head coach. I hope you do us right!!
I don’t like Rey reminds me to much and Nate Webster. Tries to hard to make the big hit and over pursues, would rather have Laurinaitis.
Well folks from my insiders we might be trading a player and the 12th pick to Kc for 3rd pick. They don’t wanna draft a LB that high. Plus Pioli their GM giving Mc D a birthday present.(My thinkin is he feel bad that one of his friends is getting migrane Ova the Cassel and you know who situation) Not final though it depends probably on who they want. If anyone working for the BRONCOS see this post ! DON’T DO IT! DON’T DO IT.
If we have to move up to get him , we need Raji, the biggest ,baddest mo fo D-lineman in the draft! Run stuffer and pass rusher! Then draft some more defense and more defense. Maybe a running back in the latter rounds. Prater was a rookie last year ,give him a break.
Sorry fellas its not gonna happen they want either Shefler or D. Gram. So they could trade Tony G. to someone else but its not going threw! thank goodness but they might be still in discussion stay tuned!!
Good I like Scheffler and Graham, though I still wouldnt mind trading up to the Chiefs. They can have Putzier or Moss and the 12th pick , Moss is a bust anyways.
DON”T DO IT!!!… No major reason to… we have one of the best TE combos in the league… we don’t need ANY more change on offense, unless it involves RB…
Ok I don’t understand why a lot of people want us to trade our picks away to get sanchez saying we must do what helps us win. Sanchez is an unproven player who knows how he’ll do in the NFL its not worth trading our picks away to get him.. look at matt linart of whatever his name is for arizona… go with defense why sanchezz.. common
Moss isn’t a bust(yet). I think his poor play was result of bad management by the coaching staff, it was as if because he was a 1st round pick, we expected him to just pick up on the defense schemes or whatever we were trying to accomplish on D. LoL, Moss being hurt his first year didn’t help either. With Mike Nolan(the preferred head coach) Moss maybe can get back on track. If you notice, a lot of the defensive players we let go, end up playing really well for other teams IE: Bertrand Berry, Trevor Pryce, Nick Eason, Dominique Foxworth, Nick Ferguson, Kelly Herndon, Kennoy Kennedy, I’m sure there’s more, but you get what I am trying to say.
I’d love to see a lineman return a punt or kick return…. I just love to see a fat guy run! lol
In all seriousness however, what would you guys do if both Sanchez and Raji/Jackson were available at 12???
In one hand you could draft the future franchise QB, that would compete for the starting job next season while Orton/Simms filled the gap – and in the other hand you could START fixing the holes on D.
It is possible Raji falls to 12- Jackson should definatly be there. Jackson could also fall to 18. We could end up with Sanchez at 12 and Jackson at 18.
What do you all think?
BroncoAussie: Maualuga may have a few things to work on, but the good things he does on the field, plus being a true leader are intangibles you don’t find in many players. Laurinaitis has his weaknesses as well, but I won’t point them out as it’s irrelevant. Overall both LB’s have alot to offer and will be great additions to whatever Teams land up drafting them.
Heck Yeah!! Trade up…Please. Make me believe you are doing everything you can to replenish the QB spot. Sanchez has a LOT of potential. Sorry, but Simms and Ortin are not proven either. Get us a good potential 3rd QB and let McD evaluate him and make a decision.
..I bet he thinks Sanchez can play and impact us THIS YR. Simms and Ortin have to learn the system too. Yeah they have NFL experience BUT i ain’t draftin neither of them in my fantasy league.
I’m not jumping for joy over simms and Ortin leading our team. They’re proven backups.
Please who would ever even think about grabbin a QB from CHICAGO. Everyone had them as “in need of a good QB” tagged and when Cutler came on the trading block they we’re atop the list as teams in need. Are you tellin me everyone else is blind and Ortin is a hidden gem…i’m not bettin on it. Go for QB McD
This team needs help on D. If Orton or Simms don’t cut it draft a QB next year. Next year’s QB class is alot better. Why do you think Sanchez came out early? To be a 1st rounder. Next year he would be a 2nd rounder.Name a WR on the Bears NOT named Hester?
Dont worry boys, if we trade up to get Sanchez (lions working on finalizing a deal with Stafford by the way), we’ll be drafting in the top ten next year and can still get one of the much more talented QB’s coming out of there, then we can pick them, have 2 first round QB’s on our roster, cut a few players so we can afford them and become a perennial top 10 drafter for the next few years….. all joking aside, QB is not the answer, we had one, we got rid of him, FIX THE DEFENSE!!!!
tnalen66: On the flipside, Sanchez could be a steal as a later pick this year, as he might have been the 1st overall pick in next years draft.
Another WR on the Bears squad…. Earl Bennett. Cutler and Bennett were teammates at Vanderbilt.
funny you mention fantasy NY…cause the way i see it…from a weapons standpoint…orton/simms fantasy value is skyhigh with the likes of marshall/royal/sheffy/graham/stoke/and so on and so on..whereas cutlers took a big hit…with big name recievers like…like…i mean kick returners named…you get my point…youre only as good as the guy on the other side of the pass…
and…mcd doesnt gotta make ANY one believe ANYthing…hes gonna do what he wants and take who he wants and to be honest id put me $$ on him over any joker media personality any day!!…if they’re such personel gurus…then id like to think theyd be getting paid to do it..not just talk about it…point is there’s no accountablility…they do their cute little mock drafts and convince the absent minded fans of whats gonna go down…then come draft day they’re completely wrong and they’re no worse off than before…so given that mcd sees these guys everyday…hes got a hell of a lot better idea of what hes got and what he needs than we do so everyone just needs to have a coke and a smile…regardless of who we take we’re gonna be a better team…
Lynch4prez is right. Defense is the key and hopefully the focal point in this years draft. If we can get our D loaded with some young talent, and with Nolan coaching, this defense can so major improvement. Orton and Simms have a lot of talent around them in this offense, so hopefully this will allow these backup qbs to be somewhat successfull. With an improved defense and qbs that can simply manage the game and get the ball to our playmakers we can possibly make the playoffs. Then next year grab a top round qb that can hopefully replace cutler.
I’m with you all the way lynch4prez FIX THE DEFENSE!!!
GO BRONCOS!! LETS MAKE THIS DRAFT A MEMORABLE ONE!
xxgracegunnerxx
We all get your point. For everyone to chill out and relax and just watch what happens. We all know anything McD gets he is trying to improve the team. Thats what every coach does. Every player you draft has some kind of impact.
People talking about the draft and what each teams needs are is not about trying to persuade someone. It is purely opinions – granted, the coach knows better than any one of us. However, that does not exclude us from having an opinion on the draft to come.
However, I do agree with you on Orton’s stock. I would go with Orton over Cutler right now, however if Burress goes to Chicago… Cutler I would draft in my fantasy football. I highly doubt Burress will go anywhere this season however, as I’m sure after shooting himself in the leg he will have problems running – his career might be finished.
If the system makes the QB, and not the other way around… Orton is going to be an amazing QB the next few seasons.
We shall see!
By the way, I prefer Cherry coke over Coke anyday! =)