The Broncos concluded their three-day mini camp Sunday afternoon. Here are some quick hits from today’s practice.
SPIRITED COMPETITION: Even though there was no contact during mini camp, there was some spirited back and forth between the offense and defense. Most of the talk was between Wesley Woodyard and Daniel Graham, with some Darrell Reid thrown in as well. All of it was in good fun, but you could tell the competition was fierce even in early May.
TWO MINUTES: After several spirited 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, the team concluded practice with an 11-on-11 two-minute drill. Kyle Orton was five-of-six on his two-minute drive, completing three consecutive passes to Brandon Stokley before hitting Eddie Royal to set up a Matt Prater field goal. Chris Simms was up next, he was four-of-seven and completed two big passes to rookie Nate Swift to set up another Prater field goal.
SECONDARY SHINES: Although the offense had its moments on Sunday, so did the defense — especially the secondary. In 7-on-7 drills, Jabar Gaffney got behind the defense and went up to grab the reception, but a fast-closing Renaldo Hill knocked the ball away. Rookie Alphonso Smith also got into the action, knocking away a Simms pass intended for Chad Jackson. In 11-on-11 drills, both Andre Goodman and Jack Williams knocked away passes, Williams as he blitzed Orton who was looking for the bubble screen.
CATCHING PUNTS: At the end if practice, Head Coach Josh McDaniels gathered the team and gave them a challenge. If an offensive or defensive lineman was able to field a punt, their respective side of the ball wouldn’t have meetings following practice.
Ryan Harris represented the offense and Kenny Peterson the defense. Harris misjudged his punt, but made a nice diving recovery only to have the ball just fall out of his grasp — much to the enjoyment of the defense. Peterson — despite the heckling offense — was able to get under his opportunity and fielded the catch with ease.
Coach McDaniels gave the offense one more shot, but gave the defense the opportunity to pick which lineman would receive. Unanimously, they chose Ryan Clady. Brett Kern’s punt made Clady move to his left, but the big man was able to grab the punt cleanly and the offense and defense were able to call it a day without meetings.
“That was just something fun — I think the players got a kick out of it,” McDaniels said. “I told them if we had a good day of work today that we might throw them a bone, they had a good day of work so we let them have an opportunity to miss the very last meeting.”
MISC: Along with Prater’s two successful field goal attempts in 11-on-11, he was four-of-five during the field goal session, with his only miss coming on a bobbled hold by rookie Britton Colquitt … Tom Brandstater hit fellow rookie Kenny McKinley down the middle between two defenders in 7-on-7 drills … As the quarterbacks worked with the wide receivers, LaMont Jordan accurately fired passes to his fellow running backs … Donning number 66, Lonie Paxton snapped to the quarterbacks during 7-on-7 drills. Many had to double-take to make sure it wasn’t Tom Nalen back out there … With meetings canceled thanks to the punt catching skills of their teammates, Champ Bailey and Daniel Graham raced off the field in an effort to make it to the Pepsi Center before tip-off of the Nuggets – Mavericks playoff game … As the vets scampered off the field, all of the rookies worked on their conditioning with Strength and Conditioning Coach Rich Tuten. Many commented about the altitude as they were huffing and puffing off the field.
Here are some photos of the day and to read more about the day’s action, click here.
Hey greatness not to get off topic, but I know you watching NFL Network right now right??
They had a interview with Pat Bowlen on the Mike S. and Cutler situation. They just won’t let it go. He threw Mc Daniels under the bus though. Say he(mc Daniels) made mistake with Jay. If Jay would have talked to him(Bowlen) everything would have been fine. The reason he fired Mike is that Mike didn’t wanna hire Nolan for the D. Mike thought he could fix it or if we had to go to a 3-4. He was waiting to see if Wade Phillips would get fired and hire him. Pat felt he(mike) was just bringing the same old people back that didn’t work the first time.So he(pat) made the move. Pat also said he thought Mc Daniels would have drafted more for the front 7. He didn’t and that confused Pat. He was lost as to whats going on, but he has to and will give Mc Daniels support. Even if we go 0-2 at the start. He’s in this for the long haul.
It’s McDaniels… not Mc Daniels… sorry, but that was bugging me…
I never heard that Shanny wanted Wade… I find that interesting…
No I didn’t see it. I am watching the 94 broncos vs Chiefs game. No matter how many time I see this game. I cuss out Glen Milburn for muffing those punts. lol
Yeah they said when Mike got fired by the Broncos back in the day. Ova that Elway and Mike drawing up their own plays. Nolan was the one who told Dan Reeves what was going on. Both Mike’s don’t like each other!
I knew they didn’t like each other. Pat going like that though. Well he still paying Mike 20 something ova 3yrs. I’m sure he still speaking with him. Shanny might be in his ear! I’m not saying, but just saying! lol
is there any news on marshall’s suspension .. also was he at camp, i didnt see or hear anything about him.
Marshall is not getting suspended. He still in rehab. He’ll be at the next camp. All the charges were dropped. It was his girl and they dropped the charges on each other.
Could not have said it better myself.
Steelers cut Foote because he didn’t like that they took him out on passing downs so he requested a trade. The dude obviously doesn’t care about whats best for the team nor does he respect the coaches decision (now maybe I could see challenging a coaches choice if your team absolutely sucks but the Steelers are Super Bowl Champs..Come on Man.
No Larry Foote please!!!
Don’t worry NY_BroncoMan. We don’t have the cap room. Plus we have to many LB. With all the talent we have they gonna be rotating in and out Front 7 Like Shanny used to do the D line. He will go to the Pats, Dolphins, or the Jags.
well thats great news,
yea we dont even need foote, we have plenty of line backers, if anything we need d-line.
Lol I think he really is genuinely worried. They gonna have to cut like 3 people now to sign him. Good point though NY. I can see if their D sucked and him getting mad. The move was good cuz they won the Bowl. So why be mad? He on the first 2 downs. 3rd down they take him out. People think that’s not gonna happen here. Here every position except for D.Will,Champ,and Dawkins are up for grabs. He come here they not gonna just give it to him. lol He’d be even more mad.
yeah i feel good about the potential and the guys we have on D especially the rookies we just brought in. I think its more about learning the D system now. I think we’ll find that some of the guys we had last year will do much better in this system. Our D play calling was HORRIBLE. I think Nolen will have us in the Top 15 on D this yr. …My concern is the QB spot now. I’m still not sold on Ortin or Simms. I hope I’m wrong and one surprises me.
UUB, JMac wasn’t in control of the draft. remember when JMac was hired Bowlen firmly said that JMac would not take over the GM role as Shanahan did. I think Xanders, Nolan, and JMac had a say in the draft.
dude im so sick of hearing these sports shows nd writers talk noise nd blow things outta proportion. Pat bowlen made a statement where he said “Make the superbowl, probably not” …. now the analysts are sayin that Pat Bowlen is skeptical nd a little worried nd that its a rebuilding stage. ITS NOT A REBUILDING STAGE!!!!! im so sick of these fools. Plus Pat Bowlen is jus being realistic is that not allowed now or something. These analyst nd sports writers are idiots. I cant wait till the season starts nd we make the playoffs nd everyone hops on the broncs bandwagon. LATTER DUUDDDEESSSS
I’m just trying to see if I can get on this site. I’m not so perfect with the internet.
A lot has been posted on the 4-3 versus 3-4 defense we may use this year. I have the feeling McD is going to use a kind of hybrid system which allows features of both depending on down, distance, team and situation. Somewhat like what Pittsburgh uses.
I also think either Orton or Simms will be fine. I also think that Brandstater may very well end up as the quarterback of the future. He already has his Master’s Degree (got Bachelor’s and Master’s in his five yrs in college) so he potentially has the smarts McD is looking for. Also seems to have few character flaws. And has a good skill set – i.e. speed, size and arm strength. The intangibles are always a question.
Dr. Chris
I agree that the draft was a committee thing. Xanders wants McD, and Nolan and O Coordinator (forgot his name) as happy as possible. Nolan probably gave the most, but still got some apparently big help.
I think I made someone mad. Lmao
Didn’t mean to upset Nobody. Just type what I watch Pat say. He was on T.V.!
It’s ok UUB… you’re forgiven… Even though I wasn’t offended, I still forgive you haha
Just to get some more opinons floatin’ around…: From the 2nd day of Draft day (Rounds 3-7)… what rookie are YOU lookin’ most forward to…
For me… I’d gotta say Tom Brandstater (for in the future)…and the ND S David Bruton… the guy really was a top dog in ND… I’m excited to see what he gives us on special teams right away, and what he’ll do for us on the D after a while…
any OPINIONS?
You always starting trouble. lol See I’m glad I didn’t see it and typed it. I probably would have been banded for a week. Man people get touchy when you print the facts. Well I guess!( Really wished I seen it now) Hey UUB I’ll take your word. Least even though you love the squad, you’re not byass and type the facts. Wouldn’t have surprised me at all. Keep the good info comming MAN.(UUB)
Bruton said ” I’m going out for headhunter on special teams”. Nuff said. He got my attention with that.
Tom smart I wanna see him in the preseason for right now. He may be the future or may not. The highlights of him on youtube look promising. What he do this Preseason will show if he can pick it up. He doesn’t have to have huge numbers. He just goota make good decisions.
I wanna see McKinley WR from SC. They say he’s electric!
A thank you for the vote of confidence Greatness007. I wanna those players too. Also Chris Baker, Swift, (The Marine) Davis. They might be impact subs for us this yr.
Oh yea… Nick Swift!… out of the non drafted and most drafted… I’m lookin’ FORWARD to him…
woops… mybad… NATE, not nick..
I’m trying to figure out… But I think Rulon Davis (the Marine) was the same guy my bro’s friend knew while he was playing Mt. Sac (Junior College) ball… I remember seeing a pic of a guy on Cal, and he said he played ball w/ him… so I think it’s the same guy… Cuz I remember it was a D-lineman… and I doubt there was another Mt. Sac, J.C. transfer to Cal…
Just thought I’d share that… I’m sure (know) that people have greater ties to players… on here…
Lets get Foote at middle….that would be a great addition…..plus i just hear darnell dockett wanted a trade that would be amazing but no way the Cards would really trade him….
ramboskithefan, I hate to say this but we have gone over the Foote thing and believe that it isn’t a smart idea to pick him up, check out some of the other comments for reasons why.
Having said that with McD in the building anything is possible.
I wish people would read old posts before posting so that comments don’t reiterate themselves…
Oh well. To answer your question BroncoBailey99… the only player I’m excited to see perform is Rulon Davis. I know he wasn’t drafted, but I’m excited anyhow.
Obviously if Ayers, Moreno or Alfonso doesn’t live up to the hype and expectations everyone has for them, we’ll all be disappointed, so of course, everyone is antsy to see how they do in McD’s system. But I can wait. I just want to see how a US Marine kicks some butt on the field!
I hear due to his motorcycle injury he had, he is injury prone. However, on field he is a beast from what I’ve seen in his youtube highlights.
I hope he finds himself to be more resilient in the NFL. With him being injury prone, I think he might have a successful career, however it could be cut short, unfortunately. We will just have to see I guess!
Yo why dont we ever keep our first round draft picks? I mean we just lost another one in cutler. What is going on in this franchise, the only first rounders we still have are DJ, Clady and a bust in Jarvis Moss (excluding this years rookies). But come on somebody look at this list we could’ve used the defensive help.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Denver_Broncos_first-round_draft_picks
I am honestly excited about most of the the rookies, I hope that Ayers will become and adalius thomas, or Julious Peppers type player. Knowshon is going to be one of the best RBs in the league within a year or two, a LT type player. Smith is built how Darrent Williams (RIP) was but has shutdown corner skills. Bruton was a steal in the 4th and he will be our future strong saftey and defensive leader. McBath could be a Future starting free saftey, because he is a playmaker, hope he playl like Ed Reed
. I am most excited to see Davis, Baker and Swift. Davis did go to Mt. Sac (Junior College) and after finishing his tour, played for Cal and was extremely productive even though he was injury prone. Baker was a monster on the Penn State D Line before he had some character issues and had to go to Hampton where he was a dominant force. Swift was Nebraskas best reciever and although he lacks speed, he has great hands and is a great route runner (reminds me of stokley). Sounds like an exciting year, we don’t need LBs right now if we do anything it would have to be for the D Line with a guy like hollis Thomas, or bringing Robertson back. If you look at game film for last year, he had penetration often last year, but he was the only one to penetrate. What do you guys think?
true that ….u might be right about foote..he got cut tho cuz of money…he makes to much to sit for timmons..thats why he was released..not cuz he doesnt wanna pass coverage….i feel he would be great on our team with dj, and davis…we wouldnt miss nemore tackles.far cry from last years miss crew of Winborn and webster..i havent ever seen such bad tackling in my life out of them two guys…uggghhhhhhhhh…..
were set at linebacker? boss bailey and nick greison?? glassman and niko jr? we have nothing at inside linebacker..moving DJ to play inside doesnt work. 3-4 defenses need good inside linebackers and a BIG on the front lines…none of which we have. and bowlen fired shanahan because shanny refused to fire bob slowik..had nothing to do with mike nolan.
I think that Mike Nolan should be able to coach the defense into shape. We have the talent that with good coaching could be in the the top half of the league next year.
I like what I’m seeing with the offense(The video of McDaniels Wired was awesome) I just wish we could see some vids of the defense in the 3-4 or even just the front 7 see whose in that NT spot.
fortunately we brought in Martindale to coach the LBs…he is one of the best coaches out there and will shape them up…its no coincidence the raiders were always in the top 5 for LBs with ints..
Really not set at LB?
56 Robert Ayers DE/LB23 6-3 272 R Tennessee
– Chris Baker DE 21 6-2 308 R Hampton
93 Nic Clemons DE 29 6-6 300 3 Georgia
96 Tim Crowder DE 23 6-4 275 3 Texas
– Rulon Davis DE – 6-5 274 R California
92 Elvis Dumervil DE/LB25 5-11 260 4 Louisville
91 Ebenezer EkubanDE 32 6-4 275 11 North Carolina
95 Ryan McBean DE 25 6-5 290 1 Oklahoma State
94 Jarvis Moss DE/LB24 6-6 265 3 Florida
90 Kenny Peterson DE 30 6-3 300 7 Ohio State
– Jeff Schweiger DE 23 6-5 276 R San Jose State
– Matthias Askew DT 26 6-5 302 3 Michigan State
93 Ronald Fields DT 27 6-2 315 5 Mississippi State
98 J’Vonne Parker DT 26 6-4 325 2 Rutgers
– Everette Pedescleaux DT 24 6-6 305 R Northern Iowa
75 Carlton Powell DT 23 6-2 300 1 Virginia Tech
– Darrell Reid DT 26 6-2 288 5 Minnesota
79 Marcus Thomas DT 23 6-3 305 3 Florida
97 Boss Bailey LB 29 6-3 232 7 Georgia
– Andra Davis LB 30 6-1 250 8 Florida
52 Louis Green LB 29 6-3 237 6 Alcorn State
– Nick Greisen LB 29 6-1 250 8 Wisconsin
57 Mario Haggan LB 29 6-3 263 7 Mississippi State
– Braxton Kelley LB 22 6-0 230 R Kentucky
– Lee Robinson LB 22 6-2 249 R Alcorn State
58 Nate Webster LB 31 6-0 232 10 Miami (Fla.)
55 D.J. Williams LB 26 6-1 242 6 Miami (Fla.)
59 Wesley Woodyard LB 22 6-1 230 2 Kentucky
Sorry nate webster is gone i thought
ya your list is mostly lineman and outside linebackers…we all saw 2 years ago putting DJ williams at inside linebacker is a mistake…and did you watch any games last year? opposing running backs didnt even get touched by our linebackers…we had our secondary trying to make tackles.
So who do ya think will have a Mvp type yr for us?
On that subject Elvis I think it was 50/50 on the play calling and Nate plus Jamie. They were out of place and when they were in the right spot. They wanted to make the SportCenter Highlights type of hit. Instead of rapping up type tackling.
Look at the game when Larsen and Woodyard was starting. Close to 10 tackles or more every game.
LOL Farve is comming back. Someone go get Elway now lol
I think Orton gonna have a big yr. The WR gonna do all the work. Since Orton getting them the ball he gonna get the credit.
im excited for darcel mcbath the saftery he is a ball hawk and with some time to watch Dawkins he could be solid for the future
for MVP i think it will be Royal he had a big year last year and with McD system he be even better espicall with marshall getting doubled lik he usually is.
Bus Cook has stiffed another Franchise again. Can’t noone see he is doing all this. I’m really starting to hate Bus Cook.
Ivan, I see you made it?
I think that Royal could really have an MVP type season because he will be like the Wes Welker for Denver, Small and quick, but he has much more speed. Also look for Moreno to have a good season, McDaniels is integrating his offense with the old zone blocking scheme, I see a 1700yard season.