On both the offensive and defensive fronts, a variety of players have seen time at different positions throughout practices and the Broncos’ preseason opener at Chicago.
That practice will pay off as the team moves forward without pieces on both lines as guard Chris Kuper and defensive end Jason Hunter miss time due to injuries.
Having players able to fill in at multiple positions allows flexibility when a starter is forced out of action.
“There are going to be some injuries from week to week, and the next guy steps up,” Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy said. “That’s the importance of all the OTAs, minicamp and training camp, so that when your opportunity does come, you’ve got to make the most of it in this business.”
Defensive linemen Ben Garland and Malik Jackson were both brought in as defensive ends and are now listed as interior linemen. Adam Grant and Tony Hills both played tackle last season, but are now listed as reserve guards.
Among the players that have received first-team reps at various line positions during this year’s training camp are Manny Ramirez and Derek Wolfe.
“They have to be able to play more than one position,” Offensive Line Coach Dave Magazu said. “Even with the starters, we have a couple guys that are dabbling at other positions.”
Ramirez has played guard and center with the first-team offensive line. He started at right guard in Denver’s 31-3 preseason-opening victory at Chicago.
“We do that every day,” McCoy said about moving players around on the offensive line. “You have to have position flexibility, because you never know when something’s going to happen in a game. We’ve got make sure we’ve got the best five guys up there.”
Wolfe, who played as an interior lineman and as a defensive end in college, has played both positions in his early reps with the Broncos.
“He picks up things quickly,” Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio said of Wolfe’s flexibility. “They did a lot with him in college, so he’s been exposed to a lot. He played all along the front, from nose (tackle) to defensive end out wide. He’s done a lot of those different things, so it was really a matter of him learning the terminology. He is an intelligent young man, and he’s done a nice job of picking things up.”
Orlando Franklin opened all 18 games for the Broncos at right tackle as a rookie last season. He started the preseason opener at tackle as well, but slid over one spot to right guard for a few snaps.
“We’re just trying to make him more flexible and it gives you an extra guy on gameday,” Magazu said. “It’s not just if a guard goes down. It could be the center goes down, or you lose too many guys at one position. (It’s important) to have guys that have some position flexibility.”
The team drafted offensive lineman Philip Blake, who played both guard and center at Baylor, in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft.
Third-year lineman Zane Beadles became the first NFL rookie since Andre Gurode (Dal., 2002) to start at least six games at two of the three positions along the offensive line. He started all 16 games last season at guard, but has also opened six games at right tackle in his career.
“The NFL is different,” Magazu said. “It doesn’t matter how many linemen you carry. On gameday, you usually dress seven. So those extra two guys, and some guys on your starting group, they need to be able to play more than one position to give you added depth. You have to have the ability to move guys around.”
-Stuart Zaas
Tags: Derek Wolfe, Manny Ramirez, Offensive Line Coach Dave Magazu, Philip Blake, Training Camp 2012, Zane Beadles
Those cuts are coming. I say keep RB`s.
1. McGahee
2. Hillman
3. JJ
4. Omon
From the earlier discussion about those dark days.. For me, it was all worth it when you consider we would never had been in position to draft Von Miller, and maybe Elway wouldn’t have been asked to take over. Everyone says Peyton was worth it, but for me, it’s Von Miller, who could be a pro bowler for the 10 years.
Oh Kod, did you win a trivia? Cool, congrats bro!
Hey Everyone,
New to the board, but not new to the Broncos of course…
Traveling down for the Houston game as well as SD in November. If we can go 4 and 2 over the first 6 games then 11 wins or more should be doable.
*for the next 10 years
OT, I got it… saw what you meant immediately. Von Miller–we take him for granted now. He probably had the best camp–better than anyone and no ones talking about it because we just expect him to step up and be a beast. I agree. Von Miller was worth the trouble–We got John Elway AND Von Miller out of all that mess.
Welcome aboard Broncos Calgary!
new blog
Thanks Royal!
Welcome Calgary–take it you’re from Canada?
thanks guys………yup my name got drawn and I’m extremely excited about it! Just got an email today to get my address so it should be on the way soon. Can’t wait to see what it actually is. I didn’t even ask cause I want it to be a complete surprise!
Yup OT………everything happens for a reason……..and the key is that the organization took the necessary steps to start making things right………..starting with Elway and then drafting Von. I think when we look back at this organization in another 20 years or so, we’ll say that Von Miller was the key draft pick that turned our team around……like he’s really that special.
That’s right. A lot of Broncos fans up here surprisingly, especially out West. I used to live back East and would go see the Broncos in Buffalo, Cleveland and Detroit when they came.
Much better seeing them at Mile High though. I am bringing my son to the game in November, he has never been to a home game.
Yes, welcome Calgary! We Broncos fans are the best in the world! No doubt about it!!
Welcome Calgary!
Awesome Kod congratulations, glad you got the last one.
Cat, I know what you mean about the phone issues, my wife’s phone has been acting up, and with the little ones I never want her to be disconnected, so to speak, plus she’s pregnant with our forth. So while your traveling you need the security of the phone. I hope they resolve the matter before you leave. I’ll be at the game with my brother. I’m sure the guys won’t let you down and you’ll enjoy.
Have a great time!
The cuts are going to be difficult if the talent level is as it appears to be on the roster this year.
Go Broncos!
new blog.
Lone–I responded to you on the new blog!