The Broncos have had a couple of mini-camps, the latest of which was in early May. That’s when the Broncos’ draft picks had the opportunity to work with the team for the first time.
This is part one of a question-and-answer series with some of the Broncos’ picks. We had the chance to speak with many of them when they first visited Dove Valley on April 26.
With the twelfth overall selection, the Broncos chose running back Knowshon Moreno from the University of Georgia.
MR: Knowshon, take us through the lead-up to the draft and your emotions leading up to the call from the Broncos.
KM: I waited throughout the week and finally it (the draft) gets here. I think at my place, the atmosphere was really calm and collected. Everyone was just waiting to see what happens because we didn’t know. We got that call and he said I’d be going with the twelfth pick to the Broncos and we all went crazy and I’m really enjoying it.
MR: So Coach McDaniels called you?
KM: Yes, he called me before they picked me. I didn’t tell my family, though. I kept it under wraps a little bit and let them watch it for themselves. Everyone got really excited.
MR: Did you have any inkling that the Broncos were interested?
KM: I knew they were interested but you never know what’s going to happen in the draft. I lot of teams were interested and needed help on both sides of the ball. It was a waiting process for me and seeing what was going to happen and where I was going to be. I’m so happy it’s here.
MR: What was your immediate thought when you heard from Coach and you thought, “I’m a Denver Bronco now?”
KM: I said, “Here we go, baby, let’s do it!” It’s a great place; it’s a great organization. I’m so happy to be a part of everything.
MR: You know the history and the great tradition of running backs here. What are your thoughts about potentially trying to fit into that group?
KM: I think that has to do with the players having the opportunity to work with Bobby Turner, the running backs coach, who has been here a long time now. I’m just happy to be a part of this organization and let’s see what happens this off-season.
MR: When it comes to how you might fit in or how you might be used, did the coaches give you any indication?
KM: Not yet. It all comes down to me working hard, learning the system, learning from the backs we have here already and then see what happens after that. I want to get into the system and work from there.
MR: With a new coach and with some things changing, even though you weren’t here before, can you get a sense of how Coach McDaniels wants to do things and his style, even though you just got here are just getting settled in?
KM: Everyone’s focused knowing that we need to win some games this year. We have the players and coaches to do that. Everyone’s just really focused.
MR: You came out after only two years at Georgia, yet you obviously felt ready to make the transition to the NFL. What led you to believe that?
KM: Just my preparation and the way I work and also being healthy. I’m really healthy right now. I wanted to take this opportunity and I’m happy I did this.
MR: How would you describe you running style and your game?
KM: Really hard-nosed, versatile, can catch the ball, also run the ball, block, all those things. I can get better at all those but I think I do those things really well and it will be a great attribute for this team.
MR: Georgia head coach Mark Richt has referenced the energy and the enthusiasm, the speed you brought to the Georgia running attack. Is it fair to say you might be able to bring those things to Denver?
KM: Yeah, definitely, definitely. Just the way I play, my energy during practice or in the game also. I love to play the game and I hope to bring the same energy here and hopefully everyone feeds off it.
MR: I have to ask you about one highlight from last year and you know what I’m going to ask you, the highlight where you leaped over a defender (against Central Michigan). Is that something that just happens on the field when you’re able to make a move like that?
KM: It definitely just happens on the field. It’s instinct. You really can’t draw that up; you can’t think about that before it happens. It’s all instinct and spur-of-the-moment. It was a great play and we went out and got that victory.
MR: What did you know about the Broncos before you got drafted by them?
KM: Not too much, just that is was a great place to be, great atmosphere, a history of running backs. Bobby Turner has been there, great person, great guy. He reminds me of Tony Bell, who’s at Georgia right now as running backs coach. That’s pretty much it but I want to learn more.
MR: I would imagine John Elway fits in somewhere, too.
KM: Oh yeah. I can’t forget about John.
MR: Knowshon, thank you for your time and good luck.
KM: Thank you very much.
Next time, a conversation with the Broncos’ other first round pick, defensive end/linebacker Robert Ayers from the University of Tennessee.
Thanks for reading.
Best,
Mike
Well, I heard through unidentified sources that they heard from an undisclosed source, close to the team, that this move won’t happen. Sources said that they have confirmed with private sources that the sources are accurate in their rumor.
Dave are you talking about pisa?the only good thing about him is he’s coming off a career year with over 1,000 Tackles,but then Again the rams are always being scored on so those stats are probably blown out of the truth
ramboskithefan, Vikings didn’t have our WR group. And our O line is much better then theirs. You’re comparing apples to oranges. I think with the injuries to our RB’s we still had a productive running game last season. Your theory in that regards is flawed. The RB’s we had from last year are either healing from injuries or gone. The newer ones we brought in from FA are getting older. Moreno was a solid pick. With Cutler gone, he didn’t want to put all the pressure on Ortons shoulders.
steveatwater5, yes, Orton and the WR’s will be productive. The balance of having Moreno in there will be a plus.
steveatwater5, yeah, I was talking about Pisa. Just my attempt at dry, sarcastic humor.
A source that is very close to the Nuggets primary source’s second source just confirmed that the Nuggets are going to beat the Mav’s and move on to the semi-finals. they beat the Lakers in the semi final and then blow out the Cavls in the Championship…….. the sources never lie!!!
and what up with the Mav’s coach telling KMart’s mom that her son is a thug?
lol sorry it’s hard too tell humor typed sometimes.anyways we should be fine in fact im going to be sad at whoever we cut,considering we have alot of people I think are full of energy and ready to start for the team this next year.Knowshon I see him starting the first game and us beating the Bengals and there love for USC lol
I see us winning the first three games fairly easily. I just hope that momentum carries with us threw the rest of the season.
Maybe Chris.
Nothing is for certain but the first four games of next season are very winnable.
Should be this not next, bugger
Thank you for the post Mr. Rice.
Dynamicdave, Nice post.
“I’m in full support of McD and the Broncos organization. I want my season to begin with no doubts, joy in my heart, confidence in my beliefs and a beer in my hand (and maybe a girl in my lap, ha, ha). But win or lose, I’ll be still having a good time.”
Awesome………
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Dynamicdave, Also glad to hear your sources are accurate in their rumor. Funny stuff.
Ah! A new post! I say we go back to the “Legacy Games Announced” post and continue to post there!
What do you say?!?
Did anybody see Glen Big Baby Davis hit the game winner the other night!!! Celtics all day!! I can’t wait to see the Celtics smash the Cavls and beat the Lakers in the championship!!
I haven’t read a thing yet, but thanks for the new blog! It’s good to have new stuff.
Cheers!
Isn’t this a football blog?!? Why is everyone talking basketball? I’m sure those basketball teams have blogs as well
Broncs55, Not much to talk about in the football world. We all know about Darrius Hayward-Bey and his dropped passes. They forgot to mention that he missed his final practice with a tweaked hamstring. Said he was “running to fast.” LOL.
On another note, I was doing some reading up on McBath and the more I read, the more I like. Kid might have a very good future with Denver. He’s versatile as well.This is what I got on him, I just copied and pasted.
Pick Analysis: The former corner-turned-safety has outstanding range and instincts. Though he isn’t polished in coverage, he gives the Broncos a safety capable of playing as their deep middle player. Along with their other additions on the day, the Broncos have added some youth and athleticism.
Overview
It’s easy to understand how a defensive player can fly under the radar when he plays for a team with one of the most prolific offenses in the nation.
That didn’t stop Darcel McBath from being one of the best playmakers in the Big 12. Having to practice against a top offense — namely sophomore WR Michael Crabtree — is sure to help any defensive back hone their coverage skills. McBath, a former cornerback, was the Red Raiders’ secondary anchor at the demanding free safety position since shifting there as a sophomore, going on to start his final 39 games.
The opposition, often playing from behind and passing on most every day, challenged the middle of Tech’s defense last season. McBath more than stood up to the challenge, pulling in seven interceptions that included a school season-record tying two returns for touchdowns. Six of his seven pass deflections came on third-down plays.
At Gainesville High School, McBath was rated the 36th-best cornerback in the country by Rivals100.com. He was named District 9-3A Most Valuable Player by the Dallas Morning News, as he helped lead GHS to a 16-0 mark and Class 3A Division I title as a senior. That year, he picked off six passes, returning one for a score as a defensive back and logged 75 tackles (50 solo). He also caught 14 touchdown passes as a wide receiver and had two punt returns for touchdowns. As a junior, he totaled 50 tackles and rushed for 800 yards as a running back.
McBath enrolled at Texas Tech in 2004, turning down scholarship offers from Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Notre Dame, but spent that season on the scout team. His college career would be delayed further, as he suffered a broken arm in 2006 fall camp and did not get on the field until the final six games. Seeing action mostly on special teams, his only tackle came vs. Oklahoma State while being listed second on the depth chart at left cornerback.
During his rehabilitation, McBath bulked up to the point that the coaches felt his speed and hitting ability would be best at free safety in 2006. The move was a total success, as he earned All-Big Twelve Conference second-team honors, ranking third on the team and 11th among the league’s defensive backs with 75 tackles (35 solo). He also picked off three passes and deflected five other throws.
The 2007 campaign saw McBath firmly entrenched at free safety, as he received All-Big Twelve Conference honorable mention, as he led the team with eight pass deflections. He ranked third on the squad with 73 tackles (48 solo), causing one fumble while returning a fumble recovery 16 yards for his first career touchdown in the Iowa State. He also had a pair of interceptions for a defense that ranked 32nd in the nation during his sophomore year and 12th in 2007.
McBath received All-American and All-Big Twelve Conference first-team accolades in 2008. He registered 75 tackles (55 solo), good for second on the team. He caused a fumble and broke up seven passes. He also led the conference and tied for third in the NCAA with seven interceptions, tying a school season-record with two returns for touchdowns.
High School
Attended Gainesville (Tex.) High School…Rated the 36th-best cornerback in the country by Rivals100.com…Named District 9-3A Most Valuable Player by the Dallas Morning News, as he helped lead GHS to a 16-0 mark and Class 3A Division I title as a senior…That year, he picked off six passes, returning one for a score as a defensive back and logged 75 tackles (50 solos)…Also caught 14 touchdown passes as a wide receiver and had two punt returns for touchdowns…As a junior, he totaled 50 tackles and rushed for 800 yards as a running back.
Done. But not too much to discuss about anyway. Too much basketball in this blog.
KM will do as best as the OL-TE let him. I hope those guys can be as good blocking for running game as they were last year protecting Cutler. If so, 1000+ running yards this season! Plus what the others bring to the table. And I agree that will open the passing game for a secure and controlled QB and a bunch of playmaker WRs.
And the D won’t be as bad. So, it seems it’s up-the-hill from now.
But the best of all is the new word “discussfull” or that. Wow… so deep… As “debatable”, but still fresher…
Go Broncooos!
much talk about the def. backs we brought in but without a pass rush it won’t matter. got to get in the qb’s face otherwise look for more of last years def. fiasco. like the interview with moreno, lets hope he performs like a former georgia bulldog, t.d. for those not in the know.
Wow, that info was awesome on McBeth! He sounds like another up and coming Dawkins!
I was reading NFL.com this morning, and an analyst was talking about how the Patriots have taken quarterbacks in late rounds (such as Brady and Cassel) based upon several factors. Those are the same factors McD chose Brandstater(sp?) for.
His size, arm strength, how well he can move in the pocket and his overall I.Q.
Maybe they do know exactly what makes the perfect quarterback… only time will tell.
Broncobailey99, You should go to “Urban Dictionary” and define discussful.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Broncs55 lets not get carried away. Dawkins is a punnishing hitter, If McBath is like anyone, it is like a Ed Reed or Darren Sharper, two of the best safteys when it comes to pics. Him practicing everyday against the next big WR of the league only intrigues me more, because he has played against basically the best competition there is. I am also really excited about Bruton, he is huge, at 230lbs, and he was a leader for the fighting Irish, so our Defensive Backfield is great right now, and cuntinue to be great with the additions of Smith, Bruton, and McBath.
BroncosLax, not only is Bruton big but He also ran a 4.43 40 at the combine! He is the only player I had on my mock drafts, that The Broncos chose.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Since there is no Real Football to talk about. I got a Demo of the up comming Madden today. They have Knowshawn at a overall 88 with 85 speed. For the Madden fans should this be higher? Broncos overall rating is 86 should that be higher? They have as our primary D formation as a 3-4. Ayes rating is a 85 overall. The D has alot of speed. If your not playing as one of the D-lineman they really have no passrusher. With the blitz its better for the D-line to get presser. Remeber its on the early stages of the game. So its who they think will make the starting line-up that is on here. With some subs. McDaniels looks like a dark haired Doogie Houwser MD. lol
The D has a rating overall of a 85. The O is a 87.
Doom and Peterson are at DE. Thomas is the NT. Boss and Ayers are on the Outside. Andre and DJ are ob the inside. Champ and Goodman at the corners. Dawkins and Hill at safety. On O Orton at QB. Knowshawn at RB. Hills at FB and he is a beast on the game. True hidden jewel! Marshall and Eddie start. With Gaffney at 3 and Stockley at 4.
D. Gram gets the start ova Sheffler. Clady and Harris are beasts at T. Hamilton and Kuper are Gs. We all know who is at C. P.S. not Nalen, lol
UUB Madden always seems to rate rookies in the 70s but really Knowshown an 88 and Ayers 85? They must of really been listening to fans of the games and decided to rate the rookies higher. They finally brought back the refs, chain gang, and added more detail to the benches.
As far as the D being and 85 and the O an 87 that can always change because Madden has a roster update every week which was really nice last year Clady get going up and Bly kept going down lol.
By the way what does the game have Hester speed at? 99 or still a 100?
Like I said before Deify its the early stage of it. So I think they were rating there college stats for the rooks. Hester has a 100, but I think it will change. On the package disclaimer it says” The players and ratings are subject to change. So if someone gets cut or traded. They can do the changes for that. Its better than ’09. Never though I would say that. They always out do the last version these days. Hoping Sega bring back 2K Football. If they do it could give Madden a run for its money. Thats IF they do. Knowshawn is good on dive, draw, and off tackle plays. He has a 85 in speed. I hope they change that ova the pre-seaon.
I meant before the pre-season. Know that’s when Madden the finished version will be out.
Oh, sorry, I stopped by to leave a comment and thought this was a blog for the Broncos, didn’t realize it is for the Nuggets. My bad.
But hey, since I’m here!?!
Knowshon is going to smoke it up! With our O-line and receiving corps, he should flourish.
Go Nuggets!!! Oops! I mean GO BRONCOS!!!!
Wow UBB..thanks for that info..i tooo play Madden and I like what I’m hearing..but I hope Moreno’s speed go up,,atleast a 90..lol
UUB, you know that Madden was put together before much FA or draft info was out. Just look at the D; Doom and Peterson are at DE. Thomas is the NT. Boss and Ayers are on the Outside. Andre and DJ are ob the inside. Champ and Goodman at the corners. Dawkins and Hill at safety.
Doom will not be DE, OLB. Thomas will not be NT, DE. DJ maybe OLB. And look for my surprise, the Phonse at CB with Champ. Goodman is a much better nickle than a CB.
Children, please. I have never played video games like Madden. No iinterest, hell, no time. My only interest is the real deal.
Great, now people think I’m like Emmit Smith… makin’ up words and stuff… haha
dlmyers I said the disclaimer said ” The players and rating are subject to change. It’s the early stage of the game. I know it’s not gonna stay this way. Meaning player will switch positions. Just tryna put info out there. The subject of the latest blog are boring! Sorry Dave they ( the game) are theraputix during and after the season. If I just had sex after bad things. My girl would thing that’s all I want her for. lol You should try it sometime.
UUB… can you put up a link about where you found all this from Madden?
Sorry I just got in contact with a friend of mine. He is a programmer for EA Role Playing games. He knows I’m a big fan of the Madden series. Since they had no name for the player. So he mailed it to me.
The women I see only want me for sex, lol. That’s good enough for me. Variety. But, I teach martial arts and also take care of my dad. My mom is in bad shape in the hospital so I stay very busy. Not enough time for video. I do like to play foosball, however. Usually go to PT’s pub for that or Pinkys
Sorry to hear that. I do sent my best wishes to you and your family though.
This is funny, I sent my assistant(I refuse to use the word secretary) to get everyone drinks at sonic so I gave him the company card, well he got rear ended and now Human Resource needs the card for some reason unknowest to me but knowest to them. Only thing they tell me is they need it NOW! Opps.
It sounds to Deify they been tryna get you for something. They probably heard about the goodwill move on the drinks. So they sent someone to rear end him. Conspiracy lol
(to me)
Deify-you, as long as you don’t find out the accident was in front of a strip club and some charges show up on the card for “drinks” from Cheetahs, you should be good, lol.
UUB, thanks man. It’s been tough.
Dynamicdave – I read similar reports on McBath and they all indicate the same regarding his intinctive “skillability” (one for you Broncobailey99 I have another for you read on lol).
Comparing him to the likes of Dawkins/Sharper or Reed is good hear but lets not over “expectaionalise” on this kid. He may very well prove to be the safety we have longed for, but allow him to establish himself and then judge him from then on.
Rice – Great interview with Moreno, and I am as excited as he is for the upcoming season. Lets pray he stays healthy for the entire season. I will keeping an eye out for the next blog with Ayres.
As we don’t get to see alot of the College Football in the deep South Pacific I had to check the like of Youtube for Ayres highlights, and from what I have seen, one cannot wait to see how he handles the NFL.
The only problem with the off season is the lack of “interesting” news that is out there. With the draft done and dusted and the mini/training camps underway, I start to feel this excitement arise from the pit of my stomach, espcially when i get the notifications of Fantasy Football come in..
Dynamicdave/monodono – Im with you about being happy with McDaniels and the organisation. I want to move on and enter the new season with an excited and completely focused mind on the team. No doubts what so ever + beer + girl on my lap hahahahaha!! Chaz Michael Michaels – “That young man is how babies are made”
GOOOOOOO BRONCOS!!!!!
UUB has the new Madden demo. ( im speaking in my best old english king voice) “Send him the finest meats and cheeses. So he may dine with the Dukes and Dutches of the Madden world! lmao! Good enough though I know as well as you do. That the game will be much different than the one you have. Next your friend will send you a survey to rate the game. So its a win win. 1 less person they have to pay to rate it for them. lol
Dynamicdave if he did, I wouldnt have a problem with it…jk
Theres a little code we use in upper mangement, unless they told you personally they didnt tell you anything. So as far as I know Human Resources doesnt need anything and its almost 5 so I’m going home lol. I’ll deal with it tomorrow and as for the drinks I guess I wasted 30 bucks and I already told my assistant that I would pay to get his back seat shampooed. Just another day at the office.
Hey Greatness. With all your talk with people wanting high priced help on the D side or things. Plus you always saying” This is real not Madden people”. How could I pass the opportunity up. lol
No problem Dave!
Deify_you, as long as he didn’t spill mixed drinks in the backseat. The hell with the stain. THAT”S ALCOHOL ABUSE! lol
I’m so excited to have Moreno be a Bronco! I think he’ll fit in just fine with the rest of our great running backs