With free agency and the draft now over, we get to sort through the pots and pans of the offseason. Let the organized team activities (OTAs) begin.
OTAs typically lack excitement and it is hard to take anything of substance from them. But they are an important part of the preparation process for the season. For a Broncos team that has a number of new faces, it is a key time.
So where do the Broncos stand? I think they stand in a pretty good place. Why? Several reasons.
1 – THEY HAVE SOLIDIFIED THE QUARTERBACK POSITION. This is an absolute no-brainer to me but I still have to include it. They signed a sure-fire future Hall of Fame player and, in the process, upgraded the position in a major way. I believe Peyton Manning will be healthy enough to be an incredible addition.
2 – THE BRONCOS MADE MOVES TO SOLIDIFY THE DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD.
The Broncos signed veterans Tracy Porter and Drayton Florence. They drafted Omar Bolden. They have Cassius Vaughn and Syd’Quan Thompson coming back from injury. Chris Harris, Tony Carter, Coryell Judie, Ramzee Robinson, and Joshua Moore are also on the roster. To top it off, Champ Bailey is still going strong.
While I have no idea how many cornerbacks will make the 53-man roster for the regular season opener, Elway gave a not-so-subtle hint at the importance of the cornerback position before the draft when he said the Broncos struggled last year when teams spread them out.
They seem determined to have plenty of options at that position. I give them a big-time thumbs up for that.
At safety, the Broncos added a key player when they signed free agent Mike Adams. He is talented, experienced and versatile. Those are all really good qualities to have.
3 – THE BRONCOS ADDED KEY PLAYERS IN OTHER KEY SPOTS. Defensive lineman Justin Bannan is one example. Tight ends Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen are other examples. Among the young players, they used some draft picks to attempt to shore up some needs with quality players. Defensive lineman Derek Wolfe fits into this category. So does running back Ronnie Hillman.
I like the Broncos’ mix of veterans and youth. Overall, I like their personnel. No doubt they all have to get it done on the field. But I feel good about the moves they made and how those moves could not only contribute to a better season in 2012 than they had in 2011, but also how those moves could help set them up for long-term success.
4 – THE ELWAY FACTOR IS ESTABLISHED.
I love the fact that Elway is honest and realistic in assessing where the team stands or where a given player stands. At the same time, he remains upbeat and does not slip into degrading players.
Elway and his front office staff have tried to do everything in their power to improve the talent on the roster. They have made it a priority to do more than give lip service to the importance of character. They have seemingly put a premium on how players perform in games and not just how well they work out.
In short, I love Elway’s approach. Over time, I believe it will pay huge dividends.
In the NFL, one never knows how things will turn out in any given year. There is no doubt, however, that I like the Broncos’ starting point for 2012 much more compared to where they were at this time a year ago.
Quite honestly, I have never been a big fan of covering OTAs. This year, I am really looking forward to watching the Broncos start to come together.
Outside of signing Peyton Manning, what move do you like the most this offseason?
Thanks for reading and sharing.
Best,
Mike
lol buck man kinda felt bad for dell but then again they are gonna have to get their act together or pack their bags
Yep nothing but committment allowed on this team. JE and Peyton, Fox and JDR.= Lots of expectation
I’m out Skilz. Nice chatting with ya
goodnight buck u2
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/nfl/wires/05/22/2020.ap.fbn.nfl.meetings.6th.ld.writethru.1044/index.html?sct=obnetwork
New Rules… Can you imagine the fit Eddie Mac would have thrown if they’d of tried to force him to wear extra pads!!! i mean, the guy use to actually cut excess elastic off his Jock so he was packing less weight…
We are headed toward the NFFL (National Flag Football League) sooner than people really think
Peace and ONE LOVE in Broncos Country
B-R-O-N-C-O-S BRONCOS BRONCOS BRONCOS
Really like adding Del Rio as defensive coordinator.
2012 53 man roster (starters are named first)
QB: Manning, Hanie, Osweiler (r)
RB: McGahee, Moreno, Hillman (r), Fannin
TE: Tamme, Dreessen, Thomas, Green
WR: Thomas, Decker, Caldwell, Stokley, Hill
LT: Clady, Clark
LG: Franklin, Beadles
C: Waldon, Blake (r)
RG: Kuper, Davis
RT: Harris, Grant (r)
DE: Dumervil, Beal, Jackson (r)
DT: Wolfe (r), Warren, Vickerson
DT: Bannan, Siliga
DE: Ayers, Hunter
OLB: Miller, Woodyard
MLB: Mays, Irving
OLB: Williams, Trevathan (r)
CB: Bailey, Bolden (r)
CB: Porter, Harris, Florence
S: Adams, Moore
S: Carter, Bruton
K: Prater
P: Colquitt
I see PM putting the WRs to work,nothing but perfection from the “NECK”.
With the “NECK” running the Offense,JDR running the Defense,and input from EF,I look forward to a Helluva ride!!!
BFE
I hear ya BFE! I know earlier that DB was stating how he doesn’t like how PM barks at his WR’s and calls them out when they don’t perform…………..but why wouldn’t you like that? He’s holding people accountable……….himself included. If he throws a bad ball, he knows that’s on him……….but if he throws a great ball that doesn’t get caught, of course it’s on the receiver.
Accountability is a great thing to have on a football team. It makes sure that everyone knows their assignments and knows the level of expectations that come with it.
Our team is striving for perfection…………and while I’m certain we’ll never be perfect all the time……….it’s the striving and accountability that will make us a helluva lot better than we were last season!
Hearing the list of how we improved makes me excited. Barely recognize the team. Lotta has changed in a short time. Heard people say PM looked good at practice. Good to hear. Wasn’t for getting him but would be awesome if i worked out. He is GOAT in my book. Even more than Elway and I know thats blasphemy to some Bronco fans.
The required pads crap is lame in my book. Hate it. But thats what the players get. Can’t keep suing the NFL for injuries and expect them not to try to implement rules to protect em. Altho thigh and knee pads aren’t the issue. Its the Concussions and there is only so much you can do about that. Expect to see slower recievers and more lumbered route running. Immagine the likes of Desean Jackson being forced to wear thigh pads.
Nice Depth Chart VD, I approve. Only difference would be, instead of Siliga, Id keep 4 DTs (instead of 5) and add CB Cassius Vaughn or Syd. We have made it quite clear the importance of CB, especiall fast guys like Vaughn to chase guys down (not as a starter) … plus he is pheonomenal in the return game. My Opinion at least. And maybe if we need more space put TE green on practice squad or cut Hanie and run with Manning and Os, assuming they believe manning is healthy enough and they like what they see in OS. 3 qbs is one too many and a waste of more defensive depth.
Later days, TRB out…
I’ve been watching the Hard Knocks series for the first time……….watched the Ravens and the Cheifs series. It’s a really interesting take on training camp and def insightful. On one hand, I’d love to see the broncos on it just for the selfish reason that I’d get that sneak peak on training camp and the inner workings of the broncos……….
But on the same hand, I’m glad they’ve refused so there isn’t any type of distraction other than the regular media coverage.
Chiming in for this fine morning gotta say
Manning wants perfection from himself and those around him. Nothing less than perfection on the field is acceptable by Manning. So when there is a mistake Manning is going to voice it to that person. Thats veteran leadership. Letting the mistake maker know what they did was wrong and to fix it.
Dont make the NECK angry you wont like it when hes angry.
Peace out Broncos Country!!!
Quiet Morning on the Bloggospere… Snow at the Ranch!!! (Hooray!) Looks like it’s time for some thinking…
‘Anything in Life that can be done for money can be done for free, it is simply a matter of choice for those involved…’ Freddie Filo
Do not allow yourself to fall into the trap of thinking you can not work because you are not getting paid, there is work to do everyday to make our world a better place and the most difficult work of all is the work that takes place between your ears…
Trucks and Yearlings come at 11, I wish you guys could see the looks on the truck drivers faces after fighting the muddy roads up the pass through the mountains to get to our place!!! Priceless
Peace and ONE LOVE
B-R-O-N-C-O-S BRONCOS BRONCOS BRONCOS
Hey AB………hope you’re enjoying Mickey and the gang! Did you get an answer to your question yet?
Kod I ask tonight.
Hope everyone enjoys their day!!!!
Go Broncos!!!!!
new blog
Alaska, take your girl to IN N Out Burger and get yourselves a Double Double Animal Style while your in Cali. You won`t be disappointed.