Denver Turmoil - Gorillas in the Mist

Turmoil
Pronunciation: \ˈtər-ˌmȯi(-ə)l\
Function: noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1526

: a state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion

Ever found yourself scratching at an itch? Minutes later you look down to see why that itch is burning to find a bug bit? When did it get there, why didn't you feel it, why is it throbbing so much and what are you going to do about all the swollen redness? That about sums up my 2007 Denver Broncos review.

In late February the Denver Broncos began their quest to take care of a couple of those scratches, any and every one of the Broncos fans can tell you; Out are troublesome players and veterans on their last leg.

A team that last year was one of the oldest, this year is one of the youngest, I don't agree with that transition year BS. In reality, there is no such thing as a transition year in the NFL, you're telling me that people's lives are on the line and a team's going to tell them that they're playing in a year that doesn't matter?

So Denver's defensive leaders include a man you'll hardly ever get a quote from in DJ Williams and a man who has redefined the corner back position, Champ Bailey. Could be a whole lot worse off. On the offensive side of the ball, we have future Hall of Famer Tom Nalen and the prodigal son himself Jay Cutler. That's two guaranteed Hall of Fame players, last years second leading tackler in the NFL and a man who is primed to, "Beast," this season, as the kids would note.

There are kinks and outside of Denver this is probably laughable, but inside of Denver fans know that whether Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Anthony Aldridge or Selvin Young is carrying the rock- someone is averaging five yards plus a carry. Whether it is one player rushing for 150 yards per game or four players rushing for 150 yards per game it doesn't matter.

Worried about the offensive line? Ryan Clady looked a little shaky against Mario Williams last week? Too bad, Mario Williams is the next Julius Peterson and Ryan Clady is the next Gary Zimmerman. They've got years to go up against each other. My profound thought of the moment is that despite all of the trouble Williams gave Clady, Jay Cutler was still able to run around Williams' side for 15 yards and dive for a touchdown.

Are fans excited about names like: Wesley Woodyard, Christian Morton, LaMont Reid and Josh Barrett popping off over their 850 KOA's or the KCNC airwaves? Those are third and fourth stringers, a team is determined by their depth and if the upstarts want to shine, let them be bright.

I'm loving it and I'm loving Denver's chances. The best gauge we can possibly get this season is going up against the NFC's best attempt at a Super Bowl contender, next week in the Dallas Cowboys. I have to admit, that I ignored it last season when Dallas handed Denver their asses on a silver platter. This year it won't be ignored, the Broncos will most likely be without DeWayne Robertson, Tom Nalen, Champ Bailey and Boss Bailey this weekend, but those are four of the best starters Denver has. There are no excuses for losing this time. Wade Phillips and the Dallas Cowboys showed no mercy last preseason and I don't expect the Broncos to do the Cowboys any favors this season.

Denver Broncos at Houston Texans: 4th Quarter Notes

• Matt Prater makes his second field goal on the second play of the 4th quarter. Denver 13 Houston 16. 14:52 remaining in the game.
  
  
• WR Clifford Russell makes the tackle on the ensuing kick off return. I'd like to see this guy in at WR.
  
  
• Darius Walker's bell is run by Wesley Woodyard. A nice clean hit. I can't figure out if Woodyard's playing linebacker or safety.
  
  
• Jack Williams is called for holding, giving Houston a first down.
  
  
• Josh Barrett is once again in on a tackle, that's five that he's been in on.
  
  
• Denver's third-team defense can't figure out whether they want to be good or bad against the run. They've had flashes, but so far the bad is out weighing the good.
  
  
• Denver's finally able to stop Houston's run, Wesley Woodyard again in on the tackle. Eight men were in the box.
  
  
• 3rd and 4, off set I, Steve Slaton is stopped once again by Wesley Woodyard, stopping him three yards shy of the first down. Woodyard is in fact playing linebacker.
  
  
• Glenn Martinez is in at punt returner, he's wrapped up immediately at the 20. 10:19 left in the game.
  
  
• Tony Scheffler has a false start to begin the drive with a negative five yards.
  
  
• Anthony Aldridge gains two on 1st and 15.
  
  
• WR Samie Parker catches a Darrell Hackney toss and it's good for about 10 yards. Hackney showed poise in the pocket.
  
  
• Clifford Russell and Tony Scheffler were both moving at the same time, Scheffler kind of fell. This negates Michael Pittman's first down catch. It's 3rd and 9.
  
  
• Darrell Hackney from the shot gun, Hackney connects with Tony Scheffler who is pulled down at the 48 yard line. Hackney had to scramble from the five man rush and floats it to Scheffler. A gain of 38.
  
  
• Holding again on Denver. 10 yards back, fourth holding call on Denver. Mitch Erickson's second holding of the night.
  
  
• Hackney's in the shotgun again, pressure leads to him running, then going air born, picks up again 16 yards, but there's another flag. Penalty's illegal contact on the defense, Denver gets a first down.
  
  
• Hackney's obviously no longer content on the practice squad, rolls out on a bootleg, over throws Clifford Russell, but there's a flag- pass interference inside the five yard line. Tony Scheffler was open in the flat. 07:11 left.
  
  
• Delay of game on the Broncos.
  
  
• First and goal from the eight, Anthony Aldridge gets sandwiched by two defensive linemen who are not blocked at all. Loss of three.
  
  
• Hackney's in the shotgun, but is forced to call a timeout as the play clock pushes towards zero.
  
  
• Hackney throws behind Michael Pittman in the flat. Making it 3rd and goal from the 11.
  
  
• Deep drop, screen pass to Anthony Aldridge, who only gets three yards. Bring on Matt Prater, 06:12 left in the 4th. 26 yard attempt.
  
  
• Matt Prater is good and is 3 of 4 on field goals today. 16 all, 05:50 left in the game.
  
  
• Matt Prater's kickoff is returned at the goal line, Steve Slaton returns it out the the 39 yard-line. Prater actually makes the tackle.
  
  
• Denver's cornerback Christian Morton has looked more than good this game.
  
  
• Wesley Woodyard is another player who has looked impressive for Denver. Woodyard showed great closing speed tracking down Steve Slaton from behind.
  
  
• LB Jordan Beck sacks the quarterback! 2nd and 15.
  
  
• Jordan Beck is called for holding on the next play preventing what would have been 3rd and 15. 03:44 left.
  
  
• Wesley Woodyard again in on a solo tackle, as Houston's QB Shane Boyd rushes for a first down.
  
  
• Christian Morton hogties a Houston receiver preventing a first down. However Houston now has the ball on the Broncos 29. 2nd and 1.
  
  
• Steve Slaton runs for the first and the clock runs, Houston's slow to break their huddle.
  
  
• Steve Slaton gains 16 yards Denver safety LaMont Reid prevents the touch down.
  
  
• Two minute warning and Houston's scarily close to scoring, whether it be on a touchdown or field goal.
  
  
• A four-yard gain by Steve Slaton is stopped by new Bronco safety Vickiel Vaughn.
  
  
• A couple Broncos who's numbers have been consistently in on tackles this quarter: Christian Morton, LaMont Reid, Wesley Woodyard and Jordan Beck.
  
  
• 3rd and 4 Houston gets the first off of fullback Jamiel Cook's run, but there's a late flag.
  
  
• Denver's Jordan Beck leads the Broncos to a negative three yard stop.
  
  
• Steve Slaton is spun to the turf by Wesley Woodyard. The clock continues to tick down at sixty seconds and counting. Houston calls a timeout with 00:27 left on the clock.
  
  
• Denver prevents a bootleg, rookie safety Josh Barrett stays home and prevents a Shane Boyd rushing touchdown.
  
  
• Houston's Kris Brown kicks a game winning field goal as the clock ticks to zero. 19-16 Houston wins.

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Breaking News: Torain out minimum twelve weeks

Following surgery this morning, the Denver Broncos announced that rookie running back Ryan Torain will be out at least twelve weeks. This bring back the rumor that circled the Bronco message boards yesterday, will Denver be forced to add Torain to the injured reserve?

If the Denver Broncos do choose to add Ryan Torain to the injured reserve, both his contract and roster spot will be freed up and Denver will have room to either keep someone like rookie Anthony Aldridge on the actual roster, keep veteran running back Michael Pittman (who looked likely to be cut following training camp), sign a veteran free agent (Shawn Alexander, Cedric Benson, just kidding) or trade for someone who may not be seeing as much playing time as they should.

Ultimately what the injury affects most, is coach Mike Shanahan's proposed, "Run by committee." It's one thing to split 35-40 carries between three or four backs, it's a completely other thing to do it between two backs. Denver has had success with that though, only three years ago Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell split carries and the year after it was Tatum Bell and Mike Bell.

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Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 12 Report

I had meetings all day today, I'm very sorry that it took until now to get this out today. Everyone knows the terrible news that rookie running back Ryan Torain has broken his elbow and will be out 6-8 weeks. What some may not be aware of is that there's an internet report, at Rotoworld, stating that the Denver Broncos may place Ryan Torain on the injured reserve list. This would make Torain unavailable the entire season. Ignore that one fans. Unless Torain's MRI turns up some type of ligament damage, the rookie could return as early as the game against New Orleans. Coach Mike Shanahan offered us this:

"It's a big loss. I thought he had a chance to compete to be the starting running back. He's one of the most gifted running backs I've been around for a long time. He is very similar to Terrell Davis when he came in. Obviously he has a setback that he has to deal with. It's tough with these guys. He has to take it day-by-day as well, but any time you break a bone in that elbow area obviously it's a setback. I'm just hoping there is not too much ligament damage, but we will find out, obviously, after the MRI."

On to training camp, out today: Chad Mustard (hamstring), Tom Nalen (knee), Hamza Abdullah (groin), Champ Bailey (hamstring), Peyton Hillis (hamstring) and DeWayne Robertson (knee).

That sure is a lot of predicted starters watching from the sideline isn't it? Peyton Hillis and Hamza Abdullah are the only two that worry me out of that list, right now anyway. Hillis has been out a large chunk of training camp and Abdullah has been out at least three days now... Though I love that Marquand Manuel is lining up next to Marlon McCree.

Before diving completely into training camp, back to Mike Lombardi for a second, he says that with the injury to Ryan Torain, Denver should call the New York Giants and inquire about the services of Derrick Ward. There's a back that excites me, seeing him play last year in New York, especially later in the season. He's a guy that could do 2,000 in Denver.

I told you yesterday Eddie Royal was The Future.

• Rookie receiver Eddie Royal spent a couple plays lined up with the first-team offense at the slot position. With Brandon Marshall at the X and Darrell Jackson at the Y.
  
  
• Whether it was youth or actual developed skill something grabbed a hold of rookie corner back Jack Williams today. He stopped running back Michael Pittman cold at the line of scrimmage and earlier had two impressive open field tackles on rookie running back Anthony Aldridge.
  
  
• Speaking of Anthony Aldridge, with Ryan Torain's injury, Aldridge moved up to third on the depth chart and Michael Pittman moved into fourth. Pittman split time today at fullback and running back. Pittman saw a lot more time at running back than he has in the last week. However, the extra work overloaded Pittman, who sat out the afternoon practice and will likely sit out tomorrow as well. Leaving Denver with literally three running backs and the option of switching fullback Cecil Sapp back in. The depth in the backfield is getting a bit scary. Peyton Hillis was out once again and with Michael Pittman nursing a re-aggravated hamstring, Denver currently has one fullback and three running backs at their disposal.
  
  
• I've been saying it for months, but in Boss Bailey, Denver finally has a linebacker that can shut down both Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez and San Diego's Antonio Gates, no more Sundays seeing Champ Bailey line up against Antonio Gates. Boss Bailey looked good today, as he did last season in coverage.
  
  
• With so much thought going into the bottom of the depth chart at running back, my focus is on what's at the top of the Broncos depth chart at running back. Andre Hall might just pull the rug out from underneath Selvin Young's feet and end up being the number one back in Denver.
  
  
• Dre Bly is hearing footsteps and he's not about to give up his spot to Domonique Foxworth, Bly has emerged as a vocal leader on the defensive side for Denver and he's continuing to match up well with Brandon Marshall in training camp.
  
  
• Clifford Russell is my dark horse candidate at wide receiver to make the team. He proved it today, splitting Roderick Rodgers and Jack Williams and coming up with the catch. This guy's playing for keeps and he's playing for a roster spot. Can't wait to see him on Saturday.

For those planning on attending camp tomorrow, the afternoon session has been canceled.

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Pre-Emptive Attack: Anthony Aldridge

Here's a little column that I thought up, should be fun in jest. What we're going to do is feature a youtube clip of a rookie and a posting from before the draft of a rival making a case for why that rookie should be on their team. Today we have Anthony Aldridge:

Here is Aldridge running for a nice 50-yarder for Houston (courtesy of CBS):



And here is a Raiders fan pleading for him to be picked up in the draft:

From the blog Raidersfans.net:

http://www.raiderfans.net/forum/oakland-raiders-forum-message-board/122487-anthony-aldridge.html

and features such lovely commentary as:

"Another running back who impresses the hell out of me who i truely expect to blossom in a zone blocking scheme is Anthony Aldridge from Houston. Dude runs a 4.26 40 and in 2006 ran for 959 yards and 8 TD's all on 95 CARRIES!!!! He's sick. Then in 07 he ran for over 1,500 yards and was second in the nation with like 6.41 YPC. He's proven he can take 30 carries a game and if mixed with Bush could be an all out dynamic duo. best part he's projected to go in the 6th round due to questions about his receiving ability."

Denver Broncos Training Camp: Day 4 (Afternoon Practice)

That picture's from the morning practice, but it's of Marcus Thomas doing an impression of a brick wall...

Not a ton of notes from the Afternoon Practice, but- here's what we've got:

• This practice focused on punting and kick offs, specifically the blocking for those specific acts.

• Matt Prater is looking very good on kick-offs. No longer will fans have to suffer through opening kick-offs where teams catch the ball at their ten yard line and end up advancing it to their own 35.
  
  
• We reported earlier that the kick returners looked to have slimmed down (only four practicing in the AM practice), they came out thick for the PM practice though: Anthony Aldridge, Glenn Martinez, Michael Pittman, Eddie Royal and Clifford Russell all returned kicks.
  
  
• Domonique Foxworth did not suit for afternoon practice.

Told you that it was slim pickens this afternoon. Next afternoon will be just a "walk through" as well. So if anyone's planning on going to training camp tomorrow, get those autographs after the second practice when players are good and about as relaxed as they will get.

Credit: DenverBroncos.com for the picture.

Denver Broncos Training Camp: Day 4 (Morning Practice)

Thought that we took the day off didn't you?

We didn't, sucker...

Here's some notes from Day 4-

• Selvin Young was out for the first part of camp, no word on why just yet, but he did take the field later on. Peyton Hillis was out this morning, Michael Pittman was playing mostly as a fullback. Montrae Holland was still absent from first-team workouts. DeWayne Robertson returned, as expected to practice. DJ Williams and Boss Bailey were absent from most of the morning practice. Williams later explained that he Bailey and Young were being drug tested as per NFL policy.
  
  
• Jay Cutler hasn't looked bad, but until today, he hadn't really ever looked anybody off. Meaning in coverage, the receiver he's throwing it to is the one that he's staring at. After watching the first three days of camp, he's working specifically on that- looking off his receivers.
  
  
• There's two other quarterbacks on the Broncos and it's Darrell Hackney who is looking like he's aiming for that number two spot. Backup Patrick Ramsey has not looked impressive at all at camp, today the Broncos secondary teed off on Ramsey picking him off several times.
  
  
• Anthony Aldridge is looking very competitive as is Ryan Torain, not to say that Torain is bad, but Aldridge just looks better at this point. Torain did have a great day, but not enough to push either Selvin Young or Andre Hall from their spot on the depth chart. It is not too early to declare that Denver is in very good hands this season in the backfield. Guaranteed fresh legs, whenever called upon. Pittman did take a few snaps at running back, he also looked better at fullback than Cecil Sapp.
  
  
• Brandon Marshall, read my column and ate his Wheaties this morning- burning his defender in the eleven-on-eleven drills, resulting in an eighty-yard touchdown. Rookie Eddie Royal, Keary Colbert and Samie Parker could use some time after practice to work on their timing with Cutler. Royal's close though on the verge of pushing Colbert into the fifth spot on the Broncos receiving depth chart. In the possible event that Marshall is suspended or someone in the top three is injured, it almost makes sense to have Royal as the number two at wide-out and keep Brandon Stokley in the slot. Speaking of number two, Darrel Jackson has definitely solidified his position as the Broncos number two receiver.
  
  
• As for the tight ends, it's Nate Jackson, not Tony Scheffler taking the first team reps as the "receiving" tight end. Scheffler has been incredible at camp, so Fantasy Fans don't be too worried. Daniel Graham may have another season as a blocking tight end, however. The offensive line at this point, just doesn't seem to be strong enough to allow Graham to become the type of tight end that he came to Denver to be.
  
  
• Ryan Harris is getting better, working in tandem with Chris Kuper the pair was able to open up several decent holes in the defensive line. Though, it is still unclear who will be the right tackle as Harris has yet to out right earn it. Rookie Ryan Clady is dominating just about everyone, except Jarvis Moss, who has only got the best of him once or twice over the last couple of days. Where the offensive line is struggling most is in pass protection, expect to see a move on the depth chart, possibly Erik Pears, PJ Alexander or Tyler Polumbus moving in with the first-team offense.
  
  
• On the defensive side, Ebenezer Ekuban and DeWayne Robertson may be the starting defensive tackles this season. Ekuban is playing very well at tackle and with Robertson forcing opposite teams to double him, he could be in for a great year. Depth at tackle also looks very decent, Denver employs a seven-man rotation on the defensive line. With Josh Mallard playing the way he's been playing, you'll remember Mallard came in at the very end of the season (playing in only four games) and managed three and a half sacks and fifteen tackles. In camp he has carried on that domination, packaged with Marcus Thomas, Alvin McKinley, Kenny Peterson and the previously mentioned defensive tackles Denver appears to be much better off than last season. Speaking of Marcus Thomas, he shined during eleven-on-eleven scrimmage, bursting through and wrecking havoc on Denver's offensive line.
  
  
• Jamie Winborn and Louis Green filled in on the first-team during the absence of DJ Williams and Boss Bailey. Niko Koutouvides played once again with the second-team defense, with Nate Webster playing middle linebacker with the first-team once again. Koutouvides had a strong day, playing heady to Webster's all out kamikaze style. The Koutouvides vs. Webster battle is the most interesting battle in training camp.
  
  
• In the background on defense, John Lynch put on a hitting clinic during one-on-ones then continued the clinic during team camp, thumping on two different Denver running backs. Domonique Foxworth went yard on a Patrick Ramsey interception, Karl Paymah was the man who got beat on the Brandon Marshall eighty-yard touchdown reception. Dre Bly and Champ Bailey stayed true to form and looked like two of the best cover corners in the NFL.
  
  
  
• Could this be the year that Bly returns to the Pro Bowl? Rookie safety Josh Barrett lined up a couple times at corner, Marlon McCree continued to sub in on running plays and was beat by both rookies Ryan Torain and Anthony Aldridge during eleven-on-eleven drills. Rookie corner Jack Williams exhibited his speed after being beat by Brandon Stokley, only to catch him and break up a pass from Jay Cutler.

Other notes:

• The Broncos began a new drill, six-on-four: Three linemen, a quarter back and two running backs on two defensive linemen and two linebackers. They also implemented the three-on-three a quarterback and two receivers vs. two defensive backs and a safety. Rookie Josh Barrett played safety during every snap of the three-on-threes.
  
  
• The kick returners depth seems to have been shortened with only Eddie Royal, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman and Anthony Aldridge returning kicks.
  
  
• Kicker Matt Prater continued to shine connecting on seven of eight of his field goals from 40-45 yards out.
  

All photos © DenverBroncos.com and credited to Kyle Sonneman

Training Camp: Day 3 (Afternoon Practice)

Notes:

• Several of the veterans got the afternoon "off": Champ Bailey, John Lynch, Tom Nalen and DeWayne Robertson, are amongst the most notable. Though the players participated without shoulder pads and only with helmets.

• Nate Webster remained the middle linebacker with the first-team defense.

• Selvin Young:

"I’m not the type of person that stays on one side of the fence my whole life and sees what everybody else sees and tries to accomplish what everyone else tries to accomplish," he explained."I’m the guy who wants to get on the other side of the fence and accomplish what other people never reach for."

• Publicly scorned guard Montrae Holland was allowed to practice and saw time with the first team offense at right guard.

• Eddie Royal, Glenn Martinez, Andre Hall, Clifford Russell and Anthony Aldridge all fielded kickoffs during the PM practice. My money's on Hall and Royal...

• Safety Marquand Manuel:

“You can tell, the pads are on, the gym shorts practices are over with,” Manuel said. “Now we are having real man practices, and you can see who the real men are,” he said. “You can just tell by watching practice that our focus to detail is at an all-time high, the best that I have been around,” he said.

• Mike Shanahan on why Brandon Marshall looks like he's dragging ass:

"Anytime you miss all of those OTA days and the majority of the offseason program, it takes some time to get back in football shape," Shanahan said. "He hasn’t skipped a beat, he’s making plays left and right and he is just going to keep getting better and better as his body gets back into football shape."

Training Camp: Day 3 (Morning Practice)

Here it is, let's get the ball rolling.

Apparently yesterday Ryan Harris got blown out worse than we had speculated. Orange Mane's "24" posted this picture which pretty much sums it up, you can view that picture here. (Hope that he doesn't mind me including that link!)

• Spencer Larsen is back and participating in training camp and faced off against Peyton Hillis in one-on-one drills (and looked good).
  
  
• Keary Colbert again took reps with the second-team, Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson and Brandon Stokley all took first-team snaps with the offense.
  
  

• Rounding out the rest of the offense was: Ryan Clady, Ben Hamilton, Tom Nalen, Chris Kuper and Ryan Harris remained the starters on the line and Jay Cutler (who looked better than he has all TC today), Daniel Graham and Selvin Young rounded out the rest of the first-team o.
  
  
• Fans saw a new defensive line as the first-team fielded: John Engelberger and Elvis Dumervil on the bookends with Alvin McKinley and Kenny Peterson in the middle. Peterson is filling in for DeWayne Robertson who is not suited today.
  
  
• Guess the major story is that Nate Webster, not Niko Koutouvides played middle linebacker and he looked great. Boss Bailey and DJ Williams started at Sam and Will, respectively. In the backfield were Champ Bailey, Dre Bly, Hamza Abdullah and John Lynch. With Josh Mallard, Domonique Foxworth and Marlon McCree still coming in for nickel formations.
  
  
• During one-on-one drills, Champ Bailey blanketed Marshall and basically made him ineffective, with the exception of one pass in which Marshall beat Bailey and went yard. Scheffler looked very good in his drills... I mentioned Harris earlier, during one-on-one he looked great, handling Dumervil easily- Clady had a bit of trouble with Dumervil. Defensive tackle Josh Mallard continued where he left off last season, strong- This man will be a monster this season.
  
  
• Tight end Daniel Graham looked exceptional during one-on-ones as well, blocking wise.
  
  
• Andre Hall will definitely give Young a run for his money this training camp. Hall is quickly proving that he's the best receiving option Denver has in the backfield. Michael Pittmann may be in camp literally to provide veteran guidance to the very young backfield, he's been a non-factor for the offense thus far and has looked especially bad catching balls out of the backfield. Rookie Ryan Torain continues to prove that he is a rookie, after a very disappointing day yesterday, he looked better today, but had a false start and dropped pass.
  
  
• Which running back did we forget to mention? Oh! During nine-on-nine drills (no receivers/corners) the defense stuffed the run. These drills are done at full speed, however, I'm now knocking on wood. As I said at last year's training camp the Broncos defensive line looked impressive as well. Of all the running backs the Broncos played, only Anthony Aldridge was able to find real success. Scampering for several 15-yard gains.

• One eleven-on-eleven drills, second-year safety (former Wisconsin Badger) Roderick Rogers continued to shine, picking off two balls (both tipped one by Marshall, one by tight end Nate Jackson). While Marshall again made a tough catch in traffic, Young ended the drill beating Jarvis Moss around the end to gain that could have gone on forever, if he didn't end up being knocked out of bounds.
  
  
• Speaking of Young, he beat Boss Bailey on a pass coming out of the backfield and the mistake quickly drew the wrath of his older brother.
  
  
• It wasn't all bad for Boss though, he drew acclaim from Coach Shanahan after breaking up several passes.

Preparing for the 2009 NFL Draft; pars octava:

Before continuing with this purely subjunctive, speculative and mostly imaginary (only the football players aren't) exercise, let's take a moment for some relevant considerations. The rounds in which the players discussed here may be drafted are mostly guesswork. For sure, it's based on measurables, production, level of competition and other stuff (e.g., character considerations), so maybe you could call it educated guesswork. Estimating how many and which Juniors come out in '09 and where they may plug into an anticipated draft order is like voodoo divination.

The League has been cool to allow fans to peek into the process, but the teams themselves jealously guard their evaluations and draft boards, especially the criteria by which they arrive at those conclusions. Plus, no team is monolithic in their thought processes. Within each club are factions which argue and struggle between and during their times on the clock. Between now and the end of April '09, much can happen. An entire college football season is yet to be played. Players will emerge to have impressive performances not only in big games, but over the course of the year. Injuries will occur and, unfortunately, so will arrests and dismissals. When the selection process begins, thirty-two different points-of-view will be presented in each round requiring quite a bit of reassessment on the fly. The draft itself is a game inside a game inside a game.

In '08, for example, who would have thought no WRs would be taken in the first round and that the first would be Donnie Avery from Houston? More CBs were drafted than most draftniks had predicted: five in the first round; six in the second; four in the third; NINE in the fourth; four in the fifth; one in the sixth; and, three in the seventh for a total of THIRTY-TWO! That's close to one-seventh (c.14%) of all players drafted at that one position. Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU was taken by Atlanta at #68 in the third while Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky, who tore Chevis (and the SEC) up in '07, wasn't drafted until the seventh round (#224) by Buffalo. Denver surprised it's own fans (something I always enjoy) by drafting Eddie Royal, WR, VaTech in the second round and Jack Williams, CB, Kent State in the fourth.

The '08 draft pool was very deep before a bunch of great Juniors joined it. It was a good year for the Broncos to have nine draft picks. The quality of the CFAs is also testimony to the great depth of '08. Studying the probable '09 draft pool has led me to believe that it won't be as deep as '08 even when adding the anticipated group of Juniors. CFAs in '08 would probably be drafted in '09 (e.g., Wesley Woodyard and Anthony Alridge). I'm not exactly sure how many draft choices the Broncos have in '09. I'm assuming seven, but are they due any from other teams or by compensation? Don't know. It also isn't completely clear what Denver will need to give the NY Jets for DeWayne Robertson. Seems as if it might be conditional on how much he plays involving anywhere from a 4th or 5th to a 6th or 7th round pick. I sure hope it isn't a fourth because if you'll reread "pars septima", the fourth round of '09 is expected to still have a bunch of good football players.

Another unpredictable is whether or not Mike Shanahan will trade up. He'd tell you he isn't even worried about that right now because TC and the season are here. He'll study it after the season. He has a whole staff of college scouts on it. FS, G and TE should still need help in '09. Question is, how well the RBs, MLBs and DL do in '08? What will the CB situation be as regards resignings, FA and salary cap? The fourth round in '09 could be used to address any of those. I really think that every other year the Broncos should try to keep all of their picks and even acquire some more. They have been accumulating many young players, but there is a limit to how many rookies a team can absorb. It takes two or three years to properly evaluate rookies and most of them seem to be signing three or four year contracts. Drafting ought to be an exercise in choosing guys who have a good chance of making the team as '08 seems to be. Alternate years could be used to target players for whom to trade up (usually requiring the loss of draft choices) as in '07.

Here are some possible fifth rounders for the Broncos to consider in 2009:

• Jaison Williams, WR, Oregon, 6-4, 240, 56 rec, 844 yds, 8 TD in '07. [*Ducks' leading receiver] Seems big enough to be an H-Back or TE, doesn't he? So are Brandon Marshall and rookie Lorne Sam. If the Broncos feel the need for a big receiver, here's Jaison. If he gains over a thousand yards in '08, he might be worth it. Dropped passes seem to have been an issue. Guys his size shouldn't worry about the coverage. On the contrary, he should be terrorizing the secondaries. We'll be watching.
  
  
• George Hypolite, DT, CU, 6-1, 288, 49 tkl, 6 sk, 5.5 tfl, 1 pbu and 1 int in '07. After the "jumbo" experiment with DT in '07, he seems small, but have you seen him play? This dude has a motor. I'm thinking he would fit with Denver's new DL concept. He could become one of those three-hundred pound bowling balls I think the Denver DL needs. Besides, when a DT comes in on rotation, he needs to bring some game and not just hold the fort.
  
  
• DeAndre Wright, CB, UNM, 5-11, 193, 36 tkl, 1.5 tfl, 9 pbu and 3 int in '07. If the Broncos decide to add another CB in '09, I would prefer Londen Fryar, Western Michigan, listed as a fourth round prospect. If however, another need is addressed in the fourth, this Lobo could be worth it depending on the CB position situation Denver finds itself in next Spring. As much as the Mountain West throws the ball, their DBs are usually pretty good.
  
  
• Will Johnson, DT, Michigan, 6-5, 290, 40 tkl, .5 sk, 2 tfl in '07. Plays for a big school with the biggest stadium in a big conference. Need to keep tabs on him in '08. Michigan will probably play the 3-3-5 D that Rich Rodriguez used at WVA. DL in that D are usually sent to a designated gap on each call (e.g., slant, angle, pinch). That could be considered a good preparation for the style the Broncos may use this season. By the way, Will's one of those academic awards guys, too.
  
  
• Jorvorskie Lane, FB, Texas A&M, 6-0, 278, 169 att, 780 yds, 16 TD, 12 rec, 115 yds, 1 TD [*as a RB] Mike Sherman is moving him to FB in '08 which will put Lane and TB Mike Goodson in the backfield together for obvious reasons. It remains to be seen how Jorvorskie will adapt to a different position where he will have plenty to do (blocking and receiving) without being handed the ball. Sherman is probably looking at his roster and saying to himself that a 280 pound back: a) better be a blocker; and b) needs to lose some weight. Lane has a reputation for slacking in the offseason, but maybe a new coach and a new attitude will change that. FB was a need for the Broncos last year. Peyton Hillis will have the opportunity to become a pro fullback which consists of blocking, special teams, blocking, receiving, blocking and carrying the ball occasionally followed by more blocking. Sometimes big RBs who have been accustomed to running the ball have difficulty becoming the multi-dimensional player a FB must be. Maybe a real pro coach can turn Lane into a real pro FB.
  
  
• Andy Levitre, G, Oregon State, 6-2, 324. A college tackle who projects to G in the NFL and can play C as well. Interchangeability is a necessity for NFL OL and this guy could play T or C in a pinch. Sometimes fans try to pigeonhole OL in one starting or backup spot. Truth is you start your best five and if one of those goes down, bring in #6 and shuffle if necessary. I hope the Broncos will have drafted a G before the fifth round in '09, but if not, Andy might be there. He probably compares to Montrae Holland. Oh, and he's one of those academic awards guys, too.

If the Denver Broncos end up having to give a draft choice to the Jets for DeWayne Robertson, I hope it's just a sixth or seventh because it looks like the '09 pool of players holds up fairly well through five rounds. A reasonable 2009 draft through five rounds for Denver might look something like:

• 1st: Courtney Greene, FS, Rutgers;
• 2nd: Mitch Petrus, G, Arkansas;
• 3rd: Bear Pascoe, TE, Fresno State;
• 4th: Scott McKillop, MLB, Pitt or Devin Moore, RB, WYO or Londen Fryar, CB, Western Michigan;
• 5th: George Hypolite, DT, CU or DeAndre Wright, CB, New Mexico.

Quantitatively the Broncos may need to draft more defensive than offensive players in '09 ... maybe.

'08 Bronco Special Teams

We have been asked to discuss place-kicking and punting and we are nothing if not responsive to requests. In fact, see that little comment thing down there? No, not that, the comment ... yes, that's it. TALK US. WE LISTEN YOU. Sorry, just love speaking caveman.


Well, placekicking and punting are just a part of Special Teams (hereinafter referred to as ST). Kickoff Returners and Punt Returners are also just a part of ST. Basically it's any change of possession plus Extra Point Attempt (XPA) and Field Goal Attempt (FGA). We're talking: Punt (P); Punt Return (PR); Kickoff (KO); Kickoff Return (KOR). Kick coverage requires tackling so some equate it with defense although I think the NFL tallies ST tackles in a separate category. Kick/punt returns produce yards, but they are lumped with the returns of fumbles or interceptions (at least that's how I do it) as a change of possession.

In the NFL, and for the Broncos this season especially, ST are a place where players can showcase their basic football abilities: running, blocking and tackling. Last season most of the deficiencies on Bronco ST can be attributed to poor running, blocking and tackling. Yes, I know, that sounds repetitious, doesn't it? Sorry, but that's football ... running, blocking and tackling. That's what the guy whose name is on the NFL Championship Trophy always said ... Vince somebody ...? I know how fans like to blame all bad returns on the returner and all bad kicks on the kicker, but it's a team game ... ten other guys ... hello.

Bronco offseason acquisitions (not inquisitions) are bristling with players who can have an instant impact on ST: Nikos Koutouvides, Spencer Larsen, Wesley Woodyard, Marquand Manuel, Josh Barrett, Keary Colbert, Lorne Sam, Eddie Royal, Jack Williams, Brett Kern, Garrett Hartley, Ryan Torain and Anthony Aldridge. When you add that to Jordan Beck et al. from '07, that's a bunch of fresh legs. Speaking of which, If you haven't read "Do we or don't we want to fill our football pants?", look it up here to your right. It definitely has a bearing on ST.

As alluded to previously, ST is not rocket science ... , it's basic football. Kick coverage is, see the field? You know, that big green thing with white lines and numbers on it? Use that stuff (numbers, hash marks, etc.) as guidelines to ... guide you ... as you RUN TOP SPEED DOWN THE FIELD WITH NO REGARD FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL SAFETY. Each guy has his own lane ... no road rage now. Run your lane, run through blocks not around them, find the guy with the ball, break down, head (the thing with your eyes in it) in front, wrap up and drive your feet. By the way, here's a place where those 40 yd. times really mean something.

Kick/punt returns are also very simple: right, left or middle return; maybe some kind of reverse/fake reverse on KOR. Here's where that thing called b-l-o-c-k-i-n-g comes in. It doesn't have to be a pancake. A block consists of getting between the guy you want to block and your returner. You are wearing all that protective equipment though; why not HIT SOMEBODY? Got pads in your pants? No clipping! Watch out for fake punts and onsides kicks.

Here's something I've always wondered about in relation to the NFL roster limit. Instead of having a special long snapper (no fishing license required), have several guys, linemen, TEs, LBs, etc. prepared to do that. There's one roster spot (nothing personal, Mike). Then, how about you have one guy who punts and placekicks? He'll need to be be a regular sized football player, not one of those tiny guys. Remember, punter and kicker-offer must tackle. There's a second roster spot. Or, on KO, what if we find several guys on the team capable of hanging the kick up and have it consistently come down on the number 10? That way you could run jaws on KO coverage plus have a real headhunter in there instead of a kicker. Just wondering.

Going into training camp next month, the Broncos have two of each, punters and place kickers. P Sam Paulescu, Oregon State, is in his second year and his competition is Brett Kern, a rookie from Toledo. PK Matt Prater, Central Florida, is also in his second year and his rookie counterpart is Garrett Hartley, Oklahoma. Kick-o-rama is almost here! Guess I expected more candidates. There was another P, Danny Baugher, but he was released. The Broncos will be on the lookout for more guys. Mike Dragosavich was signed as a CFA by the Patriots but was released recently, if I'm not mistaken. Those punters need to take as few steps as possible and stroke it just like a golf swing or a baseball batter with good consistent contact and follow through. For XPA/FGA the hashmarks are lined up on the goalposts. Keep your head down and follow through. Kick the bottom of the ball on XPA for liftoff. It's not kicking/punting ... IT'S AN ADVENTURE! Punters will get reps holding for XPA/FGA. This is where the LS, the line (all locked up), and the wings must allow no penetration.

I know that many Bronco fans are still in shock and denial about Jason Elam. Some of our brethern have said that Elam's range has been decreasing. I don't know. All I can think of is all those winning clutch kicks. We need to realize that: Jason still wants to kick: Jason wants appropriate remuneration for his services; Jason wants to set unbreakable records before retirement; and, Jason thinks kicking in a building will help. Hey, Brett Kern is #1 now if that's any consolation ... no? I expect the loser of each kicking competition to be on the Practice Squad, just in case. Look for the Broncos to bring in more kickers and punters for tryouts until they find what they need: reliability and consistency. Hey, in '07 I was excited about Sauerbrun returning to Denver ... until the game at Chicago.

And finally, the returners. It's a cliche that you can't coach speed. You actually can in high school because a lot of kids just don't know how to run economically yet. That's why so many HS football coaches also coach track and field. By the time a player reaches the NFL, however, that cliche is pretty true. Some have criticized the Broncos' returners in '07. My own impression was the blocking wasn't there. At any rate, Shanahan has loaded up with some speed demons for kick/punt returns: Eddie Royal, Anthony Aldridge, Samie Parker, Jack Williams and Josh Barrett (maybe). Did I leave anyone out? Andre Hall?

Attention all diehard Bronco fans! During preseason games don't leave your seat! Especially during P, PR, KO, KOR, XPA, FGA because it will be exciting! A whole bunch of guys trying to make the team will be trying to get your attention. They deserve it.

In His Own Words: Anthony "Quick" Aldridge

"I mean the guy is fast," Samie Paker, unofficially the current fastest player on the Broncos, said. "As fast as advertised."

"I think I’m more of a speed back," Alridge said. "I think I can hit the edges. Counter plays, catching the ball out of the backfield. I think that is my part on this team. I am just going to try and do my part."

"Really nothing has surprised me," Alridge said. "I knew everybody was going to be fast on the defense. I knew everyone was going to float to the ball. I’m just trying to soak it all in because of all the plays and the long terminology. The blocking schemes are a whole lot different than college. It is a little challenging but it is fun all at the same time."

"They are teaching me everything I know," Alridge said. "Selvin Young has taken me under his wing, been a big brother type. Michael Pittman is doing the same thing. I am just learning as much as I can and trying to soak it all in."

"I am always with [Jarvis Moss] (whom is from the same home town as Aldridge) so it isn’t anything new; it’s fun," Alridge said.

"Who’s the fastest on the team? It’s me," Alridge said. "The rookie free agent. Anthony Alridge. Houston, Texas."

'08 Bronco Running Backs

Bronco fans have long known that their team will run the ball and do that well. So, with seven players listed at RB, who shall we see on the roster? The release of Travis Henry shook the Richter Scale of the Bronco World and sent a message that the example of Selvin Young was to be the preferred model. Thus far, Peyton Hillis is the only FB listed (see previous post "FBs/TEs and auxiliary blockers"). Does that mean Denver will only carry one player repped at that spot, or will one of the larger RBs make the roster as a FB rather than as a RB?

For the second year in a row, an undrafted college free agent running back emerged as a go-to guy at the RB spot. Actually, two of them made their presence felt as Selvin Young joined Andre Hall, from the '06 practice squad. Add Mike Bell and the Broncos have shown they know how to find promising young free agent running backs. Young isn't satisfied with his durability or stats from '07 and seems to be on a mission to break through as a top NFL player. Andre Hall also had some nagging injuries that slowed him in '07, but his performance at Chicago was eye-opening in what should have been a key element of a victory had it not been for some disastrous kicking blunders.

Mike Bell has been on an emotional roller coaster: starter at beginning of '06; 2nd string at end of '06; Tatum Bell traded; Travis Henry signed; moved to FB; few carries/one fumble in '07; plagued by injuries in '07; Travis Henry released ... Some fans seem to think he should have been released by now. It's crazy to me how quickly some fans want to discard players after a down time. What is it? He lost you some money in fantasy football? Your Madden cybercomponent isn't up to par so let's replace it? I'll bet Bobby Turner wants all these guys to do well and make the roster decisions most difficult. Mike, Mike ... it's in your head, Bro. Come back, baby, you can do it.

Ryan Torain was one of the top college RBs entering the '07 season. He was injured and then a slew (understatement) of great Junior RBs came out for the '08 draft. He was almost forgotten. His injury is a question mark but his between the tackles running ability isn't. Training camp and preseason will test the durability of the new Lisfranc repair he had. If it doesn't hold up, IR/PUP awaits. If he finds himself on the roster, he will play ST and eventually get a shot.

Michael Pittman was signed just prior to Travis Henry's release. It's interesting how Shanahan has positioned veterans at each position except PK/P. RBs have a very short shelf life in the NFL and Pittman's expiration date is ...? He is one whose size, blocking and receiving ability may keep him on the roster in the capacity of FB/RB/ST.

Cecil Sapp is another with characteristics similar to Pittman; i.e., FB/RB/ST. The former CSU Ram has been a genuine team player for the Broncos. My guess is that he's not ready to quit yet and still has much to offer. In the event that he is released and not signed by another NFL team, don't be surprised to see him signed and released several times during the season by the Broncos a la Chad Mustard in '07.

Anthony Aldridge is the latest college free agent running back. He is small, but with great speed. My guess is he will be given a chance to return punts and kicks in preseason with that being his chance of making the roster. Carrying the ball between the tackles on a regular basis seems out of the question for him. Some have suggested he will really practice with the WRs (a la Vance Johnson) although he is still listed as a RB. Speaking of WRs, Samie Parker and Aldridge are in the process of deciding exactly who has the fastest set of wheels in town. Do you return kicks, Samie? It seems Shanahan is determined to fix KR/PR with speedy returners: Eddie Royal, Jack Williams and Anthony Aldridge. Having several would seem a major improvement.

How many RBs will the Broncos keep on the roster? Three? Four? Five? That's not counting FBs. How many of those? One? Two? Hillis alone or Hillis with one of the RBs, or no Hillis or FBs at all? As for the tandem possibility, I would classify them in the following similar pairs: Young and Hall as the change of pace guys; Bell and Torain as the between the tackles RBs; Pittman and Sapp as the FB/RBs; with Aldridge in a class of his own (kick return/specials). This is guaranteed to be the hottest competition during camp and preseason. I have no idea who will make it, who will be released and who will be on IR. I do know one thing: they will all be playing ST like demons because that will be the deciding factor of whom they keep.

Broncos Team Camp: Day 5 Notes

DenverBroncos.com just hit send on their Day 5 notes, but keep it here and I'll break it down for you, I'll do my best to keep it entertaining as well.

• Kicker Garrett Hartley [whom I mentioned yesterday] took the entirety of the field goals and extra points, as well as the kickoffs. Weird to only use up one roster spot on a kicker though, maybe we'll figure out how to make him count for two [haha].
  
  
• Tony Scheffler suited up! But only to stretch.
  
  
• While Hartley was kicking off Andre Hall, Anthony Aldridge, Eddie Royal and Glenn Martinez all saw time at kick returner. You know what I just realized, since the days of Darrien Gordon or Glynn Milburn I haven't felt comfortable with our kick returner. It seems like under Shanahan they have really had a solid one. Except the year that we did have a great returner we went to the super bowl (that may have just been a coincidence, but the Bears didn't go two years ago based on lack of field position)... Remember how random the kick returner used to be? Rod Smith go return this punt, Bradley Van Pelt you can run, let's put you in there, Brian Habib lets see how you do.
  
  
• DB.com also felt the need to point out that Daniel Graham and Nate Jackson caught a lot of passes during 7 on 7 drills. Maybe that's because we don't have any other tight ends, but I'm not sure. I know, I know, Mike Leech and someone else, but long snappers and someone else's don't count.
  

Also! Selvin Young felt the need to talk a whole lot about himself and by himself I mean as a starting running back. At least he doesn't talk in third person, here are the important parts-

On being a starter:

"I always had it in my mind," Young said. "I felt like I could go and be a feature back for any team in the NFL. I was just looking for a team to give me an opportunity and believe in me and allow me to push myself to get to that level of competition. I don’t feel like there’s anything I can’t accomplish if I put my mind to it.”

On Travis Henry being cut last week:

“It hasn’t affected me at all whatsoever," Young said [editors note: his depth chart position may have changed just a bit, we're waiting for preseason to end before we make any definitive statements]. "My job is to come out and be prepared and be ready to go. There’s no difference from whether I was behind a guy and the guy ends up getting hurt and I have to come in and step up and fill the position. My job is to come in and learn the plays and be prepared, handle it like a professional and when my number’s called, be ready to go.”

But Selvin, who's this guy screaming at everyone, coming in like a Tasmanian devil and just cutting everybody from the roster?

"He’s won Super Bowls, he’s one of the greatest coaches if not one of the greatest coaches of all time, [edit note: oh...] so I believe in everything he does and anything he says, and I’m going to go out and be a soldier for him," he said. "Any decision he makes I’m going to stand by it, and if that reflects on me it’s a decision that he made and his belief in me and myself, and the other guys that we have in our position."

Who is it up to to prove you can be productive, to the coaches, I mean?

"It’s up to me to prove to the coaches I can be productive in that sense, and it’s up to me to stay healthy and do the things off the field and in the weight room to combat those ideas,” Young said.

"I’m coming out and I’m taking the reps right now with the [first team], and I feel like it’s my job to go out and continue to be a leader and be an example for the guys behind me and continue to keep pressure on those guys like they’re putting pressure on me,” Young said.

Broncos Special Teams Improved?

Spencer Larsen warms up during Team Camp.

Yep... However, I was looking for a Matt Prater highlight for this very blog, let's just say it didn't go well. The only thing I could find was a horrible shank that he had last year for Atlanta. I want to pull for Garrett Hartley (OU Rookie F.A.) to make it as our Kicker, he was nominated for the Lou Garza Award (best college Kicker), but despite having the best statistics he did not win. Hey, if Jason Elam made it in Denver and he was from Hawaii, why not Hartley from Oklahoma?

A lot of our free agent/draft signees, I cannot see contributing anywhere else other than special teams. Look at Spencer Larsen or Wesley Woodyard. Those guys are here to bust some heads on Kickoffs and Punts. Obviously there's Eddie Royal, there's also Anthony Aldridge who should contribute on Kickoffs, as well as Jack Williams who could as well. Hell, maybe even Peyton Hillis will be out there (everyone knows the story of how Terrell Davis got noticed) cracking skulls as he chases down an opposing team's Punt Returner and blocking on Kickoffs.

Also, there's Defensive Tackle Josh Mallard challenging Mike Leech as the Long Snapper on Punts. If you watch the Chicago game, which many people did, because it was just on NFL Network last week, in both Touchdown returns Leech missed tackles on Hester very early on. If he could have simply got in the way, maybe we win that game and we're 8-8 instead of 7-9. Which at a certain point in the playoff hunt would have gotten us in.

Anyway, looking forward to see the new Special Teams this season, a little worried about the Kicker and the Punting situation... Even before Jason Elam left, I love him, but it was his time to ride off into the sunset. Our Punting may not have been great before we cut Todd Sauerbrun, but it was scary after.

BREAKING NEWS: Broncos Dump Henry

As I was musing on the possibility of Selvin Young breaking 2,000 yards last night. It did not cross my mind that Travis Henry would be cut in a couple of hours.

Here's Shanahan:

"We did not feel his commitment to the Broncos was enough to warrant a spot on this football team," coach Mike Shanahan said in a written statement.

"Although Travis has the ability to be one of the top running backs in the NFL, we have to make decisions that are in the best interests of our organization and its goal of winning a Super Bowl," Shanahan said.

Former Denver Broncos receiver Javon Walker accused Shanahan of forcing players to play while hurt. This may be the reason why Shanahan cut Henry prior to training camp, with Henry sitting out the entire Quarter Back Camp over the last two weeks. It may be for another reason, with the league (as of June 1st) fining teams for player conduct, maybe there's something that we don't know. However, we will assume, given Henry's past.

So where does this leave Denver at running back? Well, pretty much the same as the blog I posted this morning, Selvin Young, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain and now Anthony Aldridge (whom will most likely still be a practice squad member for the 2009 season). We are, however, one step closer to my Andre Hall prediction for 2009.

Broncos Continue to Baffle Fantasy Experts

If you were like me last year, you were sitting pretty nice through week 4 of your Fantasy Football league with Travis Henry leading the league in rushing yards. Then you picked up Selvin Young off of waivers, keeping Henry, then you got nervous... And picked up Andre Hall, then you got lucky. Then you started Henry (whoops) coming back from his injury and sat Young and Hall. Now you had three Denver running backs and you were glued to ESPN on Sunday mornings begging for some lead on who you should start.

Anyway, draft any of Denver's backfield this year and you might be in for more of the same again, according to ESPN's Scott Engel.

"So how should you approach the Denver running backs on draft day? Avoid Henry until you have at least three other running backs on your roster, because the best you can hope for is that he stays healthy and scores a decent amount of touchdowns. Young is a good pick late in the fourth round, as he is very likely to emerge as the starter and one certainly cannot count on Henry to avoid injuries and off-field issues. Pittman should be strictly drafted as a late-round backup, because it would be difficult to envision him becoming a featured back, even in an emergency role. Grab Torain in the final rounds and stash him away, because as we have seen many times before, any Denver running back can get an opportunity for quality playing time at any time."

Inevitably some dumbass in your league will take Henry before you get a chance, in barring some further injury that prevents him to get time in preseason. So if you want Henry you're more than likely going to have to take him in the fourth at the latest. Young is pointing at Centerfield and calling his shot right now. Stating his goal for 2008 is 2000 yards.

"I'd like for him to prove that to me," Shanahan told the Denver Post. "And he could very well do it. There's a big difference from your first year to your second year."

Young did have more yards on less carries than Henry last season, I was most impressed with Hall though. Teams weren't able to game plan for him, which if he sits at third on the depth chart again this season would be the same case. He's got a lot of competition for number three though, we're thick at a position that we usually don't even have to worry about with Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain and Anthony Aldridge. As well as the possibility that Mike Bell may emerge from the shadow of Shanahan's dog house.

I've predicted the depth chart before, P.P. (pre-Pittman), stating that Aldridge will sit on the practice squad. Henry will start until he's hurt, Young will play until he's hurt, Hall and Pittman will split time. Henry and Young will return and somewhere in there we will see Torain break through and have a hundred yard game or two. Should we make the post season who are our running backs? Young and Torain, though I highly doubt that Torain will have an opportunity to win an Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. We do seem to be sitting nicely for years to come.

That's Anthony Aldrige (left) by the way, wearing the retired #18 of Frank Tri- pucka, during the season he will wear #38.