Denver Broncos at Houston Texans: 3rd Quarter Notes

• Rookie Wesley Woodyard starts off the half with a special teams tackle inside the 20 yard-line.
  
  
• LB Niko Koutouvides gets beat by David Anderson. Makes up for it on the next play by almost stripping the ball.
  
  
• DE Jarvis Moss jumps offsides, but that didn't stop Houston from moving the sticks.
  
  
• Houston's (and former CSU Ram) David Anderson looks very good.
  
  
• Jarvis Moss may have injured his left arm on a tackle.
  
  
• Sage Rosenfels throws deep to Jacoby Jones covered by Roderick Rogers, 41 yards inside the Broncos 10. Jarvis Moss nearly had the sack.
  
  
• Rookie CB Jack Williams gets lucky that Sage Rosenfels didn't see David Anderson wide open. Williams had left Anderson wide open in poor coverage.
  
  
• 3rd and Goal from the six, Rosenfels bubble screen to David Anderson does not score. Denver's defensive tightening up when they have to. Houston settles for a field goal. 16-7 Houston.
  
  
• Clifford Russell returns the kickoff out to the 27 yard return.
  
  
• Anthony Aldridge's first carry is negated by a holding penalty on Denver rookie guard Mitch Erickson.
  
  
• Anthony Aldridge fumbles his next play, a pass from Patrick Ramsey, Denver recovers.
  
  
• 2nd and 15 wing right slot left, Anthony Aldridge gets another run, does nothing, gaining two yards. 3rd and long.
  
  
• Patrick Ramsey from shotgun hands off on a draw play to Michael Pittman, gets to the thirty. Denver will punt.
  
  
• A crazy punt return by Houston's Jacoby Jones that must have been at least 65 total yards of running from right to left, end in a fumble in which Denver's fullback Cecil Sapp recovers the ball. Sapp narrowly made it onto the field in time, looking like he wasn't aware he was supposed to be in on coverage.
  
  
• Denver lucks out starting this drive on the Texans 24.
  
  
• Patrick Ramsey passes for four yards to Michael Pittman who was playing fullback.
  
  
• Ramsey throws behind Pittman on the next play, now third down.
  
  
• From shotgun, Houston showing blitz, protection great, Ramsey's throw was tipped at the LOS by Gabe Long, almost intercepted, but Darrell Jackson just misses the catch.
  
  
• K Matt Prater attempt number two, splits the uprights from 38 yards. Field goal is
  good! 16-10 Houston.
  
  
• Houston's Steve Slanton is tripped up by Wesley Woodyard again at the 20 on the kickoff return. Woodyard was crawling on his hands and knees to make the tackle.
  
  
• Houston QB Shane Boyd fakes a toss, the entire defense bites and he gains 16 yards going the opposite way.
  
  
• Denver's defense stops Houston on 4th and short, taking over on their on Houston's 49.
  
  
• Darrell Hackney comes in just under three minutes left in the 3rd quarter. PJ Alexander is in at center.
  
  
• Hackney swings it out to Anthony Aldridge and picks up the first down.
  
  
• Anthony Aldridge takes a hand off and splits to the sideline for a gain of 20 yards.
  
  
• Darrell Hackney makes a good move, holding onto the ball and tossing it out of bounds on a broken play.
  

3rd Quarter Notes:

Positives: Darrell Jackson, Josh Barrett has been all over the field, Wesley Woodyard looks like he's going to make an immediate impact on ST. Darrell Hackney continues to look better than Patrick Ramsey. Cecil Sapp had a very heads up ST play.

Negatives: Anthony Aldridge didn't look too good before his 20 yard run. Keary Colbert needs to do something quick.

There's more! Check out the Broncos Denver Broncos Blog for multiple daily updates.

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Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 9 (Morning) Report

Young Broncos are shinning! However, more on that in a bit.

As I stated yesterday, veteran center Tom Nalen's MRI came back negative, but he still sat out today. Nalen was joined on the sideline by: Chad Mustard (hamstring), Boss Bailey (knee), Hamza Abdullah (groin) and Montrae Holland was once again conditioning with Rich Tuten. Rookie linebacker Spencer Larsen was excused from practice, as his wife is having a baby. So congratulations to Spencer Larsen. More good news is that rookie fullback Peyton Hillis and running back Michael Pittman were both in pads and participating in practice today, Cecil Sapp can rest up a bit finally and Brett Pierce can return to only playing tight end.

Now onto training camp notes:

Jack Williams breaks up Keary Colbert's reception

• Rookie corner back Jack Williams and Domonique Foxworth continue to make the best of every opportunity that they get. Foxworth is making a legitimate case for becoming Denver's number two option at corner back. He's said earlier this week that he believes that there are 32 teams in the league that he could start for, which includes Denver. Foxworth and Dre Bly actually both caught the wrath of a peaked Brandon Marshall who shared one of his best days in camp with the extremely accurate Jay Cutler.

• Rookie safety Josh Barrett has also stepped up significantly this week, particularly in the last two days (in the absence of Hamza Abdullah). Having broken passes up, thumping running backs in the backfield and blitzing the quarterback, he's kind of making it look easy. Barrett's jarring hits while performing for the second-team defense didn't prove to be enough to cause tight end Nate Jackson to drop a pass, as he was leveled by Barrett, but managed to hold on to the pass. The young Barrett got his revenge in a goal line situation, preventing Jackson from scoring on a short pass at the three yard line.
  
  
• Position battle wise: Niko Koutouvides suited at middle linebacker with the first-team defense and the two day rotation between Koutouvides and Nate Webster became evident. I'm not sure anymore where Tony Scheffler stands, obviously Daniel Graham is the number one tight end, but did Nate Jackson become the number two for Denver and then lose it? Scheffler played more with the first-team today and Jackson played more with the second-team offense today. Patrick Ramsey's successes continue to pale in comparison to that of third-stringer Darrel Hackney. And as far as the offensive line goes, calls for heads rolling may have been a bit premature... Today Jay Cutler succeeded because the emphasis was on passing and the offensive line looks great in pass protection. However, when Cutler has a bad day it's normally because of the amount of time he has to pass the ball. One last position battle is the number four receiver, Eddie Royal and Keary Colbert, it's too tough to tell.

The crowd collectively asked, "Jason who?"

• Matt Prater went ten for ten in field goal kicks, including one for 68 yards. That's not a typo.
  
  
• Here's the deal on Denver's rookie running backs Anthony Aldridge and Ryan Torain. Bronco fans have every reason to be excited about these two, for many years ahead there will be success, but when they look the best, they're playing against second and third-team defensive players. That being said, I don't believe that anyone should be lobbying for Torain to start immediately, not that anyone is. Selvin Young and Andre Hall are still the guys in Denver and as I've said before, I wouldn't be surprised to see movement at the top of the chart sometime during preseason.
  
  
• The receivers, you've no doubt heard that this was Brandon Marshall's best day of camp, possibly anyone in Denver's best day of camp. The rest of the first-team receivers, Darrell Jackson and Brandon Stokley, both looked great as well. I mentioned the number four spot battle earlier and I think that Keary Colbert might have the edge over rookie Eddie Royal, because of blocking ability. That's just what my instincts are telling me.
  
  
• Jay Cutler's good day was directly due to the strength of the offensive line, who seemed to have finally come together as a unit, despite having their leader replaced by center Casey Wiegmann. That's the first-team offensive line, the second-team offensive line was a mess and the first-team defensive line, led by DeWayne Robertson, made them flat out look bad.
  
  
• Speaking of the defensive line, Jarvis Moss is making it look easy, adding several sacks, pressures and knock downs to his training camp total. Fans can look forward to a very strong interior rotation on the defensive line, consisting of: Ebenezer Ekuban, DeWayne Robertson, Josh Mallard, Marcus Thomas and Alvin McKinley.

Calling Out Names: Jarvis Moss, Domonique Foxworth, Andre Hall and Darrell Jackson

I write for the people, the people that want to know what I have to say about the Denver Broncos. I appreciate every single one of you who visit the page every day, seriously, just wish you'd feel the need to comment =)

So here's what I'd like to do, it's been five days and yes, it may be a bit premature, but I feel it's necessary to point out a couple of the Denver Broncos' players who have looked exceptionally well over those five days.

Jarvis Moss - Defensive End

Granted training camp tends to favor the defense, Denver quarterbacks have to favor the fact that they're not allowed to be hit during camp. No matter what the drill it seems that Moss is playing for keeps, a certain Denver paper reported erroneously that Moss was being punished after practice. Moss has stayed late after every practice, the man is on a mission. He's got great competition in Elvis Dumervil, but Moss is excelling in both pass rushing and running situations. Too early to call? No, I don't think so, Denver will not be disappointed in last season's first round pick.

Domonique Foxworth - Corner Back

The Broncos have employed a new defensive scheme in training camp. A 4-3-3-1, if you will, the second three are the corner backs and granted this formation may just be in an effort to stop their own offense... However, in this defense it is Domonique Foxworth, not Dre Bly who shadows the number two wide receiver. It's a contract year for Foxworth and he's making it abundantly clear that he wants an extension in Denver. Rookie Jack Williams can wait and Foxworth is doing his best to make Bly look expendable, Foxworth means business. I only hope that he gets a chance to prove it in the playoffs against Indianapolis.

Andre Hall - Running Back

Andre Hall is the biggest speed bump in Selvin Young's 2,000 yards or bust campaign. Hall may just "accidentally," take the starting spot from Young, once they get in, "Under the lights," as Shanahan says. Hold off on your fantasy drafts my men, I'm not just a member of the Andre Hall Fanclub, I'm the President. He's a triple threat, in that he can run up the middle or off the edge, he can catch and then burn you or he can lay you out in a passing down. It's up to him, I wish I had a clip of him lifting unsuspecting defenders off their feet, but I don't. Even if I did, I'd be scared that I'd get sued for posting it.

Darrell Jackson - Wide Receiver

Proving that there are two constants in life, the sun will rise and Darrell Jackson will prove to be efficient. I've down played the drops that Jackson had in Seattle before, but let this be my thesis, it rains in Seattle, balls get slick- if that's not good enough for you, it might just be that your quarterback sucks (see San Francisco last season). In Jackson there is proof that Denver just may be okay in the event that Brandon Marshall gets suspended and with the consistent Brandon Stokley and the highly likely emergence of rookie Eddie Royal... Denver may not need Marshall at all this season. Take that Denver media, blow his situation out of proportion all you like, but it's not doomsday in Denver until Elvis says so... And even then we'll be okay.

Training Camp: Day 2 (Morning Report) Part II

More notes from the AM practice:

Brandon Marshall out duels Dre Bly for a reception:

Picture taken by Kyle Sonneman © DenverBroncos.com

• DJ Williams looked so good, no one seemed to notice who's taking the majority of reps at middle linebacker, Niko Koutouvides started off the day with the first team. Are bothKoutouvides and Nate Webster that good or that bad?
  
  
• Coach Shanahan on Koutouvides, "We've been watching him for the last 17 days, and try to get the pads on and the chance the evaluate everybody day by day. That's what all the preseason is about; To get a pecking order and see these guys compete and see what they can do in special situations. It's only the second day."
  
  
• Boss Bailey has done well in pass coverage and loves being back on the field with Champ, "It's a lot more easier for me to be back on the field with my brother. It's a comforting thing for me," he said. "It's just been fun playing with him and watching and learning and trying to steal some moves from him."
  
  
• Here's what Coach Shanahan has to say about the younger Bailey, "He's been great. He did a great job during the offseason conditioning program and adjusted to our system very quickly. He's got the ability to cover the tight end by himself. He plays as a coach... So far so good."
  
  
• Both Domonique Foxworth and Josh Barrett got interceptions in the morning 7 on 7 drills.
  
  
• Jarvis Moss made Ryan Harris look bad more than once, even pushing him to the ground once. Is it that Moss is good or Harris is bad? Or are they both good and Moss is just better?
  
  
• When the first-team offense squared off against the first-team defense, the offense did not score.

Other offensive/defensive scrimmage notes:

• Peyton Hillis scored on a dump pass out of the backfield.
  
  
• Eddie Royal caught a pass in traffic that brought the crowd to their feet.
  
  
• DeWayne Robertson broke through the offensive line to bat down a screen play.
  
  
• John Lynch and Marlon McCree appear to be swapping when the Broncos bring in nickel formation McCree's playing free safety. While Domonique Foxworth,is coming in as the nickel back.
  
  
• Darrell Jackson appears to be the number 2 receiver as of right now.

That's the end from the AM, here's a thought or two from me:

Why isn't Casey Wiegmann filling in for Montrae Holland? Most likely, because it would mean someone else giving snaps for the second-team offense, but if this were the season... I don't know who would be manning the right side of the offensive line.

Are we in trouble at middle linebacker?

Don't be fooled, last year our defensive line was said to be "very impressive." Wait until Denver goes up against Dallas to decide how good the offensive/defensive line is.

Training Camp: Day 2 (Morning Report) Part I

As reports begin to filter in, I'll do my best to decipher them for you guys.

So far:

• The Denver Post is reporting that Ebenezer Ekuban and DeWayne Robertson played defensive tackle with the first team, as well as Elvis Dumervil and Jarvis Moss (also playing defensive tackle). I think she's confused and meant to say that Dumervil and Moss played defensive end. Either way, that's a whole lot of guys that can make sacks on one defensive line.
  
  
• The starting offensive line this morning was: (left to right) Ryan Clady, Ben Hamilton, Tom Nalen, Chris Kuper and Ryan Harris.
  
  
• Notes on o-line: normal right guard Montrae Holland is still working privately with strength and conditioning coach Rich Tuten. Kuper (who apparently broke his hand yesterday) filled in for the injured Hamilton is an obvious replacement for Holland. Erik Pears, who started at right tackle last year, apparently is struggling early in camp.
  
  
• Being that Kuper is filling in for Holland, it is unclear who is leading in the battle for right tackle.
  
  
• Peyton Hillis might not have the starting fullback handed to him as predicted, Cecil Sapp is still taking the first team reps. Expect a challenge later in camp, towards the preseason games.
  
  
• Darrell Jackson looked incredible, while Glenn Martinez was mostly quiet.
• Marcus Thomas was handling left guard Ben Hamilton easily.
  
  
• Josh Mallard might mess around and become a huge force on the defensive line this season.
  
  
• Spencer Larsen has missed all of camp, thus far, for a family emergency.

There is much more to report, from morning practice, but this has been part one.

Links! 7/16/2008

I've just put up a new article over at Bronco Madness, though it's not posted yet, so I can't link to it. However, by the time you read this, it'll probably be up, so go on over there and check it out. It's about Jay Cutler and the ever persistent third-year in a Mike Shanahan system.

[EDIT: it's up: How Good is Jay Cutler? (A History of Mike Shanahan in one part)]

Seriously, these links aren't much at all, but I will do my best to help you laugh in between:

• Kevin Jones said two days ago that he was looking forward to his trip to Denver, but he signed with Chicago. (Guess Bronco fans can rest assured knowing that Selvin Young's status as the starter is anything but solid.)
  
  
• Brandon Marshall's not the only one in the NFL with a weak story, Luke (McCown) hits his brother Josh (McCown) with an ax, while, "Chopping wood," in 105 degree weather.
  
  
• Scouts Inc. says Denver's Defensive Line is #32, but I'm not going to make you pay for Insider, so here's what they say about Denver:

32. Denver Broncos
The Broncos were a major disappointment on defense last season, ranking 30th against the run (142.6 ypg). They've done little to address the situation during the offseason. Defensive tackles Marcus Thomas and Alvin McKinley are decent players but have not shown the ability to dominate or become players who command special attention. Neither is a physical presence who can overpower blockers or force double-teams. Defensive ends John Engelberger and Elvis Dumervil are both undersized. Engelberger is a bit of a tweener who is not explosive off the edge and lacks the size, strength and bulk to be a top run defender, while Dumervil has excellent burst and acceleration off the edge but struggles when teams run right at him. Thomas and DEs Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder, all of whom were drafted in 2007, must become more productive if the Broncos hope to play better than last year.

[Guess people have to pay extra to find no mention of one of the biggest defensive acquisitions of the off-season for Denver (DeWayne Robertson). Thanks for the insight ESPN way to not mention Robertson or our newest draft pick to sign a contract, or the fact that Dumervil's a pass rushing specialist. Come to think of it **** ESPN Insider, we promise to have better information than them on the Broncos and it's here for free.]

• This guy just made a commercial with Jay Cutler, a McDonald's Commercial. They didn't want Brandon Marshall or what? Cutler's taking this stuff way too far, I'm sure Marshall got the point the second time you came out to publicly criticize him.

That's it guys (told you that I didn't have much), check back, I'll add more if there is more, because as you can tell, I really went slumming. Just kidding, I would never date a chick from San Diego [zing!?].

Preparing for the 2009 Draft; pars secunda:

Having previously established (in my own tiny mind, that is) the definite needs for the Broncos in the 2009 draft (TE, G, FS), how might we expect the club to go about targeting and scouting the pool of college players at those positions? Denver currently employs almost a dozen college scouts. When you consider the coaching staff has three strength and conditioning coaches, eleven position coaches, two coordinators w/two assistants and an associate head coach, that's a lot of guys in the organization (not counting several others who are also involved) specializing in scouting and evaluating college talent. Compared to the number of people who openly express their opinions on the internet just prior to the draft it doesn't seem like many, but these Bronco employees do this every day for a living. For some football teams, eleven is larger than the whole coaching staff.
In addition to specific areas of need, some approach to the issues of draft position, need vs. talent at each choice, quality vs. quantity overall and available assets for maneuver is formulated. In '06, Mike Shanahan managed to trade up for Jay Cutler in the first, taking another offensive player (Tony Scheffler) in the second. Seven players were drafted in '06, mostly on offense. In '07 Shanahan once again traded up for Jarvis Moss in the first, picking another defensive player (Tim Crowder) in the second. Other moves were made which resulted in only four players being drafted in '07, three on defense. Mike picked a good year to go for volume drafting nine in the deep '08 pool of college football players. Five of them play offensive positions, and the first three guys picked were on O, too. Need at most positions caused Shanahan to stay pat, in spite of the many experts predicting trades and deals. It may be that '08 will be remembered for quantity and quality.

There is much current speculation concerning a projected record for the Broncos in '08. Estimates vary, but even the most pessimistic call for a winning season. Where will they pick? My guess is not before #20. So much can happen between now and April '09. We don't even know who will make the team yet in a year when almost all roster spots, including LS, are very hotly contested. Injuries and retirements will almost certainly occur, some sooner and others much later. Caveat emptor. With that in mind, revisit the previous paragraph. Did anyone notice a pattern? The trend would seem to indicate a defensive player in the first round of '09.

After inventorying the current roster in "pars prima", I'll predict the Broncos will draft a FS in the first round of the '09 NFL Draft. When observing the process, in the first round anyway, matching a need with the best player available seems to be the goal. Ryan Clady is a perfect combination of the two. There were so many needs in '08 that Shanahan had to use a trade, c.15(?) UFAs and 7 CFAs as well as the 9 draftees to bring in over 30 new faces. The first round could have been MLB, DT or S (as many had speculated-Kenny Phillips), but when Clady was there it seemed, in my opinion, a no brainer. There is still much residual grousing about not taking a big-name RB, but that may be more than water under the bridge as Denver has assembled an interesting and promising group.

The very best MLBs in '09 will be gone before #20 unless Shanahan can move way up. It is possible that salary cap considerations could produce a need at CB, but I hope not. When April (month of the boar?) rolls around again, there may be a lingering perceived need on the DL, but once again the best will be gone by the time Denver picks. Current trends would indicate a defensive player and the previous process of elimination is my way of boiling it down to FS.

Two previously undiscussed variables are Juniors coming out and the NFL Combine. Those just need to await analysis (ever notice the first four letters of that word?) until after they happen. Well, having predicted the first round will bring the Broncos a FS, I suppose you'd like me to make a prediction of exactly who it will be? OK. Courtney Greene, FS, Rutgers, 6'2" 210lb., leading tackler in '07 (101 TT, 1 SK, 4 PBU and 1 INT).

I challenge all other blogs, pundits and ... dudes. You heard it here (although I don't think Ian will agree) first.

Links!

It's the rut, what is it two more weeks until training camp? Who will win out at middle linebacker? Who's going to be the second wide receiver on the depth chart? How will Bob Slowik's defense shape up? Will Selvin Young keep the starting job throughout the preseason or are we going to see Michael Pittman, Andre Hall or Ryan Torain starting against Oakland? Are we going to see the youngins- Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Marcus Thomas, Selvin Young, Tony Scheffler and Jarvis Moss step into the players we're all sure that they can be (some have already made significant movements in the right direction). Is Eddie Royal the next Devin Hester? Or should we have drafted DeSean Jackson?

The journey to knowing is sure to be a fun one. Here's some things I've stumbled upon this morning, hope everyone had a great Independence Day and for our Canadian and Mexican readers, hope that you had a wonderful weekend.

Okay, first up, I stumbled on this site, thanks to Josh Temple at BroncoTalk. The blog Orange Bucksnorts features a column called "Cream of the Crop" which takes the best of message board posts, comments from articles at the Denver Post and wherever else fans or players may be quoted or writing, and displays them along with commentary.

Here's a beautiful example and I agree with Hercules, it may be one of the best things I've ever read, ever. It's to the Denver Post's Woody Paige:

Dears Woodrow Tiberius Grandfather Woodchuck,

First quest, can I has Jay Cutler autograph? He hard to get from east coast.

Second, before Bronco draft in makey chat Denver Post you say Bronco not high on Clady. Then Bronco pick Clady. Why Bronco not high on Clady? Was they makey wrong choice before draft to makey other team think not choice? I watch youtoob and clady pan cake guy to ground hard then fall on guy as get up. Fall on guy as get up! Like ton of brick house! Mean spirit guy we need guy this makey all the plays.

Three, sorry guy in first quest. Secon rushmore Chanp Baily. Three rushmore Steve Atwater cause megaton Okoye hit on monday night, call see play before happen, I dont care what guys say he there cause that. Four is reserve Jay Cutsler and is megaton propeller arm fully upgrade diabetes checked Elway cross return to stomach of receives.

Thank you Grandfather Woodchuck. Mighty Bronco wisdom man. May no disease toad rain on family area abode.

Horvil Tiki

I died a little laughing so hard, you can visit the blog here. Horvil, whoever you are, you have a spot on our site whenever you'd like.

Some links:

• Jay Cutler injures Golfer Jay Hass at a wedding, while throwing him a pass. He was also a groomsman at the wedding for his old backup QB.(We're digging deep here folks, did I mention it's not preseason yet?)
• The International Herald Tribune reports Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination at Invesco Field at Mile High.
• Spencer Larsen played fullback for a couple weeks, but says he'll probably stay at linebacker. (I think we all knew that, but it was posted).
• Under owner Pat Bowlen, the Broncos have averaged 10.471 victories per season over 24 years.
• Kissing Suzy Kolber reviewed Stefan Fastis' new book and it's hilarious (and tons of quotes you'll never get from the Broncos on any official websites).
  

And that's that, this week, we've got Sam previewing the 2009 draft for Denver and I'll be breaking down the season ahead. Of course we'll keep you up-to-date if any news breaks (such as the signing of any draft picks), I'll also be guest blogging over at Bronco Madness with Garret and the guys, so check them out. Hopefully I'll be able to contribute something soon to those great guys at BroncoTalk as well.

Oh and Hercules (Orange Bucksnorts), you've got a new fan.

'08 Denver Broncos' Defense: Position Breakdown

With the possible exception of ST, Broncos D will be the most changed from '07. We will see as many as seven new starters, perhaps as many as eleven new defensive players. When one considers there are four rookies and four players new in '07 left over from last year, that's a major rebuild! There could be as many as 19 new faces among the 25 or so on D, in the past two seasons. Add to that a new DC, LB coach and a couple of new defensive assistants, the Broncos' '08 D will be almost brand new.

The position with the least turnover, and therefore the strongest headed into '08, is cornerback. Two proven veterans, Bailey and Bly, backed up by two experienced young players, Foxworth and Paymah with a promising rookie in Jack Williams. It may be the deepest set of corners in the NFL. Just in case you were wondering how important they are, remember how they came flying off the draft board in April? The Broncos may have the luxury of planning ahead for the future of this position. Not many question marks here ... yet.

The DL was joined by three rookies in '07, ends Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder and tackle Marcus Thomas. Moss's season ended early with an injury, Thomas was never really in shape having missed '06; he and Crowder got a lot of playing time. DL usually show great improvement in their second season, Mario Williams a case in point. Elvis Dumervil continues to develop as a PRS getting into double-digits in '07. DeWayne Robertson joins the Broncos DL from the Jets switching back to a more one-gap 3 tech. after having been NT a couple of seasons. A rookie DT, Carlton Powell of Va.Tech., was added in the 5th round. Most of us expect to see these six joined by two or three from: Ebenezer Ekuban, John Engelberger, Thomas Harris, Alvin McKinley, Kenny Peterson, Josh Mallard (trying out at LS), Nic Clemons, Larry Birdine and Paul Carrington. Question marks would appear to be: how will Robertson's knee hold up; how well will the sophs (Moss, Crowder and Thomas) mature; will Dumervil morph into a PRS with about 20 sacks; how much will Powell contribute in a DT rotation this year? A DL will need to be drafted or otherwise acquired in '09. After all those Browns' DL, the situation finally starts to look more promising and manageable.

The last time Denver had a great D, there was a high motor/thumper/emotional leader named Al Wilson at MLB. Bronco fans miss him. His replacement is yet to be found. DJ Williams, who has played all LB spots very well, did a good job at MLB in '07. We are all excited about his return (finally) to WLB where his talents can shine. Nate Webster has yet to show he is the answer at MLB. Niko Koutouvides was signed as an UFA from Seattle. He will get his chance to play MLB and maybe we should have the Greek flags, music, food, drink, etc. ready just in case. Spencer Larsen is a 6th round pick from Arizona (which has produced some great LBs) who has the look of a thumper in the middle. The Bailey brothers finally get their wish to play together yet again, maybe even on the same side of the D most of the time. Jamie Winborn (who played very well in relief) and Jordan Beck (who excelled on ST) are in the mix as well. Also listed as a LB is the top-ranked undrafted player in '08, Wesley Woodyard. Is he a LB or a S? The Broncos will retain six or seven on the roster. Louis Green and Nate Webster will have their hands full just making the team.

The defensive position which I and others have no clue about is safety. Part of it is that we out here really don't know what they in there are up to. Hey, send me to Denver with an expense account and a press pass to all practices, and ... There are six of them; seven if you count Woodyard as a S. But, what is a box S in the Broncos' D? Same as a LB in a split-six (4-4)? Even if the the Broncos intend to play eight in the box, they still need a FS type/center-fielder/break on the ball/big hitter. Could Abdullah, Barrett and Rogers be the FS types with Lynch, McCree, Manuel and Woodyard the box/SS types? Who knows? How many will they keep? Four? Five? Who will the '08 Bronco safeties be? Like I said, no clue. Stay tuned. It will be a big surprise, especially to other NFL teams ... I hope.

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."