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2007 Team Report: Denver Broncos
Quarterbacks
Starter: Jay CutlerBackup(s): Patrick Ramsey Starting QB: Jay Cutler took over for an ineffective Jake Plummer last year in Week 13. It didn't take long for the rookie to show off his tremendous skill set. He threw two TDs in every game except for the finale against San Francisco. His arm and his moxie make him an excellent QB under pressure. Unlike his predecessor, it's not easy to rattle Cutler. He's cool under fire and can make accurate throws on the run or in the pocket. Backup QB: Patrick Ramsey comes to Denver after only one season with the Jets. He started his career in Washington and put up some decent numbers as a starter. Drafted in the first round of the 2002 Draft (along with David Carr and Joey Harrington), he now finds himself in a backup role with little chance at playing time.
Running Backs
Starter: Travis HenryBackup(s): Selvin Young [R], Mike Bell, Andre Hall
Fullback(s): Paul Smith, Cecil Sapp Starting RB: Travis Henry was brought in as a free agent to bring stability to the RB position. He called his decision to sign with Denver a "no-brainer" and he looks like a great fit for Denver's zone-blocking schemes. Henry had a productive year playing for the Titans in 2006 gaining 1,211 yards on just 270 carries (4.5 YPC). Mike Shanahan has already billed Henry as a potential 1,500-yard rusher for the Broncos this season. Henry should also be the goal-line back. Henry sprained his MCL in the Broncos' second preseason game, but is expected to be ready for the regular-season opener. Backup RBs: The battle for the number two job has a surprise winner: undrafted rookie Selvin Young. Young impressed the Broncos coaches with his consistency each day in practice, and edged his way ahead of Mike Bell on the depth chart. Mike Bell made a big splash as an undrafted free agent last year when he was named the starter at the beginning of training camp. Bell proved that he is a good runner between the tackles and gets to top speed in a hurry. However, he isn't a creative runner and many times would simply run into the back of his blockers rather than look for the cutback lane. Fullback: Cecil Sapp is a versatile runner that can play tailback as well as fullback; so expect the Broncos to use him in a variety of ways. Remember last year's starter, Kyle Johnson, was a frequent red zone target in the passing game. Paul Smith is a pure in-line blocking fullback; and will be used as such.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Javon Walker, Brandon StokleyBackups: Brandon Marshall, Brian Clark, Domenik Hixon, Rod Smith Starting WRs: Javon Walker proved last year why he is considered an elite NFL receiver when healthy. He returned to his 1,000-yard form and racked up TDs on the ground and in the air. Walker provided a consistent target for Jake Plummer and he helped Jay Cutler along as a young rookie still learning the game. He quietly put in requests to the coaching staff to see the ball more in 2007. Brandon Stokley was recently called the "best slot receiver in the NFL" by his former teammate Peyton Manning. While that's probably overstating things, Stokely is currently running as a starter in Denver. Regardless of whether he starts or plays in the slot, Stokley is sure handed and tough-minded. He won't light up the box score, but he will make important catches at key moments. Backup WRs: Brandon Marshall will probably end up starting at some point opposite of Walker, but has some growing up to do. He is a very talented receiver who knows how to use his size and strength to his advantage. There were some off-field problems that emerged for Marshall this offseason and it remains to be seen if that will affect his play. The Broncos need him to mature and to do so quickly. He has big-game ability if it all comes together for him. Domenik Hixon and Brian Clark will round out the receiving corps. Rod Smith had hip surgery in February and will begin the season on the PUP list, possibly returning in week 7 or 8. Smith still runs some of the best routes in the league, but he has lost a few steps making it easier for CBs to defend him once he commits.
Tight Ends
Starters: Daniel GrahamBackups: Tony Scheffler, Stephen Alexander Daniel Graham, the Colorado high school phenom that also went to college in Boulder, returns to the high country to take over the starting TE spot. After catching seven TDs in 2004, Graham has only hauled in five over the last two years. Don't expect his numbers to be off the chart because he was brought to Denver primarily as a blocker. Tony Scheffler isn't much of a blocker, but has strong skills as a receiver. In Scheffler's final five games, coinciding with Cutler under center, he had 12 receptions and four TDs. Scheffler broke his foot in May minicamps, but is back in practice and could push for the starting job under ideal conditions. Stephen Alexander adds veteran depth to this TE corps.
Place Kicker
Jason Elam : Elam has ranked in the top ten in kicker scoring for ten consecutive years (including six top fives). At a distant second in that category is Matt Stover who has been in the top ten the last four years. The streak almost ended last year as the scoring opportunities dwindled, however his career high 93.1% FG success rate (27 of 29) led to a tenth place ranking in scoring. The production did pick up in the latter part of the season when Jay Cutler took aver at QB. Elam also has good range, with 36 career 50+ yard FGs (second all-time to Morten Andersen). CAMP UPADTE: One area that hasn't been a bright spot in camp have been more misses than usual by kicker Jason Elam. The problem appears to be the holder, where Jay Cutler, Todd Sauerbrun, or Paul Ernster will replace the departed Jake Plummer.Kick and Punt Returners
Kick Returners: Domenik Hixon; Brian Clark; Cecil Sapp; Mike Bell; Selvin Young The Broncos tried just about everyone on kickoff returns the last few years, before finally acquiring and settling on WR Quincy Morgan last year (17 returns, 24.9 avg.). The job may not actually be settled however. When Denver drafted WR Domenik Hixon last year, he was expected to be a strong contender for the return specialist role, but he was unable to compete for the job due to a broken foot. He returned both kickoffs (23.5 avg.) and punts (7.7 avg.) for Akron as a senior. He scored on both a kickoff and punt return during his junior year. WR Brian Clark was the starting kickoff returner the first part of last year (23 returns, 22.3 avg.), however he failed to keep the job. Available backups include WR David Kircus (2 returns, 19.0 avg.), FB Cecil Sapp (4 returns, 23.8 avg.), and RB Mike Bell (5 returns, 19.4 avg.). Rookie RB Selvin Young averaged 23.1 yards on kickoff returns during his career at Texas and scored once. Although he's more experienced on punt returns, Rookie WR Marquay McDaniel has been practicing on kickoff returns. CAMP UPDATE: Starting kickoff returner WR Quincy Morgan averaged 20.7 yards on three kickoff returns agaianst Dallas. WR Brian Clark added a 26 yard kickoff return to go along with his big game on offense. WR David Kircus handled punt returns, averaging 10.0 yards on two returns. Potential return specialist WR Domenik Hixon did not have any returns in the game. Another returner candidate, rookie WR Marquay McDaniel, finally practiced last week after missing time with hamstring injury. Rookie RB Selvin Young is another dark horse candidate on returns, although he has not had any returns in the preseason games. Punt Returners: Domenik Hixon; Champ Bailey; Dre' Bly; Selvin Young The Broncos lost their starting punt returner, Darrent Williams, in the New Year's Eve shooting. Domenik Hixon is the early favorite to take over that role. David Kircus did well on his six returns last year, averaging 14.3 yards. WR Rod Smith and CB Champ Bailey both have experience returning punts, and are available if needed. CB Dre' Bly returned a couple punts for Detroit in 2003, and for St. Louis in 2001 & 2002. Rookie Selvin Young returned two punts for scores while at Texas. Rookie WR Marquay McDaniel is a dark horse candidate. He set NCAA I-AA career records with 144 punt returns and 1,907 yards over four years at Hampton.Offensive Line
Projected Starters: LT Matt Lepsis, LG Ben Hamilton, C Tom Nalen, RG Montrae Holland, RT Erik PearsKey Backups: Chris Kuper, Adam Meadows The Broncos offensive line has gone through some changes this season, but the scheme and players returning should keep this unit functioning well. Veteran Matt Lepsis was injured for the first time in his career last season and the team missed his presence. Left guard Ben Hamilton is undersized at only 283 pounds but has superlative technique and gets the job done. Center Tom Nalen is the leader of this group and is still playing at a high level despite being 36 years old. The Broncos are blessed with young, talented players so the future is bright. It may take a while to come together, but the promise is there for another strong season.
Team Defense
The Denver team defense was difficult to figure in 2006. The Broncos finished in the top half of the league in total points allowed and takeaways but in the bottom half in total yards allowed and sacks. After the 2006 season, the Broncos were one of a number of teams who changed defensive coordinators, dumping Larry Coyer for Jim Bates. After a few seasons of bringing in other team's questionable veterans to address the line in free agency, the Broncos grabbed three linemen in the draft, including DE Jarvis Moss who will be expected to immediately upgrade the pass rush. Denver also added a big play corner in Dre Bly, who will pair with Champ Bailey to form the best man cover corner tandem in the league. The only significant loss was MLB Al Wilson and that loss may not be felt as hard if D.J. Williams takes to the position quickly. The Broncos will need Moss, Williams and Bly to have good seasons to be a top ten fantasy defense in 2007, but the big play potential is better in Denver than it has been in some time. They are a reasonable risk as a DEF2 with upside.Defensive Line
Starters: DE Jarvis Moss, DE John Engelberger, DT Sam Adams, DT Alvin McKinleyBackups: DE Simeon Rice, DE Tim Crowder, DE Elvis Dumervil, DE Kenard Lang, DT Marcus Thomas, DT Amon Gordon, DE Ebenezer Ekuban (IR) Starting DL: The starting defensive ends remain unclear after the Broncos selected Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder in the early rounds of the 2007 draft. Ebenezer Ekuban and Kenard Lang were the incumbent starters. Lang lost his starting position to John Engelberger early in camp. Lang plays bigger than his size against the run but has struggled to provide a consistent pass rush. Ekuban thrived in the second half of 2006 as an end/tackle but suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the second preseason game and will miss the regular season. The "starting" tackles are currently Sam Adams and Alvin McKinley. In reality, the team will rotate a big group of tackles. All will be the big, space-eating types Jim Bates likes to use to keep the middle bottled up. Backup DL: Simeon Rice is one of the NFL's all-time best pass rushers; but injury and contractual obligations made him expendable in Tampa Bay. Whether he'll start or not remains to be seen, but if healthy Rice is sure to improve the Broncos pass rush; even as a situational player. The additions of Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder and Marcus Thomas may be major improvements to the overall line play if they play to their scouting reports. Moss is a talented edge rusher but remains limited in run support. The Broncos plan to use him as a situational rusher initially but Moss could take over a larger role on the weakside now that Ekuban is done for the season. Crowder is much better against the run than Moss but doesn't have the speed rush moves and will also have a significant rotational role. Elvis Dumervil proved himself capable of becoming an impact situational rusher in 2006 with a seven sack season, including two multiple sack games. Suspect in run support, Dumervil is unlikely to ever win an every down role but will be a great third down fit for the Bates' scheme. Jimmy Kennedy was added in a trade from St. Louis and will give the Broncos much needed size in the middle.
Linebackers
Starters: WLB Ian Gold, MLB D.J. Williams, SLB Nate WebsterBackups: LB Louis Green, LB D.D. Lewis, , LB Wesly Mallard Starting LBs: One of the league's best linebacking units lost its anchor Al Wilson shortly before the draft. Injuries and concern over whether he would be able to hold up over a full season prompted the Broncos to move forward. The likely result of Wilson's release is the move of DJ Williams into the playmaking position in Jim Bates' Miami 4-3. Williams has quietly been a top performer at SLB over the past two seasons but could become a star in the middle, where he'll use his size and physical presence to put a new face on the Bronco defense. Ian Gold returns as a stable force on the weak side. He remains a very good all-around linebacker and major contributor to the nickel package. The SLB position has already seen two major injuries, as both Eddie Moore and Warrick Holdman have been lost for the season. Nate Webster is playing SLB but could be displaced by Louis Green at any time. Backup LBs: After Ian Gold and DJ Williams, the Bronco linebacking group is thin on talent. DD Lewis has the talent to be a starting linebacker in the NFL but was never durable enough to establish himself in Seattle. Louis Green is a solid special teams player but wouldn't be a major asset playing a lot of snaps in the base defense.
Defensive Backs
Starters: CB Dre Bly, CB Champ Bailey, SS Nick Ferguson, FS John LynchBackups: CB Domonique Foxworth, CB Karl Paymah, S Curome Cox, S Hamza Abdullah Starting DBs: After acquiring cornerback Dre Bly in a trade with Detroit, the Broncos have the best corner tandem in the league. Bly is a very good man corner for his size and has always been one of the better playmaking corners in the league. On the other side, Champ Bailey continues to be the league's premier corner. Like Bly, Bailey is very good in man coverage and has elite instincts and ball skills. The two corners have picked off 27 passes between them over the past two seasons alone. Strong safety Nick Ferguson should be healthy for camp after having a severe meniscus tear surgically repaired late in 2006. He is an underrated all-around safety. He could be used more in-the-box in Jim Bates' defensive scheme. Veteran John Lynch will continue to anchor the deep middle with his heady, physical brand of play. His instincts have kept his deep coverage skills intact despite some loss of speed and range. Backup DBs: The Broncos will back up their star corners with two very good young corners in Domonique Foxworth and Karl Paymah. After the tragic death of last year's starter Darrent Williams, Foxworth and Paymah would have had a tight battle to take over in the starting lineup this year. After the signing of Dre Bly, both will remain valuable players in the nickel and dime packages. That leaves only Curome Cox as experienced depth at safety heading into camp. The team has been impressed with the play of Hamza Abdullah during the preseason, however, and may no longer pursue a veteran player for depth. Last modified: 2007-09-03 21:11:18
