How The Broncos Offense Got Better......

The Denver Broncos only signed two free agents to the offense that are expected to make a real difference, but the Broncos are looking at some very tough decisions on the offensive side of the ball. The offensive line, and quarterback are the only two position groups on the offense where things are basically set for next year. John Elway, John Fox, and the rest of the player personnel department are going to have some very tough decisions to make everywhere else on the in regards to who stays on the team, and who starts. The wide receiver position has two guaranteed starters in Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker, but as far as who takes Eric Decker's spot and who makes the team is anyones guess. Denver signed Emmanuel Sanders this offseason not as a potential replacement for Decker, and though he has the inside track for the position he will have some serious competition. Along with Sanders the Broncos have Andre 'Bubba' Caldwell, and Cody Latimer who was the Broncos 2nd round pick in the draft. Last year Bubba Caldwell showed signs that he is ready to move into a starters roll this season. He made some big catches last season, is sure handed, and is probably the fastest player at the position, and may be the fastest player on the Broncos entire roster. Cody Latimer is a player whose upside is limitless. He has the size that Demaryius Thomas has, is known for his ability to catch the ball, and put up an amazing time in the 40 going into the draft. The Broncos have said they do not expect Latmier to start this season, but I watched the kid play through college, and I wouldn't count him out of the conversation. My guess is that Sanders will probably win the starting roll going into the season, but I think Latimer is simply too talented to keep off the field and by mid season I think we could see him starting playing opposite of DT. Tight end is another position that even though the Broncos have one of the best in the game in Julius Thomas they also have Joel Dressen, Jacob Tamme, Virgil Green, and a name Bronco fans are not familiar with Gerell Robinson. The first four names on the list everyone in Denver probably knows. Joel Dressen is coming off an injury, but is solid, Jacob Tamme came here along with Manning and is one of the most consistent players on offense Denver has. He can also move out and play the slot receiver position. Virgil Green is more of a blocking tight end that Denver uses in goal line and short yardage situations. The wild card is Mr. Robinson. Gerell Robinson originally came to Denver as a wide receiver, but the offensive coaches have switched to him to tight end, and though he doesn't have the size that the others have he is probably the best athlete in the bunch. Should Robinson make the 53 man roster he will give opposing defenses a ton of problems. Linebackers will not be able to cover him due to his speed and route running ability that transfers over from his years at wide receiver. He and Julius Thomas would create nightmares for opposing defensive coordinators to deal with, and with teams being forced to treat both of them like wide receivers it should open up a lot of running lanes for Montee Ball. If I had to guess I think out of the group of tight ends Denver has Joel Dressen will end up being the odd man out. Obviously Julius Thomas isn't going anywhere, and Jacob Tamme's ability to play the slot as well as tight end makes him valuable. Neither Tamme or Thomas are the best blocking tight ends, and Denver has said they want to utilize the run more this year which would lead you to believe that Virgil Green will also make the team. I see Robinson making the team because he can also play wide receiver, and anytime you have a player that can play multiple position it makes his value go up. Finally that brings us to the running back position. Denver has named Montee Ball as the starter, and though he had problems holding on to the ball early in the year last season he showed he has the ability to be a very good back in the NFL. He has the vision to see the hole, explosiveness to hit the hole with authority, and while he isn't necessarily a home run threat he does possess decent speed, and the ability to make people miss in the open field. Behind Ball Denver has guys like CJ Anderson, Ronnie Hillman, Kapri Bibbs, Brennan Clay, Juwan Thompson, and Jerodis Williams. CJ Anderson showed flashes last season during the preseason, but an injury kept him from the field for most of the year. Ronnie Hillman would be the only home run/change of pace back Denver has, but has had problems holding onto the ball since he came into the league. With Ball as the starter, and CJ Anderson looking like his back up Denver will have to make the decision as to what to do with the rest of the players looking to make the team. I am not sure Denver is ready to give up on Hillman yet, so that leave basically one roster spot for four guys to fight over. The player that is intriguing is Kapri Bibbs. He has the ability to get the tough yards, as well as break a big run here and there. My guess is that if he plays well during training camp Denver could try and hide him on the the practice squad for the year, but he is another player I would not be surprised to see on the 53 man roster. THe moral of the story for the Broncos: So many weapons, so few roster spots. It will be exciting to see how things shake out.

Thoughts on the Broncos 2014 Draft

Let me start by saying that this is the best I have felt after any of John Elways drafts. It was clear the Broncos had a solid board of players, and even managed to get lucky a couple times. With Bradley Roby, Denver got lucky. This is a kid who should have been a top 10 pick. He has the athletic ability, ball skills, size, and great speed that any corner would desire. His weakness is his ability to focus. He is a classic example of the guy who could be the best in the game, but will allow himself to become, or at least look unfocused, and that is what he needs to work on. Cody Latimer falling to Denver was a stroke of luck as well. Latimer could become another DT by the middle of next season. He is big 6'5, about 220lbs, runs in the low 4.4's, and catches everything thrown his direction. In fact of all the things I have heard about him the one I hear most is this guy can catch the ball. Michael Schofield was an interesting pick that some in the Denver media, and Denver fans criticized. It makes complete sense to me. Moving Orlando Franklin to left guard was the right idea. With him moving to the middle you could say that Denver has one of the most powerful interior offensive lines in the game. Ryan Clady is coming back, and due to the fact that Chris Clark had an amazing year at LT it isn't hard to believe that he will have just as much success, if not more at right tackles. Schofield fits in because he can play multiple positions, but his main position is right tackles. He is essentially taking a year to "study" under Clark and Clady before he gets his shot (unless someone gets hurt). He could also step in and play both guard positions. Matt Paradis is a center who is going to come in and try to push Manny Ramirez for the starting spot, but I think Manny will win this one for this year. Going forward it would not be surprising at all to see Paradis take over as center. He is fantastic at making line calls, and picking up blitzes. He will be given a shot to start, but I would be very surprised if Paradis was the starter going into the year. Lamin Barrow is a guy who is getting beat up pretty bad in the media here. I have watched film on this guy, and no while he isn't Vontaze Burfict, he can make all the necessary tackles, can get to the ball, and isn't a liability in coverage. I think he will go into next season as the starting middle linebacker for the Broncos next year. Corey Nelson is a linebacker they brought in because he is fast, and very good in coverage. Last year Denver had Trevathan and Woodyard running around on 3rd down, and probably were the best nickel linebacking pair in the league. Nelson should step right into a special teams role, and if he has a great camp and preseason maybe he could be a surprise for the Broncos next season.