A Fresh Start

[Atlas]

A Fresh Start


New England drafted Cedric Cobbs in 2004, but the former University of Arkansas runner was on the Broncos' radar at that year's draft.

By Andrew Mason
DenverBroncos.com

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- It may be Cedric Cobbs' third year in the NFL, but it is though his career is starting anew.

It's not only a do-over, but it comes with a team that wanted him in the first place.

Cobbs' presence on the Broncos' roster is testament to a basic tenet of the team's protocol: that no scouting report on a draft prospect ever hits the trash bin the moment the draft concludes. If anything, its value only increases.

The 2004 draft passed with the former University of Arkansas running back passing to the New England Patriots. The Broncos had him in their sights, but when Tatum Bell was on the board in the second round, they opted for the former Oklahoma State runner.

"The year that we took Tatum and had Julius Jones coming out, Cedric Cobbs was the guy that we were going to take in the third round had neither one of those been available," General Manager Ted Sundquist said, "so that tells you how we feel about Cedric."

Denver's interest in Cobbs was such that he was one of the rising rookies the Broncos brought to Dove Valley that year.

"They said they would pick me up and said they really liked me of the running backs in the draft," Cobbs recalled. "But it didn't go that way. They went a different way and I ended up going to New England."

Last fall, Cobbs' path wound to Denver after the Broncos claimed him for their practice squad. It took another winding direction two weekends ago when the Broncos' draft weekend passed without selecting a running back. It marked the first time since 2001 the Broncos didn't pick a runner, although Sundquist and Head Coach Mike Shanahan both spoke publicly of the team's interest in University of Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney had they not chosen to trade up to the No. 11 slot.

Maroney, coincidentally, went to Cobbs' former employers in New England.

"I'm happy that we didn't take a first-round running back because that means that player would get his opportunities simply because he's a first-round draft pick," Cobbs said.

Denver officially signed former University of Arizona running back Mike Bell as an undrafted free agent Monday, but Bell is the only rookie back among a group that includes Tatum Bell, Ron Dayne and Cobbs.

No matter what moves the Broncos made, Cobbs chose not to fret.

"It's not really my job to worry about another back coming in," he said. "All I can do is take care of my responsibilities and that's to come out there and do everything I can possible to get in shape and do everything the coaches want me to do. I kind of focus on myself right now and getting the job done at hand and whatever the coaches need me to do, my focus is to get it done."

As Cobbs focused on his development during his practice-squad stint last year, so too did his position coach, running backs mentor Bobby Turner.

"He disciplined me in a number of ways when I came in last season," Cobbs said. "He didn't like the way I ran; he thought I ran too high sometimes, and he wanted me to fall forward. That's one thing he talks about is he wants players to fall forward for the extra yard."

You've heard of the power of positive thinking? As Cobbs recalls, last autumn was the season of negative reinforcement -- albeit with the intention of fostering growth.

"(Turner is) the type of coach that's always critical no matter what you do," He's always has something negative to say, and it's negative what he's saying but it's a positive way in helping you. He's always trying to make that player the best he can be.

"I work really well under him, the way he talks to me. I understand it, he gets the point out. I can work really well under him and understand what he wants of me. That's what I did last season was trying to figure out exactly what he wanted out of me and I think I got that accomplished."

Cobbs is attempting to travel a similar path to the one that Reuben Droughns traversed earlier this decade. Denver signed Droughns after two frustrating seasons to open his career, installing him as a backup fullback in 2002. He filled in as a starting fullback through the last portion of the 2003 season, then became the starting tailback -- and the Broncos' fifth different 1,000-yard rusher of the Shanahan era -- in 2004.

So what Cobbs wants to do has been done before. Perhaps that's why he knows he can take his time with his fresh start.

"My thoughts are not to push for playing time right now," Cobbs said. "I just want to allow the coaches to believe in me and have someone to be able to count on at any given moment."

Until then, he'll work, watch and learn.

"I think I still have a ways to go," Cobbs said, "but I've had a good start."

A good start -- and a fresh one.

[chaz]

is anyone else getting a funny feeling about this guy? all i have heard throughout the offseason is that cobbs is a denver-style runner who shouldnt be counted out.

i am starting to think he should be watched a little more closely than that...is it just offseason hype? or is there some basis to my feeling that he might make a good run at the starting job this year?

[plummershelper]

I can never really buy into the offseason spin on players. I'm jaded from having my hopes built up and dashed the next season. That said I thought Cobbs was a good prospect coming out and wanted Denver to pick him up. Can't wait for training camp!

[Kaylore]

is anyone else getting a funny feeling about this guy? all i have heard throughout the offseason is that cobbs is a denver-style runner who shouldnt be counted out.

i am starting to think he should be watched a little more closely than that...is it just offseason hype? or is there some basis to my feeling that he might make a good run at the starting job this year?
We'll see.

[watermock]

Cobbs is as talented as The Whizzinator without the baggage.

Trust me, we have a bunch of young talent in the wings. Turner has been teaching Cobbs how to run. You never know, but Mock has a kinda knack for RB's. Yeah, I missed on Fargas, but he just couldn't shake injury in Oakland. Cobbs has battle injury altho I don't know what exactly, but he's very talented honestly. David Terrell is another underachiever.

We don't have to hit blackjack on every one. There is some talent here, we just need a warm body at DT.

[Hulamau]

More good news from and ESPN blurb!

• Word out of Denver is that David Terrell, a disappointment to this point in his career, will move up to the No. 3 wide receiver job in Denver if Ashley Lelie's trade demands are met, as expected. Terrell showed up to the offseason workout program in great shape and has shown a better understanding of Denver's complex offense after riding the pine last season.

[2KBack]

Having a glut of talent is a good problem to have. Hopefully it isn't all BS.

[Atlas]

is anyone else getting a funny feeling about this guy? all i have heard throughout the offseason is that cobbs is a denver-style runner who shouldnt be counted out.

i am starting to think he should be watched a little more closely than that...is it just offseason hype? or is there some basis to my feeling that he might make a good run at the starting job this year?

I think Shanny was thinking maybe Bell isn't the guy to carry the load and then low and behold he sees Cobb on thge waiver wire because of a knee injury. He is like "Well, we had Cobbs rated right behind Bell, let's pick him up and see what he has."

I know almost any back can have some success. Shanny and Turner are good judges of talent so I think Cobbs just like Dayne or Bell can be very successful this year.

As of right now I believe the job belongs to Dayne and Bell. Like it was Anderson's and Bell's last year. As long as they perform well Cobb's and Mike Bell will only get spot duty work.

[Traveler]

We heard the same stuff about many other, i.e., Dorsett Davis, Adrian Madise, and some other RB that had TD's number. I'll take this with a grain of salt and wait for training camp before getting on the Cobb train.

[fontaine]

We heard the same stuff about many other, i.e., Dorsett Davis, Adrian Madise, and some other RB that had TD's number. I'll take this with a grain of salt and wait for training camp before getting on the Cobb train.

I'll take your grain of salt and raise you a hundred! :wiggle:

I think the type of physical runner that Cobbs is with very good speed will be matched very well with our OL. It's up to him but I think he'll be a stud in our offense.

[Arkansas Bronco]

I am interested in seeing how he does. He was very good when he was healthy at Arkansas. But he had several injurys and not just minor ones. To be honest i cant remeber what ll of them where but I belive (not sure) it was his knee one year and had a re-injury another. If he comes back close to how he used to could play then he will produce for us but I am still a little scepticle.

[watermock]

He was very highly recruited. He's had injury problems. Hopefully, basically resting his body and learning the system will help him. He's saying the right things, and should know that when Denver can't make it work, other teams aren't going to even bother.

[Steve Sewell]

I think Shanny was thinking maybe Bell isn't the guy to carry the load and then low and behold he sees Cobb on thge waiver wire because of a knee injury. He is like "Well, we had Cobbs rated right behind Bell, let's pick him up and see what he has."

I know almost any back can have some success. Shanny and Turner are good judges of talent so I think Cobbs just like Dayne or Bell can be very successful this year.

As of right now I believe the job belongs to Dayne and Bell. Like it was Anderson's and Bell's last year. As long as they perform well Cobb's and Mike Bell will only get spot duty work.

Well if you read the transcript from Sundquists most recent interview on denverbroncos.com he says just that. Their opinion of Bell is that he is a 10 carry a game, game breaking guy. Not an EDB.

[broncoback]

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" width="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">I'm looking forward to an intense training camp battle between Dayne, Bell and Cobbs. It's way too early to name the starting RB, but I'd like to see Ron Dayne as the featured back with Bell as the change of pace runner. I've said all along that Dayne is more than capable of 1000+ rushing yards and 10+ scores if he's played as a starter, not a sub, which he's been for his entire career. It's unfair to judge him from his New York days because he was put into a role not condusive to his running style. Dayne is not a sub back, change of pace back or third down back. He was a four year starter in College who's itching to prove that he can carry this team just like he did at Wisconsin. I hope Shanahan doesn't give him the shaft that Coughlin and Fassel gave him in New York. At the same time I hope Dayne doesn't shaft himself by not being ready for training camp. IMO, Bell is best suited to come onto the field for his own series of plays rather than being subbed into Dayne's drive from the bench. Cobbs should get the carries that Dayne was given last year and potentially challenge for more offensive touches in 2007. Mike Bell will hopefully make the team and provide the necessary depth at RB and maybe challenge the incumbents for playing time.</TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on">


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Paladin]

Well, I am not sold at this point on the total RB picture. I will need to see them run in the TC and the Exhibition games before I can have any opinion on the RB corps. Dayne did well last year in spot duty, and I will remember his dash against the Cowgirls as one of the more exciting moments from last year. But I don't know how he will do as the main stud. We shall see. My sense is that he will be adequate, but not the game turning back we Broncos fans are used to seeing. Bell has the speed to break it, but I don't know if he has the strangth to carry the rock more than 15-20 times a game. Cobbs is an unknown and oft injured. We could see Mike Bell playing a bit more than usual for a rook.

I just think the cupbord is somewhat bare. It may be adequate, but Jake needs more help than that. People talk about the Dline, but the RB position is not stocked with players that bring concern to other Ds. The hope I have is that Bell improves by leaps and bounds. (I refuse to get into a discussion about exponents and geometrics.)

[watermock]

That isn't entirely true. No, we don't have a true franchise back, but you will be surprised how good our running game will be. We got 2000 yards from Mike and Bell.

[Atlas]

That isn't entirely true. No, we don't have a true franchise back, but you will be surprised how good our running game will be. We got 2000 yards from Mike and Bell.

Exactly. Denver's running game will be just fine not because you can just plug and RB into the system but for the reason that the Broncos are so good at FINDING backs that fit the system.

If Tatum or Dayne can't get it done then I think Cobbs or Bell will.

[Lestat]

this feels like Droughns all over again, or maybe i should say 2000 Mike Anderson

[eddie mac]

A Fresh Start


New England drafted Cedric Cobbs in 2004, but the former University of Arkansas runner was on the Broncos' radar at that year's draft.

By Andrew Mason
DenverBroncos.com

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- It may be Cedric Cobbs' third year in the NFL, but it is though his career is starting anew.

It's not only a do-over, but it comes with a team that wanted him in the first place.

Cobbs' presence on the Broncos' roster is testament to a basic tenet of the team's protocol: that no scouting report on a draft prospect ever hits the trash bin the moment the draft concludes. If anything, its value only increases.

The 2004 draft passed with the former University of Arkansas running back passing to the New England Patriots. The Broncos had him in their sights, but when Tatum Bell was on the board in the second round, they opted for the former Oklahoma State runner.

"The year that we took Tatum and had Julius Jones coming out, Cedric Cobbs was the guy that we were going to take in the third round had neither one of those been available," General Manager Ted Sundquist said, "so that tells you how we feel about Cedric."

Denver's interest in Cobbs was such that he was one of the rising rookies the Broncos brought to Dove Valley that year.

"They said they would pick me up and said they really liked me of the running backs in the draft," Cobbs recalled. "But it didn't go that way. They went a different way and I ended up going to New England."

Last fall, Cobbs' path wound to Denver after the Broncos claimed him for their practice squad. It took another winding direction two weekends ago when the Broncos' draft weekend passed without selecting a running back. It marked the first time since 2001 the Broncos didn't pick a runner, although Sundquist and Head Coach Mike Shanahan both spoke publicly of the team's interest in University of Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney had they not chosen to trade up to the No. 11 slot.

Maroney, coincidentally, went to Cobbs' former employers in New England.

"I'm happy that we didn't take a first-round running back because that means that player would get his opportunities simply because he's a first-round draft pick," Cobbs said.

Denver officially signed former University of Arizona running back Mike Bell as an undrafted free agent Monday, but Bell is the only rookie back among a group that includes Tatum Bell, Ron Dayne and Cobbs.

No matter what moves the Broncos made, Cobbs chose not to fret.

"It's not really my job to worry about another back coming in," he said. "All I can do is take care of my responsibilities and that's to come out there and do everything I can possible to get in shape and do everything the coaches want me to do. I kind of focus on myself right now and getting the job done at hand and whatever the coaches need me to do, my focus is to get it done."

As Cobbs focused on his development during his practice-squad stint last year, so too did his position coach, running backs mentor Bobby Turner.

"He disciplined me in a number of ways when I came in last season," Cobbs said. "He didn't like the way I ran; he thought I ran too high sometimes, and he wanted me to fall forward. That's one thing he talks about is he wants players to fall forward for the extra yard."

You've heard of the power of positive thinking? As Cobbs recalls, last autumn was the season of negative reinforcement -- albeit with the intention of fostering growth.

"(Turner is) the type of coach that's always critical no matter what you do," He's always has something negative to say, and it's negative what he's saying but it's a positive way in helping you. He's always trying to make that player the best he can be.

"I work really well under him, the way he talks to me. I understand it, he gets the point out. I can work really well under him and understand what he wants of me. That's what I did last season was trying to figure out exactly what he wanted out of me and I think I got that accomplished."

Cobbs is attempting to travel a similar path to the one that Reuben Droughns traversed earlier this decade. Denver signed Droughns after two frustrating seasons to open his career, installing him as a backup fullback in 2002. He filled in as a starting fullback through the last portion of the 2003 season, then became the starting tailback -- and the Broncos' fifth different 1,000-yard rusher of the Shanahan era -- in 2004.

So what Cobbs wants to do has been done before. Perhaps that's why he knows he can take his time with his fresh start.

"My thoughts are not to push for playing time right now," Cobbs said. "I just want to allow the coaches to believe in me and have someone to be able to count on at any given moment."

Until then, he'll work, watch and learn.

"I think I still have a ways to go," Cobbs said, "but I've had a good start."

A good start -- and a fresh one.

Now wouldn't it be great if Ashley Lelie had an attitude like that.

[Cito Pelon]

Just have to wait and see. CObbs might be the guy. Dayne and Bell haven't shown ability to stick their nose in, twist and turn and struggle, keep the legs moving and get just a couple yards when there isn't much of a hole. Man, I sure miss Portis. That kid was a real talent. 4 yrs, 5930 yds, 4.7 ypc, 1129 yds receiving, 8 ypr, 45 TD's, 16 fumbles lost. Ouch. Dumb, dumb, dumb to trade him. Probably will end up in the top-ten all time.

Busted off a rant there. Back on topic, Dayne does have the ability to make any catch. I think he's one of the better backs I've seen catching the ball, he makes it look easy. He can also make some lazy looking runs. Bell may still come through. He has one hell of a burst through the hole when there is one, if he can put it all together he could have a big year. He caught all kinds of crap from Bobby Turner and Shanny on the sideline last year after plays he didn't get the yardage that was available to him, and maybe he didn't respond too well to the tongue lashing. We'll see. He's a competitive kid and has a lot of skills. He's not a bum. We'll see how he does in camp this year.

Overall, I expect to see decent productivity from the running game again. The backs on the team now are not bums, they can produce between the 20's. There is some question about red-zone productivity, but that has been a question since Portis left, so the passing game will have to take up the slack if there is indeed some running struggles in the red zone.

[watermock]

I was beaten like a drum when I said Portis was the best choce in year.

[Atlas]

Just have to wait and see. CObbs might be the guy. Dayne and Bell haven't shown ability to stick their nose in, twist and turn and struggle, keep the legs moving and get just a couple yards when there isn't much of a hole. Man, I sure miss Portis. That kid was a real talent. 4 yrs, 5930 yds, 4.7 ypc, 1129 yds receiving, 8 ypr, 45 TD's, 16 fumbles lost. Ouch. Dumb, dumb, dumb to trade him. Probably will end up in the top-ten all time.
.


Are you on crack??? Since Portis has left Denver has averaged more per rush and more per season than what Portis has done. Champ+Tatum for Portis is one of the great steals of all time.

Take what Champ has meant for this team and take how well the running game has done for this team and compare what Portis WOULD have done for this team if Denver kept him. Sure he might have done better than whatthe Denver backs have done, a little better. What Champ has meant is idescribeable.

[Paladin]

Oh Gawd, not that again! I am glad that Portis is in Washington. I am glad that Champ is in Denver. Period. Even at the cost of having a RBBC approach (said Committee being a bit less impressive this year than last, but we shall see what actually happens...). I would take another season of 2000+ yards on the ground.

[Cito Pelon]

Are you on crack??? Since Portis has left Denver has averaged more per rush and more per season than what Portis has done. Champ+Tatum for Portis is one of the great steals of all time.

Take what Champ has meant for this team and take how well the running game has done for this team and compare what Portis WOULD have done for this team if Denver kept him. Sure he might have done better than whatthe Denver backs have done, a little better. What Champ has meant is idescribeable.

Don't insult me with the crack stuff. To answer your points I'll say there's no reason to slobber over Champ. His contribution hasn't been "indescribeable". No way, he's blown some things in the red zone, and his first year here, he really didn't contribute much at all. Had a couple chances to come up huge in last year's AFCC game, and didn't get it done. He's been set up by opposing staffs, and burned bad. I'm not going to say I don't appreciate his contributions, though.

Portis was a great red zone back for the Broncos. Some backs have a knack for finding which side of the line is pushing best, and they ride a guard, tackle, TE, whatever into the end zone. Portis was really clicking with the O-line, he was doing great between the 20's and in the red zone also. To have had him on the team in 2004 and 2005 would have made a big difference. When he was traded, I believe he had the highest YPC of any back ever in his first 2 years. Sorry, dumb, dumb, dumb trade.

[Cito Pelon]

Oh Gawd, not that again! I am glad that Portis is in Washington. I am glad that Champ is in Denver. Period. Even at the cost of having a RBBC approach (said Committee being a bit less impressive this year than last, but we shall see what actually happens...). I would take another season of 2000+ yards on the ground.

I never liked the trade. I would like it a lot more right now if Champ would have stepped up and made the plays he didn't make in last year's AFC Title game. He had a pretty horrible game, certainly nothing to be proud of. His reg season contributions he should be proud of, certainly.

Portis was clicking so well with the O-line, I was shocked he was traded. Why trade a TD making talent like that? Dumb, dumb, dumb.

[Atlas]

I never liked the trade. I would like it a lot more right now if Champ would have stepped up and made the plays he didn't make in last year's AFC Title game. He had a pretty horrible game, certainly nothing to be proud of. His reg season contributions he should be proud of, certainly.

Portis was clicking so well with the O-line, I was shocked he was traded. Why trade a TD making talent like that? Dumb, dumb, dumb.

It's one of the greatest trades in Bronco history. Right after the fleecing of the Colts. Don't be a hater.

[Kaylore]

It's one of the greatest trades in Bronco history. Right after the fleecing of the Colts. Don't be a hater.
Shanahan touched it, so he must hate it.