dragondawg
07-07-2007, 05:19 AM
WR Brandon Stokley has literally been running around the field during recent minicamps. He'll likely get to do so in a figurative sense soon enough. Stokley's rehabilitation from a ruptured Achilles' tendon he endured last December has progressed to the point where the former Colts standout will likely participate in Denver's July 9-11 minicamp. Stokley in Indianapolis made a living winning mismatches against nickel and dime cornerbacks as part of three-wide receiver sets in Indianapolis. Should he prove he's fully recovered, he figures to serve in a similar role in the slot with Denver once all their injured players are back on the field in concert. Stokley has already stated publicly this is probably his last NFL shot. When healthy, he's quick and is adept at working the zones over the middle, which will allow Javon Walker to play to his strengths and go deep for strong-armed QB Jay Cutler. ...
It went virtually unnoticed stateside, but Denver C Greg Eslinger, a 2006 sixth-round pick, flourished playing for Cologne this spring, making the league's all-star team. That designation may not mean much in the big picture given NFL Europa's low profile (and recent extinction), but that developmental action has been a frequent springboard into important future playing time with the Broncos along their offensive line. Matt Lepsis, Lenny Friedman, Ben Hamilton and Erik Pears all moved into starting positions shortly after going overseas. Eslinger won't immediately displace Broncos fixture Tom Nalen at center but he may have worked his way into consideration for duty once Nalen steps aside in the next couple years. In the short term, Eslinger will battle Chris Myers to become one of the team's top inside backups, joining the loser of the Montrae Holland/Chris Kuper battle at right guard.
SCOUTING REPORT: CB Dre' Bly is best suited for a man-to-man coverage and he'll get plenty of chances to showcase his ability to mirror receivers under coordinator Jim Bates. He has fluid hips, excellent quickness and plays with the necessary swagger needed at the position. With Champ Bailey on the other side, teams figure to test his penchant to take risks in order to make the big play, too. Expect plenty of double moves against him trying to catch him too aggressive. But Bly, who studies his opposing tendencies fervently, also has the speed to recover when he makes a misstep in such situations. One downside is that Bly isn't known as a particularly aggressive tackler vs. the run.
SOMETHING TO PROVE: WR Rod Smith has heard he's finished before. In 2003, his streak of six straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons ended and critics said he lacked the breakaway quickness that marked his early career. But Smith came back strong with two straight 1,000-yard campaigns and established himself as the team's all-time leader in several categories. But Smith's biggest career challenge is now ahead, coming off his worst season since become a regular in 1997. He's battled hip problems for three years running before the pain become so debilitating he couldn't sleep at night and prompted surgery. Smith has recently stepped up his core work, pool exercises and will soon return to the field. And depending how things proceed, he could remain a starter, play as the No. 3 behind Javon Walker and Brandon Marshall or realize his health will force his retirement. But Smith is feeling more spry post-surgery, the desire is there and coach Mike Shanahan will make sure Smith will practice at training camp only when the receiver gives the green light he's fully healthy.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=233685
It went virtually unnoticed stateside, but Denver C Greg Eslinger, a 2006 sixth-round pick, flourished playing for Cologne this spring, making the league's all-star team. That designation may not mean much in the big picture given NFL Europa's low profile (and recent extinction), but that developmental action has been a frequent springboard into important future playing time with the Broncos along their offensive line. Matt Lepsis, Lenny Friedman, Ben Hamilton and Erik Pears all moved into starting positions shortly after going overseas. Eslinger won't immediately displace Broncos fixture Tom Nalen at center but he may have worked his way into consideration for duty once Nalen steps aside in the next couple years. In the short term, Eslinger will battle Chris Myers to become one of the team's top inside backups, joining the loser of the Montrae Holland/Chris Kuper battle at right guard.
SCOUTING REPORT: CB Dre' Bly is best suited for a man-to-man coverage and he'll get plenty of chances to showcase his ability to mirror receivers under coordinator Jim Bates. He has fluid hips, excellent quickness and plays with the necessary swagger needed at the position. With Champ Bailey on the other side, teams figure to test his penchant to take risks in order to make the big play, too. Expect plenty of double moves against him trying to catch him too aggressive. But Bly, who studies his opposing tendencies fervently, also has the speed to recover when he makes a misstep in such situations. One downside is that Bly isn't known as a particularly aggressive tackler vs. the run.
SOMETHING TO PROVE: WR Rod Smith has heard he's finished before. In 2003, his streak of six straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons ended and critics said he lacked the breakaway quickness that marked his early career. But Smith came back strong with two straight 1,000-yard campaigns and established himself as the team's all-time leader in several categories. But Smith's biggest career challenge is now ahead, coming off his worst season since become a regular in 1997. He's battled hip problems for three years running before the pain become so debilitating he couldn't sleep at night and prompted surgery. Smith has recently stepped up his core work, pool exercises and will soon return to the field. And depending how things proceed, he could remain a starter, play as the No. 3 behind Javon Walker and Brandon Marshall or realize his health will force his retirement. But Smith is feeling more spry post-surgery, the desire is there and coach Mike Shanahan will make sure Smith will practice at training camp only when the receiver gives the green light he's fully healthy.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=233685