SoDak Bronco
08-08-2007, 10:18 PM
ENGLEWOOD, Colo -- Five observations from Denver Broncos training camp, gleaned from the team's practices:
1. Big additions
The additions of Jimmy Kennedy and Sam Adams to the defensive line are huge. Why? Because both players are huge. Kennedy looks to be in great shape. The former Rams first-round pick never seemed to feel comfortable in St. Louis. For years, he played behind first-rounders Ryan Pickett and Damione Lewis. When they left, his play dropped off.
Kennedy reported to Broncos camp in the 335-pound range and showed some quickness at practice. Adams will be asked to use his big body around 20 to 25 plays a game. He's a good run stopper but still has a quick first step to disrupt the interior blocking schemes. Rookie Marcus Thomas is a talent at defensive tackle, but he might initially be fourth in this mix. Thomas, who was kicked out of Florida for off-the-field issues, will have time to pick up the system and develop slowly. What will be interesting to see is how the influx of tackles will affect Gerard Warren. A couple years ago, Warren played at a Pro Bowl level, but the line play as a whole slipped last year. Warren is still the starter, but he has competition for his playing time. The Broncos also added Alvin McKinley to play on the inside as a backup three-technique option.
2. Strength in numbers
The deepest position for the Broncos is defensive end. Ebenezer Ekuban and John Engelberger are the starters, but a name to watch is Elvis Dumervil. He had eight sacks as a rookie in limited playing time. Shanahan thinks Dumervil's intense playing style could net a dozen sacks this year.
The Broncos had a scare Monday when first-round choice Jarvis Moss was carted off the field with a knee injury that turned out to be a sprain. He's day-to-day. Tim Crowder looks promising. He has the body of a pass-rushing end. Both he and Moss are right-side pass-rushers, although they may be on opposite sides in pass-rushing situations. Kenny Peterson, who faces a four-game suspension in September for violating the league's steroid policy, also shows some skills at end, but he may have a hard time making the team.
Where does all of this leave veteran Kenard Lang? Lang is the type of accomplished veteran Shanahan loves to have on his team. But the Broncos are seven deep at defensive end and clearly are developing Crowder and Moss as the starters of the future. Lang could be expendable unless he has an unbelievable preseason. Expect him to be cut or traded.
3. Big plans for Graham
The best place to observe tight end Daniel Graham is the end zone. There, you get the full effect of what he could mean to Denver's offense. Graham sets up in a three-point stance that eats up a lot of space. His legs are spread wide and ready for action. Graham was signed to be a force as a blocker as well as a receiver. The Broncos outbid the Seahawks for Graham, whom Shanahan considers a difference maker. The Broncos want to become a more effective running team, particularly in the second halves of games. Graham has the size and power to wear down a defender. Plus, he's a big target.
The signing of Graham was a bit of a surprise because the Broncos were already pretty solid at the position. Stephen Alexander is an established starter. Tony Scheffler is skilled at catching passes and is just about ready to come off the physically unable to perform list following offseason surgery. Nate Jackson, the unknown of the group, is catching everything.
4. Potentially great
On paper, the Broncos should be great at wide receiver, but there's cause for concern if Brandon Marshall doesn't develop into a starter -- and a good one -- in this camp. Marshall is like so many Shanahan wide receiver draft choices. He looked promising as a rookie. But the Broncos ask more of their receivers than most teams because they have to block and play hurt. Guess what? Marshall is missing practice time with an injury. Rod Smith has advised many young receivers during Shanahan's era that they have to learn to play hurt. Broncos receivers have to play their best when they feel their worst.
Marshall has to play well for the team to have success. Smith is coming off hip surgery. Although Shanahan will wait for him to heal, there is no guarantee he will be completely healthy by the start of the season. The plan is for Smith to be the third receiver this year. Brandon Stokley is perhaps the game's best slot receiver. But injuries ended his days in Indianapolis. Stokley's body takes a pounding going across the middle. Jay Cutler is going to need a full arsenal of receivers to succeed.
5. Impact player
Travis Henry should be a major force for the Broncos. If healthy, he should be able to rush for 1,400 to 1,500 yards. Henry runs low to the ground and has powerful legs. His style is very similar to that of former Broncos great Terrell Davis. Like Davis, Henry gets stronger as defenses wear down.
Shanahan is the best in the league at putting together a running game. Since Davis, he's turned journeymen and converted fullbacks into 1,000-yard runners. Although that's great, Shanahan needs a 1,500-yarder to get his offense peaking. The key is keeping Henry healthy all year. Shanahan will limit him a little during the preseason to keep him fresh for the regular season. Mike Bell, an undrafted gem from a year ago, remains a no-nonsense backup option. Cecil Sapp also runs hard and will be available when Henry needs a rest.
John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
1. Big additions
The additions of Jimmy Kennedy and Sam Adams to the defensive line are huge. Why? Because both players are huge. Kennedy looks to be in great shape. The former Rams first-round pick never seemed to feel comfortable in St. Louis. For years, he played behind first-rounders Ryan Pickett and Damione Lewis. When they left, his play dropped off.
Kennedy reported to Broncos camp in the 335-pound range and showed some quickness at practice. Adams will be asked to use his big body around 20 to 25 plays a game. He's a good run stopper but still has a quick first step to disrupt the interior blocking schemes. Rookie Marcus Thomas is a talent at defensive tackle, but he might initially be fourth in this mix. Thomas, who was kicked out of Florida for off-the-field issues, will have time to pick up the system and develop slowly. What will be interesting to see is how the influx of tackles will affect Gerard Warren. A couple years ago, Warren played at a Pro Bowl level, but the line play as a whole slipped last year. Warren is still the starter, but he has competition for his playing time. The Broncos also added Alvin McKinley to play on the inside as a backup three-technique option.
2. Strength in numbers
The deepest position for the Broncos is defensive end. Ebenezer Ekuban and John Engelberger are the starters, but a name to watch is Elvis Dumervil. He had eight sacks as a rookie in limited playing time. Shanahan thinks Dumervil's intense playing style could net a dozen sacks this year.
The Broncos had a scare Monday when first-round choice Jarvis Moss was carted off the field with a knee injury that turned out to be a sprain. He's day-to-day. Tim Crowder looks promising. He has the body of a pass-rushing end. Both he and Moss are right-side pass-rushers, although they may be on opposite sides in pass-rushing situations. Kenny Peterson, who faces a four-game suspension in September for violating the league's steroid policy, also shows some skills at end, but he may have a hard time making the team.
Where does all of this leave veteran Kenard Lang? Lang is the type of accomplished veteran Shanahan loves to have on his team. But the Broncos are seven deep at defensive end and clearly are developing Crowder and Moss as the starters of the future. Lang could be expendable unless he has an unbelievable preseason. Expect him to be cut or traded.
3. Big plans for Graham
The best place to observe tight end Daniel Graham is the end zone. There, you get the full effect of what he could mean to Denver's offense. Graham sets up in a three-point stance that eats up a lot of space. His legs are spread wide and ready for action. Graham was signed to be a force as a blocker as well as a receiver. The Broncos outbid the Seahawks for Graham, whom Shanahan considers a difference maker. The Broncos want to become a more effective running team, particularly in the second halves of games. Graham has the size and power to wear down a defender. Plus, he's a big target.
The signing of Graham was a bit of a surprise because the Broncos were already pretty solid at the position. Stephen Alexander is an established starter. Tony Scheffler is skilled at catching passes and is just about ready to come off the physically unable to perform list following offseason surgery. Nate Jackson, the unknown of the group, is catching everything.
4. Potentially great
On paper, the Broncos should be great at wide receiver, but there's cause for concern if Brandon Marshall doesn't develop into a starter -- and a good one -- in this camp. Marshall is like so many Shanahan wide receiver draft choices. He looked promising as a rookie. But the Broncos ask more of their receivers than most teams because they have to block and play hurt. Guess what? Marshall is missing practice time with an injury. Rod Smith has advised many young receivers during Shanahan's era that they have to learn to play hurt. Broncos receivers have to play their best when they feel their worst.
Marshall has to play well for the team to have success. Smith is coming off hip surgery. Although Shanahan will wait for him to heal, there is no guarantee he will be completely healthy by the start of the season. The plan is for Smith to be the third receiver this year. Brandon Stokley is perhaps the game's best slot receiver. But injuries ended his days in Indianapolis. Stokley's body takes a pounding going across the middle. Jay Cutler is going to need a full arsenal of receivers to succeed.
5. Impact player
Travis Henry should be a major force for the Broncos. If healthy, he should be able to rush for 1,400 to 1,500 yards. Henry runs low to the ground and has powerful legs. His style is very similar to that of former Broncos great Terrell Davis. Like Davis, Henry gets stronger as defenses wear down.
Shanahan is the best in the league at putting together a running game. Since Davis, he's turned journeymen and converted fullbacks into 1,000-yard runners. Although that's great, Shanahan needs a 1,500-yarder to get his offense peaking. The key is keeping Henry healthy all year. Shanahan will limit him a little during the preseason to keep him fresh for the regular season. Mike Bell, an undrafted gem from a year ago, remains a no-nonsense backup option. Cecil Sapp also runs hard and will be available when Henry needs a rest.
John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.