Cornerback Shoate making up for lost time

[dragondawg]

Cornerback Shoate making up for lost time

By FRANK SCHWAB THE GAZETTE

ENGLEWOOD - In 2004, cornerback Jeff Shoate was a promising rookie for the Denver Broncos. He hasn’t played in a regular-season game since.

Shoate spent 2005 on injured reserve because of a knee injury, then was on the practice squad last year.

Since he was drafted, the Broncos added cornerbacks Dre Bly, Domonique Foxworth, Karl Paymah and Darrent Williams, so Shoate has been somewhat forgotten.

However, Shoate has played well in this training camp. On Thursday, with some defensive backs injured, Shoate played with the starters on the nickel defense, which uses five defensive backs. He played ahead of Paymah, who had been right behind Champ Bailey, Bly and Foxworth on the depth chart.

“It’s been a quiet career for me so far,” Shoate said. “It’s been a slow process. I got frustrated at times, but this year my main focus is on playing and being healthy.”

Shoate said he finally feels healthy. He has battled knee problems for a few years, but said he is past them. He said he feels optimistic after having a good camp.

“I think I’m a lot faster,” Shoate said. “I think I’m right where I was when they drafted me.”

Warren, Lynch rest

Defensive tackle Gerard Warren was held out of practice to give him a breather. Sam Adams, the other starter at defensive tackle, has been held out of many practices during camp to make sure he is healthy for the season opener, and Shanahan said he thought Warren deserved a rest as well.

Safety John Lynch was held out of the morning practice, but participated in the afternoon. Lynch bruised his sternum earlier this week, but Shanahan said the injury wasn’t serious.

“It was more preventative than anything,” Shanahan said about holding Lynch out in the morning.

[cutthemdown]

He's a long shot but you have to admire his determination. He must have impressed Broncos with his rehab and tenacity to stick around this long. I'd say he needs a good preseason performance to stick around. I for one thought he seemed like a physical dback in 2004 before he went down. We will see soon enough because the first wave of cuts are on the horizon. My guess is he sticks around at least until final cuts.

[Vladimir]

I am really pleased with Jeff Shoate's determination and progress thus far this year. It sounds like he just may pan out.

I am excited for this coming season.
Going to be great.

GO BRONCOS

[chickennob2]

Assuming we keep 5 corners, he's definitely on the team.

[Killericon]

Assuming we keep 5 corners, he's definitely on the team.

It's either 5 corners and 4 safeties, or vice versa. He's basically competing with the Safeties.

[Vladimir]

I like
Champ, Dre, Dominique, Karl, Jeff.
and
John, Nick, Hamza and Curome?

[Willynowei]

we are def. keeping 5 corners, you can't go into an NFL season with anythign less unless you're feeling real lucky.

[Rugby7]

Considering Foxworth can fill in at safety, I am certain they will keep 5 corners.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

The knock on Shoate was a lack of pure speed, but he had tremendous fundamentals coming out of college. He is another very physical CB. Gives the WRs a beating.

[Broncojef]

I wonder how much of this is a pure pump for value to enable a trade?

[That One Guy]

It seems like there's a lot of talent in camp this year, more than I remember in previous years. I think we'll see a couple of our cuts end up elsewhere.

[PLOWHORSE]

Either way...cutdown day will be very difficult for the coaching staff. As it always is.