Kuper tops initial depth chart

[chickennob2]

from http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=8023

"We’ve got (Chris) Kuper, Ryan Harris behind him, and Erik (Pears) is playing left tackle now," Shanahan said. "We’ve got some competition. We start with a depth chart – it doesn’t mean we’re going to finish there – but that’s where we start."


So Kuper is being given the initial shot to start at RT. Pears is apparently not in the competition, as they have him on the left side. I personally feel this is the best way of doing things. While we would all love for Harris to become a starter (3rd round pick investment), I think Kuper's skill set applies very well to the RT position.

Your thoughts?

[Tombstone RJ]

Kuper at RT is as good a place as any to start training camp. He certainly has the size to compete there. If Harris does win the job, Kuper adds good depth.

[DelBronco]

It's still a long way off, but if we break camp with this as our starting OL, that will be 4 guys that are either new, changing positions, or returning from injury compared to what we finished last season with. That's not ideal, but after watching the Chargers and Texans games among others I'm ready to give this a shot.

[DivineLegion]

I was hoping this would happen, now all we have to do is stay healthy on the line and Jay should have a monster season.

BTW did I miss Tony getting hurt again, what happened?

[Dr. Broncenstein]

I'd bet Hamilton doesn't make it out of training camp. Kuper goes to LG and Alexander winds up at RT.

[chickennob2]

I'd bet Hamilton doesn't make it out of training camp. Kuper goes to LG and Alexander winds up at RT.

As in PJ Alexander? Seriously?

[Drek]

It's still a long way off, but if we break camp with this as our starting OL, that will be 4 guys that are either new, changing positions, or returning from injury compared to what we finished last season with. That's not ideal, but after watching the Chargers and Texans games among others I'm ready to give this a shot.

And about 4 weeks into '07 we had an LG, C, and RT who had less than 15 starts combined at any position, a RG who just joined the organization that summer, and a LT who was clearly not physically capable of performing at his expected level.

I prefer making changes now while its still early than waiting until mid-stream myself.

I'd bet Hamilton doesn't make it out of training camp. Kuper goes to LG and Alexander winds up at RT.
I don't expect Alexander to ever contribute to this organization in a meaningful way.

And if Hamilton can't go, which wouldn't surprise me, I'd bet on Weigmann to be the first replacement, followed by Fenton or the new rookie interior OL. If Kuper wins the #1 RT job Shanahan is unlikely to move him.

[SoDak Bronco]

I think we have a young but promising future...give Kup the chance,i think he'll do well...but it is much to early to tell at this point

[bpc]

I still think that guard is a better position for him but I would much rather have him at RT vs. LT.

[Kaylore]

I'd bet Hamilton doesn't make it out of training camp. Kuper goes to LG

I had this suspicion as well on a "who are the surprise cuts" thread on kool-aid mania. It would be even better if Lictensteiger was able to play LG, but he's a good year away from starting.

[SoCalBronco]

Pears is apparently not in the competition

Good.

[sirhcyennek81]

Clady, Hamilton, Nalen, Holland and Kuper. Could be a good thing. Lot more size up front, keep Jay from getting beat like a hooker on payday.


:Broncos:

[Kaylore]

Good.

Rep

[Atwater His Ass]

I just want the best guys on the field. Wether that's Kuper, Harris, Hamilton, Clady, Pears, Holland, w/e, just get the guys out there that can perform at a high level in whatever position they are playing.

I think we have the depth this year to stop playing guys out of position just to fill spots on the roster aka Pears at RT, no thanks.

[~Crash~]

I had this suspicion as well on a "who are the surprise cuts" thread on kool-aid mania. It would be even better if Lictensteiger was able to play LG, but he's a good year away from starting.

Lictensteiger will end up on IR

[FireFly]

I don't mind where they put him but imo Kuper really has the chance to be the best lineman we have over the next few years. :strong:

I love the idea of him and Clady as bookends on our line.

I don't want Harris to start just because he was drafted higher.

[FireFly]

Lictensteiger will end up on IR

And then as our starting center next year.

[no-pseudo-fan]

I want the best 5 guys out there!

I think that Shanahan is taking a hard look at Hamilton this off-season, especially with what went down with Lepsis last year. I wouldn't be surprised if the line was:

Clady Kuper Nalen Holland Harris

[TheReverend]

Good.

We could give SOME credit to the only rookie I can remember starting on the offensive line... not to mention as an UDFA.

...but this line-up does sound swell.

[Kaylore]

Lictensteiger will end up on IR

You mean PUP?

[Kaylore]

We could give SOME credit to the only rookie I can remember starting on the offensive line... not to mention as an UDFA.

...but this line-up does sound swell.

He wasn't a rookie when he first played.

[TheReverend]

We could give SOME credit to the only rookie I can remember starting on the offensive line... not to mention as an UDFA.

...but this line-up does sound swell.

Just for a quick clarifying note... I agree he's also not getting mistaken for an all-pro anytime soon...

[TheReverend]

He wasn't a rookie when he first played.

You're right, screw him.

[lex]

I don't mind where they put him but imo Kuper really has the chance to be the best lineman we have over the next few years. :strong:
I love the idea of him and Clady as bookends on our line.

I don't want Harris to start just because he was drafted higher.

Cosign

[Kaylore]

You're right, screw him.

Just sayin'! I give him props for coming in with onl PS experience and starting at LT. He actually held his own against some upper-echelon talent. That said, he's not going to get any better.

[Beantown Bronco]

Does anyone here NOT want the five best guys to start on the OLine?

[TheReverend]

Just sayin'! I give him props for coming in with onl PS experience and starting at LT. He actually held his own against some upper-echelon talent. That said, he's not going to get any better.

Holding your own when you have a high caliber vet rolling protection to your side when facing upper-echelon talent is a lot different than really holding your own.

Bleh, he'll get better, but our best options probably won't include him.

[cmhargrove]

I'd bet Hamilton doesn't make it out of training camp. Kuper goes to LG and Alexander winds up at RT.

I just shot milk out my nose...


PJ, the four wheelin' demon Alexander?

Stranger things have happened, but I think Pears would still beat out Alexander at RT, and we don't want that. However, its obvious that the coaches really like Pears since they have trusted him with both tackle spots.

First, there are no signs of Hamilton's decline (yet), so I think he is better. He had a full year of recovery, so we'll see.

But, if we were looking at another LG, why not Pears? Do people forget he is 6'8" and 305? He is 15 lbs heavier than Hamilton, with a greater reach, and lots of starting experience. It's not like Pears can't play, he just has a hard time maintaining individual blocks in open space. The interior might be the perfect spot for him, and he is a valuable utility player if someone goes down.

I like Kuper at RT, he showed lots of improvement by the end of last season. He also seems to be able to track defenders in open space, which was the main shortcoming with Pears.

Clady, Hamilton, Nalen, Holland, and Kuper. Looks pretty good to me. If Hamilton can't go, put Pears in at LG.

[WyoLaw]

And if Hamilton can't go, which wouldn't surprise me, I'd bet on Weigmann to be the first replacement, followed by Fenton or the new rookie interior OL. If Kuper wins the #1 RT job Shanahan is unlikely to move him.

Not to burst your CU bubble or anything; but Fenton was cut weeks ago.

[Kaylore]

Holding your own when you have a high caliber vet rolling protection to your side when facing upper-echelon talent is a lot different than really holding your own.


You're right! Screw 'em!

[~Crash~]

I want the best 5 guys out there!

I think that Shanahan is taking a hard look at Hamilton this off-season, especially with what went down with Lepsis last year. I wouldn't be surprised if the line was:

Clady Kuper Nalen Holland Harris

that is my vote . and shanahan will tell hamiton lets give your nogen a rest one more year and we wil move you to center . you left out Nailen to OLC next year . .

[Beantown Bronco]

that is my vote . and shanahan will tell hamiton lets give your nogen a rest one more year and we wil move you to center . you left out Nailen to OLC next year . .

If Hamilton isn't the starter, it won't have anything to do with his head. It was 100% back in February or March according to Nalen and Shanny in separate interviews if I remember right. He's healed. Another 18 months of sitting around isn't going to change anything.

[Tombstone RJ]

People here should not under value Pears. He may not be the best tackle the Broncos can put forward on any given Sunday, but he provides excellent depth should another guy go down...

[~Crash~]

People here should not under value Pears. He may not be the best tackle the Broncos can put forward on any given Sunday, but he provides excellent depth should another guy go down...


I like that Pears is a geat guy and did not mind being put second on the depth chart . he seems fine with it .

[montrose]

Pears not in the competition - music to my ears.

LT: Clady, Pears
LG: Hamilton, Gandy
C: Nalen, Weigmann
RG: Holland, Lichtensteiger
RT: Kuper, Harris

[Drek]

Not to burst your CU bubble or anything; but Fenton was cut weeks ago.

I have no ties to CU whatsoever, just hadn't seen the report that he was cut. Not really surprising, I didn't give him great odds to beat out Lichtensteiger anyhow. He just would've been another option if the team felt they could slide Lichtensteiger to the PS or IR for some reason.

I think we have two major questions that need answering in regards to the OL.

1. Are the vets (Hamilton and Nalen) healthy enough to return to form as difference makers?

2. Who wins the RT job, Kuper or Harris?

We only have really serious questions if we get a negative answer across the board for Q. #1, and if Kuper is a significantly superior answer to Q. #2. Otherwise I think we'll find a workable unit that will be a good upgrade from '07.

[Dr. Broncenstein]

I just shot milk out my nose...


PJ, the four wheelin' demon Alexander?

Stranger things have happened, but I think Pears would still beat out Alexander at RT, and we don't want that. However, its obvious that the coaches really like Pears since they have trusted him with both tackle spots.

First, there are no signs of Hamilton's decline (yet), so I think he is better. He had a full year of recovery, so we'll see.

But, if we were looking at another LG, why not Pears? Do people forget he is 6'8" and 305? He is 15 lbs heavier than Hamilton, with a greater reach, and lots of starting experience. It's not like Pears can't play, he just has a hard time maintaining individual blocks in open space. The interior might be the perfect spot for him, and he is a valuable utility player if someone goes down.

I like Kuper at RT, he showed lots of improvement by the end of last season. He also seems to be able to track defenders in open space, which was the main shortcoming with Pears.

Clady, Hamilton, Nalen, Holland, and Kuper. Looks pretty good to me. If Hamilton can't go, put Pears in at LG.


My prediction seems like less of a stretch than counting on a recently brain-injured Hamilton. Kuper is already experienced at LG. Anyone has to be better than Pears at either OT position. By default, Alexander then becomes the most experienced veteran available at RT. Maybe Harris winds up over there, but I doubt we go with a rook and an second year guy with no experience at the tackles.

[thumpc]

Pears played RG in Europe, won 1st team honors, ya.

[UltimateHoboW/Shotgun]

Just sayin'! I give him props for coming in with onl PS experience and starting at LT. He actually held his own against some upper-echelon talent. That said, he's not going to get any better.

Then why talk about him as if he was complete sh!t? Because that's the way you're(generally speaking) making him sound.

[Inkana7]

Pears had a Foster against Cincy in 2006-esque game on Christmas Eve last year. Just embarassing. I hate that ****er.

[cmhargrove]

My prediction seems like less of a stretch than counting on a recently brain-injured Hamilton. Kuper is already experienced at LG. Anyone has to be better than Pears at either OT position. By default, Alexander then becomes the most experienced veteran available at RT. Maybe Harris winds up over there, but I doubt we go with a rook and an second year guy with no experience at the tackles.

Kuper's fate might be easily determined as it was last year - in preseason competition against the Cowboys.

[cmhargrove]

Pears had a Foster against Cincy in 2006-esque game on Christmas Eve last year. Just embarassing. I hate that ****er.

Pears' worst game as a Bronco was against the 49rs at the end of Jay's rookie season. Cutler got his first concussion, and we couldn't do squat. The whole team went limp on that one. Three first and goals, no TD's. It was an entire letdown by the whole team.

Other than that, Pears was decent at LT, but failed pretty miserably at RT. The guy can play, but maybe he is better suited to Guard - and backup Tackle.

[maher_tyler]

If anything i think the O line will be average which is better than last year imo

[Drek]

Pears' worst game as a Bronco was against the 49rs at the end of Jay's rookie season. Cutler got his first concussion, and we couldn't do squat. The whole team went limp on that one. Three first and goals, no TD's. It was an entire letdown by the whole team.

Other than that, Pears was decent at LT, but failed pretty miserably at RT. The guy can play, but maybe he is better suited to Guard - and backup Tackle.

He's way too tall and lean to play guard, and his best work is done in space. He can't handle RT because stronger ends manhandle him and just bull rush him back to crumple the pocket, it won't get any better with a 300+ pound DT grabbing on to him.

He's an LT and a league average one at best. He's worth hanging onto for another year or two as a solid backup, but Polumbus is the same type of player only more athletic and stronger. Given a few seasons on the PS he'll be ready to take Pears job as our backup LT.

[Kaylore]

Then why talk about him as if he was complete sh!t? Because that's the way you're(generally speaking) making him sound.

Are you his dad?

[TheReverend]

Are you his dad?

No chance... His dad is Mario Williams.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I have to say the "Kuper to LT" was a brilliant smokescreen by Shanahan. He fooled even me. Shanny may not be the coach he once was, but that was absolutely brilliant.

[BroncoBuff]

I'd bet Hamilton doesn't make it out of training camp. Kuper goes to LG and Alexander winds up at RT.
Why is everybody dissing Hamilton lately?

He might be smallish, but he's one of the better/best run blocking guards in the league. He was named to several "Pro Bowl Snub" teams in '05 and '06, and he's just 30 years old. If his head is ok, he's a surefire starter ... write it down.


I have to say the "Kuper to LT" was a brilliant smokescreen by Shanahan. He fooled even me ... that was absolutely brilliant.
Yes it was ... with an assist to Kaylore.

[Inkana7]

Why is everybody dissing Hamilton lately?

He might be smallish, but he's one of the better/best run blocking guards in the league. He was named to several "Pro Bowl Snub" teams in '05 and '06, and he's just 30 years old. If his head is ok, he's a surefire starter ... write it down.



Yes it was ... with an assist to Kaylore.

Shanahan is obviously going bigger upfront, and Hamilton's concussion, from all we know and have heard, was pretty severe. That makes for concerns.

[bowtown]

[QUOTE=Bob's your Information Minister;1970438]He fooled even me. /QUOTE]

LOL. Bob, I can fool you with a soda and Slim Jim...

[Kaylore]

Yes it was ... with an assist to Kaylore.

I wonder if we were targeting Chris Williams then? Both Shahanan and Goodman said that Clady wasn't really their target because they didn't expect him to be there by the time they picked. Makes you wonder who the guys they thought we'd get were going to be...

[Drek]

Why is everybody dissing Hamilton lately?

He might be smallish, but he's one of the better/best run blocking guards in the league. He was named to several "Pro Bowl Snub" teams in '05 and '06, and he's just 30 years old. If his head is ok, he's a surefire starter ... write it down.


Because even though he is very good at run blocking he's a weakness on drop back passing downs, something we'll be doing a lot more of with Cutler at QB.

Doesn't mean Hamilton can't be a very good starter, but when you factor in the severity of his concussion and missing an entire season you get a pretty questionable outlook for '08.

My biggest fear is that both he and Nalen are coming back from basically missing an entire season each. If either one of them can't pick up where they left off we're going to be relying on even more young guys than we are now, if both are unable to produce then Cutler might as well throw on a second flak jacket and a bear attack suit.

[montrose]

He fooled even me.

LOL. Bob, I can fool you with a soda and Slim Jim...

http://www.sptimes.com/News/121999/photos/flo-wrestler.jpg

[TheReverend]

Because even though he is very good at run blocking he's a weakness on drop back passing downs, something we'll be doing a lot more of with Cutler at QB.

Doesn't mean Hamilton can't be a very good starter, but when you factor in the severity of his concussion and missing an entire season you get a pretty questionable outlook for '08.

My biggest fear is that both he and Nalen are coming back from basically missing an entire season each. If either one of them can't pick up where they left off we're going to be relying on even more young guys than we are now, if both are unable to produce then Cutler might as well throw on a second flak jacket and a bear attack suit.

This is a myth. Everyone labels him this way because a few times he's been bull-rushed. Sometimes people get caught standing too tall in their stance... it happens, hardly with the regularity he's getting accused of, though.

Disclaimer: If he spends the season getting his ass-kicked on passing downs I fully intend to blame it solely on the concussion. :approve: Get over it.

[Dr. Broncenstein]

Why is everybody dissing Hamilton lately?

He might be smallish, but he's one of the better/best run blocking guards in the league. He was named to several "Pro Bowl Snub" teams in '05 and '06, and he's just 30 years old. If his head is ok, he's a surefire starter ... write it down.


Dude spent the entire year on IR with post concussion symptoms. I have nothing against his play, but he had a serious brain injury. I just have a hard time believing he wont fold the first time he strikes his head... and I can't believe he's willing to resume his head-cracking ways.

[Atlas]

Dude spent the entire year on IR with post concussion symptoms. I have nothing against his play, but he had a serious brain injury. I just have a hard time believing he wont fold the first time he strikes his head... and I can't believe he's willing to resume his head-cracking ways.

He is an offensive lineman!!! Brain injuries are overrated.

[RunSilentRunDeep]

Dude spent the entire year on IR with post concussion symptoms. I have nothing against his play, but he had a serious brain injury. I just have a hard time believing he wont fold the first time he strikes his head... and I can't believe he's willing to resume his head-cracking ways.

C'mon, don't be so pessimistic. He'll be fine. Look at Chris Miller. He took years off and the doctors said he passed all the tests with flying colors and nothing..., oh wait.

[Beantown Bronco]

Dude spent the entire year on IR with post concussion symptoms. I have nothing against his play, but he had a serious brain injury. I just have a hard time believing he wont fold the first time he strikes his head... and I can't believe he's willing to resume his head-cracking ways.

Using your logic, John Lynch should've retired like four years ago because of his neck injury.....which was arguably far more serious than Hamilton's concussion. You'd never know it today though....and he certainly doesn't "fold" every time he hits a guy.

[Inkana7]

A neck injury isn't a concussion.

[TheReverend]

A neck injury isn't a concussion.

I'll take 8 concussions over 1 serious neck injury any day of the week.

[BMF Bronco]

He is an offensive lineman!!! Brains are overrated.

Fixed it for you

[bowtown]

I'll take 8 concussions over 1 serious neck injury any day of the week.

I'll only take about 4.

[Requiem]

Why would anyone be fooled with Shanahan's LT comments? It was as clear as day that they were going offensive tackle even before Lepsis retired.

[Requiem]

Furthermore, they had two true OT's on the roster. Common sense. Nobody needed to be fooled.

[BroncoBuff]

I wonder if we were targeting Chris Williams then? Both Shahanan and Goodman said that Clady wasn't really their target because they didn't expect him to be there by the time they picked. Makes you wonder who the guys they thought we'd get were going to be...
Relax with the excuses, Khan, nobody's blaming you. As far as you know.

[Atlas]

Why would anyone be fooled with Shanahan's LT comments? It was as clear as day that they were going offensive tackle even before Lepsis retired.

Maybe, maybe not. I fClady wouldn't have been there I wonder if Shanny would have went with Williams or one of the RBs that were there.

[Bronco Billy]

Montrose,

Your sig looks like a giant Slim Jim! Or a KC fan I wouldn't want to mess with.