Torain or Selvin Young?

[24champ]

Let's look at the current roster...

Selvin Young- The frontrunner for the starting job right now, can he carry the load? He needs to convince Shanny he can do it since Shanny pointed out that he thought Selvin couldn't carry the load in the post-season press conference. Young took that as a challenge, thinks he can run for 2,000 yards...

"I'd like for him to prove that to me," Shanahan said. "And he could very well do it. There's a big difference from your first year to your second year."



Ryan Torain- Clearly Mike likes him as a player... Mike Shanahan doesn't like pulling his running back depth chart shockers until training camp anyway. But he clearly is smitten with Torain, "I think he's got first-round ability, I will say that. I really put the whammy on him."

Per USA TODAY



Call me crazy, I'd say barring injuries, Torain has the inside track to getting the top spot. I know he is a rookie and assuming he stays healthy... he has that ability to wear down defenses. Can Selvin do it? I don't know, and based on last season...I don't think so.

[Kaylore]

It'll be Young because he's good at other things like picking up the blitz. I wouldn't be surprised to see Torain make a push later into the season, though.

[broncofan2438]

I'm thinking Young

[telluride]

Both!

[TheReverend]

Torrain had the Lisfranc right?

If that's the case, they should and will treat him with kid gloves early on... he'll get his TC reps and have some live-speed, full contact, but Selvin or Andre will be the top guy week 1. They just have the inside track, at the moment.

[tsiguy96]

how can anyone NOT be impressed with young? 5.2ypc, that was 4th in the league wasnt it? (just checked, for players with atleast 125 carries, it was. norwood from ATL had 103 carries and 6.9 ypc however) and interesting fact for you, he had 8 20+ yard runs. AP only had 11, while getting almost 100 more carries then him.

[24champ]

how can anyone NOT be impressed with young? 5.2ypc, that was 4th in the league wasnt it?

Shanny wasn't, he clearly is looking for something more in a running back. We need somebody to carry the rock 20 times a game and can wear down defenses.

[Northman]

Use em both. Why choose? lmao

[broncs2bowl]

im seein like this Selvin starts it off brings that energy with long runs, torain comes in 2nd and 3rd to wear down defense with mixture of young.

if were up in the 4th more torain, if were down in the 4th young.

[socalorado]

Shanny wasn't, he clearly is looking for something more in a running back. We need somebody to carry the rock 20 times a game and can wear down defenses.

I think they both get the nod just like Bettis/Parker in PIT.
Or look at CAR. Stewart/Williams.
A 1-2 punch that can beat down opposing defenses as well as the clock.
This ultimately will help Cutler out in the passing game, and with his cannon, watch out!

Either way, this is going to be fun watching these 2 guys battle it out for the "starting spot"!!
I see Pittman as a insurance back up and a vet presence that isnt stoned..........hopefully.

[Kaylore]

Don't forget Hall either. He showed some flashes.

[MileHighMagic]

Selvin Young :strong:

[montrose]

Unless Torain goes TD on us, I think the season will begin with Selvin as the starter with Hall and Torain as the backups.

As per who makes it, assuming Sapp and Hillis will be on as our fullbacks, it'll be interesting how the RB position shapes up. We can assume Young and Torain are in, barring something major (injury or one completely screwing the pooch during the preseason). That leaves Pittman, Hall and Bell. Hall provides value as a KR, true 3rd down back (yes more than Young) and plays on special teams - he's also been in the system for two years now. Between Bell and Pittman, both could certainly be cut but if one makes it - I'd like to believe Bell would make more sense as he's younger, still cheap, can play fullback and some special teams and had a productive season at HB. I look at Pittman as camp insurance and, while I like him as a player, I'd prefer to keep as many young talents as we have and I still believe Bell has some talent.

[Punisher]

Both!

Best post in this Thread! :wiggle:

[24champ]

I think they both get the nod just like Bettis/Parker in PIT.
Or look at CAR. Stewart/Williams.
A 1-2 punch that can beat down opposing defenses as well as the clock.
This ultimately will help Cutler out in the passing game, and with his cannon, watch out!

Either way, this is going to be fun watching these 2 guys battle it out for the "starting spot"!!
I see Pittman as a insurance back up and a vet presence that isnt stoned..........hopefully.

Unfortunately I don't see Pittman making the squad. I see the third RB spot going to Andre Hall, he did a decent job last year filling in on special teams and toting the rock.

[DivineLegion]

I smell 2000 yards...or atleast 1500

[Punisher]

I smell 2000 yards...or atleast 1500

I hope and pray for 2,000

[elsid13]

OK I want some love - from 2/12/08

http://orangemane.com/BB/showpost.php?p=1882402&postcount=27

and 2/16/08

http://orangemane.com/BB/showpost.php?p=1819212&postcount=17

[Old Dude]

RBBC.

Selvin is a bit like Tatum Bell. Very fast, capable of hitting the home run, but questionable size & durability.

Torain ... okay, we'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he's in the Mike Anderson / Reuben Droughns class of player. Does he start all season? Probably not.

Pittman? I have a feeling he WILL make the squad. For fantasy players, doesn't this guy have touchdown vulture written all over him? And he's a good receiver which will net him some additional playing time.

Hall? ... darkhorse at this point, but who knows.

Finally, the Broncos may bring in someone else at the 11th hour.

[elsid13]

I still wouldn't rule out Bell sneaking into the rotation if he has good camp.

[DenverBrit]

Here's a clue. :thumbsup:


Henry gone, but Young is just getting started
By Jim Armstrong
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 06/02/2008 02:52:04 PM MDT

Selvin Young: The Broncos' new presumptive starting running back.

Now that he's retired and all, the Packers are sending Bret Favre his locker as a career keepsake.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? I'm wondering, now that Travis Henry is gone, if the Broncos will send him his specimen cup.

Mike Shanahan didn't just show Henry the door. He sent out a press release questioning Henry's commitment. If only he had done that a year ago. While he was at it, Shanahan could have questioned Henry's character and common sense, too.

Let Henry's exit serve as a symbol, as a reminder of all that's wrong with NFL free agency. Let him be the last problem child Shanahan signs. Enough already with the Dale Carters, Daryl Gardeners and Henrys of the world.

Not that Henry wasn't a talent. In the end, that was the problem. He was so talented, so tantalizing, Shanahan rationalized signing him despite all the red flags. Sure, he was leading the league in rushing four games into the 2007 season, but Henry always was an injury, a paternity suit or a positive drug test waiting to happen.

But he wasn't the biggest story of the day on Monday.

Selvin Young. There's your story. By the time Henry left, he had been reduced to a guy who was getting a look-see, and only because he agreed to a huge pay cut.

Young? Henry's departure tells us all we need to know about Shanahan's confidence in the second-year tailback. If he weren't so confident in him, Shanahan might have hauled Henry into his office for another stern lecture and given him yet another chance.

It's Young's job to lose - Young's and only Young's. Yes, stuff happens in the Broncos' backfield. Just because you're the starter in training camp doesn't mean you'll stay there. But that's the plan.

Monday's announcement came just after I had talked at length with Shanahan about the big picture at tailback. Two things came through loud and clear during the interview. First, Shanahan is sky high on Young. Second, Henry was yesterday's news. He was going to be given a chance, but only if he toed the company line.

Shanahan once said Young was too small to handle a steady workload at tailback. But that viewpoint has changed. Young's workout-warrior routine has helped him increase his weight to 212 pounds from 207, engendering hope that he can carry the ball 20-25 times a game.

Unlike Henry, Young gets it. He knows the history of the tailback position in Denver. He doesn't just want to be the flavor of the month at the position. He wants to be a star. He wants to run for 2,000 yards this season. He wants to be back there for years to come.

Said Young, "I feel like, if I come out here and take care of business, I'm talented enough to be the guy for this team and lead this team for years and years and years."

It remains to be seen if Young can withstand the test of time, but, when it comes to assessing his talent, his coach agrees with him.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Shanny wasn't, he clearly is looking for something more in a running back. We need somebody to carry the rock 20 times a game and can wear down defenses.

Yeah, shanny is CLEARLY looking for something more. After all, he cut his main competition last year and waited until the 5th round to draft someone.

[Cool Breeze]

Henry was yesterday's news. He was going to be given a chance, but only if he toed the company line.

I'd like to know which straw exactly it was that broke the camels back... or if they were just looking for an excuse - obviously there were plenty.

OH! just found this -

****FYI I Just found out this is related to Henry missing workouts. One of the big issues with Shanahan is making the offseason training program, and since every player gets a pretty decent bonus for participating in it, it makes it one of those must-attend deals. Skipping on it and not trying put Travis in Shanny's dog house from whence there is no return. The skipped OTA's put the nails in the coffin.

[DivineLegion]

RBBC.

Selvin is a bit like Tatum Bell. Very fast, capable of hitting the home run, but questionable size & durability.

Torain ... okay, we'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he's in the Mike Anderson / Reuben Droughns class of player. Does he start all season? Probably not.

Pittman? I have a feeling he WILL make the squad. For fantasy players, doesn't this guy have touchdown vulture written all over him? And he's a good receiver which will net him some additional playing time.

Hall? ... darkhorse at this point, but who knows.

Finally, the Broncos may bring in someone else at the 11th hour.

Please dont compare Selvin to Tatum Bell that is probably the worst comparision I have ever seen.

Selvin has a very ellusive style with great vision, where Tatum relied heavily on his speed to try and hit holes. Two way diffrent styles...

[Old Dude]

Please dont compare Selvin to Tatum Bell that is probably the worst comparision I have ever seen.

Selvin has a very ellusive style with great vision, where Tatum relied heavily on his speed to try and hit holes. Two way diffrent styles...

I disagree about the styles being all that different. But the main point is that both of them have durability issues. Can Selvin really tote the ball 20+ times a game through the course of the season without getting hurt or worn down?

His YPC definitely dropped as last season wore on. He had a golden chance to TAKE the starting spot from Henry LAST year, but couldn't do it.

Maybe he's added enough muscle & conditioning to make a better showing this year. And if the O-Line stays healthy, that could be a big help too. Let's hope so.

[Memento]

SY2K (o.k., fine, SY1.5K)!

[Doggcow]

I disagree about the styles being all that different. But the main point is that both of them have durability issues. Can Selvin really tote the ball 20+ times a game through the course of the season without getting hurt or worn down?

His YPC definitely dropped as last season wore on. He had a golden chance to TAKE the starting spot from Henry LAST year, but couldn't do it.

Maybe he's added enough muscle & conditioning to make a better showing this year. And if the O-Line stays healthy, that could be a big help too. Let's hope so.

I think the Oline was the bigger issue. As it has been the last couple seasons. We start off tearing up the turf on the ground, then Oline get hurt, shuffled, fans get hit by sh*t and then our RYPG drop.

[want2bAbronco2]

Also Tatum fumbled every other carry. Don't think Young has yet.

[Broncosfreak_56]

Well see if Ryan Torain can live up to his lofty expectations as a fifth round pick with first round skills.:~ohyah!:

[Sassy]

Shanahan's playing mind games...our new starting RB...really...Eddie Royal :devil: ;D

[COWBELL]

Its Selvin and lets bring in Koren Robinson we have an opening.

[cmhargrove]

I disagree about the styles being all that different. But the main point is that both of them have durability issues. Can Selvin really tote the ball 20+ times a game through the course of the season without getting hurt or worn down?

His YPC definitely dropped as last season wore on. He had a golden chance to TAKE the starting spot from Henry LAST year, but couldn't do it.

Maybe he's added enough muscle & conditioning to make a better showing this year. And if the O-Line stays healthy, that could be a big help too. Let's hope so.

I don't need to be argumentative, but Selvin is not Tatum, not by a longshot. I think Selvin's success rides the newly reconstructed O-line. If they progress, he stays healthy. If he has to fight through too much contact at the LOS, he will probably get dinged up (as would any human being - Adrian Peterson, LT, Larry Johnson, etc.)

Selvin also has shown a great deal of football "smarts" like batting out the lateral from Cutler during the Bills game. That was really, really heads up ball. Selvin is a gamer. Everyone is looking past him, but I think he's the man. Torrain should get his share, but I don't see him knocking out Selvin as the starter.

Also, Tatum had great straight line speed but lacked smoothness and vision. How many times did you see him run into our own lineman because he couldn't see the hole, or was afraid to hit it? Selvin not only sees the hole, he hits it with authority, then takes a good angle for extra yardage.

Anyway, it should make for a very exciting TC. I think our starter will be a 1,300 yard back, and the #2 will be a 800-900 yard guy. Hopefully, we increase the number of TD's in that process. I think between Young, Hall, and Torrain - we're going to have a good year running the ball.

[Inkana7]

I don't need to be argumentative, but Selvin is not Tatum, not by a longshot. I think Selvin's success rides the newly reconstructed O-line. If they progress, he stays healthy. If he has to fight through too much contact at the LOS, he will probably get dinged up (as would any human being - Adrian Peterson, LT, Larry Johnson, etc.)

Selvin also has shown a great deal of football "smarts" like batting out the lateral from Cutler during the Bills game. That was really, really heads up ball. Selvin is a gamer. Everyone is looking past him, but I think he's the man. Torrain should get his share, but I don't see him knocking out Selvin as the starter.

Also, Tatum had great straight line speed but lacked smoothness and vision. How many times did you see him run into our own lineman because he couldn't see the hole, or was afraid to hit it? Selvin not only sees the hole, he hits it with authority, then takes a good angle for extra yardage.

Anyway, it should make for a very exciting TC. I think our starter will be a 1,300 yard back, and the #2 will be a 800-900 yard guy. Hopefully, we increase the number of TD's in that process. I think between Young, Hall, and Torrain - we're going to have a good year running the ball.

I disagree about the numbers you're predicting. The starter will be 1,000-1,100. The #2 a 700-1,000 yard guy. A more talented '05 backfield with a less talented(as it stands) O-Line.

[maher_tyler]

I don't need to be argumentative, but Selvin is not Tatum, not by a longshot. I think Selvin's success rides the newly reconstructed O-line. If they progress, he stays healthy. If he has to fight through too much contact at the LOS, he will probably get dinged up (as would any human being - Adrian Peterson, LT, Larry Johnson, etc.)

Selvin also has shown a great deal of football "smarts" like batting out the lateral from Cutler during the Bills game. That was really, really heads up ball. Selvin is a gamer. Everyone is looking past him, but I think he's the man. Torrain should get his share, but I don't see him knocking out Selvin as the starter.

Also, Tatum had great straight line speed but lacked smoothness and vision. How many times did you see him run into our own lineman because he couldn't see the hole, or was afraid to hit it? Selvin not only sees the hole, he hits it with authority, then takes a good angle for extra yardage.

Anyway, it should make for a very exciting TC. I think our starter will be a 1,300 yard back, and the #2 will be a 800-900 yard guy. Hopefully, we increase the number of TD's in that process. I think between Young, Hall, and Torrain - we're going to have a good year running the ball.

If we can get our RB's to get numbers like that we'll go something like 12-4

[TheReverend]

Shanahan's playing mind games...our new starting RB...really...Eddie Royal :devil: ;D

Since we're going this route...

Maybe Mike posts at broncomania and has been ambiguous about our LBs roles for one express reason:

DJ Williams WILL be the next RB.

Dun, dun, DUNNNNNNNNN

[TheReverend]

If we can get our RB's to get numbers like that we'll go something like 12-4

Not really.

That's only 10ypg more than we had last season. Completely realistic.

[TheReverend]

I don't need to be argumentative, but Selvin is not Tatum, not by a longshot. I think Selvin's success rides the newly reconstructed O-line. If they progress, he stays healthy. If he has to fight through too much contact at the LOS, he will probably get dinged up (as would any human being - Adrian Peterson, LT, Larry Johnson, etc.)

That's not very true... every time he touches the ball he's gonna take a shot, unless he's scoring every touch. The further you get down the, and into the, open field, the further you'll be exposed to the big shots. LOS arm swipes from engaged linemen and LBs aren't shortening his life-expectancy, it'll be the John Lynch type shots and unblocked LBer that cleans his ass up.

[DBroncos4life]

Alexander

[SoDak Bronco]

remember how bad selvin looked last year during training camp...this year of experience, being in the sysytem is really going to play dividends.,,

[broncosteven]

I like Young, just hope he stays healthy.

I am glad they dumped Henry. Guess it was post 6/1 cut?

[BroncoMan4ever]

this is all a smokescreen to keep people preoccupied so Shanny can bring in Shaun Alexander for a career resurgance in blue and orange this year

i don't really want that but i have a feeling it will happen.

[Greybeard]

RBBC.

Selvin . . . questionable size & durability.



I keep hearing that, and it makes me wonder where all of you who say it actually gets it.

Questionable durabitity . . . makes sense. He does have to prove himself there.

Size? About the same size as TD, Portis, and Holmes, and a whole lot bigger than Kevin Faulk?

Where did the idea come from that Young was all that diminutive? http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh256/AZDynamics/Smilies/hmmmm-1.gif

-----

[BlaK-Argentina]

Whoever helps the team win.

BTW if you have any balls (because that game was painful) watch the Chicago game again and tell me Hall didn't look good. I don't know who will be starting but I like our RBs.

[broncosteven]

REP - Hall played hurt and well after Bell's fumble. Too bad Anderson stuffed the pitch or a loss in early 4th quarter and they never went back to it.

[Arkie]

I'm thinking Hillis

[jbiel]

If Young stays healthy, he'll have a great year. The best thing about him is when the run is designed to go right or vice versa and there is nothing there, Young just says screw it and darts off to the opposite direction the run was going. It seems like he does this often, but it always amounts to 5+ yards. I'm not sure if its really considered a cutback cause he does it so early in the run.
It worked out much better than just running into the pile which Henry did a lot of last year when he was in. Tatum used to do it often too.

Young still has to hit the hole though cause teams will figure this out, but it's a nice little option he has got working for him.

[24champ]

I keep hearing that, and it makes me wonder where all of you who say it actually gets it.

Questionable durabitity . . . makes sense. He does have to prove himself there.

Size? About the same size as TD, Portis, and Holmes, and a whole lot bigger than Kevin Faulk?

Where did the idea come from that Young was all that diminutive? http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh256/AZDynamics/Smilies/hmmmm-1.gif

-----

If size wasn't an issue why did he bulk himself up?

[watermock]

I'm thinking Hillis

so am I...Torian and Hillis.

[Arkie]

so am I...Torian and Hillis.
You're in the town I met Jerry Jones.

Have you ever been to Garvan Woodland Gardens?

[watermock]

You're in the town I met Jerry Jones.

Have you ever been to Garvan Woodland Gardens?

I dont have my own car down here yet. I've heard of it I guess.

[Greybeard]

If size wasn't an issue why did he bulk himself up?

Because size was an issue.

But now that he's bulked up, why is size still an issue?

-----

[no-pseudo-fan]

I say that Selvin is going to be the starter. Not only is he fast in and out of the hole, but he is a very smart football player(remember the play in Buffalo). He picks up blocks, has good hands. I am hopefull for Torain as a short yardage guy. We will see.

[cmhargrove]

If Young stays healthy, he'll have a great year. The best thing about him is when the run is designed to go right or vice versa and there is nothing there, Young just says screw it and darts off to the opposite direction the run was going. It seems like he does this often, but it always amounts to 5+ yards. I'm not sure if its really considered a cutback cause he does it so early in the run.
It worked out much better than just running into the pile which Henry did a lot of last year when he was in. Tatum used to do it often too.

Young still has to hit the hole though cause teams will figure this out, but it's a nice little option he has got working for him.

I think you are recognizing his will to succeed and his lack of "quit." Is that a correct usage of the word?

Selvin has it, Marshall has it, Cutler has it. Instead of just "going down" or pulling the plug on a play, they keep trying until they find a way to make it work. I really, really like that about this young team. The desire is there, now they just need a little healthy time to bring it all together.

[BabyTO]

Torain will be the starter once the regular season starts. Selvin Young is best suited for a backup role (10 carries, 5 catches per game) while Torain is a workhorse (25 carries).

[BabyTO]

I say that Selvin is going to be the starter. Not only is he fast in and out of the hole, but he is a very smart football player(remember the play in Buffalo). He picks up blocks, has good hands.

Thats exactly why he's best suited for a backup role. Hes a 3rd down back, he can block, he can catch, he's a change of pace guy.

[lex]

Let's look at the current roster...

Selvin Young- The frontrunner for the starting job right now, can he carry the load? He needs to convince Shanny he can do it since Shanny pointed out that he thought Selvin couldn't carry the load in the post-season press conference. Young took that as a challenge, thinks he can run for 2,000 yards...

"I'd like for him to prove that to me," Shanahan said. "And he could very well do it. There's a big difference from your first year to your second year."



Ryan Torain- Clearly Mike likes him as a player... Mike Shanahan doesn't like pulling his running back depth chart shockers until training camp anyway. But he clearly is smitten with Torain, "I think he's got first-round ability, I will say that. I really put the whammy on him."

Per USA TODAY



Call me crazy, I'd say barring injuries, Torain has the inside track to getting the top spot. I know he is a rookie and assuming he stays healthy... he has that ability to wear down defenses. Can Selvin do it? I don't know, and based on last season...I don't think so.


Shanahan says a lot of things. I remember him comparing Mike Bell to Terrell Davis 2 years ago. How did that work out?

Im optimistic about Young though. I was glad to hear that he had put on some muscle. I also think he is better than Henry. The 5.2 is a little misleading considering it seemed like he ran for 10.0 in the two games against KC last year. Still though, its hard to not like Young. I still havent forgotten that heady play in the Buffalo game where he alertly knocked the ball out of bounds at the beginning of that last drive. Its good to have guys like that on the team. Plus, Im not at all enamored with Torain. He may do well but who hasnt done well here.

[tsiguy96]

weve all seen how good young is....over 5.2ypc over 140 carries last year, including a 9 ypc carry the 2nd game against chiefs and a 10.1 against the COLTS. 8 20+ yard carries in only 140 runs. AP had 11 in 238. yet you all are calling for the rookie to be starting over him who none of you have NEVER seen run before?

[socalorado]

weve all seen how good young is....over 5.2ypc over 140 carries last year, including a 9 ypc carry the 2nd game against chiefs and a 10.1 against the COLTS. 8 20+ yard carries in only 140 runs. AP had 11 in 238. yet you all are calling for the rookie to be starting over him who none of you have NEVER seen run before?

Ah, some of us have seen him run before.
Just sayin.
And i said they would split carries like Parker/Bettis did.
Everyone here seems to like Young as much as Torain, they just have different styles/strengths which work well together.

[TheReverend]

Ah, some of us have seen him run before.
Just sayin.
And i said they would split carries like Parker/Bettis did.
Everyone here seems to like Young as much as Torain, they just have different styles/strengths which work well together.

Right, but comparing Torain and Bettis is insanity. I have absolutely no clue on where you draw that comparison!

[socalorado]

Right, but comparing Torain and Bettis is insanity. I have absolutely no clue on where you draw that comparison!

Torain is the type of big back that allows you the reliable option to run when it's 3rd and 5, versus many teams who default to passing when they're in that situation. Put him in the backfield with Keegan Herring (4.37 forty in high school) and you have a serious backfield threat no matter what yardage situation you're facing.

Torain reminds me of Chad Jasmin, Chris Lancaster, and Jeff McCall, former Clemson bull-backs of yesteryear. Big and tough. Like trying to bring down a snapped bull that has a few too many banderillas in his back. If Torain grows bigger and stronger and stronger and faster and faster and bigger, then he may be the next John Riggins when he gets drafted.

http://www.darrenmcfadden.org/darren-mcfadden-news06212007.php
Theres where i draw that comparison. And watching him play live.
He reminds me of a big brusier like Bettis. Yeah, not as heavy, but similiar in styles of play.
I dont care if you have absolutely no clue where i draw that comparison, nor do i care if you dont like the info and articles i post to support this comparison. Thats who he reminds me of.
Here we are on a forum where Selvin Young is being compared to TD! and your struggling with this one?
Jeez, dude.

[TheReverend]

Torain is the type of big back that allows you the reliable option to run when it's 3rd and 5, versus many teams who default to passing when they're in that situation. Put him in the backfield with Keegan Herring (4.37 forty in high school) and you have a serious backfield threat no matter what yardage situation you're facing.

Torain reminds me of Chad Jasmin, Chris Lancaster, and Jeff McCall, former Clemson bull-backs of yesteryear. Big and tough. Like trying to bring down a snapped bull that has a few too many banderillas in his back. If Torain grows bigger and stronger and stronger and faster and faster and bigger, then he may be the next John Riggins when he gets drafted.

http://www.darrenmcfadden.org/darren-mcfadden-news06212007.php
Theres where i draw that comparison. And watching him play live.
He reminds me of a big brusier like Bettis. Yeah, not as heavy, but similiar in styles of play.
I dont care if you have absolutely no clue where i draw that comparison, nor do i care if you dont like the info and articles i post to support this comparison. Thats who he reminds me of.
Here we are on a forum where Selvin Young is being compared to TD! and your struggling with this one?
Jeez, dude.

Believe me, I've drawn lines on that same Selvin comparison.

...but yeah, when you're 215 lbs you can be a college "bull back", but for Christ's sake you comparing a 215 lb human being to Jerome Enormous Bettis.

[broncs2bowl]

Selvin cld be somewhat like the next Willie Parker which is great..........but Torrain cld be DIESEL. so idk

[BMarsh615]

Torrain had the Lisfranc right?

If that's the case, they should and will treat him with kid gloves early on... he'll get his TC reps and have some live-speed, full contact, but Selvin or Andre will be the top guy week 1. They just have the inside track, at the moment.

Dwight Freeney had that same injury last season thats why he didnt play against the Chargers, so if we dont see Torrain playing early. It will be good to watch and see how Freeney is affected by it.

[TheReverend]

Dwight Freeney had that same injury last season thats why he didnt play against the Chargers, so if we dont see Torrain playing early. It will be good to watch and see how Freeney is affected by it.

Nice catch. Torrain has the youth on his side... that surgery is serious, especially for a guy like Freeney that depends so much on quickness. He might be past his peak now.

[socalorado]

Believe me, I've drawn lines on that same Selvin comparison.

...but yeah, when you're 215 lbs you can be a college "bull back", but for Christ's sake you comparing a 215 lb human being to Jerome Enormous Bettis.

I am not comparing them in fat-ass weight, i am comparing them in the style they play. A bruiser or power back, along with a faster, more agile, turn the corner back.
I think Shanny is going to attack with the run even MORE this year to help Cutler and keep his defense off the field. That O-line should be running like a Ferrari here shortly.

[colonelbeef]

I am not comparing them in fat-ass weight, i am comparing them in the style they play. A bruiser or power back, along with a faster, more agile, turn the corner back.
I think Shanny is going to attack with the run even MORE this year to help Cutler and keep his defense off the field. That O-line should be running like a Ferrari here shortly.


All about the OL. Once he has the Tackles gelled, the running game will suddenly look good, which in turn will make the play action look good, and everybody will be scrambling to pick up Stokley and Selvin Young on the fantasy wire

[TheReverend]

I am not comparing them in fat-ass weight, i am comparing them in the style they play. A bruiser or power back, along with a faster, more agile, turn the corner back.
I think Shanny is going to attack with the run even MORE this year to help Cutler and keep his defense off the field. That O-line should be running like a Ferrari here shortly.

Right... but then why not compare him to Anderson (who by the way, he's also much smaller than)?

I mean, Bettis was 255 on an EXTREMELY thin day, Anderson is 230, and Torain is 215...

You realize that when you post that article about "Body Density" that his body density is lower than a guy like Tatum Bell?

I mean, it's all just absurd stuff backing absurd claims.

I hope he does great! I hope he goes for a gillion yards and spends every February in Honolulu, but can we at least make SEMI realistic claims about him? How about this for starters?

He's 6 foot, 215, but "plays with a smash-mouth intensity", "on field presence bigger than his measurables" etc. There's got to be books worth of cliches you can throw at this guy!

[socalorado]

All about the OL. Once he has the Tackles gelled, the running game will suddenly look good, which in turn will make the play action look good, and everybody will be scrambling to pick up Stokley and Selvin Young on the fantasy wire

Selvin Young is actually alot of guys "sleeper pick" this year. Now more than ever. I also like Peyton Hillis playing a huge role this year for DEN.

[socalorado]

Right... but then why not compare him to Anderson (who by the way, he's also much smaller than)?

I mean, Bettis was 255 on an EXTREMELY thin day, Anderson is 230, and Torain is 215...

You realize that when you post that article about "Body Density" that his body density is lower than a guy like Tatum Bell?

I mean, it's all just absurd stuff backing absurd claims.

I hope he does great! I hope he goes for a gillion yards and spends every February in Honolulu, but can we at least make SEMI realistic claims about him? How about this for starters?

He's 6 foot, 215, but "plays with a smash-mouth intensity", "on field presence bigger than his measurables" etc. There's got to be books worth of cliches you can throw at this guy!


Really i'm not even comparing him so much to Bettis as to the PIT system that won them a SB. The running game worked so well that it enabled them to take a ton of pressure off of Ben and allow him to throw like only 11 times in a game and win! With Cutler waaaay ahead of that curve, i think a nice 2 punch run game, with a bruiser and a speed guy, along with Cutlers cannon, will make for a formidable offense, but more importantly sustain long time consuming drives which keeps DENs D off the field , and runs time off the clock. Also, the RED ZONE production must go up and Torain should help there with Hillis as well.

[Greybeard]

Right... but then why not compare him to Anderson (who by the way, he's also much smaller than)?

I mean, Bettis was 255 on an EXTREMELY thin day, Anderson is 230, and Torain is 215...

You realize that when you post that article about "Body Density" that his body density is lower than a guy like Tatum Bell?

I mean, it's all just absurd stuff backing absurd claims.

I hope he does great! I hope he goes for a gillion yards and spends every February in Honolulu, but can we at least make SEMI realistic claims about him? How about this for starters?

He's 6 foot, 215, but "plays with a smash-mouth intensity", "on field presence bigger than his measurables" etc. There's got to be books worth of cliches you can throw at this guy!

Torain is listed as 222 lbs on the Broncos website (http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=396) and 224 on CoachScout (http://www.couchscout.com/dnvr.htm).

-----

[TheReverend]

Really i'm not even comparing him so much to Bettis as to the PIT system that won them a SB. The running game worked so well that it enabled them to take a ton of pressure off of Ben and allow him to throw like only 11 times in a game and win! With Cutler waaaay ahead of that curve, i think a nice 2 punch run game, with a bruiser and a speed guy, along with Cutlers cannon, will make for a formidable offense, but more importantly sustain long time consuming drives which keeps DENs D off the field , and runs time off the clock. Also, the RED ZONE production must go up and Torain should help there with Hillis as well.

I guess I still don't see it. That year Bettis was getting like 5-10 carries a game and 100% of those were on 3rd and less than 1 yard and inside the 10. That better not be Torain's ceiling.

[TheReverend]

Torain is listed as 222 lbs on the Broncos website (http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=396) and 224 on CoachScout (http://www.couchscout.com/dnvr.htm).

-----

That's nice to see. Have only seen him listed at 215 from the articles that Socalorado has been posting but it makes sense considering those are pre-Senior year.

[Steve Sewell]

Let's look at the current roster...

Selvin Young- The frontrunner for the starting job right now, can he carry the load? He needs to convince Shanny he can do it since Shanny pointed out that he thought Selvin couldn't carry the load in the post-season press conference. Young took that as a challenge, thinks he can run for 2,000 yards...

"I'd like for him to prove that to me," Shanahan said. "And he could very well do it. There's a big difference from your first year to your second year."



Ryan Torain- Clearly Mike likes him as a player... Mike Shanahan doesn't like pulling his running back depth chart shockers until training camp anyway. But he clearly is smitten with Torain, "I think he's got first-round ability, I will say that. I really put the whammy on him."

Per USA TODAY



Call me crazy, I'd say barring injuries, Torain has the inside track to getting the top spot. I know he is a rookie and assuming he stays healthy... he has that ability to wear down defenses. Can Selvin do it? I don't know, and based on last season...I don't think so.

All I hear is endless hyperbole about "potential" in Shanahan drafted running backs. Almost always theres and injury or some other issue that kept them from producing for one reason or another. Torrain wasn't incredibly productive in college...the proof is in the pudding IMO. Lets see some NFL production before anointing him the next Bronco RB. Sick of talking about potential.

[lod01]

Torain will be the starter once the regular season starts. Selvin Young is best suited for a backup role (10 carries, 5 catches per game) while Torain is a workhorse (25 carries).


Since when exactly? The guy only had 19 games and 333 carries in the past 2 years. That doesn't equate to 25 a game. Add in his injuries, I don't see it.

[Inkana7]

TD was like 207 and he looked 230.

[cmhargrove]

TD was like 207 and he looked 230.

Take it back!

TD was 275 lbs and smote lightning from his arsehole when he scored a TD. He killed three linebackers on a single goal line play. TAKE IT BACK! TD Wasn't lighter than my fifteen year old son, take it back!!!!

[telluride]

Since when exactly? The guy only had 19 games and 333 carries in the past 2 years. That doesn't equate to 25 a game. Add in his injuries, I don't see it.

From the looks of this, his foot injury may not be much of an issue. (This is a workout from about two months ago.)

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[ZONA]

While I think you can look at stats and get some kinda idea on a player, there is always that "unkown" factor that when you look at a guy, you say, how does he keep doing that. For years I have watched Torain at ASU and people just always wondered how he kept playing so physical and kept breaking so many tackles. It's called "want to". I'm not saying his gonna be a TD or anything like that. All I know is this guy is just hard to tackle. He may not be the fastest or most skilled, but he's 1st round class in desire to not go down on first contact. He's just a scrappy type of guy. I know that is a huge cliche in the NFL, you know, he'll fight for every inch. That may be true for a lot of guys, but at carry #25 in the game, he will have that same mentality. He will fight for every damn blade of grass further he can get. That's what I saw anyway. I'm sure that's why he was drafted where he was even considering he was injured. I'm certain if hed not gotten injured, playing against the Pac-10 all year long, his stats would have been even better and probably a late 2nd or early 3rd round pic.

[telluride]

Just a hunch, but I think the season will start:

#1. Selvin
#2. Torain

and the season will end:

#1. Torain
#2. Selvin

[Los Broncos]

From the looks of this, his foot injury may not be much of an issue. (This is a workout from about two months ago.)

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CfU-U3VmTX4&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CfU-U3VmTX4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Looks good.

[socalorado]

Looks good.

KIDS A BEAST.

[Los Broncos]

KIDS A BEAST.

Quick reflexes, good vision, hope he works out for us.

Can't wait to get a taste in about two months.

[Tombstone RJ]

The telling story about the above video is how relaxed Torain looks. He looks pretty fluid and under control.

[24champ]

Just a hunch, but I think the season will start:

#1. Selvin
#2. Torain

and the season will end:

#1. Torain
#2. Selvin

I tend to agree, I hope Selvin does what he says he can do...which is run for 2,000 yards. He has a year under his belt and knows what he needs to do.

That being said, I have seen Torain play, mind you when he is healthy, the guy can run like a bull.Torain will learn a ton under Turner's coaching and pick up the scheme. He just needs NFL experience.



"I am very versatile. I can catch out of the backfield, I can line up as a receiver and I run down hill. I can make guys miss, and I feel like I can do great things for this team."