Breaking Down The Broncos Roster -- Part 3 - Offensive Line

[TheSportsGuru]

Part Three of MileHighReport's series, "Breaking Down The Roster...." is out. This time, I focus on the Offensive Line.

http://www.milehighreport.com/2008/7/14/571271/2008-denver-broncos-breaki

Enjoy!

You can see Part 1(Tight End) Here -- http://www.milehighreport.com/2008/7/9/568059/the-2008-denver-broncos-br

You can see Part 2(Defensive Tackle) Here -- http://www.milehighreport.com/2008/7/11/569950/2008-denver-broncos-breaki

[ludo21]

Im more excited about this group than last years even if their is a dip in production to start the season.

[vancejohnson82]

The key to the season right here...if this line can improve its performace by even 10%, the whole season will look a lot brighter.

And if Jay has to suffer through another season of blind side hits and crummy protection could really start to effect him long term

[RunSilentRunDeep]

Maybe if the Mile High Report guy knew Kuper was playing RT instead of LG I could take him seriously.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Maybe if the Mile High Report guy knew Kuper was playing RT instead of LG I could take him seriously.

Yeah, i was gonna say. I appreciate the effort regardless, but back to the drawing board! Redux!

[TheSportsGuru]

Hey, I can only go by the 5 or so depth charts I have looked at. They all have Kuper playing LG. If you disagree that's fine, and you might be right, but that's why he is where he is....

[TheSportsGuru]

I have found one that has Kuper playing RT, thanks for bringing it to my attention. Personally, that would be a mistake in my opinion, but we'll have to see what happens.

As a FYI...This series is not meant to be a depth chart. I feel Kuper's strongest position is guard, whether it is on the left or right side. Obviously with Hamilton coming back that forces Kuper to move from where he was, but that is also a question mark.

The entire line is in flux, and it all depends on Nalen and Hamilton. If either one goes down the dominoes will start to fall...

[Killericon]

I have found one that has Kuper playing RT, thanks for bringing it to my attention. Personally, that would be a mistake in my opinion, but we'll have to see what happens.

As a FYI...This series is not meant to be a depth chart. I feel Kuper's strongest position is guard, whether it is on the left or right side. Obviously with Hamilton coming back that forces Kuper to move from where he was, but that is also a question mark.

The entire line is in flux, and it all depends on Nalen and Hamilton. If either one goes down the dominoes will start to fall...

He's still listed as a G on the Denver Broncos webpage.

[Atlas]

I read the TE one and I can't believe it!! He mentioned all the Broncos TEs since Sharpe retired and not one mention of the legendary Patrick Hape!!

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Shanny has stated that Kuper is slated to start at RT and line up there during mini camp

[TheSportsGuru]

He's still listed as a G on the Denver Broncos webpage.

Correct. I have made a slight change since there is talk about Kuper at Tackle. I will say it is a position he hasn't played, while Pears has 26 starts the past 2 seasons at left and right tackle.

I still go with Pears at RT, but Kuper will have be given an opportunity.

[TheSportsGuru]

Shanny has stated that Kuper is slated to start at RT and line up there during mini camp

It has been noted. He was slated to start at RG last season until he gave up 3 sacks in a row during a TC practice. I'll be keeping a close eye on it when I am in Denver.

[TheSportsGuru]

I read the TE one and I can't believe it!! He mentioned all the Broncos TEs since Sharpe retired and not one mention of the legendary Patrick Hape!!

LOL...Classic. I was talking about the group as a whole, but Hape should have been mentioned!:afro:

[RunSilentRunDeep]

Hey, I can only go by the 5 or so depth charts I have looked at. They all have Kuper playing LG. If you disagree that's fine, and you might be right, but that's why he is where he is....

The depth charts are never updated until a week or two into training camp. There is never anything to be gained by looking at the depth chart from January through July.

[TheSportsGuru]

The depth charts are never updated until a week or two into training camp. There is never anything to be gained by looking at the depth chart from January through July.

Valid also, so in the end I go with my gut feeling....My feeling is that Pears is the better fit at RT. We'll all know in a few weeks!

[vancejohnson82]

Gosh, this board is so hesitant to really voice its opinion..

Posting a thread with an authored article is pretty much like taking a picture of yourself, putting it up in a diner bathroom stall with your phone number attached and asking people to comment on how you look.

[BroncoBuff]

Gosh, this board is so hesitant to really voice its opinion..

Posting a thread with an authored article is pretty much like taking a picture of yourself, putting it up in a diner bathroom stall with your phone number attached and asking people to comment on how you look.
Awesome, unique post wioth a fresh, uncoventional look. POST OF THE DAY :thumbs:


I think the odd man out might be Weigmann. If Lichtensteiger is half as good as the blue-sky I hear on this site, then Weigmann is gone. Gandy is much younger, Pears is cheap, young and experienced, and Harris is young with upside.

[lex]

Correct. I have made a slight change since there is talk about Kuper at Tackle. I will say it is a position he hasn't played, while Pears has 26 starts the past 2 seasons at left and right tackle.

I still go with Pears at RT, but Kuper will have be given an opportunity.

I think youre way too hard on Kuper. You say he had an up and down year and he actually did well most of the time. As a matter of fact Shanahan raved about the job he did against the Vikings who have the best set of DTs in the NFL. Plus around the draft time someone posted his combine numbers and basically every thing pointed to him being agile enough to play left tackle. Now, if you combine a guy who is strong enough to win a battle against Minnesotas DT and a guy who is agile enough to play tackle, its easy to see why he should be a lot better than Pears. And not that Ive been following this avidly but most things Ive seen point to Kuper being the frontrunner at RT.

[Atlas]

LOL...Classic. I was talking about the group as a whole, but Hape should have been mentioned!:afro:

No you were right to leave him out. The biggest waste of space since Nate Jackson!!!

[Atlas]

By the way Guru. Great report!!

[Broncojef]

I think youre way too hard on Kuper. You say he had an up and down year and he actually did well most of the time. As a matter of fact Shanahan raved about the job he did against the Vikings who have the best set of DTs in the NFL. Plus around the draft time someone posted his combine numbers and basically every thing pointed to him being agile enough to play left tackle. Now, if you combine a guy who is strong enough to win a battle against Minnesotas DT and a guy who is agile enough to play tackle, its easy to see why he should be a lot better than Pears. And not that Ive been following this avidly but most things Ive seen point to Kuper being the frontrunner at RT.

God I hope you're right Lex. Pears as our right tackle is a nightmare to me.

[Kaylore]

Correct. I have made a slight change since there is talk about Kuper at Tackle. I will say it is a position he hasn't played, while Pears has 26 starts the past 2 seasons at left and right tackle.

I still go with Pears at RT, but Kuper will have be given an opportunity.

You also say in your article that "Kuper got his second shot, this time on the right side" but he played left guard.

Also you say he played with mixed results when he actually played very well - especially as he and Myers fell into rhythm.

And the part about Pears being a valued part of the team was hilarious. Pears has been hands down the worst lineman we've had since George Foster.

[kmonty]

You also say in your article that "Kuper got his second shot, this time on the right side" but he played left guard.

Also you say he played with mixed results when he actually played very well - especially as he and Myers fell into rhythm.

I have to agree with Guru here regarding Kuper. 'Very well' is a bit of an overstatement. He had a really good game against the Vikings, and a few other games late in the season, but that was by no means consistent with his performance through the year.

I saw enough to believe he could be a starter for this team for years, but that has more to do with potential than results thus far. I'm not willing to crown him yet.

[Kaylore]

I guess I'm looking at it from the perspective of a guy who was just starting and playing out of position. So I'll downgrade my "Very good" to "promising" especially considering how his play improved as he played.

[Rock Chalk]

The key to the season right here...if this line can improve its performace by even 10%, the whole season will look a lot brighter.

And if Jay has to suffer through another season of blind side hits and crummy protection could really start to effect him long term

I gotta believe that it really needs to be better than a mere 10% for the season to look a LOT brighter. Our offensive line was absolutely atrocious last year against even moderate defensive lines.
10% of atrocious != a lot brighter;
10% of atrocious == just plain bad;

if(offensiveLine2008 > (35%*offensiveLine2007))
{
season2008 = alotBrighter;
}
else
{
season2008 = CrapHereWeGoAgain;
}

[kmonty]

I gotta believe that it really needs to be better than a mere 10% for the season to look a LOT brighter. Our offensive line was absolutely atrocious last year against even moderate defensive lines.
10% of atrocious != a lot brighter;
10% of atrocious == just plain bad;

if(offensiveLine2008 > (35%*offensiveLine2007))
{
season2008 = alotBrighter;
}
else
{
season2008 = CrapHereWeGoAgain;
}

LOL Dude, it's summer time. In a month I start my senior year of computer science. Stop trying to kill me.

[Rock Chalk]

Sorry, just finished a 10 day vacation and had to jump back into the 12 hour coding grind.

[vancejohnson82]

I gotta believe that it really needs to be better than a mere 10% for the season to look a LOT brighter. Our offensive line was absolutely atrocious last year against even moderate defensive lines.
10% of atrocious != a lot brighter;
10% of atrocious == just plain bad;

if(offensiveLine2008 > (35%*offensiveLine2007))
{
season2008 = alotBrighter;
}
else
{
season2008 = CrapHereWeGoAgain;
}


See, I think you might be bunching the entire season's grade on a few games. They were atrocious in a handful of games (SDx2, Detroit come to mind), mediocre in others (Green Bay, Chicago, KC) and pretty good in one or two (KC second game, Minnesota).

Also, I'm tired and don't feel like going through each game in my head, but it would be fun to do a game-by-game analysis of hte offensive line.

[Broncojef]

See, I think you might be bunching the entire season's grade on a few games. They were atrocious in a handful of games (SDx2, Detroit come to mind), mediocre in others (Green Bay, Chicago, KC) and pretty good in one or two (KC second game, Minnesota).

Also, I'm tired and don't feel like going through each game in my head, but it would be fun to do a game-by-game analysis of hte offensive line.

I doubt any true fan wants to relive some of that garbage. I think we can all agree the O-Line was subpar during most of last season. Thank the good Lord Lepsis finally retired.

[vancejohnson82]

I doubt any true fan wants to relive some of that garbage. I think we can all agree the O-Line was subpar during most of last season. Thank the good Lord Lepsis finally retired.


much like our defense in years past, the offensive line just absolutely fell apart during the middle of the season.

[Broncojef]

much like our defense in years past, the offensive line just absolutely fell apart during the middle of the season.

I know it will take Clady a while to get up to speed but I can't think it would get much worse than what it was last year and at least we have the guy long term protecting Jay. Hopefully Harris or Kuper take charge of the right side and things start stabilizing out.

[Atlas]

I guess I'm looking at it from the perspective of a guy who was just starting and playing out of position. So I'll downgrade my "Very good" to "promising" especially considering how his play improved as he played.

Kuper was a 2nd year player last year. He is going to be a fine G or OT. Watch these 2006 draft picks as they enter their third year. You will see all of them get alot better. This is when they really start putting it together.

[FireFly]

Got to say guru, love you work :approve:

[TheSportsGuru]

First, Thanks guys for the feedback. I want the discussion and have no fear of the feedback. No worries.

Secondly, and the point I was really trying to make with the breakdown is Nalen and Hamilton need to come back, healthy, and play at a high level. Only then can all these guys be put in a position to succeed.

We keep talking about Kuper as a 2nd year player. So was Pears. And this season we'll have a rookie LT, with a 3rd year RT. As was stated, if this team is going to take the next is going to show vast improvement, the O-line group, as a whole, is going to have to strap it on and play Denver Broncos football. That starts by staying healthy!

[Rock Chalk]

See, I think you might be bunching the entire season's grade on a few games. They were atrocious in a handful of games (SDx2, Detroit come to mind), mediocre in others (Green Bay, Chicago, KC) and pretty good in one or two (KC second game, Minnesota).

Also, I'm tired and don't feel like going through each game in my head, but it would be fun to do a game-by-game analysis of hte offensive line.

If you knew how to read I said it was atrocious against even moderate defensive lines. I didnt say it was atrocious against even the worst defensive lines.

Sure, we played crap teams through the year and the o-line looked decent. But against moderate lines or great lines, we got waxed left and right.

[Drek]

Going by Shanahan's comments to date our depth chart entering camp is probably this:

LT - Clady, Pears
LG - Hamilton, Gandy
C - Nalen, Weigmann, Lichtenstieger
RG - Holland, Gandy?
RT - Kuper, Harris

He's said that Pears will be competing at LT, but when discussing RT options Pears was never mentioned. Seems to me he's a backup LT this year, pretty much locked in.

I'm less worried about Kuper/Harris at RT, or even the Hamilton/Gandy option at LG, than I am our C options. Nalen is pretty long in the tooth and Weigmann isn't a guy I want starting and Lichtensteiger is not versed in our system yet. If we're healthy our OL will be two or three times better. if we get hit with injuries again though? We could be just as bad.

[BroncoBuff]

I'm less worried about Kuper/Harris at RT, or even the Hamilton/Gandy option at LG, than I am our C options. Nalen is pretty long in the tooth and Weigmann isn't a guy I want starting and Lichtensteiger is not versed in our system yet. If we're healthy our OL will be two or three times better. if we get hit with injuries again though? We could be just as bad.
Along those lines, I mentioned earlier I think if Lichtensteiger shows some early competence, then Weigmann is the odd man out. Not only is he the smallest O-lineman, but he turns 35 this week. Plus, Gandy is a first-class backup we should want to keep around awhile, Pears is young and experienced, Harris is young with upside, and Hamilton of course can play C if needed. Weigmann's the smallest, the oldest and the most expensive.

[Bladerunner]

I gotta believe that it really needs to be better than a mere 10% for the season to look a LOT brighter. Our offensive line was absolutely atrocious last year against even moderate defensive lines.
10% of atrocious != a lot brighter;
10% of atrocious == just plain bad;

if(offensiveLine2008 > (35%*offensiveLine2007))
{
season2008 = alotBrighter;
}
else
{
season2008 = CrapHereWeGoAgain;
}

you have a math error in there bud...I wish to hell that 35% of last year's Oline would equal aLotBrighter.

if(offensiveLine2008 > (135%*offensiveLine2007)) {
season2008 = aLotBrighter;
}else{
season2008 = crapHereWeGoAgain;}

[kmonty]

Along those lines, I mentioned earlier I think if Lichtensteiger shows some early competence, then Weigmann is the odd man out. Not only is he the smallest O-lineman, but he turns 35 this week. Plus, Gandy is a first-class backup we should want to keep around awhile, Pears is young and experienced, Harris is young with upside, and Hamilton of course can play C if needed. Weigmann's the smallest, the oldest and the most expensive.

It's important to remember that Weigmann can also play Guard for the Broncos.

Also, look at this way: If you had to "predict" (I know, impossible), which player/position on the line would be most susceptible to injury, it would be Tommy Nails at C. Followed by Hamilton at G, because concussions can be nasty. Weigmann backs both positions up, and may be #2 on the depth chart ahead of Gandy at LG as well (who knows?).

Finally, Lichtensteiger as a rookie is hardly something the Broncos want at center, where he is responsible for making the line calls (and not Jay Cutler).

I think Weigmann makes the team. I think the Broncos realize how shallow they were at the offensive line last year and made a lot of moves to build depth.

LT: Clady, Pears
LG: Hamilton, Gandy, (Weigmann)
C: Nalen, Weigmann, Lichtensteiger
RG: Holland, Gandy, (Weigmann)
RT: Kuper, Harris (competition will determine starter)

That's 9 guys. Last year we headed into the season with 9 guys, except Harris, Hamilton, and Adam Meadows were all injured.

[vancejohnson82]

If you knew how to read I said it was atrocious against even moderate defensive lines. I didnt say it was atrocious against even the worst defensive lines.

Sure, we played crap teams through the year and the o-line looked decent. But against moderate lines or great lines, we got waxed left and right.

you're right...I have no idea how to read and that makes my points invalid.

Sorry for wasting your time, but I still respectfully disagree and can honestly say our offensive line was not int he bottom 10 in the league last year. Also remember that we have been moving from misdirection/bootleg type blocking to a more straightforward type blocking scheme with straight dropbacks.

Damnit, I just tried to read through what I wrote but can't understand it.

[BroncoBuff]

You're right, kmonty ... that's why I conditioned my prediction that Lichtensteiger first must show game-competence in camp before Weigmann could be released. But I think they'll give Kory every chance, because Weigmann turns 35 this weekend.

The numbers here will be tough ... practice squad is out of the question for Kory because he'd be snatched up immediately. So besides Kory, we can keep just 3 (maybe just 2) other backups. I can't see Harris or Pears playing guard at all - both are all wrong for it, but based upon what you said it would behoove them to learn the position a bit. Unless one of these 10 O-linemen goes down with injury, or Kory is ready to play immediately (doubtful right away based on college level of competition), then either Harris or Pears will be the odd-man out.

[BroncoBuff]

Damnit, I just tried to read through what I wrote but can't understand it.
Never fear ... I speak Joi-sey!

http://www.thenoseonyourface.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/jersey-guy.jpg


I'll translate Knowitall

[TheReverend]

If you knew how to read I said it was atrocious against even moderate defensive lines. I didnt say it was atrocious against even the worst defensive lines.

Sure, we played crap teams through the year and the o-line looked decent. But against moderate lines or great lines, we got waxed left and right.

Watch the Minnesota game...?

[BroncoBuff]

Although kmonty ... with Gandy backing up both guard spots and Kuper available in a pinch at guard, and with Hamilton a very competent C, Weigmann could be expendable even if Kory is slow to come around.

Plus I want to stress that imo Nalen is a very very low risk of injury. A biceps tear is a freakish thing, not an "old man's" problem. Aside from that and his knee is '03, he's an iron-man. Mick Tingelhoff started an entire season at 39, so Tommy has two years left ... then Canton in 2015. ;D

[kmonty]

Although kmonty ... with Gandy backing up both guard spots and Kuper available in a pinch at guard, and with Hamilton a very competent C, Weigmann could be expendable even if Kory is slow to come around.

Plus I want to stress that imo Nalen is a very very low risk of injury. A biceps tear is a freakish thing, not an "old man's" problem. Aside from that and his knee is '03, he's an iron-man. Mick Tingelhoff started an entire season at 39, so Tommy has two years left ... then Canton in 2015. ;D

Trust me, I hope you're right! :strong: Remember he just had knee surgery a little bit ago, too. I know a lot of people will just refer to Stinky and say it's no big deal, but I'm concerned. Maybe "cautiously optimistic" is a better term.

You brought up a good point with Kuper being able to play all over the line. You're right, I miscounted, that's 10 guys. If we stick with 9 like last year, I'd guess Weigmann's the odd man out, too. (But honestly I think they'd rather keep 10 after last year's MASH unit).

[Atlas]

I'm less worried about Kuper/Harris at RT, or even the Hamilton/Gandy option at LG, than I am our C options. Nalen is pretty long in the tooth and Weigmann isn't a guy I want starting and Lichtensteiger is not versed in our system yet. If we're healthy our OL will be two or three times better. if we get hit with injuries again though? We could be just as bad.

Weigman is a very solid player. He has started for a very KC OL for years. Well, very good until last year anyway. He is a great backup. Licht is practice squad material.

[Atlas]

Along those lines, I mentioned earlier I think if Lichtensteiger shows some early competence, then Weigmann is the odd man out. Not only is he the smallest O-lineman, but he turns 35 this week. Plus, Gandy is a first-class backup we should want to keep around awhile, Pears is young and experienced, Harris is young with upside, and Hamilton of course can play C if needed. Weigmann's the smallest, the oldest and the most expensive.

Maybe, but I don't see it happen. Nalen can't be relied on to play a full season in fact even when healthy I would limit his reps to keep him fresh. Weigmann might be the most expensive but he signed a short term contract that is right in line with other vet backups. No way does Shanny want Litch out there along with Rookie Clady.

[BroncoBuff]

Atlas, I'm thinking we should have one of these guys do long-snapper duties. I love what Leach does on coverage lately, he's become a madman covering punts. But we have a lotta young guys for suicide coverage teams now ... Larsen, Barrett, Woodyard, Hillis, Williams, Louis Green, and Webster's not starting, so him too. These kids need to see some kind of playing time ... and Leach is turning 31.

Plus, one of these O-linemen handling long-snapper duties would be Hotrod's dream come true ... it would open a roster slot for Bad-Chad Mustard.

[crowebomber]

I think the offensive line is so much improved over last year. Lepsis was playing on one leg and getting driven back into the pocket on almost every pass play. Clady, even as a rookie, will be a big improvement.

And as bad as they looked at times, and with all the platooning of players in and out of position to compensate for injuries, the offense still produced and Cutler didn't take that many hits. Denver ranked 17th in sacks against (Chiefs were #1) and we had a RB average over 5 ypc, with our overall rushing yards putting us 9th best in the league.

And that was with our left tackle playing hurt and our best lineman and captain (Nalen) missing a huge chunk of the season.

The o-line will be so much better and I predict that none of you will be worrying about it by October.

[Smiling Assassin27]

The first thing I noticed in reading that article was:

6-8, 6-5, 6-6, 6-8, 6-6...

then the runts at 6-4, 6-3, and 6-2. (height)

That some large fellas. I worry about 6-8 at T since good DE's can get under these giants and rag doll them into the qb.

[Inkana7]

If you knew how to read I said it was atrocious against even moderate defensive lines. I didnt say it was atrocious against even the worst defensive lines.

Sure, we played crap teams through the year and the o-line looked decent. But against moderate lines or great lines, we got waxed left and right.

Not true. They did well against the Steelers and Titans lines(albeit without Haynesworth) and completely shut down Jared Allen. They were an average line for the middle of the season, well below average in the beginning and then starting again at the Texans game.

[Rock Chalk]

The Titans without Haynesworth as can be shown from the year prior when he was suspended, were not very good up front.

Teh Steelers too had a lower than average up front year for them. Not to say they were bad, but they weren't great either.

Our O-line was not good, at all. Spin it how you want Inkboy, but Cutler suffered a great deal behind that patchwork of a line.

God help him this year if Clady doesnt mature in a hurry. Kuper = potential but has not yet translated on the field to a degree that would make any fan not named Kahn comfortable enough to not worry.

It will be an improvement (I hope, for Cutler's sake), but I dont expect them to be world beaters this year. I dont expect the playoffs this year either. Which will make 3 years counting I suppose.

[Cito Pelon]

Atlas, I'm thinking we should have one of these guys do long-snapper duties. I love what Leach does on coverage lately, he's become a madman covering punts. But we have a lotta young guys for suicide coverage teams now ... Larsen, Barrett, Woodyard, Hillis, Williams, Louis Green, and Webster's not starting, so him too. These kids need to see some kind of playing time ... and Leach is turning 31.

Plus, one of these O-linemen handling long-snapper duties would be Hotrod's dream come true ... it would open a roster slot for Bad-Chad Mustard.

Every year this comes up, but I think it's plain goofy to not have a dedicated roster spot to a long-snapper. Just look around the NFL, I bet every team has one. There may be one or two that don't, but I'd be surprised if there was more than that. They do that for a good reason.

[Inkana7]

The Titans without Haynesworth as can be shown from the year prior when he was suspended, were not very good up front.

Teh Steelers too had a lower than average up front year for them. Not to say they were bad, but they weren't great either.

Our O-line was not good, at all. Spin it how you want Inkboy, but Cutler suffered a great deal behind that patchwork of a line.

God help him this year if Clady doesnt mature in a hurry. Kuper = potential but has not yet translated on the field to a degree that would make any fan not named Kahn comfortable enough to not worry.

It will be an improvement (I hope, for Cutler's sake), but I dont expect them to be world beaters this year. I dont expect the playoffs this year either. Which will make 3 years counting I suppose.

I wasn't spinning anything. The line was pretty bad last year, but they had their moments, namely the Minnesota game. That's a good front, and the line had their way with them.

[ØrangeÇrush]

And the part about Pears being a valued part of the team was hilarious. Pears has been hands down the worst lineman we've had since George Foster.

thats a bit unfair.

Foster was a 1st round pick that couldn't hack ORT.

Pears was an undrafted FA that peformed well as a rookie filling in for Matt Lepsis, and last year played a position that most people on this board think he's unsuited for in ORT.

[Greybeard]

I have found one that has Kuper playing RT, thanks for bringing it to my attention. Personally, that would be a mistake in my opinion, but we'll have to see what happens.

As a FYI...This series is not meant to be a depth chart. I feel Kuper's strongest position is guard, whether it is on the left or right side. Obviously with Hamilton coming back that forces Kuper to move from where he was, but that is also a question mark.

The entire line is in flux, and it all depends on Nalen and Hamilton. If either one goes down the dominoes will start to fall...

I have to agree. I have not been fond of the idea of sending Kuper out to RT.
To me, it's a testament to his athletic ability that they see the possibility in
at RT. But if he beats Harris out there, I couldn't help but to feel Harris is
another "miss" in the draft, especially after they have expressed how high
they have been on Harris.

But I really believe Kuper could give Hamilton a fight for that LG spot, having
a year under his belt there, and with all the talent he possesses.

But then, I'm also sure the coaches know more than I do. ???

So we'll see. It's still a long ways until the first regular season game . . .

-----

[Atlas]

I have to agree. I have not been fond of the idea of sending Kuper out to RT.
To me, it's a testament to his athletic ability that they see the possibility in
at RT. But if he beats Harris out there, I couldn't help but to feel Harris is
another "miss" in the draft, especially after they have expressed how high
they have been on Harris.

But I really believe Kuper could give Hamilton a fight for that LG spot, having
a year under his belt there, and with all the talent he possesses.

But then, I'm also sure the coaches know more than I do. ???

So we'll see. It's still a long ways until the first regular season game . . .

-----

Kuper played OT in college it is his natural position. If he goes out there and beats out Harris great if not he'll be a valuable backup to all the positions.

[lex]

The Titans without Haynesworth as can be shown from the year prior when he was suspended, were not very good up front.

Teh Steelers too had a lower than average up front year for them. Not to say they were bad, but they weren't great either.

Our O-line was not good, at all. Spin it how you want Inkboy, but Cutler suffered a great deal behind that patchwork of a line.

God help him this year if Clady doesnt mature in a hurry. Kuper = potential but has not yet translated on the field to a degree that would make any fan not named Kahn comfortable enough to not worry.

It will be an improvement (I hope, for Cutler's sake), but I dont expect them to be world beaters this year. I dont expect the playoffs this year either. Which will make 3 years counting I suppose.

Im not worried about Kuper. They posted his combine numbers a while back. If he didnt come from a smaller school, he would have likely been drafted higher. The guy played LG against the big DTs but his combine numbers say he is agile enough to play LT. Kuper is one of the players Im most optimistic about.

I remember when we played Pittsburgh. I DVRed a game and in that game there was yet another instance of a breakdown in the goalline offense. Theres one play in particular that stands out to me. The NT crashed through on Myers but that wasnt what killed the play. Denver ran the ball left of that and the NT didnt really cause a disruption. It was really Lepsis' man crashing down. Lepsis totally blew it but when initially watching it, it looked like it was Kupers guy with the mass of humanity concentrated there. Kuper actually held his own and the play would have worked had Lepsis not whiffed on his guy.

[Greybeard]

Kuper played OT in college it is his natural position. If he goes out there and beats out Harris great if not he'll be a valuable backup to all the positions.

I thought he was a guard in college. See, that shows how much I know.

In that case, the competition probably will be better than I thought it would

-----

[kupesdad]

I thought he was a guard in college. See, that shows how much I know.

In that case, the competition probably will be better than I thought it would

-----

He played RG and a bit of center his first 3 years of college. His Jr. year he played G and RT for the year. In his senior year he played LT and initially he struggled because in the previous years he had games where he had games that he had as many as 15 "pancakes". When he started playing LT he wasn't patient and ended up lunging at guys in order to deliver the knockout block and he whiffed a few times. Once he figured out his footwork and developed his punch he played pretty well and was named the best lineman of the conference and was nominated for the Upshaw Trophy

[BroncoBuff]

He played RG and a bit of center his first 3 years of college. His Jr. year he played G and RT for the year. In his senior year he played LT and initially he struggled because in the previous years he had games where he had games that he had as many as 15 "pancakes". When he started playing LT he wasn't patient and ended up lunging at guys in order to deliver the knockout block and he whiffed a few times. Once he figured out his footwork and developed his punch he played pretty well and was named the best lineman of the conference and was nominated for the Upshaw Trophy
Aside from the potential for bigger salaries at LT, how des Chris feel about RT? I guess you can't say "Chris would rather play G," but seriously, is RT "in his wheelhouse" so to speak?

I posted in the prediction thread that I think he'll be our best O-lineman this year (not named Nalen).

[Inkana7]

Kuper played OT in college it is his natural position. If he goes out there and beats out Harris great if not he'll be a valuable backup to all the positions.

While Kuper played OT his junior and senior years, I wouldn't say it's his natrual position. However, he definitely has the build for it. He's tall, has long arms and good feet.

[BroncoBuff]

I couldn't help but to feel Harris is another "miss" in the draft, especially after they have expressed how high they have been on Harris.
But it's all a crapshoot .... if Clady hadn't fallen to us at 12, we'd have drafted another position (though we might've taken Chris Wiliams). Harris just got unlucky ...

[TheReverend]

Aside from the potential for bigger salaries at LT, how des Chris feel about RT? I guess you can't say "Chris would rather play G," but seriously, is RT "in his wheelhouse" so to speak?

I posted in the prediction thread that I think he'll be our best O-lineman this year (not named Nalen).

Nothing against Kuper, but realistically...

Ben

Hamilton

Give Kuper a couple more years. Unrealistic expectations won't accelerate his growth. He's doing well for himself as is.

Hamilton healthy will be a Bronco legend upon retirement.

[TheReverend]

But it's all a crapshoot .... if Clady hadn't fallen to us at 12, we'd have drafted another position (though we might've taken Chris Wiliams). Harris just got unlucky ...

We'd never have drafted Alex Baron 2.0

[Greybeard]

But it's all a crapshoot .... if Clady hadn't fallen to us at 12, we'd have drafted another position (though we might've taken Chris Wiliams). Harris just got unlucky ...

That is one cool clip in your sig!

Wow, did that bring back the memories! :alky:

-----

[kupesdad]

Aside from the potential for bigger salaries at LT, how des Chris feel about RT? I guess you can't say "Chris would rather play G," but seriously, is RT "in his wheelhouse" so to speak?

I posted in the prediction thread that I think he'll be our best O-lineman this year (not named Nalen).

Sorry for the late response.. I was fishing yesterday with Chris. He is up here to relax a bit before TC. Chris is excited about the opportunity to establish himself and is happy that the coaching staff are confident in his ability to play a position that isn't his natural position. His measurables are as good as a lot of guys who are successful at tackle and I think he is definitely a better fit on the right side. He is comfortable with Montrae and I think the right side will be very physical. I am excited about the potential of this lineup with Ben and Tom coming back and I think Clady will open some eyes. I'm also excited about the fact that I can still outfish himHilarious!