Williamson article on brewing backup battles - The Orange Mane

SoCalBronco · 04-26-2005, 12:27 AM

Battles brewing for backup jobs with Broncos

By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer

Post file
If Maurice Clarett can regain the stardom enjoyed as a Buckeyes freshman, he will step in the mix behind Tatum Bell, above.

Unlike some recent Broncos seasons, there may be several veteran surprises come cut day in September as a result of the depth at some positions.

With the team's starting 22 all but locked in, the major intrigue during training camp, which begins July 28, will be competition for roster spots.

The Broncos will look at some veterans at positions that may include receiver, quarterback, offensive line and linebacker. They also are open to signing a veteran after June 1.

The following is a look at the Broncos' areas where there will be the most competition for backup roles.

Running back

This will be the most watched position in camp after the events of Saturday night. Drafting former Ohio State star Maurice Clarett in the third round was surprising only because of the spectacle that acquiring Clarett brings.

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But the Broncos had a need. If Clarett can regain the stardom enjoyed as a Buckeyes freshman in 2002, he will step in the mix behind second-year pro Tatum Bell, who will enter training camp as the starting tailback. However, Bell had several injuries last year, so the team needs options. Last year, three players - Quentin Griffin, Bell and Reuben Droughns (since traded) - were the main tailback at times.

Griffin (knee) and Mike Anderson (groin) are coming off injuries, and recently signed Ron Dayne will try to recapture his Heisman Trophy-winning form he rarely showed with the Giants. Kyle Johnson and Cecil Sapp, and perhaps Anderson, will play some fullback.

2005 NFL DRAFT
- Pick-by-pick draft tracker
- Draft central
- Prospect profiles

Broncos' draft picks (Round / No.)
(2/56) - Darrent Williams, CB
(3/76) - Karl Paymah, CB
(3/97) - Domonique Foxworth, CB
(3/101) - Maurice Clarett, RB
(6/200) - Chris Myers, OG
(25/239) - Paul Ernster, P

If this group stays healthy, it could be strong, and Clarett will get an opportunity as a rookie to play some. But a veteran or two is sure to be on the chopping block.

Secondary

The drafting of three cornerbacks - Darrent Williams, Karl Paymah and Domonique Foxworth - means two things:

One, the Broncos are preparing for the possible free-agent departure of right cornerback Lenny Walls next year. The team likely will wait for the offseason to negotiate with Walls.

Two, it means incumbents Willie Middlebrooks, Roc Alexander and Jeff Shoate will have to work to keep their jobs. Williams, a return specialist who likely will be the fourth or fifth cornerback, is a lock to make the team. Paymah and Foxworth would have to struggle to not make the team. Thus, a veteran or two could be gone.

At safety, John Lynch and Nick Ferguson - who replaces Kenoy Kennedy (now with Detroit as a free-agent signee) - will start. Jeremy LeSueur, a third-round pick last year, will vie with veterans Chris Young and Sam Brandon to be backups. A dark horse could be Brandon Browner from Oregon State. Browner went undrafted because of a lack of speed, but he was productive with the Beavers and a solid hitter.

Defensive line

Major changes are coming.

Denver made headlines by bringing in four defensive linemen from Cleveland, signing end Courtney Brown as a free agent and acquiring tackles Gerard Warren and Michael Myers and end Ebenezer Ekuban in trades.

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Brown will start at end with Trevor Pryce, who will return after missing 14 games because of a back injury last season. Warren will start at tackle and will play alongside a rotation that includes Mario Fatafehi and Monsanto Pope (last year's starting tackles) and Myers.

Veteran incumbents Marco Coleman, Raylee Johnson, Luther Elliss and Anton Palepoi also will compete for playing time.

With nine or 10 defensive linemen on Denver's 53-man roster, there should be competition for the final spots. Some familiar names must have a strong and healthy training camp to make the cut after what should be tough competition.

Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.

watermock · 04-26-2005, 01:53 AM

I would like to know how Williamson thinks our starting 22 is all but set!

watermock · 04-26-2005, 02:08 AM

"With nine or 10 defensive linemen on Denver's 53-man roster, there should be competition for the final spots."

Umm....Bill, there are 17 linemen on the roster, not 10.

This is the genius that told us Denver was virtually guaranteed to run a 3/4, then a 3/4 in passing situation, now Bill simply doesn't talk about that little issue whatsoever.

Who says Williams is a "lock" to make the team. Our last third rounder developed a mysterious "hernia" and everyone remembers Toviessi.

More accurate might be that is he's not a fumble machine, he will likely get return duty. Again, good work Bill, you don't even mention why Williams was drafted!

I wouldn't just hand the SS job to Lynch like Bill says. He's slow and NFL teams need cover corners unless they can produce the type of pressure the Tampa Bay line produced in their glory years. So far, we haven't seen that in Denver. If we can produce pressure, Lynch will get another year in our secondary.

All in all, it was a classic, shallow and pretty misinformed analysis from the Burger King.

How does Bill know we won't negotiate anything with Walls before he goes to an unrestricted free agent? Why did we bother grooming him in the first place then? (of course, I have wondered about several of Denver's picks, but like Herndon, this one doesn't carry a draft pedigree, so we will be even more screwed than we were than Herndon!) The point is, when they signed an injured Walls this year, why didn't they make it a 3 year deal if, as they say, they were "sure" he would come back stronger than ever.

Bill also can't even mention Dorsett Davis. His grasp of the roster is at best, pathetic. Last time I checked, we re-signed Davis for this year.

Why oh why did we wind up with this Burger King? I don't even think he likes the Broncos.

Even if Woody, Marriotti, Kizla, Saunder and Armstrong are either skeptics or homers, at least they don't read like Burger King's King Breakfast Sandwich that has been under a heat lamp for 24 hours.

watermock · 04-26-2005, 02:11 AM

And what is it with that Burger King guy anyway?

He pulls a giant sub out of his ass when the guy opens the shades, opens the window and takes a huge bite as his wife walks by in the other room, totally oblivious. Then a crow takes a dump on his head and squirrels jump on his shoulders.

Some creepy dude in drag with a mask pulls a sandwich out his ass at my bedroom window at 7 in the morning, I cap the bastard. Has to be the WORST Ad campaign of all time.

Drek · 04-26-2005, 04:39 AM

Quote:

"With nine or 10 defensive linemen on Denver's 53-man roster, there should be competition for the final spots."

Umm....Bill, there are 17 linemen on the roster, not 10.

I think he means that when we get down to the 53 man roster we'll only go with 9 or 10, so that should make for heavy cuts.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Young and Brown cut, with LeSueur and Browner playing backup safeties. They can move to corner if needed, and we'll need the roster spots. I don't see the FO scapegoating Roc Alexander, he showed some promise last year outside of that playoff game.

watermock · 04-26-2005, 04:47 AM

Wouldn't it make more sense to say that Denver has 17 linemen on the roster, and only 9 or 10 will make it? And what happened to Dorsett Davis.

That's the whole point. Williamson is incredibly weak weak and weak. He names nine DL, never mentions the Predator whatsoever in the article. All he does is go thru projected starters. WHEN THERE ARE NONE except Pryce.

Wouldn't it make much more sense to say the DL is a real fight between 17 players?

That is the point with Williamson. He's asleep at the wheel.

chanesaw · 04-26-2005, 08:29 AM

What has D. Davis ever done to make himself worth mentioning?

bendog · 04-26-2005, 09:59 AM

the finger tear thing is pretty funny.

Jason in LA · 04-26-2005, 10:10 AM

I'd say about 19 starting spots are locked up. RG, DT(one of the spots), and FB are still up for grabs. There are frontrunners for those positions, but they aren't locked.

epicSocialism4tw · 04-26-2005, 10:32 AM

Man...I could have written that article! The standards for quality information must be pretty low at the post right now.

Could Mike Anderson be cut??

Borks147 · 04-26-2005, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryllama

Man...I could have written that article! The standards for quality information must be pretty low at the post right now.

Could Mike Anderson be cut??

I bet Q is cut and Mike moved to "FB/RB" just to have an excuse to keep him

Drek · 04-26-2005, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Could Mike Anderson be cut??

Could, but he'd have to really disapoint in camp. He's already renegotiated a bunch of money out of his deal, plus he's a hard worker and one of Shanahan's boys.

Crushaholic · 04-26-2005, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aborquez147

I bet Q is cut and Mike moved to "FB/RB" just to have an excuse to keep him

It wouldn't bother me to move Anderson back to FB duties, even if it's backup duties. I think Kyle Johnson is the FB starter to beat.

04-26-2005, 12:27 AM	#1
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,315 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	Williamson article on brewing backup battles Battles brewing for backup jobs with Broncos By Bill Williamson Denver Post Staff Writer Post file If Maurice Clarett can regain the stardom enjoyed as a Buckeyes freshman, he will step in the mix behind Tatum Bell, above. Unlike some recent Broncos seasons, there may be several veteran surprises come cut day in September as a result of the depth at some positions. With the team's starting 22 all but locked in, the major intrigue during training camp, which begins July 28, will be competition for roster spots. The Broncos will look at some veterans at positions that may include receiver, quarterback, offensive line and linebacker. They also are open to signing a veteran after June 1. The following is a look at the Broncos' areas where there will be the most competition for backup roles. Running back This will be the most watched position in camp after the events of Saturday night. Drafting former Ohio State star Maurice Clarett in the third round was surprising only because of the spectacle that acquiring Clarett brings. Advertisement But the Broncos had a need. If Clarett can regain the stardom enjoyed as a Buckeyes freshman in 2002, he will step in the mix behind second-year pro Tatum Bell, who will enter training camp as the starting tailback. However, Bell had several injuries last year, so the team needs options. Last year, three players - Quentin Griffin, Bell and Reuben Droughns (since traded) - were the main tailback at times. Griffin (knee) and Mike Anderson (groin) are coming off injuries, and recently signed Ron Dayne will try to recapture his Heisman Trophy-winning form he rarely showed with the Giants. Kyle Johnson and Cecil Sapp, and perhaps Anderson, will play some fullback. 2005 NFL DRAFT - Pick-by-pick draft tracker - Draft central - Prospect profiles Broncos' draft picks (Round / No.) (2/56) - Darrent Williams, CB (3/76) - Karl Paymah, CB (3/97) - Domonique Foxworth, CB (3/101) - Maurice Clarett, RB (6/200) - Chris Myers, OG (25/239) - Paul Ernster, P If this group stays healthy, it could be strong, and Clarett will get an opportunity as a rookie to play some. But a veteran or two is sure to be on the chopping block. Secondary The drafting of three cornerbacks - Darrent Williams, Karl Paymah and Domonique Foxworth - means two things: One, the Broncos are preparing for the possible free-agent departure of right cornerback Lenny Walls next year. The team likely will wait for the offseason to negotiate with Walls. Two, it means incumbents Willie Middlebrooks, Roc Alexander and Jeff Shoate will have to work to keep their jobs. Williams, a return specialist who likely will be the fourth or fifth cornerback, is a lock to make the team. Paymah and Foxworth would have to struggle to not make the team. Thus, a veteran or two could be gone. At safety, John Lynch and Nick Ferguson - who replaces Kenoy Kennedy (now with Detroit as a free-agent signee) - will start. Jeremy LeSueur, a third-round pick last year, will vie with veterans Chris Young and Sam Brandon to be backups. A dark horse could be Brandon Browner from Oregon State. Browner went undrafted because of a lack of speed, but he was productive with the Beavers and a solid hitter. Defensive line Major changes are coming. Denver made headlines by bringing in four defensive linemen from Cleveland, signing end Courtney Brown as a free agent and acquiring tackles Gerard Warren and Michael Myers and end Ebenezer Ekuban in trades. JOIN THE DISCUSSION! Share your thoughts on Denver's six selections in the 2005 NFL draft by visiting our Broncos discussion forums. Click here to log on and participate. You will need to click on the 'Register Your Free Account' link to create an account in order to post messages, but you can read all the messages without registering. Brown will start at end with Trevor Pryce, who will return after missing 14 games because of a back injury last season. Warren will start at tackle and will play alongside a rotation that includes Mario Fatafehi and Monsanto Pope (last year's starting tackles) and Myers. Veteran incumbents Marco Coleman, Raylee Johnson, Luther Elliss and Anton Palepoi also will compete for playing time. With nine or 10 defensive linemen on Denver's 53-man roster, there should be competition for the final spots. Some familiar names must have a strong and healthy training camp to make the cut after what should be tough competition. Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com. __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

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04-26-2005, 01:53 AM	#2
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	I would like to know how Williamson thinks our starting 22 is all but set!

04-26-2005, 02:08 AM	#3
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	"With nine or 10 defensive linemen on Denver's 53-man roster, there should be competition for the final spots." Umm....Bill, there are 17 linemen on the roster, not 10. This is the genius that told us Denver was virtually guaranteed to run a 3/4, then a 3/4 in passing situation, now Bill simply doesn't talk about that little issue whatsoever. Who says Williams is a "lock" to make the team. Our last third rounder developed a mysterious "hernia" and everyone remembers Toviessi. More accurate might be that is he's not a fumble machine, he will likely get return duty. Again, good work Bill, you don't even mention why Williams was drafted! I wouldn't just hand the SS job to Lynch like Bill says. He's slow and NFL teams need cover corners unless they can produce the type of pressure the Tampa Bay line produced in their glory years. So far, we haven't seen that in Denver. If we can produce pressure, Lynch will get another year in our secondary. All in all, it was a classic, shallow and pretty misinformed analysis from the Burger King. How does Bill know we won't negotiate anything with Walls before he goes to an unrestricted free agent? Why did we bother grooming him in the first place then? (of course, I have wondered about several of Denver's picks, but like Herndon, this one doesn't carry a draft pedigree, so we will be even more screwed than we were than Herndon!) The point is, when they signed an injured Walls this year, why didn't they make it a 3 year deal if, as they say, they were "sure" he would come back stronger than ever. Bill also can't even mention Dorsett Davis. His grasp of the roster is at best, pathetic. Last time I checked, we re-signed Davis for this year. Why oh why did we wind up with this Burger King? I don't even think he likes the Broncos. Even if Woody, Marriotti, Kizla, Saunder and Armstrong are either skeptics or homers, at least they don't read like Burger King's King Breakfast Sandwich that has been under a heat lamp for 24 hours.

04-26-2005, 02:11 AM	#4
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	And what is it with that Burger King guy anyway? He pulls a giant sub out of his ass when the guy opens the shades, opens the window and takes a huge bite as his wife walks by in the other room, totally oblivious. Then a crow takes a dump on his head and squirrels jump on his shoulders. Some creepy dude in drag with a mask pulls a sandwich out his ass at my bedroom window at 7 in the morning, I cap the bastard. Has to be the WORST Ad campaign of all time.

04-26-2005, 04:47 AM	#6
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Wouldn't it make more sense to say that Denver has 17 linemen on the roster, and only 9 or 10 will make it? And what happened to Dorsett Davis. That's the whole point. Williamson is incredibly weak weak and weak. He names nine DL, never mentions the Predator whatsoever in the article. All he does is go thru projected starters. WHEN THERE ARE NONE except Pryce. Wouldn't it make much more sense to say the DL is a real fight between 17 players? That is the point with Williamson. He's asleep at the wheel.

04-26-2005, 08:29 AM	#7
chanesaw Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,174 Adopt-a-Bronco: Elvis Dumervil	What has D. Davis ever done to make himself worth mentioning?

04-26-2005, 09:59 AM	#8
bendog Marginally Continent David Bowens, he'd be an upgrade Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Folsom Prison Posts: 19,935 Adopt-a-Bronco: David Bowens	the finger tear thing is pretty funny.

04-26-2005, 10:10 AM	#9
Jason in LA Gimmie that rep fool! Speaking of Butts & Boob Mojo Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: LA Posts: 12,253	I'd say about 19 starting spots are locked up. RG, DT(one of the spots), and FB are still up for grabs. There are frontrunners for those positions, but they aren't locked.

04-26-2005, 10:32 AM	#10
epicSocialism4tw Tebowing the long haul all the way to the title Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: TX, USA Posts: 37,072 Adopt-a-Bronco: Champ Bailey	Man...I could have written that article! The standards for quality information must be pretty low at the post right now. Could Mike Anderson be cut??