Rice officially makes the team: Nate Jackson to TE - The Orange Mane

BigPlayShay · 06-07-2005, 05:43 PM

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.ph...4&storyID=4219

Team Camp Day Four: Jackson on the Move
By Andrew Mason
DenverBroncos.com

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- When Nate Jackson returned to the Broncos for offseason workouts in April after spending a month in California following his rehabilitation from a season-ending injury, Head Coach Mike Shanahan gave him an unusual task -- to gain weight.

Shanahan wanted Jackson to bulk up in order to try him out at tight end after two seasons at wide receiver. It didn't take long for Jackson to pack on 18 pounds to a more tight end-like 235 -- and it didn't take months of work in the weight room, just "three or four weeks" of dietary tweaks.

"I ate well and drank these shakes, three of them a day between meals, one before bed," Jackson said. "The one before bed, I put, they come ready-made shakes. I put the shake itself in a blender, and then two or three eggs, ice cream, chocolate sauce and blended it up and drank that before bed time. I put it on pretty quick."

The chance for more playing time proved worth the extra girth.

"I think what (Shanahan) told me was that it'd be an opportunity to be on the field a little more and hopefully be utilized a little more," Jackson said. "If that's the case, then I'm all for it."

Jackson proved in limited duty last year that he could make the requisite catches across the middle expected of a tight end; his two grabs in a last-minute drive at Jacksonville last Sept. 19 demonstrated his ability to make those catches in the clutch. The challenge now is learning how to block -- something that will take more time and work than the organized team activities can provide.

"It's relatively low-contact," Jackson said. "For me, my technique is not so great right now, so I need to take advantage of this time. Even though we don't have pads, I need to get my head in there.

"That's the problem I've been having, is getting my head in there. I've been using my hands too much. So that's stuff I have to work on."

Jackson believes that his foot speed has been relatively unaffected by the 18 additional pounds -- and if it is, it'll be offset by going up against linebackers and safeties as opposed to cornerbacks.

"Maybe a tiny, tiny bit, but overall I feel like my speed's pretty good -- especially when you change and you're running routes against different people -- slower people," Jackson said, "and if my speed hasn't changed a lot, then it puts me at an advantage."

Quarterback Jake Plummer has been pleased out of what he's seen from his newest veteran tight end.

"He's been looking real good. Obviously there's no pads on," Plummer said. "If we can use him the right way, I think he'll be a big asset for us in the passing game."

The Broncos have extensive recent experience with the receiver-to-tight end transformation, most recently with starter Jeb Putzier, whose position shift actually began during his senior season at Boise State. It's Putzier's development that has helped make Jackson's shift happen, Plummer believes.

"(Jackson is) kind of a hybrid tight end like Jeb was a couple of years ago," Plummer said. "We're counting on Jeb now to be more of an every-down tight end, but Nate's looking good out there.

Denver also moved Shannon Sharpe and Byron Chamberlain from receiver to tight end; both eventually became Pro Bowlers and Sharpe merely caught more passes, amassed more yards and scored more touchdowns than any tight end in NFL history.

But that success didn't make Jackson more amenable to the change. Simply getting a chance for more playing time was enough to compel him to switch.

"I want to be on this team," Jackson said. "If they saw me as a center, and wanted me to put on weight and play center, I'd probably do that."

SoCalBronco · 06-07-2005, 05:48 PM

Let's see Houdini (Hape) get out of this jam. He will. He always does. Somehow, someway.

Pezman · 06-07-2005, 05:53 PM

Sigh... I know Shanny is high on Jackson but moving the kid to TE? Its his blocking skills that I would be most worried about with a kid like that. Getting loose after a two second drop at the line is not easy as it is for a prototype TE, but for a wideout convert? I dunno...I'd rather see the kid focus on speed rather than size.

Props for the kid giving it a shot though. I hope it works well for him.

scorpio · 06-07-2005, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pezman

Sigh... I know Shanny is high on Jackson but moving the kid to TE? Its his blocking skills that I would be most worried about with a kid like that. Getting loose after a two second drop at the line is not easy as it is for a prototype TE, but for a wideout convert? I dunno...I'd rather see the kid focus on speed rather than size.

Props for the kid giving it a shot though. I hope it works well for him.

I think this could work well if we start working in more 2 TE formations. If Jackson plays weakside and Putz learn how to block, I think it could be dangerous.

SoCalBronco · 06-07-2005, 05:58 PM

B.J. Johnson to the practice squad and Romar Crenshaw to the IR.

Sodak · 06-07-2005, 05:59 PM

I was impressed with Jackson in that game. He made a couple great catches at very critical times. That's something I didn't see too much of last year.

orange 4 life · 06-07-2005, 06:05 PM

great move.

he'll lack in the blocking dept., but then so did one shannon sharpe.

he can learn to block better as time goes on, but he may be able to make an immediate impact as a receiving tight end.

Northman · 06-07-2005, 06:05 PM

I think this might be a good thing. Jackson is probably easily faster than most linebackers and that is what made Shannon such a huge threat.

Pezman · 06-07-2005, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorpiosnow

I think this could work well if we start working in more 2 TE formations. If Jackson plays weakside and Putz learn how to block, I think it could be dangerous.

With our run game being such a tough thing to use in the red zone last year, I was begging for them to line up that formation more. The pro sets they used at the goal line would have been much more effective with a good 3 tight set. The problem with a kid like Jackson in that scenario is his size and ablility to break out for a quick drop. I just dont know if it would be effective.
I hope I am 100% wrong and the kid turns into a monster at TE.

Garcia Bronco · 06-07-2005, 06:07 PM

Wow...this guy just wants to be on the field.....darn it Rice.

Kaylore · 06-07-2005, 10:11 PM

WOW. This is hilarious. I saw him recently and thought "Oh no. Nate Jackson is a total slob and let himself slide this offseason." Turns out the weight gain is intentional. I feel sheepish.

wabbit · 06-07-2005, 10:34 PM

I was kinda hoping he'd be the next Ed McCaffrey...and he IS a decent blocker at the WR position.

...but, with 'House' moving to OT...Nate has a shot.

Is it me, or does it seem as though Denver is trending toward leaner, H-back-type TE's in the Shannon Sharpe mold?

wabbit · 06-07-2005, 10:35 PM

I was kinda hoping he'd be the next Ed McCaffrey...and he IS a decent blocker at the WR position.

...but, with 'House' moving to OT...Nate does have a shot.

Is it me, or does it seem as though Denver is trending back toward the leaner, H-back-type TE's in the Shannon Sharpe mold?

Kaylore · 06-07-2005, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wabbit

I was kinda hoping he'd be the next Ed McCaffrey...and he IS a decent blocker at the WR position.

...but, with 'House' moving to OT...Nate has a shot.

Is it me, or does it seem as though Denver is trending toward leaner, H-back-type TE's in the Shannon Sharpe mold?

I think this is because the way defense is being scaled back so much in the pass game that they're banking they won't need a big guy that can take hits so much as a fast guy that can block and get down field.

DBroncos4life · 06-07-2005, 10:36 PM

Hape will make the team I know he will

This doesn't help "the next Gates" out though.

wabbit · 06-07-2005, 10:39 PM

TJ...your server is experiencing double vision again...stupid INTERNAL ERROR

Sorry

DBroncos4life · 06-07-2005, 10:53 PM

Nate Jackson - WR - Broncos

The Broncos are converting Nate Jackson to tight end.
With Jeb Putzier and Byron Chamberlain ahead of him, Jackson is unlikely to be a factor in '05. But the Broncos have an excellent history converting receivers, so he's someone to keep an eye on. Jun. 7 - 8:41 pm et
Source: Broncos.com

Rotoworld is slipping

Crushaholic · 06-07-2005, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBroncos4life

Nate Jackson - WR - Broncos

The Broncos are converting Nate Jackson to tight end.
With Jeb Putzier and Byron Chamberlain ahead of him, Jackson is unlikely to be a factor in '05. But the Broncos have an excellent history converting receivers, so he's someone to keep an eye on. Jun. 7 - 8:41 pm et
Source: Broncos.com

Rotoworld is slipping

I thought the Broncos cut Byron Chamberlain before last season...

oh well, it's not important...

I like Nate's enthusiasm towards converting to the TE spot...

kappys · 06-08-2005, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wabbit

I was kinda hoping he'd be the next Ed McCaffrey...and he IS a decent blocker at the WR position.

...but, with 'House' moving to OT...Nate does have a shot.

Is it me, or does it seem as though Denver is trending back toward the leaner, H-back-type TE's in the Shannon Sharpe mold?

The whole league is trending towars leaner TE's these days. Look at the impact guys out there and pretty much none of them are good blockers anymoe.

I would honestly be surprised to see House as a strick OT. We'll probably see him come in as a tackle eligible newar the red zone since he knows how to play that position.

Hape will make the team because he can also play FB in a pinch, and to be quite honest, didn't seem that bad doing it last year.

Atlas · 06-08-2005, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kappys

Hape will make the team because he can also play FB in a pinch, and to be quite honest, didn't seem that bad doing it last year.

Anderson can play BOTH FB and RB and do it better than Hape.

Please Lord Please make sure that Hape gets cut.

kappys · 06-08-2005, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

Anderson can play BOTH FB and RB and do it better than Hape.

Please Lord Please make sure that Hape gets cut.

But can he now long snap and play TE?

Seriously I was never a fan of the Hape back until last year. I think he did pretty well in the backfield as a FB, and I would honestly rather see him back there instead of Anderson. Anderson is simply a horrible lead blocker. He never learned to do it well, and since I've watched him has been outplayed at that spot by Reuben Droughns, Patrick Hape, and on occasion Dwayne Carswell. Its time for MA to stick fully to RB with his role as FB only be in emergencies.

Taco John · 06-08-2005, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wabbit

TJ...your server is experiencing double vision again...stupid INTERNAL ERROR

Sorry

You'll get that occassionally... Like once every few hundred pages. If you hit refresh, it takes care of the problem. The server usually registers the action, be it a new post or reply...

Taco John · 06-08-2005, 12:53 AM

Instant Shannon Sharpe. Just add water.

SpringStein · 06-08-2005, 05:31 AM

The article forgot to mention that Desmond Clark and Billy Miller were converted to TE as well.

dumpy · 06-08-2005, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpringStein

The article forgot to mention that Desmond Clark and Billy Miller were converted to TE as well.

It also failed to mention that Ron Egloff will be competing with Putzier for the starting position.

06-07-2005, 05:43 PM	#1
BigPlayShay Ring of Famer Novaking Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 4,236 Adopt-a-Bronco: Got Cut	Rice officially makes the team: Nate Jackson to TE http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.ph...4&storyID=4219 Team Camp Day Four: Jackson on the Move By Andrew Mason DenverBroncos.com ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- When Nate Jackson returned to the Broncos for offseason workouts in April after spending a month in California following his rehabilitation from a season-ending injury, Head Coach Mike Shanahan gave him an unusual task -- to gain weight. Shanahan wanted Jackson to bulk up in order to try him out at tight end after two seasons at wide receiver. It didn't take long for Jackson to pack on 18 pounds to a more tight end-like 235 -- and it didn't take months of work in the weight room, just "three or four weeks" of dietary tweaks. "I ate well and drank these shakes, three of them a day between meals, one before bed," Jackson said. "The one before bed, I put, they come ready-made shakes. I put the shake itself in a blender, and then two or three eggs, ice cream, chocolate sauce and blended it up and drank that before bed time. I put it on pretty quick." The chance for more playing time proved worth the extra girth. "I think what (Shanahan) told me was that it'd be an opportunity to be on the field a little more and hopefully be utilized a little more," Jackson said. "If that's the case, then I'm all for it." Jackson proved in limited duty last year that he could make the requisite catches across the middle expected of a tight end; his two grabs in a last-minute drive at Jacksonville last Sept. 19 demonstrated his ability to make those catches in the clutch. The challenge now is learning how to block -- something that will take more time and work than the organized team activities can provide. "It's relatively low-contact," Jackson said. "For me, my technique is not so great right now, so I need to take advantage of this time. Even though we don't have pads, I need to get my head in there. "That's the problem I've been having, is getting my head in there. I've been using my hands too much. So that's stuff I have to work on." Jackson believes that his foot speed has been relatively unaffected by the 18 additional pounds -- and if it is, it'll be offset by going up against linebackers and safeties as opposed to cornerbacks. "Maybe a tiny, tiny bit, but overall I feel like my speed's pretty good -- especially when you change and you're running routes against different people -- slower people," Jackson said, "and if my speed hasn't changed a lot, then it puts me at an advantage." Quarterback Jake Plummer has been pleased out of what he's seen from his newest veteran tight end. "He's been looking real good. Obviously there's no pads on," Plummer said. "If we can use him the right way, I think he'll be a big asset for us in the passing game." The Broncos have extensive recent experience with the receiver-to-tight end transformation, most recently with starter Jeb Putzier, whose position shift actually began during his senior season at Boise State. It's Putzier's development that has helped make Jackson's shift happen, Plummer believes. "(Jackson is) kind of a hybrid tight end like Jeb was a couple of years ago," Plummer said. "We're counting on Jeb now to be more of an every-down tight end, but Nate's looking good out there. Denver also moved Shannon Sharpe and Byron Chamberlain from receiver to tight end; both eventually became Pro Bowlers and Sharpe merely caught more passes, amassed more yards and scored more touchdowns than any tight end in NFL history. But that success didn't make Jackson more amenable to the change. Simply getting a chance for more playing time was enough to compel him to switch. "I want to be on this team," Jackson said. "If they saw me as a center, and wanted me to put on weight and play center, I'd probably do that." Last edited by BigPlayShay; 06-07-2005 at 05:50 PM..

06-07-2005, 05:48 PM	#2
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,285 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	Let's see Houdini (Hape) get out of this jam. He will. He always does. Somehow, someway. __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

06-07-2005, 05:53 PM	#3
Pezman Livin the dream Andy did you hear about this one? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Smoggy SoCal Posts: 9,833 Adopt-a-Bronco: DJ Williams	Sigh... I know Shanny is high on Jackson but moving the kid to TE? Its his blocking skills that I would be most worried about with a kid like that. Getting loose after a two second drop at the line is not easy as it is for a prototype TE, but for a wideout convert? I dunno...I'd rather see the kid focus on speed rather than size. Props for the kid giving it a shot though. I hope it works well for him. __________________ Sitting on a beach, earning 20%

06-07-2005, 05:58 PM	#5
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,285 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	B.J. Johnson to the practice squad and Romar Crenshaw to the IR. __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

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06-07-2005, 05:59 PM	#6
Sodak Clueless... Who stole my avatar? Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Black Hills of Dakota Posts: 3,080	I was impressed with Jackson in that game. He made a couple great catches at very critical times. That's something I didn't see too much of last year.

06-07-2005, 06:05 PM	#7
orange 4 life Old School Orange Home team qb homer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Anywhere, CO. Posts: 8,642	great move. he'll lack in the blocking dept., but then so did one shannon sharpe. he can learn to block better as time goes on, but he may be able to make an immediate impact as a receiving tight end.

06-07-2005, 06:05 PM	#8
Northman The Enigma Prognosis Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,925 Adopt-a-Bronco: Bryci	I think this might be a good thing. Jackson is probably easily faster than most linebackers and that is what made Shannon such a huge threat.

06-07-2005, 06:07 PM	#10
Garcia Bronco Hokie since 1993 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 45,987 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tom Jackson	Wow...this guy just wants to be on the field.....darn it Rice.

06-07-2005, 10:11 PM	#11
Kaylore 6-37, Raider fans. Yummy birds and snow! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ceti Alpha V Posts: 41,008 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Duke	WOW. This is hilarious. I saw him recently and thought "Oh no. Nate Jackson is a total slob and let himself slide this offseason." Turns out the weight gain is intentional. I feel sheepish.

06-07-2005, 10:34 PM	#12
wabbit Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Aurora Posts: 5,449	I was kinda hoping he'd be the next Ed McCaffrey...and he IS a decent blocker at the WR position. ...but, with 'House' moving to OT...Nate has a shot. Is it me, or does it seem as though Denver is trending toward leaner, H-back-type TE's in the Shannon Sharpe mold?

06-07-2005, 10:35 PM	#13
wabbit Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Aurora Posts: 5,449	I was kinda hoping he'd be the next Ed McCaffrey...and he IS a decent blocker at the WR position. ...but, with 'House' moving to OT...Nate does have a shot. Is it me, or does it seem as though Denver is trending back toward the leaner, H-back-type TE's in the Shannon Sharpe mold?

06-07-2005, 10:36 PM	#15
DBroncos4life Hey pic Mod!?!?! FU Why yes, that is Bacon Bacon. Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: The wrong side of right. Posts: 26,522	Hape will make the team I know he will This doesn't help "the next Gates" out though.

06-07-2005, 10:39 PM	#16
wabbit Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Aurora Posts: 5,449	TJ...your server is experiencing double vision again...stupid INTERNAL ERROR Sorry

06-07-2005, 10:53 PM	#17
DBroncos4life Hey pic Mod!?!?! FU Why yes, that is Bacon Bacon. Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: The wrong side of right. Posts: 26,522	Nate Jackson - WR - Broncos The Broncos are converting Nate Jackson to tight end. With Jeb Putzier and Byron Chamberlain ahead of him, Jackson is unlikely to be a factor in '05. But the Broncos have an excellent history converting receivers, so he's someone to keep an eye on. Jun. 7 - 8:41 pm et Source: Broncos.com Rotoworld is slipping

06-08-2005, 12:53 AM	#23
Taco John 24/7 Broncos In Elway I Trust Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 49,697 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Manning	Instant Shannon Sharpe. Just add water.

06-08-2005, 05:31 AM	#24
SpringStein Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Monument, CO Posts: 2,733	The article forgot to mention that Desmond Clark and Billy Miller were converted to TE as well.

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