Tire swing unnecessary at QB camp --RMN

[broncofan7]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/new...lts-in-target/


There's probably a more appropriate name for the Broncos' quarterback camp the past two weeks: target practice.

The team is assimilating an almost entirely new group of receivers, except for a few holdovers, particularly with Brandon Marshall still on the comeback trail from a forearm injury.

Keary Colbert, Samie Parker and Darrell Jackson were plucked from the free-agent market. Edell Shepherd and Cliff Russell were signed off the street. And two rookies were added to the mix: Eddie Royal through the draft and Lorne Sam as a college free-agent signee.

That leaves only four players currently practicing who finished last season on the Broncos roster. And of that group, Brandon Stokley and Glenn Martinez were the only two who made at least one catch.

"Everyone's working and everyone has a chance next season," said Jeremy Bates, who coordinates the passing game. "They're working their butts off. We've thrown a lot at them the last two weeks and they're staying on top of things, both mentally and physically. It's exciting."

Among the most excited is the player expected to deliver the ball to whomever emerges. Jay Cutler talked this week about the receivers generally being quick studies, saying he was "thrilled" so far with the assembled group.

"This is the best receiving corps we've had since I've been here, I think, especially when we get Brandon back," the quarterback said. "Keary and Darrell, I've been pleasantly surprised with them and how they've picked up the offense as well as they have. There's been very few missed assignments. They catch the ball well. They run. They've got good attitudes. We've got a lot of guys to get the ball to."

Bates has been struck by the group's hunger to succeed and improve, calling it an essential building block for sustaining an NFL career.

But that means little without the corresponding talent.

"I'm really excited about this group - good guys, fun to be around, fun in the meeting room," Stokley said. "And we have a lot of talent, with young guys, veteran guys."

There also is an apparent logjam of "slot" receivers.

Stokley and Jackson have made a living operating just off the line of scrimmage. It also is Royal's anticipated forte. Parker also played there some with the Kansas City Chiefs. But none is getting used to his comfort zone.

Versatility is the byword at this early juncture.

"Brandon Stokley's known as one of the best, or the best, slot receivers in the game. We got a couple injuries last year, and next thing you know, he's playing the majority of his snaps at the 'Z,' " Bates said. "I think you have to experience both inside and outside, be flexible, and the more you can do, the better chance you have of making the team."

While Bates is reticent to talk about individual players at this early stage, Royal has stood out to some of his teammates, both in his maturity and skill level.

Jackson talked about how quickly Royal, a second-round draft pick from Virginia Tech, has ingested and applied the playbook.

Stokley agreed, saying, "I think he's got a chance to be a very good player for a long time."

Said Cutler: "He's got a lot of speed in and out of his breaks, and I was surprised at his hands. I didn't know he had such great hands."

The Broncos needed an infusion of talent at receiver.

Outside of Marshall, whose recovery is progressing well, and Stokley - they combined for 142 catches for 1,960 yards and 12 touchdowns last season - the Broncos' other wideouts largely were nonfactors in 2007.

The rest of the receiving corps - Martinez, Javon Walker and Brian Clark - combined for just 44 catches for 485 yards and no touchdowns, with nearly half that output by Walker in the first two games before his knee surgery wrecked his season.

Walker definitely won't be back. But Thursday afternoon, Marshall was running post-practice wind sprints in his bid to get back with the rest of the gang.

"We're waiting for him," Bates said. "He's definitely a weapon."

New and improved?

Receivers competing at the Broncos' quarterback camp:

Keary Colbert His deal early in free agency raised eyebrows, but he is only 25 and should be part of the regular rotation, if not starting.

Darrell Jackson Bothered by turf toe for more than a year, but he now is healthy. He and Colbert likely will be locked in a battle in training camp.

Taylor Jacobs Joined Denver midseason in 2007, so he already has a jump on the offensive system. Will compete for a reserve spot.

Brandon Marshall The unquestioned No. 1. Continues to rehabilitate his right forearm after surgery and will begin catching passes in a few weeks.

Glenn Martinez A bit on the slight side physically (6-foot-1, 190 pounds), but he has some open-field elusiveness and is helped by his ability to return punts and kicks.

Marquay McDaniel A small-school project (Hampton) who spent most of the 2007 season on the Broncos' practice squad.

Samie Parker A former starter for the Chiefs, he could provide the one element that seemingly is lacking in a big-picture sense: deep speed.

Eddie Royal Will make the roster for return abilities alone, but he could push for offensive playing time because of his smarts and hands.

Cliff Russell A sixth-year pro who has spent time with Miami, Cincinnati and Washington but was out of football in 2007.

Lorne Sam A tall (6-3) receiver out of Texas-El Paso who also played quarterback and running back in college. Also played at Florida State.

Edell Shepherd Joining his fifth NFL team with 13 career NFL receptions. Will need to contribute on special teams to stick.

Brandon Stokley One of the team's top receivers, he has a terrific feel for zone coverages and the chains. Team wants to limit his snaps and keep him in his natural slot position.

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[dbfan21]

In your opinion, who makes the team, who lands on the PS and who gets cut?

Receivers competing at the Broncos' quarterback camp:

Keary Colbert His deal early in free agency raised eyebrows, but he is only 25 and should be part of the regular rotation, if not starting.

Darrell Jackson Bothered by turf toe for more than a year, but he now is healthy. He and Colbert likely will be locked in a battle in training camp.

Taylor Jacobs Joined Denver midseason in 2007, so he already has a jump on the offensive system. Will compete for a reserve spot.

Brandon Marshall The unquestioned No. 1. Continues to rehabilitate his right forearm after surgery and will begin catching passes in a few weeks.

Glenn Martinez A bit on the slight side physically (6-foot-1, 190 pounds), but he has some open-field elusiveness and is helped by his ability to return punts and kicks.

Marquay McDaniel A small-school project (Hampton) who spent most of the 2007 season on the Broncos' practice squad.

Samie Parker A former starter for the Chiefs, he could provide the one element that seemingly is lacking in a big-picture sense: deep speed.

Eddie Royal Will make the roster for return abilities alone, but he could push for offensive playing time because of his smarts and hands.

Cliff Russell A sixth-year pro who has spent time with Miami, Cincinnati and Washington but was out of football in 2007.

Lorne Sam A tall (6-3) receiver out of Texas-El Paso who also played quarterback and running back in college. Also played at Florida State.

Edell Shepherd Joining his fifth NFL team with 13 career NFL receptions. Will need to contribute on special teams to stick.

Brandon Stokley One of the team's top receivers, he has a terrific feel for zone coverages and the chains. Team wants to limit his snaps and keep him in his natural slot position.

[Man-Goblin]

Coming in 2008: Mike Shanahan's revolutionary 3 slot receiver offense

[chrisp]

I would Say:

Marshall
Jackson
Colbert
Stokely
Royal

for sure and after that it depends. We may only keep 5 but i suspect that one of Parker or Martinez will stick. Probably Parker as we have our returner in Royal. if there are any problems with Marshall then we may keep 6 as an insurance.

[Kaylore]

Jackson talked about how quickly Royal, a second-round draft pick from Virginia Tech, has ingested and applied the playbook.

Stokley agreed, saying, "I think he's got a chance to be a very good player for a long time."

[TheReverend]

Originally Posted by Man-Goblin

Coming in 2008: Mike Shanahan's revolutionary 3 slot receiver offense

You realize that a 5 wide spread formation is pretty much exactly that...

[STBumpkin]

I see us keeping 6 WR in no particular order:
Marshall
Jackson
Colbert
Royal
Stokley
and either Parker or Martinez

Pretty solid corps IMHO

[kamakazi_kal]

I think colbert can be good in this offense. He had a good rookie year in carolina but if you have seen any of the panther offense you know delhome only has eyes for mighty might steve smith