AFC West: Zane Beadles
Ranking the AFC West offensive lineman
June, 13, 2011
6/13/11
10:00
AM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
This is the fifth in our series of position-by-position rankings. It is a little different this season because we’re ranking the players before free agency starts and before rosters are set. We will adjust accordingly as we go along. Onto to a solid group of offensive linemen:
1. Ryan Clady, Denver: Clady was a little rusty early last season due to an offseason knee injury. He is still an upper-echelon player and a cornerstone on a weak Denver team.2. Nick Hardwick, San Diego: Cagey, tough veteran is the anchor of a strong line.
3. Kris Dielman, San Diego: Big, tough Pro Bowler who is a lot to handle for defensive tackles.
4. Marcus McNeill, San Diego: There’s a reason why the Chargers gave him a long-term deal. He solidifies this line.
5. Ryan Lilja, Kansas City: He was a great addition last year. He helped set the tone for a strong run game and is a real tough guy.
6. Brian Waters, Kansas City: He’s aging, but Waters is still near the top of his game. He’s a great leader.
7. Casey Wiegmann, Kansas City: The Chiefs hope to get one more season out of the steady Wiegmann.
8. Chris Kuper, Denver: He’s an underrated player who gives Clady a lot of help on the line.
9. Louis Vasquez, San Diego: The young guy on the Chargers’ offensive line has been a good fit.
10. Branden Albert, Kansas City: He’s a good, not great, player who needs to improve in 2011.
11. Jeromey Clary, San Diego: Everyone wants the Chargers to replace him, but he’s a gamer.
12. Jared Veldheer, Oakland: Veldheer has a chance to zoom up this list soon. I look forward to seeing him at left tackle for a full season.
13. J.D. Walton, Denver: He got great experience as Denver’s center last season and has potential.
14. Cooper Carlisle, Oakland: Oakland could replace him. But he always gives an honest effort.
15. Barry Richardson, Kansas City: Like Clary, everyone wants to replace him. But Richardson looks like he has another season in him with the Chiefs.
16. Zane Beadles, Denver: Like Walton, Beadles got a lot of great experience as a rookie last season. He’s not great, but he should get better.
Footnote: Veteran Ryan Harris (Denver) and Robert Gallery (Oakland) are expected to leave through free agency and that’s why they are not listed. We are not averse to listing rookies, but we are keeping promising rookies Stefen Wisniewski (Oakland), Orlando Franklin (Denver) and Rodney Hudson (Kansas City) and second-year player Bruce Campbell (Oakland) off this list. I simply want to see each of these guys play before ranking them.
This is the final in a three-part series of an examination of the past three draft classes of each AFC West team leading up to the NFL scouting combine at the end of the month:
Denver
First pick: No. 22, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas
Total picks: Nine
Stars: After one season, offensive linemen J.D. Walton and Zane Beadles have been the team’s best draft performers. They were both starters. Neither player was great, but they deserve credit for starting in the NFL as youngsters. Beadles, a guard who was a second-round pick and Walton, a center who was a third-round pick, may have decent futures. Quarterback Tim Tebow, the No. 25 overall pick whom Denver traded three picks to move up and take, started the final three games of the season. He might be the starter in 2011.
Duds: It’s too early to call Thomas a dud, but the Broncos have to be worried about his career issues. Thomas suffered an Achilles tendon injury last week and the team expects him to miss 6 to 8 months. Thomas, who was drafted with a foot fracture, ended the season with an ankle injury. He is very talented, but he has been unable to stay healthy. Denver bypassed Dez Bryant to take Thomas.
McDaniels’ parting gift: Josh McDaniels drafted Tebow because he thought he could make the former Florida star an NFL star. But McDaniels was fired before Tebow ever got an NFL start. Now, the John Elway-John Fox regime will decide what to do with Tebow.
What’s the future of this class? It could end up being very good or very bad. It all depends on Tebow. If he develops into a standout quarterback, it will be a great draft. If Tebow fails and Thomas never develops, it would be looked as a terrible draft. The Broncos could have a gem in receiver Eric Decker. A fine possession receiver, Decker could get a chance to play a lot in 2011. He has strong potential.
Kansas City
First pick: No. 5, safety Eric Berry
Total picks: Seven
Star: It has to be Berry. There was a lot of talk that the Chiefs would be reluctant to take a safety so high; usually safeties aren’t top-five choices. I’m sure the Chiefs are not regretting the decision to take Berry. He was an impact player as a rookie. He is a playmaker who is a tremendous anchor to this improving defense. Expect the hard-working, humble Berry to get better. The Chiefs have a star on their hands. I would not be shocked by the time every 2010 AFC West draft pick retires, the first pick of the Chiefs will be considered the best player of the pool.
Duds: There don’t appear to be any yet. Five of the seven picks contributed as rookies. Third-round pick guard Jon Asamoah appears to have a nice future. Fifth-round pick linebacker Cameron Sheffield seemed promising before he was injured in the preseason.
The next Tony Gonzalez? Third-round pick Tony Moeaki seems like a keeper. He had an instant connection with Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel. He brought excitement back to the tight end position in Kansas City for the first time since the 2009 trade of Gonzalez. One of the greatest players in team history, Gonzalez was traded to Atlanta in 2009 for a 2010 second-round pick, which turned out to be cornerback Javier Arenas. Moeaki had 47 catches for 556 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie. Those numbers were much better than Gonzalez’ numbers as a rookie. This is not suggest Moeaki will be a better player than the great Gonzalez, but it’s clear tight end is again a position of strength in Kansas City.
What’s the future of this class? It is very bright. Along with Oakland's, this has a chance to be one of the best overall classes in the NFL. The class, which also includes promising receiver/returner Dexter McCluster, is very deep. The rookies helped the Chiefs win their first division title in seven years and I expect this class will assist in winning many more games.
Oakland
First pick: No. 8, linebacker Rolando McClain
Total picks: Nine
Stars: This class is very deep, but right now the stars appear to be fourth-round pick receiver/returner Jacoby Ford and second-round pick defensive lineman Lamarr Houston. Ford had three kickoff returns for scores in the second half of the season and developed into a thrilling receiver. He could be a starter in 2011. Houston is a tough, rugged player who could be part of this defense for the next 10 years.
Duds: There doesn’t look like there will be one. This class is solid.
Al still has it: You can poke holes in many of Oakland’s recent drafts, but this one looks special. Starting with McClain, this draft appears solid. Al Davis bragged about the class at his January news conference. He deserved to brag. After several whiffs, Davis seems to have hit a home run in 2010.
What’s the future of this class? This is the type of class -- that includes promising left tackle Jared Veldheer (third round) -- that can be a nucleus for a long playoff run. Add youngsters like guard Bruce Campbell (fourth round), linebacker Travis Goethel (sixth) and cornerback Stevie Brown (seventh) and this class is very deep.
San Diego
First pick: No. 12, running back Ryan Mathews
Total picks: Six
Star: Mathews was the only player from this class to contribute as a rookie. Mathews was good, but not great. He had durability and ball-security issues. Still, Mathews averaged 4.3 yards per carry. He helped this offense when he was on the field. While his impact wasn’t great, he clearly has good potential.
Duds: After Mathews, the Chargers' next pick wasn’t until N0. 79 when they took linebacker Donald Butler. He showed promise but was lost for the year in camp. Every other pick is a future pick.
Will Smith do it again? The Chargers traded a load of picks to move up from No. 28 to No. 12 to take Mathews. This year, the Chargers, who pick No. 18, have extra picks in the second and third rounds. The Chargers could use an impact receiver or pass rusher. If they fall in love with a pick in the top 10, I could see aggressive general manager A.J. Smith moving up again.
What’s the future of this class? If Mathews can stay healthy and be a legitimate power back, this will be a good class. It would be nice if players like Butler, safety Darrell Stuckey (fourth round) and defensive tackle Cam Thomas develop and help this class. But it was clear on draft night that this class was all about Mathews. If he fails, this will likely be the worst class in the division.
Denver
First pick: No. 22, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas
Total picks: Nine
Stars: After one season, offensive linemen J.D. Walton and Zane Beadles have been the team’s best draft performers. They were both starters. Neither player was great, but they deserve credit for starting in the NFL as youngsters. Beadles, a guard who was a second-round pick and Walton, a center who was a third-round pick, may have decent futures. Quarterback Tim Tebow, the No. 25 overall pick whom Denver traded three picks to move up and take, started the final three games of the season. He might be the starter in 2011.
Duds: It’s too early to call Thomas a dud, but the Broncos have to be worried about his career issues. Thomas suffered an Achilles tendon injury last week and the team expects him to miss 6 to 8 months. Thomas, who was drafted with a foot fracture, ended the season with an ankle injury. He is very talented, but he has been unable to stay healthy. Denver bypassed Dez Bryant to take Thomas.
McDaniels’ parting gift: Josh McDaniels drafted Tebow because he thought he could make the former Florida star an NFL star. But McDaniels was fired before Tebow ever got an NFL start. Now, the John Elway-John Fox regime will decide what to do with Tebow.
What’s the future of this class? It could end up being very good or very bad. It all depends on Tebow. If he develops into a standout quarterback, it will be a great draft. If Tebow fails and Thomas never develops, it would be looked as a terrible draft. The Broncos could have a gem in receiver Eric Decker. A fine possession receiver, Decker could get a chance to play a lot in 2011. He has strong potential.
Kansas City
First pick: No. 5, safety Eric Berry
Total picks: Seven
Star: It has to be Berry. There was a lot of talk that the Chiefs would be reluctant to take a safety so high; usually safeties aren’t top-five choices. I’m sure the Chiefs are not regretting the decision to take Berry. He was an impact player as a rookie. He is a playmaker who is a tremendous anchor to this improving defense. Expect the hard-working, humble Berry to get better. The Chiefs have a star on their hands. I would not be shocked by the time every 2010 AFC West draft pick retires, the first pick of the Chiefs will be considered the best player of the pool.
Duds: There don’t appear to be any yet. Five of the seven picks contributed as rookies. Third-round pick guard Jon Asamoah appears to have a nice future. Fifth-round pick linebacker Cameron Sheffield seemed promising before he was injured in the preseason.
The next Tony Gonzalez? Third-round pick Tony Moeaki seems like a keeper. He had an instant connection with Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel. He brought excitement back to the tight end position in Kansas City for the first time since the 2009 trade of Gonzalez. One of the greatest players in team history, Gonzalez was traded to Atlanta in 2009 for a 2010 second-round pick, which turned out to be cornerback Javier Arenas. Moeaki had 47 catches for 556 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie. Those numbers were much better than Gonzalez’ numbers as a rookie. This is not suggest Moeaki will be a better player than the great Gonzalez, but it’s clear tight end is again a position of strength in Kansas City.
What’s the future of this class? It is very bright. Along with Oakland's, this has a chance to be one of the best overall classes in the NFL. The class, which also includes promising receiver/returner Dexter McCluster, is very deep. The rookies helped the Chiefs win their first division title in seven years and I expect this class will assist in winning many more games.
Oakland
First pick: No. 8, linebacker Rolando McClain
Total picks: Nine
Stars: This class is very deep, but right now the stars appear to be fourth-round pick receiver/returner Jacoby Ford and second-round pick defensive lineman Lamarr Houston. Ford had three kickoff returns for scores in the second half of the season and developed into a thrilling receiver. He could be a starter in 2011. Houston is a tough, rugged player who could be part of this defense for the next 10 years.
Duds: There doesn’t look like there will be one. This class is solid.
Al still has it: You can poke holes in many of Oakland’s recent drafts, but this one looks special. Starting with McClain, this draft appears solid. Al Davis bragged about the class at his January news conference. He deserved to brag. After several whiffs, Davis seems to have hit a home run in 2010.
What’s the future of this class? This is the type of class -- that includes promising left tackle Jared Veldheer (third round) -- that can be a nucleus for a long playoff run. Add youngsters like guard Bruce Campbell (fourth round), linebacker Travis Goethel (sixth) and cornerback Stevie Brown (seventh) and this class is very deep.
San Diego
First pick: No. 12, running back Ryan Mathews
Total picks: Six
Star: Mathews was the only player from this class to contribute as a rookie. Mathews was good, but not great. He had durability and ball-security issues. Still, Mathews averaged 4.3 yards per carry. He helped this offense when he was on the field. While his impact wasn’t great, he clearly has good potential.
Duds: After Mathews, the Chargers' next pick wasn’t until N0. 79 when they took linebacker Donald Butler. He showed promise but was lost for the year in camp. Every other pick is a future pick.
Will Smith do it again? The Chargers traded a load of picks to move up from No. 28 to No. 12 to take Mathews. This year, the Chargers, who pick No. 18, have extra picks in the second and third rounds. The Chargers could use an impact receiver or pass rusher. If they fall in love with a pick in the top 10, I could see aggressive general manager A.J. Smith moving up again.
What’s the future of this class? If Mathews can stay healthy and be a legitimate power back, this will be a good class. It would be nice if players like Butler, safety Darrell Stuckey (fourth round) and defensive tackle Cam Thomas develop and help this class. But it was clear on draft night that this class was all about Mathews. If he fails, this will likely be the worst class in the division.
Offensive line schemes have become important in the AFC West recently.
It appears the Oakland Raiders will likely move from a zone-blocking scheme to a power-blocking scheme. Oakland just hired Bob Wylie to run the offense. Wylie specializes in a power-blocking scheme. Former Oakland coach Tom Cable used a zone-blocking scheme.
Wylie coached the offensive line in Denver in 2009. Former coach Josh McDaniels moved away from the zone-blocking scheme that Mike Shanahan used and that McDaniels adopted in 2008. Wylie was not retained by new Denver coach John Fox. There has been speculation that Fox could move back to a zone-blocking scheme but Fox hasn’t publicly made any announcements.
A reader, Drew in Denver, who said he is a Raider fan, asked if we could explain the differences in the two schemes so he can know what to expect if Oakland makes the scheme switch. I enlisted Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. to discuss the differences. Here are his thoughts:
“The zone-blocking scheme depends on athletic, smaller linemen who can move together. When used correctly, it opens up the running game and works well with a downhill runner. The thing about using the zone-blocking scheme is you don’t have to spend a first-round pick on a lineman. You can look for smaller, athletic guys and find them in the later rounds. I don’t have a preference between the zone or power scheme. Both can be effective.
“The power-blocking scheme is traditional and a lot of teams use it. You get big, 300-pound plus fat, strong powerful guys and tell them to go knock down their guy. It’s straight forward, go-get ‘em scheme that a lot of teams use.”
Williamson said while both schemes can be effective, it is difficult to make the transition because the two schemes are so drastically different as far as personnel goes. It takes awhile to successfully switch because it’s difficult to find a new group of linemen to use the new scheme.
Williamson said doesn’t think Oakland should switch because it was effective using the zone-blocking scheme. Oakland had the No. 2 ranked run offense in the NFL last season.
“I don’t think they have great offensive linemen, but they got a lot lot out of the in the run game,” Williamson said. “Darren McFadden could be good in the power-blocking scheme, too, but why change? It’s going to take a long time to get new personnel to fit the scheme if that’s what they are going to do. I know coach Hue Jackson came from Baltimore and he is used to that AFC North power scheme, but I just don’t why Oakland would mess with its run-game success.”
Williamson said Denver has personnel to fit both schemes because it made the move last year. He doesn’t think second-year center J.D. Walton and second-year guard Zane Beadles are good fits for the zone-blocking scheme while the other linemen can work in both. Williamson said the Broncos might want to stick with the power-blocking scheme for now because they need to use all draft and free-agency resources on a defense that was ranked last in the NFL last year.
It appears the Oakland Raiders will likely move from a zone-blocking scheme to a power-blocking scheme. Oakland just hired Bob Wylie to run the offense. Wylie specializes in a power-blocking scheme. Former Oakland coach Tom Cable used a zone-blocking scheme.
Wylie coached the offensive line in Denver in 2009. Former coach Josh McDaniels moved away from the zone-blocking scheme that Mike Shanahan used and that McDaniels adopted in 2008. Wylie was not retained by new Denver coach John Fox. There has been speculation that Fox could move back to a zone-blocking scheme but Fox hasn’t publicly made any announcements.
A reader, Drew in Denver, who said he is a Raider fan, asked if we could explain the differences in the two schemes so he can know what to expect if Oakland makes the scheme switch. I enlisted Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. to discuss the differences. Here are his thoughts:
“The zone-blocking scheme depends on athletic, smaller linemen who can move together. When used correctly, it opens up the running game and works well with a downhill runner. The thing about using the zone-blocking scheme is you don’t have to spend a first-round pick on a lineman. You can look for smaller, athletic guys and find them in the later rounds. I don’t have a preference between the zone or power scheme. Both can be effective.
“The power-blocking scheme is traditional and a lot of teams use it. You get big, 300-pound plus fat, strong powerful guys and tell them to go knock down their guy. It’s straight forward, go-get ‘em scheme that a lot of teams use.”
Williamson said while both schemes can be effective, it is difficult to make the transition because the two schemes are so drastically different as far as personnel goes. It takes awhile to successfully switch because it’s difficult to find a new group of linemen to use the new scheme.
Williamson said doesn’t think Oakland should switch because it was effective using the zone-blocking scheme. Oakland had the No. 2 ranked run offense in the NFL last season.
“I don’t think they have great offensive linemen, but they got a lot lot out of the in the run game,” Williamson said. “Darren McFadden could be good in the power-blocking scheme, too, but why change? It’s going to take a long time to get new personnel to fit the scheme if that’s what they are going to do. I know coach Hue Jackson came from Baltimore and he is used to that AFC North power scheme, but I just don’t why Oakland would mess with its run-game success.”
Williamson said Denver has personnel to fit both schemes because it made the move last year. He doesn’t think second-year center J.D. Walton and second-year guard Zane Beadles are good fits for the zone-blocking scheme while the other linemen can work in both. Williamson said the Broncos might want to stick with the power-blocking scheme for now because they need to use all draft and free-agency resources on a defense that was ranked last in the NFL last year.
How I See It: AFC West Stock Watch
November, 17, 2010
11/17/10
1:00
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. Kansas City Chiefs: There is a lot of talk around the league that the Chiefs will be this year’s version of the 2009 Denver Broncos. That team, of course, started 6-0 before finishing 8-8. The Chiefs have lost back-to-back games (at Oakland and at Denver) and are now 5-4. They started 3-0 and led the AFC West for the first nine weeks of the season. They are now tied for first place with Oakland, which currently owns the tiebreaker. The Chiefs are not a lost cause, but if they want to make the playoffs, they must revert to their early-season form soon.
2. Kansas City run defense: The Chiefs were a top-10 team in the NFL against the run most of the season. Yet, they were taken advantage of against Denver in the Broncos’ 49-29 win on Sunday. The Broncos, who have the league's worst rushing game, had a season-high 154 yards on the ground. Being run over by Denver is not a good thing. Kansas City is now 13th in the NFL against the run.
3. Ryan Mathews, San Diego running back: Mathews, the No. 12 overall pick in the April draft, is not having a terrible season. But he has not been able to get it going and has lost three fumbles in 87 carries. Mathews also has dealt with several injuries, including a recurring ankle injury that could affect his availability against Denver on Monday night. While he is averaging a respectable 4.4 yards per carry, his current injury status and ball-security issues are keeping him from flourishing.
RISING
1. Knowshon Moreno, Denver running back: Moreno, the No. 12 pick in the 2009 draft, is coming off his best NFL game. He had 106 yards rushing (his first 100-plus yard game in the NFL) and added three catches for 50 yards. He also had a 23-yard touchdown reception in which he showed a rare physical prowess. Moreno has struggled and has been injured often since the start of his young NFL career. Sunday, he showed signs of being the player he was at Georgia.
2. Denver‘s offensive line: One of the reasons why Moreno flourished was Denver’s line. This was the unit Denver envisioned early in the season but it was held back because of injuries. Right tackle Ryan Harris is finally healthy and rookie Zane Beadles, who replaced Harris, is back at his natural left guard spot. After one game, this unit looks like it has a nice future together.
3. Hue Jackson, Oakland offensive coordinator: One of the reasons Oakland’s offense is enjoying great balance and explosiveness is Jackson, Oakland’s first-season offensive coordinator. If Oakland keeps up its offensive surge, Jackson could be a hot head-coaching prospect in six weeks or so.
FALLING
[+] Enlarge
Ron Chenoy/US PresswireKansas City has now lost its past two games and are 5-4 after starting the year with three straight wins.
Ron Chenoy/US PresswireKansas City has now lost its past two games and are 5-4 after starting the year with three straight wins.2. Kansas City run defense: The Chiefs were a top-10 team in the NFL against the run most of the season. Yet, they were taken advantage of against Denver in the Broncos’ 49-29 win on Sunday. The Broncos, who have the league's worst rushing game, had a season-high 154 yards on the ground. Being run over by Denver is not a good thing. Kansas City is now 13th in the NFL against the run.
3. Ryan Mathews, San Diego running back: Mathews, the No. 12 overall pick in the April draft, is not having a terrible season. But he has not been able to get it going and has lost three fumbles in 87 carries. Mathews also has dealt with several injuries, including a recurring ankle injury that could affect his availability against Denver on Monday night. While he is averaging a respectable 4.4 yards per carry, his current injury status and ball-security issues are keeping him from flourishing.
RISING
1. Knowshon Moreno, Denver running back: Moreno, the No. 12 pick in the 2009 draft, is coming off his best NFL game. He had 106 yards rushing (his first 100-plus yard game in the NFL) and added three catches for 50 yards. He also had a 23-yard touchdown reception in which he showed a rare physical prowess. Moreno has struggled and has been injured often since the start of his young NFL career. Sunday, he showed signs of being the player he was at Georgia.
2. Denver‘s offensive line: One of the reasons why Moreno flourished was Denver’s line. This was the unit Denver envisioned early in the season but it was held back because of injuries. Right tackle Ryan Harris is finally healthy and rookie Zane Beadles, who replaced Harris, is back at his natural left guard spot. After one game, this unit looks like it has a nice future together.
3. Hue Jackson, Oakland offensive coordinator: One of the reasons Oakland’s offense is enjoying great balance and explosiveness is Jackson, Oakland’s first-season offensive coordinator. If Oakland keeps up its offensive surge, Jackson could be a hot head-coaching prospect in six weeks or so.
It‘s a busy day, especially with all the ESPN.com midseason madness. There’s plenty of links to check out:
John Clayton’s coach of the year is none other than Kansas City’s Todd Haley. Good choice. The Chiefs are one of the best stories of the NFL.
The AFC West is well represented on Clayton’s mid-season All-Pro team.
San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers is skyrocketing up Mike Sando’s MVP Watch. All due respect, but Peyton Manning is not doing more individually than Rivers this season.
As usual, the Chiefs are well represented on Matt Williamson’s Rookie Watch.
Speaking of rookies, Mel Kiper likes what Kansas City's and Oakland’s rookies are doing. Denver’s rookies? Not so much.
Bill Barnwell of the Football Outsiders calls the Chiefs the team to beat in the division. The Chiefs (5-3) lead Oakland (5-4) by a half-game.
Todd McShay made his midseason mock draft projection. Thus far, Denver has the top pick in the division at No. 5. McShay envisions a replacement for prospective free agent Champ Bailey.
Meanwhile, in non-ESPN.com-related content, the Denver Post is reporting that right tackle Ryan Harris will back in the lineup at right tackle. He had been replaced by Zane Beadles in recent games. Beadles is now at left guard, which is considered his natural position. Perhaps that will finally spark the NFL’s worst rushing offense.
Does this sound familiar? Former San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman limped of the practice field shortly after starting his first practice in Buffalo. A primary reason why San Diego cut the former All-Pro player was he couldn’t stay healthy. Buffalo claimed Merriman, 26, last week.
John Clayton’s coach of the year is none other than Kansas City’s Todd Haley. Good choice. The Chiefs are one of the best stories of the NFL.
The AFC West is well represented on Clayton’s mid-season All-Pro team.
San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers is skyrocketing up Mike Sando’s MVP Watch. All due respect, but Peyton Manning is not doing more individually than Rivers this season.
As usual, the Chiefs are well represented on Matt Williamson’s Rookie Watch.
Speaking of rookies, Mel Kiper likes what Kansas City's and Oakland’s rookies are doing. Denver’s rookies? Not so much.
Bill Barnwell of the Football Outsiders calls the Chiefs the team to beat in the division. The Chiefs (5-3) lead Oakland (5-4) by a half-game.
Todd McShay made his midseason mock draft projection. Thus far, Denver has the top pick in the division at No. 5. McShay envisions a replacement for prospective free agent Champ Bailey.
Meanwhile, in non-ESPN.com-related content, the Denver Post is reporting that right tackle Ryan Harris will back in the lineup at right tackle. He had been replaced by Zane Beadles in recent games. Beadles is now at left guard, which is considered his natural position. Perhaps that will finally spark the NFL’s worst rushing offense.
Does this sound familiar? Former San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman limped of the practice field shortly after starting his first practice in Buffalo. A primary reason why San Diego cut the former All-Pro player was he couldn’t stay healthy. Buffalo claimed Merriman, 26, last week.
Broncos want to go back to 3-4 soon
November, 9, 2010
11/09/10
6:35
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The Denver Broncos have had to go away from their preferred 3-4 defensive front the past few games because of injuries at linebacker.
Denver coach Josh McDaniels made it clear Tuesday he wants his unit to show a 3-4 look rather than be a 4-3 defense. Still, McDaniels isn’t sure when that will be a possibility. Linebacker Robert Ayers is still coming back from a broken foot.
“When we have played our 3-4 (defensive) front, we have played it pretty effectively,” McDaniels told reporters on Tuesday. “That’s what we spent all training camp doing, that’s what we spent the preseason doing, that’s what we spent the first month and week or two of the season doing. So, we certainly are eager to have an opportunity to get back to that and feel like we can play that at the level we were playing it at early times in the season. We have to do what we have to do based on some of the situations we have had considering our personnel, but I think that if we can get back to playing the 3-4, our odd front, and those kinds of things have certainly been more productive for us over the course of the long haul than the 4-3 front or 4-3 personnel grouping. We did some decent things from that grouping, particularly in the (New York) Jets’ game, but I don’t think that’s what we -- we didn’t put the roster together, we didn’t try to do what we did with our front and our linebacker corps to play that front.
“We are going to practice both because we have to I think, understanding that we would love to be back in that 3-4 mold as much as we could.”
Meanwhile, the Denver Post is reporting right tackle Ryan Harris could regain his starting job as soon as Sunday against visiting Kansas City. Rookie Zane Beadles has replaced Harris in the past three games. The offensive line has not performed well. Harris was playing at a high level last year before he suffered a toe injury that ended his season. He was dealing with an ankle injury earlier this season.
Denver coach Josh McDaniels made it clear Tuesday he wants his unit to show a 3-4 look rather than be a 4-3 defense. Still, McDaniels isn’t sure when that will be a possibility. Linebacker Robert Ayers is still coming back from a broken foot.
“When we have played our 3-4 (defensive) front, we have played it pretty effectively,” McDaniels told reporters on Tuesday. “That’s what we spent all training camp doing, that’s what we spent the preseason doing, that’s what we spent the first month and week or two of the season doing. So, we certainly are eager to have an opportunity to get back to that and feel like we can play that at the level we were playing it at early times in the season. We have to do what we have to do based on some of the situations we have had considering our personnel, but I think that if we can get back to playing the 3-4, our odd front, and those kinds of things have certainly been more productive for us over the course of the long haul than the 4-3 front or 4-3 personnel grouping. We did some decent things from that grouping, particularly in the (New York) Jets’ game, but I don’t think that’s what we -- we didn’t put the roster together, we didn’t try to do what we did with our front and our linebacker corps to play that front.
“We are going to practice both because we have to I think, understanding that we would love to be back in that 3-4 mold as much as we could.”
Meanwhile, the Denver Post is reporting right tackle Ryan Harris could regain his starting job as soon as Sunday against visiting Kansas City. Rookie Zane Beadles has replaced Harris in the past three games. The offensive line has not performed well. Harris was playing at a high level last year before he suffered a toe injury that ended his season. He was dealing with an ankle injury earlier this season.
Eric from Dallas wants to know if I think Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones can keep up their strong rushing attack all season.
Bill Williamson: Sure, why not? This is the NFL’s best running attack for a reason. Charles and Jones are good players. That isn’t going to change. The offensive line is working well and the Chiefs have a good scheme. The constant attack of Charles and Jones wears defenses down.
Parker Keegan from Spokane wants to know what I think about Denver’s rushing attack under Josh McDaniels.
BW: Obviously, Denver isn’t ready to run the ball the way McDaniels wishes. It has been the worst run offense in the NFL nearly all season. This year, McDaniels went away from the wildly productive zone-blocking scheme of the Mike Shanahan era and is using a more traditional power-blocking scheme. It’s taking Denver time to adjust to the system partly because McDaniels is using rookies J.D. Walton and Zane Beadles in the system. The reason McDaniels moved away from Shanahan’s system after using it last season was he thought the lighter offensive linemen faded at the end of last season. But the change clearly isn’t working immediately.
Nathan from Florida wants to know if I think Oakland running back Darren McFadden should start getting league MVP consideration.
BW: McFadden is having a very nice season. But for a running back to win the NFL MVP award, he needs to be dominant. Since 2000, the only running backs to win the award have been Marshall Faulk, Shaun Alexander and LaDainian Tomlinson. They all put up ridiculous numbers. McFadden has 668 yards and four rushing touchdowns. Again, he is having a very nice season, but he’d have to really pick up the pace to win the MVP award.
Bill Williamson: Sure, why not? This is the NFL’s best running attack for a reason. Charles and Jones are good players. That isn’t going to change. The offensive line is working well and the Chiefs have a good scheme. The constant attack of Charles and Jones wears defenses down.
Parker Keegan from Spokane wants to know what I think about Denver’s rushing attack under Josh McDaniels.
BW: Obviously, Denver isn’t ready to run the ball the way McDaniels wishes. It has been the worst run offense in the NFL nearly all season. This year, McDaniels went away from the wildly productive zone-blocking scheme of the Mike Shanahan era and is using a more traditional power-blocking scheme. It’s taking Denver time to adjust to the system partly because McDaniels is using rookies J.D. Walton and Zane Beadles in the system. The reason McDaniels moved away from Shanahan’s system after using it last season was he thought the lighter offensive linemen faded at the end of last season. But the change clearly isn’t working immediately.
Nathan from Florida wants to know if I think Oakland running back Darren McFadden should start getting league MVP consideration.
BW: McFadden is having a very nice season. But for a running back to win the NFL MVP award, he needs to be dominant. Since 2000, the only running backs to win the award have been Marshall Faulk, Shaun Alexander and LaDainian Tomlinson. They all put up ridiculous numbers. McFadden has 668 yards and four rushing touchdowns. Again, he is having a very nice season, but he’d have to really pick up the pace to win the MVP award.
A player to watch from each AFC West team in Week 7:
Denver, Zane Beadles, right tackle: Beadles played at right tackle last week and it looks like he is replacing veteran Ryan Harris. It is a bit of a surprise. Beadles is a second-round pick and Denver is excited about him, partly because of his versatility. Now, he has a chance to be he full-time right tackle. Harris was one of the bright young offensive linemen and he still has a good future, but if Beadles performs well, the regime that drafted him in Denver will make sure he stays on the field.
Kansas City, Brandon Flowers, cornerback: It will be interesting to see how Flowers responds Sunday against Jacksonville. He was in the spotlight Sunday as Kansas City allowed Houston to come back in the fourth quarter. Flowers was called for a very questionable pass interference call on Texans’ receiver Andre Johnson on the game-winning drive. It appears that Johnson pushed off. Flowers was heated after the play. He is a fine young player. He needs to forget about last week and move on and help his team in a winnable game Sunday.
Oakland, Tommy Kelly, defensive tackle: Kelly is nowhere near the player Oakland gave $50 million to keep on the open market a couple of years ago, but he has his moments. He is a big plugger and he can be a help to the Oakland defense, which is still struggling against the run. Kelly needs to make some plays at Denver if Oakland wants to avoid falling to 2-5.
San Diego, Buster Davis, receiver: The 2007 first-round pick is finally producing some for the Chargers. He may need to have a big game against New England. Malcom Floyd, the team’s No.1 receiver is expected to be out with a hamstring injury and No. 2 receiver Legedu Naanee is trying to come able from a hamstring injury and tight end Antonio Gates will try to play with a toe injury. The Chargers are potent on offense, but because of all the injuries, Davis will have to step up.
Denver, Zane Beadles, right tackle: Beadles played at right tackle last week and it looks like he is replacing veteran Ryan Harris. It is a bit of a surprise. Beadles is a second-round pick and Denver is excited about him, partly because of his versatility. Now, he has a chance to be he full-time right tackle. Harris was one of the bright young offensive linemen and he still has a good future, but if Beadles performs well, the regime that drafted him in Denver will make sure he stays on the field.
Kansas City, Brandon Flowers, cornerback: It will be interesting to see how Flowers responds Sunday against Jacksonville. He was in the spotlight Sunday as Kansas City allowed Houston to come back in the fourth quarter. Flowers was called for a very questionable pass interference call on Texans’ receiver Andre Johnson on the game-winning drive. It appears that Johnson pushed off. Flowers was heated after the play. He is a fine young player. He needs to forget about last week and move on and help his team in a winnable game Sunday.
Oakland, Tommy Kelly, defensive tackle: Kelly is nowhere near the player Oakland gave $50 million to keep on the open market a couple of years ago, but he has his moments. He is a big plugger and he can be a help to the Oakland defense, which is still struggling against the run. Kelly needs to make some plays at Denver if Oakland wants to avoid falling to 2-5.
San Diego, Buster Davis, receiver: The 2007 first-round pick is finally producing some for the Chargers. He may need to have a big game against New England. Malcom Floyd, the team’s No.1 receiver is expected to be out with a hamstring injury and No. 2 receiver Legedu Naanee is trying to come able from a hamstring injury and tight end Antonio Gates will try to play with a toe injury. The Chargers are potent on offense, but because of all the injuries, Davis will have to step up.
How I See It: AFC West Stock Watch
October, 20, 2010
10/20/10
1:00
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. Ryan Harris, Denver Broncos right tackle: It looks like Harris is losing his starting job. Second-round pick Zane Beadles took over last week and probably will play against the Raiders on Sunday. It is a surprise because Harris is a solid young player who has a future in the league. He suffered a foot injury last October and was essentially out for the year. He suffered an ankle injury in the fourth preseason game this year and he was terrible at Baltimore last week when he finally played. He was rusty. Denver moved to a power-blocking scheme from its long-time zone-blocking look this year, so Beadles may be a better fit. But the light, athletic Harris is too talented to stay on the bench.
2. Jason Campbell, Oakland Raiders quarterback: That was fast. Campbell was on the rise last week after he helped Oakland beat San Diego, ending a 13-game losing streak to the Chargers. Campbell spelled Bruce Gradkowski in the game and was 13-of-18 passing for 159 yards. The prevailing thought was that Campbell learned from his poor start to the season. That is no longer the case after Campbell was horrible in a loss to the previously winless 49ers. Campbell had a passer rating of 10.7. If Gradkowski’s injured shoulder isn’t ready, No. 3 quarterback Kyle Boller may start Sunday at Denver. Campbell has a sore knee, but he also doesn’t have the confidence of the organization. It’s early, but it sure seems like trading for Campbell in the offseason wasn’t the solution Oakland thought it would be.
3. San Diego Chargers' offensive line: In Marcus McNeill’s first game at left tackle since ending his holdout, this unit was a mess. San Diego allowed seven sacks after being very strong in the first five games. It was clear the entire line was affected by the move. McNeill is a good player and the unit will jell, but the change from Brandyn Dombrowski to McNeill hurt the Chargers as they fell to 2-4 with a loss at St. Louis.
RISING
1. Mike Vrabel, Kansas City Chiefs offensive machine: Somebody needs to learn to stop Mike Vrabel. Here’s a hint, NFL: If the 35-year-old linebacker is on the field when the Chiefs’ offense is near the goal line, you might want to cover him. Vrabel caught his 10th career touchdown pass Sunday at Houston. It is an NFL record by a defensive player.
2. Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos red zone weapon: This is what Tebow did at Florida: He took the ball and found the end zone. Sunday, seeing the field for the second time this season, Tebow gave Denver a much-needed spark with a 5-yard touchdown run against the Jets. He had six carries for 23 yards. Denver coach Josh McDaniels has said that for Tebow to be truly effective as a role player, he will need to be a passing threat as well as a running threat. Don’t expect to see Tebow in every game. But he is a weapon who proved he can help his team.
3. Kansas City Chiefs’ passing game: Quarterback Matt Cassel threw three touchdown passes and receiver Dwayne Bowe caught two of them. Bowe had six catches for 108 yards against Houston. Both players have been under fire in Kansas City. Sunday, they showed they can be effective.
FALLING
1. Ryan Harris, Denver Broncos right tackle: It looks like Harris is losing his starting job. Second-round pick Zane Beadles took over last week and probably will play against the Raiders on Sunday. It is a surprise because Harris is a solid young player who has a future in the league. He suffered a foot injury last October and was essentially out for the year. He suffered an ankle injury in the fourth preseason game this year and he was terrible at Baltimore last week when he finally played. He was rusty. Denver moved to a power-blocking scheme from its long-time zone-blocking look this year, so Beadles may be a better fit. But the light, athletic Harris is too talented to stay on the bench.
2. Jason Campbell, Oakland Raiders quarterback: That was fast. Campbell was on the rise last week after he helped Oakland beat San Diego, ending a 13-game losing streak to the Chargers. Campbell spelled Bruce Gradkowski in the game and was 13-of-18 passing for 159 yards. The prevailing thought was that Campbell learned from his poor start to the season. That is no longer the case after Campbell was horrible in a loss to the previously winless 49ers. Campbell had a passer rating of 10.7. If Gradkowski’s injured shoulder isn’t ready, No. 3 quarterback Kyle Boller may start Sunday at Denver. Campbell has a sore knee, but he also doesn’t have the confidence of the organization. It’s early, but it sure seems like trading for Campbell in the offseason wasn’t the solution Oakland thought it would be.
[+] Enlarge
Brett Davis/US PresswireThe Chiefs celebrated linebacker Mike Vrabel's 10th career receiving touchdown on Sunday.
Brett Davis/US PresswireThe Chiefs celebrated linebacker Mike Vrabel's 10th career receiving touchdown on Sunday.RISING
1. Mike Vrabel, Kansas City Chiefs offensive machine: Somebody needs to learn to stop Mike Vrabel. Here’s a hint, NFL: If the 35-year-old linebacker is on the field when the Chiefs’ offense is near the goal line, you might want to cover him. Vrabel caught his 10th career touchdown pass Sunday at Houston. It is an NFL record by a defensive player.
2. Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos red zone weapon: This is what Tebow did at Florida: He took the ball and found the end zone. Sunday, seeing the field for the second time this season, Tebow gave Denver a much-needed spark with a 5-yard touchdown run against the Jets. He had six carries for 23 yards. Denver coach Josh McDaniels has said that for Tebow to be truly effective as a role player, he will need to be a passing threat as well as a running threat. Don’t expect to see Tebow in every game. But he is a weapon who proved he can help his team.
3. Kansas City Chiefs’ passing game: Quarterback Matt Cassel threw three touchdown passes and receiver Dwayne Bowe caught two of them. Bowe had six catches for 108 yards against Houston. Both players have been under fire in Kansas City. Sunday, they showed they can be effective.
Three key players out for Oakland
September, 19, 2010
9/19/10
3:21
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Around the AFC West:
The Raiders will be without running back Michael Bush (broken thumb), offensive lineman Robert Gallery (hamstring) and defensive lineman Richard Seymour (hamstring) against St. Louis. All three players were not doing much all week, so this was expected. Bush didn’t play last week, either.
Still, these are three of Oakland’s better players. Oakland will be further challenged to rebound from a poor performance in Tennessee in Week 1
The Broncos’ offensive line is in shambles.
Right tackle Ryan Harris (ankle) and right guard Chris Kuper (ankle, knee) will not play Sunday against Seattle. Harris and Kuper are two of Denver’s most stable players. Harris will be spelled by rookie Zane Beadles and veteran Russ Hochstein will play for Kuper. The team’s center, J.D. Walton, is a rookie.
The Raiders cut offensive lineman Erik Pears for the second time this month and signed seventh-round draft pick Stevie Brown form the practice squad.
The speculation is already out there that Tom Cable’s job could be in jeopardy if the Raiders lose to the Rams Sunday. My reaction: Sure, I can believe it.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Denver thought about signing running back Willie Parker before dealing for Laurence Maroney.
The Raiders will be without running back Michael Bush (broken thumb), offensive lineman Robert Gallery (hamstring) and defensive lineman Richard Seymour (hamstring) against St. Louis. All three players were not doing much all week, so this was expected. Bush didn’t play last week, either.
Still, these are three of Oakland’s better players. Oakland will be further challenged to rebound from a poor performance in Tennessee in Week 1
The Broncos’ offensive line is in shambles.
Right tackle Ryan Harris (ankle) and right guard Chris Kuper (ankle, knee) will not play Sunday against Seattle. Harris and Kuper are two of Denver’s most stable players. Harris will be spelled by rookie Zane Beadles and veteran Russ Hochstein will play for Kuper. The team’s center, J.D. Walton, is a rookie.
The Raiders cut offensive lineman Erik Pears for the second time this month and signed seventh-round draft pick Stevie Brown form the practice squad.
The speculation is already out there that Tom Cable’s job could be in jeopardy if the Raiders lose to the Rams Sunday. My reaction: Sure, I can believe it.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Denver thought about signing running back Willie Parker before dealing for Laurence Maroney.
Evening AFC West news and notes
September, 8, 2010
9/08/10
11:45
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
While Oakland coach Tom Cable acted as if running back Michael Bush would be playing Sunday in a conference call with Tennessee media on Wednesday, Bush was limited in practice. He broke his left thumb Aug. 28. I think whether or not Bush plays will come down to if he can catch the ball and block effectively.
Meanwhile, Trevor Scott will start at right defensive end. He was an end last year before moving to linebacker. He was supposed to start at outside linebacker. Now, Quentin Groves will start there. Scott will start ahead of second-year player Matt Shaughnessy. He is still expected to be a rotational player.
Meanwhile, Trevor Scott will start at right defensive end. He was an end last year before moving to linebacker. He was supposed to start at outside linebacker. Now, Quentin Groves will start there. Scott will start ahead of second-year player Matt Shaughnessy. He is still expected to be a rotational player.
- The San Diego Union Tribune implores that now is the time to deal Vincent Jackson. Sure, it is, but will the Chargers ever pull the trigger? That’s the never-ending question.
- The San Diego Union Tribune reports that Shawne Merriman returned to practice for the first time in three weeks after being out with an Achilles injury. However, the paper doesn’t expect Merriman to play Monday at Kansas City. That makes sense because Merriman hasn’t practiced much. He held out much of training camp before reporting shortly before getting hurt.
- Denver right tackle Ryan Harris did not practice with an ankle injury Wednesday. He was hurt while playing in the preseason finale at Minnesota on Thursday. If Harris can’t play, rookie Zane Beadles may start at right tackle. Running back Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and rookie receiver Demaryius Thomas (foot) practiced in full.
- Gene Wojciechowski’s annual pre-season prediction column on ESPN.com is full of AFC West nuggets.
What to look for: Broncos at Bengals
August, 15, 2010
8/15/10
2:00
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The following are five keys for the Broncos as they prepare to play at Cincinnati on Sunday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.
Tebow time: This will be one of the most anticipated preseason debuts in recent memory. Everyone has an opinion on whether Tebow will succeed or not. Sunday night, Tebow will be able to show what he has to this point and what he has to do moving forward. It will be fascinating, no matter what the outcome.
Orton and Quinn: While Tebow is the headliner, the truth is, he's third string behind Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn. Orton has been outstanding this offfseason and in camp. Let’s see if he can keep it up. Quinn is trying to hold off Tebow, so his work will be important as well.
Stay healthy: The Broncos have been decimated by injuries this camp. They cannot afford anymore injuries.
The rookie offensive linemen: J.D. Walton is looking to start at center and Zane Beadles is looking to start at guard. How will they handle their first NFL action?
Robert Ayers: The 2009 first-round pick needs to pick up the pace in the absence of Elvis Dumervil, who will likely miss the entire season. Ayers has to make strides beginning Sunday night.
Tebow time: This will be one of the most anticipated preseason debuts in recent memory. Everyone has an opinion on whether Tebow will succeed or not. Sunday night, Tebow will be able to show what he has to this point and what he has to do moving forward. It will be fascinating, no matter what the outcome.
Orton and Quinn: While Tebow is the headliner, the truth is, he's third string behind Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn. Orton has been outstanding this offfseason and in camp. Let’s see if he can keep it up. Quinn is trying to hold off Tebow, so his work will be important as well.
Stay healthy: The Broncos have been decimated by injuries this camp. They cannot afford anymore injuries.
The rookie offensive linemen: J.D. Walton is looking to start at center and Zane Beadles is looking to start at guard. How will they handle their first NFL action?
Robert Ayers: The 2009 first-round pick needs to pick up the pace in the absence of Elvis Dumervil, who will likely miss the entire season. Ayers has to make strides beginning Sunday night.
Camp Confidential: Denver Broncos
August, 11, 2010
8/11/10
11:46
AM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
ESPN.com NFL Power Ranking (pre-camp): 23
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After he watched one key player after another limp to the training room this summer, Josh McDaniels came to a conclusion: The Denver Broncos are going to find a way to get better as a result.
Call it medical motivation.
“Sometimes, when everybody around you thinks the sky is falling because of injuries, it could rally a team,” the second-year Denver coach said. “That’s what we are doing. We are going to be motivated to show we can withstand what has happened to us. We’re not sitting here feeling sorry for ourselves.”
McDaniels swears Denver is having a productive training camp despite being the most injured team in the NFL. The biggest hit was the loss of star linebacker Elvis Dumervil. He is likely out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Other players who have been lost during camp include running backs Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter, receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, safety Brian Dawkins and linebackers D.J. Williams and Jarvis Moss. Don’t forget that left tackle Ryan Clady is out until sometime in September after hurting his knee in the offseason.
Still, McDaniels said it’s not a time of despair, because everyone but Dumervil is expected back in the near future.
“It hurts to lose Elvis, but maybe the other injuries are good that they happened now,” McDaniels said. “We are not worrying about who is not here. We trust our depth and we’re dealing with it.”
THREE HOT ISSUES
1. How will the Tebow factor affect the team? There is not a rookie in the NFL who is getting the attention that Tim Tebow is receiving. From special Nike shoes to a hideous training-camp haircut to operating in short yardage situations, the Tebow Watch is in full force.
The question is how his work in camp will affect the team on the field. The former Florida star quarterback has operated in short-yardage situations and he will likely be used in the Wildcat formation and in the red zone. That likely means Denver will keep quarterbacks Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn and Tebow on the 45-man roster on game days. In June, McDaniels said he was leaning away from that.
But it is clear that Tebow is being groomed to be active as a rookie. Unless Tebow completely leapfrogs Quinn in training camp and in the preseason, Denver could be using three quarterbacks on game days, which will take away from another position.
2. Can this team forget the final 10 games of 2009? Denver was the most perplexing team in the NFL in 2009. It shocked the league by starting 6-0. However, it suddenly fell apart and lost eight of its final 10 games.
Which team will we see in 2010? McDaniels, of course, won’t guarantee anything, but he believes Denver is heading in the right direction because of a strong training camp.
He said the team is making big strides this year because his program is established after 14 years under Mike Shanahan. McDaniels pointed out how much smoother and productive Denver was in its team scrimmage last weekend compared to last year’s scrimmage.
“It’s night and day,” McDaniels said. “Everybody knows the system now and that has helped camp.”
3. Can the running backs stay healthy? Moreno (hamstring) and Buckhalter (back) are supposed to be ready this month. But seeing the top two running backs go down on the first full day of camp had to be scary for Denver. The team has big plans for Moreno and Buckhalter.
Denver brought in veteran LenDale White to help in camp and perhaps as a short-yardage runner once he serves a four-game NFL suspension. The team is discussing signing former Oakland tailback Justin Fargas, perhaps as soon as Wednesday.
This is still the Moreno and Buckhalter show, but the Broncos have been forced to look at other options. Expect Moreno and Buckhalter to be handled very gingerly for the rest of camp and in the preseason in an attempt to ensure their health for the start of the regular season.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
The Broncos are excited about their receivers.
Brandon Lloyd and Matthew Willis have been outstanding. Eddie Royal is playing well in camp and the team hopes he can bounce back from a poor first season under McDaniels. After catching 91 passes as a rookie, Royal had just 37 catches last season.
Add rookies Thomas and Decker and Denver could have a decent receiving crew. That looked shaky after the team sent talented but troubled Brandon Marshall to Miami in April.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
How can it be anything other than the injury to Dumervil? He is arguably Denver’s best player and he just signed a huge, new contract. Denver was looking for him to have a dominant season. Dumervil led the NFL with 17 sacks last season.
Denver will have to find a pass rush elsewhere. A top candidate is 2009 first-round pick Robert Ayers. He struggled as a rookie. But he has been good in camp. Ayers will get every chance to turn it on and help make this bad situation workable.
OBSERVATION DECK
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After he watched one key player after another limp to the training room this summer, Josh McDaniels came to a conclusion: The Denver Broncos are going to find a way to get better as a result.
Call it medical motivation.
“Sometimes, when everybody around you thinks the sky is falling because of injuries, it could rally a team,” the second-year Denver coach said. “That’s what we are doing. We are going to be motivated to show we can withstand what has happened to us. We’re not sitting here feeling sorry for ourselves.”
McDaniels swears Denver is having a productive training camp despite being the most injured team in the NFL. The biggest hit was the loss of star linebacker Elvis Dumervil. He is likely out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Other players who have been lost during camp include running backs Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter, receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, safety Brian Dawkins and linebackers D.J. Williams and Jarvis Moss. Don’t forget that left tackle Ryan Clady is out until sometime in September after hurting his knee in the offseason.
Still, McDaniels said it’s not a time of despair, because everyone but Dumervil is expected back in the near future.
“It hurts to lose Elvis, but maybe the other injuries are good that they happened now,” McDaniels said. “We are not worrying about who is not here. We trust our depth and we’re dealing with it.”
THREE HOT ISSUES
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Jack DempseyTim Tebow got a new haircut on Tuesday, replacing the monk haircut from earlier in the week.
AP Photo/Jack DempseyTim Tebow got a new haircut on Tuesday, replacing the monk haircut from earlier in the week.The question is how his work in camp will affect the team on the field. The former Florida star quarterback has operated in short-yardage situations and he will likely be used in the Wildcat formation and in the red zone. That likely means Denver will keep quarterbacks Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn and Tebow on the 45-man roster on game days. In June, McDaniels said he was leaning away from that.
But it is clear that Tebow is being groomed to be active as a rookie. Unless Tebow completely leapfrogs Quinn in training camp and in the preseason, Denver could be using three quarterbacks on game days, which will take away from another position.
2. Can this team forget the final 10 games of 2009? Denver was the most perplexing team in the NFL in 2009. It shocked the league by starting 6-0. However, it suddenly fell apart and lost eight of its final 10 games.
Which team will we see in 2010? McDaniels, of course, won’t guarantee anything, but he believes Denver is heading in the right direction because of a strong training camp.
He said the team is making big strides this year because his program is established after 14 years under Mike Shanahan. McDaniels pointed out how much smoother and productive Denver was in its team scrimmage last weekend compared to last year’s scrimmage.
“It’s night and day,” McDaniels said. “Everybody knows the system now and that has helped camp.”
[+] Enlarge
Ron Chenoy/US PresswireKnowshon Moreno, the team's leading rusher last season, is out with a hamstring injury.
Ron Chenoy/US PresswireKnowshon Moreno, the team's leading rusher last season, is out with a hamstring injury.Denver brought in veteran LenDale White to help in camp and perhaps as a short-yardage runner once he serves a four-game NFL suspension. The team is discussing signing former Oakland tailback Justin Fargas, perhaps as soon as Wednesday.
This is still the Moreno and Buckhalter show, but the Broncos have been forced to look at other options. Expect Moreno and Buckhalter to be handled very gingerly for the rest of camp and in the preseason in an attempt to ensure their health for the start of the regular season.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
The Broncos are excited about their receivers.
Brandon Lloyd and Matthew Willis have been outstanding. Eddie Royal is playing well in camp and the team hopes he can bounce back from a poor first season under McDaniels. After catching 91 passes as a rookie, Royal had just 37 catches last season.
Add rookies Thomas and Decker and Denver could have a decent receiving crew. That looked shaky after the team sent talented but troubled Brandon Marshall to Miami in April.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
How can it be anything other than the injury to Dumervil? He is arguably Denver’s best player and he just signed a huge, new contract. Denver was looking for him to have a dominant season. Dumervil led the NFL with 17 sacks last season.
Denver will have to find a pass rush elsewhere. A top candidate is 2009 first-round pick Robert Ayers. He struggled as a rookie. But he has been good in camp. Ayers will get every chance to turn it on and help make this bad situation workable.
OBSERVATION DECK
- Orton has quietly been a star in camp. He had a strong offseason and is, by far, the most accurate of three quarterbacks. While the future is Tebow’s in Denver, Orton is going to do everything he can to make 2010 special before he hits the free-agency market in 2011.[+] Enlarge
Jeff Fishbein/Icon SMIKyle Orton passed for 3,802 yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions for the Broncos last season. - Quinn, the current No. 2 quarterback in Denver, has been inaccurate often. The Broncos still like Quinn, who was acquired from Cleveland in March. However, with Orton being the immediate starter and Tebow being the future starter, he has his work cut out for him to find a spot in Denver.
- Keep an eye out for fifth-round pick Perrish Cox. He’s been outstanding in camp. “Every day, I look up and Perrish is making another big play,” Royal said. Cox is second at left cornerback behind star Champ Bailey. Cox will likely be the nickel cornerback. He is also dynamic as a return man.
- While Cox is ascending, second-year cornerback Alphonso Smith is still not progressing. Smith was the No. 37 overall pick in 2009. Denver gave up its first-round pick for Smith in 2010 (which was No. 14). He floundered as a rookie and he is not showing much improvement in camp as Cox is stealing the show.
- Richard Quinn, a second-round pick in 2009, is blocking very well in camp. He still must improve as a receiver, but Denver should feel comfortable with him in double tight-end sets with starter Daniel Graham.
- So far, defensive end Ryan McBean is holding off free-agent pickup Jarvis Green. However, the team likes Green and he is very versatile.
- Denver likes what it sees in former San Diego defensive tackle Jamal Williams in the early stages. With Dumervil out, a lot of Denver’s defensive burst must start from him at nose tackle. That may mean Williams may be on the field more than Denver likes. But he is showing, even at 34 and after missing all but one game in San Diego last year, he could still be a force.
- Denver knows it won’t all be roses, but it is at terms with rookies J.D. Walton (center) and Zane Beadles (guard) starting. Both players have showed intelligence and toughness in camp. Most importantly, they are big and strong and they are well suited for the power-blocking scheme McDaniels is adopting. Denver is scrapping the zone-blocking scheme used during the Shanahan era. One of the reasons is McDaniels wants a bigger offensive line that can stay fresh throughout the season.
- D’Anthony Batiste is doing well at left tackle. The Broncos think he will be a valuable backup when Clady returns from a knee injury in September.
- Inside linebacker Joe Mays, acquired from Philadelphia for running back J.J. Arrington less than two weeks ago, is impressing. He has worked some with the first team. He is likely to be a key backup and a special teamer.
- Veteran defensive lineman Marcus Thomas is buried on the depth chart. If he doesn’t pick up the rest of camp, he could be a candidate to be cut.
- Punter Britton Colquitt, the younger brother of Kansas City punter Dustin Colquitt, is doing well and he will likely win the job. He is going unchallenged, but if he falters, Denver could scour the waiver wire. So far, he is showing that may not be necessary.
The Denver Broncos are down to two unsigned draft picks -- their two first-round picks.
Denver announced the signing of second-round pick Zane Beadles. The Utah product is a versatile player who the team hopes can make a fast contribution.
Denver’s rookies begin practice Wednesday. The full squad beings training camp Sunday. The Broncos still have to sign first-round picks Demaryius Thomas and Tim Tebow. There are indications that Denver is closer to signing Tebow than it is to signing Thomas.
There has been just one first-round pick -- Dallas receiver Dez Bryant -- to sign and 15 second-round picks have signed. So, it could take a few days for the first round to fall into place. As long as Thomas and Tebow are in camp by Sunday, the Broncos will likely be satisfied.
There are a total of eight unsigned players in the AFC West.
Denver announced the signing of second-round pick Zane Beadles. The Utah product is a versatile player who the team hopes can make a fast contribution.
Denver’s rookies begin practice Wednesday. The full squad beings training camp Sunday. The Broncos still have to sign first-round picks Demaryius Thomas and Tim Tebow. There are indications that Denver is closer to signing Tebow than it is to signing Thomas.
There has been just one first-round pick -- Dallas receiver Dez Bryant -- to sign and 15 second-round picks have signed. So, it could take a few days for the first round to fall into place. As long as Thomas and Tebow are in camp by Sunday, the Broncos will likely be satisfied.
There are a total of eight unsigned players in the AFC West.
Ten AFC West draft picks remain unsigned
July, 26, 2010
7/26/10
10:10
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
With Denver signing third-round pick Eric Decker, there are now 10 remaining unsigned draft picks in the AFC West.
Talks are continuing with every player who is unsigned. San Diego No. 1 pick Ryan Mathews, who vowed earlier not to miss the start of camp, missed Monday's first day for rookies and select veterans. There are indications that the Mathews’ talks could take a few days before finalizing.
Denver and quarterback Tim Tebow are in talks, and if progress continues to go well, he could be signed in the next day or so.
Here is the list of the unsigned rookies in the division as of now, but things can change very quickly at this point:
Denver
Demaryius Thomas, WR, 1st round
Tim Tebow, QB, 1st round
Zane Beadles, OL 2nd round
Kansas City
Eric Berry, S, 1st round
Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, 2nd round
Javier Arenas, CB, 2nd round
Jon Asamoah, OL, 3rd round
Oakland
Rolando McClain, LB, 1st round
Lamarr Houston, DL, 2nd round
San Diego
Ryan Mathews, RB, 1st round
Talks are continuing with every player who is unsigned. San Diego No. 1 pick Ryan Mathews, who vowed earlier not to miss the start of camp, missed Monday's first day for rookies and select veterans. There are indications that the Mathews’ talks could take a few days before finalizing.
Denver and quarterback Tim Tebow are in talks, and if progress continues to go well, he could be signed in the next day or so.
Here is the list of the unsigned rookies in the division as of now, but things can change very quickly at this point:
Denver
Demaryius Thomas, WR, 1st round
Tim Tebow, QB, 1st round
Zane Beadles, OL 2nd round
Kansas City
Eric Berry, S, 1st round
Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, 2nd round
Javier Arenas, CB, 2nd round
Jon Asamoah, OL, 3rd round
Oakland
Rolando McClain, LB, 1st round
Lamarr Houston, DL, 2nd round
San Diego
Ryan Mathews, RB, 1st round
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
