The draft is fast approaching and while it is important to select players wisely, it can be difficult to decide who to trade or keep. We’ll talk about Dept, Tight Ends, Waiver Priority, and more. There’s no right or wrong answer, but we do know that we need to be more efficient in the power game. Here are some players to keep an eye on for 2012.
Table of Contents
Dept
Although the Broncos roster depth is not yet settled, they do have a strong starting lineup, with Peyton Manning, Willis McGahee, and Willis McGahee. The Broncos also added Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas, who will be starting at wide receiver. The other positions are pretty similar, with the exception being the tight end. It’s hard to say which players are going to be the most important, but based on the depth chart, the Broncos have plenty of depth.
The depth of the 2012 Broncos roster is a key area of need. The team needs to have a few key pieces if it is to compete. First, the linebackers. Dumervil and Hunter have been inconsistent over the years, but they finally came together as a team. Denver should address both of these needs in the draft. If not, the defense is still in need of a boost.
The Denver Broncos roster has a lot of talent. As an undrafted free agent, Jeremy Maclin has been a surprise. The Broncos have been able to find a place for him in the outside zone. The depth chart is still a mystery. While Tebow was the top overall pick, he was passed over for a backup position. Ayers is Dumervil’s backup.
Peyton Manning was the leader of the team with 4,659 yards, 37 touchdowns and the team was full of talented running backs as well as wide receivers. The team can’t win the Super Bowl with such a strong roster. It is important to have as much depth as possible and to sign as many undrafted players as possible to improve the roster. The depth of the 2012 Broncos roster is a major concern.
The offensive line is another concern. Last year, the Broncos had an elite left tackle in Garett Bolles, and John Elway extended his contract with the veteran. Ja’Wuan Jam injured his Achilles outside of the team facility, leaving the right tackle position open to question. The Broncos added former Chicago starter Bobby Massie, who has the same type of athleticism and physicality as Fangio. He is not likely to be the starting right tackle for this year.
Two newcomers have emerged in the linebackers. C.J. Davis and Aaron Patrick have been sharing second-team snaps. Two newcomers to defense are listed as second team starters. Robert Ayers and Keith Brooking are two other players who have a good chance to make the roster. They were first-round picks last year but were demoted to second-team duties last season. Although it is difficult to predict which players will make it to the final roster, it is a good sign to see strong defensive units.
There aren’t any established starters at any position. However, there are plenty of quality backups. Peyton Manning was the Denver Broncos’ starting quarterback in 2012. The Broncos have finished five consecutive seasons 19th in points, offensive EPA per game, and passer rating. Peyton Manning was the Broncos’ rookie season’s second-place finisher in each of these categories.
Waiver priority
The Broncos are expected to keep 10 players on their practice squad this week. Despite the suspension of Carlos Henderson, who will miss Week 1, and the addition of DeShawn Williams to the practice squad, no other players have been claimed off waivers by the team. In other words, Denver believes these players have lesser talent than expected and are not likely to make the final 53-man roster.
In August, the team also released three players. Gerrell Robinson, defensive end, and Terrell Thomas, running back were both let go. Linebacker Siliga was also cut because he was part of a crowded defensive line and never really established himself as an essential contributor. Rookie linebacker Steven Johnson was kept, but he was never a serious candidate to make the final roster. Thompson, on the other hand, is a talented cornerback who can return decent punt returns. However, he is currently recovering from an injury and will not be making the final roster.
The waiver priority list is determined by each team’s 2011 season record. This list will remain active until Week 3. The current list has the Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Rams as the first and second, respectively, and the Denvers as the third. These teams can claim any player who is on the waiver wire. Waiver priorities are important because they could have a significant impact on the roster.
The Denver Broncos made a move in August by claiming second-year quarterback Kevin Hogan. The Broncos kept Chad Kelly and Paxton Lynch on the roster and signed Austin Schlottmann from Texas Christian University, a 6-foot and 300-pound center. Another player who will make the team’s practice squad is Trey Marshall, a 6’1″ rookie who played college ball at Florida State.
Freeman never regained his lead back role in Denver, but his versatility allowed him to remain on the roster. He can pound the ball, catch passes, and block on third-downs. In addition, he’s an above-average pass blocker. The Broncos lost Lindsay earlier in the spring, and they have many other options in their backfield. Meanwhile, Melvin Gordon is entering his final year of a lucrative contract, Javonte Williams is a second-round pick, and Mike Boone is a free agent. Freeman will be a target on waiver wire because the roster is already full of running backs.
Although Williams has been inconsistent this preseason and has frustrated his bosses, the team made a mistake not bringing him back. Despite Williams’ injury, the Broncos decided that Hanie would be their third quarterback and a great value for money. Hanie’s past experience could have made the difference in keeping him as the quarterback. His status may not change, but it’s worth noting that Hanie is likely to be on the Broncos roster.
Tight ends
While it is not necessary to be an expert on football to know which tight ends should make the team in 2012, it is advisable to pay attention to these players. In addition to being talented enough to be a reliable weapon in the passing game, they are also versatile enough to provide a boost to the team’s offense. Manning should also have access to the tight ends, as their availability is crucial for his success.
The Denver Broncos are unlikely to sign the top market tight ends this offseason. The team is not expected to sign Mike Gesicki or Dalton Schultz. Additionally, the Broncos already have a solid tight end depth chart and are unlikely to sign either one of these players in free agency. While it may not be possible to get top-tier tight end talent in free agency, this team’s depth at tight end provides options for their defense.
Although Dreessen and Moreno were signed before 2012, their stock is falling as Manning has risen through the ranks. Similarly, Johnson and Omon are vying for a roster spot. Chris Gronkowski, brother to Rob Gronkowski of New England Patriots, is another name worth keeping an eye on. Austin Sylvester serves as the team’s short term fullback.
In addition to Fant and Okwuegbunam, the Broncos could add a TE3 this offseason. While Okwuegbunam is inconsistent, he is a good option for TE3 in 2012. It is important to monitor the draft as the tight end position becomes a focal point in offensive schemes. It is vital that the team does not pass up on the best tight end talent in free agency.
The Texans’ slot receiver Eric Decker and Sammy Winder, the Texans’ slot receiver, had their ups-and-downs in 2011, but the Broncos have seen a significant improvement in their tight end positions since the mid 2000s. The Texans had a tight end who could run the middle, but they chose a tight end who could make a difference in the passing game. The new tight end for the Denver offense will be more reliable than any other tight end.
The team is a good place for a veteran to fill the tight end position. In the past, the Broncos have added a veteran and a rookie, while also drafting a talented tight end with a high draft position. It can be difficult to find a veteran tight end but with the right coaching staff you will be able to find one who is capable of doing a great job.