The Freshman Fifteen vol. two

Darcel McBath applies pressure to Kurt Warner during a 2009 preseason game (AP Photo/ David Zalubowski).

Darcel McBath

2009 Analysis:

I think without McBath the Alphonso Smith pick earlier in the second round doesn’t look quite as bad. McBath was a bruiser on special teams, one of the Denver Broncos better players. In punt formation he served as the personal protector for the punter as well. McBath had better stats than Smith despite snapping his arm in week fourteen; it should be noted that McBath is playing safety to Smith’s cornerback.

It is also noteworthy that 50% of McBath’s interceptions came against Peyton Manning, though young McBath only had two on the season. He benefited from being under the direct tutelage of veteran Renaldo Hill and the great Brian Dawkins the entire year and that relationship will only continue to grow and thrive in 2010.

2010 Outlook:

McBath looks like the leader of the next generation, a total hit in a three pick second round for the Broncos. He’ll be a star in Denver from here until they don’t want him to be anymore. Look for him to improve on special teams, but really look for him to shine in training camp and throughout the preseason. He may even surpass his positional mentor or his fraternal “Big,” as it may be- Renaldo Hill…Richard Quinn

2009 Analysis:

Another, ‘Huh!?’ moment in a much ‘Huhed’ about second round where the Broncos had three picks (hey, it’s the Patriot way). Quinn had twelve receptions in his entire career, AKA the man we gave up our entire third round to trade up and get, AKA Mr. Huh?, AKA Mister, okay I won’t go there. Regarded as the best inline blocker in the draft, Denver certainly felt he was worth forking over for and it’s tough to say that they were wrong. He benefited form an excellent combine workout, with the Broncos dumping their scouts prior to the combine and losing most of it not all of their intelligence prior to the McDaniels take over… The combine was about all they had of Quinn.

There was hope for Quinn, until September 7th when it was alleged the he assaulted his live-in girlfriend, charges were later dropped by the district attorney due to lack of evidence. ‘Big Rich’ bounced back though and contributed where he was intended to, during jumbo formations and on special teams, he participated in all but on of the Broncos games in 2009. He was nearly named a starter in the final game of the season due to the suspension of Tony Scheffler, yet he remained true to his collegiate years and did not record a single catch.

2010 Outlook:

Less of the same really, with Scheffler likely not going to be back Quinn looks to return as a blocking tight end, opposite captain Daniel Graham. Quinn likely won’t be called upon very often to catch passes (which you can see from the game vs. Kansas City in 2009), so his future in Denver is likely tied to his ability to snap defensive ends necks and blind side outside linebackers… Which he’s been just fine at thus far.

David Bruton

2009 Analysis:

Kansas City Chiefs‘ offensive coordinator Charlie Weis called Bruton a ‘freak of nature,’. Bruton served as captain of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with David Grimes (whom Denver signed as an undrafted rookie free agent, but later released). Despite being regarded by most as a top prospect at the safety position coming into the draft the Broncos were able to snatch him up in the fourth round.

Bruton did not play a whole lot in 2009, participating in just seven games in his rookie season; he really only made noise in one game versus the Oakland Raiders, December 20th, he notched four tackles (three solo).

2010 Outlook:

Bruton can probably afford to sit in the shadows one more season, but he’s got to be careful to not get lapped by his rookie class partner McBath. Bruton picked it up at the end of the season and looked good when he was called upon. That’s all Denver can really ask for, but the man has the potential to block punts and really just be a wrecking ball on special teams. Hopefully that potential is realized earlier in the 2010 season.

Next up: volume three

featuring: Seth Olsen, Kenny McKinley, Tom Brandstater and Blake Schlueter.