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Published on 07/03/2010 at Sat Jul 03 08:11.
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It's the questions and McDaniels has them for Rick Dennison. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

It's the questions and McDaniels has them for Rick Dennison. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Last year’s training camp was one of the most interesting in recent years for Denver fans and Bronco Talk was there for you. This year won’t be any different. As of yesterday I just finalized my plan to make it to a few days of the Denver Bronco’s training camp. Kyle and Jon will be there early on, as will Ian, and I will be there for four practices in the middle-to-late stage. Translation: Lots of training camp coverage.

So let us prepare for what we are about to witness. It’s time to stimulate some inter-cranial activity and highlight what just might be the most interesting parts of this year’s training camp.

5. Battle for the 3rd running back position.

Josh McDaniels may like J.J. Arrington a whole lot but that doesn’t mean he’s got the job in the bag. The competition is still wide open outside of the two incumbents (Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter). The Broncos have brought in some new younger guys such as Lance Ball, Toney Baker, Bruce Hall, and Kolby Smith who all have a fair chance at making the roster. Lance Ball and Toney Baker both had solid college careers and Kolby Smith has some NFL experience, so the door is wide open.

One thing to take into consideration is that there is a new sheriff in town at the running back coach position, Eric Studesville. Studesville brought in Bruce Hall, who was on the Buffalo Bills practice squad, so he might also have a viable chance.

4. The offensive line’s game of musical chairs

With both of the book end Ryan’s out for now (Ryan Clady and Ryan Harris) it’s time for the young guys to step up. It’s time to see where guys like Zane Beadles, J.D. Walton, Seth Olsen, Eric Olsen, and Tyler Polumbus line up. The thought of Clady being out for more than one offensive snap scares the living daylights out of me already. Keep in mind that the Broncos also have a new offensive line coach. Bob Wyliecomes back to the NFL after a long stint in the Canadian league. I’m excited to see what his training is all aboot (this is on purpose).

3. Don Martindale’s new system

Once again, the Broncos have a new defensive coordinator this year in Don ‘Wink’ Martindale. Wink comes from a 4-3 background so it will be interesting to see his take on Denver’s defense this year. Martindale coached the linebackers last year and the linebackers let everyone know after Mike Nolan left that they wanted Wink as their replacement. It will be very interesting to see  how the players adapt to yet another new system.

2. Quarterback competition

Kyle Orton may be the starter and Brady Quinn may be his strongest competition, but all the attention will be on Tim Tebow. The Teebs gets a lot of flack for a myriad of things, but the one thing you can’t knock him for is his competitive spirit. Tebow will most likely throw some picks and a bunch of bonehead throws, but I guarantee he’ll draw “oooo’s” from the crowd on one or more occasion.

1. Wide receiver competition

Without a doubt the wide receiver competition will be the most intense battle at camp. Almost no one’s spot is safe. I will actually be surprised if Brandon Stokely makes the team this year, he’s been out with an injury through this offseason and there are plenty of guys lineup up to take his job. McDaniels will most likely keep 5-7 wide receivers this year.

The Broncos who don’t have to worry as much are Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, Demaryius Thomas, and Eric Decker. That already is four spots this will leave guys like Matt Willis, Kenny McKinley, Brandon Lloyd, and yes Brandon Stokley all vying for the last few spots.  So needless to say, it’s going to be one hell of a battle.

  • Big_Pete

    Nice write up. I think that the WR and OL will be the 2 biggest competition positions. I think that there is no way we let Stoke walk. He brings too much experience, maturity, and leadership to the WR group. Although, in order to keep his spot, McDaniels might want him to commit to returning in 2011. I'm not sure coach wants to let a young talent walk for a 1 year WR.
    I think we'll all go gaga for Tebow, even though the actual starting job will be either Orton's (80% chance) or Quinn's (20% chance). To quote an old wise man, “the backup QB is the most popular guy on the team”. This is because we'll only see Tebow against bubble players in preseason games, so of course he'll look great, and because of that, when Orton/Quinn struggle, we'll all clamor for him, because we don't know any better.

  • navybsu_fan

    Someone posted a highlight video of Tony Baker and ever since then I have been on the tony baker bandwagon. I really would like him to be out fourth running back.
    As far as the line goes we are going to have a lot of youth, and a lot of beef, no mater who lines up there. I really find myself rooting for Beadles and Walton to start on the inside and for someone other than Tyler Polumbus backing up Ryan Clady. I don't know who we have who is better, though.
    I like the hirering from within with Wink. It will be a much smoother transition because Wink can call plays and use terminology that Nolan used. It will not be a new system in that the coach has no idea what the previous coach taught.
    As for the QB's I am really excited to see what Tebow can do. I think that he should be in for 10-15 plays per game minimum. That is the smallest workload that can develop him and still have the job be Kyle Orton's. Orton had earned the Job as the starter, but it is his to lose, not his to keep. We will see if the, “Kyle Orton has improved every year in the league.” trend continues. If it does, we have some very good problems to deal with.
    Finally, I am absolutely stoked to see what our new Wide Receivers can do. In a way I think this group may be the most stable or all the positions. We have enough good players at the position that I am not worried about who will replace Brandon Marshall. I just want to see Decker knock someone on their kiester over the middle, or Bey Bey blast past someone.

  • syndrome

    if anyone has heard anything about d-thomas, he is amazing. bigger and faster than marshall. im stoked for the new season to begin!

  • mikebirty

    I'm surprised Stokely has lasted this long on the roster. McD does like himself some veteran leadership and that is Stokely summed up in a nutshell.

    Nice write up, I'm thinking the answers to the questions posed above are:
    Kolby Smith
    Zaphod Beeblebrox to be a stud
    The new defense to look like the old defense but better
    The QBs to finish up the way they start, Orton, Quinn and Tebow
    And 8 roster spots to be found for WRs, I can't split any of them.

  • NavyBSU_fan

    I thought he was two inches shorter, and about 15 pounds lighter. He is faster, though.

  • 12508

    JJ Arrington? You mean to tell me Moreno is so bad JJ might beat him out? Time to wake up fellow Bronco fans! Until this GM is gone we are in big trouble. Josh is a really good coach. I hope Josh walks into Pats office and begs him to get rid of the GM before it cost him his job. How many bad drafts can we take? We have been very lucky that Mr. Bowlen is willing to spend money to cover up some of the huge mistakes we have made in the last 5 drafts. Pat deserves better than this. Look around the league people. Look at the Ravens. Newsome has them in it every year. Look at the talent on that team. They just keep adding good players. Look at the drafts. Ozzy make our GM look like a clown. Yes im a Broncos fan. I cant sit around and clap a wish and hope. Oh its ok to trade a #1 pick for a cb in the 2nd. I know he stinks but it will get better. This roster stinks! Ryan Clady, Elvis, Ayers, Dawkins, Hill, Champ, and a few o lineman is all we have.

  • 12508

    Elway part owner and GM. Sharpe TE coach and Romo around the Defense. Do you think that would work? Bet the defense wont wear out in the 2nd half. Bet the roster wont look like crap. Bet we wont be drafting anymore TE.

  • Rcsodak

    My only questioning is the “4-3 background” of Wink. Yes, he came from Oak who ran that D, but it doesn't take much background checking to see that he's like the hidden brother of the Ryan brothers. And last I saw, Rob ran a 3-4, and daddy made famous the 4-6. In other words, I don't think labeling him as a “4-3” DC is fair, nor accurate.

  • Rcsodak

    Put the bong down, bro

  • http://broncoszone.blogspot.com/ Jon

    How about the LB competition? Wood, Haggan, Ayodele, Ayers, Moss, Atkins, Jammie Kirlew, Nick Greisen … not all of them can play.

    D.J. and Dumervil are givens, 'sides that I don't think any of the others have secured jobs.

  • http://broncoszone.blogspot.com/ Jon

    And of course Rod Smith as the WR coach, with Stokley helping out.

  • Mike_gibbons432

    i'm actually kind of high on this years draft class to be honest… zane beadles i think will lock up that left guard spot. demaryius thomas has potential through the roof key word potential… i'm really excited to see how eric decker and perrish cox do. also decker is wearing a sick number 87 and his college play isn't too far off from the last great 87 to play on this team

  • DLMyers

    If Stokley does not win the 4th WR slot then he is gone. McD said at OTA's “5th and 6th WR's have to contribute on ST. Stokley can not play ST.

  • DLMyers

    IMO DJ, Doom, Ayers, Haggan, and Woody are locks. The question is how many to keep on the 53. I think 8 so add Moss, Alexander, and Griesen. Kirlew to PS.

  • DLMyers

    @Mr. East..spot on points, thanks
    I am the GHF (glass-half-full) guy, so I am optomistic about many players 'showing up' as Coach McDaniels would say.
    Love DMT, Rambling 'reck can ball. Watch his bubbles and blocking.
    The young bu DL is exciting, Baker, Thomas, McBean (starter).
    I expect McBath to get alot of playing time.
    Cox showing SD traits and Phonz running in nickle.
    Kevin Alexander 'showed up' in OTA's, hope camp is also good.
    Beadles was OL coaches choice in draft, he will start.
    JD Walton is now a fixture IMO
    Ryan Harris is back and Clady is on schedule.
    Lets let camp start

  • areferee

    We don't stand on a great deal of formality here, but for the sake of credibility, consider using spell check.

    English 8
    Mr. East 0

  • MrEast

    Haha I know, I'm sorry and I'm fixing it right now. This is what I get for writing an article on an iPad while on the way home from work (not driving of course). The WordPress app is terrible, I'm just going to stick to an actual computer from now on.

  • MrEast

    I would say labeling him as a 4-3 guy is accurate because he has mainly coached that scheme. Will it be accurate in a few years? I hope not. As the NFL evolves good coaches do too, it's not knock on him, it's just a fact.

  • MrEast

    Will Jason Elam comes back to coach the kickers? Terrell Davis takes Studesville's place?

  • DLMyers

    If Stokley does not win the 4th WR slot then he is gone. McD said at OTA's “5th and 6th WR's have to contribute on ST. Stokley can not play ST.

  • DLMyers

    IMO DJ, Doom, Ayers, Haggan, and Woody are locks. The question is how many to keep on the 53. I think 8 so add Moss, Alexander, and Griesen. Kirlew to PS.

  • DLMyers

    @Mr. East..spot on points, thanks

    I am the GHF (glass-half-full) guy, so I am optomistic about many players 'showing up' as Coach McDaniels would say.

    Love DMT, Rambling 'reck can ball. Watch his bubbles and blocking.

    The young bu DL is exciting, Baker, Thomas, McBean (starter).

    I expect McBath to get alot of playing time.

    Cox showing SD traits and Phonz running in nickle.

    Kevin Alexander 'showed up' in OTA's, hope camp is also good.

    Beadles was OL coaches choice in draft, he will start.

    JD Walton is now a fixture IMO

    Ryan Harris is back and Clady is on schedule.

    Lets let camp start

  • areferee

    Nice article. I tend to agree about Stoke. There may be other “seasoned citizens” that take that fall before the trip across the pond.

  • MrEast

    Haha I know, I'm sorry and I'm fixing it right now. This is what I get for writing an article on an iPad while on the way home from work (not driving of course). The WordPress app is terrible, I'm just going to stick to an actual computer from now on.

  • MrEast

    I would say labeling him as a 4-3 guy is accurate because he has mainly coached that scheme. Will it be accurate in a few years? I hope not. As the NFL evolves good coaches do too, it's not knock on him, it's just a fact.

  • MrEast

    Will Jason Elam comes back to coach the kickers? Terrell Davis takes Studesville's place?