Name: Demaryius Thomas Height, Weight: 6’3″, 229 Position: Wide Receiver Age, Experience: 24, 3 College: Georgia Tech

Demaryius Thomas was drafted by the Denver Broncos with the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Drafted three spots ahead of Tim Tebow, the wide receiver and quarterback began to find a rhythm in 2011 that exploded into Thomas’s breakout game in the first round of the AFC Wild Card playoffs against the Pittsburgh Steelers. An 80-yard catch-and-run (and a handful of NFL playoffs records) later, Thomas is thought to be a focal point for the offense the Broncos will build around Tebow.

2011 Analysis: Many thought Thomas might miss the entire 2011 season when he tore his Achilles tendon during a workout on February 10, 2011 (almost exactly one year ago today). He fought through the injury, however, and made his sophomore season debut after the bye — just in time to see the Broncos’ #1 and Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Lloyd traded away. It took Thomas awhile to find a rhythm with Tebow (and vice-versa), as he only hauled in seven catches during his first six weeks as a starter. But he finished the season strong, catching 25 passes in the season’s final five weeks. That all led to the postseason, where Thomas set a handful of NFL playoff records with his four-catch, 204-yard performance against Pittsburgh. He had six catches for 93 yards against the Patriots.

Contract Status: Signed through 2014; unrestricted free agent 2015

2012 Outlook: There perhaps isn’t a brighter outlook for any Broncos player in 2012 than there is for Demaryius Thomas. Marred by injuries his first two season, if he can stay healthy, the sky really is the limit for this third-year player. His infamous 80-yard Stiff-Arm was a microcosm of the traits Thomas can display to take him to the top: he has the size, speed, and strength to take on any defensive back in the NFL. If he stays healthy and works with Tim Tebow during the offseason, 2012 will be a big year for Thomas.

As always, we invite you, the readers, to participate. Are you excited by Thomas taking on the role of #1 WR in Denver, or do you still have your doubts?

We hope you enjoy these posts as BroncoTalk develops a one-of-a-kind fan-powered Denver Broncos roster on the web.

Wide receiver Quan Cosby returns a punt for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009. (AP Photo/David Stluka)

The Denver Broncos addressed their seriously ailing wide receiver depth Tuesday, signing former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Quan Cosby. Running back Jeremiah Johnson was waived to make room on the Broncos’ 53-man roster.

Cosby (5-9, 189) is a third-year player who signed with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2009. In 32 career games, Cosby totaled six receptions for 71 yards (11.8 avg.) in addition to extensive return duties on special teams. He totaled the second-most punt returns (70) in the NFL from 2009-10, averaging 10.0 yards per return along with 16 kickoff returns (17.7 avg.). His 474 punt return yards in 2009 set a Bengals record and led the NFL.

In college, Cosby played 52 games (32 starts) in four seasons at Texas, finishing second in school history in receptions (212), third in receiving yards (2,598) and fourth in receiving touchdowns (19).

The Broncos also welcomed back tight end John Nalbone to their practice squad. Nalbone (6-4, 255), a 2009 fifth round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins, finished last season on the Broncos’ practice squad.

Cosby’s no Brandon Lloyd, but at least he’s better (I presume) than Tim Tebow. Plus it’ll be good to get the blossoming Eric Decker off return duties. … Don’t be surprised if the Broncos sign another receiver anyway this week.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas at practice in 2010 (BroncoTalk.net)

Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was thought to be unavailable for most of the 2011 season after he suffered an Achilles tendon injury in February. The initial diagnosis? Between eight and ten months, as is typical for an injury of his type and magnitude.

Then word broke out over the weekend that the Broncos were planning on bringing Thomas back onto the practice field as early as this week, a full two-to-four months ahead of schedule.

Today, the Broncos made good on those plans.

Thomas was back on the practice field Monday as the Broncos prepared for next Monday’s season opener against the Oakland Raiders, running routes and catching passes.

While the Broncos are excited to have Thomas back, they plan on taking it slow with the 2010 first round draft pick. General Manager Brian Xanders indicated Thomas could run the scout team while the Broncos’ four other receivers — Brandon Lloyd, Eddie Royal, Eric Decker, and Matthew Willis — provide enough depth and experience to be available on gameday.

“We’ve got to get him in shape leg-wise, quadriceps, hamstrings and all of that has to be working well,” Xanders said. “We’ll see how he does. Hopefully it’s sooner than later.”

The Broncos don’t plan on using many four- or five-wide receiver sets in 2011. As opposed to Josh McDaniels‘ spread offense, John Fox will employ two tight end sets much more often. A two-back formation will also be utilized much more often under Fox. The focus is on the running game, not the passing game.

Still, it’s remarkable that Thomas could be available by Monday’s opener at all. Xanders credits Thomas’ hard work and the Broncos’ training staff over camp for the quicker-than-expected recovery.

“It’s over those five weeks with our trainers and doctors. He did great job rehabbing himself during the lockout and then he came in and had a great five weeks with us,” Xanders said. “Out on the field, the doctors allowed him to work more routes, and more explosion exercises—jumping. There’s a lot of stuff to do with the Achilles tendon there, but he did really well, so they cleared him to go.”

“He’s going to be running scout team cards eventually in full pads, and we’ll see how he is,” Xanders said.

And if Thomas suffers a setback, the Broncos have Eron Riley waiting in the practice squad wings, who had as impressive a preseason as one can ask a third-string wide receiver.

The first clip contains all of the highlights and low lights of Dez’s 2008 season and 2009 partial season.  Bryant ran into “off the field trouble” with the NCAA for not disclosing the complete details of a day he spent with Deion Sanders in Dallas.  A day in which he spent time with the former NFL CB at his football camp Prime U, had lunch and visited Sanders’ home.  By leaving out details of the trip, the NCAA suspended Bryant for the remainder of the 2009 season.  The second clip shown reviews all of this in detail, including Bryant’s interview on these events at the combine along with his draft stock.  Former Texans’ GM Charlie Casserly does an interesting evaluation.  The third video is every “Bryant play” during the Oklahoma Stave vs. Oklahoma 2008 matchup.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Matthew Willis throws a pass as he waits to take part in drills at the team's NFL football training camp at Broncos' headquarters on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

With Brandon Marshall out and Eddie Royal ruled out as well, the Denver Broncos added depth at wide receiver Saturday by signing Matthew Willis from the practice squad to the active roster.  To make room on the roster, tackle Herb Taylor was released.

The Broncos face the Kansas City Chiefs in their season finale Sunday. Before adding Willis, the only wide receivers available were Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Stokley, and Brandon Lloyd.

Willis (6-0, 190 lbs.) is a second-year wide receiver who joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA in 2007.  He bounced back and forth from the Ravens’ roster and practice squad before landing with Denver’s practice squad in December 2008, where he spent all 16 weeks of the 2009 season.

The last time the Broncos made a Saturday practice squad promotion was with CB Tony Carter, who started admirably at nickelback.  Hopefully Willis can take equal advantage of his opportunity.  Press release after the jump.

BRONCOS SIGN WR MATTHEW WILLIS TO ACTIVE ROSTER; WAIVE T HERB TAYLOR

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Saturday signed wide receiver Matthew Willis to their active roster from the team’s practice squad, it was announced. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Denver also waived tackle Herb Taylor, who initially joined the club on Dec. 9, 2008 as a free agent before being waived on Dec. 19 and then re-signed on Dec. 29.

Willis (6-foot-0, 190 pounds), is a second-year wide receiver who spent the first 16 weeks of the regular season on Denver’s practice squad. He originally entered the NFL with Baltimore as a college free agent on May 4, 2007 from UCLA. He spent eight weeks on the Ravens’ practice squad in 2007 and eight games on the club’s active roster, appearing in five games and totaling one tackle on special teams along with an 11-yard reception on offense.

Willis spent the first two weeks of the 2008 season on Baltimore’s practice squad before being waived by the club. Willis was signed to Denver’s practice squad on Dec. 24, 2008.

At UCLA, he played two seasons of football after competing on the Bruins’ track team. He played 21 career games (3 starts) at UCLA, posting 24 receptions for 248 yards (10.3 avg.) with three touchdowns.

Willis attended Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif., and was born on April 13, 1984.

At the red carpet of the ESPY Awards, Denver Broncos wide receiver told reporters that he will report for training camp. Per PFT, “Right now I’m obligated, I’m under contract…. It’s $14,000 a day if I miss,” Marshall said. “I’m not stupid. So I will be there.”

Marshall had implied he would hold out since asking to be traded in June. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract after making the Pro Bowl for the first time last season.

Marshall doesn’t have a lot of options; he knows this and knows he has to report to camp to keep his options open. Now let’s see if the Broncos react favorably to Marshall’s favorable reaction.

Patriots receiver C.J. Jones surveys the field as he runs back a kickoff during practice at Gillette Stadium. (Boston Herald/Matt Stone)

C.J. Jones, wide receiver most recently of the Kansas City Chiefs, was awarded to the Denver Broncos Wednesday off waivers. The third-year player out of Iowa and the Canadian Football League rejoins Broncos Head Coach Josh McDaniels after he worked with McD on the New England Patriots practice squad in 2007.

Jones (5-11, 195) was released by the Patriots in 2008 and spent the rest of the season out of football. The Chiefs signed him in March 2009 and released him on June 19.

A special-teamer in the CFL, Jones returned nine kickoffs for 236 yards (26.2 avg.) and six punts 55 yards (9.2 avg.) in 2005 for the Montreal Alouettes. As a senior at Iowa, Jones set an Orange Bowl record when he returned the opening kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown against USC.

Jones must be resilient; he’s been bouncing in and out of the NFL since 2003 and has yet to tally a regular season reception. He definitely has ‘camp body’ written all over him, but for the time being, welcome to the Broncos! Press release after the jump.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos were awarded wide receiver C.J. Jones off waivers from Kansas City, it was announced Wednesday.

Jones (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) is a third-year wide receiver who has spent time on the active roster with Cleveland (2003) and New England (2008) as well as parts of two seasons on the practice squad with the Browns (2003-04) and Patriots (2007). Jones, who entered the NFL with Cleveland as a college free agent in 2003, was declared inactive for 11 games as a rookie and spent five weeks on the Browns’ practice squad. After spending the 2004 season on the Browns’ practice squad, Jones was allocated to NFL Europa, where he caught 10 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown for Cologne. He was released following Cleveland’s training camp in 2005 before being allocated by Seattle to NFL Europa where he made seven catches for 82 yards with Berlin.

Jones spent the 2006 season out of football after competing in Seattle’s training camp. He spent the entire 2007 season on New England’s practice squad. In 2008, Jones was declared inactive for the first regular-season game for the Patriots before being released and spending the rest of the season out of football. Kansas City signed Jones on March 5, 2009, as an unrestricted free agent but waived him on June 19.

Jones spent the 2005 season playing with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League where he returned nine kickoffs for 236 yards (26.2 avg.) and six punts 55 yards (9.2 avg.).

In college at the University of Iowa, Jones was a two-year starter, totaling 72 catches for 902 yards (12.5 avg.) and 10 touchdowns in 24 games. As a senior, Jones set an Orange Bowl record when he returned the opening kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown against the University of Southern California.

Prior to playing for the Hawkeyes, Jones was a standout at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kan. He amassed 74 catches for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding eight scores on punt returns.

Jones was named one of the top 50 players in the state of Florida as a junior and senior at Santaluces High School in Santaluces, Fla. Clinton Jones was born on Sept. 20, 1980.

The Denver Broncos continue to show they aren’t afraid to move around the draft board to get the players they want, trading their sixth round draft pick to move up eight spots and select wide receiver Kenny McKinley in the 5th round (141st overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.

McKinley (6’0″, 189 lbs.) is a senior from South Carolina who has his name in both school and SEC record books. He set school career records for receptions and receiving yards, while also closing out his career second on the school’s all-time touchdown catches list. His 207 receptions seat him third in conference annals, and he is just the fifth SEC player to amass more than 200 catches in a career. He also became the 12th player in league history to record more than 2,700 receiving yards (2,781). Head Coach Steve Spurrier called McKinley the best wide receiver he had ever coached.

McKinley is scouted as a slot receiver and may need to bulk up to make an impact at the NFL level. I’m happy with our depth at wide receiver, so I’m not particularly fond of this move. Why is it that whenever we do a trade, it’s for a position which I wouldn’t necessarily even add a player in the first place?… The Broncos have two selections remaining, both in the seventh round.

Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, and Karl Mecklenburg all place in the top 15 of ESPN’s All Time Draft Values [ESPN Hashmarks]

Denver could show interest in picking up J.P. Losman after the draft.  [PFT]

Frank Schwab goes over the Broncos draft needs for linebacker, OL & DL, WRs & RBs along with quarterback.  [Colorado Springs Gazette]

An article saying the quarterback position isn’t worth the picks this year.  [Boulder Daily Camera]

The Draft Room video on the Broncos and Chargers with Brian Billick and Mike Mayock, they have us taking Tyson Jackson and the Bolts picking up Maybin.  [NFL Network]

A look at the first player, Phil Loadholt, that will be selected in the draft from the home state of Colorado.  [Denver Post]

Kyle Orton’s take on the team’s visit to scout Mark Sanchez.  [Predominantly Orange]

And the big news of the day, Tony Gonzalez is leaving the AFC West in trade to the Falcons for their 2nd round pick next season.  I can finally root for a genuinely likable guy.  Now there’s a sight.  [NFL.com]

The Denver Broncos have been very busy on the first day of free agency, wheeling and dealing for players at every phase of the football field. New Head Coach Josh McDaniels and GM Brian Xanders made their fifth and sixth known signings Friday afternoon with the additions of wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, formerly of the Patriots, and safety Renaldo Hill of the Miami Dolphins. According to Adam Schefter of NFL.com, both signed four-year, $10-million deals with $3 million in guarantees.

With the addition of Brian Dawkins, that’s two new safeties that both represent huge upgrades over last year’s unit. And you can’t blame McD for wanting a piece of his offense from New England. I’m really liking how this first day is shaping up.