Predicting Denver’s 45-man Game Day Roster: Offense

Over at ESPN’s AFC West Blog, Bill Williamson has an article up about how Tim Tebow will affect the Broncos 45-man game day roster.

The Broncos have an interesting situation on their hands. They have too many quarterbacks. The quarterback of the future — first-round pick Tim Tebow — is on the fast track. He is not going to be brought along slowly. Thus, the Broncos want him in uniform on game days. Don’t expect to see Tebow as an inactive emergency quarterback even if he remains the No. 3 quarterback all season. The Broncos, at the very least, probably will get Tebow involved in a few plays every game before he takes over as the full-time starter. However, for Tebow to get an opportunity to play in these special situations, he’ll need to be active.

Last season Denver carried only two quarterbacks on game day- Kyle Orton and Chris Simms. One of the few teams to carry three QB’s last season was Philadelphia (McNabb, Kolb, Vick). Denver will probably do the same this season, while taking away a roster spot from (most likely) a special teamer.

With that in mind, Mr. East and I have compiled out guestaments of who will be making the 45-man roster.

Andrew Mason of MaxDenver.com was kind enough to inform me that Denver carries (on average) 4.5 WRs, 6.9 OLs, 2.9 TEs, 3.4 RBs/FBs, 3.0 QBs (including the emergency No. 3) on game day. Using those numbers, here’s who I predict to dress on game day for the Broncos this fall: Incumbent Kyle Orton will be starting, and if he plays badly, Brady Quinn will be his replacement. The Broncos have nice depth at Quarterback, and can afford to carry three QB’s.

Tim Tebow looks to pass the ball under the watch of Josh McDaniels. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Quarterbacks, Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, Tim Tebow.

Jon
Will Dress: Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn.
Won’t Dress/Or not make team: Tim Tebow.

Just wanted to make sure you were paying attention. Tebow will dress on game days, some even believe he’ll be the opening day starter. Incumbent Kyle Orton will be starting, and if he plays bad Brady Quinn will be his replacement. The Broncos have nice depth at Quarterback, and can afford to carry three QB’s.

Mr. East
Will Dress: Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, Tim Tebow
Won’t Dress/Or not make team: None.
Dark Horse: Brady Quinn… to be a starter that is

Champ Bailey said it best “Unless he shows me anything else, he’s the guy.” Kyle Orton has made a career out of replacing first round quaterbacks. In Chicago, he replaced first rounder Rex Grossman. In Denver, he was the replacement for Jay Cutler. Now he’s fending off Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow. I’d be surprised to see one of the new guys usurp the position from Orton… during this offseason that is. Josh McDaniels may love Tim Tebow, but he loves consistency and reliablity more. Tebow will offer none of these things his rookie year. Brady Quinn will be breathing down Kyle Orton’s back all training camp, but in the end it will be clear that Orton is the starter. Quinn will receive the bulk of the preseason playing time if he stays healthy.

Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno, right, runs before a tackle by New York Giants safety Michael Johnson, left, during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Denver, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Running Backs/Fullbacks, Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington, Lance Ball, Tony Baker, Bruce Hall, Spencer Larsen, Kolby Smith

Jon
Will Dress: Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington, Spencer Larsen.
Won’t Dress/Or not make the team: Tony Backer, Lance Ball, Bruce Hall, Kyle Eckel.

After being the 12th overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft, Moreno doesn’t have anything to worry about. Buckhalter rushed for about 635 more yards last season than all of the other backs (save Moreno) combined on Denver’s roster. After Knowshon and Correll though, it’s totally up in the air. I think Arrington’s greatest threat is Ball, as he has shown some flashes in OTA’s. I believe what separates Arrington from the others is his experience, and the fact the Josh McDaniels signed him again, after he failed his physical last off season. McDaniels must like something about him, bringing him back, even off an injury. As for fullback, it’s clearly Spencer Larsens’ job. The Broncos rushing attack was at it’s best last season when Larsen lined up as a fullback. The Broncos must have noticed, because Larsen has been moved from playing both linebacker and fullback, to just fullback. There is one catch for though, as Denver only carries 3.4 backs on game day, only half of Larsen will be able to suit up on game day.

Mr. East
Will Dress: Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington, Spencer Larsen.
Won’t Dress/Or not make the team: Tony Baker, Lance Ball, Bruce Hall
Dark Horse: Kolby Smith

If the offensive line is intact, Moreno could possibly have a breakout year. I wasn’t to dismayed by his lackluster performances last year because I saw sparks of brillance within. His game against the Giants proved that he’s a hard north-south runner that can succeed in this league, but nothing happens over night. Correll Buckhaulter did too well last year to get cut (barring an inury), and McDaniels sought Arrington too hard to let him go. Larsen is the only fullback so if he doesn’t win it, that’s just sad. Kolby Smith is the dark horse because he has the most experience out of all the eager candidates to make the team.

SANTA MONICA, CA - MAY 23: Denver Broncos rookie wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker arrive at the NFL Players Premiere League Flag Football Tournament and Skills Challenge on May 23, 2010 in Santa Monica, California.

Wide Receivers,Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Stokley, Brandon Lloyd, Kenny McKinley, Patrick Honeycutt, Matthew Willis, Landis Williams, Alric Arnett, Dicky Lyons.

Jon
Will Dress: Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Stokley (assuming Denver only has 5 active receivers).
Won’t Dress/Or not make the team: Brandon Lloyd, Kenny McKinley, Patrick Honeycutt, Matthew Willis, Landis Williams, Alric Arnett, Dicky Lyons.

Denver carries 4.5 WR’s on game day, I’m going with 5 (there will probably be more). Currently the Broncos have surplus wide outs, many of whom will not make the team. First round and third round picks Thomas and Decker will obviously begin playing, unless something catastrophic happens. The Broncos have been saying they have big plans for Royal in the offense this year, and Jabar Gaffney could very possibly be the #1 WR – he was at the beginning of last season, after all. After that, things are a little sticky. One of the best slot, third down recievers in the NFL, Stokley will no doubt dress for games. Brandon Lloyd and Kenny McKinley have potential, and will receive long looks from the Broncos, it’s unlikelythough that both will get to dress for games, if either. Williams’, Arnett and Lyons are long shots.

Mr. East
Will Dress: Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal, Demaryius Thomas, Brandon Lloyd, Eric Decker
Won’t Dress/Or not make the team: Kenny McKinley, Matthew Willis, Brandon Stokely, Patrick Honeycutt, Landis Williams, Alric Arnett, Dicky Lyons.
Dark Horse: Matthew Willis

I agree with Jon in that there will probably be more than 5 active wide receivers come game day. Jabar Gaffney and Eddie Royal will receive most of the load while Thomas and Decker go through their rookie wrinkles. Who I think will be a surprise is Brandon Lloyd. Word has it that Lloyd has been phenomenal at OTAs and he has an established connection with Kyle Orton for quite some time now. Unfortunately, I don’t think Brandon Stokely will be making the team this year, not because of lack of talent, but because of injury. Stokely hasn’t practiced nearly at all and unless he miraculously recovers Denver could be without a slot machine this year. The guy to look out for is Matthew Willis, he is a serious dark horse and could shake up some roster spots, especially Kenny McKinley’s. The wide receiver battle, not the quarterback battle, will be the one to watch during training camp and preseason.
 

DENVER - NOVEMBER 26: Tight end Daniel Graham #89 of the Denver Broncos makes a pass reception for a first down against the New York Giants during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on November 26, 2009 in Denver, Colorado.

Tight Ends, Daniel Graham, Richard Quinn, Marquez Branson, Riar Geer.

Jon
Will Dress: Daniel Graham, Richard Quinn, Marquez Branson.
Won’t Dress/Or not make the team: Riar Geer
Daniel Graham is known for being a fantastic blocker, while his receiving skills are decent. Richard Quinn has some big question marks entering his second season.The Broncos have big plans for Marquez Branson this season. “You didn’t see him last year, but we have very high expectations and high hopes for him,” coach Josh McDaniels said of Branson last month. Not only will Branson play Tight End, but possibly come in at fullback in some situations, as well.

Mr. East
Will Dress: Daniel Graham, Richard Quinn, Marquez Branson.
Won’t Dress/Or not make the team: Riar Geer
Dark Horse:Riar Geer… by default.

Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ryan Clady (Christian Murdock/Colorado Springs Gazette)

Offensive Line, Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, D’Anthony Batiste, Zane Beadles, Stanley Daniels, Paul Duncan, Dustin Fry, Russ Hochstein, Chris Kuper, Chris Marinelli, Eric Olsen, Seth Olsen, Tyler Polumbus, J.D. Walton.

Jon
Will Dress: Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, Zane Beadles, Chris Kuper, J.D Walton, Dustin Fry, Russ Houchstein.
Won’t Dress/Or not make the team: D’Anthony Batiste, Stanley Daniels, Paul Duncan, Tyler Polumbus, Chris Marinelli, Eric Olsen, Seth Olsen.

I am no offensive line expert, and it’s hard to pick just seven linemen. It wouldn’t be surprising if one of the Olsen’s (no relation) dressed, possibly over Houchstein. Veterans Clady, Harris and Kuper will anchor the Broncos O-line for years, while youngins’ Walton and Beadles have great potential to contribute as rookies, and for years to come.

Mr. East
Will Dress: Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, Chris Kuper, J.D Walton, Zane Beadles, Dustin Fry, Russ Houchstein.
Won’t Dress/Or not make the team: D’Anthony Batiste, Stanley Daniels, Paul Duncan, Tyler Polumbus, Chris Marinelli, Eric Olsen, Seth Olsen.
Dark Horse: Eric Olsen