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Brock Osweiler eager to learn under Peyton Manning in Denver
Denver Broncos vice president John Elway, right, poses with Brock Osweiler the teams second draft pick in the 2012 NFL football draft at the Denver Broncos headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Saturday, April 28, 2012. Osweiler was a quarterback at Arizona State. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski) During the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft on April 27th, Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Brock Osweiler received a call from a 303 area code. John Elway was on the other line. Elway—the Denver Broncos‘ Vice President of Football Operations and father of Jack Elway, one of Osweiler’s closest college friends—was calling to inform Osweiler that Denver was selecting him 57th overall in the draft. Elway asked Osweiler if he would like to backup quarterback Peyton Manning as Denver’s “quarterback of the future”. To a twenty-one year old junior coming out of college, the suggestion of learning under one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of pro football was easy to accept. “As an athlete, especially as a quarterback, you always have to get better. What better way to get better than to be around Peyton Manning and John Elway and have such a great coach in Quarterbacks Coach Adam Gase and the other quarterbacks in the room in Caleb Hanie and Adam Weber,” Osweiler rhetorically asked during a press conference last month. ”A lot of quarterbacks might be upset about having to sit behind somebody, whereas I look at it as a tremendous opportunity to learn from one of the best, if not the best, quarterback to ever play the game.” Rewind three years prior to the elder Elway (John) calling Brock and we see Osweiler jumping the younger Elway (Jack) on the Sun Devils’ depth chart as the third quarterback. Around the time of this happening, Jack quit football due in part to unfair expectations which evaporated his desire to play football. “(Jack Elway) is just tired of football and wants to do something else with his life,” former ASU coach Dennis Erickson said in 2009. “He made a decision, and we all understand it. He would have played here eventually.” With the younger Elway still attending ASU but no longer as a football player, Osweiler jumped two QBs (Elway and Chasen Stangel) as a true freshman. Later in the 2009 season, Osweiler would become the first ASU quarterback to start as a true freshman since Jake Plummer did in 1993. Playing in six games (starting in one), Osweiler went 24-of-55 for 249 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions. The following season, Osweiler again played in six games (with one start) and improved his numbers by completing 62-of-109 passes for 797 yards and five touchdowns with zero interceptions. Announced the starter going into his junior season at ASU, Osweiler went on to complete 326-of-516 throws for 4,036 yards and 26 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. Osweiler’s performance helped lead the Sun Devils to a Las Vegas MAACO Bowl game appearance earlier this year. (Images courtesy of AP and Getty Images) Fast forward to May and Osweiler was working with his new teammates in Denver during the Broncos’ Rookie Mini Camp practice sessions at Dove Valley. “[The first day of practice] was fun, to be honest. It was a lot of fun,” Osweiler said on May 11th. “When you first get that playbook, you’re seeing all these different formations and pass concepts and runs and protections. To finally get out there on the field and kind of put it all together—I thought we did a pretty good job on offense and I had a lot of fun out there today.” Before coming to Denver for mini camp, Osweiler was back in Arizona working with teammate Gerell Robinson, who was Osweiler’s favorite target at ASU and one of the first college free agents Denver signed following the draft in April. As Sun Devil teammates, Osweiler and Robinson connected 77 times in 2011 for 1,397 yards and seven touchdowns — torching opposing defenses. Together again in Denver, the duo of Osweiler and Robinson hope to emulate Jay Cutler-to-Brandon Marshall or Tim Tebow-to-Demaryius Thomas-esque connections, aiming to be stars of the future. In preseason, and especially during practice, Osweiler will benefit from having a familiar target running routes. “It’s nice, because I know what to expect from [Robinson] and he knows what to expect from me as well. We are running a different offense, but at the same time, I can read his body language. He knows how the ball comes out with me,” noted Osweiler after a rookie practice session earlier in the month. And while Osweiler and Robinson will have heavy competition for playing time this season, the Broncos have plans for them beyond this season. “We have high hopes for (Osweiler) in the future, to where once Peyton decides to hang them up, that he’s the guy in waiting that can keep this (going) and we don’t miss a beat,” Elway said in a press conference call on May 15th. ”And (with Osweiler ready to step in), we can continue to compete for world championships, year in and year out.” On Saturday, Brock Osweiler was signing rookie trading cards and posing for Rookie Premiere photo shoots. Tomorrow, he’ll participate in Denver’s first day of organized team practices. One day, he’ll likely become Denver’s starting quarterback. And if Elway is right, the Broncos will be in good hands. “It’s a perfect situation, where there’s not the pressure for him to come in and start right away,” Elway said of Osweiler. ”He’s not ready for that. But he’s also going to learn from Peyton and I think it’s a great learning experience for him to where we are set for the future. He’s our guy of the future, we believe Brock Osweiler will be the next guy (under center).”
Read more [Bronco Talk]
Daily Links: Denver Broncos News – 5/20/12
Be sure to follow me on Twitter for more Broncos updates throughout the day. A Look Around The Schedule | DenverBroncos.com Jack Del Rio wants Broncos to have a top 10 defense | NFL.com Denver Broncos’ contract talks with Ryan Clady underway | Denver Post Missy Franklin dances at surprise send-off | USA Today // // ]]> Kuper on Road to Recovery | DenverBroncos.com Broncos legendary receiver Rod Smith earns Ring of Fame honor | Examiner.com Put Simon Fletcher in the Ring of Fame before Broncos fans puke | IAOFM A Look Around The Division | DenverBroncos.com
Which other high profile draft picks will the Broncos face this season? Watch this video to find out.
Jack Del Rio has taken over a Denver Broncos defense that finished last season ranked 20th overall in the NFL. The team’s new defensive coordinator is challenging his players to reach higher in 2012.
Rod Smith deserves to have jersey retired, in addition to spot in Broncos Ring of Fame | Denver Post
Mr. Smith goes to … ? Receiver Rod Smith deserves to have his jersey retired by the Broncos. His place in the Hall of Fame is up for debate.
The Broncos have opened contract-extension talks with Ryan Clady, according to several NFL sources. The left tackle is in the final year of a deal that will pay him $3.5 million in 2012. The franchise tag for a left tackle this season was $9.4 million.
It was the last day at Regis Jesuit High School for the class of 2012. As is tradition, all the students packed the gym for the Senior Send-off. This year, the seniors shared their special event with a junior with an Olympic dream.
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Guard Chris Kuper, who suffered an injury in Week 17 last season, is working hard with Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos to get back on the field.
On Thursday, Denver Broncos CEO/Owner Pat Bowlen announced legendary receiver Rod Smith will be inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame this upcoming season.
The Broncos added one of the all-time greats to their Ring of Fame earlier in the week in the form of wide receiver (and Eddie Kennison’s tormentor) Rod Smith.
Here’s a breakdown of who the other AFC West teams drafted; this segment is from the Xfinity 2012 Draft Special.
Read more [Bronco Talk]
Report: Broncos looking to extend Ryan Clady - Ryan Clady (T) Denver Broncos
According to the Denver Post, the Broncos have opened long-term extension talks with LT Ryan Clady.
Read more [Rotoworld NFL Fantasy Football News]
Broncos, Clady begin contract-extension talks
(Photo courtesy of Grant Halverson/Getty Images) The Denver Broncos have started contract-extension talks with fifth-year starting left tackle Ryan Clady (6-6, 315 lbs.), according to a Denver Post report. Since his rookie season in 2008, Clady hasn’t missed a single start. The Broncos have opened contract-extension talks with Ryan Clady, according to several NFL sources. The left tackle is in the final year of his deal that will pay him $3.5 million in 2012. The franchise tag for left tackles this season was $9.4 million. While the Broncos and Clady’s agent are talking, it may be a while before the two sides are close to an agreement. Denver drafted Clady 12th overall in the 2008 draft and signed him to a five-year, $17.5 million deal. That contract will give Clady $3.5 this season before expiring. Both sides would like to extend Clady’s contract before it expires, according to reports. As a rookie, Clady allowed an unbelievably low .5 sacks. Since then, he has allowed 8, 7.5 and 9 sacks respectively over the past three seasons, according to Hosted.Stats.com. Some have pointed to Clady’s increased amount of sacks allowed as a reason to believe Clady’s ability has slipped. In reality, Clady injured his patella tendon in 2010 which effected his past two seasons. Clady also suffered from two quarterbacks who had a knack for getting sacked (Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow combined to be sacked 82 times over the past two seasons). As Mike Klis pointed out, Clady has improved as a run-blocker and will likely benefit from Peyton Manning‘s quick release as a pass-blocker this season. During his past two seasons, Manning was sacked just 26 times in 32 games. The Broncos are also trying to rework disgruntled defensive tackle Ty Warren‘s contract and have kicker Matt Prater sign his one-year tender. Both Warren and Prater are skipping voluntary offseason workouts in protest of their respective contract situations. Meanwhile, Denver still has to sign five of their seven drafted rookies. The Broncos could replace Warren and even Prater (though that would not be preferable), but Clady is not expendable in my mind. Hopefully the Broncos will soon get Clady locked up long-term.
Read more [Bronco Talk]
Ryan Clady giving up lots of sacks - Ryan Clady (T) Denver Broncos
According to Stats Inc., Broncos LT Ryan Clady has surrendered 24.5 sacks over the past three seasons after permitting 0.5 in his rookie year.
Read more [Rotoworld NFL Fantasy Football News]
Daily Links — New Broncos in Nike Uniforms
(Images courtesy of Brock Osweiler, Panini America and DirecTV) BroncoTalk’s Jon Heath can found on Twitter, @JonHeath_BT.
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Chris Kuper could return by mid-June - Chris Kuper (G) Denver Broncos
Broncos VP of Football Operations John Elway believes LG Chris Kuper (leg) could be ready to return by mid-June.
Read more [Rotoworld NFL Fantasy Football News]
Ryan Harris – Denver Broncos BT Profile
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images Name: Ryan Harris Ryan Harris was a more-than-promising tackle prospect for for the Denver Broncos following his 2007 rookie season, and he lived up to that promise through 24 games in 2008 and 2009 as starting right tackle. Allowing only 3.5 sacks in that timespan and receiving All Pro honors from the likes of Sports Illustrated‘s Peter King, it appeared that Harris and 2008 top draft pick Ryan Clady were set to anchor the Broncos offensive line as a talented tackle tandem for years to come. Unfortunately for Harris and the Broncos, that didn’t come to fruition; a series of injuries kept Harris sidelined for parts of 2009 and 2010, and the Broncos ultimately let Harris hit the free agent market in 2010. He returned to Denver less than five months ago. 2011 Analysis: After spending training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, he was waived/injured in August (back issues) and remained without a team through the 2011 season. Ultimately he re-signed with the Broncos as an injury replacement to Chris Kuper after the team’s final regular season game. He did not play in the postseason. Contract Status: $700,000 in 2012. Free agent in 2013. 2012 Outlook: Roster bubble. It’s now or never for Harris in Denver, and likely in the NFL. There are a number of young guns at guard and tackle hungry for a roster spot, and the Broncos appear content to continue grooming Orlando Franklin as starting right tackle. That being said, if Harris were to report to camp completely healthy, he could potentially steal Franklin’s spot: he showed impressive athleticism as a starter and was a better pass-protecter than we can realistically expect Franklin to be in year two. So it all depends on whether he’s healthy and how well he has recuperated. If healthy, he’s starting material. If not, he likely won’t make the team. As always, we invite you, the readers, to participate. Has Harris’s ship sailed in Denver, or are you glad the Broncos are giving him another training camp to make his NFL comeback? We hope you enjoy these posts as BroncoTalk continues to develop the first fan-powered Denver Broncos roster on the web.
Pos: Tackle
Ht, Wt: 6’5″, 300
Age: 27
Exp: 6
College: Notre Dame
Read more [Bronco Talk]
Broncos’ Malik Jackson, 5th rounder, signs
The Broncos have signed DE Malik Jackson, the second 2012 draft pick to sign with the team. — Denver Broncos (@Denver_Broncos) May 18, 2012 Defensive end Malik Jackson is the second Denver Broncos draft pick to sign with the club, the Broncos announced Friday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Malik was selected in the fifth round with the 137th overall selection of the 2012 NFL Draft. Hopefully he and his agent did a bit more homework than Nate Irving last year. Earlier: Omar Bolden first draft pick to sign with Broncos
Read more [Bronco Talk]
Broncos sign rookie Malik Jackson - Malik Jackson (DL) Denver Broncos
Broncos signed fifth-round DL Malik Jackson to a four-year contract.
Read more [Rotoworld NFL Fantasy Football News]
Broncos dedicated playoff win to ‘Kup’
This image of Denver Broncos guard Chris Kuper (73) suffering an ankle injury January 1, 2012 is not for the faint of stomach. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) In the spirit of yesterday’s BT Profile — in which he’s maintaining a sky-high 97% approval rating — Chris Kuper was featured at the team’s official site today. The editors caught up with Kuper on his road to recovery and dropped this nugget: the injured veteran was the inspiration behind the team’s pregame speech against the Pittsburgh Steelers Wildcard Weekend. Just before kickoff of the Broncos’ Wild Card win against the Steelers, defensive end Elvis Dumervil brought the offensive and defensive linemen together. “We’re missing somebody, his name’s Chris Kuper — let’s do it for Kuper,” Dumervil shouted, breaking down the huddle with a “Kuper on three.” “It was huge, man,” Dumervil said of Kuper’s injury. “He’s one of your key guys and leaders — that hurt. You know if he was out there, he’d give it all he’s got. And so I just kind of brought that up and let the guys know, ‘Hey, this can be taken away from you any day,’ and I think a lot of guys were inspired by that. We went out there and played for ‘Kup.’” There are a lot of nuggets on Kuper’s recovery in the article — his four-to-six month recovery window appears to be “right on par”; he’s been able to focus more on upper-body strength; he and his wife had a baby boy just two weeks ago (congrats on that Kup!); he’s back at the team facilities at this point. “Just having him walking around, the character – he has that smile, man,” Dumervil said. “He has that sense of humor, so just having ‘Kup’ in the locker room makes everybody feel good.” It’s not often a right guard is held in such high esteem on a team’s roster, but Kuper breaks the mold in more ways than one. Here’s hoping his recovery sees him 100% by training camp, as planned. Kuper on Road to Recovery [DenverBroncos.com]
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Jay Rodgers, Broncos D-line coach, follows in Wayne Nunnely’s footsteps
Denver Broncos defensive line coach Jay Rodgers. (DenverBroncos.com) With Wayne Nunnely‘s surprising retirement comes the just-as-surprising promotion of Jay Rodgers, who spent the last three seasons as a defensive assistant with the Denver Broncos. Rodgers will now serve as the Denver Broncos defensive line coach and be directly responsible for the grooming of top 2012 draft pick Derek Wolfe. He’ll also be tasked with making sure the level of production in 2012′s defensive line stays consistent with the improvements made in 2011, despite a slew of roster changes in that area. That’s a lot to ask someone assuming the job responsibilities midway through the offseason. So is Rodgers ready? A “defensive quality control coach” in 2011, Rodgers comes from an offensive coaching background in college, coaching quarterbacks at Missouri State University (2004) and Stephen F. Austin University (2005-2006) before coaching wide receivers at Iowa State (2007-2008). Before that, Rodgers played quarterback for three years at the collegiate level. So Rodgers, a defensive assistant at the NFL level, comes from an offensive coaching and player’s background in college. Is that cause for concern? Not necessarily — the man he is replacing did the same thing. Before 18 years of coaching the defensive line at the professional level, Wayne Nunnely was a head coach (four years at UNLV) and running backs coach in college. Nunnely himself was a former fullback. Given Nunnely’s career, clearly an offensive background in college is no inhibitor to success as a defensive line coach at the NFL level. Furthermore, Rodgers has only worked with the Denver Broncos defense at the professional coaching level; he has three years experience to help him hit the ground running. Quoteables – Broncos players and coaches on the Rodgers hire Rodgers has the seemingly unanimous blessing of everyone involved in the Broncos’ organization with this promotion. The man he replaces certainly gave him high praise. “The defensive line will be in good hands with Jay Rodgers, whom I’ve worked with very closely for the last three years,” Nunnely said. “He is very deserving of this opportunity, which he has earned through his hard work and knowledge. Jay has many great qualities as a person and coach that will make him successful in his new role.” Head Coach John Fox said he has no doubt that Rodgers’ time with Nunnely “has prepared him for this opportunity that he has earned,” and defensive end Elvis Dumervil agreed. “He’s a young, bright coach,” Dumervil said of Rodgers. “He knows a lot — he’s been around. I think he’s extremely smart. He’s learned a lot from Coach Nunnely as well and I think his future is bright. It was very fortunate to be able to have Coach Rodgers on staff and get him in.” Going back to last season, when Rodgers’ duties changed from that of a “defensive assistant” to someone directly involved with the defensive line, players were already giving Rodgers credit. Listen to Robert Ayers‘ statement following the Cincinnati Bengals game last year, in which he forced a crucial fourth down QB pressure that helped the Broncos edge the Bengals 24-22: “In that situation, they had the blocking tight end to my side, and he released, so I kind of figured it was a pass,” Ayers said. “That is what Coach Nunnelly and Jay Rodgers have been telling us, and I was just there to make the play, so you have to give them credit.” Matching a prolific career There’s no question that Rodgers has some big shoes to fill. Nunnely was a huge asset to the Denver Broncos organization. In seven of eighteen seasons, Nunnely’s teams ranked among the league’s top seven club in rushing yards allowed per game. In 1998 and 2005, both with the Chargers, his clubs were ranked No. 1. To fill those shoes, Rodgers will have help. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio comes with a wealth of coaching knowledge he will impart. His brother, special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers, will naturally remain a resource and confidant. But the time he spent with Nunnely, a coach in the same mold and from a similar background as Rodgers, will serve him better than any help he can get from others on the coaching staff. By all accounts, Rodgers was hand-picked and groomed for this very coaching opportunity. Rodgers has been in the Broncos’ D-line plans all along.
Read more [Bronco Talk]
Daily Links: Denver Broncos News – 5/18/12
Be sure to follow me on Twitter for more Broncos updates throughout the day. Rod Smith Tribute | DenverBroncos.com Somehow the Ring of Fame Just Isn’t Enough for Rod Smith | MaxDenver.com Rod Smith elected to Broncos’ Ring of Fame | SI.com WHY PEYTON MANNING WILL NOT WIN A SUPER BOWL IN DENVER | NFL Soup Diamondbacks take advantage of Rockies’ pitching woes | Denver Post // // ]]> Rod Smith to Ring of Fame | DenverBroncos.com Smith Reflects on Ring of Fame | DenverBroncos.com A Few Good Questions With… Rod Smith | Mile High Report Former Bronco Foxworth Thinking Retirement | Predominantly Orange Top 100 Players Of 2012: Elvis Dumervil | DenverBroncos.com Hillman 1-On-1 From Xfinity Draft Special | DenverBroncos.com
Highlights of the newest Denver Broncos Ring-of-Famer Rod Smith.
While it’s an honor, it doesn’t quite measure the true weight of Smith’s contributions to the Broncos from 1994-2008.
Rod Smith elected to Broncos’ Ring of Fame | Denver Post
They aren’t brothers, but in many ways they learned life from the same man. And when the newest member of the Broncos Ring of Fame, former wide receiver Rod Smith, celebrated Thursday with a series of text messages with Brian Heimerdinger, the topic was Mike Heimerdinger, Brian’s father and former Broncos assistant coach who died of cancer last year.
Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith entered the league as an undrafted rookie and now his name is about to go up in lights after being elected into the team’s Ring of Fame on Thursday.
While I am not generally the rain on anyone’s parade, anybody outside of Denver who really believes that Peyton Manning will take the Broncos to their first Super Bowl since 1998 is dreaming. I will forgive Broncos fans for thinking this way…honestly, you should believe that your team will make the big game every year. Manning is not the first big name quarterback to switch teams late in his career, but historically success has been lacking.
As Abraham Lincoln famously put it, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” And in the wake of another mound meltdown Thursday by Rockies pitchers, one is tempted to ask: Will the Rockies’ clubhouse divide?
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On Thursday, Owner/CEO Pat Bowlen announced that wide receiver Rod Smith has been elected as the 23rd member of the Broncos Ring of Fame.
Earlier this morning, Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen called former wide receiver Rod Smith and notified him that he had been voted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
This afternoon I had the privilege to be involved in a Media teleconference interview with former Denver Bronco Wide Receiver Rod Smith. This was a chance for Rod to share his thoughts on being Inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame. He began by thanking Mr (Pat) Bowlen, former coaches, the fans and the Denver Broncos organization.
Former Denver Broncos cornerback Domonique Foxworth is the NFLPA president, but it won’t be that way for long. Foxworth was released by the Baltimore Ravens this year and he said that he recently had hip surgery.
Elvis Dumervil makes his debut at No. 68 on the NFL Network’s list of the Top 100 Players of 2012.
After airing locally in Denver on Xfinity channel 105, here’s BTV’s sit down with draft pick Ronnie Hillman a day after he was drafted.
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Ex-Bronco WR Smith elected to Ring of Fame
Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith entered the league as an undrafted rookie and now his name is about to go up in lights after being elected into the team's Ring of Fame on Thursday.
Read more [NFL Headlines from ESPN]
Chris Kuper – Denver Broncos BT Profile
(Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) Name: Chris Kuper Chris Kuper is one of the longest tenured players on the Denver Broncos roster and has been a mainstay at right guard since 2008. As a fifth round pick in 2006, though, fans may forget it took Kuper two seasons playing in the role of “versatile backup” to land in his starting role. Kuper rode the bench his rookie year, then backed up Chris Myers at left guard, then was slotted as starting right tackle before ultimately landing at right guard. Today, he’s often heralded as one of the most underrated players in the NFL. 2011 Analysis: Kuper started in all sixteen regular season games at right guard with his usual consistency. He had tough games against the Lions‘ Ndamukong Suh (pictured) and against the Buffalo Bills‘ Marcel Dareus, but he’s considered one of the best Broncos’ offensive linemen for a reason. He’s fierce in the running game and more than decent as a pass protector. That being said, the 2011 season is difficult to grade for all Broncos O-linemen. The switch in scheme from a pro offense to the option netted rushing totals one cannot directly link to the performance of the offensive line. Contract Status: Kuper signed a six-year, $28 million deal in 2010. He is owed $3.5 million in 2012 and will become a free agent in 2016. 2012 Outlook: Incumbent starter. Kuper suffered a gruesome season-ending broken leg in the regular season finale against Kansas City that caused him to miss out on the Broncos’ two postseason games. He recently told the Denver Post he expects to be 100% ready by June. As always, we invite you, the readers, to participate. Does Kuper’s history outweigh his injury concerns, or are you more excited for one of the young guys the Broncos brought in? We hope you enjoy these posts as BroncoTalk continues to develop the first fan-powered Denver Broncos roster on the web.
Pos: Guard
Ht, Wt: 6’4″, 303
Age: 29
Exp: 7
College: North Dakota
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Broncos sign No. 101 pick CB Bolden - Omar Bolden (DB) Denver Broncos
Broncos signed fourth-round CB Omar Bolden to a four-year contract.
Read more [Rotoworld NFL Fantasy Football News]
CB Omar Bolden first among Broncos to sign rookie contract
Denver Broncos CB Omar Bolden signs his rookie contract. (Denver Broncos photo) Based on reader comments and the buzz he’s created from one mini-camp, Omar Bolden is quickly becoming a fan-favorite among the Denver Broncos‘ 2012 rookies. The fourth round pick added another reason for Broncos fans to appreciate him: he’s the first of Denver’s seven 2012 draft picks to sign his rookie contract, the Broncos announced Thursday. UPDATE: Bolden’s contract is reportedly a four-year deal worth $2.574 million, including a $474,428 bonus (what, the agent couldn’t get him $474,430?!).
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Rod Smith elected to Denver Broncos Ring of Fame
Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith makes a catch during Super Bowl XXXIII in Miami, Sunday, Jan. 31, 1999. (AP Photo/Denver Broncos) Rod Smith was the forger of a prolific career with the Denver Broncos, and now he’s being honored as such. Smith has been elected as the 23rd member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place during halftime of the Broncos’ Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Sept. 23rd. The franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (849), receiving yards (11,389), and receiving touchdowns (68), Smith went from undrafted rookie to starter to fan-favorite through his unparalleled hard work, clutch performances, and motivating influence (see the “Rod’s Wisdom” section in the sidebar of the homepage of this very site, a feature displaying a random quote of Smith’s we’ve had in place since 2007). “Players like Rod don’t come through your door very often, but he came through ours every day with a purpose and hunger to be great,” owner Pat Bowlen said. “Rod’s production and numbers—as outstanding as they were—paled in comparison to his commitment to winning and the respect he commanded from each and every one of his teammates throughout his career. Emerging from an undrafted player to one of the best to ever play his position, Rod has truly earned his place among the greatest Broncos of all time. “I am thankful for everything Rod contributed to this franchise during his time with the Broncos, and I congratulate him on his well-deserved election to the Ring of Fame.” Indeed, few players have made as great an impact for any one team as Rod Smith did for the Denver Broncos. The statistical totals may or may not ultimately fall short of a Hall of Fame election for Smith, but if there was an “upper tier” to Denver’s Ring of Fame, Smith could be fairly ranked among the likes of John Elway and Floyd Little in that highest echelon. His election is a well-deserved honor for a living Broncos legend.
Read more [Bronco Talk]
Daily Links: Denver Broncos News – 5/17/12
Be sure to follow me on Twitter for more Broncos updates throughout the day. Good morning Broncos fans! BT Player Profiles make their return starting today, so get ready to resume helping us continue the first fan-powered Broncos roster on the web! Osweiler 1-On-1 From Xfinity Draft Special | DenverBroncos.com Broncos negotiating with seven draft picks | First and Orange Broncos’ Knowshon Moreno facing trial in alcohol-related driving incident | AOL Sporting News // // ]]> Miller, Thomas, Franklin Pick Up National Recognition | DenverBroncos.com Vince Lombardi, Zane Beadles, and building a football team through the power of love | IAOFM Jamie Moyer Continues To Break Every Oldest Baseball Player’s Record | DeadSpin Nuggets’ Al Harrington undergoes surgery on right knee | Denver Post
After airing locally in Denver on Xfinity channel 105, here’s BTV’s sit down with draft pick Brock Osweiler a day after he was drafted.
The Broncos will soon join the parade of NFL teams who have been signing their draft picks.
Jets’ Tim Tebow’s passion impresses Darrelle Revis | Denver Post
Count New York Jets all-pro cornerback Darrelle Revis as a believer when it comes to Tim Tebow. At least with the passion Tebow shows. But even when munching on a sandwich in the cafeteria at the Jets complex in Florham Park, N.J.?
Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno will be fighting for a job this summer. Come October he will have another battle — in court over an alcohol-related driving arrest.
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Von Miller received another honor on Wednesday, adding to the recognition he’s received following his 11.5 sack-season in 2011. Former NFL scout and current NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah published his list of the top 10 players under the age of 25 today and included Miller, who is 23 years old.
I love the history of football. In its beginnings a brutal sport nearly banned at many colleges, it took over 30 years to reach a level of maturity and acceptance by the American public in the 1950s and 1960s. The growth in the sport since then has in many ways reflected the positives in the evolution of American culture.
Record-breaking old man Jamie Moyer, who legend has it is older than dirt, legged out a two-run infield single tonight, becoming the geezeriest ballplayer to ever drive in a run.
Denver Nuggets forward Al Harrington underwent surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his right knee on Wednesday.
Harrington is expected to be back on the court in time for summer workouts.
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Elvis Dumervil is NFL’s No. 68
Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil‘s return to the football field in 2011 resulted in a debut on NFL Network’s 2012 Top 100 Player List. Dumervil, who missed the 2010 season with a pectoral injury and therefore the NFL’s inaugural Top 100 list a year ago, tallied 11.5 sacks in his 2011 redemption tour. For his efforts, he was voted the 68th best player in the NFL by his peers. Video of the selection will air on NFL Network and NFL.com tonight. Earlier in the NFL’s Top 100, Willis McGahee was unveiled as Player No. 98. We expect Champ Bailey (No. 48 last year) and Von Miller to still make the list.
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Broncos negotiating with 2012 draft picks
Derek Wolfe Yesterday, we mentioned that the Denver Broncos have yet to sign any of the seven members of their 2012 draft class. Today, the Denver Post tells us that that will soon change. The Broncos are “near deals” with top picks Derek Wolfe and Brock Osweiler, which will be within $15,000 of the contracts signed by players drafted in their respective slots a year ago. According to the report, Wolfe can expect a four-year, $7.6 million deal, and Osweiler is looking at a four-year contract worth a hair over $3 million. There’s no reason the entire draft class won’t be signed before training camp, a stark change to NFL offseasons of old.
Read more [Bronco Talk]
Denver Broncos rookies on Twitter
Are you devastated by the fact Denver Broncos rookie mini-camp is over? Has the lack of practice photography left an insurmountable hole in your heart you’re afraid may utterly consume you before training camp begins in late July? Have you convinced yourself Broncos rookies simply cease to exist because there aren’t 20 minutes of media coverage supporting their corporeality? Allow us to help. Rookie mini-camp is over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with the Broncos rookies this offseason. 12 of 20 Broncos rookies are on Twitter, and BroncoTalk has compiled them together in this Twitter list you can follow for your convenience: Or, if you’d rather, follow each rookie individually; we’ve listed their Twitter handles out after the jump. Note: only two are Twitter “verified” accounts, but we feel pretty confident about this list. Please send any worthy additions our way… *Please note that first round draft pick Derek Wolfe is NOT on Twitter, despite the false account that has been floating around.
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Hillman second on depth chart at RB - Ronnie Hillman (RB) Denver Broncos
According to the Denver Post, the Broncos' top two tailbacks are Willis McGahee and third-rounder Ronnie Hillman.
Read more [Rotoworld NFL Fantasy Football News]
Create-a-Caption – One-man Wolfe Pack
Your wittiest, most cleverest captions in the comments. Defensive tackle Derek Wolfe #95 of the Denver Broncos stretches during rookie camp at Dove Valley on May 11, 2012 in Englewood, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) Last week’s winner after the jump. Ok so this Girl behind me has fell for the Quarter behind her ear trick 5 times Act like I'm a magician OK ? Winner: Mlhighsalute Runner-up: gmac5 – Champ: “Hey I’ve never met a winner from the state of California before!”
Read more [Bronco Talk]
Daily Links: Denver Broncos News – 5/16/12
Be sure to follow me on Twitter for more Broncos updates throughout the day. Wolfe 1-On-1 From Xfinity Draft Special | DenverBroncos.com Armstrong Gets Call to College Hall of Fame | DenverBroncos.com // // ]]> Fox, Elway Chat with Ticket Holders | DenverBroncos.com Matt Prater absent from Broncos workouts | First and Orange Broncos’ John Elway: Brock Osweiler is “our guy for the future” | Examiner Derek Wolfe Hungry For NFL Action | Predominantly Orange
After airing locally in Denver on Xfinity channel 105, here’s BTV’s sit down with draft pick Derek Wolfe a day after the draft.
When Otis Armstrong came to Denver as a first-round pick in 1973, he said he was just looking to follow in fellow running back Floyd Little’s footsteps.
On QB Brock Osweiler, Broncos’ John Elway gives strong endorsement | Denver Post
Broncos fan “David from Los Angeles” waited through an hour of questions before getting a chance Tuesday morning to talk directly to John Elway and John Fox as the Broncos’ bosses held a conference call with season-ticket holders.
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Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway and Head Coach John Fox talked with more than 6,000 season ticket holders on a conference call Tuesday.
Broncos kicker Matt Prater, a free agent until he was slapped with a $2.6 million franchise tender for the 2012 season, has not been participating in the team’s offseason workout program.
Denver Broncos Executive Vice President, and legendary quarterback, John Elway sat down with head coach John Fox Tuesday to answer questions from 6,000 fans via a conference call.
Picture Freddy Krueger dressed in orange and blue. That’s what the Denver Broncos got when they drafted Derek Wolfe with their first pick in the 2012 NFL draft.
Read more [Bronco Talk]
