Will Mose Frazier be the Next Great Free Agent to make
the Broncos' roster?
By Woody Paige
DenverPost.com
May 8, 2016
Mose Frazier Jr. was ranked as the 853rd best ... best? ... college player available before this year's NFL
draft. CBS- Sports.com apparently didn't think much of Frazier.
NFL scouts must have ignored one of Frazier's most significant attributes. He was Paxton Lynch's leading
and most reliable receiver at the University of Memphis. In the past two seasons, the duo connected
117 times for 1,305 yards. Lynch was named the team's MVP in 2015, and Frazier was selected the
offensive player of the year.
"Paxton and I hit it off the first time we practiced together," Mose told me. "He knew where to find me."
Lynch was chosen by the Broncos in the first round. Frazier didn't get a sniff in any round.
However, the two are reunited in Denver. Frazier was one of 21 undrafted free agents, including four
wide receivers, signed by the Broncos and brought to Dove Valley for rookie minicamp this weekend.
Will Frazier be the Next Great Free Agent to make the roster?
Well, there is this slight obstacle: Although the Broncos didn't draft a wide receiver, they have 11 under
contract. Five played on the Super Bowl championship team. Another, Jordan Taylor, was a member of
the practice squad and the caddie for Peyton Manning during his recovery from a foot injury. Veteran
free agent Devier Posey was drafted third from Ohio State by the Houston Texans in 2012 and played
under Gary Kubiak.
"The Undrafteds" are Frazier, Kalif Raymond (Holy Cross), Durron Neal (Oklahoma) and Bralon Addison
(Oregon).
"No disrespect to anyone else, but I've overcome the odds my whole life," Frazier said. "I'll work hard
and try to get better every day, make the right decisions, run true routes, catch every pass, return punts,
play special teams, do whatever the coaches want."
Out of Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tenn., Mose received only one scholarship offer, from
Arkansas-Pine Bluff. "I was told it was a full ride. When I got there, they said I had a partial. I didn't want
to be there anymore."
He left after one season and walked on at Memphis, where he redshirted.
In 2013 he met the Tigers' new freshman quarterback — Lynch. They spent three years helping to lift
Memphis from a 3-9 record to a school-record 19 victories from 2014-15, Memphis' first conference
championship in 43 seasons and a No. 13 national ranking last fall, which included an upset of Ole Miss.
Lynch made the all-American Athletic Conference team. Frazier was chosen to the league's all-academic
team twice. He earned a bachelor's degree in business in 2014 and pursued his master's last year.
And Frazier was paid while he completed his eligibility, but it's not some scandalous situation. During the
season he got a clubhouse job as a Mose-of-all-trades at a public golf course. "I sold golf balls, filled out
tee sheets, cooked cheeseburgers, swept. It was $12 an hour for spending money." Frazier played nine
holes, twice.
The day after Memphis beat Mississippi — and Mose had eight receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown
— he was behind the counter as usual at 7 a.m.
Frazier was given time off and a going-away party, with a cake, by the staff and the golfers before
traveling to Colorado on Thursday. He will keep his job until the Broncos' training camp in July, and
hopes he will have full-time employment in the NFL this fall.
With his buddy, Paxton.
"He was the best quarterback in the draft," said Mose, who, naturally, is biased. "He's got an incredible
arm, throws excellent passes, is mobile and smart and a great leader. And he's really funny."
When the Broncos analyzed every aspect of Lynch, and attended his pro-day workout, another player
with soft hands and hard routes intrigued them. "They told me that if I wasn't drafted, they wanted to
sign me," Frazier said. "I'm very happy to have this chance."
He has a distinct advantage over the Broncos' 10 other wide receivers. He is the only one who has
caught a business pass from Paxton.
And Frazier does have at least two staunch supporters in Denver — Lynch and me.
When the 6-foot-7, 244-pound Paxton and the 5-10¾, 190-pound Mose stand next to each other, it's
reminiscent of the old newspaper comic strip characters Mutt and Jeff.
Frazier Jr. and Paige Jr. were raised in south Memphis, a tough, poverty-stricken section with shotgunshaped houses and barbecue-rib restaurants that produced mayors, congressmen, NBA players, civil
rights activists, women who became college presidents, famous musicians and Aretha Franklin. His mom
and mine attended Southside High; my dad worked in a neighborhood department store, and Mose
Frazier Sr. was a solid local basketball and football player.
Mose and I graduated from the same high school — albeit almost a half century separated — on Elvis
Presley Boulevard just 2 miles from Graceland. Thank you, thank you very much.
Frazier chose to wear No. 17 with the Broncos. It previously belonged to quarterback Brock Osweiler.
"My story is still to be told," said No. 853.:
Kickin' it with Kiz: Veteran QB has made a mediocre
Mark (Sanchez)
By Mark Kiszla
DenverPost.com
May 8, 2016
On your Mark, get set ... Why don't you give Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez a chance before writing
him off? But that's what you sportswriters do: Create controversy instead of being positive. You haven't
seen Paxton Lynch play at the pro level and you're already making him the starting quarterback. A more
sportsmanlike approach would be to wish all three quarterbacks (including Trevor Siemian) well and see
who wins the job. I doubt Broncos general manager Elway pays much attention to anything you say
about football.
Nick, team player
Kiz: While we're passing out orange slices, chew on this: Quarterbacks are measured by wins and losses.
Sanchez's record in the NFL is 37-35. He's the definition of mediocre. There's no reason for Elway to
listen to me, but I was listening when Elway told Dave Logan and Susie Wargin, "We think (Lynch) is
going to be ready quicker than a lot of people think." At Kickin' It Headquarters, we define being positive
like this: Lynch is real good. And he'll be ready to start before Denver's next playoff game.
Team leader? Wow, you called the whole draft on April 9, when you suggested Elway should take Lynch
in the first round. He took your advice. This kind of makes you the de facto general manager, Kiz. Now
you suggest Lynch be named the starting quarterback by midseason. I guess that makes you the de facto
coach, as well. Perhaps the Bowlen family should get rid of Elway and Kubiak and have you run the
whole show.
Peter, Denver
Kiz: Thanks for your sincere faith in my ability. But isn't it obvious I've already mastered the GM and
coaching gigs? I'm thinking about a job better suited for me. This family feud for control of the team
could get messy and adversely impact the on-field product. So here's an out-of-the-box idea: Maybe the
Bowlens should stop squabbling and just name me as franchise owner. It would be best for the team
and the city, to say nothing of my ability to take more vacations to Fiji.
Dissin' Cousins. The Nuggets don't need DeMarcus Cousins. Really? Because he's done so much in his
career? Cousins is almost cancerous, if he's not happy. If we grabbed Cousins, you'd be crying about his
actions halfway through his first season.
Scott, afraid of Boogie
Kiz: Cousins averaged 26.9 points and 11.5 rebounds last season. That's Hall of Fame ability. If you can't
coach Boogie, maybe you shouldn't be coaching basketball any longer (see: Karl, George).
Rockies road. And today's parting shot is from a long-suffering fan who refuses to believe pigs can fly or
the Rockies could be in first place in May.
Meh. It's like a passing storm. The regularly scheduled flight to last place will resume shortly. I've been
beaten down by too many seasons of bad baseball to let myself enjoy the Rockies' non-failure.
Greg, wears grumpypants
Who throws more TD passes in 2016: Brock Osweiler or
Denver's QBs?
By Troy Renck and Mark Kiszla
DenverPost.com
May 8, 2016
Kiz: OK, I've heard all the gripes. John Elway should have never let Brock Osweiler walk away from the
Super Bowl champs. Elway should have taken UCLA linebacker Myles Jack in the NFL draft, instead of
trading up in the first round to select Paxton Lynch. Elway is crazy to put any faith in Mark Sanchez, who
couldn't play dead in a western. Yada, yada, yada. OK, what's the truth, Troy? Are the Broncos in trouble
at quarterback?
Renck: The key for Denver's starting quarterback is to be efficient and use the offense as it was
designed, leaning on a strong running game and making more plays downfield on rollouts and bootlegs.
The latter was largely absent last season. Elway deserves scrutiny for entering May with Sanchez and
two untested kids at quarterback. But the Broncos have the luxury of doing things differently because of
their defense.
Kiz: I never underestimate the ability of NFL teams to make dumb moves. So I don't know if Houston
forking over $37 million in guaranteed money to Osweiler was the biggest reach of the offseason, but I
will warn Texans fans: I'm not sure your new quarterback is a huge upgrade over Brian Hoyer or T.J.
Yates. Bravo to Brock for beating New England in the regular season and contributing to Denver's
championship. But refusing to overpay him was a smart move by Elway.
Renck: I like Osweiler. He was a professional with the media. A hard worker. Falling back on my baseball
life, I see him as a third or fourth starter, not an ace. The Broncos, I can tell you, were pleased he didn't
take their final offer of a four-year, $64 million contract. It left a void, but also created an avenue for
them to pay Von Miller quarterback-type money and keep the defense strong for years. But it means
they need to be right about Lynch.
Kiz: My hunch is Elway and coach Gary Kubiak are like me, and believe the Broncos' QB-friendly
offensive scheme can get Lynch on the field sooner than many folks believe. I'm not saying Lynch will be
the season-opening starter. But I will be surprised if he doesn't start games in 2016. My scenario:
Sanchez begins the season as the starter, and Lynch ends it. Combined, let's pencil them in for 33
touchdown passes. Meanwhile, down in Houston, Osweiler will throw for 25 touchdowns. Big hat, no
cattle.
Renck: Osweiler will be a fantasy league darling because of the weapons Houston wisely surrounded him
with, beginning with DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. Osweiler could throw for 30 touchdowns if he
makes 16 starts, which will be a challenge if he doesn't get rid of the ball more quickly. Touchdown
passes don't concern me. It's the TD-interception ratio. Denver's quarterbacks were abysmal last season,
throwing 19 touchdown passes and 23 interceptions. Make it 28 touchdown passes and 12 picks this
season, and the Broncos will be in position to make another deep playoff run.
Devontae Booker returns to Broncos' camp; Paxton
Lynch at graduation
By Nicki Jhabvala
DenverPost.com
May 8, 2016
The Broncos lost a quarterback but gained a running back Saturday.
First-round draft pick Paxton Lynch missed Day 2 of rookie minicamp Saturday to attend his graduation
at the University of Memphis, where he majored in sport and leisure management.
"It means a lot to me. I get to go to Memphis however many more times but this might be the last time
for a long time," Lynch said Friday. "... I'm excited to graduate as well as being a first-round draft pick for
the Denver Broncos. I've had a pretty busy two weeks."
But Devontae Booker, the Broncos' fourth-round pick, returned after attending his commencement
ceremony at the University of Utah on Friday.
"It was exciting for me to go back and graduate for my family," said Booker, who received his degree in
sociology in December. "Just for me to go back and walk the stage for my family, it meant a lot."
Booker was limited in drills Saturday as he continues to recover from two surgeries on his left knee.
Booker tore his meniscus and suffered a bone bruise during a game against Arizona last season. After
undergoing a procedure to repair the meniscus in November, he underwent a second surgery in
February to remove it.
Booker said his knee is about 90 percent recovered and he is day-to-day, but he feels he can already
make all the necessary cuts. The coaches have held him back for precautionary reasons, but being
limited in practice isn't something that comes natural.
"They wanted me to slow down, but I only know how to practice fast," he said. "I think they needed a
leash or something to put on me just to hold me back. But I felt good out there."
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
Gotsis recovering, too. Adam Gotsis, the Broncos' second-round pick, observed drills as he recovers from
a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He, too, says he's day-to-day in his recovery and there
is no set timetable for his full return.
Despite Gotsis not participating, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips reiterated the team's hope for him
and excitement over what they saw on tape from his time at Georgia Tech.
"Sometimes with foreign players that we've seen, sometimes they really look great, they can run fast
and they're big and strong, but it doesn't carry over to American football," Phillips said. "This kid has
very good instincts. He finds the ball really well. He's a brute on the field. He's very physical. He's
adapted to American-style football really well.
"I think he's just like any fairly high-round pick. You expect him to come in and help you this year."
Punters have feelings, too. The Broncos drafted Syracuse punter Riley Dixon in the seventh round,
creating competition for veteran Britton Colquitt.
Colquitt has one year remaining on his restructured contract, with a $3.25 million salary and $4 million
cap hit.
"We think he's got a chance to be a real good punter in the National Football League," special teams
coordinator Joe DeCamillis said of Dixon. " It's going to be a competitive situation because, in my
opinion — I got up here a few times last year and people were railing on Britton. But I can tell you one
thing, there wasn't a better guy in the playoffs. I can promise you that. He helped us win games in the
playoffs, so it's going to be a heck of a competition."
The Broncos had the inside scoop on Dixon, thanks to coaching assistant Chris Gould. Gould served as
Syracuse's special teams quality control coach for three seasons before joining the Broncos last year.
In his time at Syracuse, Dixon was used on a number of fake plays became known for his versatility and
emotion. In a game last September against LSU, Dixon hurdled one defender while running the ball on a
fake field-goal attempt, then clocked another while throwing his arm in celebration.
"I definitely get excited," Dixon said. "I haven't always been a kicker. I grew up, I was a quarterback, I
played baseball and I definitely got a little fire inside of me. I'm not just kind of a deadhead that runs out
there and kicks the ball and runs off the field. I have emotions, too."
QB fill-ins. In Lynch's absence, receivers fielded passes from Klint Kubiak, coach Gary Kubiak's son and
the Broncos' offensive/QBs assistant, and Mark Thewes, the Broncos' director of team administration.
In Connor McGovern, Broncos land weight room star, Oline standout
By Nicki Jhabvala
DenverPost.com
May 8, 2016
The McGoverns aren't afraid of rebuilds.
In 2012, Keith McGovern and his wife, Rondi, renovated an old brick warehouse in the heart of Fargo,
N.D., that eventually would become their home. The interior was gutted, the windows replaced, the roof
redone and the cold feel of the former occupant, Leef Cleaners, warmed by Rondi's design company.
The former boiler room received a face-lift, too. The century-old cinder block and brick still line the
walls, and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning ducts, and water pipes remain exposed. But the
couple's eldest son, Connor, decided to furnish it, handling the interior design himself.
His centerpieces? A pair of Rogue Fitness squat racks and a mounted rig with attached gymnastics rings.
There's a stationary bicycle and hanging punching bag. A mounted flat-screen TV flanked by speakers
serve as wall art. And medicine balls, plyo boxes and weighted ropes are strewn across the floor. Call
them accent pieces.
For more than two years, "The Pit" has been Connor McGovern's weight-lifting sanctuary and one of his
many vehicles to the NFL. From Fargo to Columbia, Mo., he has made a name for himself as a weightroom enthusiast and a standout offensive lineman, breaking lifting records and earning football
accolades at each stop.
Last week, he added another city to his tour and became a part of another rebuild. The Broncos selected
him April 30 in the fifth round (No. 144 overall) in the NFL draft, making him the newest piece of their
revamped offensive line.
"This is a team I grew up watching, early Madden games, playing with John Elway and Terrell Davis, the
Bronco history-makers then and now," McGovern said. "When I talked to John Elway on the phone, I
was a little star-struck, and I didn't know what to say. Words can't describe how happy I was to be a
Bronco."
The feeling was mutual. Having played guard and tackle at Missouri, McGovern offers the Broncos
versatility on the line, but also a mindset Elway is known to love.
"A tough guy," Elway said. "One thing we know about him is that he likes the weight room. He spends a
lot of time in the weight room, so it's our kind of guy."
A shared passion
Keith McGovern wasn't a very good swimmer. That's his description — and that's how the story really
begins. A neck injury when he was young booted him from contact sports and left with him swimming as
one of his remaining options.
"So I went to Olympic weight-lifting and I competed at that in high school. I have always weight-lifted,"
Keith said. "Connor was a little kid who wanted to do some of the things your dad does. Connor was a
big kid, so I promoted getting him into the gym early so that his weight was more useful weight. Even
today, I do Crossfit workouts and he sends me videos that he puts on Instagram of his lifts. It's just
something we have in common."
Over the years, the shared passion became a honed craft.
At Shanley High, a small Catholic school in Fargo, coach Steve Laqua made Connor McGovern a starter
on the varsity football team as a freshman and used him on both sides of the ball, taking advantage of
his size and and power to help the team to two state titles.His junior season, McGovern was all-state on
defense. His senior season, he was all-state on offense and earned North Dakota's Gatorade High School
Player of the Year honors.
In the weight room, McGovern turned to Anthony Carlquist, Shanley's strength coach and a professional
power-lifter, for help with his technique and for tailoring his lifts to his work on the field. (Search the
web for Carlquist and you'll likely stumble upon clips of him squatting 1,000 pounds and benching 738.)
"(Connor) put up some crazy, crazy numbers in the weight room," said Chris Needham, a former high
school teammate who is now the recruiting coordinator for Minnesota State University at Moorhead. ."I
think he still holds quite a few records at Shanley. Lifting and working out with him, he made people
around him better — on the field and in the weight room."
More records would be set at Missouri, where he would continue to adjusting his lifting routines to
focus on flexibility and bend. On June 26, in the presence of Laqua and others in Columbia, Connor
shattered Missouri's squat record with five reps of 690 pounds.
"I mean, Missouri is no slouch and the best squat record of all time? That's pretty significant," said
Laqua, now the head coach at Minnesota State at Moorhead. . "It was rewarding and exciting to be able
to see him accomplish that."
At the NFL scouting combine in February, McGovern recorded 33 reps in the 225-pound bench press,
tied for second among all participants. He said he was aiming for 40-plus, but the message was sent.
"There are no shortcuts there," Laqua said. "That weight either buries you and drops you to the ground
or you lift it up. Having that mindset — because he's put up such high numbers in weight — you have to
attack that consistently or you don't succeed."
Rewrapping Mack truck?
Keith McGovern's other remodel is a 48-foot Mack truck once used in his potato farming business in
North Dakota. If he has his way, this one will find a semi-permanent home not in the heart of Fargo, but
in the parking lot of Sports Authority Field on Sundays.
The truck — currently wrapped in black and yellow with the Missouri Tigers mascot and helmet stamped
on the side and a yellow "60," Connor's jersey number, pasted on the hood — will have to be modified.
Again.
"Oh, if I bring it to Denver, it'll be rewrapped," Keith said.
But the living room built behind the cab should hold. As should the full bathroom, kitchen, bunk bed and
garage in the back.
The outsize house on wheels was a tailgating fixture at Faurot Field in Columbia, driven down from the
airport where the McGoverns would fly in from Fargo to watch Connor play.
The hope is that the McGovern Motorcoach will be a fixture among Broncos tailgaters, too.
The bigger hope is that Connor will be the same on the Broncos' line, likely at guard. More tailoring to
his routine and game is expected; the lifting will have to be toned down, he said, and acclimation to the
speed of the pro game and a thicker playbook will take time. Those who have witnessed his success over
the years say he's built for the Broncos.
"I know that it's still a long road, especially for linemen," Laqua said. "Him understanding that the weight
room has built him into the football player as much as practice and studying the playbook has, I think,
really given him that framework to succeed professionally."
About McGovern
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 306 pounds
Hometown: Fargo, N.D.
College: Missouri
Draft: Fifth round, No. 144
HIGHLIGHTS
All-state on defensive and offensive line at Shanley High School
Gatorade High School Player of the Year in North Dakota in 2010
Set Missouri weight-room records, including five reps of 690 pounds on squat
Benched 33 reps of 225 pounds at NFL combine, tied for second-most
Three-year starter at Missouri; has played right tackle, right guard, left tackle
Jacky Lee, former Broncos QB, dies at age 77
By Nicki Jhabvala
DenverPost.com
May 8, 2016
Former Broncos quarterback Jack "Jacky" Ross Lee died Monday in Houston after a lengthy battle with
Alzheimer's. He was 77.
Lee attended the University of Cincinnati, where he was the team MVP, named all-conference in 1958
and 1959, and earned MVP honors at the 1960 Senior Bowl. Lee was inducted into the school's hall of
fame and ring of honor in 2007.
Lee was drafted by the American Football League's Houston Oilers in 1960, becoming their first drafted
quarterback in history.
He arrived in Denver in 1964, becoming the first and only "lend-lease" quarterback in professional
football. As part of the deal, the Broncos sent the Oilers defensive lineman Bud McFadin, and Lee would
play in Denver for two years before returning to Houston.
In his first season as a Bronco, Lee played 14 games (starting 10) and completed 133 of 265 passes for a
career-high 1,611 yards, 11 touchdowns, as well as 20 interceptions. Denver finished the season 2-11-1.
In his second and last season with the Broncos, Lee played only four games behind Mickey Slaughter and
Jack McCormick. Lee completed 44 of 80 passes for 692 yards and five touchdowns, and Denver ended
its 1965 season 4-10.
Lee returned to Houston, then finished his 10-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs, with whom he
won a Super Bowl in 1970.
In lieu of flowers, Lee's family is seeking donations to the Boston University's Chronic Traumatic
Encephalopathy Center.
Booker it: Broncos have an exciting new running back
By Mike Klis
9News
May 8, 2016
These Denver Broncos have a lot going on. Start with the obvious: They are the NFL’s only defending
Super Bowl champions.
Next, they just drafted Paxton Lynch, their new starting quarterback. If not necessarily until 2017.
And then they drafted Devontae Booker, their new starting running back. If not necessarily until 2017.
To be clear about the running back position, C.J. Anderson will be the starter this year. The Broncos
didn’t give him $6 million to come off the bench. Anderson is also virtually guaranteed to make $3
million in 2017.
And don’t count out Ronnie Hillman, either. He is getting $2 million this year. As tight as the Broncos
have been with money this offseason, they’re not going to throw away Hillman.
“They’re some good running backs and I’ve just got to work my butt off and compete to gain the trust
from coaches and have them give me the rock,’’ Booker said Saturday.
Booker eventually has a chance to become a 1,000-yard rusher. The Broncos have had only two of those
in the previous 9 years: Willis McGee in 2011 and Know Shon Moreno in 2013.
It may be a while, though, before Booker’s ready. He had two terrific years running and catching the ball
at Utah but then a left knee injury forced him to miss his final three games.
The injury was a meniscus, not a ligament, tear. Still it took two operations to correct. That has set
Booker’s recovery back a few months. He could only watch the rest of the Broncos rookies practice
Saturday and he’s not expected to take his first practice rep for another three or four weeks.
“It just wasn’t healing how it was supposed it,” Booker said. “The first time I had my surgery was back in
November and it was a repair. The repair wasn’t healing like it was supposed to. Back in February, they
went back and (fixed) my meniscus and now I’m doing better.”
The knee may have been why Booker fell so far in the draft. The Broncos had Booker rated as the
second-best tailback prospect, behind only Ezekiel Elliott, who was selected by Dallas with the No. 4
overall pick in the first round.
Booker was in play for the Broncos’ No. 31 overall draft pick had Lynch not fell to within trading
distance. But after taking Lynch in the first round, the Broncos went need in the second and third
rounds and wound up with defensive tackle Adam Gotsis and safety Justin Simmons.
Incredibly, Booker was still there when the Broncos picked at the end of the fourth round. Besides
Elliott, five other running backs – Derrick Henry, Kenyan Drake, C.J. Prosise, Tyler Ervin and Kenneth
Dixon -- went off the board before Booker.
“The chip gets even bigger,” Booker said. “It’s probably the biggest it’s even been now. Just going out
there and proving all of the haters and everyone wrong. Just make all of the other 31 teams that passed
me up pay.”
Undrafted Broncos with a shot: Peko, Krieger Coble,
Addison, Hanson, Raymond
By Mike Klis
9News
May 8, 2016
One of the most underrated defensive tackles in the past 10 NFL seasons has been Domata Peko of the
Cincinnati Bengals.
You may know him from his long, wild, frizzy hair that falls fashionably from the rear of his helmet. He is
going on his 11th season, having started the previous nine.
Domata’s first cousin, Kyle Peko, is now with the Denver Broncos.
Kyle Peko may be the undrafted rookie with the best chance of making the Broncos’ 53-man roster. A
defensive tackle from Oregon State by way of Cerritos Community College, Peko received an $11,000
signing bonus that was the largest of the 22 undrafted rookies who are participating in the Broncos’
rookie mini-camp this weekend.
The 6-foot-1, 305-pound Peko started all 12 games in his lone playing season at Oregon State. In a game
against Oregon last season, he had a sack, a blocked extra-point kick and a blocked field goal.
The Broncos had a string of 11 consecutive seasons in which an undrafted rookie made their seasonopening 53-man roster snapped last year. The undrafted run began with former Wasson High School
star Roc Alexander in 2004 and ended with Juwan Thompson and Isaiah Burse in 2014.
The most notable undrafted free agents on the current Broncos’ team are cornerback Chris Harris Jr.
(2011) and running back C.J. Anderson (2013).
Harris is making $7 million this season while Anderson will receive $6 million. Not bad considering Harris
initially received a $2,000 signing bonus while Anderson received a “premium” undrafted free agent
bonus of $12,500.
Peko is one candidate to re-start the Broncos’ undrafted streak but hardly the only. Four other
undrafted rookies who have a shot to stick with the Broncos:
Henry Krieger Coble, tight end, Iowa
He got the second-largest signing bonus of $10,000, which is relatively hefty considering the Broncos’
top undrafted signing bonus last year was $8,000 to center Dillon Day.
“He knows our offense because he played at Iowa and those are a lot of the things that we do,’’ said
Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak. “A lot of verbiage that we have. The guy that coached him there for
four years (offensive coordinator Greg Davis) is a good friend of mine, so that kind of helped me get to
know him a little bit. I think he’s your typical 6-3, 245 tight end. He’s an undersized tight end, but he can
run, he can make plays that way. Hopefully he can get a little bigger and a little stronger, but I think he’ll
be very competitive.”
I think he’s your typical 6-3, 245 tight end. He’s an undersized tight end, but he can run, he can make
plays that way. Hopefully he can get a little bigger and a little stronger, but I think he’ll be very
competitive.”
Bralon Addison, slot receiver-punt returner, Oregon
Not fast but very quick, he’s drawn comparisons to Wes Welker, who also went undrafted. Addison
received an $8,000 signing bonus.
Will compete with Jordan Norwood for the slot, punt returner spot.
Lars Hanson, offensive tackle, Sacramento State
Broncos had a draftable grade on him. Received a $4,000 bonus. A strong practice squad candidate.
Kalif Raymond, receiver-returner, Holy Cross
Only received a $2,000 bonus but he has a chance to make it as a returner after he ran a 4.34-second 40
at Harvard’s Pro Day.
With knee on mend, Devontae Booker takes field for
Broncos
By Pat Graham
Associated Press
May 8, 2016
Devontae Booker is just strolling along these days — first across a stage to receive his diploma, and now
on a football field at reduced speed with his knee still healing.
Patience, though, isn't exactly a strong suit for the Denver Broncos rookie running back. Not when
there's an impression to make and skeptics to prove wrong. He's ready to go, go, go, but with his left
knee at "90 percent," his coaches are insisting he take things slow.
"I only know how to practice fast," Booker said Saturday.
Booker missed the first day of rookie minicamp Friday as he received his diploma in sociology from the
University of Utah. He was eager to make up for the lost day of work and start demonstrating that
passing on him — he tumbled to the fourth round — was a huge mistake for others and a boon for the
Broncos. Some scouts had the 5-foot-11, 219-pound tailback going in the second or third round.
"The chip gets even bigger. It's probably the biggest it's ever been now," said Booker, who played at
American River College before sitting out the 2013 season to finish academic coursework, then joining
the Utes in '14. "Just go out there and prove all the haters and everyone wrong. Just make all the other
31 teams that passed me up pay."
First things first: learning the system. He's already a big fan of the Broncos' one-cut-and-go scheme.
"That's what I like doing anyway," he said. "Get my shoulders downhill and make a move on the
defender."
On a dreary Saturday afternoon, Booker had the backfield nearly to himself as he and fullback Andy
Janovich, a sixth-round pick out of Nebraska, worked with running backs coach Eric Studesville.
When the veterans return for work, that will all change. Booker will be trying to earn time behind C.J.
Anderson, fresh off signing a lucrative deal, and change-of-pace back Ronnie Hillman.
"They're some good running backs," said Booker, who turns 24 on May 27. "I have to work my butt off
and compete and gain some trust from coaches, have them give me the rock."
That is, once he's cleared to go full tilt.
He's being eased into things because of a balky left knee that took two surgeries to fix. He had a
procedure last November to repair his meniscus — ending his season — and another in February when it
wasn't properly progressing.
That may have played a role in him slipping down the draft board. He simply uses it as more fuel.
"I've been overlooked pretty much my whole career playing ball," said Booker, who's from Sacramento,
California. "Just for me to fall down or whatever, however the situation was, I'm just blessed to be here
and be in this position to go out and contribute.
"I feel like I can do all the cuts and everything. The coaches want to hold me back and be careful with
me. I'm just going to play by their rules, I guess."
Booker had quite a career at Utah, rushing for 2,773 yards in two seasons. He was of only two Utah
players to turn in back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
"He's a good, strong runner and a tough player," offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said. "He's a good
football player. We like to add good football players."
NOTES: Rookie QB Paxton Lynch skipped practice Saturday to attend graduation at Memphis. ...
Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has been impressed with defensive lineman Adam Gotsis, a secondround pick out of Georgia Tech who's from Australia. "Sometimes, with foreign players we've seen that
they really look great, they can run fast and they're big and strong, but it doesn't carry over to American
football," Phillips said. "He's adapted to American football really well."
2016 NFL season over/under win total picks for AFC:
Rise of the Raiders
By Will Brinson
CBSSports.com
May 8, 2016
The NFL Draft has come and gone, which means it's the best season of the year: over/under season. We
have win totals released for each and every NFL team, courtesy of Sportsbook.ag, and you can place a
friendly wager on whether you think the teams will win more or less games than their perceived Las
Vegas total.
Every year I break these down in May trying to predict how many wins every NFL team will have. Totally
easy situation, but my favorite thing I write all season maybe.
Last year I went a very underwhelming 7-9 in the AFC, although my one locks (Patriots over) hit, making
me 3-0 on locks for the year. Leave your picks in the comments, yell at me for my picks on Twitter
@WillBrinson and please denote locks are hit with the triple ***. You can find my over/under picks for
the NFC here.
AFC West
Denver Broncos 9.0 Over (-125) / Under (-105) — What a wild card team this is. John Elway gives no
bleeps and stared down the quarterback market all offseason before drafting Paxton Lynch late in the
first round. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders will make him a much better quarterback in Gary
Kubiak's offense than people expect (rolling out on the edge and throwing deep fits his skill set). Despite
the departures, this defense remains stacked, thanks to DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller, plus the best
secondary in the NFL. Expect a better C.J. Anderson than you saw for most of last year. The AFC South is
better, but this is a strong schedule for an underrated team.
VERDICT: OVER
Kansas City Chiefs 9.5 Over (-115) / Under (-115) — Lot of wins here, although they also benefit from a
bad schedule. Mitchell Schwartz was a nice addition in free agency and the defense will still be strong,
but losing Sean Smith definitely hurts. Andy Reid has a funny way of making Alex Smith and some
combination of running backs dangerous. They'll flirt with the number and get easy divisions on the
schedule, but this could be the year they stumble a bit under Reid.
VERDICT: UNDER
Oakland Raiders 8.0 Over (-150) / Under (+120) — There's not a hotter team in terms of a bandwagon
than Oakland. They loaded up on upgrades in the secondary with Reggie Nelson, Sean Smith and Karl
Joseph and have Khalil Mack, destroyer of men. Derek Carr could take a step forward and has Amari
Cooper and Michael Crabtree. This is secretly the best offensive line in football. Sometimes a line is just
a line.
VERDICT: OVER***
San Diego Chargers 7.0 Over (-110) / Under (-120) — The Joey Bosa pick makes sense because he's a
great football player, but he's a weird guy for that defense. The offensive line can't get any more injured
than it's been in the last few years, right? Philip Rivers is still elite, and he dealt with the Antonio Gates
suspension, Keenan Allen's kidney exploding and Melvin Gordon generally being terrible last year. This
offense can't help but be more efficient. The defense has lots of pieces that could jump as well. Sneaky
team in a division that might not be great.
VERDICT: OVER
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens 8.5 Over (Even) / Under (-130) — A rare disastrous season for the Ravens has the
world expecting another bad year, except even the expectations for a bad Ravens team are still high.
They'll get Steve Smith back, and a first year out of Breshad Perriman should mean more vertical
explosion for this offense. Joe Flacco's health is being totally glossed over. Multiple guys on this defense
need to take a step forward, but are totally capable of doing so. Bounceback season coming.
VERDICT: OVER
Cincinnati Bengals 9.5 Over (-130) / Under (Even) — Last year's total was a total joke and easily exposed.
This year is a little more difficult, considering it requires 10 wins and it's not paying very well. Also: you
have to deal with the loss of a viable second wide receiver (although Tyler Boyd is going to be a sneaky
stud) and the loss of Hue Jackson. The latter is the biggest concern for Andy Dalton's development, but
this is a team getting the NFC East and AFC East. The problem is the schedule looks brutal and it might
be a step-back year.
VERDICT: UNDER
Cleveland Browns 4.5 Over (-140) / Under (Even) — Four wins is an obscene number. But the Browns are
averaging five wins a year over the last 13 years. That is a factory of sadness at maximum efficiency. And
this roster is designed to be the worst we've seen in a while. Robert Griffin III is going to surprise some
people. Corey Coleman is a sleeper for Rookie of the Year. Duke Johnson is perfect for Hue Jackson's
running back attack. The defense added pieces. But it's a rebuild, and this team is terrible. Like them for
the future but can't like them right now.
VERDICT: UNDER
Pittsburgh Steelers 10.5 Over (-130) / Under (Even) — Potential Super Bowl pick for me here. So much
invested from the draft on the defense and offensive line. Those pieces are eventually going to click for a
franchise whose success is predicated on developing talent. Ben Roethlisberger should have been
mentioned more the last few years in terms of the MVP conversation. Antonio Brown is unstoppable.
Le'Veon Bell will be back. They just find talent at wideout and could be the most explosive offense in
football. The price is terrible, but betting against them is crazy.
VERDICT: OVER
AFC East
Buffalo Bills 8.0 Over (-115) / Under (-115) — Tremendous job of improving in the draft on defense by
the Bills. Shaq Lawson and Reggie Ragland make them better off the bat. No one is talking about the
quarterback situation though — if Tyrod Taylor isn't happy and won't play for a low amount of money,
they could be stuck with EJ Manuel. Taylor is going to play, but him unhappy is bad news. Cardale Jones
starting in the NFL right now? Worse news. Sammy Watkins is a stud, but who is playing next to him?
This defense gets way better, but the offense gets way worse in a surprisingly down year.
VERDICT: UNDER
Miami Dolphins 7.0 Over (-125) / Under (-105) — Kind of a sucker for Adam Gase here, so forgive me for
buying into the Dolphins a bit. They did add more protection in Laremy Tunsil (smokescreen!) and the
defense has a lot of “win-now” potential if everything breaks right. Ryan Tannehill is going to get better
under Gase, the way people thought he would last year. His weapons — DeVante Parker, Jarvis Landry,
Kenny Stills, Jordan Cameron — are sneaky. Jay Ajayi has to carry a load, but he can do that for a year. If
they can go 2-2 out of the gate, they'll crush this over.
VERDICT: OVER
New England Patriots 10.5 Over (-115) / Under (-115) — How is this not discounted for Tom Brady's
four-game suspension? Take us down to single digits, Vegas! The reality is the Pats are going to win
double-digit games because that's what the Patriots do. The over is a tough sell because of Brady's
suspension, but it's still a really good buy. They have Brady for 10 games, which means something in the
range of eight wins worst case (look at the schedule). So if they can go 3-1 against the Cardinals,
Dolphins, Texans and Bills with Jimmy Garropolo under center, it's a lock. Oh yeah — Brady could still
play theoretically.
VERDICT: OVER***
New York Jets 8.0 Over (-115) / Under (-115) — Does this price assume Ryan Fitzpatrick will play
quarterback or ... who? Geno Smith is going to be better than people expect if he starts, but if Christian
Hackenberg ever has to play this under is a lock. Muhammad Wilkerson's status is a major concern and
the defensive line is much, much worse without him. Four of six and six of nine on the road to start the
season is brutal. At least they don't get the Pats without Brady! Oh wait. I buy into Matt Forte but he
isn't the physical workhorse Chris Ivory was.
AFC South
VERDICT: UNDER
Houston Texans 8.5 Over (-130) / Under (Even) — The Texans won nine games each of the last two years
and they didn't have Brock Osweiler, Lamar Miller, Will Fuller and Braxton Miller on offense. There are
issues with acclimating the group to a new scheme, but Bill O'Brien works wonders on offense and this is
his best personnel grouping by far. The Texans are getting way less love than the rest of the AFC South
and are a strong pick here to steal the division if they're not favored. Also: J.J. Watt is on the defense.
VERDICT: OVER
Indianapolis Colts 9.5 Over (Even) / Under (-130) — Grabbing Ryan Kelly was critical to help Andrew Luck
stay healthy. They're better this year just because he's not being pelted left and right and consistently
injured. But the defense isn't better, and the entire division is significantly improved. It just feels like a
nine-win team, which is totally fine and also the level at which they played over the past few years, and
not some lucky 12-win team that feasts on a really terrible division.
VERDICT: UNDER
Jacksonville Jaguars 7.5 Over (-125) / Under (-105) — The second-hottest team in the NFL when it comes
to bandwagon riding. Hard to blame people considering what Jacksonville did this offseason, adding
Malik Jackson, Prince Amukamara and then landing Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack in the draft. They look
like they could take a leap. The biggest concern might be Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns
continuing to progress in a similar fashion. But you just need .500, and anything is possible in this
division.
VERDICT: OVER
Tennessee Titans 5.5 Over (-165) / Under (+130) — I love the effort to get better at being a running,
exotic smashmouth team by adding Derrick Henry and Jack Conklin. The division is easy, and getting to
play the Browns is choice. Marcus Mariota is a legitimate future superstar at quarterback. But Mike
Mularkey isn't transforming this team into some juggernaut and they could struggle out of the gates
with a tough schedule and an improved division. It wouldn't be surprising at all to see them pick in the
top two for the third straight year.
VERDICT: UNDER
John Elway hints that Paxton Lynch could start sooner
than expected
By Chris Bahr
FoxSports.com
May 8, 2016
The Denver Broncos' quarterback situation remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the NFL
offseason.
There's no Peyton Manning, no Brock Osweiler and no Colin Kaepernick, but there's also no lack of
drama.
Broncos GM John Elway added to it Friday with his comments on rookie Paxton Lynch's development.
Denver traded up to draft Lynch with the 26th pick in the first round last week, but the former Memphis
Tigers QB was viewed by most to be at least a year away.
On Friday, however, Elway gave strong indications that timeline could be much shorter while speaking
with Denver Sports 760.
"Is that going to happen tomorrow? Probably not, but you never know when it can happen," Elway said.
"We think he's going to be ready quicker than a lot of people think."
It's far too early to know exactly what kind of impact -- if any -- Lynch can make during the 2016 season.
But Mark Sanchez, who currently sits atop a Broncos depth chart that also includes Trevor Siemian,
certainly must take notice.
Broncos seem pretty confident Paxton Lynch can start
as a rookie
By Frank Schwab
CBSSports.com
May 8, 2016
Not long after the Denver Broncos drafted Paxton Lynch came the inevitable follow-up question: When
does he start?
We won't know for a while. Nobody knows how Lynch will adapt to the NFL game, or even if he'll put in
the work over the summer to be as prepared as he needs to be to start Week 1. Even if the Broncos
have an idea now, months of practices and four preseason games could change their minds for better or
worse.
Make no mistake, however, the Broncos' verbal clues are giving off every impression that they're
planning on Lynch to start at some point as a rookie.
“Is that going to happen tomorrow? Probably not, but you never know when it can happen,” Broncos
general manager John Elway said on Denver Sports 760, via Pro Football Talk. “We think he’s going to be
ready quicker than a lot of people think.”
Coaches and high-profile executives like Elway don't say things like that for no reason. Maybe Elway is
trying to push Lynch by keeping that carrot in front of him, or maybe he's preparing everyone for a
rookie to take over at quarterback. We'll all be waiting to see who will start that Thursday night regularseason opener, when the Super Bowl champions start the defense of their title.
Elway said after picking Lynch that he spent most of the first day of the draft trying to move up to draft
the big Memphis quarterback, specifically trying to get the Atlanta Falcons' pick at No. 17. The Broncos
finally moved up to No. 26 and took Lynch. If you believe Elway, they didn't just settle for Lynch because
he slipped to a point where it made sense to trade up and get him; the Broncos say they coveted Lynch
all along.
Elway's comments about Lynch being ready "quicker than a lot of people think" fit with what coach Gary
Kubiak said when the Broncos drafted Lynch in the first round, when asked if he can start as a rookie.
"First off, we know that he has the ability to do that, and that’s why we stepped up and went and got
him," Kubiak said, according to the team's transcript. "We’ll put him in the right situation and, like you
said, he’s coming to a good football team and needs to stay focused on his job and his growth and what
he needs to do."
Lynch or Mark Sanchez are in a good position. They'll be starting for a team that won a Super Bowl last
season mostly because of defense and a running game. Denver was 31st of 32 NFL teams last season in
passer rating. If it's Lynch, Kubiak's system and its simplicity can be beneficial for a rookie (NFL Films'
Greg Cosell talked about that a bit here).
Lynch has a lot to learn, as Kubiak pointed out after the Broncos' rookie minicamp opener on Friday. But
Kubiak also said, when asked if Lynch needs to sit and a rookie and learn, that "he’s going to make up
ground quickly." The team's message is pretty consistent.
The 1999 Broncos and the 2001 Baltimore Ravens are the only teams who didn't bring back their starting
quarterback after a Super Bowl win. No team in NFL history has ever gone into a season preparing to
defend a Super Bowl title with a rookie at quarterback.
If you listen to what the Broncos are saying, odds are they'll be turning to Lynch at some point this
season. The only question seems to be if that will happen by Week 1.
NFL Roster Reconstruction Awards for 2016
By Chris Wesseling
NFL.com
May 8, 2016
We have long needed a name to describe NFL's free agency and draft as a single entity, kicking off the
new league year. "Offseason" doesn't fit the bill because this period doesn't encompass organized team
activities and minicamps, which dominate the next two months before training camps open in late July.
While coaches run the show from August through February, this is the time for scouts and general
managers to shine, shifting the personnel to give the organization its best chance of hoisting the
Lombardi Trophy. In other words, the NFL just wrapped up the roster reconstruction phase.
With that in mind, let's hand out Around The NFL's Roster Reconstruction Awards:
Deconstruction to Reconstruction: Reggie McKenzie, Oakland Raiders
Two offseasons ago, Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis held McKenzie's feet to the fire, announcing
that there were no more built-in excuses for a team averaging four wins per season. McKenzie had
demonstrated that he could deconstruct the roster, Davis explained, but the time for reconstruction had
arrived. McKenzie went on to nail the 2014 and 2015 drafts, grabbing franchise cornerstones Khalil
Mack, Derek Carr and Amari Cooper. Having that foundation in place allowed McKenzie to effectively
recruit accomplished veterans such as Kelechi Osemele, Sean Smith, Bruce Irvin and Reggie Nelson in
free agency.
Now the Raiders' aerial attack is the most dangerous it has been since the 2002 Super Bowl squad, the
offensive line rivals Dallas Cowboys' for the NFL's most effective and the beleaguered secondary has
four new starters since the beginning of last season -- including first-round pick Karl Joseph, who is
drawing comparisons to All-Pro Earl Thomas and former Defensive Player of the Year Bob Sanders. After
a decade in the darkness, Oakland is primed to challenge Denver for the AFC West title.
Most Improved Roster: Jacksonville Jaguars
A year ago, the best player on the roster -- defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks -- was sidelined following
ACL surgery. After finishing 31st in defense last season, general manager David Caldwell began his
overhaul by picking up above-average starters Malik Jackson, Prince Amukamara and Tashaun Gipson.
With that structure in place, Caldwell then added three top-five draft talents with the return from injury
of 2015 first-round pass rusher Dante Fowler to go with No. 5 overall pick Jalen Ramsey and ultratalented wild card Myles Jack. More than 50 percent of coordinator Todd Wash's 11 starting spots could
be filled with fresh faces.
The offense was already on the rise, scoring the second-most points (376) of any Jaguars squad this
century despite leaky pass protection and an inconsistent ground attack. The running game gets a shot
in the arm from power back Chris Ivory, who will also take over goal-line duties. The offensive line has
been solidified with the addition of former Steelers left tackle Kelvin Beachum and the return of
guard/center Brandon Linder, the team's best blocker. There are no excuses for coach Gus Bradley's
outfit this year. They should be in the AFC playoff hunt.
Happiest Off. Coaches: Bill O'Brien, George Godsey, Houston Texans
O'Brien and Godsey deserve credit for capturing the AFC South title last season despite a clear lack of
talent behind DeAndre Hopkins on offense. With Arian Foster injured and the quarterback depth chart in
flux, the coaching staff resorted to smoke 'n' mirrors, coaxing first downs out of gadget plays and
Wildcat looks in December.
O'Brien identified Brock Osweiler as his savior, leading to the former Broncos quarterback landing $37
million in guarantees over the next two years. Although Osweiler is an unknown commodity with just
seven NFL starts under his belt, the Texans increased his chances of success by drafting playmakers in
the first four rounds of the draft. After signing Lamar Miller as the new feature back, they added gamebreaking wideout Will Fuller, speedy slot receiver Braxton Miller and explosive third-down back Tyler
Ervin in addition to new center Nick Martin. The talent influx will allow O'Brien and Godsey to run their
full offense, complementing a defense that was the NFL's stingiest in the second half of the season.
Happiest Defensive Coaches: John Fox, Vic Fangio, Chicago Bears
General manager Ryan Pace has done a commendable job of refashioning the roster to suit Fangio's 3-4
scheme after years in the 4-3 alignment under ex-coach Lovie Smith and former defensive coordinator
Mel Tucker. The revamped front seven started last year, with the successful signing of disruptive edge
rusher Pernell McPhee and the drafting of nose tackle Eddie Goldman. Pace then addressed inside
linebacker in free agency, landing major upgrades in Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman. The overhaul
was complete when the Bears traded up for outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, and drafted defensive
end Jonathan Bullard and inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski in the third and fourth rounds, respectively.
Fangio got the most out of the limited talent at his disposal last season. Now his front seven can
compete with any in the division.
Happiest Player: Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans
Mariota authored an impressive rookie season despite a pair of knee injuries and a supporting cast that
couldn't protect him or make plays down the field. One could feel only pity for Mariota, watching
Cameron Wake abusing Tennessee's turnstile right tackles play after play in a Week 6 blowout. As wellsuited as Mariota is to the read-option, boot-action attack, it's a system dependent on a power running
game that was non-existent under the Titans' underwhelming backfield duo of Antonio Andrews and
Bishop Sankey.
Enter 2014 Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray and second-round bruiser Derrick Henry, two
backs tailor-made for the smashmouth attack being installed by coach Mike Mularkey and new offensive
coordinator Terry Robiskie. The Titans' draft haul was much ballyhooed not just for the obvious talent
influx, but also for the toughness and physicality. First-round right tackle Jack Conklin joins veteran
center Ben Jones on an offensive line that now stands a prayer of keeping Mariota upright. Throw in
free-agent acquisition Rishard Matthews and an increased role for monstrous second-year receiver
Dorial Green-Beckham, and nobody should be surprised if Mariota fulfills the franchise savior hype
emanating from Nashville.
Overplayed Hand: Colin Kaepernick, In Limbo
The hatred is real in San Francisco. So desperate to leave the 49ers' sinking ship after being benched for
Blaine Gabbert last season, Kaepernick urged his agents to request a trade in February. Given a chance
to join the reigning Super Bowl champions in a quarterback-friendly offense, Kaepernick and his camp
opted instead for a failed leverage play, attempting to hold a quarterback-needy John Elway over a
barrel.
Instead of taking the long view, understanding that jumpstarting his stalled career on an annual
contender run by one of pro football's most respected executives would earn him more money in the
future, Kaepernick balked at a 2016 pay cut. He's a fallen star, no longer viewed by any of the NFL's 32
organizations as a viable franchise quarterback. Kap had the opportunity to alter that perception in
Denver. Now he's stuck in misery.
King in His Castle: John Elway, Denver Broncos
Elway has been to seven Super Bowls as a player or executive, leading the franchise to three Lombardi
Trophies. The Broncos haven't lost the AFC West since he returned to honcho the front office in 2011.
He now rivals Ozzie Newsome as the league's most accomplished and respected gridiron legend
currently running football operations. He came under fire for losing Peyton Manning to retirement and
Brock Osweiler to an over-inflated contract with the Texans, leaving only journeyman Mark Sanchez
atop the depth chart.
Did the critics ever stop think Elway might have evaluated all of these quarterbacks correctly? Manning
is done. Osweiler is no longer a competitive advantage when he's occupying more than 10 percent of
the payroll rather than one percent. Kaepernick has regressed to the point that he must prove he can
beat out the competition to earn franchise-quarterback money. Backed into a corner, Elway traded up
for Paxton Lynch, a more talented version of Osweiler at a fraction of the cost. He's sitting high atop NFL
mountain in 2016.
Flip This Roster: Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles
Banished to the NovaCare dungeon under Chip Kelly last offseason, Roseman crawled through a river of
filth and came out clean on the other side. He has spent the past two months purging the roster, erasing
all traces of Kelly while trading up for potential quarterback savior Carson Wentz in a bold gambit to put
the franchise back on course to contend in the NFC East.
Shopped Hungry: Jerry Reese, New York Giants
Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman insists he didn't "shop hungry" after losing Josh Norman to
the Redskins. Can Reese say the same for his offseason spree? Once viewed as a top draft-and-develop
general manager, Reese was forced to alter his style with his job on the line. He treated the roster
reconstruction period like the perennially star-hungry Dolphins, overpaying for Olivier Vernon, Janoris
Jenkins, Damon Harrison and Jason Pierre-Paul to fix a barren defense.
Carpe Diem: Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are coming off their finest season since 1948, leading the NFL in points and yards per
game. Carson Palmer owns the NFL's best winning percentage (.870) since the start of the 2014 season,
playing the best ball of his 12-year career. He's 36 years old, though, tossing passes to Larry Fitzgerald,
who is also entering the twilight years of a sterling career.
After watching the Cardinals pressure Cam Newton on a season-low 20.7 percent of dropbacks in their
season-ending loss, Arians and general manager Steve Keim prioritized finding a blue-goose pass rusher
this offseason. Keim promptly traded for Pro Bowl edge rusher Chandler Jones while selecting talented
defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche in the first round of the draft. If Palmer and Fitzgerald don't reach
the Super Bowl in the next two years, it won't be for lack of front-office support. Arians and Keim
understand it's time to seize the moment.
Devontae Booker takes the field as Broncos rookie
minicamp continues
By Andrew Mason
DenverBroncos.com
May 8, 2016
After missing Friday's work so he could attend graduation ceremonies at the University of Utah, running
back Devontae Booker made his Broncos practice debut Saturday at UCHealth Training Center.
Booker's work was limited as he continues recovery from a torn meniscus suffered last season. He said
last week that he is "90 percent" recovered from the injury, and Broncos Executive Vice
President/General Manager John Elway said last week that he expected Booker to be fully recovered by
June.
But Booker had progressed enough to where he could take some handoffs in individual drills Saturday,
working with fullbacks Andy Janovich and Manasseh Garner.
Booker has not yet progressed to where he can work on pass routes in individual drills; during that time
in practice, he received one-on-one coaching from Running Backs Coach Eric Studesville.
The Broncos also practiced Saturday without quarterback Paxton Lynch, who is graduating from the
University of Memphis.
"If my mom knew I made them stay here and not let them graduate, she would wear me out," Head
Coach Gary Kubiak said Friday, smiling. "He needs to go graduate."
Takeaways from Broncos rookie minicamp: Devontae
Booker, Adam Gotsis, special-teams changes and more
By Andrew Mason
DenverBroncos.com
May 8, 2016
Colorado weather is capricious in the spring.
When the Broncos began their on-field work Friday morning, the temperature was a balmy 78 degrees.
Twenty-four hours later, it was a blustery 50 and dropping, with north winds and a chilly drizzle
buffeting the UCHealth Training Center.
"Another beautiful day in Colorado," Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips said as he entered the media
room. "I'm still thawing out; hang on here for a second."
It didn't take Phillips long to get warmed up. And he had plenty to share Saturday as he, his fellow
coordinators and four of the Broncos' eight draft picks met with the media.
1. Adam Gotsis could contribute right away.
Although the 298-pound defensive lineman had to make the leap from a club team outside of
Melbourne, Australia to Georgia Tech, he was starting for the Yellow Jackets by his freshman season.
That quick progress -- as well as his draft status -- leads Phillips to believe that Gotsis might be ready for
a first-team role as a rookie.
"I think he's just like any fairly high-round pick: You expect him to come in and help you this year,"
Phillips said.
One key reason for that is the manner in which Gotsis adjusted to American football. Phillips and the
Broncos have scouted many prospects from outside of the United States and Canada, but not many have
adjusted like Gotsis.
"Sometimes, with foreign players that we've seen, sometimes they really look great and they can run
fast and they're big and strong, but it doesn't carry over to American football," Phillips said. “This kid has
very good instincts, he finds the ball really well, he's a brute on the field, he's very physical, and he's
adapted to American-style football really well."
Gotsis' ACL injury will hold him back from full-speed work until August. As Tom Petty once said, "The
waiting is the hardest part."
"It's tough," Gotsis said. "You're sitting in there in meetings, you're watching, you're learning and you're
going through plays and picking up the playbook, and then you go out there and you just want to walk
through or rep it out with the team, but you can't."
"You just have to take the mental reps. Really you just have to visualize yourself being out there in the
position of the guys that are out there. That's all I'm doing at the moment. I feel like I've got a pretty
good hold of things so far. It's going to be exciting to see when I can be out there and how I pick it up.”
2. Devontae Booker gets up to speed.
The fourth-round running back is still only at about 90 percent, and isn't expected to receive full practice
clearance until June as he completes recovery from a torn meniscus.
But he was able to work in some individual running-back drills Saturday, and cut well in both directions
as he took handoffs from his position coach, Eric Studesville.
The only worry Saturday was about Booker doing too much.
"I kind of picked up on everything fast. They just wanted me to slow down," he said. "I only know how to
practice fast.
"I think they needed like a leash or something for me to put on me just to hold me back. I felt good out
there. I was just ready to continue to work."
3. A horizon of possibilities with Andy Janovich.
Just having a fullback like the former Nebraska standout and sixth-round pick will create some more
flexibility for the offense, Offensive Coordinator Rick Dennison noted.
"There is a whole set of plays that we can run with two backs that we didn't run very much of last
years," Dennison said. "That just opens it up and gives us a little bit more for the defense to have to
worry about.
"One extra blocker in there allows us to block another guy closer to the line of scrimmage. So eight-man
boxes, we're able to deal with that. Plus, if we do that well then that will get them up in there and we
can throw it over their heads."
Janovich wasn't just drafted for his fullback work; he is an outstanding special teamer who played on
multiple units during his seasons as a Cornhusker.
"He's a core special-teamer," Special Teams Coordinator Joe DeCamillis said. "A lot of times when you're
evaluating guys in college, you don't see them play in the kicking game unless it was their freshman
year, part of their sophomore year or whatever. This guy did it all four years and was effective all four
years.
"Out of all the guys we got, I was definitely nervous when he went past a certain round because I
definitely wanted to see him there. He's a great addition for us. I think he's going to be a heck of a player
for us."
And he has the willingness to continue his special-teams role in Denver.
"I'm going to go out there and give it my all," Janovich said. "I would like to be a core special-teams
player and get out there and be on all of them. You have to take the field every day with the mentality
that you're going to beat the guy in front of you."
4. How can the defense possibly improve?
"Besides coaching?" Phillips deadpanned.
There isn't much. But there was one particular area in which his defense improved in the postseason:
third downs.
In the regular season, Denver ranked seventh in the league, allowing opponents to convert 35.2 percent
of their third-down attempts. That was good, but it paled in comparison with their league-leading status
in other key metrics -- yardage allowed per game and per play, rushing yardage per attempt and passing
yardage per game and per play.
But in the postseason, the Broncos allowed the Steelers, Patriots and Panthers to convert just 16.7
percent of their third-down attempts.
"We played well on third down throughout the year -- we were one of the top 10 -- but in the playoffs, it
was 16 percent," Phillips said. "If we can up our level on third downs -- not that we're going to have 16
percent -- but we played tremendously well in the playoffs.
"That's an area we're going to try to emulate as much as we can going into this year."
5. Two undrafted rookies will be in the mix on kickoff and punt returns.
DeCamillis identified two wide receivers -- Holy Cross product Kalif Raymond and Oregon standout
Bralon Addison -- as possibilities on returns, where they will step into a scrum that sees Super Bowl
punt-return-record-holder Jordan Norwood as the primary holdover following the departure of Omar
Bolden and the decision not to re-sign Andre Caldwell.
Raymond, a Holy Cross product who ran the 100-meter dash and the 4x100 relay in college, has
extensive return experience, averaging 22.6 yards on 80 career kickoff returns and 7.5 yards on 62
career punt returns at Holy Cross. His best season was last year, when he averaged 10.0 yards on 21
punt returns and 23.9 yards on 14 kickoff returns, scoring once each way.
"He's a smaller guy, but he's got great speed, and we think he's got a chance to compete in there,"
DeCamillis said.
Addison had just 12 career kickoff returns at Oregon for 217 yards, good for a modest 18.3-yard
average, but was an effective punt returner, averaging 11.9 yards and scoring three times on just 38
returns.
"He's probably not as fast as Khalif, but he's got a real good chance, too," DeCamillis said.
There were two punt periods in the last two days of practice, DeCamillis said, adding that there was one
dropped punt, although he did not identify who dropped it.
"For the most part, I think it was positive," he said. "It looked like they can handle that part of it."
6. At long snapper, it's not just about snapping the football.
Although precise snaps to Britton Colquitt and Riley Dixon are the top priority, the difference between
April signee Casey Kreiterand undrafted free agent Nathan Theus could come down to which of the two
is the better blocker.
"The biggest thing is obviously the snap; we want to see good rotation on the ball every time," Special
Teams Coordinator Joe DeCamillis said.
"The biggest issue with snappers -- and really, it doesn't happen in college -- is the protection part of it.
That's what we've really got to see from these guys in camp. So we're going to try to stress that as much
as we can, because every time you line up for a punt, there's the possibility of a rush.
"So we've got to make sure they can protect. We'll see from OTAs, and go from there."
7. A first look at the punting competition.
Any time a team uses a draft pick on a punter, it's with the belief that the newcomer has a viable chance
of claiming the job. So when the Broncos selected Riley Dixon in the seventh round last week, the
decision arched eyebrows and spurred speculation about what that would mean for incumbent Britton
Colquitt.
Colquitt's numbers were down in recent years, but he also had a dominant postseason that saw him
contribute directly to wins against the Steelers and Patriots with punts that were downed inside the
opponent's 10-yard-line, from which point the Broncos' top-ranked defense went to work.
"I got up here a few times last year and people were railing on Britton, but I can tell you one thing: There
wasn't a better guy in the playoffs, I promise you that," DeCamillis said. "He helped us win games in the
playoffs. So it's going to be a heck of a competition."
Dixon dropped 42 percent of his punts the last two years inside the 20, so he, too, is an expert at
placement. Special-teams assistant Chris Gould held the same position on Syracuse's staff, so he knew
Dixon's capabilities in precise detail.
"We had some inside information," DeCamillis said. "So we had some real good information on the kid.
"We think he's got a chance to be a real good punter in the National Football League, and that's why we
took him. But it's going to be a competitive situation."
8. New leaders have already emerged on special teams.
The season-ending injury suffered by David Bruton Jr. last December forced younger leaders to step
forward for DeCamillis, and he will lean on them this season.
He identified three players in particular.
"Kayvon Webster stepped up for us. Todd Davis stepped up for us all year. I thought a really unsung
hero for the whole thing was Cody Latimer," DeCamillis said. He did a great job and then in the New
England game [he] knocked that ball out there that gave us a kick start. He knocked a couple of other
balls out, too, and played well in the Super Bowl.
"I think we've got a good group coming back and I'm looking forward to getting started."