Denver Broncos Start Quarterback Camp: Ryan Clady's First Shot

The Denver Broncos began their first quarterback camp today. It is coach Mike Shanahan's first chance to look at his thirty-six new players, and see how they fit in with the familiar faces from last year. There are very few positions that are safe, most will be fierce competition.

Some of those battles are:

* Wide Receiver—With Brandon Marshall sitting out due to injury, it will be a great chance for the newcomers like Darrell Jackson, Keary Colbert, Eddie Royal, and Sammie Parker to go out and compete for the job opposite of Marshall.

* Right Tackle—With Shanahan already penciling in Ryan Clady as the starter at left, it makes for some great competition at right tackle. Erik Pears was the starter last year, but look for Chris Kuper and Ryan Harris to get a look as well. Kuper started last year for the injured Ben Hamilton at left guard.

* Safety—John Lynch is back, and with a chip on his shoulder. This year he had to take a pay cut to come back, which should add some gas to the fire. Look for newcomers Marlon McCree and Marquand Manuel to push Lynch. Hamza Abdullah will also get a look.

*Defensive Tackle—Dewayne Robertson was acquired from the Jets, and is out to prove that he is every bit as good as the Jets thought he was when they made him the fourth overall pick in the 2003 draft. Marcus Thomas and Alvin McKinley should get a significant amount of time as well. Look for Josh Mallard and Steve Harris to battle it out for the last spot.

*Defensive End—Like the defensive tackle position, the defensive end job is wide open. Elvis Dumervil was the best defensive lineman from a year ago, but Jarvis Moss and Ebenezer Ekuban have both recovered from injuries and should push for some time. Look for John Engleberger and Tim Crowder to push their way into the lineup as well.

* Kicker—For the first time since 1993, the Broncos are not sure who will be handling the kicking duties. Matt Prater will get the first chance. Garrett Hartley, the undrafted free agent, will be his competition.

* Punter—Last year's idiot of the year, Todd Sauerbrun, is no longer there, and Ernster's time was up before it began. Look for Sam Paulescu to get the initial shot, but he will have competition in Danny Baugher and Brett Kern.

A few other stories to follow will be the progress of the new linebackers. DJ Williams will move back to the weak side, Boss Bailey will get the strong, and the young Niko Koutouvides will man the middle.

Travis Henry, like Lynch, took a pay cut, and will get competition from Selvin Young and rookie Ryan Torian. Ben Hamilton and Tom Nalen are both back from injuries and should look to shake off some rust as they get this year going.