5 Biggest Takeaways from the Denver Broncos' OTAs
The Denver Broncos are working through Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the offseason installment program at Dove Valley this week. A few stories are developing within the walls at Broncos headquarters as the offseason rolls on. Some of these stories could have major impacts on the team in 2015, while other developments could be nothing but a blip on the radar.
The team is trying to build a Super Bowl contender in what could be the final two seasons of Peyton Manning’s career. The Broncos want to take every opportunity they can to improve on both sides of the ball during this time before they get into the rigors of training camp in August.
Here are the five biggest takeaways from the Broncos' OTAs.
No. 5: Demaryius Thomas Is Missed
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Earlier this year, the Broncos placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. He has not signed his one-year tender that would guarantee him a salary of $12.8 million in 2015. Instead, he is waiting to see if he and the team can agreed on a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players.
Thomas is a key piece of the offense and arguably Manning’s favorite target in the passing game. The veteran quarterback misses his friend.
“When you’re out there on the field, you certainly wish that No. 88 was out there. In my opinion, he has established himself as one of the top receivers in the NFL,” Manning said. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want him to be out there on the left or right side opposite [WR] Emmanuel [Sanders] during these practices. Like I said, I understand it and I want what’s best for him. I really do. Hopefully there is that happy medium for both sides and we can get him in here soon and put it all behind everybody.”
We should see an agreement with Thomas before the deadline, but it might not happen until right before mid-July rolls around. He is one of the best young receivers in the game today and deserves to be compensated as such. We could see him sign a deal that pays him around an average of $14 million annually.
Thomas is a key element for the Broncos' success this year, and the team certainly misses him at OTAs.
No. 4: Running Backs to Be Given Fair Opportunity
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Right now, C.J. Anderson sits atop the depth chart at the running back position for the Broncos. He proved last year that he could be a workhorse back for the Broncos, and he showed how productive he could be as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. He finished the final six weeks of the 2014 regular season as the league’s leading rusher, and he finished third in all-purpose yards during that time as well.
The new coaching staff is trying to get a feel for the running backs on the roster, and that’s why guys like Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman are going to get an opportunity to show what they can do with the first team at OTAs.
Kubiak gave some interesting insight into Ball’s mentality after practice on Wednesday.
“I think he knows [RB] C.J. [Anderson] did a heck of a job at the end of the year, but he sees himself as a starter also. I think he and [RB] Ronnie [Hillman] and all of them as a group know they’re going to get a fair opportunity. I’m impressed with him. I like what he’s doing.”
Kubiak clarified, “I know we don’t have any pads on, but he’s working extremely well.”
During OTAs, a team can see what players are capable of and decipher whether or not they deserve a larger opportunity in training camp. That’s the stance the Broncos are taking right now with Ball and Hillman. They want to see if either one could push Anderson for the starting job.
We’ll continue to see the coaches evaluate this position as the team goes through training camp. Anderson looked great in Wednesday’s practice, and his powerful lower body and change-of-direction ability make him a perfect fit for the zone-blocking system.
Denver will evaluate Ball and Hillman to see if either one can make a run at the starting job in 2015.
No. 3: Shane Ray Close to Practicing
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The Broncos added pass-rusher Shane Ray in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. For the first time under general manager John Elway, Denver moved up in the first round—and for good reason. Ray could be a star in the NFL with his natural pass-rushing ability.
However, he is still dealing with a turf toe injury that slowed him down in the predraft process. This is why the Broncos are easing the rookie into the lineup.
According to Kubiak, Ray is close to practicing with the team for the first time.
“He’s close. I think you’re going to probably see him next week do some individual [drills] and those types of things. We’ve fitted him for some orthotics,” Kubiak said. “He’s in a lot of treatment, which he wants out of that and wants on to the field. We’re going to go about this slowly and go about it the right way. I think you’ll see him doing individual next week.”
The turf toe injury did not require surgery, and there’s no reason for the Broncos to rush Ray back to the field. He’s going to be initiated in the NFL as a backup pass-rusher at outside linebacker behind Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware.
Ray is an alpha male with a chip on his shoulder. He should be able to provide the team with outstanding pressure from the edge when he’s on the field. The Broncos have to be anxious to see what he can do, but they’re not going to risk his long-term health by lacking patience during his recovery.
No. 2: Peyton Manning Needs Work Under Center
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Seeing Peyton Manning work from under center is a bit of an odd sight. The Kubiak offense doesn’t feature a lot of shotgun formations, and this year Manning will have to drop back from under center more than he has in recent seasons with the Broncos.
At practice on Wednesday, he showed some rust when working under center. There was a play where he stumbled and fell to the ground after taking the snap. Manning joked about it after practice.
“I don’t remember that. I’ve already gone to [Video Director] Steve Boxer, our video guy. It’s already been erased. That’s the advantage of being tight with your video guys.”
In all seriousness, Manning feels confident he can do whatever the team asks him to do in 2015.
“Right now, we have done a lot of that [snaps from under center] during the Phase 2 and the Phase 3. I feel that whatever they ask me to do, I can do.”
The Broncos are in an evaluation portion of the offseason, and they want to determine how much Manning should be used from under center. Kubiak talked about Manning slipping after the snap.
“The one thing the league always wants you to do is to keep players off the ground. We preach it and we give out T-shirts that say, ‘Stay on your feet.’ He’s the first one to hit the ground. We’re giving him a hard time.”
Manning is a seasoned pro, and working from under center will have a few bumps in the road. Broncos fans should have the utmost confidence that Manning can make things work in the Kubiak system. They should also know that Kubiak is likely to use a bit more shotgun in 2015 since Manning is his quarterback.
No. 1: Ryan Clady Likely Done for the Year
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The team revealed on Thursday that left tackle Ryan Clady suffered a potential season-ending injury to his left ACL. Kubiak did keep the option open that he could be on the injured reserve-designated to return list, but things don’t look good for the veteran tackle.
The new head coach elaborated on Clady’s injury and the impact on the offensive line.
“Anytime you lose a player it’s a blow. Ryan is obviously not only a veteran player on this team, he’s a leader on this team too. So that makes it even more difficult. If you’re in this business—player and coach—you’re going to face these very difficult situations like this and how you respond to them has a lot to do with how you end up being, what your football team ends up being.
“It’s a tough road and it’s one you’ve got to step up and meet the challenge on. And it’s our job as coaches to get that done and the players—it’s my promise they’ll give everything they have.”
Without Clady, the Broncos will be scrambling a bit (more) on the offensive line.
Rookie Ty Sambrailo was a second-round pick by the Broncos this year with the thought he could be a starting right tackle in 2015. Now, Sambrailo looks to be the front-runner on the left side without Clady.
He was a left tackle for most of his career with the Colorado State Rams. In college, Sambrailo played in a pro-style offense and worked in the zone-blocking system. Learning what the Broncos want to do up front is going to have a shorter curve for him because of his college experience.
At practice on Wednesday, Sambrailo showed a good (quick) kick step after the snap. He gets into his base naturally and doesn’t plant his feet too wide while waiting for contact. Instead, he showed the ability to mirror pro-rushers on the edge. His pass-protection ability will be critical to him winning the starting job now that Clady is likely done for the year.
All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted.
Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions.
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