Denver Broncos

Montee Ball (38) during rookie minicamp at the Broncos training facility. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports) We have a quick poll for you to take this evening. Simply stated, after the Denver Broncos released Willis McGahee last week, are you happy with the team’s trio of running backs? Let’s take a quick look. Knowshon Moreno Height: 5-11 Weight: 220 lbs. Experience: 5 years 2012: 138 carries for 525 yards (3.8 average), 4 touchdowns, and one fumble lost Ronnie Hillman Height: 5-9 Weight: 195 lbs. Experience: 2 2012: 85 carries for 330 yards (3.9 average), one touchdown, one fumble lost Montee Ball Height: 5-10 Weight: 215 lbs. Experience: Rookie College: Had 77 rushing touchdowns and six touchdown receptions while at Wisconsin, which makes him just one of six college players to run for over 60 touchdowns in his career. Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook and on Twitter.

Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports The University of Georgia Bulldogs have been good to the Denver Broncos over the history of the franchise. From Terrell Davis to Champ Bailey, former Bulldog players tend to do well in the orange and navy blue jersey. Sure, there have been some duds over the years with the most recent being Knowshon Moreno and Champ’s younger brother, Boss Bailey, but if history is any indication, when the Broncos draft or pick up a Bulldog, they tend to leave their mark on the franchise. In this year’s NFL Draft the Broncos picked up an absolute steal when they drafted wide receiver Tavarres King in the fifth round out of none other than Georgia. Listed at 6-1, 200 pounds, King is a big dude who posted big numbers while at Georgia. Averaging 19.1 yards per reception during his five years at Georgia and having over 130 catches for a career total of 2,602 yards and 21 touchdowns, King is now bringing his pass catching ability into an offense that has a Future Hall of Fame quarterback in Peyton Manning to throw him passes and two Pro Bowl wide receivers in Demaryius Thomas, again from Georgia just across the state, and Wes Welker. While Eric Decker is on the roster and listed as the number two wide receiver on the team, I would look out for King to start turning heads in training camp and the preseason and possibly push Decker out of the second spot on the team. Of course this is all speculation, but again, in general, any player from the state of Georgia has a good chance of making the roster and then becoming a force to be reckoned with. I have held the belief that Decker would be best suited in the slot, but now with the Broncos picking up Welker and King on the team, Decker has to be feeling the pressure as he could be a big trading chip should King play his way into the opposite side of Thomas. Most Bronco fans, including myself, like Decker and he has had some flashes of being a solid number two, but his inconsistency catching the football and inability to separate himself from defensive backs has hindered him from solidifying his hold on that second receiver spot which caused the Broncos to go out in the offseason and pickup Welker and use a draft pick to get King. So if you’re looking for a position battle to keep your eye on come training camp and preseason, the number two receiver spot on the Broncos roster could be and should be an intriguing battle. Brandyn Nuffer is a Denver Broncos Writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter or Like him on Facebook

As some of you remember I used to post on here from time to time, but with the new system I don't. To keep it simple- I hate it. So I'll ask someone else to do the work, maybe a staffer can delicate this task. From what I've seen Denver looks to be building a 4-2-5 Attacking Defense. With the loss of Doom, the additions of Phillips, Jammer, DRC I think the writing is on the wall. The 4-2-5 is used for 5 basic reasons. 1) It fits your personnel! A true Mike LB is hard to find. Having two great OLB's is a key factor. Also it is a little easier to find a strong safety that can play both the pass and hit like a LB (Jammer and Webster). Which can be rotated into the Linebacker spots. Also the need for "beef" upfront. Lineman to take on the blocks sort of like a 3-4 NT would do to free up the middle. The DE/s need to be able to crash the ends, plus hold down the fort. They set the edge but also need to be able to close in. Sound like a team you know yet? 2) It allows a team to adjust quickly and eaily to multiple formations and/or motions that an offense can show. 3) The five secondary defense also allows a team to give the illusion of having 8-9 in the box on the pre-snap read. Making it difficult for the QB to change in or out of a play based on the front. 4) It puts more speed on the field to help against a pass happy system. Speed kills, you can't coach it, just have it. 5) It allows a team to put more players in a blitz position without giving it away in the pre-snap reads. It sounds to simple to be true, but it has worked at almost every level other than the pros for years. Is this the year we see it break into the NFL? I personally feel Denver has done everything we need to run this. Would someone be willing to dig deeper into it. I would but like I said I hate the new system for posting. As some of you remember I used to post on here from time to time, but with the new system I don't. To keep it simple- I hate it. So I'll ask someone else to do the work, maybe a staffer can delicate this task. From what I've seen Denver looks to be building a 4-2-5 Attacking Defense. With the loss of Doom, the additions of Phillips, Jammer, DRC I think the writing is on the wall. The 4-2-5 is used for 5 basic reasons. 1) It fits your personnel! A true Mike LB is hard to find. Having two great OLB's is a key factor. Also it is a little easier to find a strong safety that can play both the pass and hit like a LB (Jammer and Webster). Which can be rotated into the Linebacker spots. Also the need for "beef" upfront. Lineman to take on the blocks sort of like a 3-4 NT would do to free up the middle. The DE/s need to be able to crash the ends, plus hold down the fort. They set the edge but also need to be able to close in. Sound like a team you know yet? 2) It allows a team to adjust quickly and eaily to multiple formations and/or motions that an offense can show. 3) The five secondary defense also allows a team to give the illusion of having 8-9 in the box on the pre-snap read. Making it difficult for the QB to change in or out of a play based on the front. 4) It puts more speed on the field to help against a pass happy system. Speed kills, you can't coach it, just have it. 5) It allows a team to put more players in a blitz position without giving it away in the pre-snap reads. It sounds to simple to be true, but it has worked at almost every level other than the pros for years. Is this the year we see it break into the NFL? I personally feel Denver has done everything we need to run this. Would someone be willing to dig deeper into it. I would but like I said I hate the new system for posting.

Offense POS Starter 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Other # 2012 QB 18 P. Manning 17 B. Osweiler 2 Z. Dysert 8 R. Katz --- --- 4 3 HB 38 M. Ball 21 R. Hillman 27 K. Moreno 35 L. Ball 37 J. Johnson 39 C.J. Anderson 6 4 FB 22 J. Hester --- --- --- --- --- 1 1 TE 81 J. Dreessen 84 J. Tamme 85 V. Green 80 J. Thomas 82 L. Reed --- 5 3/4 #1 WR 88 D. Thomas 12 A. Caldwell 89 G. Orton 15 T. King 10 G. Robinson 11 T. Holliday --- --- #2 WR 87 E. Decker 12 A. Caldwell 89 G. Orton 15 T. King 10 G. Robinson L. Thomas 19 K. Bateman 13 --- --- Slot 83 W. Welker 16 Q. McDuffie --- --- --- --- 11 5 LT 78 R. Clady 75 C. Clark 70 V. Painter 71 P. Cornick 67 M. Foketi --- --- --- LG 68 Z. Beadles 73 K. Kuper 64 P. Blake 72 J.Boren --- 63 B. Garland --- --- C 50 J.D. Walton 66 M. Ramirez 54 C.J. Davis 60 Q. Saulsberry --- ---- --- --- RG 65 L. Vasquez 73 K. Kuper 66 M. Ramirez 64 P. Blake 72 J. Boren --- --- --- RT 74 O. Franklin 75 C. Clark 70 V. Painter 71 P. Cornick 67 M. Foketi --- 16 9 Totals ---- ---- ---- ---- --- --- 43 25 - UDFA rookie Manase Foketi was switched from guard to tackle. Defense POS Starter 2nd 3rd 4th Other Total 2012 RDE 91 R. Ayers 90 S. Phillips 93 J. Beal 69 Q. Smith 79 J. Youboty --- --- DT 99 K. Vickerson 92 S. Williams 96 M. Unrein 98 S. Siliga 76 R. Fuga --- --- DT 94 T. Knighton 92 S. Williams 96 M. Unrein 98 S. Siliga 76 R. Fuga 6 4 LDE 95 D. Wolfe 97 M. Jackson 79 J. Youboty --- --- 7 4 SLB 58 V. Miller 90 S. Phillips 49 D. Holmes --- --- --- --- MLB 56 N. Irving 55 S. Bradley 53 S. Johnson --- --- --- --- WLB 52 W. Woodyard 59 D. Trevathan 47 L. McCray 48 U. Kaveinga --- 10 7 CB 1 24 C. Bailey 45 DRC 31 O. Bolden 29 M. Butler --- --- --- CB 2 45 DRC 25 C. Harris 34 Q, Jammer 32 T. Carter 40 A. Hester --- --- CB 3 25 C. Harris 34 Q, Jammer 36 K. Webster --- --- 9 5 S 26 R. Moore 30 D. Bruton 34 Q. Jammer 33 D. Ihenacho 41 R. Rasner --- --- S 20 M. Adams 28 Q. Carter 34 Q. Jammer 33 D. Ihenacho 41 R. Rasner 7 5 Totals ---- ---- ---- ---- --- 37* 25 If you do a double take on total numbers, remember that Phillips and Jammer are counted in the totals of two different position groups, but they are only counted once in the total defensive numbers. With the reserve LB's, I'm just guessing and putting them in slots--doesn't mean that is what the team has in mind for them. Special Teams Player Position 46 A. Brewer LS 5 M. Prater K 4 D. Colquitt 9 R. Doerr P If you're looking for Trindon Holliday, I've listed him with the WR's. Remember that Welker can also return kicks an

After suffering a season-ending ankle injury suffered during Week 4 of the 2012 season, J.D. Walton has been rehabbing with his eye on being ready to reclaim his starting center position for the 2013 campaign. That has meant that every day has been dedicated towards rehabilitation and the path back to health has not been an easy one. “The injury is getting better every day,” Walton said at a KOA sponsor Q&A event held in the Broncos’ locker room at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in early June. “I’m at rehab every day. No vacations. Vacations are hanging out on the weekend, I guess. It’s getting better. Running on it, planting on it, starting to do drills with the O-line.” Walton, who rated his injury at “eight-and-a-half or nine” with 10 being full health, was asked who is faster between him and his fellow fourth-year offensive lineman Zane Beadles. “We have it on film that I’m faster, so that’s all that matters,” he replied. But Beadles had a question of his own as to who would win a race that day with Walton still not fully recovered. “It’d be a tie, then,” Walton conceded with a laugh. While they probably won’t be running many races in training camp, the pair could be reunited on the offensive line when the Broncos’ training camp opens in late July. “The plan is to be ready for camp,” Walton said. “Be 100 percent for camp, and be ready to roll.”

After posting a 12 win season in 1977 and a 10 win season in 1978, the Broncos posted a 10 win game in 1979 good enough for their 3rd straight playoff appearance. They were coached by Red Miller, a man who began his career as an assistant for Lou Saban (future Broncos head coach) in Boston with the Patriots in 1960. After serving as an offensive line coach many places throughout the 60's and 70's, Miller got his one and only NFL head coaching gig with the Broncos. Denver Broncos Countdown to Kickoff: 80 Days Rod Smith and Rick Upchurch Denver started the season off with a bang shutting out the Cincinnati Bengals at home 10-0. After building a 6-3 record through seven games which highlighted a stellar 4-1 record against AFC west foes, the Broncos experienced a four game winning streak that gave way to a 1-3 record in the final four games including losses in the final two. Most disappointing about the finish was the fact that Denver's three losses came at the hand of AFC West opponents. The Broncos were fantastic in the cozy confines of Mile High Stadium with a 6-2 record. They were a top 10 defense in yards and a top 5 defense in points allowed, but their offense struggled putting up 18 points per game good enough for 20th in the league. One of the biggest issues why the offense struggled was due to turnovers. Craig Morton, Norris Weese, and Craig Penrose combined to throw for 23 INT's compared to just 18 TD's. Despite forcing over 40 turnovers--19 INT's (led by CB Steve Foley's 6) Denver still finished with a -3 turnover differential. With a wild card date with the Houston Oilers, Denver's offense never quite found its mojo. After a 1st quarter TD pass from Morton to Dave Preston, the Houston defense coached by Bum Phillips shutout Denver the rest of the way, hassling Craig Morton all day on route to a six sack performance. Though the Broncos forced more turnovers than they coughed up that game, they failed to capitalize on the opportunities. Houston won 13-7. Red Miller would finish out his NFL coaching career the following season with an 8-8 record. New Broncos owner Edgar Kaiser fired the man after he has posted a 42-20 record in four seasons. This included three playoff appearances in four seasons a Super Bowl berth in 1977. Some guys just seem to get the short end of the stick. Cool 79 Factoid Both OLB Jim Ryan and WR Steve Watson were UDFA rookies signed by the Broncos in 1979. Ryan went on to have a solid 10 year career as a Bronco retiring from the NFL following the 1988 season. Steve Watson played his entire 9 year career in Denver. During that time he caught 353 passes for 6,112 yards and 36 TD's. He retired following the 1987 season. Notable Broncos to wear #79 Barney Chavous 1973-1985 Marcus Thomas 2007-2010 Current Bronco wearing #79 John Youboty Read More: Denver Broncos by the Numbers: #79 (Kaptain Kirk)

Running back Ronnie Hillman talks about replacing Willis McGahee, blocking for Peyton Manning and competing for a starting job.

December 2, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Nate Irving (56) during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports As great of a season as the Denver Broncos had in 2012 after starting off 2-3 and then winning 11 straight games, most people will remember it for one play. Even though the Ravens’ miracle run ended the Broncos’ season, it didn’t end their hopes for a Super Bowl title in the near future. The Broncos are the number one team in our 2013 Power Rankings, and they boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, led by superstars Peyton Manning and Von Miller. The Broncos made one of the biggest splashes in the league in 2013 when they signed slot receiver Wes Welker to join an already stacked WR group featuring Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, both of whom had breakout seasons last year with Manning throwing them the ball. Since John Elway joined the front office, this team has done a great job of drafting, especially when you compare what they’ve done the last three years to years prior. The Broncos are a team with great veterans, but they are also one featuring some top notch young prospects. Here are three players–one from each of the last three draft classes–that could have a breakout season in 2013. Third Year — Nate Irving, LB The Broncos’ middle linebacker spot should have a really intriguing battle this offseason. Former third round draft choice Nate Irving is looking to take over for departed D.J. Williams on the inside and join a group of linebackers that already features All-Pro Von Miller and a player who busted out in a big way last season–Wesley Woodyard. To this point, Irving has only played key roles on the Broncos’ special teams, but he saw some spot action when Miller got nicked up last season at SLB. This year, the Broncos put a big vote of confidence in Irving, pretty much handing him over the starting job and adding only Stewart Bradley at the position through free agency or the draft. Irving only has 17 career tackles in 31 games, so he’s been healthy he just hasn’t quite been ready to step into a full time role. Broncos coaches feel like Irving can be a big contributor to the defense, and obviously they felt enough of him to pick him in the third round a couple of years ago. This could very well be a make-or-break year for the former North Carolina State star.

Willis McGahee released due to health concerns - SBNation.comMcGahee has a history of knee injuries, including a torn MCL that ended his 2012 season in November. McGahee received limited carries during minicamp after sitting out OTAs. Elvis has left the building, but Von's ready to play | National Football PostBroncos linebacker Von Miller has recorded an impressive 30 sacks in his two years. But to post those kinds of numbers again, he will have to do so without the help of his former pass rushing partner. Denver Broncos News & Blogs 2013 Game-by-Game: Week 1 " DenverBroncos.comThe Broncos open the season as the only show in town, taking on the defending Super Bowl champs in the NFL Kickoff Game. Week 1 Preview: Denver vs. Baltimore " DenverBroncos.comView photos from the last time the Broncos and Ravens squared off. Broncos Golf Outing Results " DenverBroncos.comBefore the Broncos kicked off their final set of OTA practices in May, they took to the golf course for some team bonding. Mile High Monday: Denver Broncos Wrap Up Offseason - Predominantly OrangeMandatory minicamp ended last week and the Denver Broncos are off until the start of training camp at the end of July. The Five Stages of Grief and Getting Over the Denver Broncos 2012 Season - Predominantly OrangeWe’re just 80 days away from the 2013 NFL season, which has the Denver Broncos hosting the Baltimore Ravens to kick things off. Greg Cosell on Denver’s 2013 draft picks - It's All Over, Fat Man!Anyone who's been reading this site for very long should know we're all big fans of the work done by Doug Farrar at Shutdown Corner, and by Greg Cosell at NFL Films. NFL News and Blogs Tim Tebow landed in perfect spot with New England Patriots - Peter King - SI.comI always figured, once the inevitability of the demise of Tim Tebow with the Jets played out, there were three teams that made sense for him: New England, New Orleans and Green Bay. And New England, which announced his signing today, was the most sensible, by far. Scott Pioli added as NFL analyst for NBC Sports - SBNation.comFormer Kansas City Chiefs' general manager Scott Pioli will be the latest former NFL exec to transition to broadcast. Matt Ryan's contract could hold up Richard Seymour deal - SBNation.comThe Atlanta Falcons and free agent defensive tackle Richard Seymour haven't been able to agree on a contract, and it's likely because Atlanta has to lock up quarterback Matt Ryan to a new deal first, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. NFL rumors: Could the Chicago Bears cut Devin Hester? - SBNation.comHester has been a household name in Chicago for several years, but if he can't retain his job as the Bears' return man, he could be on his way out. Vonta Leach expected to make decision in next 2 weeks - SBNation.comFree agent fullback Vonta Leach, who was released by the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens last week, will make a decision on his new team within the next two weeks, per Tony Castleberry of the Daily Reflector. Green Bay Packers release LB Desmond Bishop - SBNation.comThe Green Bay Packers will release inside linebacker Desmond Bishop Monday, according to Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Rob Gronkowski injury: Patriots TE uncertain of return date - SBNation.comGronkowski is set to undergo back surgery, which will keep him out for the foreseeable future. SB Nation NFL Huddle: Tony Gonzalez missing minicamp, Giants have double trouble and more - SBNation.comFalcons tight end Tony Gonzalez already has Hall of Fame numbers, so there is no need for him to attend minicamp, even if it is mandatory. Read up on that and more in Monday's round-up of news from SB Nation's NFL blogs. Jets 2013 offseason: Who's going to play wide receiver? - SBNation.comThe Jets may have the worst wide receiver unit in the league. How bad is it? Let's take a look. 2013 NFL roster battles: Blaine Gabbert, Mark Sanchez among quarterbacks fighting fo

Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman added about 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason and got his frame up to 200 pounds. The team would like him to play between 190-to-195 pounds. Huddle Up: The Broncos drafted Montee Ball to be their "big" back, with the expectation for Hillman to be their speed/change of pace back. Hillman might like a larger share of the workload, but he'll have to settle for being a little larger and being what likely amounts to the junior member of Denver's committee.