The moment the lower-third graphic flashes “SELECTION” during the NFL Draft, just about every fan base of every team immediately starts to wonder if the name about to appear on screen will ultimately be the next great find. For the same reasons we buy lottery tickets, go to casinos, and allow the E-Trade baby to continue his reign of unmitigated terror (dislike!), the draft is yet another chance to believe against statistics.

The gimmick of “grading” drafts has actually become so cliche it’s spawned its own antithetical cliche of explaining how drafts can’t be truly graded for five years. So let’s go ahead and not do any of that…or at least say we won’t.

Instead, we’ll take the same basic premise of prognosticating the impact of the Denver Broncos’ latest draft haul, but base it off of position rather than player. It seems appropriate to take this approach as the Broncos are not a fundamentally flawed team. As much as some may point to the team’s earlier-than-expected playoff exit, there is no unit on the current roster that remotely approaches woeful status. Yes, the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Atlanta Falcons bruised the secondary, but those teams did the same to most every secondary. (It’s also worth noting an equally big factor in Denver losing was its own offense’s inability to adequately respond.)

For our purposes, let’s assume the Broncos were more or less in the ballpark in their assessment of talent (i.e. the personnel crew didn’t greatly overvalue or undervalue any of the selections). With that in mind, we’ll go through each unit, and what influence the latest crop of Broncos should have on each unit.

Defensive Line

Addressed in Rounds: 1, 5

Positions Drafted: DT, DE

2012 Impressions: An improved, but still slightly suspect unit. Strong edge rush ability, but significant interior lapses. Inability to sustain pressure in middle against pass, and against strong running games (especially Houston and the Kansas City Chiefs).

2013 Projection: Additions of Sylvester Williams and veteran Terrance Knighton will greatly improve unit’s ability to occupy blockers, possibly making edge rush more effective. Loss of Elvis Dumervil should be obsolete with additions of veteran free agent Shaun Phillips and rookie Quanterus Smith (if healthy). True tackles will allow Denver more personnel packages with versatile Derek Wolfe. Kevin Vickerson and Mitch Unrein allow interior depth with potential for continued development or additional minutes by Malik Jackson.

Good enough to beat Patriots?: Um, maybe. The Broncos should greatly benefit from the added size in the interior, but the big men must have stellar conditioning to make an impact against a hyper tempo offense.

Secondary

Addressed in Round: 3

Position Drafted: CB

2012 Impressions: Much of what the Broncos did on defense began with the premise that Champ Bailey would take away one side of the field (this mainly happened…yet again). Strong performances by committee opposite Bailey. Susceptible to getting beat deep on the outside, and frequently faced interior mismatches with above-average or better tight ends and slot receivers. Difficulty against elite passing attacks.

2013 Projection: See above. Nothing against Kayvon Webster, but the third rounder probably isn’t jumping Antonio Rodgers-Cromartie, Chris Harris, Tony Carter, and perhaps even Omar Bolden. Sure, injuries and heavy use of sub-packages could get Webster some reps, but this wasn’t a “play now” pick. As much as we’d like to wish otherwise, there likely wasn’t a corner in this draft who would’ve given Denver a decided edge against elite passing attacks. So long as the Broncos get solid special teams play out of Webster, any flashes of competence on defense this season would be a bonus.

Good enough to beat Patriots?: Probably not. The best Denver can hope for is enough drop-off between Wes Welker and Danny Amendola to make the slot threat a wash. Denver should continue to hold up well against New England’s receivers, but the tight ends still remain a conundrum without a clear solution.

Running Back

Rookie running back Montee Ball was the Wisconsin offensive workhorse. (courtesy Bflbarlow)

Addressed in Round: 2

Position Drafted: RB

2012 Impressions: An effective non-threat. Solid all-around contributions by Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno. Ronnie Hillman billed as home-run hitter, but only showed it in spurts. In general, the ground game was something opposing defenses had to be mindful of, but not scheme against to stop. McGahee and Moreno were as valuable as blockers and receiving out of the backfield as they were running. Unit was good enough to allow Denver to sustain late-game drives with the lead.

2013 Projection: Probably better, maybe the same. Montee Ball enters the league as a workhorse back with a strong record of production at Wisconsin. One frequent concern is he took too much of a beating in college and injuries will catch up to him. This is pretty baseless. You could easily say guys who only started two years in college lack the durability to stay injury-free in the pros. The injury discussion is meaningful though, as Denver has endured successive seasons of injuries to its backfield. Ideally, Ball makes it possible for Denver to dismiss his cousin (not really) Lance. If that can happen this unit can sustain a suitable, if not mind-blowing level of play.

Good enough to beat Patriots?: Yes…provided injuries are avoided, and what Denver does with its roster. Ultimately, the Broncos would be best served to be in a situation where Hillman is no longer asked to be something he’s not (a pounding interior runner). This can be accomplished with a committee of Moreno and Ball, or McGahee, Moreno, and Ball, etc. Depth and health from the bigger backs will allow the Broncos to fuel an up-tempo offense with a fresh backfield and multi-dimensional depth.

Receiver

Addressed in Round: 5

Position Drafted: WR

2012 Impressions: Statistically strong, but not quite mesmerizing. Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker teamed to form one of the league’s most productive duos. Brandon Stokely epitomized reliable in the slot. Aside from them…not much else to love. Capable of big plays. Could disappear at times. No one player consistently inspired spectators to ask, “How is that guy always getting so open?”

2013 Projections: On paper, scary. With a season of experience both Thomas and Decker should now be extremely comfortable with the abilities and expectations of Peyton Manning. Still, both need to develop as route runners and develop more dependability in getting open. Addition of Welker may greatly assist with this. The Broncos now have exactly 1/5 of the league’s 2012 reception leaders on the roster. Still lack a bona fide downfield threat. Tavarres King could be that piece as he’s billed as a quick-start speed guy. If this proves true and he develops consistency (which he’ll need if he wants to see any playing time with Manning), the Broncos passing game alone could pose a world of problems of league defenses.

Good enough to beat Patriots?: Better be…downing elite teams relies heavily on putting points on the board as quickly and often as possible. Denver’s points must come fluidly through the air.

Offensive Line

Addressed in Round: 6

Position Drafted: OT

2012 Impressions: Solid unit that too often contended with injuries showing a noticeable lack of all-around depth. While the line inevitably wasn’t able to keep Manning upright all season, it did keep him from getting drilled by unobstructed rushers for the most part. Average run-blocking ability. Run-blocking did improve when Denver was playing with large leads, but then again, doesn’t everything?

The Broncos added depth at O-line with the signing of San Diego’s Louis Vasquez. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

2013 Projections: The addition of Virginia Tech’s Vinston Painter doesn’t beef up this unit. However, the addition of San Diego’s Louis Vasquez helps tremendously. A little more fortune on the health front should make this unit stingy once again, and hopefully slightly more effective on the ground. The Broncos don’t need a great running game to win a championship, but if they manage to find one it makes a Super Bowl run all the more likely. Denver has attempted to quietly reinforce the line through late round draft selections the past two years…the hope is returning veterans and free agency fillers allow these players to develop.

Good enough to beat Patriots?: Yes. Vasquez should provide needed strength against big D-Lineman (including massive Vince Wilfork). With the Broncos receiving threats its unlikely teams will be willing to send extra personnel after Manning on a regular basis. If this unit can ratchet up its win/loss record on the line of scrimmage, it will be tough predicament for defenses: Blitz Manning and risk big plays, or let him cut you apart four yards at a time.

Quarterback

Addressed in Round: 7

Position Drafted: QB…shocking, huh

2012 Impressions: (Gleeful laughter)

2013 Projections: STAY HEALTHY, PEYTON!! (If this doesn’t happen, I’ll be real honest, it’s not really going to matter that much that Denver drafted Zac Dysert.) The one thing I will say about Dysert is that while he was likely drafted to compete with Brock Osweiler, he’s more like one of those horses trainers bring in to keep their Triple Crown hopefuls company. While it remains a mystery whether Osweiler will truly be the quarterback of the future, the Broncos obviously want to nudge him without threatening him. The team’s gamble is that Manning stays healthy for at least another full season. Right now, throwing Osweiler in as a starter likely puts him into action ahead of schedule…never a good thing.

Good enough to beat Patriots?: You bet with Manning. Not a chance without.

The Denver Broncos emerged as a legitimate Super Bowl contender in 2012. By all accounts they’re entering 2013 with more upgrades than downgrades. The team finally appears to have landed a key player in a position they’ve struggled to fill in past drafts (defensive tackle), and bolstered other positions that weren’t necessarily broken, but needed some extra umph. All in all, the one thing we can confidently say is the Broncos emerged from the free agency frenzy and draft without obviously screwing up (Dumervil weirdness aside). This team isn’t far from a championship, but needs to be proven right on its personnel decisions quickly, as the window to a Super Bowl inches ever closer to closed.

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Broncos must get up to speed if other foes follow Patriots’ blueprint - When studying the evolution of NFL offenses, it’s important to … Wait a minute. The New England Patriots just ran another play.  Where were we? Oh, yes, just as Buddy Ryan came up with the “46 defense” to negate Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense … Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos rookie Malik Jackson makes his own way apart from twin brother - For years, it felt to Malik Jackson that no one knew his name.  As an identical twin, Jackson was constantly called “Twin,” because people at school couldn’t tell the difference between him and his brother, Marquis. No wonder Jackson is relishing the chance to make a name for himself in the NFL.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Mark Kiszla: Manning’s fine, but other Broncos stars must play like it - For a football team with no Plan B, the Broncos lack a sense of urgency.  Quarterback Peyton Manning is ready to win big now.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Ready for a Monday Night Showdown - This is a huge game, especially coming off a loss last week. You definitely want to win all your division games. It’s tough, but we definitely want to get ourselves in a tie for first place with a win in our division to give us a better chance to go to the playoffs.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Making Stops on Monday Night - Champ Bailey and the Denver defense know they’ll have to make corrections and get off the field early to stop the Chargers in San Diego.  Watch video from Denver Broncos >>>>

Denver Broncos: Defense Needs to be More Aggressive - Everyone or seemingly everyone has an opinion on the defense for the Denver Broncos and how to fix it. I am going to give you my thoughts in a minute but first let me point out a couple of things. Two years ago the defense for the Broncos was historically bad; they were one of the worst defenses in NFL history.  Read more from Rant Sports >>>>

Chargers, Broncos Monday Night Matchup To Decide Early AFC West Lead - When the Chargers and Broncos meet this Monday Night in San Diego, the AFC West lead will be on the line.  In fact, one of these two teams have won seven of the last eight division titles, with San Diego being crowned five of those.  Read more from CBS Denver >>>>

Peyton Manning: Denver Broncos QB Must Spark Quick Start to Defeat San Diego - Peyton Manning must help the Denver Broncos to a quicker start if they want to win a critical early-season matchup against divisional rival San Diego.  The Monday Night Football clash between these AFC West rivals may be too early in the season to be a true difference-maker, but it certainly will be integral in how things end up playing out in the division.  Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

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Broncos QB Peyton Manning clearly on the marquee in Denver - Peyton Manning is about to play his first game for keeps — his first real game with the Broncos. His first regular-season game since missing last year with a neck injury.  He will play his first game since the 2010 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have played in three of the past seven Super Bowls and had the NFL’s No. 1-rated defense last year.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos’ Stokley, Dreessen respond to Greeley NFL jersey ban - Not to stereotype or anything but Brandon Stokley doesn’t even have a tattoo.  Yet, his No. 14 is forbidden in the Greeley-Evans School District because the number could have possible associations with a local gang.  ”I think it’s sad that it’s come to that,” Stokley said. “We love the support, especially from kids. I have a son in the third grade and he loves to wear jerseys. It’s sad that the circumstances surrounding this have made it come to this.”  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Terry Frei: Elvis Dumervil needs to stand up as leader of Broncos - Elvis Dumervil was soft-spoken and polite about it. No, he said, he wasn’t going to talk to me.  This was during the Broncos’ open locker-room period Wednesday at Dove Valley, and the veteran defensive end had passed through to pick up some things at his stall.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Notebook: Two-Headed Monster -  The Steelers offense presents two primary threats – two major strengths, two ways it will try to beat you. ”(The biggest challenge is) stopping that run game,” said cornerback Champ Bailey, who has faced Pittsburgh five times in his career. “You know one thing about the Steelers — they’re always going to try to run the ball and establish their run game. Then, contain (quarterback) Big Ben (Roethlisberger). He’s one of the most dangerous at what he does. He hasn’t been a two-time Super Bowl winner for no reason. He’s a great quarterback.”  Defensive tackle Justin Bannan is another veteran on the Broncos who has seen his fair share of Pittsburgh. Bannan has played nine games against the Steelers in his 10-year career – seven during his four-year stint with Baltimore.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Under the Helmet: Malik Jackson – Malik Jackson, a rookie fifth-rounder out of Tennessee, finished tied for fifth on the team and first among defensive lineman with eight tackles in the preseason. Jackson also recorded two preseason sacks to tie for the team lead in that category. DenverBroncos.com recently caught up with Jackson to talk about his adjustment to the NFL.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Broncos unveil Mile High Mountain Village - Broncos fans know all about the Broncos Barn on game day, but with a new season comes a new way to get pumped for kick off.  On the north side of Sports Authority Field at Mile High, between Gates 4 and 5, fans that already have a game-day ticket can enjoy the Mile High Mountain Village. The village is a section of the lower level concourse where fans get a true feel of the Colorado lifestyle.  Read more form 9News >>>>

Broncos game day food goes gourmet - This may be the Denver Broncos most hyped season in a very long time.  With Peyton Manning now in the driver’s seat fans are expecting big things. And whether or not the magic happens on the field, a group of chefs are making sure it does happen on your plate.  Executive chef Christopher DeJohn is taking the food at Sports Authority Field to all new levels.  Read more from KDVR >>>>

Peyton Manning’s return is one of many reasons to watch the NFL this season - Football is finally back.  This region will likely be fixated on the New England Patriots and their road to redemption following last year’s Super Bowl loss, but there’s 31 other teams in the league and plenty of reasons to broaden your viewing horizons.  Read more from MassLive.com >>>>

Peyton Manning makes Denver Broncos debut vs. Pittsburgh Steelers - The Pittsburgh Steelers have prepared themselves for just about anything that comes their way when Peyton Manning returns to NFL action with a new team.  After he missed last season recovering from neck surgery and was then released by the team he starred with for 13 years, Manning makes his much-anticipated debut with the Denver Broncos against the visiting Steelers on Sunday night in a rematch of last season’s playoff thriller.  Read more from NFL.com >>>>

NFL Rumors: Denver Broncos Will Play All Four Running Backs – When the Denver Broncos released their first regular season depth chart on Monday, and a few eyebrows were raised at the running back position. Willis McGahee was obviously still listed as the number one back, but Knowshon Moreno had moved up to the second spot. The third and fourth spots are occupied by Lance Ball and Ronnie Hillman respectively. It’s fun to look at depth charts but in this instance, it doesn’t mean very much. All four of the Bronco running backs are going to play, and when they play depends on the situation. They all bring something different to the offense.  Read more from Rant Sports >>>> 

Denver Broncos’ Peyton Manning Revolutionized NFL Offense -  Peyton Manning is arguably the greatest quarterback in the history of the NFL. He’s the only four-time NFL MVP in league history, a five-time All-Pro, a Super Bowl champion, and the fastest to 50,000 passing yards with the biggest TD-INT ratio (201) of any QB.  Read more from CBS Denver >>>>

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Malik Jackson another rookie on the rise with Denver Broncos - There is lost. And there is middle of the ocean, Tom Hanks talking to a volleyball lost.  ”I was so lost,” said Broncos rookie defensive lineman Malik Jackson. “They handed me that playbook when we first got here and I was just lost, to the point where I thought maybe I should consider another way to make a living.”  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Terry Frei: Manning could be 4th decorated Broncos QB in his 30s - On Sunday night, Peyton Manning will take his first regular-season snap for the Broncos at age 36.  At the Rocky Mountain Showdown on Saturday, I again looked at the Broncos’ Ring of Fame names. If Manning wants to be reminded of encouraging precedents, he could look up during warm-ups.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos preparations underway for season opener vs. Pittsburgh - The Broncos, with their newly-set 53-man roster, have started to prepare for their season opener against Pittsburgh.  The team is practicing Monday morning, and it is remarkably healthy for the start of the regular season. Right guard Chris Kuper, who has been out for the last three weeks with a broken forearm is the only player not participating in practice.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

The Regular Season is Here - The Broncos’ 2012 campaign won’t officially kick off until Sunday at 6:20 p.m. MDT.  But the transition from the offseason to the regular season began with Monday’s practice, when the team officially set its sights on its first opponent – the Pittsburgh Steelers.  “It’s here,” linebacker Wesley Woodyard said. “This is what we’ve been waiting for. We have our 53 guys and our eight guys on the practice squad. We’re ready to hit the field running. Today we came out here (and) everybody came out ready to practice today. We had fun, flying around, making plays. That’s something that shows that we’re ready to play.”  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Notebook: Stokley in His Comfort Zone -  As the Broncos begin preparation for their Week 1 matchup with the Steelers, wide receiver Brandon Stokley has both his mind and body right where he wants them to be.  Stokley said he feels great mentally because he is now on the 53-man roster and will be playing football in the city where his family is settled.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Peyton Manning: Projecting Denver Broncos’ Star QB’s 2012 Output - In a matter of two years, Peyton Manning went from being arguably the most reliable starting quarterback in NFL history to one of the biggest question marks of 2012.  The Denver Broncos are counting on the veteran star to return to prominence, but the organization has known from the start that this project may face some turbulence along the way.  Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

These rookies have key Week 1 roles – A look at a rookie from each AFC West team, who will be a key factor in Week 1: Denver, defensive end Derek Wolfe: The second-round pick is going to start at left end. The versatile Wolfe can slide inside as well. Wolfe has been a terrific player this summer for Denver, and the Broncos don’t think the game will be too big for him in the regular season.  Read more from ESPN >>>>

In Need of Accountability – When did it become a sports fanatic’s crime to hold their teams accountable? Why does “calling out” a professional athlete or coach result in others questioning your fandom?  Read more from Mile High Sports >>>> 

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Broncos’ Malik Jackson making good first impression on coaches, league - Q: A lot of Vol fans are so happy the Broncos signed Peyton (Manning), but we’re also wondering how are Robert Ayers and Malik Jackson looking so far? Are they both going to make it?  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos near full strength for final week of preseason - The Broncos enter the final week of the preseason as healthy as they’ve been all month.  Linebackers Keith Brooking and Mike Mohamed both returned to practice Tuesday after missing at least a week each with hamstring injuries. Tuesday’s practice marks the first time the linebacking corps has practiced at full strength since early in training camp.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos linebacker Keith Brooking hopes to be part of team’s plans - What the Broncos see is not what they get. Not right now anyway.  No, when it comes to constructing their 53-man roster by the close of football business Friday, what they have seen from Keith Brooking in his previous 14 years in the league, what they know of him, will likely have to do as they make the call.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

One Last Chance -The urgency of Thursday night’s preseason finale against Arizona is hard to overstate.  Throughout training camp and the first three weeks of the preseason, each of the 75 players in the Broncos’ locker room has fought to make the team’s 53-man roster, which will be decided by Friday evening.  Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio knows from experience that what happens Thursday against the Cardinals will go a long way in deciding who makes the final roster.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>> 

McGahee, Dreessen, Decker Host Fan Forum - On Tuesday, Broncos season ticket holders got a little glimpse inside the team’s Dove Valley headquarters.  Running back Willis McGahee, wide receiver Eric Decker and tight end Joel Dreessen took part in a fan forum via conference call, which allowed fans to ask their questions directly to the players.  There were nearly 6,000 season ticket holders on the call, and they were thrilled to talk one-on-one with the players.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>> 

Notebook: Brooking, Bolden and Brewer – After spending most of the offseason as a free agent, linebacker Keith Brooking was just getting himself back into football shape when he injured his hamstring on August 13.  Two weeks later, Brooking was in shells and shorts on Tuesday, participating fully in practice with the Broncos. The 14-year veteran said it’s encouraging to get back on the field, but the time missed was when he could have been carving his role in the defense.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>> 

Denver Broncos: The Formula for Winning - As the Denver Broncos get ready for their final preseason game of 2012, the starters are all ready preparing for the regular season opener versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Monday was a day off for the players, which means Peyton Manning probably looked at all 16 Steeler games from 2011. If the Broncos are going to be a winning team in 2012, what’s the formula? It’s actually not that complicated.  It’s called complimentary football, and the Broncos are set up to play it perfectly. The first quarter versus the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday was a perfect example. Manning and the offense scored 10 quick points to give the Broncos a lead, and that immediately put pressure on the 49ers to try and keep up.  Read more from Rant Sports >>>>

Denver Broncos Roster 2012: Breaking Down the Broncos First Round of Cuts - As mandated by the NFL, the Broncos, in addition to every other team in the league, were required to trim their rosters down to 75 players by 3 p.m. on Monday, August 27.  This rule leaves teams with 22 additional players that will need to be cut following the fourth and final preseason game in order to get the rosters down to 53 men to start the regular season.  Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

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You know those things that require your attention, but you just never can seem to get around to in a timely fashion?  For you and I they’re probably things like oil changes every 3,000 miles or organizing a closet.  For the Denver Broncos, it is getting a solid defensive line.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before…

The Broncos used to be pretty deep on the defensive front.  Alfred Williams, Trevor Pryce, Neil Smith, Keith Traylor, and Maa Tanuvasa weren’t ever looked at as the “best” defensive line during the late 90s, but they were better than most.  In the decade-plus since them, the Denver defensive front has been at best…average.  Mostly though in the past several seasons it’s been a notch or two shy of average.

With this in mind I’ve been keeping an eye on the D-line personnel as training camp progresses.  With a little more than a week’s worth of work so far, here are some observations on how the Broncos are planning to bolster the defensive front four:

• Ayers Dropping: On Day 3 of camp (the first day in pads), Robert Ayers joined Justin Banaan, Ty Warren, and Elvis Dumervil on the first team.  Within a week Ayers had been replaced by Jason Hunter, who lined up with Warren, Dumervil, and Unrein (replacing an injured Bannan) during the summer scrimmage.  Ayers may not be facing the cut list, but if he fails to deliver much beyond replacement duty this season it could likely mean Denver stamps “Miss” on his first-round selection, and moves on.  (Need further evidence?  Look no further than the recently revealed depth chart.)
• Inside Out: When the Broncos boasted about Derek Wolfe’s ability to play both DE and DT after drafting him early in the second round they made their intentions clear.  Wolfe has seen a decent amount of snaps at each position.  During the team’s first scrimmage Wolfe was replacing Ty Warren on third down situations.  It’s evident Jack Del Rio is hoping Wolfe provides the interior pass rush that made him the team’s first pick of the draft.  (For the record, Wolfe is listed as DE on the latest depth chart, but I still fully expect him to get playing time, at least during the preseason, at DT.)
• True Tackles: What’s also evident is that right now, the competition at defensive tackles goes Ty Warren, Justin Bannan, and everybody else.  Warren seems motivated after missing two years of football with injury.  What will remain unclear for several months is whether he can hold up for a full season.  Justin Bannan is an above-average known quantity to the Broncos, and should likely earn a starting spot.  Wolfe and Mitch Unrein appear the likely fill-in candidates on the second team, while Kevin Vickerson could now be even more removed from the “startersphere.”
• End Note: There’s only one position truly up for grabs here.  Right now that belongs to Jason Hunter, and as previously discussed, Robert Ayers has fallen to the second team.  However, the Broncos have brought in competition here.  Last year’s seventh-round pick Jeremy Beal remains on the team, and notables Ben Garland and rookie Malik Jackson are also in the mix with several others.  As mentioned above, Derek Wolfe is also getting looks at DE.

The massive crowds that have swarmed training camp are likely there primarily to see Peyton Manning make some throws, and there’s nothing wrong with that.  However, there’s plenty of other position battles and performances to watch as the Broncos aim to build a true contender.  Keeping an eye on the play of the team’s defensive line candidates could tell us a lot about whether the Broncos can expect a true upgrade, or “average at best.”

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

It’s yet another first for Peyton Manning as a Denver Bronco.

His first OTA.

On Monday, the Denver Broncos start their first OTA – organized team activities – since signing Manning in March.  The three-day OTA wraps up Wednesday, with the next three-day OTA session May 30 – June 1.

View the OTA schedule for all 32 teams here >>>>

The Broncos are looking to sign Ryan Clady to a new deal. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

Ryan Clady contract talks underway

Citing NFL sources, the Denver Post reports the Broncos are in contract talks with left tackle Ryan Clady.

Clady, who is in the final year of his contract, is set to make $3.5 million this season, well below the franchise tag of $9.4 million of his position.  He made his second Pro Bowl in 2011, coming off a lackluster 2010 season due to injury.  Clady was the 12th overall pick in the 2008 draft, and hasn’t missed a start in his career.

Negotiations continue with rookies

The Broncos have signed two of their seven NFL Draft picks.  Cornerback Omar Bolden and DE/DT Malik Jackson have each signed deals, as contract talks continue with Derek Wolfe, Brock Osweiler, Ronnie Hillman, Philip Blake, and Danny Trevathan.

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Derek, Brock, and company can finally start feeling a little more “official.”

The newest members of the Denver Broncos – along with a few others – now have number assignments.  Below is the breakdown:

Drafted players

• 95: DE Derek Wolfe
• 6: QB Brock Osweiler
• 34: RB Ronnie Hillman
• 47: CB Omar Bolden
• 64: OL Philip Blake
• 70: DL Malik Jackson
• 59: LB Danny Trevathan

Undrafted free agents

• 8: WR Gerell Robinson
• 19: WR Eric Page
• 38: S Duke Ihenacho
• 45: CB Coryell Judie
• 46: LS Aaron Brewer
• 48: LB Elliot Coffey
• 49: LB Jerry Franklin
• 57: LB Steven Johnson
• 60: OL Mike Remmers
• 62: OL Austin Wuebbels
• 69: OL Wayne Tribue
• 77: DL Jamie Blatnick
• 86: TE Anthony Miller

As for the other number assignments, cornerback Tracy Porter will now wear No. 21. Tight end Jacob Tamme will wear 84, with fellow TE Cornelius Ingram moving to 82.

Defensive lineman Jeremy Beal will now wear 79, a number previously worn by Marcus Thomas, who is still with the team…for now.  (Writing, meet wall.)

Defensive lineman Sealver Siliga will wear No. 98.

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DHF will have more analysis later, because it’s impossible to have too much analysis, but here’s a look at the Broncos’ draft picks in Day Three in the NFL Draft.  Of the four players drafted, three are on defense:

Round 4: #101, Omar Bolden (CB) – Arizona State

The Skinny: College teammate of QB Brock Osweiler, who was drafted by Denver in Round 2.  Bolden missed all of the 2011 season with a torn ACL.  Had he not been injured, NFL Network’s Mike Mayock suspected Bolden was 2nd round-caliber.

Round 4: #108, Philip Blake (C) – Baylor

The Skinny: The 26-year-old Canadian was Robert Griffin III’s center in 2011, but Blake has – and will for the Broncos – play guard.

Round 5: #137, Malik Jackson (DT) – Tennessee 

The Skinny: A USC transfer, Jackson played defensive tackle last season at Tennessee, but has also played defensive end – dating back to his days at USC.  Jackson expects to play DE for Denver.

Round 6: #188, Danny Trevathan (LB) – Kentucky

The Skinny: Let the comparisons to Wesley Woodyard (also a Kentucky Wildcat) begin.  Trevathan is a bit undersized at linebacker, but is relentless and physical.

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