This morning, we learned of the passing of John Mackey, former NFLPA president.  Associated Press reports the Hall of Fame tight end died at the age of 69.  He had struggled dementia following his 10-year career.

Drafted out of Syracuse, Mackey played for the Baltimore Colts from 1963-71 and San Diego Chargers in 1972.  Mackey is often regarded as the first offensive threat tight end.  His breakaway speed, size, and strength earned him five Pro Bowls.

Of his nine touchdown receptions in 1966, six were 50 yards or longer (51, 57, 64, 79, 83, and 89).  Mackey’s most defining moment is still considered among the best Super Bowl plays ever; he caught a deflected pass from Johnny Unitas in Super Bowl V to score a 75-yard touchdown – a record at the time.

Watch NFL.com video of John Mackey here >>>

Former Broncos tight end Daniel Graham won the John Mackey Award in 2001. (Courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

In 1992, Mackey became the second tight end inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, four years after Mike Dikta.  Six tight ends have since joined them, including former Broncos standout Shannon Sharpe, who will be enshrined next month.

Mackey’s dementia forced him into an assisted-living facility in 2007.  His care costs were much higher than his NFL pension of $2,500 a month.  The story pushed the NFL and players’ union to create the “88 Plan.”  Named for Mackey’s number, the “88 Plan” provides $88,000 annually for nursing home care and up to $50,000 a year for adult day care.

Mackey’s wife has said she will donate her husband’s brain for research.  Boston University School of Medicine is conducting an ongoing study of brain damage in athletes.

In 2000, the John Mackey Award was established to honor the nation’s most oustanding collegiate tight end.   Former University of Colorado and Denver Broncos tight end Daniel Graham won the award in 2001.

Veteran quarterback retires

Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins is calling it quits.

The 16-year veteran announced his retirement today.  In statement released by his agent and posted on NFL.com, Collins said:

38-year-old quarterback Kerry Collins retired today. (Courtesy Ray Montgomery)

“The past several months have brought on much introspection, and I have decided that while my desire to compete on Sundays is still and always will be there, my willingness to commit to the preparation necessary to play another season has waned to a level that I feel is no longer adequate to meet the demands of the position.

“I want to wish Mike Munchak and the Tennessee Titans the best of luck in the future.  I have had a fantastic five years here, and my family and I look forward to remaining part of the Middle Tennessee community that has been extremely gracious towards us and an honor to play for.”

Collins’ 40,441 yards ranks 11^th in league history.  The fifth overall draft pick in 1995 out of Penn State, Collins was the first player ever taken by Carolina Panthers.  He also played for the Saints, Giants, and Raiders.  Collins was selected to two Pro Bowls 12 years apart – 1996 and 2008.

Collins’ departure leaves even more uncertainty at quarterback for Tennessee.  Vince Young is expected to be traded or released once the lockout ends.  The Titans drafted Washington quarterback Jake Locker with the eighth overall pick in April.  Rusty Smith is the only other quarterback on the roster.

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

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While legal negotiations and maneuvers are being kept hush-hush in this joy-vacuum of an NFL lockout, at least players and coaches are still talking – albeit not to each other.

That’s giving me something to write about, and today – a rarity – I’m avoiding the NFL lockout.

Yes, I know.  The first sentence of this story contains the words ‘NFL lockout,’ and I’ve now used that phrase three times.

My aforementioned avoidance plan goes into effect…starting…now.

Want to be the next Antonio Gates?  Get in line…

Broncos tight ends coach Clancy Barone has seen this before: college basketball player turned NFL tight end.

A former coach for San Diego’s Antonio Gates, Barone knows the transition isn’t usually successful.  Barone told ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson:

“Antonio Gates made it look easy, but it’s not.  It’s not the case.  It’s not for everybody. There’s just a select few that can make it work.”

The harsh assessment – err, reality – hasn’t stopped many basketball-turned-football players from trying.  If anything, the trend has continued to gain steam:

“Gates is a future Hall of Famer and now, all of sudden, everybody wants to do it. You look at guys because of the athleticism and the body build. But they must have toughness to be a football player and the willingness to learn football. Antonio Gates is a student of the game. That’s part of the reason why it worked for him.”

Still, the Broncos are confident they’ve found the exception – a raw football talent with a basketball-heavy background.

Enter Julius Thomas, a 4th round selection for Denver in the recent NFL Draft.  Suffice it to say, Barone and Broncos fans hope Thomas’ NFL fate mirrors Gates’ career.

For Thomas, there’s no way he can avoid the comparisons – or expectations.  Barone sees similarities beyond the obvious:

“When I sat down with Julius, I saw some things that were very similar to Antonio.  He gets the game. He understands it very well and he had great body control like Antonio.”

Those accolades are why Denver traded up for Thomas, knowing his upside would be too alluring for another team.  Barone’s latest protégé played just one year of college football, but was a star on the Portland State men’s basketball team, playing in two NCAA Tournaments.

Thomas impressed scouts at the NFL combine.  At 6-5 and 245 pounds, he ran a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash.

According to Williams, Thomas doesn’t mind the Gates’ comparison; he just hopes to not disappoint Broncos fans:

“He is a guy that you can study and really start to model some of the things you do after.  I take it as an honor to be included in the same sentence as a lot of guys who have played basketball and transitioned to football and done well. That’s a standard that I want to hold for myself, being successful in making that transition. Being compared to Antonio Gates is a great start for me. I’m going to go ahead and work as hard as I can to make that comparison as similar as possible.”

Offensive Coordinator talks 2011 season

Broncos OC Mike McCoy doesn’t know – or isn’t saying – which quarterback will start for Denver in 2011, but regardless of Orton, Tebow, or someone else at the helm, he’s moving forward with bolstering the offense.  McCoy spoke with Broncos TV about the team’s new offensive coaching additions and what’s on the agenda for players once you-know-what is over.

Watch the interview here.

Mike Shanahan is money!

Former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan isn’t just one of the highest paid coaches on the NFL.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan earns $7 million a year. (Courtesy Brenda Brown-Paul)

According to Forbes, the Redskins coach is among the highest paid coaches.  Period.

Shanahan’s annual salary trails just one coach – a fellow NFL coach with a signature sweatshirt-wearing style not named Josh McDaniels.  As you will see below, the list is dominated by NFL coaches:

1. Bill Belichick, Patriots ($7.5 million)
2. Mike Shanahan, Redskins ($7 million)
3. Doc Rivers, Celtics ($7 million)
4. Pete Carroll, Seahawks ($7 million)
5. Gregg Popovich, Spurs ($6 million)
6. Lovie Smith, Bears ($6 million)
7. Mike D’Antoni, Knicks ($6 million)
8. Ken Whisenhunt, Cardinals ($5.75 million)
9. Tom Coughlin, Giants ($5.25 million)
10. Mike Tomlin, Steelers ($5 million)

Another gorgeous Colorado weekend is behind us, but fear not; we’re a mere five days away from its return.

You know what’s here every day?  Broncos headlines, courtesy DHF:

The Denver Post profiles Julius Thomas, one of two tight ends drafted by the Broncos.  Thomas was a standout on the Portland State basketball team, who decided to play football after a seven-year layoff.

Boston Herald wraps Tim Tebow’s weekend golf tournament.

Greeley Tribune previews an upcoming event at Invesco Field.  Coaches for Charity is put on by the Fisher DeBerry Foundation.  Former Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey is Master of Ceremonies for Friday’s event.  For more information visit Coaches for Charity’s website.

Football News Now reports Eagles safety Quintin Mikell’s time in Philadelphia is likely over.  The upcoming free agent, whenever that happens, could land with a number of teams, including the Broncos.

The Broncos wrap up the NFL Draft with nine selections, and as expected, an emphasis on pick defense.  But in Day 3, the Broncos also addressed needs at the tight end position, something the front office had openly addressed as a positional need.

Notably missing from the 2011 Broncos’ draft class, DT and RB, two other positions lacking much depth.  As I wrote yesterday, it’s a strong indication Denver is relying on trades or free agency (whenever those happen) to fill those voids.  It’s a safe bet John Fox will actively pursue his former Carolina player, running back DeAngelo Williams.  As for which DTs may be on the market, that’s something to address later.

Denver entered Day  3 with five selections, but through a trade involving Green Bay, the draft order changed.  Gone was a 5th round pick, but the Broncos added a 4th round selection to take Portland State TE Julius Thomas.  Denver also lost its first 6th round pick, but picked up a second selection in the 7th round for another tight end, Nevada’s Virgil Green.

Round 4 Pick 108

Quinton Carter – S, Oklahoma

What Quinton Carter said: “Rahim [Moore] coming in, myself coming in, I’m sure we’ll have a great future, a strong backfield, and we’ll also learn from Brian Dawkins, who is my favorite safety in the game.  I’m really excited to be part of the team, and wherever they put me I’m very grateful for my opportunity,” he said. “I’m ready to go to work being part of the Denver Broncos.”

Round 4 Pick 129

Julius Thomas – TE, Portland State

What John Elway said: “Julius Thomas is a talented tight end who has great potential. He’s a tremendous athlete with good speed and strong hands.”

Round 6 Pick 189

Mike Mohamed – LB, California

What Mike Mohamed said: “I guess they thought they needed a little bit of competition, and competition is always good — it always makes a team better.  I’m just looking to go in there and give it my all and try to make the Broncos a better team.  To be honest, I thought I would go a little bit earlier than what I did, but there’s a reason for everything.  Going to the Broncos in here the sixth, that’s what was meant to be.”

Round 7 Pick 204

Virgil Green – TE, Nevada

What John Elway said: “Virgil Green had an extremely productive career at Nevada. Great measurables. He’ll also be a solid special teams player for us.”

Round 7 Pick 247

Jeremy Beal – DE, Oklahoma

What John Elway said: “Excited to add Jeremy Beal to our team. He’s a playmaker who was one of the most productive defensive ends in the draft.”

Lockout Effect

Now with the lockout back on, NFL teams are no longer are allowed to speak with their rookies.  Teams cannot sign undrafted free agents until the labor dispute is resolved.

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Broncos General Manager Brian Xanders has gone on the record with Denver’s desire to add a tight end to the roster – something I addressed last week.   With free agency stymied by the lockout, Denver will likely rely on the NFL Draft to add position depth.

He’s not the top-rated tight end prospect, but there’s reportedly increasing interest in Portland State’s Julius Thomas.  He’s no newcomer to the Broncos’ draft discussion; The Denver Post wrote about the “intriguing” prospect last month.  Since then, the Thomas bandwagon has grown to rival the likes of March Madness Cinderellas VCU or Butler.

It’s that basketball connection that adds to Thomas’ mystique – and draws the obvious comparisons to San Diego’s Antonio Gates.

Thomas was a four-year letterman in basketball at Portland State, and played just one season of college football.  As a senior walk-on, Thomas put up modest numbers – 29 catches for 453 yards – but his size, speed, agility, and athleticism make him an alluring middle round draft pick.

Denver does not have any fourth or fifth round draft selections.  As it stands right now, if the Broncos are serious about Thomas, they must either take him in round three or wait until round six.

This afternoon, the Denver Broncos announced the release of tight end Daniel Graham.  The Colorado native and University of Colorado graduate played four season with the Broncos.  Before that, Graham spent five seasons in New England, where he won two Super Bowls.

Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway thanked Graham for his contribution to the Broncos:

“Our organization is extremely grateful for the character, leadership and high level of play that Daniel Graham brought to the Broncos during his four seasons with this team.  We are thankful to Daniel for all of his dedication to the Broncos and this community, and we wish him all the best.”

Read Daniel Graham’s career statistics here, courtesy NFL.com.

Claiming the Broncos need a defensive upgrade is like claiming the CBA negotiations are a painstaking process.

It’s not news.

Due to that CBA gridlock, it’s also surprising to no one the Broncos front office is looking for those defensive upgrades in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine.

While the Broncos will undoubtedly make defense a priority in the draft, the team’s eyes will also be stealing glances of offensive talent.  General Manager Brian Xanders said this past week the Broncos will examine every position, seeking to increase competition and talent across the board.  So, in that spirit, here’s a look at the little-discussed side of the Broncos football equation, the offense, and how it may factor into the Combine.

Tim, Brady, and Kyle (not pictured) - Do the Broncos need another quarterback? (Courtesy: Jeffrey Beall)

Running backs – Another poorly kept secret in Denver is the Broncos’ yearning for DeAngelo Williams.  If the team manages to land Williams, he’ll likely become the primary back, but Knowshon Moreno will get enough playing time in 2011 to once and for all determine if he’s worth keeping around.  Laurence Maroney is likely as good as gone after providing no positives to the team.  That leaves LenDale White and Lance Ball.  Ball will likely be retained.  White could be moved after underwhelming, injury-riddled performances.  If both White and Maroney are in the crosshairs, the Broncos will be looking to the later rounds of the draft for depth in the offensive backfield.

Fullbacks – Spencer Larsen has performed admirably as a blocker.  That said, you have to wonder if the Broncos would be interested in looking for that next hybrid of ball-carrying, head-knocking, 3rd-and-2 getting player that Josh McDaniels banished in Peyton Hillis.

Receivers – Expect Denver to thoroughly evaluate this receiving class.  With rehab concerns for both Eddie Royal and Demaryius Thomas, a receiving corps that looked too deep in January is now a Jabar Gaffney away from unsustainable. On the flip side, the Broncos have to like the receiving talent currently on the team.  If Royal and Thomas return, and remain healthy, using an early round pick on a premium receiver may become overkill.  In the end, Denver will be keeping a close eye on receivers with solid mid- to late-round value.

Tight Ends – Solid blockers, empty receiving threats.  That’s the tag on Denver’s current tight end crop.  Daniel Graham is a seasoned veteran, but his receiving prowess that made him a weapon at the University of Colorado and a “can’t sleep on” guy in New England is gone.  Richard Quinn has yet to bloom as a reliable receiver.  Both Graham and Quinn’s value may fit well with head coach John Fox’s run-heavy offensive philosophy, but Fox’s boss also fully knows the value an elite pass-catching tight end brings to the arsenal.

Nothing against Daniel Graham, but Denver needs help at tight end. (Courtesy: Jeffrey Beall)

Offensive Line – Coach Fox is a man that appreciates two things in football: good defense, and a running game.  The Broncos currently have neither.  The team may be able to plug some defensive holes through the draft and free-agency (if that ever happens), but you can’t completely rebuild a broken defense in one offseason.  Enter the running game.  Getting consistent production on the ground keeps the defense off the field, and that keeps the pressure off a work-in-progress unit.  Ryan Harris appears to be the most moveable part in the offensive line equation.  His status as an unrestricted free agent could have the Broncos looking closely at premium offensive line talent.  Despite last year’s OL inadequacy, the rest of the line may need little tweaking.  Two consistent starters (J.D. Walton & Zane Beadles) were rookies, the starting line combination changed 6 times in 9 games, and Denver was operating under a power-blocking scheme that didn’t suit its personnel.  Experience, consistency on the starting roster, and a move back to zone-blocking could provide substantial improvement without needing to turn to the draft.

Clearly, Denver won’t just be focused on the defensive players being evaluated in Indianapolis.  Nearly every offensive position contains a question mark.  With John Elway declaring the Broncos “can’t [afford to] miss” in this year’s draft, there is much to take in at Lucas Oil Stadium.