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2005 Team Report: Denver Broncos
Quarterbacks
Starter: Jake Plummer
Starting QB: If Plummer continues to improve in his third year as the Broncos' QB he could still turn into an upper echelon fantasy QB. He's long been full of potential but short on consistency. His 27 TDs in 2004 are a career-high, but he still managed to throw 20 interceptions. He's still thrown more interceptions than TDs over his career, but playing in Denver has certainly helped. His numbers give hope for continued improvement. As a Bronco he's thrown 42 TDs compared with 27 interceptions in 27 starts and his YPA (yards per attempt) are decidedly higher than before coming to Denver. If Plummer could be counted on every week he'd already be a rock solid starter in most leagues, but take his two games against San Diego as a litmus test. At home he completed 25 of 36 passes for 294 yards and 2 TDs. On the road he managed just 16 out of 40 for 278 yards, no touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Expect more bumps along the road, but with a talented cast of players around him Plummer's value remains on the rise in 2005.
Backup QB: Bradlee Van Pelt is the last man standing. The 2nd-year QB from local Colorado State beat out veteran Danny Kanell and fellow 2nd-year Matt Mauck, who have both been released. Van Pelt plays a similar style to Jake Plummer, in that he has excellent mobility and is most dangerous when he breaks containment and gets outside the pocket. Despite his heady play this preseason, the team can ill afford to lose Plummer for a protracted period, as Van Pelt's lack of in-game experience is cause for concern. Just before the start of the season, the team added Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury is physically limited, but was tremendously prolific at Texas Tech.
Running Backs
Starter: Mike Anderson
Starting RB: Heading into training camp, nearly everybody expected Tatum Bell to win the Broncos' starting RB before the start of the season. Mike Anderson, however, worked with the starting unit throughout training camp and will start in the season opener. Anderson looked strong throughout training camp and the preseason, culminating in a 159-yard performance on thirteen carries in the Broncos' third preseason game, including a 93-yard scamper on his second carry of the night. There is a possibility that Anderson and Bell will share carries once the season starts, but HC Mike Shanahan's normal practice is to name a starter and stick with him over the course of a game. Anderson therefore appears to be one of the better values around right now -- he is the starting RB in an offense that regularly produces thousand yard rushers, but is typically available after most other starting RBs have gone off the board. Backup RBs: Given Mike Shanahan's uncanny ability to get outstanding results with just about any back it's difficult to look past anyone in this group. Tatum Bell is the most explosive RB on the team, with the speed to take it to the house from anywhere on the field. Dayne never did much with the opportunities he had in New York, but has been extremely impressive for the Broncos this preseason, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and hitting the hole more quickly and more decisively than he had earlier in his career.
Fullback: Kyle Johnson played well at the end of last season and will likely enter training camp as the starter on paper. Cecil Sapp can also play a little at both fullback and tailback. Johnson's solid play in training camp cemented his status as the 2005 starter.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Rod Smith, Ashley Lelie
Starting WRs: You wouldn't know it by Rod Smith's production in 2004, but he enters the 2005 season at the ripe age of 35. Smith's numbers were on the decline the four previous seasons before rebounding nicely with 79 catches, 1,144 yards and 7 TDs in 2004. It's hard to expect similar numbers, but given Smith's work ethic and durability (missing just 3 games in the last 8 years) you'll be hard pressed to find a more reliable veteran receiver. If Smith's numbers decline it's more likely due to the rise of fellow receivers Ashley Lelie and Darius Watts. In his third season Lelie's vast potential turned into production as he eclipsed 1,084 yards while averaging an impressive 20.1 yards per catch and scoring 7 times. Lelie could be ready to take the next step in 2005 and finally emerge as a top fantasy receiver. The AFC West is full of offensive firepower and that should only help the Broncos receivers continue to be both productive and valuable in fantasy leagues regardless of scoring systems. Lelie might represent more value, but Smith remains rock solid if not the more proven performer. Backup WRs: In last year's training camp, Darius Watts displayed explosive speed, quickness and an ability to make big plays. In this year's training camp, he has mostly displayed an inability to catch the ball. In Mike Shanahan's world, dropping footballs means dropping down the depth chart, and Watts has done both. Watts still has some long-term potential, but he probably will not be a fantasy contributor this year. Charlie Adams is a third-year WR with decent size and speed who contributed on special teams last year. Jerry Rice made the final 53-man roster but retired before the start of the season. The Broncos moved quickly to replace him with David Terrell, the former 1st round pick from Michigan who missed the cut in New England this preseason.
Tight Ends
Starters: Stephen Alexander
The Broncos use a lot of double-tight end formations, so both Alexander and Putzier will get plenty of playing time. But in single-tight end formations, Alexander is working with the first unit while Putzier has been relegated to the backup role. Both are good receivers when they are healthy, but Alexander is the more complete player. Alexander showed Pro Bowl talent early in his career, but then suffered through several injury-marred seasons wherein his production was severely limited. He is healthy this year, however, looking to rejuvinate his career. Putzier, meanwhile, emerged last year with 36 catches, 572 yards and 2 TDs. The Jets tried to wrestle him away as a restricted free agent with a $2.5 million dollar signing bonus, but the Broncos quickly matched the offer. Putzier doesn't look fast or particular deceptive on film, but he averaged 15.9 yards per catch last season ranking 2nd among tight ends. Even though Alexander is listed as the starter, both he and Putzier will get plenty of playing time, and Putzier may prove to be the more prolific receiver, which is what fantasy owners care about. Place Kicker Jason Elam, Paul Ernster : Elam + the Broncos = fantasy success. Elam has hit 87.1% and 85.3% on FGs the last two years. The Broncos offense has consistently provided numerous scoring opportunities. Elam has ranked in the top ten in scoring for eight consecutive years (including six top five finishes). He has 34 career 50+ yard FGs (second all-time. Ernster will probably be kept to handle kickoffs. Kick and Punt Returners Kick Returners: Darrent Williams, Roc Alexander Mike Shanahan has already stated that second round draft choice CB Darrent Williams of Oklahoma State will start as the top KR and PR. Three players handled KRs last year although Reuben Droughns is now in Cleveland and Triandos Luke has been released. That leaves CB Roc Alexander (19 returns, 20.3 avg) as the backup this year. Punt Returners: Darrent Williams, Charlie Adams, Rod Smith, Champ Bailey Darrent Williams averaged 22.1 yards per punt return the last two years, and scored three times in his college career. Charlie Adams slots as the main backup, but veterans Rod Smith and Champ Bailey are capable in times of extreme need, perhaps in a key late season "must win" game or during the playoffs. Offensive Line
Projected Starters: RT George Foster, RG Cooper Carlisle, C Tom Nalen, LG Ben Hamilton, LT Matt Lepsis
Whenever you look at the individual parts of the Broncos offensive line, it is often difficult to determine why they have so much success. You can find fault with every starter, yet year after year they find a way to get the job done. Good coaching has been the constant over the years and has resulted in good technique and excellent teamwork up front. Obviously, that is the key to the Broncos success. The one position that has to be a big concern with nobody really leaping out as the next starter is the right guard. The team is set at center with Tom Nalen who has 12 years of experience and is solid at the other positions as well. Tackle George Foster is not your typical Broncos' tackle with his huge size, but he is coming into his own in his third NFL season. He brings bulk and brute strength to a unit shy on both. Simply put, this is a unit that knows how to get the job done, and there is no reason to expect a decline here. Team Defense What's that, an actual defense in the AFC West? What are these guys thinking? The Broncos have been rock solid on defense for the past two seasons, performing as a top-5 overall unit. The faces may change, especially along the defensive line, but the results remain the same. They will push that theory to the limit in 2005 with speculation that Denver may introduce a 3-4 defensive alignment into their scheme. There were thoughts that they should've made the switch a year ago, with the lack of talent along the line that they possessed, a talent pool made even bleaker with the loss of leading sacker Reggie Hayward (UFA, Jacksonville). A 3-4 switch should help them remain as a top-10 run defense, where they've finished for the past five seasons, but it remains to be seen if their pass D can keep up in the pass-happy AFC West. Can a couple of very talented castoffs from Cleveland revive their careers in the Mile High City? Defensive Line
Starters: DE Trevor Pryce, DE Courtney Brown, DT Gerard Warren, DT Michael Myers
Starting DL: What do you get for leading the Broncos in sacks? Well, for the past two years the answer has been a ticket out of town (Bert Berry-2004 and Reggie Hayward-2005). DE Trevor Pryce remains after agreeing to restructure his contract. Pryce was limited to just two games last year because of back surgery. One of the games best defensive tackles early in his career, a switch to DE hasn't worked wonders for his production (averaged 34 solo tackles and eight sacks from 01-03). One positive sign is that he does appear to be a great fit as a 3-4 defensive end if the Broncos decide to use that front more often this year. The legend of Courtney Brown finds himself a Bronco this year, signing a free-agent contract after being released by the Browns. Always long on potential and short on health, the top overall selection in the 2000 draft played in just two games a year ago (Lisfranc), the second time he's been shelved for a good portion of a season. He's never been able to match the 61 solo tackle, 4.5 sack performance of his rookie year, and an elbow injury in training camp may force him to miss the beginning of the season. The Broncos took a gamble by sending a fourth round pick to the Browns for DT Gerard Warren, another castoff. At 6'4", 325 lbs., Warren has the size and athleticism to be dominant, but he's lacked motivation and failed to approach his vast potential. With a cap figure of under $1 million, this is a low risk investment with huge upside. The Cleveland-to-Denver gateway continued when the Broncos shipped Reuben Droughns to the Browns for DE Ebenezer Ekuban and DT Michael Myers. Ekuban will backup Brown at one DE spot, and Myers has earned a starting spot with a strong preseason. This means that 3 of the 4 starting defensive linemen in Denver this year played for Cleveland last year, which may not be a good thing considering how badly the Browns struggled a year ago. The Broncos have also hired former Browns defensive line coach Andre Patterson. Backup DL: A starter for the past three seasons with Dallas and Cleveland, Ekuban has an eight-sack season under his belt. He could be the next in line to continue the tradition of double digit sack campaigns started by Berry and Hayward, but his playing time will be limited if Brown stays healthy. John Engelberger was acquired via trade from the 49ers. He has been a starter during his time in San Francisco, but has had difficulty staying healthy. Marco Coleman played in all 16 games a year ago for the Broncos and recently re-signed as a reserve. Monsanto Pope, a 6'3 300 pound space eater, started 15 games a year ago, but he's not much of a fantasy force with only 19 solo tackles and one sack. His job is to tie up blockers, allowing his teammates the freedom to make plays.
Linebackers
Starters: MLB Al Wilson, OLB D.J. Williams, OLB Ian Gold
Starting LBs: It's pretty safe to assume that what we saw last year from Al Wilson is what we should expect from this point on. Aside from his outstanding 2002 season (100 solo tackles, five sacks) he's hovered around the 70 solo range with a couple of sacks and an occasional interception. At 28-years old, Wilson is in his prime and we could see a spike in his solo tackles in a 3-4 alignment, but at this point he remains a better NFL LB than fantasy player. Donnie Spragan's departure to Miami reopened the weakside linebacker position, opening the door for Ian Gold's return. Last year, Gold signed with the Buccaneers but he was released after just one season. Denver thought enough of Gold to give him an $8.5 million signing bonus and possibly the keys to his natural position on the weakside. During his last healthy season in Denver, Gold racked up 85 solo tackles and 6.5 sacks, leaving him atop of everyone's sleeper list entering 2003. A bullet at 6'0", 223 pounds, Gold's speed appears to make him a great fit as a 3-4 OLB although he does have obvious size limitations. One player who may not have any limitations whatsoever is last year's rookie sensation, D.J. Williams. A 14-game starter on the weakside, Williams led the Broncos with 81 solo tackles while adding in two sacks and one interception. Already possessing size, speed and good instincts, Williams' rookie enthusiasm occasionally got him out of position, but that should cure with playing time. The signing of Gold may push Williams (6'1 243) to the strongside, which could leave him struggling to repeat his rookie performance. Backup LBs: The Broncos have limited depth at the linebacker positions. One player who may benefit from a switch to 3-4 would be Patrick Chukwurah, a good fit as an OLB pass rusher. Eleven-year vet Keith Burns returns for his third tour of duty in Denver, backing up Wilson in the middle. Beyond these two players, the team is dangerously thin having parted ways with Terry Pierce and Jashon Sykes in early September.
Defensive Backs
Starters: CB Champ Bailey, CB Lenny Walls, S John Lynch, S Nick Ferguson
Starting DBs: Considered the top overall cornerback in the league, Champ Bailey enters his second year in Denver with the duty of shutting down Randy Moss twice a year. This should be fun. Mental lapses have brought much scrutiny Bailey's way as he's been giving up more plays than what's expected from a #1 cornerback (there's only one Deion Sanders), but his combination of athleticism and coverage skills remains unmatched. He's also a decent fantasy option with an average of over 60 solo tackles during the past three seasons and there's been talk that he may find himself in the offensive huddle at times this year. Starting across from Bailey will be Lenny Walls, who takes over for last year's starter, Kelly Herndon (RFA, Seattle). Walls should see plenty of action opposite Bailey, leaving him as a nice sleeper option in split DB leagues. He was battling Herndon last year for a starting role but separated his shoulder, an injury which limited him to just seven games. At 6'4, he's the tallest cornerback in the NFL (possibly too tall). FS John Lynch returns as a rock in the Broncos secondary, a player known as much for his hard hitting as his on-field leadership. A 12 year vet, Lynch doesn't possess near as much fantasy potential as he once did, but, like Al Wilson, his value to this defense is calculated outside of the box score. Denver was hoping to retain UFA Kenoy Kennedy, their starting strong safety over the past four seasons, but he left for greener pastures in Detroit. His departure opens the door for Nick Ferguson, a career reserve who turns 31 in November. Age does have its benefits as Ferguson is considered a heady performer with good instincts, a solid tackler who could flourish in his new role. Backup DBs: Safety Sam Brandon may also find himself in the mix, once again, after spending much of the 2004 season working on special teams (when he wasn't injured). Brandon stepped in and performed well during the 2003 season (10 solo tackles against Indianapolis in the playoffs), filling in for Ferguson who had broken his wrist, but he appears to have fallen out of favor with the Broncos. The team signed Marques Anderson in late August after he was released by the Raiders. He has starting experience and is a big hitter who struggles in coverage. The Broncos have missed on several first round draft picks at CB over the years, but made a serious attempt to address depth concerns in the secondary by drafting cornerbacks with their first three picks. Darrent Williams from Oklahoma State makes up for a lack of size (5'8 188) with excellent speed and man coverage skills. He plays with a lot of confidence and performed well enough in the preseason to earn a role as the team's nickel back. Karl Paymah of Washington State brings size to the defensive backfield at 6'0", 204 lbs. and Domonique Foxworth from Maryland is known primarily for his great work ethic.
Last modified: 2005-09-07 08:53:25
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