With only one week until the greatest day in the NFL season, the Denver Broncos have commenced their first mini camp of the offseason.  Undoubtedly, head coach Josh McDaniels and company are dissecting and evaluating each and every player on the roster, so I have decided to do the same.  I will base the rankings on a 30-99 scale, with the key as follows:

30-39:  Prospect, player who might make the practice squad

40-49:  Good chance of at least making the practice squad, could use an upgrade

50-59:  Special teams only, could fill in if needed

60-69:  Solid backup

70-79:  Marginal starter

80-89:  Good starter

90-99:  Elite player

 

Quarterbacks

Kyle Orton—84

Despite some of the “nay-sayers” out there who really do not know much about Kyle Orton, he is a good quarterback and a great leader.  Orton’s win percentage speaks for itself, and with great weapons around him, he could potentially put up big numbers in a quarterback friendly offensive scheme.

Chris Simms—70

I think, if needed, Simms could step in, start, and do just fine in the Broncos’ offense.  He was an up-and-coming player for the Buccaneers, and a spleen injury derailed his career. 

Overall:  Denver needs to add a quarterback at some point in the draft.  Josh McDaniels knows how to groom quarterbacks, and while I think that Orton will be a good quarterback in this offense, the Broncos would be wise to have a “Matt Cassel” type of player waiting in the wings.

Grade:  B-

Potential targets:  Mark Sanchez, USC; Stephen McGee, Texas A&M; Mike Reilly, Central Washington; Graham Harrell, Texas Tech; Curtis Painter, Purdue

 

Running Backs

Correll Buckhalter—78

Buckhalter has long been one of the better backup running backs in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles.  Despite the fact that he is oft-injured, the former Nebraska Husker has a very complete all-around game.

J.J. Arrington—74

After his superb performance in last year’s playoffs, J.J. Arrington really improved his free agent value and signed a nice four year deal with Denver.  While his contract numbers indicate that he should be, at the very least, the backup running back, Arrington will make his money on third downs receiving the ball, as well as on special teams.

LaMont Jordan—72

It would seem as though LaMont Jordan’s best days are behind him, although he displayed good receiving abilities and power as a runner for the New England Patriots last season.  He adds good depth and insurance for the Broncos

Ryan Torain—65

I give Torain a low grade because I do not fully know what he will do at this level.  He showed flashes in limited time against the Cleveland Browns, but the jury is still out.  He has the ideal NFL running back size, and was compared by former head coach Mike Shanahan to Terrell Davis.

Selvin Young—71

Young has big play abilities, but they are often wasted, as he has spent most of his NFL career on the injured list.  As Rod Smith once said, “You can’t make the club when you’re in the tub.”

Overall:  Denver has a very solid group of backs, but no clear-cut star.  With the pass-heavy offense New England used, the Broncos will need some slack from their running game, which ranked 12th in the NFL in 2008.  I fully expect the Broncos to add at least one rookie runner.

Grade:  C-

Potential targets:  Knowshon Moreno, Georgia; Chris Wells, Ohio State; Shonn Greene, Iowa; Andre Brown, North Carolina State; Kory Sheets, Purdue; Devin Moore, Wyoming; Rashad Jennings, Liberty;

 

Fullbacks

Andrew Pinnock—52

Pinnock is great as a blocker, but really does not do much otherwise.  He will be a longshot to make the team, in my opinion.

Spencer Larsen—60

Larsen gets a low grade here due to lack of experience.  He is a special teams ace who could fill in as a fullback if needed.

Peyton Hillis—86

Hillis really is the complete package at the fullback/h-back position.  He can run, catch, and block with the best of them.  Arguably the steal from last year’s draft, Hillis has become known as the “Rumblin’ Redneck” among Denver fans, and if not for a freak injury last season, probably would have helped the Broncos to a playoff birth.

Overall:  If Hillis is healthy, the Broncos have one of, if not the very best fullback/h-back in the entire NFL.  He is a big playmaker on offense and could be poised for a breakout year this year.

Grade:  B+

 

Wide Receivers

Brandon Marshall—95

Marshall is one of the best young wide receivers in the game today.  After a freak accident around this time last offseason, Marshall caught over 100 passes last season en-route to his first Pro Bowl appearance.  Marshall has troubles dropping the ball, and thus, has not yet reached his full potential.  He is one of the best in the NFL at getting yards after the catch, and should continue to improve in a pass heavy offense.

Eddie Royal—88

I plan on bumping Royal’s grade up to “elite” status as the year progresses.  He is so instinctive and a great route runner.  Royal caught 91 passes in his rookie campaign, and also proved to be very valuable in the kicking game.  Royal led Denver in all-purpose yards last season.

Brandon Stokley—84

Stokley is one of the best slot receivers in the entire NFL.  He is sure-handed, and since he runs such great routes, he is very crucial to third down conversions.  Stokley always finds a way to get open, and was one of the best free agent acquisitions for the Broncos over the last few years.

Jabar Gaffney—80

I think Gaffney is really on the fringe here.  The former second-round pick has showed flashes of why the Texans selected him with the 33rd pick back in 2002, but overall has been a disappointment in the league.  Still, he is a savvy veteran who knows how to get open, and can make big catches when his number is called.

Chad Jackson—69

I give Jackson the highest grade for a non-starter for this reason:  his high upside.  Jackson is another former second-round pick who has ideal size and speed, and just needs to fine tune his game.  I projected him last season as New England’s breakout player, but that didn’t work out.  I’m extremely excited to have him as a member of the Broncos.

Matt Willis—32

Honestly, there is no player on the Broncos’ roster that I know less about.  Willis came over from Baltimore’s practice squad late last season, and is talented enough to have made it past the first level of big cuts anyway.  We’ll see if he ends up on the practice squad.

Jayson Foster—36

Foster is a little guy with big-play ability.  In college, he was the quarterback, running back, and best receiver on the team, and at only 5’7″, he has the makings of a potentially devastating return man.  I hope he gets a look in camp as a returner, but he may be a longshot to make the roster as well.

Overall:  Denver has one of the youngest, most talented groups of receviers in the entire NFL.  Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal combined for 195 receptions last year, most of any NFL receiving duo.  I think Denver will go after one rookie receiver this offseason.

Grade:  A

Potential targets:  Ramses Barden, Cal Poly; Brian Robiskie, Ohio State; Marko Mitchell, Nevada; Jarrett Dillard, Rice; Mike Thomas, Arizona

 

Tight Ends

Daniel Graham—89

Graham has a rare combination of receiving and blocking abilities for the tight end position.  Last season, he really proved why the Broncos paid so much money for him back in 2007, and he became one of the offensive captains.  Graham is quietly one of the best tight ends in the league, and is arguably the most complete at the position.

Tony Scheffler—87

What can be said about Tony Scheffler?  He is an absolute mismatch waiting to happen, checking in at 6’5″ and 260 pounds, running the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds.  He is an absolute beast in the passing game.  Playing in 13 games last season, Scheffler finished the season with 40 receptions for over 600 yards and three touchdowns.  When healthy, he adds a major weapon to Denver’s offense.

Jeb Putzier—68

Putzier used to be the main man in Denver, and after a two-year stint away from the team, he is back to add some depth.  He has great size for the position, and is a good blocking tight end.

Adam Bergen—40

I really don’t know much about Bergen, as I have never seen him play.  He was signed to a future contract a few months ago, and will get a look in the mini camps and possibly training camp.

Overall:  Tight end is a position I feel the Broncos are very solid with.  Tony Scheffler and Daniel Graham compliment each other perfectly, and Jeb Putzier would be an adequate replacement if needed due to injuries. 

Grade:  A-

 

Left Tackles

Ryan Clady—97

Ryan Clady is arguably the best player on the team.  He absolutely dominated in his rookie season, only allowing a half of a sack, and was rewarded by becoming the only rookie last year to make the All-Pro team.  He was the best player in last year’s draft in my eyes, and should be a staple on Denver’s line for years to come.

Tyler Polumbus—40

Polumbus made the squad as an undrafted rookie free agent last offseason, and is still on the active roster.  He should improve in his second year in the league, and having spent a year on the team going through the motions, he should be ready if called upon.

Clint Oldenburg—33

Oldenburg was another player signed to a future contract, and he actually has a chance to make a 2009 team with a lack of overall depth on the line.  He is a former tight end who has good feet and is pretty athletic. 

Overall:  When Clady is healthy, only Cleveland’s Joe Thomas challenges him for the title of best left tackle in the NFL.  Denver is very fortunate to have gotten him with the 12th pick last offseason, and he has a very bright future.

Grade:  A

 

Left Guards

Ben Hamilton—86

Hamilton is a very good, but not great, left guard.  He allowed the most sacks of any Denver lineman last year, and isn’t as big as you would want your guards to be.  Still, he gets the job done more often than not, and has great athleticism.

Mitch Erickson—40

Erickson is another prospect the Denver Broncos picked up as a free agent from that very deep 2008 rookie class.  He spent all season on the practice squad, and will have a great chance to add depth to the guard position this year.

Overall:  The Broncos have a bunch of interior guys that can alternate at guard if needed, and they could stand to add a veteran or possibly a rookie at the position. 

Grade:  C+

Centers

Casey Wiegmann—90

Despite his age, Wiegmann is one of the best centers in the NFL, and he proved that last season with a Pro Bowl campaign.  He is a great leader on and off the field, and was an absolute steal for Denver in last year’s free agent crop.

Kory Lichtensteiger—65

Lichtensteiger is an up-and-coming prospect, who was taken in the fourth round of last year’s draft.  He played some at goal-line tight end last year, and has great athleticism.  He should be ready to step in as the team’s starting center when needed.

Overall:  This is one position where the Broncos could add some depth in the draft if they feel that Lichtensteiger is better suited for the guard position.  Wiegmann is aging, but the production is still there.

Grade:  A

Potential targets:  Johnathan Luigs, Arkansas; A.Q. Shipley, Penn State; Edwin Williams, Maryland; Jon Cooper, Oklahoma

 

Right Guards

Chris Kuper—88

Kuper is one of the top right guards in the NFL.  He really came into his own as a pass protector last season, and should be the starter in Denver for a long time. 

Matt McChesney—40

McChesney will have the chance to add depth to the guard position and will get a good look in the camps this offseason.

Pat Murray—40

Like McChesney, Murray will get the chance to compete for a backup offensive guard job in camp, and has really not played at this level yet.

Overall:  Kuper is one of the better guards in the AFC, and should probably have made the Pro Bowl last year.  As long as he is healthy this position gets a good grade.

Grade:  B

 

Right Tackles

Ryan Harris—92

Harris, like Clady, really broke out as an elite offensive tackle in 2008.  He only allowed half of a sack, and absolutely dominated the opposition.  Against the Panthers, Julius Peppers couldn’t get past Clady on one side, so he came over and was shut down by Harris on the other.  The former Notre Dame star will be a decade-long starter in this league if he continues to play like he did last year.

Brandon Gorin—68

Gorin was added to the team on the 17th, and provides good depth.  He has spent time on other teams’ rosters, and brings some insurance if anything were to happen to Harris.

Overall:  Harris is a star in this league, but right tackles usually don’t make headlines.  With a fully healthy arsenal of linemen, Denver has one of the best units in the entire NFL, maybe the best.

Grade:  A

 

Nose Tackles

Ronald Fields—70

Fields is a capable starter at this level, but the Broncos could use an upgrade.  He has almost ideal size for the position, and has played well at times for the 49ers.  He will compete for the starting job in training camp.

J’Vonne Parker—45

Parker really has not played very much at this level, although he does have the ideal size to play nose tackle in the 3-4 defensive scheme.  He will likely fight for a roster spot.

Overall:  This is one of the rawest positions on Denver’s roster, and it will need to be addressed early in the draft.  Fields and Parker are really unproven at the position, and could be upgraded.

Grade:  D-

Potential Targets:  B.J. Raji, Boston College; Ron Brace, Boston College; Sammie Lee Hill, Stillman; Terrance Taylor, Michigan; Vaughn Martin, Western Ontario

 

Defensive Ends

Marcus Thomas—83

Thomas is one of the most underrated players on Denver’s defense.  He is extremely athletic, and has proven to be the best defensive lineman taken in that 2007 crop.  He likely will win one of the two starting defensive end jobs for the Broncos this offseason.

Kenny Peterson—75

Peterson was quietly one of Denver’s better defensive linemen last season, which is probably why he is one of a very few holdovers from last year.  Obviously, coach McDaniels saw enough in him to make him the only re-signed player from last year’s team.

Carlton Powell—60

Powell has never played a down in the NFL, but he has great upside, in my opinion.  He was a fifth-round pick last year, but spent all season on the PUP.  He has the ideal size for the end position in the 3-4, and Denver fans are excited to see what he can do.

Ryan McBean—50

McBean was added late last season to the practice squad and survived the first slew of cuts.  He should make it to training camp, but after the draft, he might not make it much further.

Nic Clemons—52

Clemons played well in spots for Denver last year, but still has a long way to go.  He has good size, and could find a backup role as a defensive end this year.

Mathias Askew—44

Askew will compete for a roster spot, and will have to fight hard, given the crowd at defensive end and the possible acquiring of more in the draft.

Overall:  Denver has a lot of big bodies to play the defensive end spots, but they lack overall talent.  They would be wise to add one or two true 3-4 defensive linemen in the draft, preferably those that specialize in stopping the run.

Grade:  C-

Potential targets:  Tyson Jackson, LSU; Jarron Gilbert, San Jose State; Evander Hood, Missouri; Fili Moala, USC; Alex McGee, Purdue; Mitch King, Iowa

 

Rush Linebackers

Elvis Dumervil—85

Dumervil is a great pass rush specialist who recently stated that his goal for 2009 is to reach 16 sacks.  Given that he leads the Broncos in that category over the last three years, it’s definitely feasible.  He is short and powerful with very long arms.  Dumervil can be a dominant force in the passing game at times.

Jarvis Moss—70

The jury is still out on Moss, and this year could be the turning point in his career.  He has been relatively non-existant for the Broncos since he was drafted in 2007, but could find a real niche at outside linebacker.

Tim Crowder—65

Yet another high draft pick who has not worked out for Denver, Crowder followed an impressive rookie season with a very disappointing 2009.  Like Moss, Crowder is looking for an identity, and has a good chance to find it with a new defensive scheme.

Darrell Reid—60

Darrell Reid is an elite special teams player, which is probably why Devner acquired him.  The team is hoping he can have a James Harrison type of impact, but he will have to fight for playing time at a crowded position, and will make his impact on special teams.

Overall:  The Broncos are fairly crowded at this position, and could wait until the 2010 draft to address this position early on, just to give Moss and Crowder one more chance.  This is a deep crop of rush linebackers though, and Denver may not be able to pass on some of them.

Grade:  C

Potential targets:  Brian Orakpo, Texas; Aaron Maybin, Penn State; Everette Brown, Florida State; Paul Kruger, Utah; Connor Barwin, Cincinnati; Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond; Brandon Williams, Texas Tech; Pierre Walters, Eastern Illinois; David Veikune, Hawaii

 

Outside Linebackers

Wesley Woodyard—75

Woodyard had a very good rookie season for the Broncos filling in for the injured D.J. Williams.  He would be penciled in as the starting outside linebacker if the season started today, I’d be willing to wager, and has the speed and athleticism to maintain that throughout the offseason.  The undrafted player out of Kentucky was one of the surprises of the 2008 rookie class.

Boss Bailey—75

Bailey was doing great last season until yet another injury was added to his history, and he missed too much of the season to be given any credit for what he did.  He has great size and could be the starter this year if Denver doesn’t go after another outside linebacker in the draft.

Louis Green—57

Green has become one of the more consistent special teams players on the Broncos’ roster.  He will have to compete for a roster spot this time around though, as Denver figures to overhaul this position in the draft.

Overall:  Woodyard is promising, and when healthy, Boss Bailey is a good player.  Denver should look to improve this position in the draft, if nothing else for solid depth.

Grade:  C

 

Middle Linebackers

D.J. Williams—95

Williams is quietly one of the best and most consistent defenders in the NFL today.  He has all the tools you look for in a linebacker, and the Broncos are fortunate to have him.  He finished second on the team last year in tackles, despite not playing anything close to a full season.  He should continue to be the Broncos’ best linebacker, and will pile up the tackles in his new middle linebacker role.

Andra Davis—80

I think Davis could be poised for a big year.  Since 2003, he is averaging 103 tackles per season, and could benefit from the change of scenery in Denver.  He is a captain and a leader in the locker room, and was a nice sign by the Denver Broncos.

Spencer Larsen—64

Larsen is a special teams ace, as mentioned earlier, but he also played well in spots at middle linebacker for the Broncos last year.  The fans in Denver want to see him get the chance to compete for playing time at the middle linebacker position.

Mario Haggan—60

Haggan was signed late last season due to injuries and played well at times.  He might not make the final cut though, as Denver will look to address this position in the draft.

Overall:  Denver has a solid group of players at this position, but they could stand to upgrade as Andra Davis is 30 years of age, and Spencer Larsen may be a better fit as a special teams ace. 

Grade:  B-

Potential targets:  Rey Maualuga, USC; James Laurinaitis, Ohio State; Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina; Worrell Williams, California; Nick Reed, Oregon; Josh Mauga, Nevada

 

Cornerbacks

Champ Bailey—97

Bailey missed time due to injury last season, but make no mistake about it:  He is the best cornerback in the NFL.  Quarterbacks rarely, if ever, throw the ball to his side of the field, and when they do, it often results in an interception or an incomplete pass.  Bailey is a captain of the defense who leads by example and can dominate a game by himself.  If the Broncos can improve their pass rush, expect Bailey to have a big season.

Andre’ Goodman—84

Goodman had a big year last season for the Miami Dolphins, leading the team with five interceptions.  Denver rewarded him with a four-year contract, and he figures to earn the starting job opposite Champ Bailey.  Goodman is a speedster who is playing the best football of his career, and is a significant upgrade over Dre’ Bly in my opinion.

Jack Williams—70

Williams got off to a great start last year, but seemed to wear down as the season went on, and he was passed up on the depth chart by undrafted rookie Josh Bell.  He has great speed, and great ball skills, but he needs to be ready physically and mentally for the 2009 season.

Josh Bell—70

Bell, as mentioned, was yet another undrafted rookie free agent claimed from San Diego early in the season who made an impact on the defense.  He struggled at times, but the former Baylor star had his moments last year. 

Rashod Moulton—40

Moulton would have a tough time making the roster if Denver didn’t only have five cornerbacks, but in this case, he will have a chance to compete.  He has yet to see any NFL action, but when he did play in college, he was a jack of all trades.

Overall:  Cornerback is a position Denver should address early on in the draft.  They lack overall depth, but have talent.  Champ Bailey is dominant force, and Andre Goodman will make an impact. 

Grade:  B

Potential targets:  Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State; Vontae Davis; Illinois, Alphonso Smith; Wake Forest, D.J. Moore; Vanderbilt, Darius Butler; UConn, Sean Smith; Utah, Kevin Barnes; Maryland, Keenan Lewis; Oregon State, Asher Allen; Georgia, Victor Harris; Virgina Tech, Coye Francies; San Jose State, Bradley Fletcher; Iowa

 

Free Safeties

Renaldo Hill—80

Hill had a nice season last year for the Dolphins, and like his teammate Andre’ Goodman, he was rewarded with a four-year contract from the Denver Broncos.  He is a significant upgrade over Marlon McCree, and will figure to be the opening day starter for Denver.

Herana-Daze Jones  40

Jones is a special teams player who could make the roster based on that alone.  However, he will probably not see much time at safety unless there are a slew of injuries.

Overall:  This position has been upgraded from last year, but Denver still needs to address it in the draft.  Renaldo Hill is a good tackler, and Denver would have loved for USC safety Taylor Mays to have declared his name so they could get him.

Grade:  C-

Potential targets:  Louis Delmas; Western Michigan, Rashad Johnson; Alabama, Darcel McBath; Texas Tech, David Bruton; Notre Dame, Chris Clemons; Clemson

 

Strong Safeties

Brian Dawkins—90

Dawkins came over as the biggest free agent acquisition this offseason from the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Broncos and their fans couldn’t be more excited to have him.  He brings an intensity and leadership factor that is virtually unmatched accross the league.  While he may have lost a step or two, he still knows how to get it done in this league.

Josh Barrett—74

Barrett came along with Peyton Hillis in the seventh round of last year’s draft, and Denver really hit it big time with this kid.  He has ideal size and speed for the position, and has the potential to be the eventual starter after a year or two under the wing of Brian Dawkins.

Overall:  Denver seems to be set here for the present and the future, but there are some players that I like in this draft that could make it easy for Denver to move Barrett to free safety.

Grade:  B+

Potential targets:  Patrick Chung; Oregon, Chip Vaughn; Wake Forest, William Moore; Missouri, Michael Hamlin; Clemson, Emmanuel Cook; South Carolina, De’Von Hall; Utah State, Courtney Greene; Rutgers

 

Kickers

Matt Prater—82

Prater got off to a hot start to 2008, his first year as the full-time kicker, and fizzled late.  With a good off-season of conditioning, he could end up being one of the best kickers in the NFL with his elite leg strength.  I think Denver may bring in a veteran kicker to compete with Prater in camp, but he will ultimately win the job.

Grade:  B

 

Punters

Brett Kern—83

Kern had a very good rookie season, ranking in the top 10 of the league in every major punting category.  He will undoubtedly be the punter opening day, and figures only to improve throughout the season.

Grade:  B

 

Long Snapper

Lonie Paxton—85

Paxton has been the long snapper for the Patriots for 10 years, and while former Bronco Mike Leach had done a great job here in Denver, apparently a change was needed. 

Grade:  B+

The Denver Broncos, with 10 picks in the up-coming draft, are in great position to improve their already talented team. 

Overall Pre-Draft team grade:  86, B

 

 

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