Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels has proclaimed that nobody on his team is guaranteed a starting job. Obviously, there are players like Ryan Clady, Champ Bailey, D.J. Williams, and Brandon Marshall among others who are shoe-in’s for starting positions, but where are the key position battles for the Broncos in 2009?

 

1.  Quarterback

The messy divorce between the Broncos and former quarterback Jay Cutler has left Denver with two viable options at the position for 2009:  Kyle Orton and Chris Simms. 

Orton comes to Denver in the trade for Cutler with mixed expectations from fans and observers of the team.  Many NFL analysts feel the Broncos are much worse off without Cutler, that his superior athleticism and strong arm were the only things keeping the Broncos afloat.

Some feel that with an offensive line that allowed a league low one sack every 57 attempts and a slew of talented skill players that Orton will be able to succeed in Denver.  With the Bears, his top target was a rookie running back, and his offensive line was aging and past its prime.

Then there is Chris Simms, who has not started a game since his days in Tampa Bay.  The lefty seems to have a small outside shot to win the starting job, but if Josh McDaniels feels he gives the team the best chance to win, then he will get the nod opening day.

Still, the fact that he has not played in so long makes it seem likely that McDaniels will opt for the more experienced player in Orton.

In the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Broncos selected Fresno State quarterback Tom Brandstater.  Brandstater has all of the qualities McDaniels looks for in his developmental quarterback prospects, and figures to start a few years down the road if the opportunity arises. 

For now though, he will observe from the sidelines and in the film room.

Projected Starter:  Kyle Orton

 

2.  Nose Tackle

This position battle will not receive as much publicity as the quarterbacks, but it is arguably the most important on the team.

Many were surprised that the Broncos ignored this position in the draft, missing out on both prospects I initially had projected to go to them in picks that sandwiched Denver’s fourth round selection: Western Ontario’s Vaughn Martin and Stillman’s Sammie Lee Hill.

Still, as a college free agent, the Broncos were able to sign the third best nose tackle in the draft: Chris Baker of Hampton.

At 6’2″ 326, Baker is the ideal fit for a nose tackle in the 3-4 defensive scheme.  He has great athleticism, and if not for some off-field issues in college, he likely would have been a third to fourth round draft choice.  Many feel that the Broncos have found a gem with this kid. 

While Baker is raw and inexperienced at this level, the Broncos also brought in Ronald Fields from the San Francisco 49ers to compete for the job. Fields has been an adequate rotation man in his time with San Francisco, but nothing more.

If he wants to start for Denver, he will have to really show the coaching staff something in camp and in the preseason.

Along with Fields, the Broncos added J’Vonne Parker, a journeyman looking to find a niche with some NFL team. He will have to impress to even make the final roster, but since Denver is thin at the position he has a good shot.

It has been rumored that Denver’s defense looks more like a 2-5 than a 3-4, so it will be interesting to see if the Broncos decide to use a player like Carlton Powell or Marcus Thomas at the nose tackle position.

Powell is essentially a rookie, as he spent all of 2008 on the physically unable to perform list after being drafted in the fifth round out of Virginia Tech.  In college, he was known for his run-stuffing abilities. 

As a nose tackle in the 3-4 defensive scheme, it is essential that you are able to stop the run.  If Powell can add 20-25 pounds, he could fill that role very nicely.

Projected Starter:  Chris Baker

 

3.  Outside Linebacker

As the Broncos transition to the 3-4 defensive scheme, they will be looking for their own version of Shawne Merriman, James Harrison, or DeMarcus Ware.

Too fill that role the team plans to convert its top pass rusher over the last three years, Elvis Dumervil, to rush linebacker.  Dumervil is short for a defensive end, but actually compares quite favorably in size to the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison.

If Dumervil is able to hone his skills in pass coverage, he could be a force as a rush linebacker.  He has great quickness off the ball, and due to his short stature, he is able to get great leverage with opposing offensive linemen.

Along with Dumervil, the Broncos plan to give former first round pick Jarvis Moss one more chance to prove that he can produce as he was expected to.  Moss has not even played a full season in his two year NFL career yet, and he needs to impress the coaches in camp enough to just make the team.

In the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Broncos selected defensive end/linebacker Robert Ayers out of Tennessee.  Ayers has the versatility to play either outside linebacker or the five-technique in a 3-4 defense, which is why the Broncos selected him as high as they did.  Many expect Ayers to come in and start right away.

Like Ayers, former second round pick Tim Crowder has the size and versatility to play either the five-technique or stand up and rush the quarterback as an outside linebacker.  He had a disappointing sophomore campaign after a very promising rookie season with the Broncos, and now finds himself in the same boat as fellow 2007 draftee Jarvis Moss.

As free agents, the Broncos signed veteran special teamer Darrell Reid, who also has the versatility to put his hand in the dirt or stand up and put pressure on the quarterback, and Lee Robinson, a college free agent from Alcorn State who is very underrated.

All will compete for playing time, but only two can be named as starters.

Projected Starters:  Elvis Dumervil, Robert Ayers

 

4.  Running Back

Rookie Knowshon Moreno seems to have the starting job locked up as of now, but the Broncos have a great quantity of backs that will be competing for playing time in addition.

Through free agency, the Broncos added Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington, LaMont Jordan, and Darius Walker.  The Broncos also signed college free agent Kestahn Moore from Florida to compete with second year player Ryan Torain for the chance to carry the ball for Denver.

It is unknown at this point, but my best guess is that the Broncos are not impressed with the progress of Torain and Arrington with their injuries, and have signed Walker and Moore as insurance in case of emergencies.

Buckhalter is held in high regard by many Philadelphia fans due to his versatility and resiliency.  He is a great receiver out of the backfield, which actually seems to be some sort of a theme among most of Denver’s new running backs.

Jordan followed McDaniels to Denver from Patriots, giving the Broncos a bruiser at the position who can also add another dimension to the offense with his receiving abilities.

Arrington is known as a third down back who is very effective in screens and in space.  He will not do much damage inside the tackles, but can be very effective elsewhere.

Projected Starter:  Knowshon Moreno

 

5.  Kick Returner

Last year, Eddie Royal was a very serviceable kick and punt returner, but he figures to have a more prominent role in the offense this year, and the Broncos can not afford to risk his injury on a return play. 

Two rookies stand out as the top candidates to return kicks for the Broncos, and they are wide receivers Kenny McKinley and Nate Swift. 

McKinley was selected in the fifth round of this year’s draft, and has great speed and vision.  He said in an interview at the team’s first mini-camp that he expects to make an impact on special teams, and this could be his calling.

Swift was signed as an undrafted college free agent from Nebraska, and was very effective as a return man for the Cornhuskers.  He draws comparisons to Wes Welker of the New England Patriots with his quickness.

 

The Broncos will feature many new faces at prominent positions in 2009, and their performances will dictate the immediate future of this franchise.

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