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| Wednesday, July 16 Updated: August 19, 1:41 PM ET Broncos: Training camp report Pro Football Weekly |
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In Pro Football Weekly's third and final installment of training-camp reports, we look at the good (biggest positive), the bad (biggest disappointment) and the ugly (injury update) factors surrounding every team halfway through the 2003 preseason. We also set our sights on a rookie to watch on each team, for whatever the reason. Parts 1 and 2 are below. Aug. 19 Biggest positive: So far, Jake Plummer has exceeded expectations in terms of athleticism, arm strength and his ability to pick up the system quickly. The Broncos also have reason to believe wide receiver Ashley Lelie is a budding star. The second-year wideout is making a name for himself in camp and should be in the starting lineup in Week 1 Biggest disappointment: Daryl Gardener, who is being counted on to be a difference-maker in the trenches for the Broncos after signing a seven-year deal worth nearly $40 million, instead has found himself on the sideline the past few weeks with an injured wrist suffered in an early-morning fight outside a restaurant. He claims he'll be ready by the season opener, but doctors aren't so sure. Injury update: Gardener should be back within the first month of the season. Offensive left tackle Ephraim Salaam had knee surgery in July and could be back for the Aug. 25 preseason game vs. the Colts. Running back Quentin Griffin, the team's fourth-round pick, suffered a hairline fracture in his leg early in camp. He is expected back for the preseason finale. Rookie to watch: Griffin showed enough during the summer to have many believing he had a leg up on the backup running back role. But now it's how quickly he recovers from his fractured leg that will ultimately determine his role early on. Griffin could serve as a nice change-of-pace option and a speedy threat out of the backfield on third downs. Part 2, Aug. 12 Veteran to watch: Ed McCaffrey hasn't been healthy the past three offseasons, so his progress after turning 35 recently is worth noting. McCaffrey, recovering from offseason hernia surgery, is still considered a very good receiver and a quality leader who the Broncos will be counting on while new quarterback Jake Plummer adjusts to a new system. Player on the verge: Few will argue that second-year wide receiver Ashley Lelie is a star in the making, and several others believe he is the team's best wide receiver right now. As it stands now, the smooth-striding playmaker figures to have the inside track on the starting job opposite Rod Smith and could become the top option in the passing game before season's end. Strongest positions: Take your pick between linebacker and wide receiver. With Al Wilson, John Mobley and Ian Gold, the Broncos boast three linebackers who are yearly contenders for the Pro Bowl and as fast to the football as any crew in the league. As for the talent at the wide receiver position, it should be noted that in years past Chris Cole has competed for the No. 3 job. This year he'll be fighting just to make the team. Weakest position: Cornerback takes the honor here because of the level of uncertainty following the departures of Denard Walker and Tyrone Poole. Denver's defensive coaches are still waiting for Deltha O'Neal's play to pull even with his talent. Lenny Walls and Kelly Herndon, both second-year players who don't have a start on their résumé, round out the top three. Part 1, July 18 Most significant change: QB Brian Griese was given his walking papers in June before eventually relocating in Miami. The Broncos signed former Cardinal Jake Plummer off the open market and hope to help him see the light with a more friendly system and a better surrounding cast. Reasons for optimism: Plummer looked more athletic in minicamps than Griese ever did, and new defensive coordinator Larry Coyer is being viewed as an improvement over Ray Rhodes, who quit last winter. Causes for concern: Veteran WR Ed McCaffrey's health is an issue after hernia surgery. The CB position lost Denard Walker and Tyrone Poole in the offseason, leaving a bit of a void there. Also, there are some lingering worries about whether the Broncos did enough to improve their offensive line since last season. Training-camp battles to watch: CBs Lenny Walls and Kelly Herndon, both of whom were rookies last year, will fight it out for the job opposite Deltha O'Neal. Ashley Lelie will try to unseat McCaffrey at wide receiver as well. Don't be surprised if: Two relatively unknown players, Walls and DL Dorsett Davis, make an impact early on.
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Material from Pro Football Weekly.
