Julius Thomas is the Broncos’ Starting TE
Aug 8, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at Candlestick Park. The Denver Broncos defeated the San Francisco 49ers 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
In a not so stunning turn of events, former Portland State basketball player and Broncos fourth round pick Julius Thomas is listed as the first team tight end in the initial depth chart release.
Thomas has been having an outstanding offseason, there’s no question about it. However, it has not been without flaw. He missed a block on a blocked field goal, and fumbled on the back end of a big reception in the pre-season.
Still, with a young, talented player like Thomas, you take the good and you take the bad.
Peyton Manning remarked earlier this offseason that if you’re a QB and you can’t get the ball to Julius, something’s wrong with you.
I’m still waiting for the nickname “Orange Julius” to really catch fire, so I need some help from Broncos Country. Perhaps one of the local T-shirt shops can print that up and send one my way.
In all seriousness, this is an exciting move. The Broncos were loaded at TE without the emergence of Thomas, who has basically done nothing since he came into the league in 2011. He’s been hurt with varying degrees of injuries, and now he’s fully healthy and ready to contribute.
Thomas’ emergence provides the Broncos with another offensive weapon in what some might call an embarrassment of riches with Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Wes Welker already giving the Broncos the best wide receiver group in the league.
The role of Thomas has certainly grown significantly, and while some thought he may rotate with Jacob Tamme as a backup, the Broncos are apparently saying that he’s the guy right away.