Broncos TE Julius Thomas Spent Time With Tony Gonzalez This Offseason

Nov 10, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) runs after a reception during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Julius Thomas is a former basketball player turned Pro Bowl NFL tight end. If you’ve heard that before, stop me now.

Other notable guys who are basketball players turned NFL studs include Jimmy Graham, the highest paid player at the position, Antonio Gates, a thorn in the Broncos’ side the last decade, and future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, also one who was a thorn in the Broncos’ side for years.

But now, he might be helping the Broncos out a bit.

According to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com, the Broncos’ tight end who just finished off a 12-touchdown, Pro Bowl season sought out some advice from Gonzalez, who knows a thing or two, I’d say.

"“For me, it was understanding how you continue to play at a high level,” Thomas said. “What do you do to prepare for games? What do you do to get the most out of practice? Just some things that only a future Hall of Famer and a 17-year veteran would know.”"

As I had mentioned on Friday, Thomas is a player who might just be the Broncos’ most improved as a whole. The rest of the camp report from Legwold indicates that Thomas is being thrown all over the formation, playing ‘in-line, out wide, and in the slot.’ Thomas has built an undeniable chemistry with Peyton Manning. He’s fully comfortable with the Broncos’ offense, and getting more so every single practice, every snap.

In a contract year, Thomas is going to be under the microscope. His contributions in the Broncos’ offense should increase, and I can’t wait to see what happens when they step out on the field for the first time and we get a closer look at just how the Broncos plan on using him in 2014.