Horse Droppings: Who Is the Broncos’ Best Player?
It’s time for another edition of Horse Droppings, crap you want to know about the Denver Broncos as we get back from a relatively slow weekend of news.
It’s at this time of year that the real football fans get separated from the rest of the pack a bit. You, if you’re reading this, are a dedicated football fan. A Mile High Salute, to you.
We start off this edition of our daily news and links with some solemn news. Former Bronocs linebacker Adrian Robinson passed away at the age of 25, it was reported.
At the time of this writing, the cause of his death was still not known.
Robinson played six games with the Broncos and was a defensive end/outside linebacker out of the Temple Owls program. His most recent action in the NFL came as part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad.
We send our deepest condolences, prayers, and thoughts to the family and all who were involved in Robinson’s life. We’re proud to have cheered him on in orange and blue…
Late Round Impact Players
Resident expert on all things sports Dan Armelli took a look at a few of the Broncos’ late-round players and an undrafted free agents to try and discover which players coming on day three of this year’s NFL Draft have the best shot at making the team and what their roster outlook is for this season.
Oct 5, 2013; Tulsa, OK, USA; Rice Owls wide receiver Jordan Taylor (15) looks to the sidelines during a game against the Tulsa Hurricanes at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. Rice defeated Tulsa 30-27 in an overtime. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports
The three players he looks at are Lorenzo Doss, Darius Kilgo, and undrafted receiver Jordan Taylor.
Von Miller is the Broncos’ Best Player
According to my friend and colleague Erik Lambert at NFLMocks.com, Von Miller is the Broncos’ best player. Not Peyton Manning.
Do you agree with him?
I think I do…It’s a great problem to have either way.
Kapri Bibbs, Shaq Barrett In Line for Breakout Years?
When the Broncos announced their 2014 undrafted free agent class, two names that fans got really excited about were RB Kapri Bibbs and LB Shaquil Barrett, and for good reason.
Aug 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Denver Broncos running back Kapri Bibbs (35) scores a touchdown in the third quarter against Dallas Cowboys safety Ryan Smith (35) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Both players put up incredible numbers in their final seasons at CSU, and joined the Broncos with a bit of a chip on their shoulder. This offseason, after a year of absorbing life in the NFL and the rigors of being subject to waivers multiple times, these guys are ready to make an impact.
Matt L. Stephens of The Coloradan has a really nice piece on both players.
Montee Ball Great Fit for ZBS
Our pal Chad Jensen at Mile High Huddle does a phenomenal job documenting some of Montee Ball’s best runs as a Bronco and how he can be a perfect fit in Gary Kubiak’s offense.
Aug 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) before the start of a preseason game against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
I tend to agree with his assertions.
The Broncos have great depth at the running back position, and having players like C.J. Anderson, Montee Ball, the aforementioned Bibbs, Ronnie Hillman, and Juwan Thompson will make it really tough on coaches to keep guys off the field or even off the roster.
Ball could be in line to break out this season, in a way.
Max Garcia More than Just a Football Player
Really just an incredible piece here by Nicki Jhabvala at The Denver Post.
Nov 1, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Max Garcia (76) blocks against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at EverBank Field. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 38-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Garcia opens up about his remarkable journey through football with his family and what has shaped him into the man he’s become today.
I was thrilled when the Broncos drafted him, and I’m even more thrilled after reading this. They got an incredible leader and a guy that should be starting on the offensive line sooner rather than later.
Shane Ray Back To Work This Week?
Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) rushes against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Missouri Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Broncos drafted Shane Ray knowing full well he’d be needing some time to recover from a toe injury he’s been working through in preparation for getting drafted. Now, he may be ready to get back on the field this week, according to Jeff Legwold at ESPN.com.
Leg wold makes a good point, however, that the Broncos cannot and will not rush Ray back to action after what we saw in the first weekend of rookie minicamps with injuries to Dante Fowler Jr. (Jacksonville) and our own Jeff Heuerman, who tore his ACL.
Ty Sambrailo Gets Hefty Signing Bonus
The highest pick of the draft class to sign so far, Ty Sambrailo received a nice, hefty signing bonus on his four year, $3.9 million contract.
The bonus, per Mike Klis of 9News, is worth $1.057 million.
Broncos Tried to Deal With Chip Kelly?
If not the Detroit Lions, it might have been the Philadelphia Eagles that traded down with the Denver Broncos on draft night.
The Eagles wanted Agholor & turned down a chance to trade 1st round picks and add picks from Denver.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) May 16, 2015
The Broncos apparently called the Eagles when they were on the clock at the 20th overall pick, but didn’t end up coming up with a deal that was satisfying enough for Philly’s liking.
One has to wonder what might have been discussed in this possible deal…