2016 Training Camp Brings Broncos Question Marks
As the 2016 training camp commences, many questions remain before the season starts.
he Denver Broncos have three quarterbacks to vie for the starting spot: Mark Sanchez, Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch. Broncos quarterback situation could very well end up being as listed, but the team is expected to have it be battled out during the preseason.
For Lynch and Siemian to impress their coaches, they will have to outperform Sanchez. Yet, Sanchez is doing all the right things to be named starter; however, all of that can change in training camp and the preseason. In my opinion, the Paxton Lynch or Trevor Siemian will win the job in preseason securing the Broncos biggest question mark heading into the season opener against Carolina.
Danny Trevathan left for the Chicago Bears leaving Brandon Marshal needing to find his “Robin” on the defense. The linebacker situation is another answer that will need to be solved. Corey Nelson and Todd Davis are the most likely choices to replace Trevathan, but the best stories in training camp are the underdogs. Zaire Anderson made a huge impression on the Broncos last year in the preseason and training camp. Anderson will continue to get a looked at by coaches and hopefully make an impression stating his case for the starting role. CJ Anderson agrees in an interview with Vic Lombardi two months ago about his contract extension and what to expect from the team.
In another position battle, Anderson is the bell cow to lead the Broncos running back corps. The Broncos running back second in command scenario is as intriguing as the quarterback situation. Devontae Booker, Ronnie Hillman, Kapri Bibbs and Juwan Thompson will all compete for the backup role. Booker and Hillman will headline the best candidates to win the job. Hillman very much has the shot at winning the role because he has spent of his time with the Gary Kubiak offense. Booker, in my opinion, will take the spot whether in the preseason, training camp or during the season.
The tight end position is a battle worth watching this year because of the high ceiling of Jeff Heuerman and Henry Krieger Coble. Virgil Green will receive more than likely the first team reps in training camp and preseason. Heuerman, right now has the edge over Krieger-Coble; however both players have the ability to run block, but Heuerman gets the nod because of his catching talent. There is a wild card to make the team: Garrett Graham. Graham has familiarity with the offense run in Denver. Graham could see his production mirror Owen Daniels, who was with the team last year. The tight end position could be targeted hard in preseason when Siemian and Lynch are given strong looks.
Malik Jackson, along with Derek Wolfe was one of the unsung heroes of the Broncos defense. Replacing Malik Jackson in training camp and preseason will be an interesting place to follow. The Broncos signed Jared Crick from the Texans and is expected to produce under the Wade Phillips defense. Crick has a relentless motor that will see playing time on the defensive line. Adam Gotsis, the team’s second round pick, will be an intriguing player to watch because of the praise Bill Kollar keeps giving about the Aussie defensive linemen from Georgia Tech. Another look is the beefy linemen to backup Sylvester Williams, the team is high on Darius Kilgo; however, the team appears to be very high on Kyle Peko from Oregon State who could make the team as an undrafted free agent.
Offensive line was an issue last year and the Broncos addressed the need in free agency by signing Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson. Losing Ryan Clady could loom large; however the Broncos are 1-1 in Super Bowls without. They will be fine with out him. Ty Sambrailo is an interesting offensive linemen to watch in the preseason. He has the makings to be a terrific tackle, but can play anywhere on the line except center. Since, the Broncos will be run heavy this year, I would imagine the line play to be better than last year. Max Garcia, Donald Stephenson, Russell Okung (if Okung’s healthy), Matt Paradis and Connor McGovern are maulers in the run game. Expect the offensive line to be vastly different than a year ago.
All in all, there are numerous positions to watch as Training Camp begins Thursday and it will be fun to see the Broncos back in action.