Denver Broncos Game 1 Position/Player Grades
Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) pulls on the helmet of Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) in the end zone in the first quarter of a preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Tight Ends
- Julius Thomas: C+
Julius Thomas looked slightly improved as a blocker, which has been the weak point in his game. As a receiver he looked more comfortable in the offense and running routes. Despite that, his impact was minimal. Showed some of the right stuff to get a slight raise in his grade.
- Virgil Green: D+
In a somewhat surprising note, Green saw only five snaps and all of them as a blocker. Blocking is his strong suit, so there is no surprise there. But, with the reports he has improved as a receiver, it was believed he would get some looks there. His blocking wasn’t on par either. On one Hillman run, Green whiffed on his assignment, he tried to recover but only pushed the defender into Hillman. Had Green engaged his block right, the run by Hillman was likely a 20+ yarder, potentially could’ve gone the distance.
- Jacob Tamme: C
Similarly to Green, Tamme was limited to seven snaps. He, however, saw three of them as a receiver. As a blocker, he showed growth that you don’t normally see in a player with his years in the NFL. As a receiver, he looked like the solid safety option that he has always been. Got separation, caused mismatches, but just never got any looks.
- Jameson Konz: C+
Konz saw 22 snaps, 21 of which were as a blocker. He saw some reps early as the third TE on run plays. As a blocker he looked well, but there is room for growth. With one snap as a receiver, it’s hard to gauge his ability there.
- Gerell Robinson: C-
He had a rough night. Saw 19 or his 24 snaps as a blocker, with little to no success. As a receiver, he was unable to get separation and was the target on a Brock pick, though blame is not on Robinson. He will need to improve drastically as a blocker and needs to get consistent separation.
- Cameron Morrah: C+
Probably the more balanced TE of the bottom three. Morrah saw 17 snaps, nine as a receiver and eight as a blocker. He looked well for the most part. On one target, he slipped on the field. He also put in a nice reception for 14 yards. As a blocker, he showed awareness to find his assignment and engage.
Overall: C
Putting all the tight ends together, and it’s just an average grade. This is hurt by Green’s D+ grade. Julius Thomas looks improved from last year, but he needs to show it with an impact to back it up. Robinson is the fan favorite to be the #4 TE if Denver carries four, but he hasn’t shown enough yet to carry him. Right now, he is looking like a practice squad candidate.