Broncos Team Report
6/16/2006
By Lee Rasizer
Rocky Mountain News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: The Broncos are using rookie Elvis Dumervil as a do-it-all type along the defensive line, playing him at every position along their front four at their recent passing and team camps. Dumervil's natural position is right end. And while his lack of height led to him dropping to the fourth round of the draft despite lofty sack numbers, Dumervil believes it aids in his leverage against bigger tackles, who have to first make the unnatural movement of bending down to combat him off the ball. Dumervil's quickness and body positioning could help offset his smaller size playing inside but he'll need to be, because he's exceedingly light at 258 pounds. Dumveril did play some tackle as a junior and senior at Louisville. . . .
Denver may blitz less next season because it wants fewer vulnerabilities in the secondary. The staff believes that move can be made with increased confidence that players like Dumveril, Kenard Lang, Ebenzer Ekuban and Corey Jackson can generate heat when cut loose instead of merely occupying blockers to free up blitzers.
SCOUTING REPORT: QB Jay Cutler's arm strength was impressive during May and June camps. He made all the throws with velocity, which prompted S Nick Ferguson to even invoke the name of John Elway because of that quality alone. Cutler also was a quick study in absorbing the playbook. And while the ex-Vandy star had a penchant for throwing off his back foot in college, there's been no rush to change his mechanics for fear of messing with what made him a first-round pick. The Broncos believe a suspect offensive line had more to do with Cutler's happy feet and that working behind Denver's veteran line will help settle him down.
REHAB UPDATE: WR Javon Walker has had two surgical procedures since last October to get his torn right ACL fixed, and though he was running straight-ahead routes during the warm-up period at recent team sessions, he's taking his time before making hard plants and cuts. Walker wants to do some individual drills during the team's July 6-8 minicamp, but the Broncos aren't willing to take any risks and will ease him into action for training camp. Walker has said he already has full range of motion in the knee and that he doesn't believe he'll have difficulty getting his wind back for two-a-days given his rigorous routine with the team's medical staff, work that's included pool exercises, resistance and weight training.
INSIDE DISH: Disgruntled WR Ashley Lelie was offered to the Patriots in exchange for TE Daniel Graham but the offer was rebuffed. Denver's coaches have been enamored with Graham's abilities as a blocker, and he has roots in the area, as a former collegian at Colorado whose dad played for the Broncos. Denver isn't panicked at tight end but could use some help. Stephen Alexander is penciled in as a starter but the team wants to spell him more frequently and already has lost Wesley Duke to a knee injury this offseason.
OFFENSIVE TACKLES ANALYSIS: B. Matt Lepsis is the embodiment of a Broncos lineman, using footwork and quickness to rather than brute strength to succeed. RT George Foster needs to improve his consistency in his third season as starter.
