Training camp is almost here, which means that the season is about to get underway for the NFL. The Denver Broncos are looking to contend for a Super Bowl and anything short wont cut it. They have most of their starters in place, but there are still some positions up for grabs. Most of the action will take place with the younger players fighting for, not only playing time, but a spot on the team.
The middle linebacker competition will be very interesting to watch in training camp and pre season games. The starting job has not been doled out and three players will be fighting for it. Nate Irving, a third year pro, is the favorite heading into training camp. He is quick and fast, but lacks strength. He has not received a lot of playing time during the past two seasons, but when he was on the field he was impressive. Steven Johnson, a second year player, signed as an undrafted free agent last year and made the team. He still has a lot to prove, which is why I think he makes a huge impression on the coaches with a big time training camp. Stewart Bradley is the veteran of this competition with five years of experience. He was once a starter with the Eagles, but he did not start the past two seasons with the Cardinals. He has experience as a starter, which gives him a leg up on his competition. I believe Steven Johnson will end up winning the competition because he is hungry to prove everyone wrong. Even though he was undrafted, his skills are about the same as Irving and Bradley. Irving will be a close second and should receive a good amount of playing time in the rotation.
As was seen in minicamp, both safety positions could be up for grabs. Mike Adams and Rahim Moore were the starters last season. Adams was not good at all. He struggled against the run and was even worse against the pass. Moore had a very good second season, compared to his first, but he still has a lot of room to improve, especially in pass defense. Quinton Carter did not get to play last season because of injury and he will be looking to come back with a vengeance. He will be gunning for Mike Adam's spot as a starter. He is much better against the run and has the speed and size to cover tight ends. David Bruton received some playing time as the starter in minicamp and looks to carry that momentum into training camp. Bruton, a special teams ace for his entire career, has the ability to play both safety positions, which may give him a leg up on the competition. Bruton will not be afraid to stick his nose in on running plays, but I have not seen enough of him on defense to judge his pass defense. The Broncos also signed Quentin Jammer, but I do not think he is a candidate to start. Rather, he will be used as a specialty player in nickel and dime situations. Call me crazy, but I think Mike Adams has a chance of being cut if he is passed over by Carter and Bruton. I think Moore and Carter win the starting jobs, but Bruton will see playing time occasionally.
The defensive tackle competition will also be a good one. Kevin Vickerson and Mitch Unrein performed well last season, but the Broncos brought in Sylvester Williams, through the draft, and Terrance Knighton, through free agency. Last season, Vickerson put on more weight, which helped him against the run. He is not much of a pass rusher, in terms of sacks, but he does push the pocket well, which helps the edge rushers get to the quarterback. Mitch Unrein came out of nowhere last season and performed very well. He is a versatile player, who should be able to find some playing time in the rotation. Terrance Knighton has always had potential, but he faltered in Jacksonville last season, but reuniting with Jack Del Rio should put him back on track. Knighton is a run stuffer with the potential to rush the passer. He will have to show coaches that he can push the pocket, if he wants to see playing time on third downs. Sylvester Williams, the Broncos first round draft pick, has the most potential out of anyone in the group. He can stop the run and rush the passer effectively, so he should at least find playing time in nickel situations. He should develop into a dominant force at some point in his career. I believe Vickerson and Williams will win the starting jobs, but Knighton and Unrein should find plenty of playing time as part of the rotation.
The running back position has yet to be figured out. The main battle will take place between Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman for the starting job. Ball is a sturdy back who is adept a finding the hole and going. He is also good at breaking tackles and it short yardage situations. Hillman is more of a playmaker, but needs to prove he can run inside the tackles. At the end of the day, Ball should win the competition, but carried will be split fairly evenly. CJ Anderson, an undrafted rookie, and Knowshon Moreno will battle for the backup position. Anderson is a strong runner, who would be a nice complement to Ball and Hillman, while Moreno is a good pass catcher who can be used on third down. Montee Ball is also a good pass catcher and blocker, which makes Moreno expendable. CJ Anderson should make the roster, but will likely not receive many carries.
Training camp is on the way and I could not be more exited. There will obviously be many more camp battles than this, but I believe these are the four most important that will effect the Super Bowl run the most.
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