Broncos Training Camp and Free Agency Update

Usually the Broncos dive into free agency with reckless abandon. Mike Shanahan and Josh McDaniels both demonstrated that during their terms in Denver. This year has been slow in that area. I mean really, really slow. Perhaps this new philosophy is a good thing. Word out of Denver is that the team is cash strapped due to all the bad deals and signings from the past few seasons. Also, the Broncos are being very picky and selective, and they want to avoid overspending on talent, and looking for good values for certain players. I can't say I totally disagree with this mindset, but I simply not used to it. Frankly, I thought Denver was going to make at least one huge splash in free agency-Charles Johnson, DeAngelo Williams, or Brandon Mebane were my predictions- but it looks like Denver is going to be patient and let things play out. Another reason for some free agency hold up is the Kyle Orton trade never went through. Apparently, Miami and Orton couldn't come together on a deal to restructure his contract once he got traded. So as it stands now, Orton is still with Denver, and he is currently Denver's starting quarterback and outplaying Tim Tebow (Insert nail in head.) It is not the most ideal situation, but again patience is going to be my key this season with the Broncos. My hope is that Orton will still be dealt at some point this preseason, and Tebow will get a chance to run this team as the starter. Remember, it is a long preseason, and their will be some more twists and turns to this story. Here are some other quick thoughts on the Broncos training camp and roster moves.

-Why doesn't Denver just bury Kyle Orton as the number two QB on the depth chart? I'm sure they don't want to that because it will soften his trade value, and he is better than Tebow right now, but screw it make him want to leave Denver so bad that he would come to terms on a new deal with the Dolphins. I think you would get more out of Tebow if he knew it was his job and his team now. Reports have surfaced that Orton looks really good in camp, and Tebow has struggled. Of course this is the case. Orton is an experienced starter in the NFL, and Tebow may never look smooth in practice, but the bigger picture is that we know what Orton is, and he is not the future of this franchise. We still don't know that about Tebow, and we need to find out. Put Orton on the bench and give Timmy his shot.

-One more thing from experience. Don't read too much into camp reports from beat writers and reporters. These guys really don't know much about football, so take what they say with a grain of salt. QBs can look great in one-on-one drills and in skelly. Even in team drills, they can look good or bad, but what really is important is the live action against other teams. Don't get to optimistic on a player or too pessimistic on a guy based on the reports you get from training camp.

-The Broncos have made a few minor moves. They signed Willis McGahee as another RB to compliment Knowshon Moreno. The Broncos signed David Anderson, wideout formerly of Houston, as a potential fourth or fifth receiver. Also, they resigned defensive tackle Marcus Thomas, who should fit well into John Fox's 4-3 scheme. Also, Denver added a pair of tight ends: Dante Rosario and Daniel Fells. Fells played with the Rams last year, and the Broncos could look to him as a H-Back/TE/FB in their offense. Rosario played with Carolina last year, and he is famous for catching a touchdown pass from Jake Delhomme on the last play of the game to beat the Chargers in Week 1 of the 2008 season. The only reason why I remember that was because FOX announcer Dick Stockon called him "Rosario Dawson" after the catch.

-Ty Warren is coming in for a visit. He is coming off a hip injury that made him miss the 2010 season. I like Warren, but I get nervous with defensive lineman and major injuries.

-I just feel really comfortable with John Fox at the helm as our new head coach. One thing you have heard a lot in Denver is the positivity that Fox brings to the team. There seemed to always be a dark cloud hanging over Josh McDaniels and the Broncos the last two years. It seems like the players will enjoy playing for Fox, and he will get the most out of this team. It might not be a great roster yet, but I get the feeling Fox will be able to have these guys buy in and get the most out of them.

-Hopefully next time I will have some more Bronco signings and some other good news from camp!