Broncos Summer Mailbag

OTAs and Minicamps are just about over. The draft is a memory, and the new draft picks are adjusting to life as a Bronco. Free agents are in their new homes with the exception of a few veterans. Now is the time the NFL goes away for a little downtime and the anticipation and preparation begins for training camp at the end of July. Before we get to that, let's look at some of the key questions the Broncos face as they head into summer. These are things that I know I will be thinking about when I am on a beach somewhere this summer about the Broncos and their 2015 campaign.

Will Demaryius Thomas and tbe Broncos agree on a new contract before the July 15th deadline?
From everything you have read it sounds like Demaryius and the Broncos will not get a long term deal done by July 15th, which means he will play 2015 under the Franchise Tag. This will come down to that deadline because that is how it usually works. Both sides will make a push right at the end, but I don't think both sides will get a deal done, and look for DT and Denver to play this year under the cloud of the Franchise agreement. 


How will his absence in minicamp and OTAs affect the team and his performance when he comes back?
I don't think that his absence will have a major impact in his ability to pick up the offense, get his timing with Peyton Manning and acclimating himself to the new coaching staff. The one area that will be worth watching is if he stays healthy once he starts practicing. When a player is on his own, the staff has no control over his workout regiment; therefore, Thomas might not be in optimal shape when he returns in training camp which leads to the inevitable hamstring or quad injury that will likely take place at some point.

How devastating was/is the injury to Ryan Clady?
Losing Ryan Clady for the season on the first day of OTAs is a major problem for this team. When you lose one of your best players and the key protector of your QB, then that is a concern. This will have an impact on the Broncos this season for sure. The only good thing about it is that Denver has had all spring and the upcoming summer to find a solution. Rookie Ty Sambrailo is first up to get a chance to replace Clady. Chris Clark, who filled in for Clady after Week 2 in Denver's 2013 Super Bowl season, is another possibility. At least time is on the Broncos side in trying to find an adequate replacement for Clady.

How can the Broncos settle their offensive line for training camp?
It is amazing that the Broncos offensive line is the biggest question mark heading into training camp-and that was before they lost Ryan Clady for the season. Here is how I look at their line heading into camp: LT-Ty Sambrailo LG-Shelley Smith C-Gino Gradkowski RG-Louis Vasquez RT-Chris Clark. That is not exactly the greatest collection of household names. The key will be the young guys: How does Michael Schofield, Matt Paradis, Max Garcia, and Ben Garland develop? If 1 or 2 of those guys step up and get into the starting spot, then the Broncos will be okay. If not, then this line could be a problem all year long.

How will Gary Kubiak handle this team in his first training camp as Broncos coach?
I didn't mind the hiring of Kubiak at all. I thought he did a pretty good job in Houston turning that franchise around. As a former Bronco player and assistant coach, it is nice to see him come back and be the new head coach. I think he does have a lot of pressure taking over a team that won 13, 13, and 12 games the last three years. I think the change from John Fox to Gary Kubiak will energize the players and add some motivation to a group that ended last year in a very disappointing way. One thing I know will be certain: He will be a better in-game decision maker and game manager than John Fox was.

What is the strength of this team heading into July and August?
The Broncos defense is the strength. They have a pass rush, versatile linemen, depth at linebacker, and a secondary with depth and pure skill. Add a veteran defensive coordinator like Wade Phillips and this defense could be pretty scary-especially if they get a lead.

How are the expectations different this summer as opposed to last?
Last year heading into the summer it was "Super Bowl or Bust." There was no way around it, and the Broncos were the favorite in the AFC coming off a Super Bowl appearance and splashy free agent additions like DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward and Emmanuel Sanders. This summer it feels really different. Right now, the Broncos are probably slotted behind New England, Indy, Baltimore and Pittsburgh as contenders in the AFC. Many experts believe that Peyton Manning is on the downside of his career and many believe that the Broncos window for a Super Bowl closed last year. I don't buy it for one bit. The Broncos still have a very talented roster, and DO NOT DOUBT PEYTON MANNING. We saw what he did after coming to Denver after four neck surgeries. The Broncos are kind of like the forgotten team in the AFC. That is a great position for this team to be in. Let everyone pick Indy or the Pats because the Broncos can now actually sneak up on people, and that is something that they haven't experienced since Manning came to the Mile High city in 2012.