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Post by War Mon Sep 09, 2013 4:02 pm

It's a new season, so you know what that means: Mile High Mania is back to report on all things Broncos all year long.

So, where do we start with this year?

Denver made some excellent acquisitions over the offseason, namely the additions of prolific slot receiver Wes Welker and several potential contributors on the defense in the likes of Terrance Knighton and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The Broncos also acquired several valuable rookies and free agents under rookie owner Dan Allen.

Rookie Draft Picks:
QB Zac Dysert, 7th Round - Dysert is an interesting selection by the Broncos, who already have the heir apparent behind Peyton Manning in Brock Osweiler. However, John Fox and the scouting department found that Dysert had talent enough to justify a late round selection. Expect Dysert to make the roster as an inactive player for his rookie season.
HB Montee Ball, 2nd Round - Ball may have been drafted into the ideal situation in Denver -- he's the clear cut starter in an offense where he can be eased in due to Manning's leanings towards a pass-oriented offense.
WR Tavares King, 5th Round - It's unsure if King will make the final roster, as Denver's receiving corps is quite crowded at the moment, but the potential is there for a productive receiver in the future.
OT Vinston Painter, 6th Round - Painter is likely to lock up a backup tackle position, but don't expect to see much of the developmental player for his rookie season.
DE Quanterus Smith, 5th Round - Smith has pass-rushing abilities, seen in his performances against Alabama's offensive line in past seasons. While Denver may not have a starting opportunity for Smith just yet, he could carve out a rotational role early on in the season.
CB Kayvon Webster, 3rd Round - Webster's selection is an example of Denver's planning for the future, as he'll likely be one of the pieces to pick up after the impending retirement of future Hall of Fame corner Champ Bailey. As a rookie, Webster could see time in dime and quarter packages.

Free Agent Acquisitions:
QB JaMarcus Russell - The former first-overall pick is a surprise signing, but the Broncos staff must see something in the strong-armed quarterback if they're willing to add a third arm in the mix behind Peyton Manning.
HB CJ Anderson - An undrafted free agent out of California, Anderson's addition to the backfield raises questions to the value of Knowshon Moreno in the eyes of the coaching staff. Anderson's values lie in tough running between the tackles and receiving out of the backfield.
HB Miguel Maysonet - A longshot addition as an UDFA out of SUNY Stony Brook, Maysonet's skill set is similar to Anderson's as a threat to Moreno's roster spot.
HB Edwin Baker - Another UDFA, out of Michigan State, Baker is one of the quicker runners in Denver's backfield. He's squarely on the roster bubble.
FB Braden Wilson - A late round pick of the Chiefs, Wilson was cut and recently signed by the Broncos. Without a fullback on the roster, Wilson is only up against the possible usage of Virgil Green and Jacob Tamme at fullback.
TE Jake O'Connell - A blocking end with some receiving abilites, O'Connell is likely only a camp body.
C Joe Madsen - A UDFA, Madsen was recently cut by Pittsburgh prior to the Broncos' call. In a muddied center situation, Madsen has a chance to maket the roster as a reserve lineman.
DE Mark Anderson - Anderson is a veteran pass-rusher who should make for an excellent addition as a starter opposite Robert Ayers at end.
DE Ronnell Lewis - A fourth-round pick of the Lions in 2012, Lewis' off the field issues led to his demise in Detroit. Denver has taken a chance on the athletic, though raw, pass-rusher as an attempt to make up for the loss of Elvis Dumervil.
DT Kheeston Randall - A prospect tackle of Miami for several years, Randall's presence on their roster ended when Jared Odrick was moved to tackle. Randall could make a role for himself behind Denver's starting tackles.
DT Andre Fluellen - Another young tackle, Fluellen has a similar skill set to Randall. Expect one or the other to get a crack at the roster depending on preseason performances.
OLB Quincy Black - A veteran who played on and off for the Buccaneers since a third-round selection in 2007, Black has solid coverage abilites and is an overall balanced linebacker who will fight for a starting spot this preseason.
OLB Jabara Williams - A typical cover-2 'backer, Williams is big on coverage and less so on stuffing the run. If the 2011 seventh-round pick can prove himself in the run game, he'll make a role for himself yet.
SS Darcel McBath - A familiar name to Broncos fans, as he is a former second-round pick by Denver back in 2009, McBath has an opportunity to carve out a role in Denver's muddied safety corps.

Stay tuned as we cover the Broncos all year long.
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Post by War Thu Sep 12, 2013 9:24 pm

Broncos Close to Finalizing 53-Man Roster, Depth Chart

DENVER - Another preseason is gone, and with it have the surplus players in each NFL team's camp.

Today, head coach John Fox announced Denver's team captains, several of which are returning captains from last year's roster. The offensive captains are Peyton Manning and left tackle Ryan Clady, the defensive captains are corner Champ Bailey and middle linebacker Wesley Woodyard, and the special teams captain is safety David Bruton.

Woodyard was the special teams captain in 2012, while Elvis Dumervil and Bailey were the defensive captains last season.

There has been a good amount of movement on the Broncos' roster, so let's take a look at some of the moves.

Quarterback:
Peyton Manning is firmly entrenched as the starter in Denver. The real question was whether seventh-round rookie Zac Dysert could unseat Brock Osweiler for the backup spot. Solid play by Osweiler ensured he remains the direct back up to Manning.
Running Back:
Montee Ball stood up most in the backfield through four starts. Behind Ball, Hillman flashed some change of pace abilities and Knowshon Moreno earned his roster spot with solid play as a passing down protector and pass-catcher. While Edwin Baker and Miguel Maysonet lasted only a week on the roster, C.J. Anderson and Joseph Randle showed enough that they could be brought back to finalize the 53-man roster next week.
At fullback, rookie Braden Wilson beat out converted tight end Virgil Green for the only roster spot for a lead blocker.
Receiver:
Denver chose to take a different direction than last year with their receiving corps by trading Trindon Holliday -- thus not reserving a spot for the pure returner. The trio of Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker and Eric Decker look poised to make an impact with Manning under center this season. Behind the starters, rookie Tavarres King and camp body Gerell Robinson made the roster with solid preseason performances. Tandon Doss was added just prior to the final preseason game to replace Holliday on the roster, but looks to have secured a roster spot with showings in practice. Veteran Andre Caldwell and former undrafted free agent Greg Orton did not make it through final cuts.
Tight Ends:
Manning has a talented trio of ends to throw to this season in Joel Dreessen, Julius Thomas and Jacob Tamme. As of now John Fox has Dreessen listed as starter, but that could change on a week-to-week basis. Camp body Jake O'Connell receiving his walking papers prior to last week's game.
Offensive Tackle:
It was clear going into camp that Ryan Clady and Orlando Franklin had the starting jobs locked up at tackle. Behind Clady and Franklin, sixth-round pick Vinston Painter and ex-Buccaneer Demar Dotson won backup jobs over incumbent veteran Chris Clark.
Offensive Guard/Center:
The addition of free agent Louis Vazquez to the interior line has led to an overcrowding of talent at the guard and center positions. Fox has listed Vazquez and Zane Beadles at guard and J.D. Walton at center as the starters, while Chris Kuper, Manny Ramirez and John Moffitt made the squad as backups. Justin Boren, Steve Vallos and Joe Madsen were all handed their walking papers prior to today's game.
Defensive Tackle:
John Fox's recent announcement that Derek Wolfe would focus on tackle this season meant that the Broncos would likely be making some cuts on the interior of the line. While Terrance Knighton and rookie Sylvester Williams remain the starters, Wolfe will rotate in on passing downs while veteran Kevin Vickerson remains in a similar role to last season as depth. Mitch Unrein and free agent signees Andre Fluellen and Kheeston Randall were seen as disposable and will look for work elsewhere after being part of the past week's cuts.
Defensive End:
Free agent Mark Anderson will try to fill a big gap left by the departure of Mark Anderson, while Robert Ayers reprises his starting role from last year at end. Youngsters Malik Jackson on Quanterus Smith will back up Anderson and Ayers, while free agent acquisition Ronnell Lewis made the squad as depth.
Linebacker:
Von Miller returns as a dynamic player on the strong side this season, while a duo of free agent acquisition Quincy Black and second-year undersized tackler Danny Trevathan manning the weak side. Wesley Woodyard is entrenched at middle linebacker to finish out the starting lineup. Veterans Larry Grant, Stewart Bradley, Paris Lenon and Shaun Phillips simply didn't show enough to garner a spot as depth, while Nate Irving returns to a depth role on both the outside and inside of the linebacker corps. 2012 undrafted free agent Joe Holland flashed athletic abilities that led to his addition to the roster instead of the veterans.
Cornerback:
Denver's cornerback corps was fairly certain heading into camp, with Champ Bailey and Chris Harris starting out wide and the speedy Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie manning the slot on nickel and dime packages. Tony Carter held off third-round rookie Kayvon Webster for dime back duties.
Safety:
One of the position groups closely watched in camp, Denver had eight safeties reduced to only four to round out the 53-man roster. Rahim Moore and Duke Ihenacho emerged as the clear cut starters with solid play in pass coverage and stopping the run, while the hard hitting Quinton Carter and special teams captain David Bruton made the team as backups. Veteran strong safety incumbent Mike Adams, who started all 16 games in 2012, was a surprising cut, along with veteran Quentin Jammer and former second-round pick Darcel McBath. 2012 fourth-round pick Omar Bolden was stashed on Injured Reserve with a broken collarbone as he continues the transition from corner to safety.

Denver has one remaining spot to fill on the roster, as soon as Bolden's I.R. transaction is completed.
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Post by War Sat Sep 14, 2013 10:14 pm

Broncos Win Opener Behind Surprise Osweiler Performance
Mile High Mania 20130808__brock-osweiler-broncos-49ers-080813-175810391~p1
Brock Osweiler readies to throw the ball on a 21 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (credit: Mile High Mania).
Sports Authority Field at Mile High went extremely quiet for a moment in the third quarter Thursday night when the worst possible scenario was seen unfolding on the field: quarterback Peyton Manning was being helped off the field by trainers while Manning fussed with an apparent neck injury.

Fans started whispering about Manning's 2011 neck surgeries that almost derailed the former-Most Valuable Player's career. Would this be the last they saw of Peyton Manning?

Manning's injury meant that backup quarterback Brock Osweiler had to enter the game as a second half replacement in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, who defeated Denver in a widely publicized gaffe by safety Rahim Moore that allowed the tying score late in the fourth quarter.

Osweiler didn't miss a beat in continuing Denver's dominance on the offensive side of the ball, as the Broncos drove downfield and scored on a 21 yard pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, further securing a multiple score lead that Denver did not let up as the clock ran out.

As part of a run-heavy offense in the second half, Osweiler completed 12 of 17 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown. Manning had gone 11 for 17 with 145 yards passing and one score prior to the neck injury, which was confirmed as a pinched neck nerve after an MRI came back negative for any structural damage.

Denver's defense held the Ravens to only 17 points while forcing two turnovers, including a late game interception by dime corner Tony Carter that ended a potential Baltimore comeback. Mark Anderson, Terrance Knighton and Quincy Black each registered a sack as the pass rush disrupted Baltimore quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Tyrod Taylor in the pocket.

The Ravens scored twice on rushing touchdowns by Ray Rice and Joe Flacco while Justin Tucker contributed a 47-yard field goal. Denver running back Knowshon Moreno scored a fourth quarter rushing touchdown and slot receiver Wes Welker caught a ten yard pass from Peyton Manning before running 44 yards downfield to score as Denver's other two touchdowns. Matt Prater was a perfect three for three on field goals for the Broncos as well.

The Broncos take on Eli Manning and the New York Giants at the Meadowlands on Sunday. Peyton Manning is expected to start for Denver against his brother's team in what could be the last Manning brothers matchup prior to the end of Peyton's illustrious career.

Injury Notes:
Ronnie Hillman suffered a dislocated right elbow in the win over Baltimore, and has been ruled out for the week 2 matchup against New York. Running back Lex Hilliard, who was signed to the active roster after defensive back Omar Bolden was placed on injured reserve, is expected to see snaps on offense in Hillman's absence.

Hillman is expected to be ready for the week 3 game versus Oakland.
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Post by War Fri Oct 25, 2013 4:05 am

Broncos Off-Season Recap
Key Additions: OLB Keliko Clofer, OG Buck Oshotse, HB Watts Gates
Key Departures: DE Mark Anderson, OLB Quincy Black, DT Richard Seymour, QB Brock Osweiler, SS Quinton Carter

Following a near loss of the division to the Raiders in 2013 that resulted in an ugly defeat to the Titans in the wild card playoffs, the Broncos spent the off-season trying to get younger at several positions as veteran starters left via free-agency or retirement. Elway and company started off free-agency by letting defense starters Mark Anderson, Richard Seymour and Quincy Black walk -- Anderson and Black would sign elsewhere while Seymour chose to hang up his cleats.

FA Recap:
DE/OLB Adrian Robinson -- A cut during last pre-season when he tried out as a linebacker, Denver decided to bring back Robinson with more of a focus on pass-rushing from a three point stance this season.
OLB Ray Ray Armstrong -- Armstrong played safety for Miami prior to his conversion to linebacker with the Rams last season, and he brings that sense for finding the ball carrier to his approach in the front seven.

Draft Recap:
1st Round (23) -- Keliko Clofer, OLB, Houston
Clofer has just about everything you look for in a linebacker -- good size, quickness to keep up with running backs, and strength to take on blockers in pass-rush. Clofer has a very good chance to contribute in his rookie season after Black's departure, but will likely share time with Danny Trevathan as he works on tackling technique and gets more acclimated with the pro level of play.
2nd Round (23) -- Buck Oshotse, OG, BYU
An example of Denver taking what they felt was the best player on the board, Oshotse should have some time to work on his run blocking technique behind Zane Beadles and Louis Vasquez. There's still a chance he can push J.D. Walton for a starting job later in the season.
2nd Round (28) -- Watts Gates, HB, Scottsbluff Junior College
One of the few annual JUCO standouts to enter the rookie draft, Gates has all the qualities of a scat back without the limitations of size (6'1" 204 lbs). Gates selection isn't a particularly promising sign for the outlook of Ronnie Hillman in Denver, and is almost certainly the final nail in the coffin to first-round bust Knowshon Moreno's tenure as a Bronco.
3rd Round (23) -- Doug Sapozink, QB, McNeese St.
Denver's announcement at the podium that Sapozink would be their third-round pick was received as odd for a team with Peyton Manning at the helm and two promising young quarterbacks in Brock Osweiler and Zac Dysert on the roster. What most around the league didn't know was the Broncos had a trade in line with the Jaguars to acquire a 2015 second-round pick for Osweiler. Sapozink should have a redshirt rookie season behind Manning as Dysert mans the day-to-day backup responsibilities, but expect the talented young quarterback to challenge Dysert once Manning's time as a Bronco comes to an end.
4th Round (23) -- Donivan DePriest, CB, Lindenwood
A small school prospect who shined with his athleticism in a poor pool of cornerback prospects this year, DePriest has ideal size for the position but is seen as a developmental prospect for the short term.
4th Round (26) -- JeVante Virgil, WR, William & Mary
Denver has a young receiver corps (with the exception of Wes Welker) and Virgil is just another young prospect added to the bunch. A well-rounded college product, Virgil will need to beat out the likes of 2012 fifth-round pick Tavarres King and returner Devon Wylie if he's going to stick in Denver.
5th Round (23) -- Jyhe Swaby, CB, Northern Arizona
Like DePriest, Swaby has ideal size and athleticism to stick in Denver's man coverage system. It seems the Broncos are counting on one of their rookie corners to stand out and make the cut.
6th Round (23) -- Priest Alston, DT, Massachusetts
A well-balanced big body to stick on the defensive line, Alston has the potential to take over as a rotational tackle should one of Denver's top three (Sly Williams, Terrance Knighton and Derek Wolfe) depart via trade.
7th Round (10) -- Tajh Criswell, HB, Texas Southern
Criswell flashed enough in his time at Texas Southern for Denver to be willing on taking a late round flier for a guy who established himself as a competant passing down back. Criswell has an uphill battle for a roster spot.
7th Round (23) -- Quinston Rouse, DT, Ohio Northern
The second tackle taken by the Broncos, Rouse played four years as an end at Ohio Northern before working out for teams as a tackle leading up to the draft. Rouse needs some work but shows exceptional quickness for an interior lineman and competence stuffing the run.

Camp Additions:
FB Virgil Green -- A former Bronco H-back, Green may stick now that Jacob Tamme is out of the picture.
TE Sean McGrath -- Less of a receiver and more of a blocker, McGrath is a warm body for the pre-season.
C Quentin Saulsberry -- Another ex-Bronco, Saulsberry's simply in camp for a few paychecks before cuts.
DE Justin Francis -- With the departure of Mark Anderson and uncertainty of 2012 fifth-round pick Quanterus Smith at starter, Francis could carve out a roster spot.
OLB Larry Dean -- Dean's athleticism earned him a camp spot, but he's not likely to make it past cuts.
MLB Sam Barrington -- One of several linebackers brought in for linebackers last year, Barrington has another chance to earn a roster spot in the pre-season.
CB R.J. Stanford -- A four year veteran of pre-season roster bubbles, Stanford's back for yet another shot in Denver this year.
CB Peyton Thompson -- Thompson had a cup of coffee with Denver last season, and they've brought him back for another shot at the roster.
FS Tom Nelson -- Nelson's fast, there's no arguing about that. Beyond that, he's got little to contribute.
SS Da'mon Cromartie-Smith -- Smith is a converted corner with some tackling chops. He's another long shot.


Last edited by War on Fri Oct 25, 2013 7:30 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Post by War Fri Oct 25, 2013 7:27 pm

Broncos Receiver Decker Traded to Dolphins
Mile High Mania DECKER-PHOTO
With another day, another Broncos starter has walked out the door.

On Thursday evening, owner Dan Allen confirmed reports that starting wide receiver Eric Decker had been traded to the Miami Dolphins in return for a 2015 second-round pick and center Jason Slowey.

Decker, 27, totaled 44 catches for 555 yards and four touchdowns in 2013. A 2010 third-round pick, Decker started the past three years with three different quarterbacks under center (Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning). In four seasons with the Broncos, Decker racked up 221 receptions, 2,964 yards and 29 touchdowns.

"We wish Eric the best in Miami," Allen said. "Eric gave us four years of spark at the receiver position and we appreciate all he's done for the organization. We simply felt it was time to go in another direction opposite (Demaryius) Thomas."

In addition to recent trades of Jacob Tamme (to Tampa Bay) for a fourth-round pick and Quinton Carter (to Carolina) for a second-round pick, Denver's latest trade adds a third additional draft pick for next May between rounds two and four.

Jason Slowey, 25, was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft before jumping around the league and landing in Miami in 2013. Vice President John Elway was quoted as saying he loved Slowey's ability to "knock guys off the line" and "impressive work both on the field and in the weight room." Slowey projects as a back up with Denver for this season, although it's well known around the league that Broncos management has been shopping starting center J.D. Walton.

Broncos Add Two Via Free Agency

In addition to the trade of Decker, the Broncos signed veteran linebacker Russell Allen and receiver Chris Givens.

Allen, 28, played primarily as a special teams ace for Jacksonville for his first three years following signing with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2009. After Daryl Smith went down with a groin injury during the preseason in 2012, Allen stepped in as a starter at strong side linebacker and amassed 131 tackles during the season. Allen played more sparingly in 2013, totaling 32 tackles and a forced fumble, although Denver will give Allen a long look as their weak side linebacker in the preseason.

Givens, 25, is an undrafted rookie out of Miami University who signed with the Saints in 2013. Givens racked up 46 catches, 641 yards and one score in his rookie season while playing as a rotational receiver out of the slot. The departure of Decker opens an opportunity for Givens to crack the starting lineup opposite Demaryius Thomas out wide, although fourth-year receiver Tandon Doss should be given an equal chance to earn the job in the preseason.
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Post by War Thu Dec 05, 2013 6:20 pm

What Went Wrong This Season?
The 2014 season ended very similarly to the 2013 season for the Denver Broncos: another 11-5 record, another second place finish in the AFC West and another loss in the wild card round for a team that has struggled mightily in the playoffs in recent history even with the addition of Hall of Fame bound quarterback Peyton Manning prior to the 2012 season.

Denver Broncos fans will likely remember the game-securing Andre Johnson catch that led to a last second field goal only mere seconds after Denver managed to tie the game up at 31-31 as much as the Rahim Moore gaffe to head to overtime against the Ravens in the divisional round of the 2012 season.

So what went wrong? Denver's offense felt as super powered as ever, with Manning tying the single-season record for touchdowns (50) and taking sole lead of the career passing touchdown record en route to another dominant season in a Broncos uniform. Denver's top three receivers (Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker and Tandon Doss) each managed at least 75 receptions and six touchdowns, with Thomas and Doss reaching double digits in scores and Thomas topping 1,000 receiving yards for the third straight season.

So the fault doesn't lie with the offense, but is the defense at fault? This season saw the Broncos take a step up on the defensive side of the ball, with 38 interceptions and over 30 sacks only a year after failing to reach 30 of either stat in 2013. Denver's defense excelled for much of the game versus Yermomza's Texans, with a crucial stop in the red zone that led to a field goal late in the game and an early score off of a Champ Bailey interception. Andre Johnson's catch late in the game is just another example of the faults of Denver's all or nothing defense, something that must be fixed heading into a season that could see a significant downgrade at quarterback should Peyton Manning decide to hang up his cleats and rid off into the sunset.

Where Is Denver Headed?

Denver's offense is headed for an uncertain future should Peyton Manning retire this offseason, as has been rumored in NFL circles. 2013 seventh-round rookie Zac Dysert looks primed to take over should Manning's Hall of Fame career finally conclude, although 2014 third-round rookie Doug Sapozink will do his best to claim the job in the preseason should this happen.

Tandon Doss secured a starting job after the trade of Eric Decker early in the season with a surprising 78 receptions, 968 yards and 13 touchdowns. With the return of Wes Welker, Dysert and Sapozink will have a good trio to throw to in 2015. Julius Thomas emerged as the dominant pass-catcher at the tight end position with a 52/779/7 line in 2014 while playing on primarily passing downs while veteran Joel Dreessen played in heavy sets. With the eminent departure of Dreessen, Thomas is expected to take over as the every-down end in the future with blocker D.C. Jefferson and versatile Virgil Green contributing on two and three tight end sets. Denver's receiving corps is a very young group with special teams threat Devon Wylie (10 return TD in 2014) emerging as a dangerous receiver out of the slot in spread sets.

The acquisition of Jason Slowey confused many during the season, as the Broncos already had a starter at center in J.D. Walton. With Walton's increasing contract and Slowey's popularity with the coaching staff, Walton could be facing a forced departure in the offseason if he doesn't emerge as the clear-cut starter early on. The remainder of the offensive line seems set with Ryan Clady at left tackle, Zane Beadles manning left guard, Louis Vazquez at right guard and Orlando Franklin at right tackle, with 2014 second-round pick Buck Oshotse and Vinston Painter serving as reserves.

Defensively the Broncos are likely to look very similar in 2015. There is the question of Champ Bailey's possible retirement, but Denver looks prepped to move forward with Chris Harris and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as the starters with Tony Carter and Kayvon Webster chipping in on nickel and dime sets. If Denver fails to re-sign Jonte' Green, expect the Broncos to either draft or sign a cornerback in the offseason. Terrance Knighton's imminent departure in free agency may open up a spot for a player like Malik Jackson or Tyrone Crawford to step up and contribute at defensive tackle, but Denver still has a solid duo of Derek Wolfe and 2013 first-round pick Sylvester Williams manning the interior of the defensive line.

Russell Allen (23 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 2 forced fumbles in 2014) is set to hit the open market if Denver fails to re-sign the veteran linebacker this offseason. A 16-game starter on the weak side this past season, Allen's departure could create an opportunity for first-round rookie Keliko Clofer to step up in his sophomore season as a starter opposite Von Miller. Expect to see Wesley Woodyard return as the mike linebacker and Joe Holland to contribute in 4-4 sets again next season.

Stay tuned as Mile High Mania continues to bring you everything Broncos!
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