Mile High Mania - Official Blog of the Denver Broncos

Welcome to Mile High Mania, your one-stop source for all news Broncos related.

It's a new season of football, and there's many changes in store for Denver. Along with a roster shakeup that included the exodus of Tebow Mania and the signing of Peyton Manning, owner Pat Bowlen and executive vice president John Elway have made a radical change in the coaching staff.

Gone is veteran coach John Fox and his entire team of assistants and coordinators. Instead, Elway announced the hiring of newcomer Dan Allen, a previously unheard-of scout and sports reporter. "We really needed to shake things up," Elway said when asked for the reasoning behind such a bold move. "Allen has a fresh perspective on the NFL that we think will lead to a successful franchise for seasons to come."

A complete listing of the Broncos' new coaching staff is below, with some interesting names Broncos fans should recognize.

2013 Denver Broncos Coaching Staff:
Head Coach/General Manager: Dan Allen
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Roth
Defensive Coordinator: Greg Smalls
Special Teams Coordinator: Frank Reinhard
Quarterbacks Coach: Joe Farmer
Running Backs Coach: Terrell Davis (Played '95-'02)
Receivers Coach: Ed McCaffrey (Played '95-'03)
Offensive Line Coach: Jack Smits
Defensive Line Coach: George Cleggs
Linebackers Coach: John Mobley (Played '96-'03)
Defensive Backs Coach: John Lynch (Played '04-'07)

Among the roster cuts are offensive linemen Tony Hills and Adam Grant, fullback Austin Sylvester, defensive backs Tony Carter, Ramzee Robinson and Rafael Bush, quarterback Caleb Hanie and veteran long snapper Lonie Paxton.

Denver shored up a need at left guard with the acquisition of veteran Reggie Wells from the Packers, while also picking up some defensive line depth in the form of Mike Neal in return for Denver's 2013 fifth-round pick. Wells has already started receiving first team snaps, while Neal is currently running with the third-string defense as tries to transition from an end in Green Bay's 3-4 defense to a tackle in Denver's 4-3 defense.

Meanwhile Denver picked up some help for the defensive backfield in the form of cornerback Cassius Vaughn from the Indianapolis Colts. Vaughn, who was traded to the Colts under the old regime, was acquired with rookie quarterback Chandler Harnish in return for Denver's 2013 sixth-round pick.

Vaughn looks to be battling for return duties in a crowded defensive backfield, while Harnish will be fighting second-year quarterback Adam Weber for the third-string quarterback job. Weber currently has the upper hand after spending most of last season on Denver's practice squad, although there may be no loyalty for holdovers from the Fox regime at this point.

Stay tuned for coverage of the Broncos' first preseason game versus the Chicago Bears.

Defensive Backs Coach: John Lynch (Played '04-'07)

John is ours bitch.

PTC wrote:Defensive Backs Coach: John Lynch (Played '04-'07)

John is ours bitch.

Although we always appreciate readers commenting on the blog, the editors of Mile High Mania would like to remind said readers that we only report facts. While John Lynch may have played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an extended period of time, he indeed was a Bronco and has accepted the Defensive Backs Coach position with the current Broncos coaching staff.

The Denver Broncos made waves yet again, this time acquiring fullback Greg Jones from Jacksonville in exchange for swingman tackle Ryan Harris.

Jones is a bruising runner and solid lead blocker who should vastly improve the Broncos' rushing attack. "Jones give us a new dynamic in the run game," said Terrell Davis. "With Greg we'll have an accomplished short yardage back and an exceptional blocker on the field."

Tackle Harris had been a starter at right tackle with Denver from 2007 to 2010, but was cut due to injuries prior to the 2011 season. Harris had been brought back as veteran insurance prior to the season, but the new regime felt sure enough with the current offensive line after the addition of Jeff Faine earlier this week.

The Denver Broncos may have won their first preseason game in Chicago, but they're not going to lie down after their first victory under new head coach Dan Allen.

"The team looked good in some areas, awful in others," said Allen after the game. "This team needs more preparation if they want to be a contender in the NFL of this day and age."

Denver barely downed Chicago in a close 26-23 game that saw several lead changes throughout. As expected, there was some sloppy play from the second-string players on both side and even some of the veteran players looked a bit out of shape.

"It just felt good to get those pads back on," said Broncos' quarterback Peyton Manning, who is returning from a neck injury that prematurely ended his 2011 season for the Indianapolis Colts. "To hammer out a good several drives reminded me that I still have some work to get to 100 percent."

The Broncos will head back to Denver in preparation for next week's game against the Seahawks shortly, but first here are some notes on today's game.

-Manning looked sharp in his short time on the field, completing all four passes thrown for 91 yards, including a 55 yard touchdown pass to receiver Eric Decker. Final stats: 4-4, 91 yards, 1 touchdown
-Second-string rookie quarterback Brock Osweiler looks a bit shaky at times, but brought home the win with a strong drive in the fourth quarter. Final stats: 15-30, 206 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception
-Starting running back Willis McGahee was dominant in the first quarter, taking four rushes for 38 yards (9.5 avg).
-Denver's receivers looked sharp, dropping only one pass in the game. Reciever Matt Willis showed big play ability with three receptions for 100 yards and a score, including a 74 yard pass Osweiler to seal the victory.
-Meanwhile receiver Eric Decker and tight end Virgil Green each hauled in a touchdown catch, with tight end Joel Dreessen contributing with six catches.
-Fifth-year linebacker Wesley Woodyard may see more snaps in practice this week after putting up a team high six tackles and performing well in pass-protection.
-Defensive lineman Jeremy Beal may be in the run for rotational duties at defensive end after putting up multiple sacks in three quarters of play.
-Amidst trade rumors Jason Hunter put up a solid two sack performance while running with the first team. Reportedly Denver is withdrawing Hunter from the trade block.
-After a strong showing by the first-team defensive backfield, the second-stringers looked strung out and ineffective in pass coverage. Defensive backs coach John Lynch has his work cut out should any starters miss time this season.

The second waves of cuts have just left Denver's training facilities at Mile High. Although once again many are not surprises, one key defensive player from the former regime was sent packing on Monday.

Prior to cuts, Denver picked up a couple free agents off the streets, including right tackle Brandon Keith and linebacker Frank Zombo. Both players have very good chances of cracking the final 53-man roster, although Zombo may have to perform to ensure his spot.

The cuts made today were running back Jeremiah Johnson, linebacker Mike Mohamed, receivers Mark Dell and Greg Orton, offensive lineman C.J. Davis, quarterback Adam Weber and defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson. The only real shocker here is Vickerson, who was originally pegged for rotational duties behind starting tackles Ty Warren and Justin Bannan.

Other news out of Denver pegs fullback Chris Gronkowski as squarely on the roster bubble after the acquisition of Greg Jones, as Denver looks at the possibility of keeping four running backs on the roster and willing to keep four tight ends on the roster.

Receiver Matthew Willis, a holdover from the previous regime, is said to be battling undrafted rookie Gerell Robinson for a spot on the roster, although Denver may decide to only carry five receivers in the end. It is expected that tight ends Virgil Green or Julius Thomas could fill in at receiver should the need arise.

Other roster battles feature the defensive backfield, with Syd'Quan Thompson squarely on the bubble after missing much of last season with an ACL tear. Thompson and rookie corner Omar Bolden are fighting for reserve duties, while safety David Bruton is fighting for a spot as a safety reserve.

Stay tuned for more news following the second preseason game versus the Seahawks.

The Denver Broncos pulled the trigger on another trade this evening, bringing in Miami Dolphins wide out Clyde Gates in return for cornerback Drayton Florence.

Gates, 26, was on the roster bubble in Miami and Denver took this opportunity to reel in a speedy receiver and return man. Speculation from camp is that Gates could take over return duties immediately.

After packing his locker, Florence was upbeat about the move to Miami.

"Denver's been great to me, but Coach Allen told me that there was a good chance I don't make this roster," said Florence. "In Miami, I'll have a real chance to contribute."

Florence had originally been brought in for dime back duties, but struggled in practices to pick up the playbook and looked overtaxed in the first preseason game. Cassius Vaughn will take over as the fifth corner.

The Seattle Seahawks gave the Broncos quite a beating in Denver tonight in the 40-28 loss in Denver's second preseason game.

Although Denver's first-team offense and defense did decently, leaving the game with a 14-10 lead, the second-string quickly fell in a hole with a 30-7 run. A late fourth quarter score made the second-string defense's finish a poor 30-14.

"We've got work to do on both sides of the ball," said head coach Dan Allen. "Our backups can't be playing like this in the season should any starter go down."

Among the suspect group is the receiver corps, who totaled six drops tonight. Several drops came on big third down conversions and a few on possible scoring plays.

Still, the problem seems to be with the second-string defense, which yet again gave up too many points and too many yards.

The Broncos will take this week to prep for the 49ers, who will be in town for Denver's third preseason game.

Some notes from the game:
-Manning looked good again, completing four of six passes for 91 yards and a touchdown.
-Rookie QB Brock Osweiler struggled heavily, completing only 11 of 27 passes for under 200 yards while throwing three picks.
-Newly acquired fullback Greg Jones scored Denver's only rushing touchdown, with Moreno, McGahee and Jones looking largely ineffective for much of the game.
-Tight end Joel Dreessen looked solid once again, hauling in seven receptions for 72 yards.
-Osweiler connected with recent acquisition Clyde Gates for a 66 yard touchdown in the third quarter, although Gates also dropped an additional touchdown pass later in the game.
-Manning connected with Demaryius Thomas for a 60 yard pass in the first quarter in which Thomas used some slick moves to evade several tacklers. Thomas looks prepped for a big season following multiple injury-plagued seasons to start his young career.
-Wesley Woodyard led the defensive unit with seven tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Woodyard continues to push for playing time behind Joe Mays and D.J. Williams.
-Rahim Moore showed much better tonight with six tackles and a pick while breaking up another pass.
-D.J. Williams, Robert Ayers, Nate Irving and Joe Mays each contributed with a sack, while Ayers also forced a fumble.

The Denver Broncos have announced their third wave of cuts today, narrowing the roster down to 59 players.

The cuts were linebacker Jerry Franklin, offensive guard Manny Ramirez, receiver Matthew Willis, running back Lance Ball, fullback Chris Gronkowski and safety David Bruton.

The only surprises here are Willis and Ball, who looked to have roster spots locked down. The acquisitions of Clyde Gates and Greg Jones likely moved the hand of head coach Dan Allen in this case.

There's only one more round of cuts to go, but it's by far the hardest round for teams to complete. We'll have full coverage when cuts are made.

In a very ugly game from both teams, the San Francisco 49er's downed the Denver Broncos in a 69-31 victory.

Both teams looked dreadful on defense, and Denver's offense looked just as bad. Altogether a very ugly game to see.

A few notes from the game, but I'll keep it short after that long game:
-CB Omar Bolden, who returned a punt for a touchdown in the second quarter and looked very good on returns throughout his playing time, left the game with an abdominal injury--which we are told is a tear-- and could miss significant time.
-Justin Bannan contributed with two sacks on the day while Wesley Woodyard added one more.
-Chris Harris looked terrific in coverage, knocking down several big passes and coming down with a pick late in the game.
-The rushing attack was awful, with both starter Willis McGahee and backup Knowshon Moreno looking useless to the tune of under one yard per carry.
-Rookie QB Brock Osweiler looked brutal once again, throwing up six picks. He is likely to ride the pine this season.
-WR Clyde Gates had an explosive performance, looking great on returns and hauling in 3 catches for 139 yards and a touchdown--two touchdowns if Osweiler didn't overthrow an easy deep ball--and could see time as the season continues should injuries plague the roster.

Prior to Denver's last preseason game, the team made several roster moves.

Denver brought in free agent defensive end Junior Galette, who had just been cut by Minnesota, and left guard Will Rackley, who had just been cut by Jacksonville. Galette was immediately made the starter opposite Elvis Dumervil in practices.

Also announced were the final preseason roster cuts. Among them were receivers Gerell Robinson and Andre Caldwell, linebackers Keith Brooking and Frank Zombo, defensive tackle Sealver Siliga, cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson, offensive tackle Chris Clark and defensive end Jason Hunter.

After yet another poor preseason game against the Cardinals--where both offense and defense sputtered to a 38-10 defeat--Denver will likely be hard at work improving their consistency prior next week's season opener at home versus the Steelers.

The Denver Broncos suffered their first loss at home early this season, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Week 1 opener 28-24.

In a hard fought battle, Denver ultimately lost due to mental mistakes on the part of the offense, who continually turned the ball over and dropped routine passes that would have kept drives alive. Peyton Manning struggled in his first game with the Broncos, throwing up three picks in the losing effort.

The run game was successful to a degree, with Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno combining for 127 yards and two touchdowns. Moreno scored both, although McGahee was integral to both scoring drives with 77 drives compared to Moreno's 49.

The defense held their own for much of the game, but ultimately suffered from poor field position after turnovers by the offense. Cornerback Chris Johnson came up with an interception that would result in a score and forced a fumble on a punt. Denver would not capitalize on the play, quickly going three and out.

The defense took a hit during the game, with newly acquired defensive end Junior Galette going down early in the game with a broken collarbone. Galette is expected to miss extended time, and as such Denver put Galette on the Injured Reserve following Sunday night's game.

To replace Galette on the roster, defensive end Jason Hunter was signed. Hunter had practiced with the first team during the preseason, but was cut in favor of Galette as part of the final cuts. Look for Hunter to battle for starting reps this week.

52-10. That's seriously the final score of tonight's game. Denver barely even put up a fight in this one, with their only offensive score coming on a field goal after another stalled drive.

When asked to comment on the game, head coach Dan Allen threatened reporters and repeatedly yelled expletives until the room was clear. Denver did not hold a press conference after the game.

If you didn't see the game, we advise you don't. There's nothing to see here.

Another game for the Broncos, another embarrassing loss.

After a promising offseason where Denver acquired talent across the board, the Broncos have taken a turn for the worse early this season. With tonight's 42-21 loss to Houston, Denver now sits at a win-less 0-3 through the first three weeks.

Not quite what everybody was expecting of the revamped Broncos.

"The way this season is going, Elway won't have to fire me if we don't turn it around," said head coach Dan Allen. "I'll just quit."

As in previous weeks, there's little upside from the game. Peyton Manning looked like a shadow of his former self, throwing two interceptions while posting a miserable 65.1 passer rating. The Broncos only amassed 25 yards on the ground, albeit scoring twice via the run in the red zone.

Receiver Jason Hill had a big game prior to exiting with an injury, hauling in ten catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. Hill's status will be updated by Denver later tonight.

The Broncos have a tough match up with the Raiders in Denver coming up next week.

Update: It looks like Jason Hill has a ruptured disk in his neck and will miss extended time. Look for Brandon Stokley to step into the slot receiver role with Clyde Gate seeing more time in shotgun sets.

Another week, another loss for the Denver Broncos. Denver lost at home for the third time this season in Sunday's game versus the Oakland Raiders to the tune of 34-10.

For the third straight week, Denver's offense sputtered for much of the game, only putting up a touchdown score late in the fourth quarter. To top it off, an ill-advised fourth-down and inches conversion attempt led to an Oakland score early in the first quarter after the offense sputtered in Oakland territory.

The defense, although improved over past weeks, was still very spotty and news out of the Denver locker room is that several starters are on the chopping block after poor performances. Veteran corner Champ Bailey came up with an interception that seemed to be a turning point for Denver, only to have running back Knowshon Moreno fumble a couple plays later.

Kicker Matt Prater looked off today, missing a field goal and routinely failing to get touchbacks on kickoffs--very uncharacteristic for the sure-footed Prater.

Head Coach Dan Allen was unavailable for comment following the game.

Denver will play the New England Patriots in Foxborough next week.

Update: Following the game, the Broncos claimed running back Jonathan Stewart off of waivers from the Carolina Panthers. Stewart is expected to share time with Willis McGahee at first, but potentially could jump into a bigger role as the season wears on. In a corresponding move, receiver Jason Hill was placed on Injured Reserve.

The Denver Broncos may have more to worry about than a 4-10 record following reports coming out of Mile High that head coach Dan Allen has been running an overly-aggressive locker room ever since being hired prior to the 2012 season.

Originally broken by Denver Post writer Jeff Legwold, former Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno reportedly received numerous harassing comments from the coaching staff following mishaps in practice and poor performance during the 2012 season.

"It was unfair, I was yelled at for everything," Moreno said. "They yelled at me for ridiculous things like having trouble holding onto the football. I've never had problems with carrying the ball. Never."

Although the statistics seem to be quite the contrary in the case of Moreno, the accusation is very serious and may spell the end for Allen in Denver. Vice President John Elway had always expressed displease with the state of the Broncos in the midst of another disappointing season.

"The Denver Broncos organization is taking these accusations very seriously," Elway said. "I have yet to speak with Pat [Bowlen] about the situation, but I assure you we're going to get to the bottom of this."

If the rumors are found to be true, Allen may have more to worry about than simply the remaining two games of the season.

It's been a very odd offseason for Denver thus far, with rumors swirling around the status of head coach Dan Allen and accusations by former Denver running back Knowshon Moreno.

Moreno, a former number 12 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Georgia, accused Allen and the Denver coaching staff of various allegations surrounding the treatment of players in practices and games. Moreno, once a promising prospect, was released by the Broncos in Week 02 of the 2013 season after playing in only one game.

Following a 4-12 season, the Broncos organization announced that big changes will be coming to Denver in 2014. Among the changes are the supposed trade rumors surrounding future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. More light will be shed on the situation as the preseason starts today.

Key Departures: LB Wesley Woodyard, HB Willis McGahee, DE Jarvis Moss
Key Arrivals: WR Damian Williams, LB Duran Cooper

2014 NFL Draft Picks:
-2nd Round LB Duran Cooper: A thumping linebacker, Cooper is likely to take an immediate role in 4-4 sets opposite Joe Mays at the mike linebacker. With Mays in a contract year, Cooper could be looking at a starting role in 2015 with a solid season.

-3rd Round HB Keith Poeteat: An elusive runner with some speed, Poeteat was brought in following the departure of Willis McGahee. Poeteat will likely being inactive for most of the 2014 season barring injuries, but potentially could push third year running back Ronnie Hillman for spell duties as the season progresses.

-3rd Round WR Curtis Covington: A physical receiver with the ability to beat press and make catches in small spaces, Covington will earn a spot on the roster if he can prove to be reliable catching the football and running routes.

-5th Round DT Jeremiah Haily: A quick guy with the football smarts to make it in the NFL, Haily needs to prove he's more than a run stopper and can use his speed to get to the quarterback if he's to overcome injury concerns and strength concerns to succeed at this level.

-5th Round TE Jake Mckinley: A balanced tight end with the ability to block and receive, Mckinley needs to prove he has NFL quality hands before he makes an impact at this level.

-6th Round WR Stephen Sturdivant: A physical receiver with the ability to gain yards after the catch, Sturdivant needs to prove he has the smarts to play receiver in the NFL before he makes an impact. With the depth at wide out on the roster, Sturdivant may be looking for a job come September.

-6th Round LB Jake Matthews: A speedy linebacker with a knack for finding the ball carrier, Matthews could crack the roster if he can improve his coverage skills. The departure of longtime special teams ace and captain Wesley Woodyard presents an opportunity for Matthews to create a role in sub packages.

-7th Round QB Justin Zumwalt: It isn't just a strong arm that makes Zumwalt stand out from other late round quarterbacks--he also has the pocket presence and the intangibles coaches look for in NFL quarterbacks. Zumwalt will need to learn the playbook behind Peyton Manning and young gun Brock Osweiler, but will likely make the active roster as the third quarterback.

-7th Round TE Aaron Jones: A productive receiver for San Jose St., Jones will need to make an impression on the coaching staff as a receiver quick off the line that can overcome physical limitations.

Free Agent Signings:
-FB Jed Collins: Brought back by Denver after a season with two stints on the active roster (in which he saw little play time outside of heavy sets), Collins is looking to state his claim as the replacement for aging fullback Greg Jones.

-WR Damian Williams: Following a season that saw a visible decline in the quality of receiver play, Denver signed Williams with the intent of challenging Brandon Gibson for slot duties and to play in spread packages.

-DE Jeremy Beal: Another ex-Bronco, Beal was drafted late in the 2012 NFL Draft before being turning down a contract in the offseason. Beal will likely make the active roster following the release of Jarvis Moss.

-DT Akiem Hicks: Brought in to be depth at defensive tackle, Hicks will have touble making the active roster following the drafting of rookie DT Jeremiah Haily.

-FS Johnny Thomas: Originally brought in as camp depth at safety, Thomas could stick in Denver if trade rumors involving incumbent free safety Jim Leonhard heading to Miami prove to be true.

-OG Isaiah Milburn: A camp lineman, Milburn will need to quickly pick up the playbook if he wishes to make the team.

-OT Marcus Mangiro: A capable pass blocker, Mangiro needs to show marked improvement as a run blocker if he's going to make the team.

-DE Anthony Davis: A very fast pass-rusher, Davis may yet have a chance to crack the roster with a good showing in preseason games.

A 1-4 start has the Denver Broncos visibly worried.

Following a tough loss to the Chiefs in which future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning was benched in favor of rookie Justin Zumwalt, rumors coming out of Denver are Manning may be on the outs with the Broncos. This news isn't exactly shocking after last season's disastrous 4-12 season, in which Manning threw over 50 interceptions.

Zumwalt performed admirably in his first NFL regular season action, throwing for five touchdowns and over 400 yards as he brought the Broncos to within ten following a 28 point deficit in the second quarter. The coaching staff was impressed with Zumwalt's performance in the preseason, showing poise in the pocket and playmaking ability from the first pass.

It is not yet clear who will start Week 06 versus the Buccaneers, but it is increasingly becoming clear that Manning may lose his job to backup Brock Osweiler or the rookie Zumwalt sometime in the near future if performance on the field doesn't improve.

Another season is in the books for Denver, and despite a thrilling finish to the season with a 48-21 win against the Falcons, the Broncos finished with another down season for the franchise.

One season after finishing at the bottom of the division, Denver made a step forward with a seven win season. The tumultuous season saw the removal of veteran Peyton Manning from starter to a mentoring role for rookie quarterback Justin Zumwalt. A runner-up for offensive rookie of the year, Zumwalt posted an impressive 40 touchdowns and 95.0 quarterback rating in 11 starts. Following a 1-4 start under Manning, the Broncos finished a decent 6-5 under Zumwalt.

The season was derailed by injuries to star running back Maurice Jones-Drew and several other key offensive players, yet the offense still rolled forward behind the rookie quarterback for several comeback wins, including the final game of the season--Denver came back from a 21-0 deficit to go on a 48-0 run to win the game. Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas made waves with a truly breakout season that has launched Thomas into the highest tier of receivers in the league. Thomas finished the season with 95 receptions for 1,919 yards and 26 touchdowns, in the process setting the single season record for receiving touchdowns.

Moving forward, it is clear Denver needs to play more consistently if they are going to win more games. Two one possession losses to the playoff contending Chargers and a late game collapse against the Browns made a big impact on the season, as Denver could have easily finished 9-7 or 10-6--in the process competing for the AFC West title.

Heading into the offseason, the question is whether Denver can bring back impact defensive end Osi Umenyiora and receiver Josh Morgan. Umenyiora led the team with 23 sacks in 2014. For the second offseason in a row, Denver will have to prove they can pick up impact rookies later in the draft because the Bengals have Denver's first round pick in the draft. Last year's draft resulted in a couple impact players in Zumwalt and middle linebacker Duran Cooper, who were taken in the seventh and second rounds, respectively.

Look for Denver to make a splash in free agency, with Peyton Manning likely to retire--and in the process free up almost $20 million in cap space. Denver will likely use some of this money to bring back Umenyiora and Morgan, although afterwards Denver could have upwards of $25 million in cap space to work with.

Stay tuned for draft coverage and further offseason coverage of the developing head coaching situation in Denver.

Denver wasted no time getting into trade talks the offseason after finishing 7-9 and overhauling the coaching staff for the second time in four seasons.

First, Head Coach and GM Dan Allen reached an agreement with the Indianapolis Colts to send veteran quarterback Peyton Manning back to Indy for what looks to be his final season, picking up a third round pick in this season's draft in the process.

Denver then went ahead and traded quarterback Brock Osweiler, incumbent center Jeff Faine and veteran offensive guard Chris Kuper to San Francisco in return for receiver Michael Crabtree and two seventh round picks.

The Broncos are looking to move Philip Blake and Zane Beadles into starting roles on the offensive line with Faine and Kuper departing, but aren't much of a downgrade and are many years younger. Justin Zumwalt will likely return to the starting quarterback role with the departure of Manning and Osweiler. Zumwalt finished as the runner-up for AFC offensive rookie of the year this past season.

Broncos management claims the trades are part of a movement to get younger as a team, as Denver currently has six starters 32-years-old and above. Defensive tackle Ty Warren retired this offseason, with his replacement being 33-year-old Spencer Johnson.

The Denver Broncos have had quite the active offseason, following a 7-9 run that saw the Broncos miss the playoffs for the third straight season.

Among the first moves made consolidated second-year quarterback Justin Zumwalt as the starting quarterback--now-retired great Peyton Manning and monstrous backup Brock Osweiler were shipped out to Indianapolis and San Francisco, respectively. The trades brought in several picks and veteran receiver Michael Crabtree.

Shortly after Denver's first preseason game, the announcement of Jim Leonhard being shipped off to the New York Jets rocked the locker room. "I don't know what to say," said Leonhard. "One minute I'm on the field, and then another I'm cleaning out my locker. After three seasons and a new contract, this isn't what I expected."

Denver's coach stated the team will look towards fifth year safety Rahim Moore to step in at the free safety position. Of the move, coach Daniel Allen was quoted as saying that "Moore is ready" and "we need to move forward with the youth of this team."

Key Arrivals: WR Michael Crabtree, DT Gerald McCoy, DE Da'Quan Bowers, DT Devon Still, MLB Akeem Dent
Key Departures: DT Ty Warren (retirement), QB Peyton Manning, DE Junior Galette

2015 NFL Draft Picks:
2nd Round OT Beau Bryant - Denver took a big risk on Bryant, who has the size and physical talent to succeed on either side of the line in the NFL. However, Bryant was notorious for having difficulty learning the playbook at Arizona State, and likely will take a while to pick up Denver's faced paced offense.

3rd Round WR Jabari Bryant - Of no relation to Beau, Jabari Bryant is a talented receiver who has speed and physicality at the line that could make him a weapon on the opposite side of Demaryius Thomas. With some seasoning and work on making the tough catches with defenders nearby, Bryant could make a formidable target for Denver.

4th Round C Benjamin Bissen - A physical freak, Bissen was touted as having excellent blocking skills in the open and solid run blocking from the line. Bissen should have time to develop his pass blocking skills behind starter Philip Blake.

5th Round QB Kody Grosso - Draft day was tough for Grosso, who was claimed to be a top ten pick out of Michigan State--only to watch from the green room as his name wasn't called on the first day and then again on the second day. Denver has arguably gotten a steal in the strong-armed Grosso, who has played in an NFL-style offense at Michigan State and could threaten starter Justin Zumwalt in the future.

6th Round DE Dietric Guess - Nobody predicted that Denver would take a defensive end in the draft, only days after picking up Da'Quan Bowers in free agency and totaling seven on the roster at the time. With that said, the depth at end will allow Denver to groom Guess as a run-stopper.

7th Round FB Jacob Bibler - With veteran Greg Jones entering his age-34 season, it only makes sense that Denver would go out and get a fullback in the later rounds. Bibler fits the bill as a hard runner and capable run blocker, who has an underrated ability to make catches out of the backfield.

7th Round OG D'Andre Hightower - A nimble guard out of William Penn, Hightower must prove to the coaching staff that he has the strength to make it in the NFL against bigger and meaner defensive tackles.

7th Round FB Evan Daniels - Another late-round fullback, Daniels has the ability to block in open space, but may be on the bubble if he can't find a spot on special teams.

7th Round OT Ishmael Peaks - An undersized tackle, Peaks must prove to the coaches that he has the chops to make this roster. With underwhelming run blocking skills and questionable durability, Peaks has an up-hill battle ahead of him.

Free Agent Signings:
QB Timmy Ponzol - A very young third-year player, Ponzol has the arm strength to fit coach Allen's scheme. Now he needs to prove he's got the chops to stick it out with Zumwalt and rookie Grosso to earn a roster spot.

QB Chris Hendrix - A second year quarterback, Hendrix is the oldest arm on the roster--which isn't a good sign when considered the least talented of the group.

WR Aerion Shearn - A blazing fast receiver, Shearn also displays extremely effective ability to catch the ball in small spaces and an excellent vertical. Shearn has the talent to stand out amongst Denver's many young receivers.

OG Devaliera Dillon - Dillon hit the market after two seasons as a backup, but has the skills to be a suitable starter in the future.

DE Da'Quan Bowers - It's ironic that Denver grabbed Bowers in free-agency, as they very nearly nabbed Bowers with the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft (ultimately taking Von Miller instead). Bowers will take precedence over Robert Ayers as a rotational end behind Elvis Dumervil and Osi Umenyiora.

DE Mike Neal - Neal is not a stranger to the Broncos, as he spent parts of the 2012 season with Denver as a rotational end and tackle. Neal is squarely on the roster bubble with the additions of Bowers and rookie Guess.

DT Gerald McCoy - Denver was desperate for help at tackle after the shocking announcement of incumbent Ty Warren's retirement early in the offseason. The Broncos made a splash by signing the highly sought after McCoy, who will fill in for Warren and figures to make an impact beside veteran Spencer Johnson.

DT Devon Still - Another player Denver nearly took in previous drafts, Still figures to be a key rotational player behind Gerald McCoy and Spencer Johnson. As the season progresses, Still may replace Sammie Hill as the primary rotational player at tackle.

DT Mike Turner - A third-year tackle, Turner is likely only a camp body in a crowded defensive line picture.

OLB Quentin Groves - An odd addition to a crowded linebacker corps, Groves is better suited to rushing the passer, but linebackers coach John Mobley was impressed with Groves' coverage abilities during tryouts. Groves may stick on the roster as a veteran backup, but rumors out of Denver are that coach Allen has his eyes on recently released O'Brian Schofield as a possible pick up.

OLB Kaelin Burnett - Burnett's balance of coverage and run-stopping ability makes him an appealing player for Denver's defensive scheme, but he's facing a difficult battle for a roster spot.

MLB Akeem Dent - A perfect fit for Denver's scheme, Dent offers a hard-hitting run-stopper that linebackers coach Mobley envisions as the ideal backup to Joe Mays and Duran Cooper.

MLB Quan Sturdivant - Another familiar face, Sturdivant stuck on the Broncos' roster for all of 2013 before being one of the final camp cuts in 2014. Unfortunately for Sturdivant, he's looking more and more like a camp body with the addition of Dent.

DB Wade Skipper - An speedy safety, Skipper has value to the Broncos as a hard hitting safety whose above average coverage skills could make him the ideal roster replacement for recently-departed starter Jim Leonhard.

DB Cameron Upersesa - Another rookie safety, Upersesa has the zone skills to play free safety in the NFL and is regarded as a good, hard tackler. However, suspect hands and man coverage skills could lead to problems.