Ask Aric: The O-line's adjustment, Russell Wilson's playing style and undrafted players to watch
You asked for it, and Aric delivered: O-line adjustments, Russell Wilson's style of play, and undrafted players worth watching
At this point, we know more about this Broncos team after watching OTAs, rookie minicamp, and a few veteran minicamps
During this episode of "Ask Aric," I'll answer your questions about the team's current offseason standing, potential undrafted players to keep an eye on, and more.As we drafted these guys for a different skill set, I'm curious how they're adapting to the zone-blocking scheme. These guys will be on the move more and using some different skills. In the words of Tom A.
Tom, that's a good question, because the Broncos' new outside zone blocking scheme is quite different from the one they've used in the past. When a team's strategy changes, the nuances of what you're looking for in a player change, which makes it difficult on the front office. The Broncos, on the other hand, appear to be in good shape. Quinn Meinerz's ability to move in space and Garett Bolles' pulling power against the Dolphins a few years ago are just two examples of linemen who have the desired athleticism for the system. This system may even better suit the strengths of certain players.
As a running back, Lloyd Cushenberry III is capable of both downhill and off-the-ball moves, according to Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett this week. "That's an opportunity you don't want to pass up. He's consistently shown that he can get to his shade, and I can't wait to put pads on so I can see even more of him."When it comes to execution and playbook knowledge, do you think one side of the ball is "ahead" of the other? - Brandon W. is the author of this post.
Brandon, I don't think I'm ready to give you a definitive answer just yet. We can only watch one OTA a week, so the sample size is extremely small. To their credit, when the Broncos worked on red-zone drills during last week's open practise, their offence was explosive. After Pat Surtain II's interception this week, it appeared that the defence was in control. There should be a better defence in place by now. Last year's system is being used, and nearly all of the starters are returning. This year's offence is learning a new system, and it appears to be an annual trend in the NFL for offences to take longer to master. Several times, we've heard from Tim Patrick and Javonte Williams that the system is extremely difficult to master and requires a lot of effort to succeed. Then again, I would stress that it's not worth focusing on the performance of either of the two devices. Even as new schemes and terminology are introduced, this time of year is all about learning. We'll get a better idea of where the two units stand when training camp begins and we see how the team performs every day.
Is there a non-draft player you think will make the 53-man roster? By - Jayne S.
Christopher Allen, an outside linebacker, is currently the most popular candidate for the starting job. While playing for Alabama in 2020, he was a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection with six sacks. Even so, Allen's path may be difficult. A foot injury ended his 2021 season in the first game of Alabama's season, and he also has to make the roster at one of the Broncos' most crowded positions. A team can only keep four inside linebackers, so he'll be competing with the likes of Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory as well as Malik Reed, Baron Browning, and Jonathon Cooper. The Broncos are likely to keep more players than that, but finding a spot will be difficult for everyone. So, I'll take a chance on Ja'Quan McMillian of East Carolina. However, the Broncos are likely to have three positions open at defender where teams typically keep six players. Pat Surtain II, Ronald Darby, and K'Waun Williams are the team's starters. I predict that Damarri Mathis and Michael Ojemudia will each land a spot on the team. Essang Bassey, a nickel cornerback, should compete with slot cornerback McMillian for Williams' backup role.
Will Hackett's offence make use of the wide receiver in the fullback position? - Jon C.
In the NFL Annual Meeting in March, I asked Hackett about the qualities he looks for in a fullback in this offensive system. It's important to find a player who can play multiple positions, including running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. According to Hackett, fullback/tight end Andrew Beck appears to fit that role. I'd expect the Broncos to use a fullback a fair amount, regardless of who ultimately fills that position — we've heard the team's tight ends have also taken reps as fullbacks. It "cuts the defence in half," as Hackett put it in March, and gives the offensive line an extra blocker to lean on.
What have you seen recently from the special operations forces that has piqued your interest? Is there a clear frontrunner for returner on KO and PR yet, or is it too early to tell who will win this race? -@Orange Crush512 -
The Broncos' special teams unit has a new level of excitement this season, and we'll see how it plays out when the games begin. Special Teams Coordinator Dwayne Stukes has established expectations for his team by sounding the siren before each period. It's not going to be easy persuading players to join the special teams, and no one will get the title of "core special teamer" without his approval. Special teams coach Stukes is looking for players who genuinely want to be on the team. This is evident in the drills we've seen, which bodes well for the team's future. Montrell Washington, the team's rookie kickoff and punt returner, has been mentioned as a possible candidate by General Manager George Paton, but he'll have to earn it. After the live reps in the Broncos' preseason games, I doubt we'll know who gets the job.
Weigh in on how KJ Hamler is doing. By - @RapWitMauri
The extent of Hamler's injury is now known; in addition to the ACL reconstruction, he recently revealed that he had hip surgery as well. Even though we've seen Hamler running routes in practise, the Broncos appear to be being cautious with the explosive wide receiver in the offseason. He participates in practise more on some days than on others. When it comes to Hamler's recovery, there is no set date, but the defensive lineman has stated that he is "well ahead of schedule" and hopes to be back in time for training camp. Don't expect a downgraded version of the second-round pick when he returns. Hamler grumbled, "My speed ain't going nowhere." As if I wasn't fast enough.
Is Russ trying to become more of a pocket passer based on what you see? Is he still a hybrid, then? - Darian B. is the author of this article.
You'll still see a variety of passes, both in and out of the pocket, from the quarterback. He said in late May that "everything starts from the pocket," but he acknowledged that "you have to be able to dominate both." To be sure, Wilson is capable of making accurate throws from the pocket, but part of his appeal is that he can also get out of the pocket and initiate the so-called second play, which puts more of a strain on a defence. Because of that, he's one of the hardest defenders to stop in the game. On more than one occasion, it appears as though the Broncos defenders should have the opportunity to bring down Wilson only to see him get away. Safety Having to deal with Wilson's mobility in practise, as Kareem Jackson put it, "sucks," was the highest compliment he could muster recently. Even if the Broncos wanted to get rid of that aspect, I wouldn't expect them to.
How did Simmons or Sutton fare in the cover photo competition? She's called Jolene.
In the latest Showtime Cam, the Broncos showed two magazine covers with Justin Simmons and Courtland Sutton posing in golf attire. Several Broncos weighed in on which cover was the best, and they appeared to be split on which cover was the best. I feel the same way. With the club in his hand, Justin appears more natural; however, as Courtland points out, Justin does wear designer clothing. Due to the circumstances, I'm leaning toward Court. The fact that he's out on the course adds to the cover's overall appeal.
Is the team's training camp open to the general public? The writer, Jose C.
Fans can, in fact, once again attend training camp. Historically, the Broncos have been among the league's best when it comes to allowing fans to watch open practises during training camp, and this year will be no exception. Although the exact dates and times of training camp have not yet been announced, the team usually makes those announcements towards the end of June or the beginning of July.
Comments
Post a Comment