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Around SBN: On Hazards And Hulks And Tigers, Oh My!

Breaking Down the Broncos' Latest Free Agent Signings

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The Denver Broncos have taken a vastly different approach to the free agent signing period this year than they have in year's past, not really signing very many players at all and sticking to the whole "youth movement" mantra. That doesn't mean the Broncos have done absolutely nothing this offseason as a few smaller moves have come in over the last couple of days.

Here is the run-down on the free agents the Broncos have brought in, and guys who can't actually practice with the team until the new CBA becomes official. 

Star-divide

Willis McGahee, Running Back, Age 29

The Broncos signed former first round pick and University of Miami star running back Willis McGahee to a very favorable four year contract, and he will jump in right away to compete with Knowshon Moreno for carries. McGahee is familiar with Broncos running backs coach Eric Studesville from their days in Buffalo, where McGahee ran for over 1,000 yards twice under his tutelage.

McGahee has ran for over 1,000 yards three times in his career, and he has 55 career touchdowns, which is a pretty outstanding number. 

I really like the signing of McGahee for the Broncos, and I think he can make an impact in his first year with the team provided he can stay healthy, which is always something up in the air for running backs. If he can come in and provide the Broncos with a tough inside presence near the end zone, he could be a much more significant addition than we are being led to believe.

 

David Anderson, Wide Receiver, Age 28

David Anderson is a veteran wide receiver who has played his entire career for the Houston Texans where he really hasn't been an integral part of the offense. Still, when Josh McDaniels was hired on and he brought Brian Xanders with him, the first move they tried to make in 2009 was to sign Anderson to an offer sheet when he was a restricted free agent. 

Anderson has 81 career receptions for 886 yards and three touchdowns, and with the Broncos' trade of Jabar Gaffney to Washington and Demaryius Thomas figuring to be out for quite some time, adding Anderson makes a lot of sense. He's a 5'10" 198 pounds and he is definitely a possession, slot type of receiver.

 

Dante Rosario, Tight End, Age 26

Dante Rosario comes to the Broncos after having spent the last four years with John Fox and the Carolina Panthers. Since he came into the league, he has increased his reception totals every year, including a career high 32 catches last year. 

Rosario is a good receiving tight end who came into the league with a splash four years ago when two of his six receptions went for touchdowns. He has five career touchdown receptions to go along with playing in all 16 games in every year but 2009. He's a pretty athletic player who knows how to get open, and he can help the Broncos especially when they run two-tight end sets.

He is familiar with the Broncos' coaching staff, and he can help ease the development of Julius Thomas, who has really been turning heads at training camp.

 

Daniel Fells, Tight End/H-Back/Fullback, Age 27

The Broncos made a good move by bringing in Fells, a five year veteran who has spent the last four with the St. Louis Rams. He is a 6'4" 272 pound bruiser who had a fantastic year last year with St. Louis, catching 41 passes for 391 yards and two touchdowns. Last year against the Broncos, Fells wasn't the random tight end/fullback scoring touchdowns against us, but he did have two receptions for 23 yards.

There are reports that Fells is going to be used by the Broncos as an H-back and fullback, which is encouraging because there aren't a ton of tight end spots available on the roster.

He is a big guy with good athletic ability as well as soft hands, and he's pretty quick for his size. I really like this sign for the Broncos, and I think he has a chance to really make an impact as a fullback, h-back, tight end, or wherever the Broncos decide to use him.  

Comment 31 comments  |  2 recs  | 

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Any word if he is being considered by other teams?

It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09

by firstfan on Aug 1, 2011 9:11 AM MDT up reply actions  

I've been wondering that also

Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.

Janet Malcolm

by bradley on Aug 1, 2011 9:17 AM MDT up reply actions  

I don’t think Washington is interested anymore after signing their own tackle to a big deal.

I still think there is a chance we bring him back on a 1 year deal.

Follow me on Twitter: ballinnickcast
Xbox360 gamertag: SnipeMeHarder

by Nick Cast on Aug 1, 2011 9:23 AM MDT up reply actions  

Notice the age on everyone

all below 30. I think this is intentional

by scooter17 on Aug 1, 2011 9:16 AM MDT reply actions  

What happened to Muir?

I saw a post that Muir signed with the Broncos but no official confirmation.

If I can't have high expectations that succeed, I''d rather have high expectations and be disappointed than have low expectations and be resigned to losing.

by OrangeandBluesBros on Aug 1, 2011 9:22 AM MDT reply actions  

Jason La Canfora falsely reported that.

Follow me on Twitter: ballinnickcast
Xbox360 gamertag: SnipeMeHarder

by Nick Cast on Aug 1, 2011 9:23 AM MDT up reply actions  

Muir

He meant the Rams but put Broncos, he corrected it though

Here's to Tebow being the starter in 2011!

by milehighinTO on Aug 1, 2011 9:32 AM MDT up reply actions  

I hope neither of the TE steal any of Julius Thomas' snaps

He’s gonna be a star it sounds like through the first few days

by VR92 on Aug 1, 2011 9:38 AM MDT reply actions  

I have heard that said about Mattew Willis for two years

he fails to anything except in training camp.

Davis and Smith to the Hall!

"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown

by Jon Tollerud on Aug 1, 2011 10:45 AM MDT up reply actions  

These do look like solid signings

Still missing on the defensive line I think but we sure are putting bodies all over the offense. Maybe they do plan on outscoring our defense this year.

Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.

by Sean in Pa. on Aug 1, 2011 9:38 AM MDT reply actions  

The CBA isn't official yet?

No save ammunition all bullets in gun now- Bruce Campbell
Stand up straight a man looks more confident when he is erect- Taj
I don't always drink and drive, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis- BroncoPH
BRONCOS 4 LIFE

by Taylor K on Aug 1, 2011 9:40 AM MDT reply actions  

I am sorta meh either way

I don’t have any big issues with any of these, but they are not flashy. At this point I think I need to see some actual FOOTBALL! to start to get a feeling for the season.

Broncos new pass rush Von Miller + Elvis "DOOM" Dumervil = DRILLERS! Because that is what they will be doing to opposing QBs. Ahhh yeah!

I want to say how awesome a particular Rockies player is and that he will be the MVP, but the last time I mentioned it in my sig he went out with an injury, so, GO PLAYER WHO IS SO AWESOME!

by Arimaris on Aug 1, 2011 9:45 AM MDT reply actions  

Very interesting from DP article...hmmm

“The Broncos also are of a mind that, because of their 4-12 finish last season, they sit in the No. 2 spot for waiver claims. Which means when rosters go to 75 players later in training camp and then 53 just before the regular season, the Broncos are second in line to claim any released players, behind only Carolina.

The Broncos believe some quality players will be available when those cuts come. They also believe that in the No. 2 spot, they’ll be able to claim most, or all, of the players they want at that time.

So they see that waiver time as part of free agency as well."

by WYO(MF)BRONCOBOY on Aug 1, 2011 10:03 AM MDT reply actions   1 recs

I've seen this brought up a couple of times now

Makes sense to me, now what do I do with this instant gratifiction jones I got going??

Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.

by Sean in Pa. on Aug 1, 2011 10:05 AM MDT up reply actions   1 recs

LOL

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk

by KaptainKirk on Aug 1, 2011 10:09 AM MDT up reply actions  

LMAO

you need lotion for instant gratification?

who wears short shorts?

by Broncs55 on Aug 1, 2011 10:22 AM MDT up reply actions  

It puts it on it's skin!

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk

by KaptainKirk on Aug 1, 2011 10:31 AM MDT up reply actions  

Thanks Sayre

I’ve been so busy to even have a chance to check on these guys just to know what to expect as I watch practice. This saved me a bunch of time.

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk

by KaptainKirk on Aug 1, 2011 10:11 AM MDT reply actions  

Kaptain

could we get some more pictures for those of us who live out of state and unable to attend?

Thanks homie!!! BTW – you do a phenomenal job! I love your Kaptain notes!

who wears short shorts?

by Broncs55 on Aug 1, 2011 10:24 AM MDT up reply actions  

I can get some more up today

by this afternoon for sure

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk

by KaptainKirk on Aug 1, 2011 10:32 AM MDT up reply actions  

I like this and going for Jamaal Anderson

Raiders did this a bit and it worked real well for them. We need to grab former first round picks, infuse some talent into this team. They wont all pan out, but you dont need them to. The potential is there and thats good.

by ShyandObese on Aug 1, 2011 10:24 AM MDT reply actions  

I think one thing the gets lost

Is the competition factor during training camp. Not all of these signings need to pan out as long as they are competing and pushing the next guy up on the depth chart to be better. It is my opinion that we had a great deal of misutilized talent under McD, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Marcus Thomas is a prime example. I think it is way too early to be calling for the heads of EFX. There is a plan in place, and you can see it in the guys we are signing. Youth and competition, make what you have better by pushing them to achieve more; and build using the draft. It is a proven winning formula and I am excited to see what the future brings!

by CH74 on Aug 1, 2011 10:59 AM MDT up reply actions  

well said

I like the idea of Anderson… he’s not a great player, but he’s decent rotational depth inside. Warren, if he can pass the physical, would be the same.

by cjfarls on Aug 1, 2011 11:28 AM MDT up reply actions  

Does anyone else see the pattern here?

They are going for youth with experience. The 3-5 year players. McGahee I think is a no-brainer, but other than him, the players picked up have been relatively young.

I dunno about y’all, but I’ll be glad to know our team consists of more than the geriatrics unit of the NFLPA in 2011.

27--29--11 May all your spirits rest in peace.

by Joe Medina on Aug 1, 2011 11:25 AM MDT reply actions  

@Sayre..good job young man

Most bloggers have had one single thought (where are the DT’s) and have blasted EFX. Yes there are a couple I would have liked (Mebane Muir) but money talks and having no bonus money puts the Broncos in the hole.
Yes McGahee is older (29) but he has had very few carries since 2008. I like this one.
I really hope that Marcus Thomas resigns because if you compare stats to the players we did not sign, then he is very favorable. I did question the McBean resigning but he got no offers and we need competition at DT.
I too wait for the waiver wire list. Sit EFX be patient, good things come to those who wait.
Thanks again Sayre for your articles. Is Orton still being traded?

by DLMyers on Aug 1, 2011 12:29 PM MDT reply actions  

@DL

We signed Marcus Thomas to a 1-year tender…

by OC Bronco Fan on Aug 1, 2011 3:10 PM MDT up reply actions  

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