I have seen a few of you asking about an update on last years fifth round pick Quanterus Smith. Well today Andrew Mason an independent analyst at the official Denver Broncos web site gave us some rather encouraging news on the second year defensive end.
With Linebacker Von Miller out recovering from his ACL injury, defensive end Quanterus Smith has been given the opportunity to get some first team reps, and line up opposite of future Hall Of Famer DeMarcus Ware. Smith hasn't been disappointing.
Per Mason, Smith is showing that he is starting to develop multiple moves beyond ones based on his speed. This has been evident in practice as well. In one play during practice, Smith used an inside pass rush move to hurry Quarterback Peyton Manning, and force him to hurry his throw which led to an incompletion.
If the Broncos can get this type of production from Smith, it will make their already solid pass rushing unit even better. It would also give them some insurance for Von Miller early in the season. It will be a bit of a stretch to expect Miller to be 100% by week one, so Smith could see some extended playing time early on in the season.
Broncos and Texans practicing together during Training Camp:
The Texans are coming to Dove Valley, shaking up the tail end of camp. The benefit here: http://t.co/mbT7K3hQe3 pic.twitter.com/bOrKXKiwPg
— Chris Hall (@BroncosTV) June 11, 2014
The Broncos and Texans will be practicing together from August 19th to August 21st.
This will give the Broncos a up close and personal look at DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney who was the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Clowney, and All-Pro defensive end J.J Watt will give the Broncos offensive line a tough test late in training camp.
"It’s always good to do that when you can,’’ Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said. "Especially after a couple weeks of camp, you’re seeing the same things from your offense and they’re seeing the same things from us. It can be very beneficial as long as both teams work with the idea you’re going to practice and not spend the day being chippy.’’
This could be a pretty common thing in the future for the Broncos. They're currently in the midst of building their new training facility. This new indoor complex will include full locker room and training room facilities for a visiting team to use.
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This new facility will simply allow teams to show up, prepare on site, and just get read to practice. As a result of this the Broncos expect teams to visit for training camps in the future.
Demaryius Thomas ranked in NFL's top 100 Players of 2014:
Another Denver Broncos player has been included in NFL Networks top 100 players of 2014. However it may be a little later then we all expected.
49. @DemaryiusT, WR, @Broncos: http://t.co/hyr5bWjEtU #NFLTop100 pic.twitter.com/VsHNS5av3N
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) June 12, 2014
Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was ranked as the 49th best player in the NFL in 2014.
Check out Tim Lynch's post on this subject here.
Some Quick Hits From Day 2 of Denver Broncos Minicamp:
- Hall Of Fame defensive back Rod Woodson is working as a intern defensive back coach for the Broncos during their minicamps.
- Undrafted rookie running back Kapri Bibbs showing some better receiving ability then expected. If he continues this, it will only increase his chances of making the final 53 man roster.
- Broncos rookie wide receiver Cody Latimer looking explosive again, and his wingspan is impressing those who are watching.
- After some tough practices Quarterback Brock Osweiler had a much better day Wednesday. Brock threw some beautiful deep passes that went for touchdowns.
- Some were worried about Orlando Franklin moving from Right Tackle to Left Guard, but so far so good for the veteran offensive linemen. Franklin has been looking smooth so far during practices.
Horse Tracks:
- Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo says that he needs to be better in 2014 to lift up the team.
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arizona Cardinals were talking trade for Quarterback Mike Glennon.
- The Atlanta Falcons are considering adding veteran linebacker Jonathan Vilma after losing veteran Sean Weatherspoon for the year on Tuesday.
- Broncos tight end Julius Thomas says the age of Quarterback Peyton Manning doesn't add any extra pressure for them to win the Super Bowl in 2014.
- Carolina Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton says that he doesn't want a contract like the one 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick signed last week.
- Former Denver Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler has retired from the NFL.
- Is the "Windy City" the odds on favorite to host the 2015 NFL Draft?
- Could the NFL start using Drones to cover Training Camp practices?
- NFL On CBS Broadcast teams announced for the 2014 season. I'm going to miss Shannon on the pre-game show.