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In 2011 the Broncos did not utilize the Tight End position in the passing game all that much, but they did have some contribution from them. Starter Daniel Fells had 19 receptions for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns, Dante Rosario had 7 receptions for 117 yards, rookie Virgil Green had 3 receptions for 24 yards, and rookie Julius Thomas had 1 reception for 5 yards. So overall, this group totaled 30 receptions for 402 yards which is averages out to be 13.4 yards per catch, which is pretty good. The 2011 Broncos, utilized their TE's mostly in the run game. They helped pave the way for starter Willis McGahee and help the Broncos lead the league in rushing in 2011.
During the offseason, the Broncos lost Fells and Rosario, but did add some better talent to the roster. The Broncos signed Tight Ends Joel Dreessen and Jacob Tamme. Both of which will be nice weapons for QB Peyton Manning. Returning are 2nd year players, Virgil Green and the promising Julius Thomas.
The Broncos signed Dreessen to a three year, 8.5 million dollar contract this past offseason. Dreessen is a fine all around TE who is reliable receiver and a fine blocker. In 2011 Dreessen totaled 28 receptions for 353 yards and 6 touchdowns. Dreessen figures to be a nice red zone threat for QB Peyton Manning.
How does Dreessen fit in with the Broncos offense? Dreessen is a more traditional TE, so i could see him being our starter for most games. Peyton Manning likes to utilize the TE in the passing game, so it would not surprise me one bit if Dreessen was a solid contributor for the Broncos this year.
| SEASON | TEAM | GAMES | RECEIVING | RUSHING | FUMBLES | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | GS | REC | YDS | AVG | LONG | TD | ATT | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | FUM | LOST | ||
| TOTAL | 110 | 1,364 | -- | 56 | 13 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 2 | 1 | |||
| 2011 | HOU | 16 | 10 | 28 | 353 | 12.6 | 56T | 6 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2010 | HOU | 16 | 10 | 36 | 518 | 14.4 | 43T | 4 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1 | 1 |
| 2009 | HOU | 16 | 11 | 26 | 320 | 12.3 | 25T | 1 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2008 | HOU | 16 | 3 | 11 | 77 | 7.0 | 13 | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1 | 0 |
| 2007 | HOU | 13 | 0 | 4 | 55 | 13.8 | 28T | 2 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2005 | NYJ | 14 | 0 | 5 | 41 | 8.2 | 17 | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
DREESSEN AT A GLANCE:
• A seventh-year tight end who started at least 10 games in each of the last three seasons with Houston, totaling 90 receptions for 1,191 yards (13.2 avg.) with 11 touchdowns over that stretch.
• Ranked second in the NFL in percentage of catches resulting in touchdowns (15.6% / 10-of- 64) during the last two seasons (min. 25 rec.).
• Played in at least 13 games during each of his six NFL seasons, including all 16 games during his last four years with the Texans.
• Owns 28 career special-teams tackles and has experience as a long snapper.
• Started all 45 games played at Colorado State University, where he totaled 123 receptions for 1,295 yards (10.5 avg.) with 10 touchdowns and was a two-time first-team All-Mountain West Conference selection.
• Joined the Broncos as an unrestricted free agent on March 29, 2012.
• Selected by the N.Y. Jets in the sixth round (198th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.
2011: Dreessen played all 16 regular-season games (10 starts) for the fourth consecutive year and totaled 28 receptions for 353 yards (12.6 avg.) while leading the team with a career-best six touchdowns... Added three special-teams tackles for the Texans... Caught four passes for a career-high 112 yards vs. Oak. (10/9)... Appeared in both of Houston’s postseason contests but did not record any statistics.
2010: Dreessen saw time in all 16 games (10 starts) and recorded career highs in receptions (36) and receiving yards (518) in addition to contributing four touchdowns and three special-teams tackles... Recorded his first career 100-yard receiving game (4-106) at NYJ (11/21).
2009: Dreessen started a career-high 11 games and appeared in all 16 contests for Houston while registering 26 receptions for 320 yards (12.3 avg.) with one touchdown on offense... Handled long-snapping duties for the majority of the season and posted three stops on special teams... Caught a career-best six passes for 81 yards
(13.5 avg.) with one touchdown vs. N.E. (1/3).
2008: Dreessen played all 16 games (3 starts) for the first time in his career and recorded 11 receptions for 77 yards (7.0 avg.) on offense along with eight tackles on special teams... Made his first career start in a double tight end set vs. Mia. (10/12)
2007: Dreessen played 13 games (0 starts) and totaled four catches for 55 yards (13.8 avg.) with two touchdowns in addition to ranking second on the club with nine special-teams stops... Made his first career touchdown reception, a 28-yarder from Sage Rosenfels, at S.D. (10/28).
2006: Dreessen spent the season out of football after being waived by the N.Y. Jets at the conclusion of the preseason.
2005: Selected by the N.Y. Jets in the sixth round (198th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft, Dreessen played 14 regular-season games (0 starts) as a rookie and contributed five receptions for 41 yards (8.2 avg.) and one special- teams tackle... Inactive for the Jets’ first two games before seeing time in the remainder of the club’s contests... Caught his first NFL pass, a 7-yarder, at Den. (11/20).
COLLEGE: Dreessen started all 45 games played at Colorado State University and caught 123 passes for 1,295 yards (10.5 avg.) with 10 touchdowns at tight end while also serving as the Rams’ long snapper... Left the school ranked eighth on the program’s all-time receptions list... Named a first-team All-Mountain West Conference selection following his sophomore and senior campaigns.
PERSONAL: Dreessen was an all-state and all-Colorado selection as a senior at Fort Morgan High School in Fort Morgan, Colo.... Earned first-team all-conference honors during each of his final two prep seasons... Lettered four times each in football and track... Majored in management at Colorado State... Participated in the NFL Broadcast Boot Camp during the summer of 2012 and earned a guest co-hosting spot on SiriusXM NFL Radio with Lions
wide receiver Nate Burleson... Joel Clifford Dreessen was born on July 26, 1982, in Ida Grove, Iowa.
Via: Denver Broncos
The Broncos signed Jacob Tamme to a three year, 9 million dollar contract this past offseason. Tamme a 5th year pro figures to be a key part of the Broncos passing offense this year. Tamme is a former teammate of Peyton Manning, and with Manning had a career year in 2010. In 2011 Tamme had a down year with the Colts, but circumstances really contributed to that. In 2011 Tamme had 19 receptions for 177 yards and 1 touchdown.
Like i said earlier, i think Tamme will be a key receiver for Manning. Tamme isn't your traditional TE, i expect us to split him wide, line him up in the backfield and play along the line. He should be a matchup concern for opposing defenses. Also he has experience with Manning, which i think will be helpful early in the season. In 2010, with Manning, Tamme had a career year where he totaled 67 receptions for 631 yards and 4 touchdowns. Also with the inexperience and depth at WR, Tamme in essence will be our third or forth receiver. I'm excited to see what Manning can do with Tamme this year.
| SEASON | TEAM | GAMES | RECEIVING | RUSHING | FUMBLES | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | GS | REC | YDS | AVG | LONG | TD | ATT | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | FUM | LOST | ||
| TOTAL | 92 | 855 | -- | 30 | 5 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | |||
| 2011 | IND | 16 | 5 | 19 | 177 | 9.3 | 29 | 1 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2010 | IND | 16 | 8 | 67 | 631 | 9.4 | 30 | 4 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2009 | IND | 16 | 1 | 3 | 35 | 11.7 | 21 | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2008 | IND | 12 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 4.0 | 6 | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
TAMME AT A GLANCE:
• A fifth-year tight end who enters his first season with the Broncos in 2011 after totaling 92 receptions for 855 yards (9.3 avg.) with five touchdowns in 60 career games (14) with Indianapolis (2008-11) to begin his career.
• Recorded a career-high 67 catches for 631 yards (9.4 avg.) and four scores in 2010—all in the last 10 games after starting tight end Dallas Clark was placed on injured reserve with his reception total leading the NFL during that stretch.
• Owns 28 career special-teams tackles, including a career-best 13 stops in 2009 that ranked
fourth on the Colts.
• Opened 37-of-48 games played at the University of Kentucky and finished his career ranked first in school history with 133 receptions for 1,417 yards and 11 touchdowns.
• Named a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection following his final two seasons for the Wildcats to become the first tight end in school history to earn the honor twice in his career.
• Joined the Broncos as an unrestricted free agent on March 29, 2012.
• Selected by the Colts in the fourth round (127th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS: Signed by Indianapolis as a draft choice 7/23/08; Signed by Denver as an unrestricted free agent 3/29/12.
2011: Tamme played all 16 games (5 starts) for the second consecutive season and totaled 19 receptions for 177 yards (9.3 avg.) with one touchdown in addition to tying for the team lead with eight special-teams tackles.
2010: Tamme saw action in all 16 regular-season games, including a career-high eight starts, and tied for second on the Colts with 67 receptions for 631 yards (9.4 avg.) with four touchdowns—all coming in the last 10 games of the year after starting tight end Dallas Clark was placed on injured reserve... Added five special-teams
tackles during the regular season... Grabbed a career-best 11 passes for 108 yards (9.8 avg.) with one touchdown at Phi. (11/7)... Totaled seven or more receptions in 7-of-10 games to end the season... Opened Indianapolis’ AFC Wild Card Game vs. N.Y. Jets (1/8) and totaled five receptions for 46 yards (9.2 avg.).
2009: Tamme played all 16 games (1 start) for the first time in his career and ranked fourth on the club with 13 special-teams tackles in addition to collecting three receptions for 35 yards (11.7 avg.) on offense... Played in all three postseason games for the Colts, including Super Bowl XLIV vs. N.O. (2/7), and contributed three stops on special teams.
2008: Selected by Indianapolis in the fourth round (127th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft, Tamme played 12 games (0 starts) as a rookie and recorded three catches for 12 yards (4.0 avg.) to go along with two specialteams tackles... Played in the Colts’ AFC Wild Card Game at S.D. (1/8).
COLLEGE: Tamme started 37-of-48 career games at the University of Kentucky and totaled 1,417 yards and 11 touchdowns on his 133 receptions that ranked first in school history and second all-time in Southeastern Conference annals among tight ends... Earned first-team All-SEC honors following his final two seasons and
received a National Scholar-Athlete Award from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame as a senior... Recognized as a finalist for the Draddy Award (Academic Heisman) and was selected to the National Good Works team and SEC Community Service Team.
PERSONAL: Tamme played wide receiver and defensive back at Boyle County High School in Danville, Ky., where he totaled 97 receptions for 1,866 yards (19.2 avg.) with 32 touchdowns and 23 interceptions for his prep career... Helped Boyle County win four consecutive state titles (named championship game MVP his final two years) and compile a 58-2 record during his four seasons... Jacob Tamme was born on March 15, 1985, in Danville, Ky.
Via: Denver Broncos
| SEASON | TEAM | GAMES | RECEIVING | RUSHING | FUMBLES | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | GS | REC | YDS | AVG | LONG | TD | ATT | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | FUM | LOST | ||
| TOTAL | 1 | 5 | -- | 5 | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | |||
| 2011 | DEN | 5 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 5 | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
THOMAS AT A GLANCE:
• A second-year tight end who saw action in five games (1 start) for the Broncos as a rookie in 2011 despite being limited by an ankle injury suffered in Week 2.
• Started in Denver’s season opener vs. Oakland (9/12/11) and joined three other teammates as the first rookie quartet to start a season opener since at least 1968.
• Played just one season of college football after starring basketball for Portland State University and earned first-team All-Big Sky Conference by finishing third on the Vikings with 29 receptions for 453 yards (15.6 avg.) with two touchdowns as a senior.
• Participated in the East-West Shrine Game following his senior season and caught a 5-yard touchdown to go along with a two-point conversion for the West.
• Lettered four times in basketball for the Vikings, leading them to their first two NCAA Tournament appearances in school history (2008, ‘09) and finishing as the program’s all-time leader in games played (121), career wins (78) and field goal percentage (.663).
• Selected by the Broncos in the fourth round (129th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS: Signed by Denver as a draft choice 7/27/11.
2011: Selected by Denver in the fourth round (129th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft, Thomas played five regular-season games (1 start) and posted one reception for five yards as a rookie... Joined three other teammates who became the first quartet of rookies to start a season opener for the Broncos since at least 1968... Inactive
for 11 regular-season games and two playoff contests due to an ankle injury sustained in Denver’s Week 2 win vs. Cin. (9/18).
COLLEGE: Thomas, who played just one season of college football, saw action in 11 games (1 start) for Portland State University in 2010 and earned first-team All-Big Sky Conference honors after finishing third on the team with 29 receptions for 453 yards (15.6 avg.) with two touchdowns... Hauled in nine passes of 20 or more yards
and produced 18 first downs... Invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game, where he hauled in a 5-yard touchdown pass and caught the ensuing two-point conversion to account for the West’s only points of the game...Walked on to the football team during the spring after exhausting his eligibility in basketball.
PERSONAL: Thomas attended Tokay High School in Lodi, Calif., where he was a standout center and power forward on the basketball team... Helped lead Tokay to a 25-9 overall record and a Sac-Joaquin Section title during his senior year when he was named co-Player of the Year by The Record (San Joaquin)... Lettered four seasons in basketball at Portland State, setting school records for games played (121), career wins (78) and field goal per-centage (.663)... Named to the Big Sky Conference All-Tournament Team in 2008 and ‘09, helping the Vikings capture conference titles and advance to the NCAA Tournament in both seasons... Averaged 10.8 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting a school-record .671 from the floor as a senior... Graduated from Portland State with a
degree in business administration... Julius Thomas was born on June 27, 1988, in Stockton, Calif.
Via: Denver Broncos
Virgil Green TE #85 6'5 252lbs
Green really blew up at the combine last year. He put up great numbers and showed that he is a physical freak. I was surprised when he was available in the 7th round for the Broncos. He contributed nicely in 2011 on special teams and as a run blocker for the Broncos. He also caught 3 balls for 24 yards.
Green was suspended for 4 games for taking ADHD medicine before getting approval from the NFL. Green has been now approved to take the medicine, but still has to serve the suspension.
"I apologize to my teammates, coaches and fans for my mistake," said Green, "and will make sure to never let anything like this happen again."
Via: twitter
I'm not sure how this effect Greens roster status, but it doesn't help it. If Green impresses during camp and the preseason, it will be hard for the Broncos to let Green go. If he does makes the roster, Green will start out on the suspended list, and he will not count against the roster. Greens situation will be something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
| SEASON | TEAM | GAMES | RECEIVING | RUSHING | FUMBLES | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | GS | REC | YDS | AVG | LONG | TD | ATT | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | FUM | LOST | ||
| TOTAL | 3 | 24 | -- | 9 | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | |||
| 2011 | DEN | 15 | 3 | 3 | 24 | 8.0 | 9 | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
GREEN AT A GLANCE:
• A second-year tight end who played 15 regular-season games (3 starts) and both playoff contests (1 start) for the Broncos as a rookie in 2011.
• Contributed mostly as a blocking tight end for Denver’s league-leading rushing offense (164.5 ypg.) in 2011 in addition to catching three passes for 24 yards (8.0 avg.) and totaling three tackles as a mainstay on special teams.
• Played 50 career games (34 starts) for the University of Nevada and helped the Wolf Pack average 500.2 yards per game during his four-year career (2007-10) to rank third in the nation in that span.
• Secured first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors following his senior campaign at Nevada after totaling a career-high 35 receptions for 515 yards (14.7 avg.) with five touchdowns.
• Named Nevada’s Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year as a junior in 2009 in addition to being selected to the All-WAC second team.
• Selected by the Broncos in the seventh round (204th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.
2011: Selected by Denver in the seventh round (204th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft, Green played 15 regular season games (3 starts) and contributed three catches for 24 yards (8.0 avg.) in addition to blocking for the league’s No. 1 rushing attack (164.5 ypg.)... Logged the fourth-most plays on special teams for the Broncos and totaled three tackles on those units... Played in both of Denver’s postseason contests, including a start in the Broncos’ AFC Divisional Playoff Game at N.E. (1/14).
COLLEGE: Green played 50 career games (34 starts) at the University of Nevada and totaled 72 receptions for 939 yards (13.0 avg.) with 11 touchdowns while helping the Wolf Pack rank fifth in the nation with 500.2 total yards per game from 2007-10... Recorded a personal-best 35 catches for 515 yards (14.7 avg.) with five touchdowns in his senior campaign to earn first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors... Named the Nevada Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year as a junior in 2009 in addition to being selected ot the All-WAC second team.
PERSONAL: Green totaled 61 receptions for 1,014 yards (16.6 avg.) with 12 touchdowns during his career at Tulare Union High School in Tulare, Calif., where he earned first-team All-East Yosemite League honors following his senior season... Lettered four years in basketball and another in track and field... Majored in general studies at Nevada... Virgil Leo Green was born on Aug. 3, 1988, in Tulare, Calif.
Via: Denver Broncos
INGRAM AT A GLANCE:
• A second-year tight end who competed on practice squads with Denver (2011), Detroit (2011) and Philadelphia (2010) after spending his rookie season on the Eagles’ injured reserve list.
• Totaled 64 receptions for 888 yards (13.9 avg.) with eight touchdowns and was a part of two National Championship teams (2006, ‘08) at the University of Florida after switching from quarterback to tight end.
• Named a team captain for Florida during his 2008 senior campaign before sitting out the season with a knee injury.
• Played for the Gators’ basketball team as a true freshman and saw action in 19 games at small forward and shooting guard.
• Joined the Broncos as a practice-squad signee on Dec. 27, 2011.
• Selected by the Broncos in the seventh round (204th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.
2011: Ingram competed on practice squads with Detroit and Denver after being waived by Philadelphia during final roster cutdowns.
2010: Ingram spent the final eight weeks of the season on Philadelphia’s practice squad after being waived by the club on Sept. 4.
2009: Selected by the Eagles in the fifth round (153rd overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft, Ingram hurt his knee early in training camp and was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 1.
COLLEGE: Ingram Played 29 games (7 starts) at the University of Florida and totaled 64 career receptions for 888 yards (13.9 avg.) and eight touchdowns as part of two National Championship squads... Sat out his senior season with a knee injury after earning second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors as a junior (34 rec., 508 yds., 7 TDs)... Started his collegiate career as a quarterback before moving to tight end and also playing H-Back and slot receiver... Played for the Gators’ basketball team as a true freshman and saw action in 19 games at small forward and shooting guard.
PERSONAL: Ingram was a two-time Class 1A All-State selection in football and basketball at Hawthorne High School in Hawthorne, Fla.... Named to the Southeast 88 list by Rivals.com as the third-best quarterback prospect in the nation in addition to finishing as one of six finalists for the Mr. Basketball Award for the state of Florida... Graduated from Florida with a degree in anthropology... Cornelius Ingram was born on June 10, 1985, in Hawthorne, Fla.
Via: Denver Broncos
A big, athletic looking tight end who really carries his weight well and certainly looks the part. Displays natural musculature through his base, long arms and is a plus athlete for the position. Possesses the ability to sit into his stance and keep his base down off the ball. Generates a snap into contact, exhibits plus power and can routinely win at the point of attack. However, doesn't seem to possess that consistent mean streak. Gets a bit tentative at times off the ball, doesn't look to routinely finish through contact and at times simply doesn't play up to his physical talents. Can handle defensive ends at the point on one play and then be overpowered by a linebacker on the next. Exhibits natural body control and range getting out to the second level, breaks down well in space and can seal. Is also very coordinated in pass protection, looks compact/smooth toward the edge and extends his arms well. However, needs to be more physical/assertive with his punch and working through contact. Struggles to stay on blocks in both the run and pass game through the play.Showcases the ability to keep his base down off the snap when getting into his routes, but again seems a bit tentative, doesn't routinely get off the snap on time and has a slight roll of momentum from his heels to his toes when getting into his route. Once he gets his momentum going there is a natural burst with good body control stemming his route and using his balance/foot quickness to cleanly get out of his breaks. Snaps his head around quickly, locates the ball well and uses his long arms to pluck well away from his frame. Displays average straight-line speed, but gets up to speed quickly and can threaten the seam on vertical routes. Exhibits the body control to adjust to the football. However, concentration seems to lapse at times, as he will put the ball on the ground.Impression: There is a lot physically to like about his game. He's powerful when he wants to be, can block with leverage and separate in tight areas. However, inconsistencies both in the passion and effort department are major concerns when I watch him on tape, and in my mind would keep him from being drafted. Worth a shot in camp though.