What's trending? Broncos positional battles

Offense

Quarterbacks

Peyton is, well Peyton.  According to Adam Gase the new secondary has made getting separation a difficult task for the Broncos WR's but Manning has found the windows and successfully thrown guys open.  Demaryius Thomas sees a noticeable improvement in velocity, but after watching this guy play for two years, that is inconsequential.

Brock Osweiler had a rough go of it on day 2 according to Cecil Lammey.  This is now year #3 for the young backup and while it is not clear what exactly he is struggling with, folks have to remember that 2nd round pick aside, Brock was a complete project coming out of college. The news wasn't all bad as Brock bounced back and made some nice plays on Day 3.

Offensive Line

Not a lot of information coming out in regards to Orlando Franklin.  Andrew Mason said that he looked smooth with his footwork and was not getting beat by spin moves and stunts.  Someone who did garner some attention was reserve tackle Winston Justice.  Justice got some reps with the starters.  While it seems as if the RT position is still a work in progress, competition amongst veteran players is always welcomed.  May the best get the reps. Until the Broncos don the pads though, it will be very difficult to get a pulse for what is going on along the line.

Tight End

Virgil Green impressed in OTA's most noticeably as a pass catcher, his stock is up.  Andrew Mason noted Gerrell Robinson's ability to get separation and create mismatches against linebackers.  Though he cautions that Gerrell is still a work in progress, this is exciting news for a player who had issues doing the same on the outside as a true WR.

Wide Receiver

More than one Broncos reporter mentioned the sexy play of rookie WR Cody Lattimer.  By all counts he is big, quick, crisp, and smooth.  For now it seems he is a lock at #5 and could push Bubba Caldwell at the #4 position.

Another player receiving some praise was former Browns WR Jordan Norwood.

I am still skeptical about keeping 6 WR's on the active roster but the competition at the back of this position is going to be something to keep your eye in come Training Camp.

Running Back

This is still Montee Ball's backfield...

Fan favorite Kapri Bibbs was praised by John Fox as having the right character to do all the duties required of a running back.  (Well done John Fox with the coachspeak that says absolutely nothing!) Kidding aside, Cecil Lammey liked what he saw from Bibbs as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Defense

Defensive Tackle

Marvin Austin turned some heads with his disruptive play inside.  If Austin keeps improving and proves to be a consistent player on the inside, there is no reason why he couldn't challenge Mitch Unrein or Kevin Vickerson for a roster spot.  The Broncos are likely to keep 4 DT's.  With Sylvester Williams and Terrance Knighton locks to make it, we have a very interesting competition for the last two spots in the rotation.

Defensive End

Redshirt freshman Quanterus Smith has flashed elite speed speed from the edge to go along with a cache of moves and the ability to win inside.  Though Smith is penciled in as Demarcus Ware's backup at the rush end spot, Del Rio can always find ways to get the best rushers on the field at the same time.  This Broncos pass-rush has the potential to do some historic things.

Other than his elite ability, DeMarcus Ware is starting to rub off on his fellow pass rushers acting like a mentor and teacher and passing on the information he has developed during his time in the league.

Perhaps the biggest loss the Broncos experienced when Elvis Dumervil decided to derp his contract was the loss of leadership at the pass rush position.  Ware more than makes up for it and should have a positive impact aside from his individual stat-line.

Linebacker

With Von Miller on the mend from his ACL injury, Larentee McCray has been playing the SAM LB spot and has been successful in coverage and against the run.

Rookie Lamin Barrow was beaten down the seam by Brock Osweiler and TE Gerrell Robinson for a touchdown.  Relax folks, it's still early.

Defensive Back

Rookie 1st round pick Bradley Roby has made splashes already with his athleticism and an unfortunate collision with Emmanuel Sanders.  He seems to have his head on straight and in his responses to the media appears to be wise beyond his years.

Quinton Carter looks to have his groove back after back-to-back injury-plagued seasons.

Kayvon Webster is playing faster and more confident in his sophomore year.

T.J. Ward has been seen in the box quite a bit which is precisely the role he was brought in to play.  If not in run support, Ward will help provide the man to man coverage needed to blanket TE's down the field.

As stated at the beginning of this article, the secondary has not been giving anything to the offense.  Many have said it and I will echo these sentiments.  On paper, the Denver Broncos have an elite defense.  In reality, things are starting to come together indicating the paper is telling the truth.

If this defense is top 5 in 2013, I pity any team we face.

GO BRONCOS!!!