clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Horse Tracks: Five Broncos players who could be training camp stars

Who is this years unknown breakout star?

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

With the Broncos about to kick off training camp in a week lets take a look at five Denver Broncos players who could this years breakout stars.

1. Running Back C.J Anderson

C.J Anderson entered Camp last season as a undrafted rookie who was battling for a spot on the roster. Anderson quickly caught the coaches attentions and started earning more snaps. Anderson became a fan favorite after the Broncos first preseason game where he rushed for 69 yards against the 49ers. However Anderson suffered an injury during practice and missed the rest of the Camp. Despite that the Broncos coaches decided to keep Anderson on the final 53 man roster.

Now heading into his second year with the Broncos, Anderson will be given every opportunity to win the Broncos number two running back job behind starter Montee Ball. If Anderson can stay injury free Anderson will be given plenty of reps, and I expect him to do very well.

Honorable mention: Kapri Bibbs

2. Defensive Tackle Sylvester Williams:

Last years first round pick Sylvester Williams is a prime candidate to be a breakout star in 2014. After a slow start in 2013, Williams took over for the injured Kevin Vickerson and did a pretty good job in his absence.

Williams now has a full year under his belt and at the very least will be apart of a rotation at the defensive tackle spot. It usually takes two to three years for a defensive tackle to mature, so lets see if Williams can make that next step in 2014.

3. Inside Linebacker Nate Irving

I've been on the Nate Irving bandwagon since he was drafted, and I believe this year is the year Irving takes that next step in his career.

Irving replaced the suspended and injured Von Miller in the starting lineup last season and did a respectable job. Irving was also one of the few bright spots for the Broncos during the Super Bowl.

Entering the 2014 season Irving is penciled in as the starting MIKE Linebacker, and his only real competition appears to be rookie Lamin Barrow. So it's now or never for the hard hitting linebacker.

I believe Irving would fair well in the Broncos base 4-3 defense at inside linebacker. He's a solid run defender who can jar the ball loose with his big hits. The big question for Irving is can he stay on the field for the Broncos in their sub packages? or is he just a two down linebacker?

4. Safety Quinton Carter:

After having a productive rookie season, safety Quinton Carter has missed the past two seasons because of injuries. It now appears that he's finally healthy and will be battling for a role on the Broncos this year.

The Broncos appear to be set at starters on defense with T.J Ward and Rahim Moore entrenched as starters, but the battle for the third safety spot in wide open. Carter will be battling with last seasons training camp star Duke Ihenacho for that spot.

If Carter proves to be healthy, and back to his pre-injury form I think he has a good shot at making the final 53.

5. Linebacker Lerentee McCray

McCray looked to be making the final 53 man roster before suffering an ankle injury during the preseason finale that landed the rookie on the season ending IR list.

With his ankle injury fully healed McCray looks to fight for a roster spot again. What may benefit the second year player the most is the absence of Von Miller. With Miller missing OTA/Minicamp practices the second year player saw some first team action and often went up against Julius Thomas, Virgil Green and Ryan Clady in practice.

I'm anxious to see how McCray fairs in 2014, and if he can push for a role in the Broncos defense in 2014.

Peyton Manning wins two awards at the ESPY's.

Broncos Quarterback Peyton collected two more ESPY awards last night by winning the ESPY for the best record breaking performance, and award for best NFL player. Manning now has won seven ESPY's all-time.

Watch the entire presentation below.



The best part of this clip is Denver Broncos Linebacker Von Miller sporting an outfit straight out of a Western movie.

John Elway, John Fox and Britton Colquitt are going golfing:

The three men will participating in the American Century Championship golf tornument this week.

Britton Colquitt's brother Dustin(the Kansas City Chiefs punter) will be serving as Britton's caddy for the event.

If you're interested in watching the event NBC, NBCSN and Golf Channel will televise the tournament as follows:

Round One: Friday, July 18 4-7 p.m. ET (1-4 p.m. PT) Live, NBCSN

Round Two: Saturday, July 19 3-6 p.m. ET (Noon-3 p.m. PT) Live, NBC

Round Three: Sunday, July 20 3-6 p.m. ET (Noon-3 p.m. PT) Live, NBC

Britton Colquitt is a 10/1 field bet to win the event, while Broncos GM John Elway is considered one of the favorites to win it coming in at 12/1. Broncos head coach Fox is a bit of a longs hot at 100/1.

Horse Tracks:

  • Jeff Legwold of ESPN breaks down the receiver position for the Broncos as they head into training camp.
  • Why NFL teams should think twice before trading for Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson.
  • Broncos General Manager John Elway is now a Grandpa!