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Broncos OTAs get underway Wednesday

As OTAs run May 27-29 this week, the Broncos' offense and defense will get to face-off against each other for the first time this offseason.

By Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann
DenverBroncos.com

Good morning, Broncos Country!

As the Broncos move into Phase 3 of the offseason workouts this week - with OTAs beginning on Wednesday - it will be the first time the team's offense can go against its defense.

And word has it, the Broncos will be donning their helmets this week as well.

I'm so excited. It's been a long time since I hit somebody.  -Danny Trevathan, linebacker

That will be important because linebacker Danny Trevathan cannot WAIT to hit somebody.

"I'm so excited. Words can't even describe it," said the linebacker who was sidelined most of last season with three different injuries to his left leg. "It's been a long time since I hit somebody, since I was on the field. I got a lot built up."

It's about that time to really compete and make each other better. It's going to be great work for us. -Chris Harris Jr.

Should be an excellent early test for the Broncos offensive line as coaches start formulating the starters heading into training camp.

For cornerback Chris Harris Jr. this week is important for taking the recent classroom work to the field.

"We've just been walking through the defense and haven't been able to go against anybody so it's about that time to really compete and make each other better," Harris Jr. said last week, adding that the best way to learn the new defense is to go against each other.

"It's going to be great work for us," said Pro Football Focus' No. 1 cornerback in the league. "We need this head start with this new staff."

But before that...there's going to be this:

Fellow cornerback Tevrin Brandon sustained minor injuries this weekend when he was hit by another vehicle early Sunday morning at the Jersey Shore.

While crossing the intersection of highways 71 and 35 around 2:24 a.m. Sunday, Brandon was by what police believe to be a black Ford F150 pickup truck.

The truck fled the scene following the collision and has yet to be located, according to police.

Brandon sustained minor injuries and was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune City. He was released later that day, and Broncos expect him at OTAs tomorrow.

With the investigation of Antonio Smith regarding child abuse allegations, the Broncos will decide whether Smith should be at OTAs.

No charges have been filed though Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey must decide whether to call a grand jury to hear the evidence or dismiss the case.

The Broncos said last week that they were unaware of the investigation before signing the defensive end to a one-year, $2 million contract in April. The Broncos may choose to give Smith an excused absence this week while the investigation is pending.

Even if the case is dropped against Smith, the NFL may issue a punishment against Smith. The league can suspend a player for violating the personal-conduct policy even if no charges are filed.

But hey, let's focus on some good stuff before heading into OTAs...like this highlight video of Bradley Roby:

Horse Tracks

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Denver Broncos: Why Vance Walker Deserves More Playing Time in 2015 | Bleacher Report
One of the best free-agent additions they picked up this offseason was former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Vance Walker. The Broncos signed Walker to a two-year deal worth $4 million with a $1.5 million signing bonus and $1.5 million guaranteed. Walker is going to compete to start this year for the Broncos at defensive end, but he could end up playing at multiple positions in 2015.

Gary Kubiak sees NFL teams signing two-point specialists | ProFootballTalk
"I think there [are] going to be two-point specialists from the standpoint of how you go about doing it. Coaching, those are things that you work on," Kubiak said, via Lindsay Jones of USA Today. "You probably practice those things during camp. It’s not very much and, all of a sudden, it becomes part of the game. That’s a big part of practice. It’s going to change the way you go about doing things. I know that."

Renck: Deflategate reveals growing credibility gap between players, commissioner - The Denver Post
Regardless of the resolution to Deflategate, it won't bridge the credibility gap between commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFLPA.

Kubiak: Post-TD play calling 'will change a great deal' - NFL.com
Denver Broncos coach Gary Kubiak is preparing for changes in the wake of the NFL's new extra point and two-point conversion rules. "I think it will change a great deal," Kubiak said.

My Dad and I did some bleach art Broncos style! - Imgur
Images from /r/DenverBroncos

Bears release McDonald after domestic violence arrest - NFL.com
The Chicago Bears have released defensive tackle Ray McDonald in the wake of his latest involvement in a domestic violence incident on Monday. McDonald signed a one-year deal with the team in March.

Challenges for Ben Roethlisberger after signing $99 million deal
Coming off a career statistical season and with his supporting cast, Ben Roethlisberger has a chance to play at the level of his new contract.

Predicting every NFL team's surprise rookie gem: Bleacher Report
Offensive linemen drafted in the fourth round are typically brought in to be backups, at least for their rookie seasons, but No. 133 overall pick Max Garcia could end up with a more immediate opportunity to play up front for the Denver Broncos.

Houston Texans cancel opening of OTAs due to flooding - NFL.com
Flooding caused by a massive storm has precipitated the canceling of the Houston Texans' opening day of OTAs, the team announced Tuesday.

Seahawks, Jets and Eagles among NFL's most talented teams - NFL.com
It's a QB-obsessed league, but let's take the glamour boys out of the equation for a second. Bucky Brooks ranks top rosters -- QBs aside. One scary team: Brandon Marshall and Muhammad Wilkerson's Jets.

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Broncos OTAs 2015: Schedule, news and more

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