/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46834648/usa-today-8238468.0.jpg)
A day-by-day Broncos player breakdown is something we've been doing since our days at BroncoTalk nearly a decade ago. This year the tradition continues as we look at the Denver Broncos roster heading into the 2015 season in our 90-in-90 series.
Name: Dillon Day
Position: Center
Height: 6'4" Weight: 299
Age: 23 Experience: 1st
College: Mississippi State
Dillon Day joined the Denver Broncos as a college free agent after going undrafted during the 2015 NFL Draft. He received the highest signing bonus($8,000) of the Broncos undrafted rookie class.
Day was a four-year starter(46-of-51 games) at center during his collegiate career at Mississippi State. He anchored the team's offensive line in 2014 that set 15 school records and won 10 games for the first time since 1999.
Day did run into a bit of trouble last season. He stomped on two LSU players during their September 20th game last season. He was suspended for their next game because of this.
Must Reads
Day tweeted he was wrongfully accused of intentionally stomping on two LSU players, and had a letter for fans.
Day will be competing for a roster spot with veteran Gino Gradkowski and second-year player Matt Paradis.
I believe Day has the best chance of any off the undrafted rookies to make the Broncos roster. Gradkowski was graded as the worse starting center in the NFL the last time he started, and Paradis spent all of last season on the practice squad. So there's a chance Day could be better than one or both of them.
The good:
As I just said, the center position has more questions than answers right now. Gradkowski, Paradis, Day, and possibly Max Garcia will all be fighting for that starting position. So this mean's Day could easily win a backup job here.
Has the build and intelligence to make it as a center in the NFL. I also really like his toughness and fight in the trenches.
His four years of starting experience in the SEC should really benefit him early on.
Here are the strengths listed for Day via NFL.com
Intelligent with strong competitive streak. Rarely busts on tape and is assignment-oriented. Good vision and anticipation of twists and games up front. Can come off of block quickly to pick up twist or blitzer. Thick through middle with good bubble. Plays with desired toughness at the point of attack and is a fighter in tight quarters. Not always pretty, but gets guys blocked.
The bad:
Obviously the stomping incident isn't great, but I'll chalk that up to being young and dumb. It was a one-time thing, and I like an offensive lineman who plays a little dirty anyways.
What worries me about Day is his lack of athleticism and range. Offensive lineman need that to be successful in Kubiak's zone-blocking scheme. So it will be interesting to see how well he fairs in practice and during the preseason.
Here are the weaknesses listed for Day via NFL.com
Plays with knee stiffness that hinders his leverage and overall athleticism. Has issues with ducking head into defender upon contact. Is an upright push blocker. Fails to generate power and is forced to rely on toughness and sheer will over technique and strengths. Will engage before feet are set, causing him to lose balance. Defenders get into him first too often, causing his hands to widen out. Below desired level for change of direction.
Roster Status: