Report: NFL hires first female official - Horse Tracks

The NFL is breaking new ground with the report out of The Baltimore Sun that Sarah Thomas will become the league's first female full-time official. You can expect to see Thomas calling regular season games next year.

"She has the right temperament and attitude and feel for the game," an officiating source told The Baltimore Sun. "She knows the rules and understands how to apply them in the spirit of the rules. That sets her apart, male or female."

The NFL didn't confirm Thomas' hire with an official announcement expected as soon as next week

"The 2015 roster of officials has not yet been finalized," NFL spokesman Michael Signora said in an email. "When it is, the new officials for 2015 and the entire roster will be announced."

As long as she can do better than Bill Vinovich, she'll be fine.

Horse Tracks

Demaryius Thomas Says Super Bowl Still the Goal for Himself & Evolving Broncos | Bleacher Report
"I was shocked that John Fox was gone," Thomas said, "But it’s a business. (Gary) Kubiak is a well-respected coach. Main focus now is getting this new offense down and getting on the same page as Peyton."

Hochman: Gary Kubiak turning to past to construct future for Broncos - The Denver Post
The Broncos have acquired five players who previously played for a team with Kubiak on the staff, including Thursday's signing of defensive lineman Antonio Smith and Wednesday's trade for center Gino Gradkowski, which sounds like the name of a bad guy on an episode of "Starsky & Hutch."

Broncos go with what they know with Shelley Smith, Gino Gradkowski - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
Denver's coaching staff was familiar with the Broncos' new linemen during their time in Houston and Baltimore.

Scouting the 2015 Draft: Cameron Erving - It's All Over, Fat Man!
Given the lack of cohesion along the Broncos line, a man who can move from tackle to center is a very good investment. Erving can, and he's expected to go between rounds two and four, according to walterfootball.com. Guesstimating in which round a player will go this far before the draft is often a fool’s errand. Even so, from watching film I’d say that this fool thinks he’ll be gone by the end of round two. Erving could be worth a higher or lower draft pick, but it’s a numbers game. There just aren’t that many talented offensive linemen.

Gradkowski sees fit in Kubiak's offense
New Broncos center Gino Gradkowski sees himself as a good fit with the new offense.

Denver Broncos step-up players: Omar Bolden - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN
Bolden, who was a fourth-round pick in the 2012 draft, has been a little-of-this, little-of-that player for the Broncos in his first three seasons.

Will Montgomery signs with Bears after Broncos sign Gino Gradkowski - The Denver Post
One day after the Broncos acquired Gradkowski, whose contract is not guaranteed, Montgomery signed with the Bears on Thursday. He replaces longtime center Robert Garza, who will be released. Montgomery will find an immediate comfort level with former Broncos coach John Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase in charge in Chicago.