The Denver Broncos have one preseason game remaining and then they start playing for keeps. With most, if not all, of the starters sitting out the game versus the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night, this is an opportunity for the young players to make a name for themselves. With that said, here is a look at the Broncos 2012 draft class to date.
Derek Wolfe-defensive end- Wolfe has been so good that he will probably be one of the starters who does not play on Thursday night. He will be one of the starting defensive ends when the Broncos open the season versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wolfe has been everything the team wanted when they drafted him and more. Wolfe, combined with Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, gives the Broncos one of the best pass rushes in the NFL.
Ronnie Hillman-running back- He has been injured most of training camp but Hillman will be a big part of the Broncos offense. He has speed that the other backs don’t, and can score from anywhere on the field. Look for Hillman to play against Arizona because of his limited reps due to the hamstring injury.
Brock Osweiler-quarterback- The big quarterback played well versus the Chicago Bears and looked like he was on track to be the backup, but he’s not ready yet. The skills are there, Osweiler just needs time to develop which he will get as he sits behind Peyton Manning. Osweiler should play a lot in Arizona and the more he plays, the better he will get.
Omar Bolden-cornerback- Bolden has struggled in the preseason, especially in man to man coverage. The Broncos liked him a lot and believed they were getting a first round talent when they took him in the fourth round. That talent has not surfaced yet but it is important to remember that Bolden did not play football in 2011 due to a knee injury. The Broncos still have high hopes for the rookie cornerback.
Phillip Blake-center- The Broncos were hoping that Blake would come in and push JD Walton for the starting job. That hasn’t happened and Blake may have trouble making this team. He is currently third on the depth chart behind Walton and CJ Hill. Blake maybe a candidate for the practice squad.
Malik Jackson-defensive end- Jackson has been under the radar, especially when compared to fellow rookie Derek Wolfe, but he has had a very solid preseason. Jackson will be a part of the regular rotation on the defensive line, and look for him to play more and more as the season progresses.
Danny Trevathan-linebacker- The linebacker spot is very thin for the Broncos and they will be counting on Trevathan to play a lot. He was running with the first team at times early in training camp, and could end up being one of the teams better linebackers by season’s end. As with Jackson, Trevathan’s playing time will increase as the season moves forward.
With the exception of Wolfe, all of the rookies will get one more preseason game to work out any kinks. Then it is for real and the Denver Broncos are counting on these young players to contribute, it’s time to take the training wheels off.
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