Denver Post staff writer Bill Williamson will post his Broncos Mailbag each Friday during the 2005 NFL season on DenverPost.com. The next installment will run Sept. 9.
To drop a question into the Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
If you look around the AFC West, it appears that the Broncos may have the best defense in the division. Agree or disagree?
— Tom Rollings, Coffeyville, Kan.
Tom – San Diego has a very solid defense, as well. But Denver is right up there. Oakland and Kansas City both have less than stellar defenses, so being the best in the division is not exactly tough duty. However, Denver will need a tough “D” in the West. All of the offenses are outstanding.
How did D.J. Williams look in the minicamps and offseason workouts? Is the linebacker still as fierce and disruptive on the strong side?
— William Green, Reno, Nev.
William – The Broncos wouldn’t move Williams if they didn’t think he’d be as dominant from the strong side. This is a player who has limitless potential, so the team will not mess with him too much. With that said, it will be a transition for him and he has to continue to show progress. There have been many rookie successes in the NFL who have failed to develop in the past, so no player is a sure thing. However, Williams seems to have all the makings of a legitimate standout linebacker regardless of where he lines up.
I’m reading the ‘Net, and I see the Broncos traded Willie Middlebrooks to the 49ers for John Engelberger – ANOTHER defensive lineman. I think that brings the grand total to 17 on the roster. What gives? Why not address another need like O-line depth or ask for a draft pick?
— Steven Kennedy, Decatur, Ga.
Steven – The Broncos want to win now, and they thought (correctly by the way) that a current player such as Engelberger was better compensation for Middlebrooks than a low draft pick. Engelberger is not just a depth guy. He had six sacks last season. Expect him to fit into the rotation. I think it was a very solid move.
Why would we release Dan Neil? He missed a few games last year but has been a rock on the offensive line for years now.
— Jay Tracewell, Loveland, Colo.
Jay – The Broncos hated to do it, but it made sense financially and on the field, too. Neil was a great warrior, but he broke down last year. His release was not a surprise. When Cooper Carlisle took over in December, Neil’s departure was a foregone conclusion. Still, he’ll go down in the team’s lore for his toughness on the field and for his class off it.
Do you think there is any chance that one of the three young QBs might move up to the No. 2 spot on the depth chart? If so, which one do you think has the best shot?
— Mike Moulton, Gainesville, Fla.
Mike – That’s what the team wants to see. They want to see Matt Mauck or Bradlee Van Pelt (both in their second season) take that next step and become Jake Plummer’s top apprentice.
I’ve seen on the depth charts that Courtney Brown will be Trevor Pryce’s backup on the second team. Any truth to this? I think it would help the team to move Brown to the right DE, that way we have a solid rush from both ends. … Just a thought. What’s yours? Thanks for your time.
— Brian Williams, York, Pa.
Brian – The expectation is that Brown will be on the right side with Pryce on the left side. If these two can stay healthy, it’s a nasty end duo.
What are the chances that Jake Plummer will show more consistency this year than in the past? If not, will Mike Shanahan actively look for a more consistent QB than Jake?
— Charles Truitt, Meridian, Idaho
Charles – Becoming consistent and making fewer mistakes have been the focus of the offseason for Plummer. This is a solid quarterback and a great leader. He can become very effective if he cuts down on the mistakes. Remember, this guy had a nice season last year but it was overshadowed by the 20 interceptions. So, cutting down on miscues will always be Plummer’s greatest challenge.
Bill Williamson is in his second season as The Denver Post’s lead Broncos reporter. To drop a question into the Mailbag .
