Like so many other former first-round hot shots, Willie Middlebrooks has been humbled by the NFL.
Coming out of college in 2001, Middlebrooks was drafted by the Broncos with the 24th selection, destined to become their starting cornerback for years to come.
He never has played regularly at defensive back, not with the Broncos, and not after he was traded last year to San Francisco for defensive end John Engelberger.
Released by the 49ers to free agency after last season, Middlebrooks returned to the Broncos after signing a one-year contract Thursday.
“Willie would like to live up to his opportunity he had when he was first drafted to the club,” said Middlebrooks’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus. “This gives him another chance.”
This time, Middlebrooks likely will have to reset his ideals. He will compete for the No. 4 cornerback spot behind starters Champ Bailey and Darrent Williams and nickel back/ part-time starter Domonique Foxworth. Middlebrooks’ primary role may come on special teams.
While Middlebrooks has not lived up to expectations as a cornerback – his next interception will be the first of his career – he has become a valuable special-teams player, especially on kickoff and punt coverage.
“Nobody ever comes into the league saying, ‘I want to be the best special-teams player,”‘ said Keith Burns, a former star linebacker at Oklahoma State and the Broncos’ special-teams captain. “If you’re not in that top 11, then you have to find your niche and excel on special teams. It’s tougher for younger guys because coming out of college, everyone’s been the man.”
Middlebrooks, 27, also has had to overcome offseason trouble. He pleaded guilty three months ago in an Arapahoe County court to a misdemeanor assault charge against a female friend and was given an 18-month deferred jail sentence and ordered to complete nine months of domestic violence classes. The incident occurred on New Year’s Day 2005, and the Broncos traded him to San Francisco a few months later.
Middlebrooks said he believes the incident affected his reputation within the league and his performance on Sundays last year, but that he is ready to move on by coming back.
“After the trade I put my house on the market, and I guess now thank God it didn’t sell,” Middlebrooks said.
Footnotes
Jeff Williams, a four-sport letterman at Skyline High School in Longmont whose 44.9-yard career punting average at Adams State set an NCAA Division II record, was signed by the Broncos as a rookie free agent. Williams may get a chance to spell Todd Sauerbrun during the preseason and hopes his audition will impress the Broncos or other NFL teams for the future. …
Broncos receiver Todd Devoe reported to the passing camp noticeably thicker through the chest and shoulders. Devoe said he has gained 15 pounds to 227 since the Broncos’ season ended in late January. “To start the offseason I probably ate a little too much,” Devoe said. “But when I got back (strength and conditioning coach Rich) Tuten helped me turn that into muscle.” …
Newly acquired defensive end Kenard Lang, on his reaction to four of his Cleveland Browns defensive linemates – Ebenezer Ekuban, Michael Myers, Gerard Warren and Courtney Brown – joining the Broncos a year ago: “I was like a little kid chasing the school bus down the street – why are you all leaving me?”
Mike Klis can be reached at 303-820-5440 or mklis@denverpost.com.
