The Broncos Mailbag has returned for a seventh consecutive season. Welcome back!
Denver Post staff writer Bill Williamson posts his Broncos Mailbag each Tuesday during the 2006 NFL season on DenverPost.com, which earned distinction for its online-exclusive series of Mailbags at this year’s Colorado AP Reporters and Editors Awards.
To drop a question into the Broncos Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
If you took all the QBs taken in the first round over the last three drafts, where would Jay Cutler rank?
— Gary Kleppe, Haverhill, Mass.
Very interesting question, Gary. At this point, because of his preseason performance – which was amazing, by the way – and his coaches and supporting cast, I’d rate Cutler higher than Vince Young of Tennessee and Matt Leinart of Arizona, who were both taken ahead of him.
The other first-round quarterbacks the last two years were Eli Manning (Giants), Philip Rivers (Chargers), Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers), J.P. Losman (Bills), Alex Smith (49ers), Aaron Rodgers (Packers) and Jason Campbell (Redskins). I’d rate Cutler, at this point, behind Roethlisberger, Manning and maybe Rivers. But that’s it. And in two or three years, I can see Cutler being better than all of these guys.
What happened to Wesley Duke, the “project” tight end from last season? I know he played in Europe last spring. I haven’t heard a drop on him since then.
— Fred, Fort Lupton
Fred – Duke suffered a major knee injury during a June camp. It wasn’t his first serious knee injury, and it is feared his career is over. Denver released him after the injury. He may try to come back down the road. The Broncos could be interested, but it’s probably over for Duke, who played college basketball at Mercer.
So what are the chances of the Broncos trading for a first-rate running back? For the first time, I am nervous about the talent we currently have at this position.
— Mike Pierce, Boise, Idaho
Nervous, Mike? Any more nervous than you were when Olandis Gary took over or when Reuben Droughns took over? Get used to this. The Broncos will continue to run out a group of runners without much of a pedigree. But so far, it’s worked.
Don’t fret too much. And don’t expect the Broncos to get a big-name back any time soon. The team toyed with the idea of signing Baltimore’s Jamal Lewis but decided to stick to its usual route of lesser-known players.
Do you agree with ?
— Terry, Lakewood
Terry – Dayne fell behind Mike Bell, Tatum Bell and Cedric Cobbs. You can’t keep everything. All of the three tailbacks are younger than Dayne. I think it was the right move.
How can you properly against Jay Cutler in the preseason when Van Pelt did not get to play with the same offense as Cutler? Van Pelt barely got playing time the second game.
— Barry Campbell, Highlands Ranch
But you can’t argue with what Cutler did and his immense talent, Barry. Like Dayne, Van Pelt was just sort of overmatched by a better talent.
What is life like for members of the practice squad during the season? Can they attend team meetings? Practice with the team? Attend team meetings? Access the Broncos facilities? Thanks!
— Jeff Hartt, Colorado Springs
Jeff – They do everything the players on the 53-man roster do – except playing on game day. They practice. They go to meetings. They have lockers at Dove Valley. And they are at home games, but not in uniform. They just don’t travel. Although, occasionally the team will bring a couple of practice-squaders on the road.
Why didn’t the Broncos just let Ashley Lelie stay in Phoenix for the season? The Bronco could have collected the fines and signing-bonus money from him and let his value slip. That would send a message to those disgruntled players that holding out is not the way to honor your contract.
— Jan Leffers, Greeneville, Tenn.
Jan – They sent the message by making him pay back about $1 million in salary. Plus, the Broncos did very well in what will be a high draft pick in return for Lelie. needed to be made.
Everyone seems to think the promotion of Mike Bell was to inspire Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne to work harder. Is it possible that the reason Broncos coach Mike Shanahan promoted Mike Bell was to send a message to Ashley Lelie? That you can be No. 1 if you get to camp and work hard?
— Robert, Atlanta
Maybe, Robert, but a stretch. Any move can be translated any way. But Mike Bell was moved up because he was the best back in camp. Simple as that.
Hi. What are your thoughts on Rick Dennison as a coach? It seems like he gets promoted to a new position every few years. What do you know about the guy? He kind of flies under the radar. The Broncos seem to like him. What’s the scoop?
— Eric Gough, West Warwick, R.I.
Eric – Mike Shanahan has always been very complimentary of the former Broncos linebacker. Clearly, Dennison, who is now the offensive coordinator in charge of the running game in addition to his duties as offensive line coach, is a big part of the coaching staff. Off the field, Dennison is a polite but quiet guy who seems like he’d rather stay out of the spotlight, much like the offensive linemen he coaches.
What part of Dallas’ physical did Charlie Adams fail? How can a player fail one team’s physical and then go out and play in a preseason game for another team in the same week?
— Christian Cox, Fort Worth, Texas
Christian – Adams, who made the Broncos’ 53-man roster, failed the Cowboys physical because of an old knee injury. Then, yes, and the next day he played for the Broncos. Strange, but all NFL physicals are subjective. If the Cowboys felt uncomfortable with Adams’ history of knee issues, they had the right to veto the trade. And they did.
Do you believe the Broncos are a better team this year than last year?
— Stephen Curtis, Dexter, Maine
Yes, Stephen, but they have to stay healthy. This team added a star receiver in Javon Walker and some key rookies. If the pass rush can come through and, again, the team stays injury free, the Broncos have a chance to be better than last season’s team. But remember, the schedule is a bear, and this team could be improved even though it may lose a game or two more than last season.
Bill Williamson is in his third season as a Denver Post NFL beat reporter. To drop a question into his Broncos Mailbag, which runs each Tuesday of the 2006 NFL season, .
