Domonique Foxworth sat at his locker in the corner of the Broncos’ Dove Valley complex, peering at a large media contingent drilling tight end Tony Scheffler about his pending NFL debut.
Foxworth, entering his second season, pondered for a moment, then offered advice to Scheffler from afar.
“Guys just can’t worry about being a rookie,” said Foxworth, who played extensively last season after being a third-round pick.
“I know all those guys will worry. But they can’t. As a rookie, you’re thinking that you don’t want to let everyone down and you don’t want to play like a rookie. But those guys have to realize, they wouldn’t be playing if the coaches didn’t think they could.”
That advice should be passed around the locker room, because several rookies are preparing to make their NFL debuts Sunday at St. Louis. For a veteran team coming off a 13-3 season, Denver will be counting on a surprisingly large rookie influence.
Rookies Mike Bell (tailback), Scheffler (tight end), Brandon Marshall (receiver) and Elvis Dumervil (defensive lineman) are expected to play significant amounts this season.
The Broncos’ draft-weekend cache was the base for their offseason reinforcements. After cutting veterans Trevor Pryce, Mike Anderson and Jeb Putzier in salary cap moves, Denver brought in only defensive role players Kenard Lang and Nate Webster through free agency.
Although the Javon Walker trade and the selection of quarterback Jay Cutler stole the draft day headlines, Denver quietly put the finishing touches on an already stacked roster.
Of Denver’s seven draft picks, five made the team and two were put on injured lists. Then there’s Mike Bell, who started through the preseason at tailback after being signed as an undrafted player. While coach Mike Shanahan will not announce his starting tailback until game day, Bell is likely to get significant playing time.
Two Denver rookies on the roster who aren’t expected to pay immediate dividends still have bright futures. Cutler is expected to vie for the starting role as soon as next year, and fifth-round pick Chris Kuper had an outstanding training camp and could push for a starting guard job next year. But for Bell, Scheffler, Marshall and Dumervil, the opportunity is now.
“You always look at ways to upgrade, and the draft is one of them,” Denver general manager Ted Sundquist said. “This year, we got a good, strong group of mature players.”
While Bell is bound to be in the running back mix, Scheffler and Marshall have an opportunity to be part of the passing game. Scheffler was a preseason star and should fill the role opened by Putzier’s departure. Marshall was on his way to being the No. 3 receiver before he injured a knee in the preseason opener at Detroit. He continues to work his way back to health and will compete for playing time.
Dumervil has played inside and outside on the line and can switch, depending on the opponent and the situation.
“We’ve all gotten preseason playing time, and now it’s time to do it for real,” Scheffler said. “The plan is just to keep it as simple as possible.”
Simple, but exciting. The playmaking Marshall said he has been dreaming of this opportunity for years. Now that it’s here; he’s not expecting any jitters.
“I can’t wait to get it going,” Marshall said. “Once we get rolling and everything starts working, everybody is going to be in for a treat. I plan on staying awhile.”
Ready, rookie?
Several Broncos rookies are expected to make impacts this season, beginning Sunday at St. Louis:
Tony Scheffler TE – Will be one of the team’s main receiving targets
Brandon Marshall WR – Has chance to emerge as a quality No. 3 receiver.
Elvis Dumervil DE – Will play in the defensive line rotation at tackle and end.
Mike Bell* RB – Started the entire preseason schedule and should play a significant role in the running game.
(*-undrafted)
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
