At 6-feet-6, former Boise State offensive tackle Ryan Clady said he is now up to somewhere between 318 and 320 pounds – while remaining as quick and athletic as ever.
How athletic?
“I can dunk,” a smiling Clady said Sunday after flying into Denver to meet with Broncos coaches and officials, as well as with the local media. “I like playing basketball. It’s fun.”
Clady became the first-ever player from Boise State to be drafted in the first round on Saturday when the Broncos made him the 12th overall pick. He was the second offensive tackle chosen – the first being former Michigan star Jake Long, who went No. 1 overall to Miami.
Clady said he already has received a text message from Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler. From the moment Clady returns for mini-camp sessions next month, he figures to be the favorite to earn the starting job at left tackle.
“(Cutler) said he was excited to have me back there (protecting his blind side),” Clady said. “I said I was, too. I’m just excited for the new techniques to learn and the new scheme.”
Denver’s second-round pick, Virginia Tech wide receiver Eddie Royal, also flew in for interviews on Sunday.
“(Saturday) was stressful; I probably lost five pounds just sweating it out,” Royal said of the draft. “I didn’t think the Broncos were one of the teams on the radar. I’m glad it worked out.”
Royal, 5-9 1/2 and 184 pounds, caught 33 passes for 496 yards and four touchdowns in 2007. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan likes Royal’s potential as a receiver but said he first will get every opportunity to become the Broncos’ kickoff and punt returner.
Royal said he studies tape of Chicago Bears returner Devin Hester. “You strive to be the best,” Royal said. “I’ve been studying film of him ever since he played (in college) for Miami.”
Clady joked that he won’t have to adjust to the Broncos team colors. Or the nickname.
The Boise State Broncos also wear blue and orange.
“I’m going to be the same colors for a while,” Clady said. “And I’m still a Bronco.”
