Biography: Brett Pierce, tight end
This is a guy who is not giving up the dream. An undrafted rookie, Pierce was signed, then waived by the Baltimore Ravens in 2004. He caught on with Dallas, but then Pierce spent the past two seasons getting cut in training camp (by the Cowboys in 2006 and Bears in 2007), followed by going from team-to-team during the season on the Tuesday workout circuit.
He hasn’t played since 2005, yet Pierce is a sleeper to make the Broncos’ 53-man roster as the backup blocking tight end to Daniel Graham. Pierce got plenty of reps with the first-string offense Tuesday when it was working off two tight-end running sets.
Later in the workout, Pierce played backup fullback to spell starter Cecil Sapp.
“The positions are fairly similar because they’re both about blocking,” Pierce said. “They’re letting me play and giving me a chance. That’s all you can ask for.”
Highlight
The player who is having the best camp? It might be quarterback Jay Cutler. Others have stood out, most notably cornerback Domonique Foxworth, outside linebackers Boss Bailey and Jamie Winborn, defensive tackle Kenny Peterson and running backs Selvin Young, Andre Hall and Ryan Torain. But Cutler is not only showing renewed zip on his passes, he’s also not making many bad reads. About all Dove Valley observers haven’t seen from Cutler is the 60-yard heave to a go-route receiver.
Lowlight
Maybe it’s because there is a higher percentage of younger players than usual (14 rookies, not including the injured Carlton Powell Jr.), but sloppy play continues to creep into drills. Not that it’s all the kids’ fault. Veteran receiver Darrell Jackson fumbled a reverse and dropped a pass while backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey threw against the grain and had it picked off by safety Marlon McCree.
Quote
“I like Jay. He is a laid back, mellow type of guy. I’m used to Jeff Garcia, the fiery type. Jay is a great quarterback. He is a young guy, but he shows great leadership”
–Broncos and former Tampa Bay back Michael Pittman on Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler.
Position battle
In the team punting drills to date, rookie Brett Kern has shown a stronger leg than incumbent Sam Paulescu, but Paulescu has been more consistent and is better at directional kicking. This is a competition that won’t be decided until the lights go on in the preseason. Receiving tight end Nate Jackson continues to work with the first team while Tony Scheffler, who missed the offseason minicamps with a foot injury, is pushing from the second team. Glenn Martinez got some reps with the first team on four-receiver sets.
If you go
Wednesday, two sessions: 8:30 a.m. (full squad) and 3:40 p.m. (special teams). Both sessions are free to public.
