Discussions Part One: Kaylore

Most of you over the past week or so have come to know Kaylore and SoCalBronco through their camp reports they are putting on over at the Orange Mane and I know a lot of members on each forums had questions, but I had some of my own that I thought I would ask them.   Kaylore was kind enough to repond and take some time out of his schedule to answer some questions that are lingering on in my mind about camp thus far, and the coming season.   Enjoy!

In relation to prior years at camp, how would you compare the overall talent on this team?

Overall, it’s more talented than last year’s team, but it has a lot of growing up to do. I think it also depends on which unit you’re looking at. The talent at some positions is incredible and wanting in some other areas. At corner this is easily the most talented secondary the Broncos have ever had. It is hands down the best set of corners in the league. Bly and Bailey aside, Foxworth, Paymah and the rest of the corners are really coming on strong. When you look at the quality of the starters and the depth, top to bottom it’s amazing.

The receiving corps is sort of the other way around. Right now it’s Javon Walker and then some other guys. Stokely’s there, but he’s older and is having trouble staying healthy and with half the receivers not well enough to practice, the situation has me concerned.
Which rookie impressed you the most at camp?

Jarvis Moss. He’s amazing. I was disappointed when I fist saw him. He’s built like a twig. He has a flat chest and while he’s cut, his arms aren’t very big. His stature and reach are the only thing that really impresses you right away. In drills and scrimmages he’s amazing. He’s beating guys with such regularity that it’s difficult to believe what you see. He plays full speed even when he’s tired, so that kind of drive is something that is a good sign. He still struggles in run situations, but the Broncos don’t need help with that. The Broncos need a pass rush and that’s what Moss brings.

Which player(s) surprised you the most through one week of practices?

Jarvis Moss obviously. Also Antwon Burton, Sam Adams and Andre Hall. All those players are pretty cheap but they are all showing flashes of something really positive. The defensive line is totally different when Adams isn’t in there. Keep an eye on Andre Hall, too. He’s really grown as a football player since last year.

On the other end I’d say Alvin McKinley. I don’t see what made us throw that money at him. He’s been pretty ho hum. Brian Clark is also someone I expected to have grown as a player more than he has and he isn’t much better than last year.

What are some cuts you see possibly coming that the casual fan would consider as “unexpected”?

Well the defensive line is so deep that some guys will probably get let go. Lang is on the third team and rumors are that he’s on the trade block. He’s probably gone. Mike Bell has a nose for the endzone, but he has no second gear and is not very good in the passing game. With Cecil moving to running back and doing very well, and Andre Hall showing flashes as the speed back, and both players having better hands than Mike, I could see the team deciding he’s expendable. The one thing going for him is that they can stash Cecil on the roster as the second fullback since they use Graham so much in that role. That opens an extra slot at running back. We’ll see.

We all know the team has defensive talent, but how much do you think the defense will improve with the addition of Coach Bates and Johnson?

It’s tough to say. I thing Johnson is a huge upgrade over Patterson, and you can see some real progress there already. Bates defense is a totally new scheme, which will take some time to get settled into. There are two things going for it: Simplicity and personnel. Bates’ scheme is very simple compared to Coyer’s and that should cut down on mental errors. The other thing is the front office went out got some guys that can run Bates’ scheme. That will help get things to where they need to be faster.

After all the preliminary reports so far this camp, what position(s) do you have the most concern about?

Wide receiver, holder and left tackle. Ryan Harris has a ways to go before he’s ready to start and Lepsis looks a bit rusty. I’ve mentioned our receivers already. Jake really was a very good holder and Sauerbrun, for all that he does well, is not very quick with hands and it’s negatively affected his kicks in practice. He could have a down year because of that, which is a real shame.

In your opinion, which part of the team has the most overall depth?

Corner and defensive line.

We’ve been hearing rave reviews about Dre’ Bly at camp, but how much of an upgrade are Henry and Graham to this Broncos offense?

Henry is a huge upgrade. He does everything well and understands the concepts behind the running game. Tatum had no vision and couldn’t handle a full load or keep weight. Mike Bell is a backup. When you consider what we got by on last season, it’s amazing we did what we did. Henry is going to really be productive in this system, especially as a receiver. I think that’s one area we now have that has been missing since Portis left.

Realistically, how close are we to being a Championship Contender?

That’s hard to say. It depends on what this team looks like at week eight. Cutler needs to continue to grow, the special teams needs to climb out of the gutter and the defensive line needs to come together and get settled by then. To expect so many new and inexperienced players to progress so quickly is a tall order. I do think we’ll make the playoffs but I’m not sure if this team will be one that can go all the way by then. Right now they certainly aren’t ready, but it’s very early.

What are your expectations and predictions for Cutler in his second year with Denver?

I expect that he’ll start off well and hit a rough patch but kind of bring it together toward the end of the season. He’s going to grow and as other teams get tape on him they’ll try and force him to do things he’s not comfortable with. He’ll adjust and then cycle will continue. I will say that he has a lot of help and that will make things easier. If you want numbers to go with it, I’ll say 3000 yards, 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Respectable for a first year of starting.

Any last thoughts on what to expect this season?

I’ll say 10-6 with a really fun young team that will be exciting to watch. The one thing we have done is bring in a lot of big playmakers to the team. With all the new pieces, youth and inexperience this will still be a really fun team to watch on Sunday. It will be a fun season regardless of what happens.

Once again, thanks.