Broncos Position Battles

      The starting center position is up for grabs between last year's starter JD Walton and rookie Phillip Blake. Walton has been somewhat inconsistent at the position as far as pass protection and they would really like to see improvement or someone to take over like Phillip Blake. Blake, a center from Baylor, impressed at the combine and was brought in to battle Walton for the starting center position. Blake is strong and shows good signs of dedication.

     Looking at the position battles for the Broncos defensively, it starts at linebacker. The team has drafted several linebackers these past couple years and now it's all about who goes where and how much playing time they will get. That will get figured out at OTA's, training camp, and in the preseason. D.J. Williams is suspended for the beginning of the 2012 season, so now you have to find who will fill his spot. Potential candidates are Nate Irving, Wesley Woodyard, and Joe Mays. Irving was drafted by the Broncos a couple of years ago and has shown signs of becoming a good linebacker. Woodyard who received a lot of playing time last season and did not disappoint racking up a total of 97 tackles. Woodyard might lead the way, but look for Irving and Mays to receive more playing time due to the Williams suspension.

     Cornerback is another battle to keep your eyes on when watching the Broncos. Champ Bailey and Tracy Porter will most likely be the starters when week one rolls around barring injury, but who fills in on the depth chart behind them is still an open battle. Drayton Florence, who was just signed after being released by the Bills, and then rookie Omar Bolden from Arizona State. Bolden who suffered a season-ending injury last season, will need to prove that he is 100 percent and try to beat out Florence for the higher spot on the depth chart. Also, don't sleep on corner Chris Harris. Harris was an undrafted rookie who received playing time and did a good job holding his own in the next level.