Denvr_Sports_Insider's Blog

Day two from Broncos camp engendered a lot of interesting observations-the first of such starts with rookie receiver and returner Eddie Royal. The second round draft pick out of Virginia Tech looked steady in his routes and even more sure-handed with his catches. Royal’s receiving game today was practically automatic. You can tell Royal is centered in his focus, and has no desire to project a superficial flash. Royal didn’t necessarily impress off the long ball, his opportunities were in the flat and off the intermediate routes, and yes he made the most of them. Consequently I feel Royal can make a case to Mike Shanahan to contribute on offense, although I agree with Dre Bly that the majority of his reps will still be on special teams.

Royal is 5’10 and 182 pounds, and thus makes a slight physical first impression. However, Royal is determined to convince coach that his portfolio is more diversified, and he just might do it. Royal told me in interviews after practice that he’s been studying (more like dusting off) old vintage videos of Rod Smith to pick up more tips. Additionally, Royal said Champ Bailey taught him how to better disguise his routes in practice today. So in conclusion with Royal-we’ll see.

My second keynote is about Tony Scheffler. The third year pro who ranked 10th amongst receiving tight ends last season certainly didn’t fall below rank today. He was about as fluid as that liquid stuff in the movie the Terminator-meaning, he was as fluid as fluid comes. If I’m Daniel Graham, I am getting a little jealous of Scheffler’s chemistry with Jay Cutler. Their connection is as inescapable as it is unsurprising; an observation that has to provide Shanahan reassurance with a pending suspension of top flight receiver Brandon Marshall. Despite problems with a lingering foot injury, Scheffler told me he went through practice today without any pain (although I do remember thinking the fact that Tony made note of his lack of pain still displays a concern he could regress).

Then there were the running backs.

I had high hopes in observing Ryan Torain today. I have already interviewed the 5th round pick out of ASU several times, and thus I was very clued into his collegiate statistics and budding potential. This is a kid who ran for over 1,200 yards his junior season before a lis-franc injury cut his stellar senior season short.

I really like Torain’s size compared to the rest of the running backs, and his downhill style is ideal for Denver’s system. However (and yes there is a however), I was a bit disappointed in his performance today. Torain at times seemed unsure of himself, and unfamiliar with the playbook. His uncertainty led to a lack of focus, and in turn, a very noticeable fumble right in front of me. My observations today though are tempered by the memory that he is a rookie. Anytime I forgot that, I was reminded of it when the defense gave Torain a rookie rude awakening.

The defense took every opportunity to throw him to the ground and welcome him to the NFL. So all I can say to Torain now is welcome, and hurry up and get better. Here’s my last caveat though, I know he will improve because if I am to judge by the way he gives interviews, Torain has a steady determination. He remained unphased with my questioning of his performance today, and the criticism he received from both Shanahan, and running backs coach Bobby Turner.

And last but not least there was Selvin Young.

All I have to say about him is that he was great, great, great. His speed was unmatched. His ability to turn on a dime was unparalleled; and his ability to evade was unquestionable. Young remains the clear number one for me. My only doubts for him are his durability, and his ability to gain tough yards up the middle. If Young can’t do the job on first and second down, enter Michael Pittman and his huge biceps. We are sure Pittman can pull a least a half a yard off his guns alone…

Stay tuned.