Lee Rasizer
For Sporting News
The new long-term deal signed by CB Dre Bly gives the Broncos defense a foundation in the secondary to build upon for several years, given Champ Bailey's contract -- which likely will be restructured before its expiration -- runs through 2010. Bly's coach with the Lions, Rod Marinelli, didn't believe the cornerback was best suited for his cover 2 scheme which put a premium on jamming and re-routing receivers at the line of scrimmage and put heavy demands as a tackler. But Bly doesn't shy away from physical contact and should be fare well enough in that realm in Jim Bates' scheme. More importantly, Bly's man-to-man coverage skills and top-notch hands should result in numerous opportunities for interceptions with teams generally shying away from Bailey on the opposite side. Next up for Denver is improving the pass rush in the draft to best exploit that strength. . . .
The Broncos will do a great deal of shuffling on the right side of the offensive line in various mini-camps as they look for the best combination to replace Cooper Carlisle and George Foster. Newly-signed Montrae Holland should start the offseason behind Chris Kuper at right guard, given Kuper's experience in the system which takes time to learn the nuances. But Kuper also will be given a look at right tackle, a position he hasn't played much, where Erik Pears and Adam Meadows currently stand as the favorites to start.
SCOUTING REPORT: The Broncos have been impressed with the work ethic demonstrated by QB Jay Cutler as he prepares for his first full year as starter. He's been a fixture at the team's training facility a month before the April 2 start of the offseason conditioning program working on footwork and passing-related drills. He's expected to huddle with coach Mike Shanahan and assistant head coach/offense Mike Heimerdinger over the next several months to tweak the offense to fit his comfort level. And while Denver won't completely abandon the bootleg-oriented scheme Jake Plummer thrived within, expect more attacking downfield from the pocket to cater to Cutler's strengths.
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