Denver Broncos Rookies Shine in Home Opener Against Buffalo

The Denver Broncos flat out dominated the Buffalo Bills in all three phases of their second pre-season game on Saturday night, and having watched it now three times, I have seen exactly what type of impact the Broncos’ top three picks could and will likely have on this team for the 2011 season–and it’s huge.

Von Miller, Linebacker

Those who said the Broncos’ selecting Miller was a mis-fit are flat out idiots. Good defensive coaches know how to use elite defensive players. If the Broncos could go back and draft Clay Matthews, theres no way they would pass on him because he’s better fit as a rush linebacker in the 3-4. Von Miller is a superstar in the making, and should be a perennial pro bowler, perhaps starting this year.

It’s clear that the Broncos plan on using Miller mostly as a pass rusher. They feel comfortable with their linebacker rotation at this point, as well as a nickel package where they substitute Wesley Woodyard in for D.J. Williams,

and bring in Cassius Vaughn (CB) for Joe Mays (MLB). The Broncos then play Miller in sort of a hybrid position at the line of scrimmage, and they kick Robert Ayers inside to play defensive tackle.

The result? Well, Miller was all over Ryan Fitzpatrick last night, both from the strong side and the weak side, and he showed his exceptional 4.4 speed is not limited to the 40 yard dash. He makes offensive linemen look like statues. The Broncos got a really good one in Von Miller, and you can bet Dennis Allen will find ways to make him an impact player.

Orlando Franklin, Offensive Tackle

Franklin was the Broncos’ first second round pick, and he has struggled early in camp to adjust to the speed of NFL pass rushers, at least in pass protection. He is consistently improving, and the massive right tackle made a couple of very nice blocks in the win against Buffalo, including pancaking a Bills pass rusher so that Orton could get outside and fire the ball to Brandon Lloyd for a first down.

Franklin will certainly go through growing pains, and the Broncos’ offensive line is still very inexperienced (one rookie, two second year players) but Franklin appears–at least for now–to be a keeper.

Rahim Moore, Safety

The 46th overall pick out of UCLA has had a great camp for the Broncos, working his way into the starting lineup alongside future Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins. Moore has followed that up with a couple of solid performances in the pre-season, and what I believe to be a fantastic game two against the Bills.

Before Moore had the hit of the night (it was clean, just on a “defenseless” receiver), he was very solid in coverage as the Bills could get nothing going down the field. Moore has great closing speed and exceptional awareness for a young defender. He plays with a fire that the Broncos have been lacking for years in a young safety.

If not for a roughing the passer call, Moore would have returned a fumble to the house for six points, and he also showed versatility blitzing and hitting Ryan Fitzpatrick, even though Fitz was able to get the ball out to his receiver on a quick slant.

All in all, this was a good outing for the Broncos’ rookies, especially for Miller and Moore. They will be key for the Broncos this season.