Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season. Submit questions to Ryan here.
Montrell Washington has been a pleasant surprise this preseason. Should we expect to see him start at the slot receiver position and let KJ Hamler slowly ease back into some playing time? Both players seem to have similar skill sets, although Hamler’s speed is unmatched. Could there be an offensive set that utilized both players? I’d love to see more designed plays that get the ball to these shifty guys in space this year.
— Wes, Orlando, Fla.
If Hamler is cleared to play in Week 1, he will be the third receiver, but the good thing about the way Broncos receivers coach Zach Azzanni is every player learns every position so there will be opportunities for Washington in the rotation.
Washington has been the best story of training camp. I didn’t have him on the roster bubble (safely on because of his return ability), but he has been very good offensively to the point where coach Nathaniel Hackett should have something for him in the game plan.
A Hamler-Washington combo on the field at the same time would be interesting because of their speed and shiftiness. I’m sure it’s something Hackett is considering as well as plays in which Albert Okwuegbunam and Greg Dulcich (when he gets healthy) are in the same personnel grouping.
Why would the Broncos not bring back Alexander Johnson to fill the inside linebacker position versus signing Joe Schobert? Johnson was a beast against the run and has experience working alongside Josey Jewell. What am I missing here?
— Jon Pieja, Nokesville, Va.
I got a question about Johnson last week when Jonas Griffith sustained his elbow injury.
By this point, Johnson clearly isn’t on the Broncos’ radar. He could probably pass a physical after tearing his pectoral muscle last October, but my guess is that he isn’t viewed as a fit for Ejiro Evero’s scheme.
It is also noteworthy that Johnson hasn’t signed with any other team yet, either.
What’s there to look forward to against Minnesota on Saturday? I didn’t get a whole lot out of the last game aside from Montrell Washington looks like a steal for George Paton and our backup running backs can’t run the ball. Is there a point to tune in?
— Mike, Denver
I’m with you about the Buffalo game — it was a nothing-burger except it exposed the depth issues of the Broncos’ roster. Looking toward Saturday night …
Right tackle. Does Cam Fleming have a chance to overtake Calvin Anderson for the Week 1 assignment if Billy Turner (knee) isn’t ready?
Tight end. Is there room on the 53-man roster for all five or are Eric Saubert and Eric Tomlinson competing for one spot?
Inside linebacker. Who will have the edge exiting the preseason to start alongside Josey Jewell if Jonas Griffith isn’t ready?
Cornerback. The No. 5 spot is wide open after Michael Ojemudia was injured at Buffalo and won’t be ready for Week 1. Can Damarri Mathis seize the opportunity?
Defensive line. Who is the fifth lineman after D.J. Jones, Dre’Mont Jones, DeShawn Williams and Mike Purcell? It could come down to Matt Henningsen or McTelvin Agim.
How do you think our offensive line is going to sort out? The only guys I have in for sure are left tackle Garett Bolles, left guard Dalton Risner and right guard Quinn Meinerz. It feels like the other pieces are still up in the air. What say you?
— Paul S., Salt Lake City
I will add center Lloyd Cushenberry because he is not being challenged.
Calvin Anderson and Cam Fleming are the healthy right tackles and ideally, I think the Broncos would want Billy Turner ready to start in Week 1.
Where does Baron Browning fit into our defensive scheme this year? Will he be on the outside as a pass rusher? Is he going to play on the inside? A little bit of both?
— Ron, Parker
Browning has worked exclusively at outside linebacker since the start of the offseason program, but he has enough knowledge to seamlessly move back to inside linebacker if the situation calls for it.
If Randy Gregory is ready for the opener, I will slot Browning in behind Gregory, Bradley Chubb and maybe Malik Reed.
What needs to happen in order for Randy Gradishar to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame? He should already be inducted based on his accolades and stats. How is this man constantly overlooked?
— Devin, Denver
Gradishar was not one of three Seniors’ category candidates to advance to the full vote of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection group.
I don’t pretend to know what goes on in the deliberation meeting and why Gradishar fell short and Chuck Howley, Joe Klecko and Ken Riley advanced. I’m surprised it took this long for Riley to be considered; he had 65 career interceptions.
There is always next year for Gradishar; the same process will be used and three finalists will be eligible for a full vote.
