Behind Enemy Lines: Denver Broncos Offseason Recap

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Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos executive vice president of football operation John Elway on the sidelines prior to Super Bowl XLVIII between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Who’s Out?

With the firing of former head coach, John Fox; Director of Football Operations, John Elway and the Denver Broncos started a massive overhaul of the coaching staff and players. Some of the more notable players who were released include Tight End – Julius Thomas, Defensive Tackle – Terrance Knighton and Guard – Orlando Franklin.

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Julius Thomas’ career in Denver will most likely always have an “*” next to it. Like many of the prolific receiving weapons who have been in Denver with Peyton Manning, the rest of the world is left wondering if the the receiver is really that good, of if an average talent is being elevated by one of the best to play the game? Perfect case in point, Erik Decker plummeted from the 12th overall receiver in 2013 when he was with Denver, to 24th with his new home on the Jets. Either way, losing Thomas left quite a hole to fill at the Tight End position in Denver.

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Terrance Knighton was once thought to be the savior of the Oakland Raider defense and a shoe in to follow his old coach to a new team for the second time in his career. After a long, drawn out process Knighton ended up signing with the Redskins. Knighton may have over estimated his value early on in the free agency process and missed out on the opportunity to play with his favorite coach in Oakland (but as we all know, that turned out just fine for Raider fans). Knighton was a top rated player at his position in Denver, and a large (literally) void to fill on the defensive line.

Orlando Franklin was the 4th ranked Left Guard in the NFL last year (according to Pro Football Focus) a key piece in the successful running attack the Broncos fronted last season, as well as an incredibly reliable defender of Peyton Manning’s back side; only allowing one sack all season. Of the starting offensive linemen for the Broncos last season, Franklin was the only one who ended up with a positive overall grade. Losing a team’s best lineman is always a big hit, and a nice bit of information for Raider fans.

Next: Broncos Offseason Recap: Who's In?

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