For rookies, being an NFL player probably starts to feel real right around when you get your number. The Denver Broncos' 2012 rookies got to experience that feeling this weekend when they were their numbers by the team.
Here is what those fresh, young faces will be wearing come minicamp:
In addition to that, the Broncos also announced that newly acquired CB Tracy Porter will wear No. 21 and TE Jacob Tamme, who will be one Peyton Manning's top targets, will wear No. 84.
The Denver Broncos announced their scheduled dates for this year's minicamps and organized team activities (OTA) on Wednesday as the NFL offseason winds down.
Between the 2012 NFL Draft and free agency, the Denver Broncos have added a lot of new players to the team over the last few days. That left no room for wide receiver Tim Toone, who was let go by the organization on Monday.
Broncos waived WR Tim Toone...with Mark Dell & Jason Hill in the mix & Gerell Robinson & Eric Page signed as UDFAs, just no room for Toone.
Toone, who had been assigned to Denver's practice squad, was originally a seventh round draft pick by the Detroit Lions in 2010.
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In the 2012 offseason, the Denver Broncos gained some depth from an unlikely source -- the U.S. military.
DT Ben Garland, who played collegiately with the Air Force Falcons, landed on the Broncos' roster in 2010, when he played four spring training games with the team, collecting 7 tackles. Garland then began his two years of service in the U.S. Air Force before returning for the 2012 season.
"I think what a great opportunity as an Air Force Lieutenant – if I was able to play and make the team, every time I make a tackle they are going to say Ben Garland from the Air Force," Garland said. "That public affairs exposure for the Air Force is going to give them more exposure than any bus sign or billboard. I think it’s really win-win for both."
The team's coaches have not guaranteed Garland a roster spot, so he will have to fight this preseason to impress the team one more time.
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The Denver Broncos held a post-practice press conference, giving their players a chance to share some early insights on the new offense. Receiver Andre Caldwell and tight end Joel Dreessen, among others, addressed the media this time. Caldwell said that Peyton Manning is leading the offense, but fellow receiver Eric Decker is also showing his leadership abilities during drills:
Caldwell says Manning is "literally leading everything," but that Manning and Decker "go hand in hand" in leading the drills.
He's also finding it a great experience to work with Manning. Dreessen will share the tight end position with Jacob Tamme, a free agent signee from Indianapolis. Manning certainly won't lack any safety valves this coming season, and if the team drafts a wide receiver the offense should be high-flying.
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Here is what those fresh, young faces will be wearing come minicamp:
Draft picks: