Broncos Training Camp: Day 17

– The final day of training camp, the last of two-a-day practices. The end of these brilliant, almost daily reports.

-- As I’ve said repeatedly, expect big things from DT Nick Eason this year. He is a consistent force in the middle and sounds like he has a near obsession with the team not having a drop off when he’s spelling DT Luther Eliss.

Will he really end up getting some time in at DE as I predicted? With today’s injury to DE Clint Mitchell’s ankle, it should be damn close to a lock.






– Here are a few more predictions, based on what we’ve seen and heard to this point in the preseason.

-- Darius Watts will take over the #2 WR spot from Ashley Lelie and he will do it before the regular season begins.

-- TE Jeb Putzier will earn the starting TE spot and he will be backed up by Jed Weaver, leaving Byron Chamberlin in the #3 spot.

-- CBs Jeff Shoate and Roc Alexander will both make the team.

-- RB Quentin Griffin will get the nod at starter, Garrison Hearst will back him up and Mike Anderson will get the nod at #3 . . . at least until Tatum Bell is fully healed and playing confidently.

-- When Bell is healed, Anderson will end up the odd man out. He’ll have the option of moving back to FB part time and playing special teams, or being cut.

-- And for my big finale, rookie LB DJ Williams will earn the starting job . . . on the weakside.

And if I’m wrong? Well, I’ll mangle a line from Albert Einstein: Then I feel sorry for Mike Shanahan, because my theory is correct.