Denver's teams and players send condolences to those affected by Aurora shooting

By Ryan Ebert | Ryan@nflen.com

No one would have thought that the flag at the White House would have been lowered to half-staff on July 20, 2012.  Unfortunately there was such an event that made this happen.

On July 20, the new Batman movie "The Dark Knight Rises" started playing at midnight in theaters across America.  In Aurora, Colorado, a former honor student and recent graduate school dropout by the name of James Holmes walked in prepared and disguised wearing black with a bullet proof helmet and vest, ballistic leggings, throat and groin protector, black tactical gloves, a gas mask, and had three weapons on him.  He cast off two smoke grenades then opened fire killing 12 and injuring 59.

Zach Golditch remarkably walked away  after stray bullet went right through him

A six-year old girl was among those who were slain.  A three month old baby was also injured.  A Colorado State recruit named Zach Golditch got injured during the event when a stray bullet went through a wall and hit him just below the ear and exited at his hairline.  It is a miracle he did not suffer any serious injuries.

His family and friends never suspected this kind of action from Holmes as he was described as "quiet and easy-going" and never had problems; he was also described as "respectful".  Holmes barely talked and did not socialize.  As one man said, "No one knew him. No one."

Denver's teams and players payed respect to those effected in the shooting on twitter and through other ways:

The Colorado Rockies made a jersey remembering the sad event.

The Broncos said this in a statement:

"Our deepest, most heartfelt condolences go out to the victims of this horrific tragedy in our community"

Many Bronco players sent their prayers as well on Twitter and Facebook:

Ben Garland:  "I was planning on attending that exact movie in that theater but changed my mind.  Thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims."

Ryan Clady:  "Thoughts and prayers to the victims in the shooting in Colorado.  Sad day"

Zane Beadles:  "Deeply saddened by the Aurora shooting.  A bit of anger too.  Prayers to all those affected. #tragic"

Terrell Davis:  "My heart goes out to all of the victims of the Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting last night.  Just a senseless act by a coward. #tragic"

Willis McGahee:  "My thoughts and prayers are with my Denver family - can't believe the news of this mass shooting in Aurora - this is crazy"

Former Bronco Eddie Royal:  "Sick to my stomach hearing about the senseless tragedy in Aurora, CO last night... My thoughts and prayers are with those effected.  Really puts in perspective how insignificant our daily stresses are..."

Former Bronco Tim Tebow:  "My prayers go out to all the families and friends of the victims of the terrible tragedy that took place in Aurora, CO.  Psalm 23"

The Denver Nuggets:  "Our thoughts are with all of those affected by last night's tragedy in Aurora, CO."

Holmes was taken into custody "without any significant incident" as Aurora police chief Dan Oates said.

In the link below is a video of people frantically getting away and scary phone calls.

http://widget.newsinc.com/_cfvp/playlist16x9_player.html?CID=994&WID=10812&VID=23750245&freewheel=90115&sitesection=denverpost_nws_us_sec&external_url=http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_21118947/

Holmes told police about explosives in his home which caused the police to evacuate five nearby buildings.

If you want to learn more about the bomb in his apartment the link is below.

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_21118947/

My own thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and friends in the shooting.  May God be with them.

Broncos get some needed talent

by Ryan Ebert

After not having a pick in the first round, the Denver Broncos make three solid picks in the second day of the 2012 NFL Draft.  The team filled a needed position on defense, added security, and depth in the second and third rounds.  The players drafted in the second round were announced by Bronco great Terrell Davis.

The Broncos first pick at thirty-six overall was used to get Derek Wolfe, a 6'5" 300 lbs. defensive tackle from Cincinnati, with the thirty-sixth overall pick.  Wolfe in four seasons with the Bearcats accumulated 162 tackles (89 solo), a forced fumble, and 19.5 sacks with 9.5 of them coming in his senior season in which he was named the Co-Big East Defensive player of the Year.  Fans at first may have been shocked at the selection, but Denver drafted Wolfe because he is reliable and consistent unlike Jerel Worthy who is talented, but inconsistent.

The second player Denver drafted in the second round with the fifty-seventh overall pick was Arizona St. quarterback Brock Osweiler.  The 6'7" quarterback threw for 4,036 yards, 33 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and had a 63.2 completion percentage in his senior season.  He is expected to be the backup to Manning.  Even though Denver has Caleb Hanie and Adam Weber it is believed that Osweiler will be the number two quarterback.  Though there is a history of quarterbacks with such a height of 6'6" and taller that do not have success in the NFL.  The only real successes in the NFL of quarterbacks who stand 6'6" or taller are Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and the Panthers Cam Newton.

The final pick for Denver of the day was San Diego St. running back Ronnie Hillman drafted at sixty-seventh in the Draft.  Hillman, who stands at 5'9" 200 lbs., put up 1,711 rushing yards with 19 touchdowns and a 5.5 average along with 24 receptions for 270 yards, a touchdown and a 11.3 average in his senior season.  He had a 99 yard run against Wyoming last year, and even topped a few of Marshall Faulk's old school records at San Diego St.  NFL Network's Mike Mayock said, "He's a guy that I think provides instant offense for the Denver Broncos, Peyton Manning's going to love him."

The Broncos still have a few more needs to get in the secondary and could get some depth at the linebacker and wide receiver position, but these picks look to be solid.  Derek Wolfe brings youth to the defensive line and will be playing under Ty Warren, Justin Bannan, and Kevin Vickerson who are all 29 years of age and older.  Brock Osweiler has a tremendous opportunity to learn from one of the best to ever play the game, and is very intelligent of the game himself.  Ronnie Hillman who could bring that "instant offense" may replace Knowshon Moreno if Moreno doesn't step up his game here soon.  Hillman will also be learning from veteran running back Willis McGahee ,who is in his ninth season and will turn 31 in October.

On the last day the Broncos own the 101st, 108th, 137th, and 188th draft picks in rounds four through seven.  Hoping Denver find a few gems and a future star!

Denver to add another RB?

by Ryan Ebert

Broncos head coach John Fox wants to add another running back to the roster regardless of Moreno's status. Willis McGahee will be turning 31 in October, and Knowshon Moreno is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in Week 10 against Kansas City. It's possible Moreno will start 2012 on the physically unable-to-perform (PUP) list. Moreno was arrested and charged with DUI, failing to have insurance and careless driving. 

"We certainly talked to him about it," Fox said at the NFL Annual Meeting, according to The Post. "... I don't think anybody knows too many perfect people walking around, but we take it very seriously, and we're going to monitor him going forward."