| Wed Aug 29 2012 | 15:22 | Broncos move Irving to the strong side | ||||
The Broncos have moved 2011 third-round pick Nate Irving from middle to strong-side linebacker. | ||||||
Many observers expected last year's 67th overall draft pick to start in the middle as a rookie, but Irving never beat out Joe Mays and is now listed directly behind Von Miller on the depth chart. Mays is entrenched inside, with undrafted rookie Steven Johnson behind him. Feel free to drop Irving in IDP leagues. | ||||||
| Source: denverbroncos.com | ||||||
| Fri Mar 16 2012 | 09:51 | Nate Irving not ready for middle linebacker? | ||||
The Denver Post suggests the Broncos aren't ready to turn middle linebacker over to 2011 third-rounder Nate Irvin after all. | ||||||
An early offseason report said the Broncos were high on Irving's "presence and potential," but he never got beyond special teams action as a rookie. Denver is hosting free agent Jameel McClain, who would be an ideal fit in the middle of Jack Del Rio's defense as a two-down run-thumper. | ||||||
| Source: Denver Post | ||||||
| Sun Feb 12 2012 | 16:12 | Broncos to turn to Nate Irving inside? | ||||
Sporting News' Andrew Mason suggests that the Broncos may be ready to turn over their starting middle linebacker job to Nate Irving in 2012. | ||||||
The 67th overall pick in last year's draft, the Broncos are smitten with Irving's "presence and potential," per Mason, and he may very well have started games in 2011 if not for the lockout-shortened offseason. Denver instead stuck with Joe Mays, a two-down thumper who lacks Irving's range, playmaking ability, and cover skills. Mays may sign elsewhere this spring. | ||||||
| Source: Sporting News | ||||||
| Tue Aug 30 2011 | 21:35 | Rookie LB Irving missed time w/ ankle injury | ||||
Rookie LB Nate Irving missed time in training camp with an ankle injury. | ||||||
According to beat writer Lee Rasizer, the missed time "stunted his progress," but he's "beginning to assimilate the playbook and the defensive checks necessary at his position." Behind Joe Mays and Mario Haggan on the depth chart, Irving will begin making the climb back up. | ||||||
| Source: AOL.SportingNews.com | ||||||
| Mon Aug 8 2011 | 22:10 | Nate Irving working as third-team Mike backer | ||||
Rookie Nate Irving is listed as the Broncos' third-team middle linebacker on their preliminary preseason depth chart. | ||||||
He's behind both Joe Mays and Mario Haggan. It isn't because Irving is a rookie, either; SLB Von Miller and FS Rahim Moore are both listed as starters, and TE Julius Thomas is seeing extensive action with the first team. Irving has four preseason games to win the job. Until then, he's not on the IDP radar. | ||||||
| Source: Denver Post | ||||||
| Thu Jul 28 2011 | 11:22 | Broncos sign rookie Nate Irving | ||||
Broncos signed No. 67 overall pick Nate Irving to a four-year contract. | ||||||
Working in Irving's favor is his athleticism and the weakness in the middle of the Broncos' defense. Working against him is John Fox's age-old refusal to start rookies. Fox did do it with Jon Beason in Carolina, which makes us think he may move Irving along quickly as well. The former North Carolina State star and Bill Parcells favorite will battle veteran Joe Mays. | ||||||
| Source: Josina Anderson on Twitter | ||||||