Orlando Franklin makes best of position change

One reason offensive lineman Orlando Franklin was asked to play left guard: He has all of the necessary attributes.

He is 6-foot-7 large and 320 pounds strong. He has athletic flexibility and worldly adaptability, having lived in Jamaica, Toronto and Miami before settling in Denver.

He even has experience at the position going back to his college days at the University of Miami.

About all Franklin didn't have when he was first approached about shifting from right tackle to left guard was the proper attitude.

"Initially, you get down on yourself when you hear you're moving from your position," Franklin said last week after the Broncos had concluded their offseason workout program. "I'm not a 'me' guy, but it didn't seem like initially it was a good situation for me.

"It had nothing to do with the team. I got mad at the world. I read an article and saw what fans were saying, that I had a horrible game in that final game. I took it the wrong way. When people started getting on me about it, I didn't take it constructively. I didn't listen to what my coaches were saying about it. I was listening to all the outside noise."

For quarterback Peyton Manning, the 12 combined organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp sessions were another attempt to perfect his precision passing.

New receiver Emmanuel Sanders had to learn a new playbook. Nate Irving had to prove he could start at middle linebacker. Running backs Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman had to earn Manning's trust as blitz protectors.

DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward got acclimated to a new team and a new town while renewing lofty expectations.

Von Miller, Chris Harris and Kevin Vickerson rehabbed injuries.

Only Franklin, among Broncos players, was asked to learn a new position.

"I'm definitely not a finished product, but I'm more comfortable today than what I was nine weeks ago at the position," Franklin said. "It's like learning all over again. Offensive tackle is a little different. They've got a lot more moves and there's a lot more space. Being inside, yeah, they're a lot bigger in there, but it's like fighting in a phone booth."

The Broncos won the AFC championship last season but got drilled in the Super Bowl. The purpose of their offseason practices was to prepare for taking that final step.


(denverpost.com)