Denver Broncos Inside Slant 2009-05-08

Like the rest of the Denver Broncos rookies, running back Knowshon Moreno didn't take a lot of repetitions during his first minicamp. But he did enough to show he belongs.


Moreno, the 12th overall pick of the draft, will be a big part of Denver's offense this season. His role isn't known yet but he will play.

"He definitely looks like a good running back," offensive tackle Ryan Harris said. "He's got all the physical tools."

Moreno admitted to dealing with all of the same nerves most rookies experience in their first minicamp. He has a long way to go getting the offense down.

"It's all in the learning stage right now," Moreno said.

He didn't appear fazed by the physical aspect of the game, nor should he. He was a first-team all-SEC pick last season. Eventually, the Broncos think he can contribute in all situations -- not just running the ball but in pass protection and catching the ball out of the backfield.

Moreno did cause a bit of a stir with his choice of numbers. He wanted to wear No. 27, which hadn't been issued by the Broncos since cornerback Darrent Williams was shot and killed on Jan. 1, 2007.

Moreno asked the Williams family about wearing the number. They requested he put in some time at the Darrent Williams Teen Center in the Denver area, and Moreno said he planned on doing that.

"It's a great thing," Moreno said. "It's a privilege and I'm going to honor it in the right ways, on and off the field."




Author: Fox Sports
Author's Website: http://www.foxsports.com
Added: May 8, 2009