undrated rookie RB to start for broncos

[prophet]

DENVER -- The Broncos said Monday that undrafted rookie Mike Bell is now the No. 1 running back headed into the preseason opener this week at Detroit.

Denver's coaching staff also said top draft pick Jay Cutler from Vanderbilt has been elevated to No. 2 behind starter Jake Plummer. That puts Cutler ahead of former Colorado State star Bradlee Van Pelt.

Bell had been running as third-string running back behind Ron Dayne and Tatum Bell (no relation). Dayne said Mike Bell has earned the top spot, given the way he's been working in camp.

Before camp began, Denver coach Mike Shanahan said the running back position was wide open since last year's leading rusher, Mike Anderson, is now in Baltimore. But most expected Dayne or Tatum Bell to emerge as the starter.

Mike Bell, however, has turned heads with his toughness. Bell rushed for 3,163 yards and 17 touchdowns at Arizona, but as recently as last week said he was just hoping to land a job.

[waterwagen]

I just read this myself. Kind of funny - Bell is the starting RB just as expected, but not THAT Bell.

[OWUeagleMD]

Note to self in upcoming fantasy draft.

[IM A REDSKIN FAN]

....they could always start Clinton Por....Oh Wait :)

[WeownU]

Just Shanahan posturing to get more out of Tatum and Dayne. Come Sept, Tatum will be number 1.

[Riggo#44]

Just Shanahan posturing to get more out of Tatum and Dayne. Come Sept, Tatum will be number 1.

Doesn't matter who starts there - they will still be better than Julius Jones.

Hmmm - doesn't look like that trade was too lopsided now does it

[Hooper]

They have yet to find anything close to a replacement for CP. Meanwhile, Springs has replaced Champ quite nicely.

[JoeSkins]

They have yet to find anything close to a replacement for CP. Meanwhile, Springs has replaced Champ quite nicely.

They haven't lost any productivity on the ground. In the past two years, they've only gotten 100 fewer yards on the ground than the two years they had Portis, and they score more. Why is it so hard to call the trade a push?

[Hooper]

I gladly will -- it's just that most "experts" keep saying the Skins got taken for a ride.

[JoeSkins]

I gladly will -- it's just that most "experts" keep saying the Skins got taken for a ride.

Agreed. :yes:

[prophet]

They haven't lost any productivity on the ground. In the past two years, they've only gotten 100 fewer yards on the ground than the two years they had Portis, and they score more. Why is it so hard to call the trade a push?

mike anderson was over 1k last year, and bell had 900 something.

not to shabby.

[MisterPinstripe]

I think we got the better end of the deal in perspective though they didnt lose anything. We didnt have any running backs, we give them that first round pick and in return get one of the top 5 backs in the whole league. A huge playmaker. They keep the same production they had, as they always will with pretty much any back. That is why I think we got the better deal, not that it hurt them. We couldnt have gotten what we got with that first round pick in the draft that we got in the trade.

[jrockster21]

I agree...this is just Shanny posturing. The Donks will end up with a RB by committee most likely...:2cents:

[fdarugar]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=5780

theres a link to this story.