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Newest Broncos WR Colbert sees Smith as role model

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published March 2, 2008 at 5:25 p.m.

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Keary Colbert took in an NBA game during his free-agent visit last weekend.

He also began learning some nuggets from one of his hosts, whose footsteps he would like to follow now that Colbert has joined the Broncos.

"I see myself fitting in as a Rod Smith-type of player. That's my goal," Colbert said Sunday night, hours after agreeing with on a three-year, $7.2 million contract. "I want to play on the same level he did. And if I'm able to do that, everybody will be happy, including myself."

Colbert wants to be known as a multitasker, not just an underneath route runner, deep threat or blocker in the run game.

"I like the word 'complete,' " he said. "I'd like to think I'm capable of doing everything that's asked of me to help the team. I like to play football, make plays and do it all. That's what it's all about."

Colbert had a fast start to his career with Carolina as a second-round pick out of Southern California in 2004 with 47 catches for 754 yards and five touchdowns. But his numbers the past three years combined declined (62-670-2).

Several factors contributed to a statistical downturn.

With a fresh start, he plans to take what he has learned and use it to contribute off the field, an underrated pursuit in his mind, and on, where he has a chance to replace Javon Walker as the starter opposite Brandon Marshall.

"It's a great opportunity," he said. "I'm surrounded by a great group of guys and when you're around a great cast of characters the best comes out in them. It's definitely a good situation for me."

Colbert is the first outside free agent to sign with the Broncos since the period opened Friday, but the team still is shopping.

The Broncos will host safety Marlon McCree (San Diego) and linebacker Boss Bailey (Detroit) on Wednesday and safety Marquand Manuel (Carolina) on Friday.

Linebacker Niko Koutouvides (Seattle) left without a contract, but the sides still are talking.

Comments

  • March 2, 2008

    5:51 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Pigskin writes:

    No way Ekuban should start next year, regardless of how well he heals. Those end spots need to be manned by Crowder, Moss and Dumervil.
    If Ekuban or Engelberger, neither of whom makes any impact whatsoever, are starting, we've got real trouble.

  • March 3, 2008

    6:52 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    R8R_H8R writes:

    We have tons of Defensive Ends, no worries there. It's stuffing the run with the interior D-Line that is the problem, and Linebackers behind them.

    Javon Walker was the "anti-Rod Smith", Colbert says he wants to be just like Rod Smith..... that's a damn good way! to start out being a Denver Bronco.

  • March 3, 2008

    7:14 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    waterwalker writes:

    Rod Smith type of player huh? Does'nt that mean first on the practice field and last off? Well Keary we'll see. I live on the east coast and I saw you play alot Mr. Colbert. I gotta tell ya, as a 46 yr. old construction worker, I'm pretty sure I can cover you. Your team was behind all season last year and you were never open! I love my broncos but...........OMG

  • March 3, 2008

    9:31 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    cosmokejumper writes:

    Like R. Smith?! The guy can't catch, run or block. Cutler would have a better passing rating throwing to a backboard. And the $$! That's $153,125 for every pass Colbert caught last year. No Cecil Sapp, but a Keary Colbert? Say it ain't so, Joe.

  • March 3, 2008

    10:49 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    princess writes:

    How come Al Wilson hasn't been signed yet?

  • March 3, 2008

    12:21 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    R8R_H8R writes:

    With FOUR quarterbacks throwing the ball last year, how can so many people diss Colbert? What's the Report?

    Please! tell me you were kidding about over-rated Al Wilson. He averaged ranking 25th in tackles among linebackers. He was always over-hyped, and never made the Big Plays. It has been well documented.

  • March 3, 2008

    4:02 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    aragornzxl writes:

    He models his game after ROD SMITH???
    Why dont he start by catching a few passes and clear the webs from the past few years.
    Hes got a long way to go...

  • March 3, 2008

    4:12 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Hollywood writes:

    Give the guy the chance to step on the field and prove it before you right him off.

  • March 3, 2008

    4:16 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Hollywood writes:

    Denver has agreed to terms of a Contract with former Seattle linebacker Niko Koutouvides. He was a top Special Teams player last year and a back-up Middle Linebacker, he will battle for the starting middle linebacker job in pre-season.
    From the Denver Post.

  • March 3, 2008

    5:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    foreveraBroncofan writes:

    I say even if he isn't quite what you all wanted for a #2 receiver there's a chance he can help on special teams and back up Marsh. Then we get a receiver in round 2 of the draft.