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Aug 5, 2008 5:01 am US/Mountain
Webster, Thomas Get First Crack At First-String
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DENVER (AP) ―
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Nate Webster (file)
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Middle linebacker Nate Webster and defensive tackle Marcus Thomas were mild surprises as the Denver Broncos released their first depth chart of training camp on Monday.
"We have to start somewhere," coach Mike Shanahan said about Webster getting the nod over free agent Niko Koutouvides. "Nate earned the chance to start just by what he's done here in these first eight days."
During goal line drills in the morning session, Webster beat his blocker several times to stop running backs dead in their tracks and keep them out of the end zone.
Webster, who played strongside linebacker a year ago while the Broncos made an unsuccessful attempt at making D.J. Williams their middle linebacker, made an impression for his work ethic during the offseason training sessions.
Naming Webster to the first unit was a bit surprising considering the Broncos brought in Koutouvides from Seattle at a price of $7.2 million over three years to play middle linebacker. It would be a high price to pay a special teams player.
Shanahan was quick to put his decision into perspective.
"You have to put a depth chart out during the week of the first preseason game," Shanahan said. "It's mandatory, and we had to do it last night.
"So Nate will get the start against Houston, and we'll switch it off with Niko," Shanahan said. "And like I said, that's part of the preseason and we'll see how it folds out."
Nevertheless, Webster was thrilled that all his work is paying off with his move back to his natural inside linebacker position, and said seeing his name atop the depth chart made his day.
"I take it very seriously," he said. "It's my girlfriend, that's the way I look at it."
Thomas finds himself ahead of six-year veteran Kenny Peterson, who had been practicing with the first-stringers for most of camp. While not having had a particularly standout rookie season, Thomas said he expects a lot more out of himself this season.
"Last year I was afraid to mess up," Thomas said of his first season when he recorded no sacks, but had an interception and fumble recovery. "This year I want to be the one that makes plays."
Peterson had been listed as the starter in offseason training sessions.
"Marcus has had a good first week," Shanahan said. "It's still close, but Marcus has earned a chance to work with the first unit. He's very solid and he's in excellent shape and hopefully he can keep on getting better."
Michael Pittman wasn't surprised by his move to fullback. The 11th-year pro, who signed a one-year deal that will pay him $830,000 if he makes the 53-man roster, was listed as third on the depth chart at fullback behind Cecil Sapp and rookie Peyton Hillis.
Pittman's experience is at tailback.
"I'm not going to say it's surprising to me because I told Mike when I came in I could be a fullback, tailback or receiver," Pittman said. "If my role is blocking, that's my role. I'm going to do the best I can."
Second-year pro Selvin Young was first on the depth chart at running back.
Shanahan had additional words of encouragement for players listed low on the depth chart.
"We had Terrell Davis way back when and didn't know if he was going to be on the final roster and he played really well in the last preseason game," Shanahan said. "That's when you get a chance to see some of these guys that are free agents right now that we haven't talked about."
BACK IN ACTION: Linebacker Boss Bailey was back in pads after missing two days with a swollen right knee.
"The knee is fine," Bailey said. "Nothing I haven't done in the last couple of camps."
The strongside linebacker was on the first unit of the first depth chart released Monday. Bailey joined the Broncos as a free agent from Detroit over the winter.
"I'm picking up the system," Bailey said. "I'm right where I need to be."
EXTRA POINTS:@ S Hamza Abdullah and C Tom Nalen were spectators again on Monday. Soreness in his groin forced Abdullah out of workouts for a second straight day. Nalen has experienced soreness in his surgically repaired left knee. ... Rookie LB Spencer Larsen returned to camp after missing Saturday's practice with an excused absence. He was home with his wife, Ann, for the arrival of their second son, Gunner.
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