Broncos unconcerned McGahee misses OTA
DENVER -- Running back Willis McGahee was the only player not accounted for when the Denver Broncos held their first organized team activity of 2013 on Monday. McGahee also missed some OTA time last year, so the absence didn't concern head coach John Fox much.
"Not really. This is a voluntary camp," Fox said. "A lot of guys have certain offseason-type things, and it's been that way for us since they've been with our team. But we're very pleased and happy with what we've got as far as turnout-wise."
Several other Broncos were injured, but on hand on the sideline Monday. That group included center J.D. Walton, guard Chris Kuper, safety Quinton Carter and rookie defensive end Quanterus Smith. Linebacker Joe Mays and running back Knowshon Moreno were limited to individual drills.
The other prominent absence Monday was left tackle Ryan Clady, who has not signed his franchise tender.
Fox was otherwise happy with those who did show up at the first practice of OTAs.
"I thought excellent," he said when asked how it went. "It was the first time we've gotten to go against each other, offense and defense. We had a great team meeting today, kind of defining how Phase Three is supposed to operate. I thought it was very crisp. Guys' attitudes were great, their work ethic was great and it was a good first day all-in-all."
Fox was asked to compare quarterback Peyton Manning last year against this year.
"... It seems to me he's way more comfortable," Fox said. "A year ago, he didn't play the year before, he played in another city. He's since then moved to a new city, gotten familiar with his teammates and I think felt a lot more confident about his abilities. I think he showed that a year ago and I think he'll just build on that this year."
Meantime, the Broncos' pursuit of former Raiders and Packers defensive back Charles Woodson is in a holding pattern while Woodson prepares to visit Oakland this week.
Denver played host to Woodson at team headquarters last week, where Manning said he was able to visit with Woodson. The two have a historical connection; Woodson became the first defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy in 1997, beating out Manning, then a senior at the University of Tennessee.
"I know there's the business side of it that comes into play, but there's no question that any time you can add good football players at any position, I think that's always a good thing,' Manning said.
Woodson would be expected to push starters Rahim Moore and Mike Adams for playing time, and would likely be a good bet to supplant one of them if he joins the Broncos. His potential arrival doesn't leave Moore worried.
"I was excited. I was actually I hope that we get him because I'm all about competition," Moore said. "I'm going to learn everything that he does and I'm going to compete like as if he's been here since I've been here."
To cornerback Champ Bailey, the move seems obvious, if the Broncos can make it.
"Why wouldn't you take a chance on a guy that has done what he's done in his career?" Bailey said.
