Sports Krunch w/DKROM

1. As you know, it takes a lot of responsibility to be a Denver Broncos Cheerleader, and even more as a team captain. What are your main responsibilities as a DBC captain off the field as well as on the field?

2. We mentioned the current job you had in the intro (and we’ll get to that soon) but a previous job you had was as a character performer at Disney World. How did that experience shape you into the woman you are today? What Disney character do you think resembles you the most?

3. A short time ago, we had your wonderful teammate Sophia on the show, who, like you, is a full-time elementary school teacher. I asked her this exact same question. Why did you decide to pursue a career in elementary education?

4.  Aside from witnessing Chichen Itza at night, what were the moments from your recent trip to the Yucatan that stood out to you the most?

5. Where were you the moment you learned the Broncos traded for Russell Wilson and how did you react? What are your expectations for the Broncos this season?

6. Over/Under 

-35 TD passes for Russell Wilson: Over 

-1200 rushing yards for Javonte Williams: Over 

-8 rushing TD for Melvin Gordon: Over 

-7 receiving TD for Courtland Sutton: Over 

-3,300 receiving yards combined for Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, and Jerry Jeudy: Over 

-6 sacks for Bradley Chubb: Over

-8 combined interceptions for Justin Simmons and Patrick Surtain II: Under

7. You are a passionate advocate for mental health. What is the best advice you can give to people who are feeling almost hopeless given the increasingly dark state of our world?

8. Music Superlatives

-Best song to get you fired up before a game (aside from “Thunderstruck”): “All The Small Things” by Blink 182

-Best song to celebrate a Broncos TD to (aside from “Don’t Stop The Party”): “YMCA” by the Village People 

-Best song to celebrate a Broncos win to (aside from “All I Do Is Win”, “Jump Around” and “Celebration”): “Ain’t Far From It” by Luke Combs 

-Song that best describes the person you are: “Happy” by Pharrell

-BONUS THIS OR THAT: Which is the better song for a Quarter Break routine, ‘Til You Can’t (Cody Johnson) or When It Rains It Pours (Luke Combs)? 

9. What are five such values or personal characteristics in your view that somebody ABSOLUTELY MUST have in order to become a DBC?

(Photo of Chelsea by Paul Cloud)

1. Why should Broncos fans be expecting the “boom” more than the “bust” from Nathaniel Hackett and the new coaching staff?

2. Based on what we do know about the Walton/Penner ownership group, are there many reasons to hope that the Broncos won’t be getting such a massive downgrade in ownership from the Bowlens to the Waltons?

3. What similarities or differences do you see with the arrival of Russell Wilson in Denver compared to that of Peyton Manning? 

4. Is there any level of concern within the Broncos that Russell Wilson’s best days may be behind him and defenses may have him figured out?

5. If there’s a player from the Broncos 2022 draft class who will have a sizable impact this season, who will it be and why?

6. Fantasy Football

-Currently, per Fantasy Football Calculator, the Average Draft Position (ADP) of Javonte Williams is 14, and the ADP of Melvin Gordon is 73. Do you think Javonte Williams is worth the 14th overall pick in fantasy leagues regardless of format, or would you rather take Melvin Gordon at his current ADP?

-Which Broncos WR should fantasy owners target the most in drafts: Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, or Tim Patrick?

7. What position battles in training camp should Broncos Country be paying attention to the most? What position group is the biggest weakness on the Broncos: OL or DL/pass rush?

8. The Broncos have numerous players coming out of contract after the 2022 season such as Bradley Chubb and Dre’Mont Jones. Which of those impending free agents do you think is most likely to get re-signed to a long-term deal: Dre’Mont Jones, Bradley Chubb or someone else?

9. 2022 Season Predictions 

-MVP: Russell Wilson

-Most Improved Player: Jerry Jeudy

-Sleeper Who Will Break Out: Montrell Washington 

-Bounce-Back Player: K.J. Hamler

-Coach of the Year: Dwayne Stukes

10. Do you sense very similar vibes with this year’s Broncos team that you did in 2015? 

(Photo by Gabriel Christus) 

1. Which audition process was more difficult for you: making the team for the first time last year or re-auditioning to earn your chaps back this year?

2. Why do you think the Denver Outlaws Dancers were such a major training ground for prospective DBC’s?

3. What kind of content were you shooting down in Mexico this spring and what will the final product(s) look like?

4. Why did you decide to switch careers from teaching to marketing? What advice would you give anybody of any age wanting to make such a change when it comes to employment?

5. How did you react when you first heard the news that Russell Wilson was going to be a Bronco? What are your expectations for the Broncos this season?

6. 2022 Broncos season predictions 

-Leader in rushing yards: Javonte Williams

-Leader in rushing TD’s: Melvin Gordon 

-Leader in receiving yards: Jerry Jeudy

-Leader in receiving TD’s: Courtland Sutton

-Leader in sacks: Bradley Chubb

-Leader in interceptions: Patrick Surtain II

7. Each year, the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders pair two women up as Business Partners or BP’s. In DBC lingo, what is a Business Partner (BP) and how does it help improve team camaraderie?

8. Rock and Roll Superlatives

-Best rock song to get you fired up before a game: “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin or “Renegade” by Styx

-Best rock song to celebrate a Broncos TD to: “Rockin' the Paradise” by Styx

-Best rock song to celebrate a Broncos win to: “Feelin' Satisfied” by Boston

-Best Styx song to perform a Quarter Break routine to (one that you haven’t performed to as of yet): “Blue Collar Man”

-Rock song that best describes the person you are: “More Than A Feeling” by Boston

-BONUS THIS OR THAT: Which is the better song for a Quarter Break routine, Bang The Drum All Day (Todd Rundgren) or Double Back (ZZ Top)? 

9. Do you think cheerleaders just as physically and mentally tough (or even tougher) than the players? 

(Photo of Shannon by Rob Hawthorne)

1. Jaguars

-In the long run you think Travon Walker’s production will end up matching his jaw-dropping traits?  

-Several analysts, including Mark Schofield, pointed out Lloyd’s underrated Micah Parsons-esque versatility to rush off the edge as well as play that off-ball LB position. Right after this pick was made, I envisioned a sub-package with Lloyd and Josh Allen on the edge and Travon Walker kicking inside, where many believe he could really feast as a pass rusher. Given that the Jaguars selected another LB on Day 2 with Chad Muma, who is a very instinctive, “QB of the defense” kind of player, can you see Jacksonville using such a sub-package quite often?

-The Jaguars spent the first of their two third-round picks on Kentucky C Luke Fortner. Do you think he starts Week 1?

2. Texans

-Based on your understanding, why did the Texans prefer Derek Stingley, Jr. instead of the more proven Sauce Gardner?

-Why did the Texans opt for Kenyon Green over Johnson?

-On Day 2, the Texans selected two more very promising defensive prospects in Baylor S Jalen Pitre and Alabama LB Christian Harris. If you had to pick one, which one of those two players would you say is more likely to become a long-term piece on defense for the Texans?

-Would you be surprised if John Metchie becomes the go-to guy for Davis Mills on third down at some point this season?

3.  Colts

-As good as a player as Alec Pierce is, he is extremely similar to Michael Pittman. What differences, if any, exist in Pierce’s game that can complement Pittman’s game well? 

-Do you expect Jelani Woods to get significant work as that in-line, blocking TE for the Colts this season?

-Why do you think Bernhard Raimann fell all the way to the third round? Will he be the Colts starting left tackle Week 1?

4. Titans

-Do you believe Treylon Burks will be a long-term upgrade over A.J. Brown?

-How high were you on Roger McCreary during the pre-draft process and do you think he can be a top 10-15 corner in the league despite his lack of length and middling athleticism? 

-Can you see Malik Willis taking over this offense as early as some time next season?

5. Name a player (either drafted or UDFA) from each team we have not yet discussed that you think will have a successful NFL career

-Jaguars: Montaric Brown

-Texans: Teagan Quitoriano

-Colts: Nick Cross

-Titans: Hassan Haskins

1. Browns

-If Deshaun Watson is suspended for the entire 2022 season, do you think the Browns end up with a top-10 pick in 2023, which is one that will obviously belong to the Texans?

-How does Martin Emerson fit into this deep and talented Browns secondary?

-Can you see Alex Wright as that long-term bookend to Myles Garrett coming off the edge?

-What skills does David Bell bring to the Browns WR room that they were lacking before the draft?

2. Ravens

-What makes Kyle Hamilton such an extra special talent? Aside from positional value, why do you think he fell all the way to 14?

-Do you think the Ravens will have to significantly adjust their blocking scheme for Tyler Linderbaum?

-In the long run, who will turn out to be the bigger steal for the Ravens: David Ojabo or Travis Jones?

3.  Steelers

-When is the earliest you can see Kenny Pickett starting this season? Do you think the Steelers are THE team for Pickett to overachieve with?

-Do you think there was a legit argument for George Pickens being THE best receiver in this class in terms of raw talent? Would you be surprised or shocked if he ends up becoming THE go-to guy for Kenny Pickett in the passing game?

-What is the most realistic long-term role for DeMarvin Leal?

4. Bengals

-Do you share the view that Daxton Hill can thrive at boundary corner should the Bengals decide to utilize him there?

-Do the Bengals see Cam Taylor-Britt as a corner or safety?

-Is Zachary Carter an ideal replacement for Larry Ogunjobi?

5. Name a player (either drafted or UDFA) from each team we have not yet discussed that you think will have a successful NFL career

-Browns: Dawson Deaton, Jerome Ford

-Ravens: Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar, Daniel Faalele 

-Steelers: Calvin Austin III

-Bengals: Kwamie Lassiter II

1. It’s been just over one year and one month since you became a DBC…and the moment you made the team was one of historical significance for the DBC and the Broncos organization. Explain why that was so

2. Just a few months ago, you and some of your teammates went on a military tour that included stops in Portugal, Spain and Italy. What were some of the major highlights from that adventure? 

3. As we mentioned in the intro, your full time job is teaching kindergarten. What made you want to pursue a career in elementary education?

4. What do you think is the most important responsibility of elementary school teachers during these times?

5. We are just three weeks removed from another historic moment in Broncos history. On June 7, it was announced that the Broncos would be sold to the ownership group led by Rob Walton, heir to the Wal-Mart fortune and his son-in-law Greg Penner for a record $4.65 billion. Another key member of that group is Mellody Hobson, who is the current President and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, Vice Chair of Starbucks and a Director at JPMorgan Chase. If the sale is ratified, as expected, Hobson will become the first black female to be part of an NFL ownership group. What are your initial thoughts on this sale and these soon-to-be new Broncos owners?

6. How did you react when you first heard the news that the Broncos traded for Russell Wilson? How high are your expectations for the Broncos this season?

7. Earlier this month, you and your teammates have already begun practicing very hard for the season. Describe for us what a typical DBC practice is like from start to finish 

8. COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERLATIVES

-Best song to get you fired up before a game: “Lil Bit” by Nelly & Florida Georgia Line

-Best song to celebrate a Broncos TD to: “Get Ready” by Blake Shelton & Pitbull

-Best song to celebrate a Broncos victory to: “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw

-Best Luke Combs song to perform a Quarter Break routine to (a song you haven’t performed to as of yet): “When It Rains It Pours”

-Best Darius Rucker song to perform any type of on-field routine to (either Quarter Break or sideline vamp): “Homegrown Honey”

-Song that best describes the person you are: “Stars In The City” by Old Dominion

-BONUS “THIS OR THAT”: Which of the following Brooks & Dunn songs would you prefer to perform a Quarter Break routine to, Honky Tonk Stomp or Boot Scootin’ Boogie?

9. What are the qualities that set the DBC apart from all other pro sports cheer/dance teams?

(Photo of Sophia by Laura Murray)

1. If you could re-live one experience during your time with the Falcons, would it be Super Bowl LI, the 2019 Pro Bowl…or something else?

2.  Shortly after your memorable week at the 2019 Pro Bowl, you auditioned for Broncos and obviously made the team. What made you want to try out for DBC?

3. As both you and I know, Mile High is one of THE most electric game-day atmospheres in the NFL, and it should be even more so this season. But as we mentioned in the intro, you went to THE University of Alabama, which arguably has THE most electric game-day atmosphere in college football. Compare and contrast for us a game-day experience at Bryant-Denny Stadium to a game-day experience at Mile High

4. You also have a very inspiring story as to why you decided to go into nursing. Feel free to share some of that story with us

5. What has been your most memorable experience as a DBC thus far?

6. Where were you when you first heard the news that the Broncos were trading for him and how did you react? Given the presence of Russell Wilson, just how high are your expectations for the Broncos this season?

7. Do you think it’s very helpful, if not essential, to know the words of a song you’re performing a routine to?

8. COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERLATIVES

-Best song to get you fired up before a game: “She’s Country” by Jason Aldean

-Best song to celebrate a Broncos TD to: “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)” by Big & Rich

-Best song to celebrate a Broncos victory to: “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker

-Best Luke Combs song to perform a Quarter Break routine to (a song you haven’t performed to as of yet): “Lovin’ on You”

-Best Darius Rucker song to perform any kind of on-field routine to (either Quarter Break or Sideline Vamp): “Homegrown Honey”

-Song that best describes the person you are: “Good Times Roll” by Jimmie Allen and Nelly

9. Do you see the 2022 DBC as a powerful example of the beauty in our differences…and do you think that example can help breathe new life into values that are BADLY lacking right now? 

(Photo of Alexandria by Rob Hawthorne) 

1. Panthers

    -Why do you think the Panthers went with Ikem Ekwonu over Evan Neal and Charles Cross?

    -Barring the Panthers acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield before the season, how many games do you see Matt Corral starting in 2022? 

2. Falcons

    -For the second consecutive year, the Falcons selected a passing game weapon with a top-10 pick in USC WR Drake London. While I personally like London a lot, an NFL decision-maker, who obviously knows football better than I ever will, anonymously told Mike Sando of The Athletic that London gave him vibes of Mike Williams, another USC WR who was a top-10 pick in 2005, yet did not live up to expectations. Do you have similar feelings and if not, why will Drake London have a far more successful NFL career?

    -What do Arnold Ebiketie and DeAngelo Malone give the Falcons anemic pass rush THIS YEAR?

    -Is Troy Andersen a long-term replacement for Foye Oloukun or Deion Jones?

    -How many games do you see Desmond Ridder starting this season?

3.  Saints

    -With Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry now joining forces with Michael Thomas, do you think Jameis Winston could be in for the best season of his career?

    -If you could pick one part of Trevor Penning’s game that he needs to fix in order to become a franchise cornerstone, what would it be and why?  

    -Do you see Alontae Taylor becoming a premiere slot corner in the NFL?

4. Bucs

-While many (if not most) project Logan Hall as an interior rusher, some others, most notably Dane Brugler, believe that Hall can be a force off the edge as well. What do you believe the best possible sub-package role for Hall is?

-In the long-term, can you see Luke Goedeke being a candidate to potentially replace Donovan Smith at left tackle for the Bucs?

-Can you see Rachaad White eventually supplanting Gio Bernard as the Bucs third-down back at some point this season?

5. Name a player (either drafted or UDFA) from each team we have not yet discussed that you think will have a successful NFL career

-Panthers: Amare Barno

-Falcons: Tyler Allgeier

-Saints: Jordan Jackson

-Bucs: Zyon McCollum

1. Jets

       -Can you see Sauce Gardner making a similar impact for the Jets his rookie year as Patrick Surtain did for the Broncos?

       -What does Garrett Wilson bring to the Jets receiving corps that Elijah Moore and Corey Davis do not?

       -With Jermaine Johnson now in the fold, would you be surprised if the Jets DL is regarded as the best such unit in the NFL either later this season or some time in 2023?

      -How do you see Breece Hall and Michael Carter splitting the workload at RB this season?

2. Dolphins

       -Thanks to the Tyreek Hill trade, the Dolphins cupboard of picks was pretty bare, as they did not pick until 102 overall. That said, I personally think they landed EXCELLENT value by selecting Georgia LB Channing Tindall with that pick. What were your thoughts on this pick and do you think Tindall will eventually outplay that draft slot?

3.  Patriots

       -What was your pre-draft evaluation on Cole Strange and do you think he’ll be worth this pick long-term?

       -Do you think Tyquan Thornton is an ideal target for Mac Jones in the passing game? 

       -Can you see the Patriots having a package of plays for Marcus Jones on offense this year?

4. Bills

-Does Kaiir Elam immediately upgrade that position and if so, why?  

-How does James Cook make the high-powered Bills offense even more dangerous?

-Do you think Khalil Shakir should be able to stick around and eventually become a trusted target for Josh Allen in certain situations long-term?

5. Name a player (either drafted or UDFA) from each team we have not yet discussed that you think will have a successful NFL career

-Jets: Jeremy Ruckert

-Dolphins: Cameron Goode

-Patriots: Jack Jones

-Bills: Luke Tenuta

1. Chiefs

   -Will Trent McDuffie change the paradigm for how the NFL views the cornerback position

   -Do you think George Karlaftis will become a similar, dependable long-term player for the Chiefs as Brandon Graham has been for the Eagles?

   -What does Skyy Moore bring to the Chiefs WR corps that Marquez Valdes-Scantling and JuJu Smith-Schuster do not? Can you see Moore becoming the #2 target for Patrick Mahomes at some point this season?

  -Who will make a bigger impact for the Chiefs defense this season: Bryan Cook or Leo Chenal?

2. Broncos

     -A lot of Broncos fans and FANalysts were lukewarm about the Nik Bonitto selection. What reasons, if any, are there for those people to warm up to Bonitto?

     -Is Greg Dulcich the ideal tight end for Russell Wilson?

     -Who is more likely to become a long-term contributor for the Broncos: Damarri Mathis or Eyioma Uwazurike?

3. Chargers

     -With Zion Johnson now in the fold, how do you see the Chargers starting five on the offensive line looking like come Week 1?

     -Do you share the view that J.T. Woods can be a similar third-round bargain for the Chargers as Justin Simmons turned out to be for the Broncos?

     -Do you see Isaiah Spiller making an immediate impact this season and if so, how do you see him and Austin Ekeler splitting the workload at RB?

4. Raiders

     -Do you see Dylan Parham starting in Week 1? Is his best long term spot at center or guard?

     -Would you be surprised if Zamir White emerges at the starter at RB for the Raiders at some point this season?

5. Players we didn't mention (either drafted or UDFA) on each AFC West team that Mark sees having long-term NFL careers

      -Chiefs: Justyn Ross

      -Broncos: Matt Henningsen

      -Chargers: Zander Horvath

      -Raiders: Thayer Munford, Jr. and Matthew Butler