DENVER - For eight of the past nine seasons, the offensive line of the Denver Broncos has produced 1,000-yard rushers. There is no reason to expect anything different despite changes in its own personnel and a new running back.

"Right now it's a progression," Denver right guard Dan Neil said Friday. "We've moved some guys up front, Matt Lepsis and George Foster switched spots and we've had some changes in the backfield, but in time we'll be where we want to be."

Lepsis and Foster flip-flopped tackle positions with Lepsis going to the left side. Running back Clinton Portis was traded to Washington after consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and leaving a wide open race for the starting job.

None of that appears to concern offensive linemen.

"It takes a little while to come together," Neil said. "It's not simple, but we've got a good system."

The string of 1,000-yard runners began in 1995 with Terrell Davis and was interrupted by a 701-yard performance by Davis in 2001. The following year Portis resumed the trend with 1,508 yards.

How long will it take for the running game to assert itself?

"It will take all of camp before we comfortable with the guy back there," Neil said. "And it usually takes a couple of games into the season so it takes a game or two before we are able to really put up numbers our offense is capable of putting up."

Coach Mike Shanahan could only sidestep the issue after the final day of mini camp, "It's really hard to tell without pads."

Shanahan has yet to name a starting running back. Training camp opens July 27.

MINI CAMP OBSERVATION: When the final whistle blew just after noon to end the pre-training camp period, players shattered in many directions. After several short camps and two mini camps, Shanahan offered a modest analysis.

"It's been a good 14 days of team activity with a lot of our guys have been here since March 1," Shanahan said. "We'll get started again in July and finish up the last four or five weeks."

Shanahan continued to offer praise to first round draft choice D.J. Williams.

"He's a great athlete, a very sharp young man with the ability to pick things up very quickly," Shanahan said. "He's been able to get some valuable reps and hopefully, it will carry over to the first preseason game."

Williams intercepted a pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown in a seven-on-seven drill.

EXTRA POINTS: Cornerback Scott Turner appeared to pull his left hamstring when trying to keep up with wide receiver Darius Walls. No update was given on the injury. … Cornerback Lenny Walls complained bitterly that he was pushed off by Willie Jackson on a touchdown pass from Danny Kanell. … Windows were placed on the team's new strength and conditioning building located at the north end of the Broncos training complex. The building is expected to be complete when the team returns for training camp.