DENVER -- Mike Anderson is taking one for the team.

Anderson was the NFL's offensive rookie of the year in 2000, when he rushed for 1,487 yards, including a 251-yard effort against New Orleans that was the best by a rookie in league history. Those days are history, however.

Two weeks ago, Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan asked Anderson to switch from running back to fullback, where such eye-popping numbers are unheard of. Anderson agreed to the move.

"It's for the good of the team," Anderson said Saturday on the second day of the Broncos mini-camp.

The suggested switch blindsided Anderson.

"I was surprised, but I understood where Mike was coming from," Anderson said. "I understood what the coaches were saying to me about what this move would do for the team. So that's enough said, right there."

The Broncos already had a glut of running backs and added another in second-round draft pick Clinton Portis. They were thin, however, at fullback, with only Tony Carter and converted tight end Patrick Hape.

Anderson excelled two years ago after both Terrell Davis and Olandis Gary went down with injuries. Last season, he shared time with Davis and Gary and found big numbers hard to come back. He started only seven games, rushing for 678 yards.

At 6-foot and 230 pounds, Anderson was the logical choice to be moved. He had practiced some at fullback, and he gives the team more flexibility at the position than it has ever had.

Noting that Anderson can run like a tailback but block like a fullback, Shanahan said he "could be something special at the fullback position."

Mini-camp is a perfect time for Anderson to begin making the transition.

"It's just a totally different mentality," he said. "It's two different mindsets. You go from being used to carrying the ball to lining up closer to the line, blocking and coming out of the backfield to catch passes.

For most players new to the fullback position, blocking is the main adjustment.

"That's not something I think I really have to work on," he said. "It's just a matter of learning the concept of the fullback in this system, learning what's required -- the complete picture."

As a sixth-round draft choice out of Utah, Anderson spent his first two NFL seasons learning all he could about every position, which has helped this week.

"I watched fullbacks like Howard Griffith and Anthony Lynn, watched what they were doing and listened to what the running backs coach said to them," Anderson said. "I was able to pick up a few things here and there. That has made it easier."

Before last season, Anderson slimmed down slightly to try to hit the holes quicker. Moving to fullback, he has no plans to bulk up.

"I'm happy where I'm at," he said of his weight. "I don't want to get too big where I become stiff."

Who knows? Davis has been plagued by injuries the last three seasons and Gary the last two. If the trend continues, Anderson could be in demand again as a running back.