Broncos Player Attendance

Did not practice: Physically Unable to Perform list — OLB Baron Browning (knee). Non-Football Injury list — DL Mike Purcell (knee).

Broncos rookie cornerback Riley Moss and outside linebacker Frank Clark missed practice Monday. Coach Sean Payton said it was a “club decision,” and would not further comment on their absences.

Right tackle Mike McGlinchey returned to practice after missing last week due to a death in his family. Meanwhile, the team waived wide receiver K.J. Hamler and offensive tackle Christian DiLauro.

Top Play

Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper had his shining moment. During 11-on-11 work, Cooper burst past the offensive line, creating pressure on quarterback Russell Wilson. He would’ve gotten a sack if allowed to tackle the quarterback, but instead, Cooper was able to get Wilson to throw an interception to safety Justin Simmons.

Thumbs up

Undrafted rookie makes a strong impression: Running back Jaleel McLaughlin is fast. The undrafted rookie had a couple of nice runs during 11-on-11s, showcasing his speed and ability to maneuver around defenders.

The Broncos running backs room is crowded with starter Javonte Williams, Tony Jones Jr., Samaje Perine and second-year Tyler Badie. But McLaughlin, who also has been practicing as a returner, has caught Payton’s eye.

“He has a little burst, and there’s some toughness to him,” Payton said. “He’s a guy you root for. He’s shifty, and he has a good change of direction. It’s funny. When you put the pads on players for the first day, then you really get an appreciation of how they look.”

Secondary continues to dominate: It’s early, but the secondary looks like the best position group on the team. In addition to Simmons’ interception, the defensive backs made it hard for the quarterbacks to find an open wide receiver down the field. There were multiple occasions when Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci were forced to tuck the ball and run, as they couldn’t find anyone to throw to.

Thumbs down

Inconsistent quarterback play: Monday was not a memorable day for the quarterbacks. While the defense shone, Wilson and backups Stidham and DiNucci were not sharp. In addition to Wilson’s interception, he also had a pass broken up by cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian. You have to give the defense credit for giving them a hard time in the moments each quarterback dropped back to pass.

Dulcich has been quiet: It’s been a quiet start to camp for starting tight end Greg Dulcich. He has made very few plays so far and at times has struggled to create separation from defenders. Dulcich entered camp as a key figure on offense, with Payton saying previously that he planned to take advantage of the second-year tight end’s ability to do multiple things on the field.

Odds and ends

• Good news: Starting running back Javonte Williams was in pads. Even though the Broncos continue to manage his workload, Williams is taking steps in the right direction as he works his way back from a torn ACL.

• Broncos rookie Marvin Mims Jr. practiced fully for the first time after being limited last week due to a hamstring injury. Payton said the team is encouraged by Mims’ progress.

“He’s feeling good,” Payton said. “You are going to see him more and more this week. He’s going to be ramping up.”

• The Broncos have not done any red zone drills through four days of camp. In fact, fans have yet to be treated to one-on-ones between wide receivers and cornerbacks, which is typically one of the best parts of training camp.

• Payton is ready to move on from his comments about former head coach Nathaniel Hackett and the New York Jets.

When Payton was asked about Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ recent comments, in which he called Payton “insecure,” the former New Orleans Saints coach said, “We’re past it.”

• Broncos inside linebacker Josey Jewell said rookie Drew Sanders has done a good job learning the defense.

“I know as a rookie it’s a little bit tougher,” Jewell said. “You are coming into an NFL defense, trying to learn from a different coach than the one from college.”

• It’s safe to say Jewell enjoyed having the pads on. “We can finally pop some running backs or hit some tight ends that we had some pent-up energy (for) during OTAs,” he said jokingly. “It (was) a good day.”

Tuesday’s schedule

The Broncos are back on the field for open practice No. 4 at 10 a.m. The parking lot opens at 8 a.m., gates open at 9 a.m., and fans will need a ticket to enter.

Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.