The Broncos’ first acclimation practice before the start of training camp featured a pleasant surprise: a legitimate Greg Dulcich sighting.
During the 11-on-11 period, Jarrett Stidham rolled to his right on a play action and, as edge rusher Jonathon Cooper closed in, threw a ball to the flat to the third-year tight end, who burst down the sideline.
Dulcich has been sidelined since last season due to hamstring and foot issues. But on Wednesday morning at Broncos Park, he was heavily involved in drills and team work, providing optimism he could finally be the offensive weapon Denver needs this fall.
“It was really good (to see),” head coach Sean Payton said. “… All but the black socks that looked a little awkward.”
Earlier at practice, Dulcich made another nice play, catching a pass from rookie quarterback Bo Nix on an out route near the sideline during 7-on-7 drills. Even though the plays were few, it served as a reminder of why Payton valued Dulcich so much ahead of the 2023 season.
The head coach envisioned Dulcich as a “Joker” — someone who can create mismatches and provide versatility on the field.
At times during his career, Dulcich has showcased his value. But injuries have prevented him from living up to expectations as a 2022 third-round pick out of UCLA. He had 33 catches for 411 yards in 10 games as a rookie. Then he totaled just three receptions for 25 yards in two games in 2023, with a hamstring injury sidelining him in Week 1 and his return in Week 6 before foot swelling kept him out for the rest of the season.
Dulcich spent organized team activities and mandatory minicamp rehabbing on the side field.
While Dulcich was sidelined, the tight ends provided little support in the passing game, combining for 39 receptions for 362 yards and four touchdowns. Adam Trautman led the group with 204 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Lucas Krull was second with eight catches for 95 yards and a touchdown in seven games.
A healthy Dulcich could be a valuable asset for whoever is named Denver’s starting quarterback.
As a whole, there were no surprises in terms of attendance Wednesday. Every active player participated, including rookie running back Audric Estime, who missed most of the offseason program due to a knee procedure.
“Credit to the training staff,” Payton said. “When you leave for the summer, no news is good news and the players that weren’t able to practice were the (ones) that we expected.”
Williams looks leaner
Payton and running back Javonte Williams spent time together looking at the running back’s college film this offseason.
At North Carolina, Williams ran for 1,140 yards and 19 touchdowns with a powerful rushing style that allowed him to explode through contact. As Payton watched all of Williams’ rushing attempts with the Tar Heels, he told the 24-year-old: “This is the (running) back I want.”
Last season was Williams’ first time playing since tearing his ACL in 2022. And though his return to action was commendable, he wasn’t his normal self and seemed to have run out of gas toward the end of the season, averaging 31 yards in the final four games.
Amid a running back battle, Williams’ study session prompted him to shed a few pounds, and Payton noticed the change on Wednesday.
“He looks trim and looked sharp today,” Payton said. “I’m proud of him.”
Payton said each running back on the team provides different traits, and added that the coaching has trained them to be in third-down situations.
“We have a group that we feel strongly about that can (play on third down)…That flexibility is good,” Payton said.
More from Broncos camp
• Broncos inside linebacker Alex Singleton said the defense is further ahead due to having the same coaching staff for two straight years. Singleton expressed confidence in the new additions on the defensive line and looks forward to the pads coming on.
“We are playing an expensive (offensive) line every day, and what they do to them is exciting for what we will be able to do (against) other teams,” Singleton said.
• Payton said one of the biggest challenges for a rookie wide receiver’s transition to the NFL is understanding route concepts. “The library (of routes) is much bigger,” Payton said. He believes a wide receiver’s success as a rookie could be impacted by the type of offense they played in college.
“Depending on the offense, they just stay to their side,” Payton said. “It is a position I’ve seen make immediate impacts (and) it’s a position I’ve seen (first-round selection and former Saints wide receiver) Robert Meachem take a year or two.”
In regards to rookie wideout Troy Franklin, Payton views him as an outside target who can be a playmaker down the field. He thinks Franklin has a good football IQ. Overall, Payton added that he likes the size across the wide receiver room.
“And the ones that are not big have a unique skill set,” Payton said. “They can stop fast and accelerate.”
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Originally Published: July 24, 2024 at 3:46 p.m.
