Attendance
Did not practice: Physically Unable to Perform list — S Caden Sterns (knee), S Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) and LB Drew Sanders (Achilles). Non-Football Injury list — RB Blake Watson (muscle strain). Out — OLB Nik Bonitto, OL Nick Gargiulo. Dropped out — S Brandon Jones (hamstring)
Payton told reporters after practice that Jones “tweaked” his hamstring and was being evaluated. He also expects Bonitto to be back to practice work Saturday.
QB Race Today
Zach Wilson did, indeed, get all the No. 1 reps during practice Friday, continuing the rotation that began earlier this week with Jarrett Stidham on Wednesday and Bo Nix on Thursday.
The Broncos didn’t waste any time, getting a 7-on-7 period and three team periods in during their first full-length camp practice of the summer. Head coach Sean Payton said afterward that the team put a heavy emphasis on third-down situations.
None of the three quarterbacks turned the ball over in team settings Friday, though Wilson and Nix were each almost picked by corners Riley Moss and Reese Taylor, respectively.
“There’s things you have to evaluate sometimes,” Payton said. “In other words, the pocket, was it broken down? There’s certain things that can take place that can affect their execution. So when you’re evaluating and breaking down the reps, you have to take all of that into account. I like the way they’re protecting the ball and I think they’re working through their progressions. … They’re getting a lot of looks.”
Top Play
On a Friday devoid of big, spectacular plays, beauty was in the eye of the beholder. Maybe you preferred a pretty looking toss play to the left for Jaleel McLaughlin? Or a couple of nice plays on the ball by Moss, the second-year corner? Or the continued, consistent pressure that the defensive line generated? All come with caveats: It’s early and more to the point they’re not wearing pads yet.
Thumbs Up
Reynolds’ all-around addition: Wide receiver Josh Reynolds made a couple of plays Friday and is already showing the kind of versatility Denver coveted in free agency. He’s a tall, long receiver, a smooth runner and a willing blocker.
“He’s flexible, he’s smart,” Payton said. “(Passing game coordinator) Johnny Morton worked with him in Detroit so we had a little bit more knowledge of the player. He loves playing. … He’s been a good addition.”
Welcome, Bo: Not surprisingly, the rookie quarterback got a big cheer from the crowd on hand Friday. With fans in attendance for the first time since Nix was selected No. 12 overall in April’s draft, it’s no surprise he got a warm welcome considering it’s the highest Denver’s drafted a quarterback since Jay Cutler went No. 11 in 2006.
Thumbs Down
Safety net?: The Broncos’ depth at safety is already a question mark with Sterns on PUP. If Jones ends up missing substantial time with the hamstring issue, Payton and company will have to take a realistic look at whether they’ve got enough depth on the roster.
Dink and dunk: The NFL’s not much of a home-run league these days. Not only that, but Payton talked about the situation-heavy work Friday, the still-early installation schedule and more that is all reality this time of year. Still, the Broncos’ trio of quarterbacks at some point is going to have to show the ability to attack down the field with the ball. That hasn’t shown up much yet this offseason.
Odds and Ends
• The evaluation changes dramatically for everyone when pads come on, but some positions more than others. One of the most interesting players to watch: Rookie RB Audric Estime. He’s a load and has looked good so far this week.
• Early means early — and it’s early — but so far the center battle has not seen as much rotation as the quarterbacks. Luke Wattenberg so far has seen most of the top-group work. We’ll see as time goes along if he’s truly leading or if Alex Forsyth or Sam Mustipher makes a move.
• Country megastar Kenny Chesney was on hand for practice Friday ahead of his Saturday night show at Empower Field. Chesney got a workout in in the morning and then had a chance to catch up with Payton, a longtime friend, before practice.
• Payton continues to like the youthful energy of his team and sounds like a coach who’s interested to see who grabs the bull by the horns at several different positions. “I think young and hungry can be very dangerous,” he said. “And I’ve told them that. I think that can be very successful.”
• Garett Bolles is excited to watch the quarterback battle play out, saying Friday, “They all can play, otherwise they wouldn’t be here. That’s how Coach Payton rolls. He’s not going to bring someone in here he doesn’t think he can play and run his scheme and run his offense. He’s had one great quarterback in Drew Brees and he has a certain way of doing things. He knows all three of these quarterbacks can be special for us. … All those guys I love dearly and it’s just my job to keep their jersey fresh. It doesn’t matter who’s back there as a left tackle.”
• One thing that does jump out about the trio of Denver quarterbacks is that each has mobility. Stidham might not have the same flat-out wheels that Nix or Wilson have, but they each do feel comfortable moving around. Another element of their games to watch as camp progresses. Who can use that to his advantage and who maybe over-relies on it?
Saturday schedule
The Broncos are back at it for the NFL’s Back Together Weekend. Parking lots open at 8 a.m., gates at 9 a.m., and practice begins at 10 a.m. Then Sunday is off before a six-day workweek next week.
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Originally Published: July 26, 2024 at 2:15 p.m.
