For Denver Broncos rookies, training camp is officially here. From the NFL Draft process, rookie minicamp, OTAs, and more, the race begins for Broncos rookies to take their preparation levels to new heights.
Denver Broncos rookies report for training camp
Today is the day a handful of Denver Broncos rookies, headlined by first-round draft pick Bo Nix, report for the official start of training camp. With veterans set to report on July 23, Nix, Denver’s rookie draft class, and undrafted free agents are reporting to Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit as the real grind begins.
Nix is the odds-on-favorite from various sportsbooks to be the team’s starting quarterback this upcoming season, and a lot of the offseason attention will be on him, Jarrett Stidham, and Zach Wilson, both of whom will also report today for the start of camp. Both Nix and Stidham have been in the driver’s seat of the competition based on the open practices we were allowed to attend during OTAs and minicamp.
Whether or not the competition takes all of training camp and the preseason or gets called early remains to be seen.
Other rookies who have interesting storylines going into training camp will take center stage.
Rookie running back Audric Estime sat out most of the offseason program’s on-field workouts after undergoing a knee scope procedure, but head coach Sean Payton said during OTAs that he’s expected to be ready to go for the start of camp. He’ll be in competition with Jaleel McLaughlin, Blake Watson, Tyler Badie, and Samaje Perine for an apparent spot on the roster, with Javonte Williams still being favored as the starter.
Troy Franklin will look to build on his chemistry with Nix during training camp. During OTAs, the former Oregon Ducks standout wide receiver was a bit buried behind Tim Patrick, Marvin Mims, and Josh Reynolds — but did catch a red-zone touchdown from Stidham on the final day of mandatory minicamp. Franklin should be in a great position to see some more reps during camp as Payton continues to rotate receivers at a high rate. Devaughn Vele had an under-the-radar showing during OTAs and rookie minicamp, but the climb for that position group seems steep due to the amount of depth they currently have.
Kris Abrams-Draine and Jonah Elliss are two players who had a good showing during the team’s offseason program and they’ll look to continue to capitalize on the reps they receive. Elliss seems already established as one of the Broncos defense’s top-four pass rushers. Abrams-Draine is in the mix to compete for reps on defense this season, whether that comes from the slot or on the outside remains to be seen.
Denver Broncos training camp is officially here.
