Every year, the NFL mandates teams to release their first unofficial depth chart prior to the first preseason game, much to the chagrin of the Denver Broncos and head coach Sean Payton. The team wrapped up their 12th day of training camp on Tuesday as they prepare for the Indianapolis Colts in their first preseason game of the year.
Denver Broncos Day 12 training camp recap
Prior to Tuesday’s practice, the Denver Broncos released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of Sunday’s preseason game. What does it mean though?
To head coach Sean Payton, it’s an inconvenience because roster evaluation is still ongoing and the NFL requires him to submit one that’s unofficial. When asked whether or not he uses the depth chart to sometimes send a message to a player, he said that’s not how he operates.
“I’m not ready for a depth chart, but I have to get a depth chart,” Payton said. “It’s easy to push the underlined players [rookies] to the back of the line and then make sure it’s kind of where we sit right now. That’s really it. No, it’s a good question but I’m not trying to send messages at all.”
Now that we’ve addressed that let’s talk training camp.
Tuesday’s practice featured several extensive team periods, including a move-the-ball end-of-game scenario where the score was tied 21-21. Jarrett Stidham got the first-team reps on the afternoon and moved the ball downfield with a big pass to Courtland Sutton that was downed at the 8-yard line, with the series ending there. Bo Nix was on deck next and did the same thing, leading the Broncos offense downfield and connecting on a pass for a first down. However, time was ticking down and Nix and the offense ran off the field quickly as Wil Lutz came in and booted in a 48-yard field goal that would have won them the game 24-21 in a real scenario.
Both quarterbacks protected the football well, but following practice, Payton felt collectively that the team could have been sharper on the day.
“I just thought mentally we hit a wall a little bit,” Payton said. “We’ll see the film. When you come off the field, there are times where you feel like, ‘Man, I thought it was just okay.’ So we’ll be sharper tomorrow.”
Denver Broncos rookie receiver Devaughn Vele standing out
As deep as the Broncos wide receiver room has been, there’s been a lot of great competition taking place during practice. Obviously, the games here in the preseason will be the most crucial place to evaluate what a player may bring to the table on Sundays, but rookie wideout Devaughn Vele has continued to stack days as an under-the-radar threat.
Vele had several impressive catches on the day, including a tough contested back-shoulder throw that he managed to haul in for a touchdown. His route running has been underrated, but his catch radius is something that Payton says stands out to him.
“I like his size and hands in traffic,” Payton said. “I thought he’s had a couple snaps now this week where we have to keep giving him opportunities because I think he has strong hands in traffic. There are a few players like him out here, but I think he can take reps inside and then I think he can also play at the ‘X’. His ability to catch away from his body—when you’re throwing it to him, he has a large catch radius, so you become a more accurate quarterback.”
As he does more, Payton will likely find ways to give him even more looks in practice and he’s my preseason player to watch at receiver and as a gunner on special teams. If he can excel in these two areas, he’ll make a strong case for the 53-man roster.
Broncos news and notes
The Denver Broncos signed undrafted linebacker Alec Mock to their training camp roster on Tuesday while simultaneously placing defensive end Ronnie Perkins as waived/injured.
“Just depth and someone that we felt could help us inside, especially as we get into these games,” Payton said regarding Mock. “[He is] someone who we had positive feelings about.”
Justin Strnad (groin) did not participate in Tuesday’s practice but was on hand for visual reps. Cornerback Levi Wallace (hamstring) and safety Brandon Jones (hamstring) continued to work on the side field.
After being released yesterday, former Broncos safety Caden Sterns was claimed by the Carolina Panthers, reuniting with former defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and inside linebacker Josey Jewell.