The Denver Broncos will kick off their first public training camp practice session this morning at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit. What is everything Broncos Country needs to know as they prepare to see the new-look Broncos for the first time?
Denver Broncos open up first public practice on Friday
Earlier this week, the Denver Broncos held their first two practices of training camp open to the media only. Both practices were considered acclimation sessions as the team begins to build towards throwing on the pads beginning on Monday. Here’s what fans need to watch for in their first public practice.
Zach Wilson in line for first QB reps of the day?
Sean Payton told us following Thursday’s practice that he’d keep us posted on who gets the first quarterback reps of Friday’s open practice. In reality, we’ll see the moment the team has their first 7-on-7 period of the day this morning. With Jarrett Stidham getting the first reps of the week, Bo Nix getting the first-team reps in yesterday’s practice, it will be interesting to see if Zach Wilson gets the first look in today’s practice.
Denver Broncos under-the-radar players to watch for
While everybody will be watching how the bulk of the starters and star players do, including Courtland Sutton, Patrick Surtain II, and others — there are a handful of young under-the-radar names fans should keep an eye on.
Durell Nchami – #53 – outside linebacker
Nchami has had an impressive start to training camp, generating several pressures off the edge in the first two days of practice including two sacks on Zach Wilson. With Denver’s top four pass rushers projected to be Jonathon Cooper, Baron Browning, Nik Bonitto, and Jonah Elliss, a fifth-player at the position will have to emerge in camp and preseason. Nchami came over late last season as a practice squad addition and should be someone to watch for in practice.
Art Green – #28 – cornerback
I’m a defensive back guy by trade, but Art Green is a player I had on my watch list last season after he was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent. Last year was a learning period for Green as he worked his way through the season on the practice squad. So far in OTAs and training camp, he looks more comfortable in the defensive scheme and is playing with more confidence, having contested coverage looks and making plays on the football. His size likely keeps him as an outside corner exclusively, but he’s going to be a name to watch as a developmental prospect.
Devon Key – #26 – safety
With Brandon Jones and P.J. Locke taking over as the team’s starting safeties in 2024 and Caden Sterns working his way back from a knee injury — the Broncos defense has some stiff competition at safety, and Devon Key is a name fans should watch for. He spent all of last season on the practice squad and was on the training camp roster previously. He’ll have a strong chance to work his way into the rotation with the second-team defense and get some looks on special teams as a potential core four specialist.
JL Skinner – #34 – safety
JL Skinner has had himself a tremendous offseason for the Broncos defensively. He’s hard to miss on the field at safety because he’s the tallest defensive back on the roster, but he’s playing loose and free during practice and has more comfort with the playbook and his role specifically. Keep an eye on #34.
Practice kicks off here at 10:00 a.m. MT.