The Denver Broncos will begin OTAs tomorrow and there are three storylines on the offensive side of the ball that should be paid attention to.
Denver Broncos three offensive storylines to watch for at OTAs
With OTAs kicking off on Tuesday in Dove Valley, Bo Nix and the Broncos are set to take the field for the first time since last season. While this portion of the offseason program is voluntary, a large portion of the Broncos’ 90-man roster is expected to be in attendance.
It’s unclear which days the media will be allowed to attend, but we’re granted at least one out of the three days this upcoming week and next before we’ll be allowed to see all three days of mandatory minicamp on June 10-12.
Here are some of the storylines we have our eyes on this week.
Rookie watchlist, RB competition: RJ Harvey, Pat Bryant will get their first work with veteran players
We had the chance to see RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant on the field in a Broncos uniform for the first time several weeks ago when the team conducted its rookie minicamp. Now, we’ll get to see Harvey and Bryant have a chance to work in with Bo Nix and veteran players on the offensive side of the ball.
In particular, we’ll see Harvey get a chance to potentially mix in with the first-team offense, although that will be something we won’t be allowed to report on specifically. Historically, head coach Sean Payton rotates skill players in with the first, second, and third-team units, so it’s a safe assumption to say that Harvey will take some handoffs from Nix.
What’s more interesting will be the start of the overall running back competition. Right now, Audric Estime and Harvey seem like on-paper locks, but Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson will all have something to say about getting a share of the reps.
McLaughlin was the Broncos’ most productive back last season, averaging 4.4 yards per carry, rushing for 496 yards on 113 carries and one touchdown on the ground, with two touchdown catches. His flash and change of pace are elements that are important to the offense, but Badie has also showcased an explosive run element in his game.
Watson has the chance to impact as a rusher and receiver out of the backfield and was brought to the 53-man roster last season because other teams were sniffing around, attempting to steal him off the team’s practice squad.
On to the receivers, Nix will be throwing to Sutton, Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin, and the new rookie Pat Bryant. I’d expect Vele, Franklin, Bryant, and Mims to also catch passes from Jarrett Stidham and potentially Sam Ehlinger in some of the competitive focus periods, just for more reps.
Is Clay Webb a factor at guard or center?
At rookie minicamp, Broncos head coach Sean Payton touched on some of the concerns and circumstances surrounding Clay Webb and his previous legal issues, all of which have now been dismissed.
“He’s been cleared,” Payton said. “This kid’s a great kid. We spent a ton of time with him. He’s the best. Obviously made a mistake, and he was fantastic just in discussing it with us and going through it with us. We feel really good about where he’s at.”
The reason we’re focused on Webb is because the Broncos had a draftable grade on him. For the last two years under Payton, an undrafted rookie offensive lineman has made the team. 2023 saw Alex Palczewski make it, and Frank Crum made it last year.
Payton and the Broncos believe in developing players on the offensive line with the potential to grow into a role. While Luke Wattenberg is the expected starter at center, it’s fair to wonder what the team’s vision is for a player like Webb who stood out during the Senior Bowl against NFL level competition.
He’s got the ability to anchor at an efficient rate in pass protection, and his strength is an element that makes him a factor in run support. Left guard Ben Powers has two years remaining on his current contract, with him being set to account for $17.4M in cap space this season.
Webb, hypothetically, could be a potential in-house developmental piece in waiting for Payton and Zach Strief if he lives up to what their vision for him could be.
Will there be progress on Courtland Sutton contract extension talks?
Courtland Sutton has been at the team facility for offseason workouts as he promised he would be, showcasing good faith. It’s no secret that Sutton wants to remain in Denver for the duration of his career, and it would be foolish to not find a way to keep Nix’s top target in the mix.
Despite the addition of Bryant in the third round of the NFL Draft, it’s clear that Payton values size and depth at wide receiver. Payton emphasized last offseason how important Sutton is to this team, and the added pieces offensively will hopefully create more one-on-one opportunities for the veteran receiver.
General manager George Paton said before the NFL Draft that any potential contract extension talks would continue after the NFL Draft concluded. Once the team finalizes contract agreements with all of their rookies, there’s a chance those talks can accelerate, or they may already have.
Sutton is in the last year of his deal, and he seems like the top priority for the Broncos, who still have to work on extensions for Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto, and potentially John Franklin-Myers.