The Denver Broncos will be back on the field later on this week for their second week of organized team activities. With a good portion of the 90-man roster solidified, there are several players on offense that Broncos Country should keep their eyes on during OTAs and minicamp.
Former New Orleans Saints wide receiver could be surprise player for the Denver Broncos
As OTAs continue this week, one player who stood out last week was former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Callaway.
The Denver Broncos signed Callaway during NFL Free Agency and his former ties to new head coach Sean Payton give him the advantage of already knowing his scheme, what he wants, and how he wants things done.
Not only does Callaway’s familiarity help him — it allows him to step into a leadership role for other players at wide receiver, specifically the younger players on the roster.
During OTAs last week, Callaway’s 6’2 size was notable and his speed at the top of his routes is something that could very well benefit the Broncos receiving corp this season, especially in third-down situations.
In New Orleans, Callaway was a chain mover for Payton’s offense — with 10 of his 21 catches in 2020 moving the chains and 32 of 46 receptions following suit in 2021.
Not only does Callaway possess the athletic attributes to make plays, but his ability to rise up and snag 50/50 balls is something to keep an eye on throughout the offseason.
He is somebody Broncos fans should keep their eyes on.
New addition at right tackle has enough experience to help the offensive line
Mike McGlinchey was another key offseason addition for the Broncos in NFL Free Agency.
Denver’s had issues finding a long-term solution at right tackle for what feels like the last decade and a half. McGlinchey has every tool necessary to be that solution, but it has to translate on the field in a Broncos uniform.
While watching OTAs last week, McGlinchey’s size is something that stands out. He’s a mountain, his wingspan is insane, and he moves very well for somebody who is 6’8. His hands are massive which will allow him to grab firmly inside the frame of opposing defenders.
McGlinchey’s ability to move effectively lateral should translate well against some of the NFL’s premier speed rushers off the edge.
“It’s my job to be as good as I can be,” McGlinchey told us on Thursday following Broncos OTAs. “No matter what the call is, no matter what the scheme is, we were pretty well-versed in everything for my last five years. I hope to bring a lot of the same attitude and same techniques, help everybody along and be able to run the football. It’s always an offensive lineman’s job first to set the tone in the run game and convert on third down. That’s what this league is all about and that’s all I’m going to try and do to play my job at right tackle.”
With his addition, the Broncos offensive line looks entirely bigger than it did last year. On top of that, his experience playing for a winning team throughout his NFL career is beneficial to the team — because he knows what it takes to win and that allure was something that appealed him to Denver along with new head coach Sean Payton.
Greg Dulcich aiming to take bigger leap in second season
One thing that stood out about Denver Broncos second-year tight end Greg Dulcich during OTAs was him appearing to be fully healthy. Last season, he was the talk of OTAs before suffering a hamstring injury that impacted him for the remainder of minicamp into training camp — resulting in him being placed on injured reserve until he made his NFL debut in Week 6.
Dulcich looked crisp with his route running during OTAs last week, his size still impressive, but more importantly his athleticism remained intact despite last year’s hamstring injury.
One thing that Broncos fans should keep their eye on is how he is utilized by the team this upcoming season. He has improved as a blocker and could see himself moved around as a chess piece for Payton’s offense whether that comes in-line, in the slot, or on the outside.
He has all of the fast twitch muscles and body movement to be an extremely valuable asset to the Broncos offense this upcoming season. Hope remains that he can avoid any soft tissue injuries that impacted him last year.
Denver’s next possible undrafted rookie free agent gem?
Jaleel McLaughlin should be a name that Broncos fans should watch for all throughout this offseason.
During Thursday’s OTA practice last week, the NCAA’s All-Time leading rusher showcased several things that stood out upon observation.
McLaughlin has a very solid feel on being patient behind his blockers and demonstrates when to hit the hole and get north.
While he doesn’t necessarily have the size that some of the other backs on the roster do, he has the speed and elusive ability to create explosive plays past the second level, which he did on one play last Thursday.
Javonte Williams return to the field last week was a great sign for the team, but Payton’s philosophy of running the football will require more than just Williams’ skillset if the offense hopes to succeed.
McLaughlin could very well emerge as the team’s third running back come preseason if everything translates.
Quinn Meinerz has the opportunity to solidify himself as a stable piece of the franchise
You can make a significant argument that Quinn Meinerz has been the Denver Broncos best offensive lineman for the past two seasons. While 2022 was a disaster for Denver’s offense, they were noticeably better when Meinerz was in the lineup.
After overcoming several injuries last season, Meinerz looks like he has bulked up. His lifting partner is Mike McGlinchey which will benefit Meinerz’s approach.
In Payton’s offense, having a power-style rushing attack requires physicality, strength, discipline, and toughness — all characteristics that Meinerz does possess.
His third season with the team will be crucial because he has the opportunity to solidify himself as a cornerstone player on the offensive line for years to come if he can remain healthy and keep progressing forward on the same path he’s been on.
The Denver Broncos will be back on the practice field this week for the continuation of OTAs on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday where we’ll have access on Thursday to provide further updates.