As Sean Payton embarks on his second season as the Broncos head coach, he has felt rejuvenated.
Denver’s offense has been sprinkled with youth, sparking position battles — and not just at quarterback — as players are try to make their mark on a team that’s in the midst of a rebuild.
“I think it’s that challenge of working with a young team,” Payton said. “I think that’s the one thing I notice at least watching. I feel the competition.”
Courtland Sutton didn’t show up to the Broncos’ facility until mandatory minicamp, but for the two days the veteran wide receiver was on the practice field, he felt the same energy.
He said the offense is filled with hungry players who are determined to go on the field each week to prove themselves, which is one reason there’s excitement among the players and coaches about training camp.
Indeed, the battle between rookie Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson for the starting quarterback job will be the highlight of the summer. But the competition at center, wide receiver and running back could be just as heated. The current state of the organization has created opportunity for first- and second-year players to step into meaningful roles this fall.
“You have a lot of guys that are still on their rookie deal, just got drafted or (undrafted) free agents,” Sutton said. “(We have) a team full of hungry dogs.”
Denver’s wide receivers room is filled with young players who have the potential to make an impact. After the Broncos traded wideout Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns in March, Marvin Mims Jr. has a chance to be a second option in the passing game. Denver also has rookies Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele, both of whom could command significant playing time, depending on how they perform during training camp and preseason games.
At running back, the one-two punch of Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine might not be guaranteed. The Broncos drafted former Notre Dame standout Audric Estime — who has been sidelined due to a knee procedure — and is viewed by Payton as a first- and second-down running back. Meanwhile, Jaleel McLaughlin and undrafted rookie Blake Watson have spent the offseason program displaying the receiving traits that Payton desires from running backs.
With Greg Dulcich continuing to work his way back from injury, there’s an opportunity for tight end Lucas Krull to show the coaching staff that he can potentially be the pass-catching threat that the Broncos desperately need at the position.
“It felt different this year in a good way,” Payton said of the competition level within the team.
While there might be an emphasis on the Broncos developing their young talent, Sutton said the mid-career veterans have something to prove as well. Wide receiver Tim Patrick, who restructured the final year of his contract, is hoping to show that he can still be a reliable asset in Denver’s wide receivers room despite having back-to-back season-ending injuries — and despite the team drafting Vele, who has similar traits.
Related Articles
ILB Alex Singleton in line for leadership role in middle of restocked Broncos defense: “A guy like him has earned everything he’s got”
How Jim Leonhard, once a presumptive college head coach, found a fresh start as a Broncos assistant: “He’s just an incredibly gifted football mind”
In midst of QB battle, Broncos rookie Bo Nix has impressed team with his maturity: “His composure speaks volumes”
Broncos minicamp Day 2 observations: DC Vance Joseph excited to see how cornerback competition plays out during training camp
Sean Payton, happy with Broncos’ offseason work, sends team to summer break early: “I like where we’re at”
Perine and Williams, as well as left tackle Garett Bolles, will be unrestricted free agents in 2025.
“It’s been cool to see the desire and hunger,” Sutton said.
Another part of Denver’s hunger ahead of training camp is the lack of national recognition. The Broncos have two only prime-time games this season, and Sutton said the team has kept a mental note of that.
“You see teams with six to seven prime-time games, and we have two,” Sutton said. “I think that speaks a lot to where the respect level is for us. We will carry that chip on our shoulder.”
Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.