Head Coach Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos successfully completed their first rookie mini camp and free agency. Ultimately, they signed all of their draftees including XFL QB Ben DiNucci and RB Jacques Patrick. The team also re-signed safety Kareem Jackson and acquired RB Tyreik McAllister who spent last season on the Broncos' practice squad.
Rookie Mini Camp
NFL rookie mini camp is a time for players to show the team what they can bring to the table. Denver also invited a number of undrafted free agents to the mini camp. Jacques Patrick, the second-leading rusher in the XFL this past season, showed the team enough to earn a contract.
Rookie Mini camp was an opportunity for newly drafted and free agent players to learn the system and prove their worth to the team. While giving Denver the opportunity to evaluate many of their new players and decide who will make the team.
DiNucci is a versatile, dual threat quarterback with years of experience and a proven ability to throw under pressure. With an aging Russell Wilson now more susceptible to injuries, DiNucci provides the Broncos with a backup who has the ability to keep the team competitive in Russell Wilson's absence.
Broncos New Partnership
The team is eager to build on their success from the offseason and is confident that the upcoming additions will bolster the team's offense and defense. Denver will now focus on their newly announced $100,000 10-year partnership with Centura Health. Who is committed to being the Denver Broncos' official healthcare partner?
Partnering with Centura Health was a logical fit for the Broncos. This partnership will provide the franchise with a revamped training center, medical expertise and technology that will improve player performance and safety. The Broncos are confident that this partnership will help them win more games and provide their fans with a better game-day experience. Centura Health will also benefit from their association with the Broncos as their brand will be prominently featured at all Broncos events.
"Team President Damani Leech says the 10-year deal with Centura He is thealth most important partnership the organization has ever had". It's a win for both organizations. The Broncos will have access to Centura Health's expertise in health and wellness, while Centura Health will gain exposure from their partnership with the Broncos.
Javonte Williams & RB Depth
Payton announced earlier this week that running back Javonte Williams would be ready for training camp. Williams is expected to be the Broncos' primary running back this season. He is a powerful runner who excels at making defenders miss in the open field. Williams rushed 47 times for 204 yards last year before suffering a knee injury in Week 4.
With Williams, Patrick and McAllister in the backfield the Broncos have the potential to have one of the most impressive running game in the league. Williams' return to the field will be a major factor in the Broncos' success this season. Injuries were a big part of the Broncos' downfall last season.
Randy Gregory
Edge rusher Randy Gregory suffered a knee injury in week four which derailed his season after finishing with seven quarterback hits and two sacks. The team expects him to return this season. Injuries can play a huge part in any team's success, as we saw last season with the Broncos losing multiple key players down the stretch of the season.
"Payton on Gregory "
"Randy is doing well. [We are in] Phase Two, and he's been here. He’s in good health. Again, in Phase Two, we're doing a lot of the teaching, but he's doing well and looks good.”
Kareem Jackson RESIGNED
Denver announced star safety Kareem Jackson's re-signing. Which gives the Broncos extra depth in the secondary. His experience alone is unmatched, as he's been in the league for 13 seasons. His veteran leadership can help younger secondary players like rookie safety JL Skinner develop and grow. His addition to the team is a huge boost to Denver's defense.
"Jackson on his defensive presence."
"I think my film speaks for itself last year... I don't think my role should change. But at the end of the day, I'll come in and prove that."
What's to come?
The competition level is at an all-time high as the Broncos prepare for the upcoming season. The Sean Payton Era is officially underway and the expectations are high. With a new head coach and plenty of new faces, the team is looking to make a statement in the upcoming season.
Denver is determined to make a run for the championship and prove they can compete against the best in the league. Fans are excited to see the 2023-24 NFL schedule. So far Denver is loaded with young talent and have added key veterans to bolster their roster. Local anticipation is high and the team is ready to make a deep playoff run this year. It will be an interesting season and Denver fans can't wait to see what the team can do.