Denver’s new coaching staff is looking at every position group hoping to find: 1) good trustworthy players on the No. 1 unit; 2) at least one backup with starting experience; and, 3) another ascending reserve with a viable path to the first team.

Training camp is well under way.

Safeties Justin Simmons and Caden Sterns (1^st reps) have come up with some of the biggest plays of training camp.

We are not seeing the kind of updates we want to see on Russell Wilson early in camp.

Denver’s depth at wide receiver is being tested once again with the injury to Tim Patrick and release of KJ Hamler. The door is now open for guys on the roster. Lil'Jordon Humphrey and Nick Williams are big body receivers like Patrick. Jalen Virgil, Montrell Washington and Marvin Mims, Jr. have speed. The Broncos need to find a wide receiver with Patrick’s hard-nosed mentality.

Second year WR Brandon Johnson (6’2, 195) came into camp in great condition an improved route tree knowledge and timing. The coaching staff is excited by his production, hands, and preparation. He appears to be the top replacement for Patrick early, but will be out 1-2 weeks with an ankle sprain.

Undrafted rookie RB Jaleel McLaughlin (Youngstown State) is turning heads with his versatility and willingness to pound the rock, but RB Tyler Badie looks to be holding on to the RB3 slot so far. Payton has a history of going with unproven running backs over veterans and drafted picks.

OLB/Edge Rusher Nik Bonito has added pass-rush moves and may be stronger (both needed). It remains to be seen how he is setting the edge against the run.

WR Jalen Virgil, RB Tony Jones, DL Matt Henningsen, S Kareem Jackson, Safety Delarrin Turner-Yell, WR Montrell Washington and all offensive line depth need to step up or lose their shot at a roster slot.

Three undrafted rookies positioned (early) to make the roster: OLB/Edge, Thomas Incoom (6’2, 265); NT PJ Mustipher, (6’4, 320); RB Jaleel McLaughlin (5’7, 187).

QB Jarrett Stidham understands Payton’s offense, but has problems with accuracy and timing.

LT Garrett Bolles is working hard to return from a severe injury, but is struggling against the young pass rushers.

Undrafted rookie slot WR Taylor Grimes (5’11, 188) shows quickness on underneath routes, is always open, and he catches everything thrown his way. Now, he needs to go against better defenders.

TE Adam Trautman has been the best tight end, while Greg Dulcich has struggled some and Albert O is behind Chris Manhertz in both blocking and catching. Trautman, Manhertz, and Dulcich will all see playing time, so it doesn’t matter who is number one.

Top three players after one week of camp: DL Zack Allen; CB Patrick Surtain, II and WR Courtland Sutton.

OLB Johnathan Cooper is emerging as a pass rusher.

RB Samaje Perine has a lot to offer the Broncos offense. He consistently runs north/south with aggression and a low pad level to attack the line of scrimmage. And, he can catch the ball.

OLB Christopher Allen and TE Greg Dulcich have finally shown a little bit nine days into camp.

Surprise "standouts" at camp through day nine: QB Ben DiNucci; Edge Nik Bonitto; WR Montrell Washington (offense, but poor on punt returns); CB Ja’Quan McMillian; And, WR Taylor Grimes.

DL Jonathan Harris has been solid and tough against the run and could be ready for a starting role.

Penalties and punt-returns are still issues for the team.

The first two-minute period was marred with penalties and poor timing.

On the first day of the second week of training camp, Wilson finally led a productive and efficient offense. Wilson appeared to be dialed in with an emphasis on timing and quick release. While the Broncos' O-line has struggled against the edge position, Wilson is getting through his drops, reads, and throwing the football much quicker than last season.

WR Courtland Sutton has been Wilson’s go to guy in camp. Sutton seems to finally be healthy and returned to pre-injury form.

DL Tyler Lancaster and P.J. Mustipher may make Mike Purcell expendable.

S Justin Simmons has a "minor" groin injury.

C LLoyd Cushenberry has emerged a the front runner at center by showing hustle, grit, and a willingness to do what it takes to be a starter.

OT Mike McGlinchey has a sprained knee and will miss 2-3 weeks.

The Broncos are up tempo in the huddle: getting in/out of the huddle; off the sidelines/into the huddle quickly; getting the play called; breaking the huddle/up to the line of scrimmage. (makes no huddle work).

South Carolina undrafted rookie TE Nate Adkins is listed as the Fourth tight end. He plays special teams which is a must for a fourth tight end.

FB Michael Burton is seeing a lot of offensive and special team action.

Special team's coaches have a history of success and have increased the intensity and raised the bar to high standards with more special teams practice periods.

CB Patrick Surtain II has an undisclosed injury. CB K’Waun Williams has an ankle injury.

Denver 17 @ Arizona 18 Left game: DJ Jones concussion; OLB Nik Bonitto hip issue.

Stock up: DL Matt Henningsen; RB Jaleel McLaughlin; DL Elijah Garcia; receiver/returner Montrell Washington; S Delarrin Turner-Yell.

The starting offense played for four drives, and starting defense played for two drives. T Mike McGlinchey (injury), edge Frank Clark, CB Pat Surtain II, and S Justin Simmons did not play.

QB Russell Wilson and the offense struggled in the first three drives.

1. The defensive line was aggressive but gave the QBs a lot of time to throw.
2. Offensive line looked weak, especially in pass protection.*
3. Neither kicker was good.*

4. Russell Wilson, was good if he had time.
5. The 53-man roster could have four running backs (Jaleel McLaughlin).
6. QB Ben DiNucci outplayed QB Jarrett Stidham.
7. Tackling is still a problem.

8. Special teams have to get better, especially the kick/punt game.

Denver has already suffered a few bad injuries.They returned to training-camp without: Edge Nik Bonitto, DL D.J. Jones and WRs Courtland Sutton and Kendall Hinton.

S P.J. Locke left practice on a cart with an apparent lower left leg injury.

QB Ben DiNucci has been the most efficient quarterback the whole camp, showing his athleticism, timing, accuracy, smooth three-step drops footwork and scrambling ability (comfortable under pressure and calm under duress).

WR Marvin Mims, Jr’s role remains unclear.

Camp is secret, like Mike Shanahan’s. Payton is calculating and his design for the Broncos is intentionally unclear.

Denver could save $14 million in cap space if they cut LOT Garrett Bolles and replace him with OT Cameron Fleming.

QB Russell Wilson likes to stay up tempo even after clock stopping plays and Payton is good with that, but he controls it.

RB Tyler Badie has an undisclosed injury and is battling for a roster spot.

RB Tony Jones likely won’t make the roster.

TE Greg Dulcich will play a lot of slot paired with Trautman.

Denver will lose rookie WR Taylor Grimes if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster.

Rookie LB Drew Sanders will get early action.

Four undrafted rookies could make the 53-man roster: RB Jaleel McLaughlin; OLB Marcus Haynes; WR Taylor Grimes; and, OT Alex Palczewski

Denver needed to score points, block better, and clean up the kicking game. The blocking was better, especially, the pass blocking. The rushing game was good, but the passing game is still a work in progress. The pass rush is improved. Rookie RB Jaleel McLaughlin stood out with 45 yards rushing, eight yards receiving, two touchdowns and a 44-yard kick return. DL Elijah Garcia had another good night (2 tackles, one quarterback hit and an interception. OL Quinn Bailey was solid at both guard and tackle. WR Jalen Virgil injured his knee (meniscus) on his long, near touchdown catch and run and is out 4-6 months with surgery. RB Javonte Williams is back, looking quick and agile, but had a bad pass drop. RB Samaje Perine was great, hitting holes quickly and finished runs consistently finished runs driving forward. WR Courtland Sutton got open, but struggled getting separation and with consistent blocking. Backup QB Jarrett Stidham was solid, but the Broncos are in trouble without Wilson. TE Greg Dulcich showed his receiving chops, but was inconsistent blocking-unlike TE Adam Trautman’s solid blocking. OT Garrett Bolles had a better second game which would be OK in the regular season.Rookie OT Alex Palczewski continued to look good and OL Quinn Bailey showed off his versatility. OG Ben Powers was good at run blocking and terrible in pass protection (his strong suit).C Lloyd Cushenberry looks better than the last two seasons, but is still wanting. DL Jones, Zack Allen and Jonathan Harris should be the starting D-line as they work well together. NT Tyler Lancaster looked good and Matt Henningsen (consistent) an Elijah Garcia (splash plays) continue their battle for the last D-line spot. OLB Jonathan Cooper was outstanding. ILB Jersey Jewell was great and the Broncos need CB K’Waun Williams for the regular season. CBs Patrick Surtain and Damarri Mathis are the starters. Ss Caden Sterns and Kareem Jackson worked well together; S Delarrin Turner-Yell took advantage of extra playing time with a great game.

The Broncos are healthier, based on practice participation: WR Brandon Johnson, TE Chris Manhertz, S Justin Simmons, ORT Mike McGlinchey and RB Tyler Badie are back at practice.

The offensive line is to to the Broncos 2023 success.

Fellow Gamecock, rookie UDFA TE Nate Adkins, his made his case for being the Broncos #4 TE.

But, TE Albert O, has come alive with catches and better blocking.

The LA Rams controlled the first day of the joint practices with the Bronco.

The Rams used a lot of shifts and pre-snap motion which should help the defense get ready for the season.

It’s not what the coaches see on day one film, it’s seeing the corrections on day two’s film.

The challenges: mental mistakes, false-starts, off sides, offensive-holding penalties and 2 dropped passes by Jeudy.

WR Jerry Jeudy is out several weeks with a "moderate" hamstring injury.

Payton is unhappy with the wide receivers because of drops and some fatigue.

The mostly back-up Broncos beat the mostly 2^nd/3rd string Rams. The star was TE Albert Okwuegbunam 7-109-1. QB2 Jarrett Stidham went 17/28- 236-1. QB3 Ben Dinucci added 11/16-117-1. Denver’s defense forced multiple turnovers for the second-straight week, with interceptions from ILB Drew Sanders and CB Essang Bassey. Even the kicking game coverage and return units did a lot of things well.

Denver now has 15 days before Week 1, with Roster cuts coming on Tuesday.

Signed CB Fabian Moreau. IR’d Tim Patrick. ILB Jonas Griffith torn ACL out for season. Signed undrafted rookie ILB Austin Ajiake. Signed DT Forrest Merrill Waived/injured OG offensive guard Yasir Durant. Signed WR JJ Koski. Waived injured K Elliott Fry. Sound LS Jack Landherr. Signed RB Dwayne Washington. Waived injured DL Forrest Merrill. Signed WR Josh Hammond. IR’d WR Jalen Virgil. Signed DL Tomasi Laulile. Waived LS Jack Landherr. Restructured NT Mike Purcell’s contract and activated him from NFI.

August 29, all rosters must be cut to 53-men. Players cut may land a spot on the practice squad. If the Broncos want to end their missed playoff streak, then early success, will be a big factor for Denver. Attaining a playoff berth requires special players that can elevate their game under pressure and make plays when it matters most. However, questions about how this team will blend remains and apparently so do the injury issues.

Denver players are a mixed bag for fantasy football. QB Russell Wilson is a strong QB2. RB Javonte Williams is a boom/bust RB2. Samaje Perine is a high ceiling RBS. Jaleel McLaughlin is Bench depth at best until is role is defined. WR Jerry Jeudy is a WR2 (injured). WR Courtland Sutton is a boom/bust WR3. TE Greg Dulcich is a stash/ waiver wire tight end until his playing time is determined.

End.