The Denver Broncos had their rookie minicamp, and some intriguing players stepped up and performed well.
The Denver Broncos just finished what was expected to be a quiet rookie minicamp, but there were developments that were worth following. Luca Evans of the Denver Post covered some of the most significant ones, and he identified several players who were especially impressive.
Running Back Jonah Coleman is a ready-made receiver
Coach Sean Payton praised his rookie running back during the weekend, saying he looked “really good.” The Broncos had a lot of conversations with Coleman about pass protection before the draft, and Payton also made that a special point of praise.
“Most of the time, when you’re drafting or signing a college running back, there’s going to be a learning curve with protections,” Payton said Saturday. “Certainly the complexity, sometimes what they see. But that was his strong suit, when you were looking at his tape. Like, it’s different than the rest of the class.”
Payton also showed out as a pass catcher in minicamp, and according to Pro Football Focus he dropped just one pass during his college career while making 88 catches. He also made a strong first impression, and given his size Coleman brings something to the table that other Broncos backs don’t have.
Cam Ross and Dane Key have a chance to stick at WR
It’s always fun to watch the flashy new receivers, and Evans identified Cam Ross and Dane Key as the two who stood out. Ross comes in with 4.42 speed, while Key showed impressive ball skills in a full scrimmage session. Key is the brother of Devon Key, so he could have a leg up as a special team add to get on the field.
As for Ross, he’s not shy about touting his skills.
“Speed and IQ,” Ross said when asked what he feels he showed coaches during the weekend. “Most important, I just want to show them I know where to line up and I know what I’m doing. For me, I take pride in that.”
Justin Joey resembles a younger Evan Engram
Joly looks and plays a lot like Engram, who underperformed last year, and the Broncos wouldn’t mind seeing Joly step up and take his spot. The tight end showed his ability to go vertical in minicamp with a nice snag during receiver drills, and he certainly has the athleticism to snag a roster spot.
“If you want to put me in the backfield, if you want to put me anywhere on the field, I’ll do it,” said Joly about his ability to operate out of multiple spots in the formation. “Even if they want me to play defense. Just let me know, and I got you guys.”