ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Perhaps this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship — or at least a great working relationship.
Whatever it is, there was a moment near the end of the Denver Broncos’ OTA on Thursday that offered a glimpse of what could be with quarterback Bo Nix and running back RJ Harvey working together. The rookie running back streaked down the left flank, and Nix hit him for what would have been a deep touchdown strike in game conditions.
It came one snap after Nix connected with fellow running back Jaleel McLaughlin out of the backfield for an explosive play downfield.
This capped a practice that looked much like last Thursday for Harvey. The rookie flashed the burst that he demonstrated to cap the first week of OTAs on multiple runs as he continued to build off what he first demonstrated at rookie minicamp.
Of course, Harvey cited Nix as a reason why he was excited about joining the Broncos in the first place.
“I love how he plays,” Harvey said May 10, later adding, “He’s a competitor. I feel like he’s just like me. I got that quarterback mindset as well, and, I want to win. I want to dominate every play, and I feel like he’s just like that.”
Early in the game, it already appears as if they’re finding cohesion.
But Harvey wasn’t the only rookie who made an impression as the Broncos went about their work.
View on Threads
NOTES FROM THE BRONCOS’ DAY OF WORK
… Rookie edge rusher Que Robinson was a one-man wrecking crew during one team period. Over a four-snap stretch, he recorded a pair of pressures on quarterback Jarrett Stidham, blew up a run by quickly whipping past right tackle Alex Palczewski, and then was in position with a quick read of a draw to defuse another run play.
One of his pressures saw him flush Stidham out of the pocket, forcing a scramble. He also recorded multiple pressures in another period. Robinson used his 33.5-inch arms to maximum effectiveness.
… Robinson and second-year edge rusher Dondrea Tillman combined to wreak havoc as practice progressed. Tillman again notched multiple pressures, including one that would have been a sack — and a potential strip-sack fumble — under game conditions as he burst past rookie Marques Cox on the left flank.
… Edge rusher Nik Bonitto also logged multiple pressures during Thursday’s work.
… Rookie defensive end Sai’Vion Jones also recorded multiple pressures on Stidham during the session. He also captured D.J. Jones’ attention. “He will be special one day,” D.J. Jones said. “… “He has length, he loves to learn, and he played in the SEC,” added the veteran, a Mississippi product.
… First-round defensive back Jahdae Barron was kept busy working inside and outside. “He’s extremely smart, and he played both at Texas. His instincts are real, real high. You can give him more than maybe some other younger player at the same position.
“Some guys you might say, ‘Let’s just leave him at left corner or right corner.’ I think he’s one of those players that can handle volume.”
… Second-year tackle Frank Crum got some run in place of Garett Bolles, who did not practice Thursday. “He’s extremely athletic,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “It’s always harder on the big guys because we’re not in pads. He can move his feet really well.” Payton added that Crum could play faster as this was his “fourth or fifth installation.”
… Safety Talanoa Hufanga capped his day by picking off Nix, although there appeared to be some contact on the play that might have drawn a penalty under game conditions; still, it was the kind of ball-hawking moment for which the Broncos signed the ex-49ers safety.
… Wide receiver Devaughn Vele had some notable receptions, including one where he effectively screened out Ja’Quan McMillian for the reception near the right sideline to open the initial team period.
… Courtland Sutton was a standout during the penultimate team period of Broncos practice, grabbing a pair of passes, one of which saw him add plenty of yardage after the catch via his long stride.
… Broncos Ring of Famer Peyton Manning was on hand to watch practice.
… Rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw recovered from a shaky first repetition to uncork multiple punts that held in the air for at least 4.8 seconds of hang time.
… Kris Abrams-Draine is one to watch as a potential gunner; he has plenty of speed, hustles and forced a muff on a Crawshaw punt by exploding downfield on one rep.
… Undrafted rookie Kyrese White, signed after a strong performance during rookie minicamp, had a pair of receptions early in seven-on-seven and another catch late from Broncos free-agent signee Sam Ehlinger during the final team period, doing a good job finding open spots underneath.
… Fellow undrafted rookie Jerjuan Newton also had a pair of catches during the session; Joaquin Davis and Courtney Jackson also made some plays, catching passes from Ehlinger, capping a solid overall day for the undrafted cadre of receivers.
YouTube video