It’s time for the only three days of offseason work that are mandated for Denver Broncos players: minicamp.
These three days are it for them until next month’s training camp, and there will be much to monitor before they scatter for a summer respite before commencing what they hope will be a seven-month grind toward Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, Calif.
1. WILL THESE RUNNING BACKS BE ENOUGH?
Last week’s visit with J.K. Dobbins continues to linger over the Broncos’ running-back situation, especially with former Browns standout Nick Chubb now off the board, having signed with the Houston Texans.
Chubb’s deal could help define the potential contract parameters for Dobbins. He is nearly three years older and coming off a more severe recent injury than Dobbins. However, he has a greater history of production than Dobbins, who has missed more games than he’s played in his career.
Rookie RJ Harvey will have a significant role in the ground game no matter what. Second-round running backs are like Round 1 quarterbacks; that draft status confers a significant level of responsibility in the rotation.
But if Dobbins joins the Broncos, Audric Estimé, Blake Watson, Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin suddenly face a crunch.
McLaughlin might find himself in better shape given that his frame and skill set could place him in a category unto himself as a change-of-pace speed back, but the others could be fighting for one spot if Dobbins is in the mix.
Meanwhile, Chubb’s departure from the market means Dobbins could have options; beyond him, the market is as thin as a promise.
2. SECOND-YEAR WIDE RECEIVERS STEPPING FORWARD FOR BRONOCS
Both Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin stood out at the practices that were open to media observation in the last two weeks, with Vele making plays downfield and Franklin earning note for accumulating yardage after the catch.
“You haven’t been able to see all the plays, but there have been a number of explosive plays,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “He can run, and I would say a strength of his is ball in hand after the catch. He can run after the catch.
“He’s doing well.”
3. IT’S MANDATORY!
So, of course, everyone will be on hand — unless they want to get fined.
Last year at this time, this was the first glimpse of Courtland Sutton after he stayed away from OTAs. That proved to the the juncture at which
Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers wasn’t at OTAs in recent weeks. As for whether he’ll be on hand Tuesday …
“That’s up to him,” Payton said last week. “I don’t know much about that.”
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