Attendance
Did not practice: Physically Unable to Perform List — S Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) and LB Drew Sanders (Achilles). Out — Brandon Jones (hamstring).
Broncos undrafted rookie running back Blake Watson (muscle strain) practiced for the first time during training camp, as he passed his physical and was removed from the non-football injury list.
QB Race Today
Denver’s quarterback competition seems to be turning into a two-man race between Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix. The Broncos weren’t in pads on Thursday, as Stidham had first-team reps while Nix worked with the third team. Even though Zach Wilson had second-team duty, he hasn’t had first-team reps for the fourth consecutive practice.
Nix was fairly efficient outside of one moment during the 7-on-7 when his pass to fellow rookie Troy Franklin slipped through the wide receiver’s hands in the end zone. Franklin made a nice double move to shake off cornerback Tremon Smith but couldn’t complete the reception.
Nix showed off his footwork when he stepped into the pocket, avoiding pressure from edge rusher Ronnie Perkins before completing a pass to tight end Nate Adkins. Nix threw an impressive touchdown pass to wide receiver Devaughn Vele, who leaped over cornerback Quinton Newsome for the catch.
After practice, safety P.J. Locke said Nix does a good job at misleading defenders. He said Nix doesn’t always look at his first read, making it difficult to know where the ball is going.
“During OTAs, I was like ‘Man, I cannot get a read off (him),” said Locke, who also believes Nix studies the safeties. “We try to play games with him so he tries to play games back…He can throw the pill.”
Top Play
Franklin makes an impressive grab in the end zone: Stidham was at quarterback during 7-on-7 when he threw to the back corner of the end zone to Franklin. Cornerback Damarri Mathis tipped the pass, but Franklin still caught the ball while hitting the ground.
Thumbs Up
Elliss shows off his versatility: During the Broncos’ team period in the red zone, Wilson attempted a pass to Greg Dulcich in the end zone, but rookie outside linebacker Jonah Elliss kept up with the third-year tight end and forced an incompletion. Elliss would then create pressure in the pocket, forcing Wilson to throw an incomplete pass near the sideline.
Thumbs Down
Watson drops a couple of passes: Watson didn’t get off on the right foot in his return to practice. During the 7-on-7 period, the former Memphis standout dropped two passes. He failed to catch a pass from Wilson in the flat. Later, he was wide open when he dropped a short throw from Nix.
Odds and Ends
• Caden Sterns does teamwork for the first time in training camp. Sterns participated in 7-on-7, where he broke up Stidham’s pass to Lil’Jordan Humphrey in tight coverage. Sterns didn’t play during the 11-on-11 period, but he has shown good progress since returning to the football field after last year’s knee injury.
“I’m so happy to have (Sterns) back,” Locke said. “He’s an awesome player (and) a ball hawk.”
• The Broncos are finding ways to use Franklin’s speed to their advantage. With Nix under center, they attempted a fake jet sweep, which resulted in Franklin receiving the handoff and sprinting down the sideline for a touchdown.
• Broncos nickel cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian has been one of the top defenders during camp. On Thursday, McMillian faced Tim Patrick during the one on one drill when he broke up Stidham’s pass attempt. When Stidham attempted a pass to wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey in the corner of the end zone during the team period, McMillian deflected the ball.
• Payton said there’s been “real good” competition at the running back position. He said Javonte Williams looks like a completely different player from last year, and Jaleel McLaughlin has more confidence. Payton added that rookie running back Audric Estime has done well, as the 20-year-old tends to look like a runaway train whenever he touches the ball.
• Broncos wide receiver Michael Bandy has been sneaky good during camp. He hasn’t received the same attention as other players on the team, but Bandy has been a reliable target on crossing routes and in the screen game. Whenever a play seems to be broken down, or the quarterbacks are unable to find anyone open down the field, Bandy has been right there, trying to turn nothing into something.
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Originally Published: