The Broncos’ quarterback competition between rookie Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson was in full swing during organized team activities on Thursday.
This week, each quarterback has received their fair share of first-team reps, with Stidham getting those snaps on Tuesday and Wilson on Wednesday. On the final day of practice this week, Nix got his turn to run with the starters.
Overall, Nix had a solid day, as he was efficient and seemed to be in control of the offense. During the 7-on-7 period, Nix was 4 for 4, completing passes to wide receiver Tim Patrick, running back Tyler Badie and wide receiver Brandon Johnson. Nix made an impressive throw near the sideline to tight end Lucas Krull (more on him later) as completed the pass over the outstretching arm of safety P.J. Locke.
“(Nix) is further along than most would be,” Payton said Thursday. “We’re talking about a player that has played 61 (college) games. He’s picked up (the offense) very quickly.”
Nix had a fair share of snaps under center during the 11-on-11 period. On his first attempt, his play-action pass to wide receiver Josh Reynolds was completed across the middle. For the most part, the majority of Nix’s pass attempts came when outside of the pocket, as he escaped pressure. Nix made an impressive throw to Patrick, who cut back to make a contested two-handed grab while staying in bounds.
Yes, it’s early, but Nix has showcased traits that will help him run Payton’s offense. From rookie minicamp to now, Nix has done a good job at getting the ball out of his hands quickly and making plays outside the pocket.
Stidham, who played second-team reps, was also sharp. He made a few impressive throws during the team period, including a deep pass to rookie wideout Troy Franklin. Wilson, on the other hand, looked like a player still adjusting to a new offense. On the first play of 7-on-7, Wilson couldn’t find anyone down the field, forcing him to take off with the ball. His third attempt was incomplete to wide receiver David Sills V.
Wilson made an erratic throw during 11-on-11s, resulting in an interception by undrafted safety Omar Brown. He bounced back, completing a few passes to rookie wide receiver DeVaughn Vele. His best pass was to Krull, as Wilson threaded the ball to the third-year tight end for a completion.
“I know they’re still learning…It’s only been two (to) three weeks,” Reynolds said. “They’re young right now but showing real good stuff.”
Here are six more observations from practice at the Centura Health Training Center:
• Outside of three absences — receiver Courtland Sutton, defensive end John Franklin-Meyers, defensive tackle D.J. Jones and linebacker Drew Sanders (torn Achilles tendon) — the Broncos had strong attendance Thursday.
Tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring) and safeties Caden Sterns (knee) and Delarrin Turner-Yell (torn ACL) worked out on an adjacent field. Running back Samaje Perine stretched with the team but didn’t participate in any drills or teamwork. Rookie running back Audric Estime participated in drills but did not scrimmage.
• Payton said there will be “heavy competition” at running back, receiver and the secondary. “I think there’s that old saying, ‘iron sharpens iron,’ and I feel like that’s going to happen.”
The Broncos rotated between running backs Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie and undrafted rookie Blake Watson. McLaughlin and Watson, in particular, showcased their ability in the passing game. Given his versatility, Watson has a good shot at making the roster.
Vele, who stood out during rookie minicamp, seemed to be a go-to guy on underneath throws.
• Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto was a standout defensively. There were moments when he burst into the backfield, beating left tackle Garett Bolles. Near the end of practice, he deflected a Nix pass attempt at the line of scrimmage.
• Center Luke Wattenberg worked with the first team on Thursday while Alex Forsyth was on the field with the second unit.
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• Krull wrapped up a strong week of practice by making one of the plays of the day. Stidham threw down the field, and Krull made a leaping catch with a defender draped on him during the 11-on-11 period.
“I thought he’s had a good week,” Payton said. “I said, ‘Someday soon, they’re going to know who 85 is.’”
• New Broncos safety Brandon Jones wants to be known for more than being a blitzer. Jones’s ability to generate pressure was a trademark of his at Miami (five sacks in 2021). But the former Texas standout believes he can impact the game in other ways.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always been labeled as only able to do blitzing. This year is gonna be a good test for me to show that I can be versatile,” Jones said. “I can play high, be in man coverage (and) blitz.”
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