2025 Broncos Training Camp: Day 1 News and Notes

Day 1 of Broncos camp is officially here!

The acclimation practices are old news, the fans were in the bleachers, and the Broncos hit the practice field to open up Broncos camp earlier today. With construction ongoing, the team limited it to just roughly 800 fans, but they showed up and were loud and proud for their Broncos.

Today was a non-padded practice, but still had some action during team drills, including wide receivers Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant making plays, Bo Nix looked crisp, Jeremy Crawshaw showing off his leg strength, injury updates, a bunch of news and notes, quotes, and more!

Bo Nix looks crisp

The Broncos second-year quarterback is looking like a legitimate starter so far in the early portions of training camp. He looks smooth, in control, making quicker decisions, looks comfortable in the offense and made the play of the day today during team drills.

On a play action play, Bo Nix was on a bootleg and running towards the sideline, and threw a potentially no-look crossbody throw to rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant. He did this with a blitzing Alex Singleton chasing him down, made a difficult throw, and threw an accurate strike to Bryant, who had room to run to the end zone.

It was a play-action heavy practice, and Nix, who plays at his best on the move, had a very good practice today. Unfortunately, the Broncos do not allow any recording, we do not have any videos of this play, but the media covering practice have all been raving about it.

After practice, tight end Evan Engram was asked about Bo Nix’s quarterback craft and had some high praise for the Broncos’ starting quarterback.

“Attention to detail, his focus, his drive to get one percent better every day and his comradery with his teammates. He’s not afraid to speak up, he’s not afraid to challenge you and he challenges himself at the highest level. That gives some ground to challenge others. I’m very impressed with him, very blessed to be a part of his team and be his teammate. The sky’s the limit with that type of mentality. With the way he works, the talent will take care of itself.”

Nix has looked confident and in charge of the offense all offseason, according to reports, and is continuing that high level of play in the early parts of Broncos Camp. He is also continuing to impress his teammates and coaches with the work he puts in behind the scenes.

The future is very bright.

Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant have big days

The Broncos’ wide receiver room is deep and looking for someone to fully break out behind Courtland Sutton. We saw Marvin Mims Jr. have a strong second half last year, but needed at least one more to step up to feel really good about this room.

Well, after one practice, the Broncos saw two of their receivers have big practices. Second-year speedster Troy Franklin and rookie Pat Bryant both had strong days during day 1 of Broncos camp.

Franklin’s big play came during the Broncos’ opening team period, where he hauled in a 75-yard touchdown from backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. He used his speed to beat Damarri Mathis and Devon Key for this long touchdown and continued making the explosive plays he made all offseason. He was heavily targeted throughout today’s practice and put together a strong showing.

Earlier in the offseason, Sean Payton noted that Franklin was having a strong offseason, but when asked about him today, he said it’s still too early to call him a breakout player. However, he did repeat that Franklin has had a good offseason and had a good day today.

“We just started, but do I think he has a chance to? I felt like we began to see that towards the latter part of last season. I’m looking forward to seeing him. He’s had a real good offseason. It’s just a little early to make headlines, ‘[WR] Troy Franklin’s making steps up.’ He had a good day.”

As for Bryant, he was very active today and was targeted heavily by quarterback Bo Nix throughout the practice. The highlight play was a cross-body throw by Nix to an open Bryant in the middle of the field, where he had room to run still.

After Courtland Sutton, the Broncos’ wide receiver room is a bit up in the air. However, Bryant, being heavily targeted by Nix today, according to reports, could give us an idea of the current pecking order in that room.

After practice, Head Coach Sean Payton was asked about Bryant, and he told reporters that the rookie receiver is smart and that he has been a quick study.

He’s smart, and it’s just getting him into position so that these plays… For most of the rookie class, it’s the same. Their acclimation to it, they’re behind. But he’s a quick study.”

Payton has gone out of his way to compare Bryant to Michael Thomas, who was a target hogging monster with the Saints for a few seasons. Now, in day 1 of Broncos Camp, Bryant was heavily targeted by Nix throughout the practice.

Just something to keep an eye on moving forward.

Rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw was BOOMING punts

We’re talking punters!

The Aussie rookie punter showed off the big leg we heard about after he was drafted and was reportedly putting on a punting clinic today. DNVR’s Zac Stevens tracked one punt that came from the Broncos’ own end zone and landed on the 30-yard line on the opposite end of the field while having good hang time.

Having a punter with a leg like that in the Mile High air is a weapon.

Punters are not the sexiest positional group to talk about, but they’re important. The field position game is an important one that’s played out throughout the game and can decide who wins and loses that game. Having a punter who can flip the field position and pin the opposing offense deep in their own territory against this talented Broncos defense will be huge.

Payton mentioned how Crawshaw can occasionally shank a punt here and there, so he will need to work on his mechanics and consistency, but you love this leg strength.

Injury Report

• WR A.T. Perry remains on the PUP list and did not practice today
• Veteran RT Mike McGlinchey missed his second straight practice, but all other players were accounted for. After practice, Sean Payton told reporters that McGlinchey will be back Saturday or Monday – Source

News and Notes

• With Mike McGlinchey sidelined again, Alex Palczewski has been getting first-team reps at right tackle – Source
• CB Reese Taylor, usually a slot corner, was seen getting work on the outside during today’s practice – Source
• QB Jarrett Stidham hit WR Troy Franklin for a long 50+ yard touchdown, beating Damarri Mathis and Devon Key – Source
• LB Levelle Bailey had an INT off Sam Ehlinger after TE Lucas Krull bobbled the ball, and later had another PBU of Krull. – Source
• Rookie EDGE Que Robinson was a “menace” against the Broncos’ 2nd and 3rd team tackles and has carried over his strong spring into day 1 of Broncos camp – Source
• UDFA WR Jerjuan Newton had an impressive catch down the sideline with CB Mario Goodrich in coverage and reportedly had a good practice – Source
• Rookie CB Jahdae Barron was playing in the slot today, but Payton told reporters after practice that he is an inside and outside player – Source
• Broncos will be in pads for the first time on Monday, according to Sean Payton. They have an off day on Sunday before having their first padded practice of camp – Source
• The Broncos’ pass rush was dominant once again today
• After practice, TE Evan Engram mentioned he is motivated to improve as a blocker and become a more well-rounded tight end – Source

Tweets From Camp

Notable Quotes

Head Coach Sean Payton on DT Malcolm Roach’s energy

“There’s an optimism and a positive energy. With him, as soon as you find yourself maybe [thinking], ‘All right, it’s a hot day…’ He just has that energy and adds a lot to a room. It’s kind of contagious. You feel his presence—and to your point—sometimes you hear him before you see him. I don’t mind that with him.”

Head Coach Sean Payton on how OLB Jonathon Cooper has embraced being a leader

“It’s extremely important to him. I think he’s one of our tough competitors. There’s something to him relative to the importance of playing hard and with good technique. He’s very coachable. I would say he’s one of our team leaders. I think sometimes that comes in the form of, ‘Follow me on how I work.’ Sometimes it can be vocal. He’s a diligent worker.”

Head Coach Sean Payton on what he values most about his relationship with Owner & CEO Greg Penner

“He’s out here a lot. I really enjoy it. There was a little gap here in the offseason where we didn’t see each other, but we communicate daily. It’s nice. It’s good to have your owner in the building and very present. Both he and [Owner] Carrie [Walton Penner] are and we’re fortunate that way.”

EDGE Jonathon Cooper on how much responsibility he feels to get the team to the next level

“Yes, I feel a big responsibility for it. I feel like a lot of the guys on the team look to me just to be that vocal leader, to be that guy. I have to set the example every single day, make sure I’m showing up to work, make sure I’m being a professional, and just taking it day-by-day, working hard, taking every rep seriously, and yes, just leading by example and also being vocal. I think it’s extremely important, and I definitely feel that responsibility.”

EDGE Jonathon Cooper on how much fun it is to watch the young outside linebackers compete

“It’s awesome. [OLB] Que [Robinson] is coming on for sure. Definitely a big talent for us. I think he’s going to be a great addition to the team. [OLB] Jonah [Elliss] is coming along for sure. He’s battling back from that injury, but he’s doing really well. And [OLB] Dondrea Tillman, he’s out there hooping every single day. If you really just sit back and watch him, he’s really crafting and really working. I couldn’t be more proud and happy for my unit and stuff like that. We’re really just getting started. Everybody’s working and everybody’s feeling good, but we know we have a lot of work to get done. We know we haven’t really proven what we want to yet and earn our respect.”

EDGE Jonathon Cooper on what he sees from OLB Nik Bonitto

“Yes, just seeing him [OLB Nik Bonitto] work. He’s been working every day. He wants to be the best that he can be, and that’s something that we all carry with ourselves. But Nik’s a great guy. I mean, he’s becoming an even better player. He knows he’s not just satisfied with what he did last year. He knows he can become better. So the work’s just getting started.”

TE Evan Engram on the reception he received from Broncos County

“Honestly, the best. The fans have been great, especially on social media and just the outreach. Even my family is getting a lot of support. I’m just very blessed to be here in a great organization and be a part of great fan base. [I’m] looking forward to giving them a great product on the field as a whole team.”

TE Evan Engram on working with Head Coach Sean Payton

“It’s been awesome, really. I feel really at home in this offense. I feel like my strengths are being used at the highest level. He [Head Coach Sean Payton] also challenges me to be sharp with my tools and be sharp with my details, and the little things I need to clean up and get better at. He challenges me every single day. The different ways that they’re planning to use me, the mentality they have and [the mentality] I want to have in the run game as well to make that entire thing universal. I’m just really excited to be in his scheme and excited work with him throughout the season to help this team the best way I can.”

TE Evan Engram on constantly working to enhance his game

“I’m just addicted to getting better. I never want to put a ceiling or a limit on the evolution of my game. There’s always something I want to improve. I’m constantly chasing perfection. Perfection is impossible but the closer I can get, the harder it is to beat me and the more I help my team. That’s just the mentality I have. I constantly want to learn. I want to be a great leader, but also, I can be led as well. I’m just in a great place here, just the mentality we have here at getting better every single day, 1% better. It’s just the way I am, and it feels good to be in a place that matches that.”

TE Evan Engram on embracing the ‘Joker’ role in the offense

“I definitely think the fans and you guys are having a lot more fun with it. Whatever you guys want to perceive it as, you guys have that. I just see that as being reliable, being clutch, making plays and just doing my job at the highest level. Whatever I’m asked to do in the run game, in the pass game, in the locker room and in the weight room. Just doing my job at the highest level. Doing that and [with] the work, the results will come and we can have more fun with it as we go.”