ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The work is just beginning, but a pair of young Broncos receivers started training camp strong.
Troy Franklin, who returns for Year 2 after catching 28 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie, didn’t take long to show off his speed.
On an early 11-on-11 rep, Franklin flew by the defender in coverage and hauled in a deep pass from Jarrett Stidham. Franklin, though, showed an ability to contribute in more than just the deep passing game. Over the course of the Broncos’ first practice, he hauled in multiple intermediate receptions.
And while Head Coach Sean Payton emphasized the Broncos have “just started” training camp and that it’s too early to declare Franklin has taken a step, he said Franklin “had a good day” and remains encouraged by his potential.
Rookie Pat Bryant joined Franklin among the consistent targets during Friday’s practice. During an early team period, Bo Nix delivered the ball in stride to Bryant as he came across the field. Bryant, who has drawn compliments for his sure-handedness, hauled in that pass despite tight coverage. He caught multiple other passes in traffic throughout the session.
One practice isn’t enough to draw any grand conclusions, but both players made the most of their targets on Day 1.
After leading the NFL in sacks in 2024, the Broncos’ defense continues to show its ability to make life difficult for opposing offenses.
While Payton acknowledged it’s difficult to fully evaluate a pass rush and the offensive line’s performance without pads on, the Denver defense applied pressure on several occasions on Friday.
D.J. Jones, Jonathon Cooper, Dondrea Tillman, Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen and Que Robinson were among the players Friday to apply pressure, with Tillman, Bonitto and Robinson potentially recording sacks under game conditions.
“I don’t see any reason for us not to be the most dominant unit in the league,” Cooper said after practice. There’s nothing holding us back. There’s nothing stopping us.”
… Nix continues to show why he was one of the least sacked quarterbacks in the NFL in 2024. On one early 11-on-11 play, Nix evaded quick pressure and took off for a gain of at least 5 yards. In a game, the difference between a sack and 5-yard gain is significant — and Nix showed the ability to avoid negative plays. Nix also made plays while moving out of the pocket and throwing on the run, with his connection to Bryant coming as he extended the play.
… Tackle Mike McGlinchey did not practice for the second consecutive day, but Payton said he expected the veteran offensive lineman to return on Saturday or Monday. Denver will not practice on Sunday.
… Rookie cornerback Jahdae Barron took part in his first official training camp practice, and Payton said Barron will initially focus on playing the slot cornerback position.
“The first thing is, he’s a smart player,” Payton said. “We’re not going to add too much if we feel like that’s a problem. We see him starting off competing inside, but he’s got flexibility to go out[side].”
… The first day of training camp didn’t lack for big plays, as inside linebacker Levelle Bailey twice ripped the ball away from the player he was covering. The first would have resulted in an interception, while the latter would have been a pass breakup. Undrafted rookie wide receiver Jerjuan Newton, meanwhile, caught a deep pass down the sideline while sandwiched between two defenders.
… Rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw put on an impressive display on Friday, as he showed an ability to both boom punts high into the Mile High air and deliver touch to pin punts deep.
“He certainly has the leg talent, you can see that,” Payton said Wednesday. “It’s exciting.”
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