The Denver Post Broncos Preview | 2025

NEXT LEVEL

LEVEL

A er surprising the NFL with a run to the playo s, are Bo Nix and Sean Payton ready to take the Broncos to the next level as Super Bowl contenders?

Next Level

The Broncos began the 2024 season with a rookie starting quarterback and zero expectations. Then head coach Sean Payton, QB pupil Bo Nix and the rest of the team went on a surprise run that crested with them ending an eight-season playoff drought. Now, the Broncos have their eyes on the next step. Their second-year quarterback, outfitted with new weapons and a sturdy offensive line, is looking to join the NFL’s elite. Their defense, led by reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II, is already there. And their ownership group is sprinting toward the completion of a new $175 million training facility that will soon be the envy of the league. The Denver Post’s preview magazine examines a team, and a franchise, on the rise.

TROY RENCK

Manning doesn’t see sophomore slump coming for Nix

Bo Nix is the best Broncos quarterback since Peyton Manning. And no one is happier about this than Manning himself. It took eight awful years before Nix finally ended the post-Manning malaise. Pages 4-5

COVER STORY

Inside Nix’s quest to make Year 2 leap, propel Denver to NFL’s elite Quarterback Bo Nix became a beacon of hope for Broncos fans who have seen a revolving door at the position. He became the pupil who will make or muddy the second act of Sean Payton’s career and, eventually, his Hall of Fame candidacy. He became the most recognizable ingredient in a mix of many that put Denver on the map as a contender this fall. Pages 6-10

REED BURCKHARDT

Assistant GM is a rising star in the Broncos’ organization

Reed Burckhardt is a connector with a disarming Midwestern grin, aligned stably behind GM George Paton and head coach Sean Payton. That’s why he has ascended to one of the most prominent decision-making roles in the Broncos’ front office Pages 16-18

THE OWNERSHIP

Walton-Penner Ownership Group building rising NFL power

Led by CEO Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner, the Walton-Penner Ownership Group hired coach Sean Payton and retained GM George Paton, setting the table for the kind of stability and continuity the organization has lacked for years. And they are moving ever closer to deciding whether (and where) to build a new stadium. Page 19

TEAM HEADQUARTERS

New headquarters reflects commitment to franchise

By next year, this $175 million project at Dove Valley will be complete, and the new team headquarters the Broncos have touted since 2023 will be buzzing with the workings of an attractive NFL franchise. “We’re building a monument. We’re building something … that’s going to be, for decades, part of a changing organization.” Pages 20-21

NIK BONITTO

Broncos All-Pro OLB adds finesse, power to speed-rush

Entering a contract year, Nik Bonitto is poised to become one of the highest-paid pass-rushers in the league. Everyone suggests Bonitto hasn’t approached his ceiling. His fourth season as a Bronco now brings a confluence of factors. He’s still explosive. He’s the heaviest and strongest he’s evern been. And he’s learning to play chess. Pages 38-39

20 GAMES TO WATCH Eagles, Jets, Steelers and more, oh my ...

Twenty games to watch on the 2025 NFL slate, from Aaron Rodgers’ hosting the Packers, as well as his return to the Meadowlands, to another potential Russ Bowl at Empower Field at Mile High. Pages 46-47

AFC, NFC PREVIEWS Chiefs still tops in AFC West. See how the rest stack up

The Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes and, after seven years, the 31 other teams still do not. That makes the odds 8-1 for the Maholmies to win the Super Bowl.

AFC, pages 48-51

NFC, pages 54-57

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws during training camp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit in Centennial on Aug. 13.

ANDY CROSS

—THE DENVER POST

ANDY CROSS —THE DENVER POST

AARON ONTIVEROZ

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix sheds Kalia Davis of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Aug. 9.

‘THE RIGHT STUFF’ Manning doesn’t see sophomore slump coming for Nix

Peyton Manning cried when he retired, but his tears paled in comparison to those shed by Broncos Country over his successors.

It took 14 attempts for the Broncos to find his long-term replacement.

The Broncos knew it would never be the same when Manning left the building, but they had no idea his exit would become the curse of incompetence

As awful as those eight years were in cementing a sobering reality, it only took one season for a new truth to become evident.

Bo Nix is the best Broncos quarterback since Peyton Manning. And no one is happier about this than, well, Manning.

“Bo is made of the right stuff He’s a little bit older, carries himself the right way. And all of it should help as he moves forward in his career,” Manning said “I am just happy that Bo is the established starter. For a number of years, they had quarterback competitions. That’s hard on the receivers, the coaches, the play-caller, and the quarterback. Now, they’ve got their guy.”

As impressive as Nix was as a rookie, throwing for 29 touchdowns and leading the Broncos to their first playoff berth since You Know Who, now comes the hard part Doing it again.

The sophomore slump remains part of the American lexicon, with examples scattered across sports, music and cinema.

When Nix disappointed in the exhibition opener at San Francisco, it fed into the narrative that his follow-up will rival Hootie and the Blowfish’s “Fairweather Johnson.”

Manning knows the challenge of living up to lofty expectations, but from what he has seen of Nix, he is not buying a regression

“I just don’t see that as being a big factor for him. Rookie quarterbacks are supposed to struggle, and then the game slows down. But, it sure looked like it slowed down a lot for him last year,” Manning said. “Like with C.J. Stroud, Bo didn’t play like a rookie… I believe experience is the best teacher, and he got great experience last year.”

Manning struggled in his rookie

tight end,” Manning said It also helps that the 25-year-old Nix gets it.

Just as Manning accelerated his growth through obsessive attention to detail, studying defenses and the sleight of hand of play-action artists like Boomer Esiason, Nix is more than willing to get bleary-eyed in the film room or pick the brain of future Hall of Famer Drew Brees.

“For him to spend time with Brees makes a lot of sense as far as learning Sean’s offense and the mental side of things That is an example of him not being satisfied,” Manning said. Manning and Nix hoped to talk over rounds of golf before training camp, but scheduling conflicts arose. But Manning knows Nix. They met at the Manning Passing Academy a few years ago as Nix was preparing to transfer to Oregon And Peyton’s two-time Super Bowl champion brother, Eli, hung out with Bo and his father, Patrick, this summer Nix and Eli helped set a Guinness World Record alongside Auburn fans as they tossed more than 7,000 rolls of toilet paper into the trees at Toomer’s Corner.

“Eli talked about how they are great guys. I know Bo was great at the (passing academy). You spend three days with them. He was so mature,” Peyton Manning said. “Eventually, we will get together But I have told Bo, I am always around as a resource whenever he needs me.”

season, setting the record with 28 interceptions, before finishing second in the MVP voting in his sophomore year. His situation was worse because his team was.

But he identified the most important similarity in his shared experience with Nix.

“The continuity, more than anything else There are times when guys go into their second year, and they are going on their third coordinator,” Manning said. “.. He has an experienced head coach in Sean, who is his playcaller. Having that same voice and verbiage is so critical. We expect Sean to be here for a long time, so Bo will use that to his advantage.”

Reflecting on his years with offensive coordinator Tom Moore, Manning

explained how they could fix things quickly and seamlessly add new wrinkles. He has watched Patrick Mahomes progress in a similar fashion with Andy Reid, while others like Alex Smith and Baker Mayfield bounced from team to team and system to system

“When you look around the league at guys who play well, they often have the same coordinator. It is not automatic, but it makes a difference,” Manning said. “Learning the language of a new playbook and getting on the same page with a new coach is hard.”

This season represents the first time since 2016 that the Broncos have had the same starting quarterback and play-caller in back-to-back seasons. Comfort matters. So does “Bo having more weapons in the run game and at

As the unofficial ambassador of football, Manning is often diplomatic But he doesn’t provide his stamp of approval to just anyone. He knows Nix is different and recognizes that this season feels special in Denver.

Sophomore slump? Quite the opposite. Manning cannot wait to see what Nix does next.

“I signed in Denver as a free agent after playing for 14 years. Being drafted here, that’s an even different kind of pressure I was certainly aware of the responsibility that comes with it, and I believe Bo is as well. It is important. People care so much, and you feel that,” Manning said. “That’s the kind of environment you want, where they talk about your team during the season, free agency and the draft. It’s an unbelievable place to play. I believe Bo understands it and embraces it I only see him getting better.”

Troy Renck

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST

Denver Broncos legend Peyton Manning stands on the field before the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sept 15

AARON ONTIVEROZ

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix puts his helmet on before a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Aug. 9.

MAKING THE LEAP

Inside Nix’s quest to propel Broncos into league’s elite

By Parker Gabriel pgabriel@denverpost.com

Bo Nix can see the future.

He can feel a moment months ahead through his fingertips.

Or in the way his feet shuffle and settle.

Or the way his hips flip to the exact angle his brain intuited

In the Alabama summer swelter or under the baking Colorado sun, Nix can be transported from a solo training session to an all-eyes, nationally televised moment deep in the year.

A crisp autumn Sunday at Empower Field or a frigid Christmas night in Kansas City.

“We call it ‘creating future memories,’” Ben Neill, a longtime Nix quarterback trainer, told The Denver Post recently “Like, when you’re training and you’re on the field and you make this great play and you move and you rip it in there and you just kind of flash in your head, ‘Man, that’s going to happen in a game this year.’”

Nix created many actual memories during a historic rookie season as the Broncos’ quarterback.

He won the starting quarterback job for coach Sean Payton and almost just as quickly won over the locker room with a combination of confidence, authenticity and playmaking

He started all 17 regular-season games, generated 34 touchdowns and helped lead Denver to its first postseason appearance in nearly a decade.

Along the way, Nix became a beacon of hope for Broncos fans who have seen a revolving door at the position since Peyton Manning retired. He became the pupil who will make or muddy the second act of Payton’s career and, eventually, his Hall of Fame candidacy.

He became the most recognizable ingredient in a mix of many that put Denver on the map as a contender this fall.

Now the expectations are massive.

So, how did Nix set about preparing to raise both himself and his team to the next level? To elevate himself into the rarefied air Payton thinks he can reach, and also back up his coach’s ardent belief in this team as a Super Bowl contender?

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST

Denver quarterback Bo Nix rushes for a gain against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter of the Bills’ 31-7AFC divisional playoff win at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Jan. 12

By doing less

By slowing down, at least in pockets

By trusting a process he’s never actually followed before, at least not quite like this.

By betting that a move or two he mastered in the thick, southern summer will help Denver when the NFL herd starts getting thinned in December and January. Nix took what he’s come to believe about himself that he doesn’t have to be anything other than himself to

catch everything he’s after and put it to work for the first time in a true NFL offseason He channeled confidence and doubt, familiarity and new methods, laser focus on the moment and a broader sense of where he’s headed and came out of the most unique offseason of his career to date ready to take the Broncos to new heights in 2025.

“There’s this kind of almost in-between mindset of that genuine confidence that, ‘I can play and I can compete,’” Neill said “But at the same time,

‘I’ve got a lot of improvement to do and a lot of getting better to do.’”

A unique offseason

For all but one team each year, the NFL season ends with blunt force. One day you’re playing, the next you’re cleaning out your locker. Nix, who had a minor ankle procedure after Denver’s Wild Card loss to Buffalo and thus was around the team’s facility, had trouble downshifting after playing

ginning the race to try to digest a playbook and win the starting job.

in 20 games two preseason, 17 regular season and the 31-7 playoff loss.

“The first couple weeks, you could tell he was still itching,” Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb told The Post. “I was like, ‘No, no, buddy. It’s done.’

“Now it’s time to debrief. You need to go to Aspen or Vail for a weekend and then go somewhere else Get away.”

One of the underrated factors for NFL rookies is the long road they travel before they ever get to playing in a game. Nix’s senior year at Oregon began in August 2023 and didn’t end until January 2024. Then he went straight into draft prep and training for the NFL combine. Meetings, pro day, private workouts. Zoom calls and Payton’s all-nighter quarterback test Two weeks after the draft, he was at rookie minicamp, be-

After that came 20 games, transverse process fractures in his back, an ankle injury and the accumulating wear and tear of what amounted to an 18-month sprint.

Nix knew he needed the recovery time. He also, though, knows himself well. He’s wired to always work. Always throw. Always do a little bit more.

He headed himself off at the pass by putting a plan in place well in advance.

When Nix first got drafted, Webb gave him an extensive guide to the NFL that included offseason schedules used by his old teammates and pupils like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield and Eli Manning. Webb then reiterated those ideas in a 3-page postseason to-do list for Nix.

The No. 1 thing: “This is your first big boy offseason,” Webb said. “You don’t need to throw 10,000 throws in February and March.”

Nix took some of the advice and then molded it into a schedule tailored to his liking

“I wanted a good foundation, good ideas and then I wanted to make it my own,” Nix told The Post. “Do things that I’ve been comfortable with in the past, but understand I’m also new to the NFL, new to the offseason, new to the schedule.

“I wanted to see what other guys had done, what other guys had found success with.”

Nix anticipated that he’d want to push the envelope quickly, but could also feel that he needed the change in pace.

“It was difficult at the beginning because what I’ve always done is just thrown,” he said. “But as I got into it, I felt better, my body felt better, I felt myself getting stronger without throwing. So I just trusted the process and understanding that a lot of other guys around the league use the same process. So see-

ing that it’s been done before, I didn’t have to press or wonder if I was doing something that I wasn’t supposed to be doing or overworking.

“Our nature, sometimes you can overwork and you’re not really getting any better. You’re just spinning your tires. For me, it was trusting the guys around me, trusting my plan that I had put in place already and don’t make any decision out of emotion because of what I want now.”

So often, what Nix wants in the moment is to feel like he’s doing enough Sprints. Throws Playbook study. Nutrition optimization Leading. Opponent scout. Self-scout. Weights. Film. An NFL quarterback has a broad constellation of disciplines to master before ever thinking about marketing, community involvement or any of the countless other endeavors that fill up a calendar.

None of it can ever be truly conquered. There is always another tendency to sniff

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix looks for wide receiver Courtland Sutton during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 9.

FROM PAGE 8

out, another set of shoulder strengthening to do, another spin through the rolodex of play calls, checks and signals lurking. They loom constantly, especially in the relative quiet of the offseason, as reminders that failure could be right around the corner

“For me, I think it’s more of the fear of not being ready, not being enough for the team,” Nix said earlier this offseason. “That’s what continues to drive me.” Neill calls it “the burden of being hyper-competitive.”

It’s a common two-way street for high-level performers, but Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey says Nix’s ability to navigate the traffic stands out.

“You want to be able to control that to where it’s not a detriment to you because your greatest strength sometimes, if you’re undisciplined, can become your greatest weakness,” McGlinchey said “But Bo has handled that line so well.”

Process and processing

Nix throwing less this summer shouldn’t be confused with stasis. Instead, he continued refining his knowledge of Payton’s playbook. He linked up with former Saints QB Drew Brees, the foremost expert on quarterbacking for Payton, to talk shop and life as the face of a franchise.

The time he spent with Neill at QB Country in Alabama over the course of the offseason zeroed in on the mental side of the game.

“We talked about seeing the field and how the field is made up of individual players who have individual assignments and zones,” Neill said. “But as you get used to seeing certain defenses, you can kind of start seeing the big picture of the defense instead of seeing individual players. That’s an area of improvement that he feels like he’s growing in and made but wants to keep going. …

“Mentally, he knows the stuff, he knows the offense, he knows the defenses and he knows how to put the pieces together. It’s just a matter of seeing the big picture so you can see it faster.”

That’s been the book on Nix so far through training camp and the preseason.

He didn’t show up with overhauled mechanics or a big weight change or more horsepower on his fastball Instead, the change is about tempo. It’s about feel.

“In and out of the huddle, you can see how good it is compared to what we’ve had,” general manager George Paton told The Post this summer. “He was good last year with it, but just accelerating those things will be huge for his growth

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST

“He’s mastering that, and he’ll grow and build off that. It’ll be fun to see where it goes.”

Nix, though, still ventures too far into perfectionist mode sometimes.

“He’s got to fix some of his self-talk. That’s part of my deal with him,” Webb said “But yeah, he cares, and that’s awesome. You’d rather have it that way than the other way. Everyone struggles with that at some point; all athletes do, whether it be self-talk or being too hard on yourself.”

Webb tells Nix frequently, “I’m not going to be thinking about this when I go to bed, so you shouldn’t, either.”

The paradox: That trait isn’t far removed from one that those who know Nix best say makes him special. One of his true superpowers.

Once Nix does something, feels something, makes a correction on something, he’s got it locked away Period

So one play, he might be cursing himself out for a mistake, but then the next might generate a future memory.

“He can dial it in and put it in his library for later,” Webb said. “We’ll talk about it enough to where there’s a cue or a word with that play that he can quickly come back to it, good or bad. The bad ones are fun because that never leaves your brain, but that can be in a good way.

“You already lived the worst, so you’re ready for the next.”

The possibilities

What’s next for Nix?

Payton sees his quarterback’s trajectory arcing toward the stratosphere.

He had no qualms telling Yahoo Sports he thinks the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 draft will be in the “top four or five” among NFL quarterbacks in the next two seasons.

Of course, there are four quarterbacks in the AFC alone who are on Hall of Fame tracks in Mahomes, Allen, Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow. That’s before defending Super Bowl champion Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia and Washington’s rookie of the year Jayden Daniels, Los Angeles Chargers stalwart Justin Herbert and any number of other talented signal-callers.

Asked to defend that ground recently, Payton pointed to Nix’s preparation and work ethic and said, “There’s not one specific thing. I think he’s wiser to red zone, wiser to third down, the cadence. There are some nuances that, when you get real comfortable maybe in Year 1, your snap count is this, and then pretty soon it’s more of a weapon.

“A number of things like that.”

Neill sees the possibility, too. He said the first time he worked out with Nix

years ago, the thought crossed his mind that this could be an all-time great player. There are countless factors that can break in countless directions, but one worth hanging the future of a franchise on

“I think if you had to nail it on one thing that gives Bo the ability and probably gives Sean Payton the confidence that he’ll improve in all of those things, it’s his mentality,” Neill said. “… He takes it that seriously and he works that hard. He has that Tom Brady mindset. I can see Bo eating avocado ice cream one day.

“He’s not going to do anything that would jeopardize the success that he wants to have, and he’s going to not leave any stone unturned If he thinks something can give him a competitive edge, he’s going to do it.”

Now the question is how fast that translates on the field.

Webb’s theory: For most quarterbacks, the biggest difference between Year 1 and Year 2 is consistency.

“Then Year 3, in my opinion, is more of a player jump,” Webb said. “That’s just my experience personally and with my friends. Everybody talks about Year

2, but I think that’s just the world rushing like we do with everything. We have seen Year 2 jumps, but Rich Gannon’s was at 36 (years old). So everyone’s different. It depends on the situation you’re in, the village you’re around, the play-caller, your defense playing good, your o-line’s protecting you, guys are catching it and you’re executing. There’s a lot of domino effect there.

“I think (Nix) is doing good for his Year 2 development, and then next year will be another set of teaching that we’re not going to worry about right now.”

Webb is big on “the village.” He thinks far too much is made about the quarterback himself. But he’s been around a lot of franchise-carriers, too. He knows what it looks like

“The great ones are consistently good every year,” Webb said “So this is Bo’s first opportunity to go back-to-back and grow. His first year, it was great for his first year. But there’s still some things he can work on.”

Nix has a lot going for him.

A good village. Terrific defense. Veteran offensive line. Stability in the coaching ranks.

Not every young quarterback has

it so nice. Two of Nix’s fellow 2024 first-rounders, No. 1 pick Caleb Williams in Chicago and No. 3 pick Drake Maye in New England, are already on their second head coaches. No 8 pick Michael Penix, Jr in Atlanta only started the final three games of last year, and No 10 pick J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota missed his whole rookie year due to injury

Nix, like 2024 No. 2 overall pick Daniels in Washington, leads a team that had no idea exactly what to expect a year ago and now finds itself getting Super Bowl buzz.

Village or not, that comes with remarkable pressure.

The Broncos’ rookie quarterback window is open

The roster is stacked.

The conference is, too, but teams don’t get long runways in this league

Can Nix take his game to the next level?

“I’ve got a lot ahead,” Nix said. “A lot to learn from. A lot to transition to. I’m just excited. It’s a great opportunity, and I’m really excited about where I’m at right now.

“I think Year 2 will be a lot of learning again, but it will be a lot more fun.”

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST Broncos quarterback Bo Nix walks off the field after the Broncos’ 30-9win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Aug. 9.

Andrew Luck Russell Wilson Bryce Young Justin Herbert Trevor Lawrence Dak Prescott

Bo Nix, Year 2» Analyzing NFL QB development from first to second season

After a rollercoaster of a rookie year that ended with a thrilling descent back into the station, quarterback Bo Nix is set to further solidify himself as the Broncos’ face of the franchise in 2025 But quarterback development in the NFL is hardly linear, especially for draftees who are tossed into the fire Here’s a look at both leaps and pitfalls for high-profile quarterbacks from Year 1to Year 2in the NFL since the heralded 2012quarterback class: Player, team

After a rough rookie year, the 2023No 1pick was benched a few games into 2024, but showed notable growth after winning his job back later in the season.

On the surface, Stroud dipped Beyond the numbers, his receiving corps endured a rash of injuries and he was actually better on intermediate throws over the middle

Jones had a statistically similar

year to Nix, but collapsed under pressure his sophomore year and is now a backup in San

Lawrence took his lumps in his rookie year, but this is the ideal Year 1to Year 2trajectory for a No 1overall pick

had one of the best rookie years in NFL history and has only continued to sling it since.

The elusive Murray got significantly better at handling pressure in his second season, brought down just 27times after an NFL-leading 48sacks as a rookie

Prescott’s accuracy on intermediate throws took a nosedive in Year 2, a worrisome trend that despite an excellent NFL career has occasionally come back to bite him.

at handling pressure as a

a wholly unsustainable

Pretty

the

big-armed risk-taker he was as a

and has been pretty much the same dude ever since.

Another ideal point for Year 1to Year 2development, Carr’s deep ball was significantly better in his second year with the Raiders

Smith was terrible on short accuracy as a rookie and slightly

his

but this is a far, far cry from his

Raiders iteration a decade later.

Griffin self-admittedly lost confidence in his second year after an offseason procedure on his knee, setting in motion a precipitous decline following his rookie of the year debut.

Long before his disastrous tenure in Denver, Wilson burst onto the scene as a rookie with a tremendous deep ball and only improved en route to a Super Bowl ring in Year 2.

One of the most-hyped QB prospects of the last 25years, second-year Luck dialed back on some of the risk-reward that muddied his rookie year

PHOTOS

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST

Broncos head coach Sean Payton walks the field before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Aug. 9.

CHESS MATCH

Will defenses catch up to Nix, Payton in Year 2?

By Parker Gabriel pgabriel@denverpost.com

The way some in NFL circles describe it, you might imagine a dark lab somewhere where defensive coaches have assembled to dream up their most diabolical ideas.

Video of Bo Nix’s rookie season plays on an endless loop until, at last, someone cracks the code

That, of course, is not actually how defensive coordinators prepare for quarterbacks who have early success in their careers.

“I hear that a lot. Look, we’re all watching the film throughout the year, so there’s not this one offseason where there’s a group of defensive coaches sitting in a room for two weeks looking at Bo Nix film,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said

“I mean the study and looking at the system, the players in the system I’ve heard that, and I kind of cringe when I hear it.”

It is true that the Los Angeles Chargers knew more about Nix’s strengths and weaknesses when the teams played in Week 16 compared to Week 6 last fall. In the NFL, nothing stays secret long. Even the smallest tendencies get sniffed out quickly.

But teams don’t need an offseason to build a book on a player when they are constantly adding pages and chapters throughout a season.

“To me it’s a lazy narrative to say, ‘Now they can study him and this is why guys kind of fall off in Year 2,’” ESPN analyst Louis Riddick said. “It’s not that easy of a correlation. There’s usually some kind of other things that go into it.

“This year, people point to the idea that (Houston QB) C.J. Stroud took a step back in his second year (in 2024). Well, his offensive line was (bad). His best receiver got hurt It wasn’t that all of a sudden C.J. didn’t progress, and everybody caught up to him. Injuries caught up to them. Attrition caught up to the football team.”

Defensive coaches do study players, trends, teams and surprises throughout the offseason. That much is true. There’s more time than the normal game week to get into the weeds and try to hone in

hard to do,” Baldinger said. “That’s Tom Brady-esque. … So can defenses force him, in any way, whether it’s spying him or the way they rush him trying to trap him and keep him in can they limit some of those runs and keep him in the pocket and get more hands and bodies around him and the ball to shake it loose?”

Baldinger thinks teams will test Nix’s ability to consistently beat them down the field and outside the numbers in the passing game, too. Nix showed that ability at times, but finished the season tied for 23rd in air yards per attempt (7.4).

Riddick, similarly, said defenses will need to operate with more urgency to try and complicate Nix’s thought process.

“You want to change pictures presnap and post-snap and you have to do it consistently That’s No 1,” he said “No. 2, I want to knock him off rhythm and off time I don’t want the timing aspect of his game to be something he can rely on because Sean is so good at spacing and route distribution.

“So, defend the football field inside-out. Take away the middle-of-thefield throws. They have big, physical wide receivers that can attack between the numbers. Make him push the ball outside and outside down the field.”

Defenses will likely do all of that Try to take the ball away from Nix, keep him in the pocket and make him prove he can consistently push the ball down the field

on not just what a player does or doesn’t do well, but the minutiae as to why.

“There’s something to be said for that That’s a real thing,” Riddick said “But at the same time, Bo Nix has been in the film room, too. He’s been with Sean Payton, too.

“… There’s things that Sean will prepare him for that he knows teams will try to throw at him based upon what happened last year.”

Payton and Nix seem energized by the challenge of staying ahead of the curve. It took Nix a few weeks to settle into his rookie year Then he went on a tear

In December, he had perhaps the only downtick in efficiency, and that was primarily due to a spate of turnovers.

Earlier in the offseason, Payton noted that one of Nix’s best traits is his feet

“He can move,” Payton said “It’s not always a clean pocket. I think when it gets a little muddy, he makes good decisions.”

That, NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger said, is one of the areas defenses will try to take away from Nix this fall.

“The one thing that stood out to me last year is he didn’t lose a fumble That’s

“People are going to really press on those pressure points that you’ve identified for him last year and see if he has answers,” Riddick said. “And at the same time he’s going to do a lot of self-scouting to see that and try to anticipate where that’s going to be coming from. …

“In Year 2, he’s going to be better at deciphering what’s happening.”

That’s where Nix’s experience playing every meaningful snap of 2024, and appearing in the playoffs as a rookie will matter.

“I think that it’ll be the same challenges,” Nix said. “It’s still going to be defenses. It’s still going to be coordinators. It’s still going to be wins and losses. It’s still going to be the health of your team. It’s still going to be new installs.

“Now I just think I’m in a better place to handle those things.”

ANDY CROSS THE DENVER POST

Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks to quarterback Bo Nix during training camp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit in Centennial on July 31

PAYTON PIPELINE

Broncos have several coaches who could make jump to

By Parker Gabriel pgabriel@denverpost.com

Sean Payton’s coaching tree grew another branch this winter.

Not only did Aaron Glenn, a former defensive back and assistant coach for Payton, land the New York Jets’ head coaching job, but he did so after a terrific run as the defensive coordinator in Detroit. There, he coached for head man Dan Campbell, himself a Payton disciple

“I spoke to him the night before he took that job, and I could feel his excitement,” the Broncos head coach said earlier this year. “I go all the way back when he was a player for us in Dallas, and then had the chance to hire him. He was a scout, I think, when we hired him and he first got into coaching. He was one of the best I’ve been fortunate enough to have a lot of great assistants work for me, and Aaron was right there at the top.”

Glenn and Campbell represent the only Payton proteges who are head coaches in the NFL this year, and there’s a growing set of coordinators around the league, too. Take Chicago, which will feature Dennis Allen fired as New Orleans’ head coach last year as defensive coordinator and 28-year-old former Broncos tight end coach Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator for Ben Johnson.

“I counted on Declan Doyle for another three years at least,” Payton said recently “At least until he starts shaving. But you’re happy for him.”

Campbell hired John Morton as offensive coordinator, and Glenn hired Chris Banjo as his special teams coordinator. The wheel keeps spinning.

And yet, Payton believes he’s got considerable talent on his 2025 Broncos coaching staff and several coaches who may one day stand in front of their own teams in the NFL.

“Sometimes it would be the presence in front of a room when they present their knowledge and work ethic,” Payton said of identifying head coaching traits in assistants “It’s hard to predict. And I would say it’s not just offense, defense or special teams. Future head coaches can come from any one of those areas. … There’s a communication skillset. There are a number of things that give them a chance. And ultimately, you’ve got to be in a place where you’re winning.

PAYTON’S NFL HEAD COACHING TREE

It may not be robust, but Sean Payton’s coaching tree includes a pair of current head coaches, one of whom has turned Detroit into an NFC contender in short order.

Name Years with Payton HC job (Years) Record

Dan Campbell 2016-20 Detroit (2021-Pres.) 39-28-1

Aaron Glenn 2016-20 N.Y. Jets (2025-Pres.) 0-0

Dennis Allen 2006-10 2015-21 Oakland (2012-14) New Orleans (2022-24) 26-53

Doug Marrone 2006-08 Buffalo (2013-14) Jacksonville (2017-20) 38-60

“If you’re in a program where you’re having success, generally, your coaches are going to get taken from that program.”

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph got interviews this past winter, and if Denver’s defense lives up to expectations this fall, he should be in demand once again. Younger coaches like quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, secondary coach Jim Leonhard and offensive

line coach Zach Strief all got coordinator titles this offseason a reflection of the work Payton had to put in to keep them from exploring other opportunities around the league.

“This is an attractive spot, so you can win a lot of the jump balls if you’re competing against two different teams,” Payton said. “I think ownership has a lot to do with that. Stability has a lot to do with that. … (On) the procurement of

head job

those coaches, you rely on that and then the interview. You do a lot of research

“It’s easy to hire a coach. It’s not easy to hire an exceptional one.”

The Broncos’ corps of potential future head coaches has traveled all kinds of paths. Joseph got the Denver head coaching job but was fired after just two seasons. He’s going into his seventh as a defensive coordinator since then, four in Arizona and now three back in Denver

One player has been on every one of those teams: Defensive tackle Zach Allen.

“The Xs and Os, everybody knows he’s incredible at that,” Allen told The Denver Post. “But he’s a leader of men, and he’s really good at understanding each player and building a relationship with each player.

“But he’s not a softie. He holds us to a very high standard. If we’re not doing something right, those defensive meetings are tough. He coaches you hard, and he loves you hard, too. I think any player would love to have that.”

Webb jumped into coaching directly after playing, while Strief spent just two seasons between retiring from the Saints and getting into coaching offensive line with Payton in the Bayou.

“For my sake, I hope he doesn’t leave,” swing tackle Alex Palczewski said of Strief. “… He wasn’t a top-10 pick where he just naturally had it. He was a seventh-round pick He had to learn how to make it happen A big part of what he coaches is mental, putting yourself in the right state. It’s helped so much, and just the way he’s able to convey that, it’s unbelievable.”

Leonhard had a long playing career in the NFL, but coached seven years in college at Wisconsin before eventually landing in Denver after getting passed over for the head job at UW in 2022.

“You have to sometimes be willing to accept that they’re at the college level and they’re going to become this (in the future),” said Payton, speaking generally about coaches. He tried to hire Leonhard for his 2023 staff but ended up having to wait until 2024 as Leonhard took a year away from coaching and served as an analyst at Illinois.

“I’ve had a lot of success and been fortunate to have gotten a number of guys that went on to be really good NFL coaches.”

ANDY CROSS THE DENVER POST

Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb walks past quarterback Bo Nix during training camp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit in Centennial on July 31

Payton loves

Jeni’sice cream: The affinitydates to at least theblown pass interferencecall that cost Payton and the Saints atripto the Super Bowl in 2019. Afterwardhesaid hecoped by retreating to “mycave.”“Isat and probablydidn’tcomeout ofmyroom,ate Jeni’sice cream andwatched Netflix forthree straight days,” Payton added then

Goingnextlevel on Payton’s list

BY PARKER GABRIEL,THE DENVER POST

Sean Payton’sbeen the Broncos headcoach forjustovertwo yearsnow.That means he’sspent alot of time in front of microphonestalking about his team,his philosophyand, well, alot of othertopics, too. He canbetremendously insightfuland curiously curt. Sometimes he takesquestions for30-plus minutes andsometimeshe’sinnomood. Along the way, he occasionally lets on to stuff —football-relatedorotherwise —that he likes and otherthings he very much does not. Wins good and losses bad? That’sboring. Here’s alook at moreinteresting likes anddislikes Payton’soutlined at the podium in his time on the Front Range.

Lululemon: Payton’sappearedincommercialsfor the athleisurepowerhouse alongside golfing buddy and hockeyGOAT Wayne Gretzky. In one90-second spotthatalso featured wide receiver DK Metcalf,all Paytonhad to do waslook up from his putterand shakehis head. Pretty goodday at the office.

Podcasts: Beforethe 2024draft, Paytonmadeamentionofhearing Bill Belichick on apodcast talking aboutdraftboards, which led general managerGeorge Paton to crack, “I probably don’t listentoasmanypodcasts as Sean, butit’sgood to have apulse on the league.” Worked outprettywell, as the Broncoslanded Bo Nix at No. 12 overall aweek later.

Privateworkouts: Many of thestories Paytonrecalls about draft season areabout privateworkouts and visits. Adinner with Tennesseeplayers when he wasinthe processoffallinginlovewith Alvin Kamara,differentQBs he’sseen over time and, of course, aMarch 2024visit withBo Nix. Obviously there’s business to attend to, but Patonsaid Payton’sinhis element on such trips. “We’ve beenonthe road. It’s alwaysfun, as youcan probablyimagine.”

The Greenbrier: No surprise here. Paytonhelped design the football facility at the five-star resort in West Virginia and it is one of his happy places. When the Broncos practiced there foraweek last fall, Payton’smoodsoared. “Hewas beamingon the golf cart when we gothere, driving around the grounds,”Broncos senior VP of operations ChipConwaysaid then.

Trading up: In New Orleans,22ofthe 25 trades Payton’sSaints madeduring thedraftwereto move up. During his first draft cycleinDenver, he shrugged at the notion of nothaving aton of capital and saiditwas easytogenerate more picksifyou need to.Heand Patonhavedone so acouple of timesinDenver, too, moving up forMarvin Mims Jr.and Riley Mossin 2023,for Troy Franklin in 2024and forSai’vion Jones this spring.

Quarterbackswho don’t getsacked often: He has one now.

Payton hates

Sushi: After the Broncos beat Green BayinWeek 72023, Payton the next daylamented his inability to enjoythe win —eventhough it endedupkicking off arun of fivestraight. “I’m driving home last night, headedtoget sushi. Idon’t likesushi,”Paytonsaid. “And I find myself circling in the parking lot, like, ‘Alright, whycan’t Ibehappy?’”

Gilligan hatsand sunglasses: When askedwhat he wanted to see from Broncos startersonthe sideline after they exited the team’sfirstpreseason game of his tenurein2023, Payton responded, “It’sprobably just as easy to answer the question as to whatIdon’t want to see. …I don’t want to see uniforms off after we’redone playing, sunglasses on and Gilligan hats on and interviewsduring the game.”

‘Little internetshows’: At arecentnewsconferencePaytonwas understandably perplexedbyaquestion about “reports” that Nix hadspent time working with Drew Brees in the offseason after he himself told reportersabout the quarterback’strip to San Diego. Payton responded, “It wasn’t reported. Istateditthree days ago. Gosh, your ownlittle internet showsare driving me nuts.”

TheBig 12 Combine: The conference’s prospectshowcase caught astray from Payton this spring whenhewas discussing the evaluation process on seventh-round TE Caleb Lohner, who only played52snaps of college football at Utah after mostly playing hoops. “I’m notabig fanofthe Big 12 ProDay because aplayer likehim gets six routes instead of 20 that he would get at his ownPro Day,”Payton said. “So hopefully that’sgoing away.”

SpringNFL ownersmeetings: And, more broadly,the league’scompetition committee. Payton servedonthat forseveral yearsbut grew frustrated with the lack of impacthefelt from participating. He summed up his approach to the spring fling this year whenasked about atweak to the kickoff rule. “Once we vote on that, time to go back to the mountains,”hesaid.

Trading back: Patonjoked thathewas going to have acakeready forPaytononthe daywhen he finally traded back in the draft.Then they did it back-to-back in the second round this spring before selecting RB RJ Harvey.SaidPaton, “I’d liketoopen by congratulating Sean forhis first trade back since2006. We had twotrade backs —and we almost had three —but thatwas a good day.”Payton’swired to target players in the draft and go get them. This year,helet Harvey come to him.

Quarterbacks who getsacked alot: He used to have one.

CHRIS TILLEY —ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton walksamong the players during training camp at the GreenbrierResort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, in 2016.

AARONONTIVEROZ— THEDENVERPOST

RISING STAR

How assistant general manager became Paton’s right-hand man

By Luca Evans levans@denverpost.com

At 3 a.m., March 12, exactly 12 hours before the floodgates opened on free agency, general manager George Paton’s right-hand man was zipping to the hospital.

The Broncos’ war room was already stretched thin, trusted generals recently gone from Dove Valley after years of service. Heading into a pivotal offseason stretch, Paton had no assistant general manager after Darren Mougey left for the Jets. Executive director of football operations, Kelly Kleine Van Calligan, was on maternity leave. VP of football operations Mark Thewes left for the Raiders. Heck, Mougey poached Paton’s nephew away for a scouting job in New York

Then, in the faint hours before sunrise, Paton got a text from director of player personnel Reed Burckhardt: a picture of him and wife Julia’s newborn daughter, Cecilia.

“You couldn’t have picked a just, the timing was so unique,” Burckhardt said in a conversation with The Denver Post months later. “Because it wasn’t Day Three (of free agency). It wasn’t Day Five It was literally Day One.”

This was no simple absence. This was a Paton loyalist since his days in Minnesota, who now led the Paton-and-pro-personnel braintrust And as free agency broke, Burckhardt was helping run operations on a laptop inside Julia’s hospital room.

They already had the big points sketched out, though. In fall 2024, nowpro personnel director AJ Durso keyed in on San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga, whose contract was set to expire in the offseason And they entered free agency with a plan coordinated by Burckhardt, from Durso to the Broncos’ scouts to cap guru Rich Hurtado to Paton.

When Hufanga agreed to terms with Denver on March 26, was Burckhardt excited enough that he woke baby Cecilia up?

“A little bit,” Burckhardt grinned.

“He was man, Huf was, I don’t want to say he was the key to the whole thing,” Burckhardt continued, slightly later. “But he was certainly a high target.”

The Broncos hit on most of their targets, despite that thin front office. In came Hufanga’s teammate Dre Greenlaw, tight end Evan Engram, and special-teams gunner Trent Sherfield, a signing Burckhardt emphasized Denver was “really excited about.” A month and a half later, Paton tabbed Burckhardt to fill Mougey’s spot in a necessary personnel reshuffle.

In June, Burckhardt sat on a bench off to the side of the Broncos’ facility in Dove Valley and waved a hand out at the grass. Something like this, he gestured, probably seemed out of the realm of possibility growing up. He hails from the 348-person town of Russell, Minn., where the most daring of teenage adventures involved pizza-eating contests at Dar’s Pizza. He played quarterback at FCS South Dakota State, but never started a game

It’s a small-town story. It’s also precisely why Burckhardt ascended to one of the most prominent decision-making roles in the Broncos’ front office. He is a connector with a disarming Midwestern grin, aligned stably behind Paton and head coach Sean Payton.

And he’s a good enough conductor to carry out a free-agency plan from a hospital room

“I think Reed’s a star that people don’t even know about yet,” said Paul Roell, the GM of the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions and a former Vikings scout.

“They’re about to find out.”

In the old days of Winter Park, when some of the Vikings offices in Eden Prairie had paneling, the Minnesota staff’s primary league-scouting tool was a massive magnetic wall

Cards with the names of every player on every NFL roster were slapped on that wall. If a player went on injured reserve, he’d get a red dot pinned on his card. If he were placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list, a yellow dot. If he got released, they’d peel the card off the wall and chuck it in what they called the boneyard Dot duties fell to the interns, who were tasked with reading the waiver wire every night and updating the cards. Rick Spielman, who ascended from a player-personnel role to Vikings general manager, impressed upon his interns that this role was of extreme importance.

Make a mistake that leads to a mistake on a transaction, and it’s on you, Spielman told them

AARON ONTIVEROZ —THE DENVER POST

Broncos general manager George Paton on the sideline before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle on Sept. 8.

Burckhardt

“I just wanted to see,” recalled Spielman, now a senior football advisor with the Jets, “if they were willing to do the dirty work.”

Many weren’t. In 2009, Minnesota’s personnel intern quit Couldn’t handle it It was their only intern, Paton recalled They started searching.

“We were like, ‘Man, this dude in ops I don’t know his name and don’t know much about him, but this guy just works,‘” Paton recalled. “‘Maybe they’ll let us use this guy.’”

That was Burckhardt.

Paton quickly learned his name. Many others didn’t. Burckhardt was “understated,” longtime Minnesota scout and personnel executive Jamaal Stephenson said He developed an oldsoul bond with scout Jerry Reichow, a former Vikings receiver in the 1960s and franchise lifer.

They tossed him in the fire, as Paton put it, and Burckhardt emerged unscathed. He could handle the board. And most everything.

“He was a fixer,” Paton said. “Everything he did, he did at a high level.”

The Vikings brought him back the next year the start of a 15-plus-year attachment to Paton. When Paton was named Broncos general manager in 2021, he was determined to bring two people along: Kleine Van Calligan and Burckhardt.

This offseason, Spielman was a heavy advocate for Mougey in the Jets’ GM search, knowing his front-office role within the Broncos’ gradual culture change. Spielman had a trust in Paton, back when he was his assistant GM in Minnesota. Paton, Spielman sensed, had that same trust in Mougey. And Burckhardt, too.

“I think Reed,” Spielman said, “is going to be a future general manager.” •••

Years ago, one of the only examples any football hopeful in rural Minnesota had was Todd Bauman a former Vikings quarterback who grew up in the tiny town of Ruthton.

Naturally, Burckhardt knew him. The Burckhardts knew everyone. And after Burckhardt finished his years at South Dakota State, Bauman called former Vikings director of operations Luther Hippe to recommend Burckhardt for an internship

“Once he’s there,” Bauman told him, “you’ll fall in love with the guy.”

Russell has no gas station and no stoplights. Burckhardt’s mother, Diane, ran a daycare, and his late father, Keith, worked for the railroad. When Burckhardt traveled with the South Dakota State Jackrabbits for away games, Diane and Keith paid for their own seats on the flight. Diane baked the team

BRONCOS OFFSEASON FRONT-OFFICE PERSONNEL CHANGES

Name 2024Role 2025Role

Reed Burckhardt Director of Player Personnel

Kelly Kleine Van Callaghan

Executive Director of Football Operations/ Special Advisor to the General Manager

Cody Rager Vice President of Player Personnel

A.J. Durso Director of Pro Personnel

Assistant General Manager

Executive Director of Football Operations/ Special Advisor to the General Manager

Vice President of Player Personnel

Co-Director of Player Personnel

Cam Williams Director of College Scouting (New England Patriots) Co-Director of Player Personnel

Jordon Dizon

National Scout (Philadelphia Eagles) Director of Pro Personnel

Roman Phifer Senior Personnel Executive

Senior Personnel Executive

Bryan Chesin Midwest National Scout Director of College Scouting

Pat Walsh Pro Scout Pro Scout

Ish Seisay Pro/College Scout

Midwest Area/International Scout

Ty Murphy Pro Scout Pro Scout

Nick Schiralli

Assistant Director of College Scouting

Sae Woon Jo Western National Scout

Eugene Armstrong Southeast Area Scout

Dave Bratten West Area Scout

Scott DiStefano Senior Midwest Area Scout

Senior Personnel Executive

Western National Scout

Southeast Area Scout

Assistant Director of College Scouting

Senior College Scout

Chaz McKenzie Northeast Area Scout Northeast Area Scout

Deon Randall Southwest Area Scout

Roya Burton Scouting Coordinator

Pam Papsdorf

Personnel Logistics Manager

Rob Simpson Football Administration Coordinator

National Scout

Player Personnel Coordinator/Scout

Personnel Logistics Manager

Football Administration Coordinator

news conference in April 2024

on and gives the Burckhardts a good name,” Buchert said.

Buchert speculated that most in Russell probably don’t have any idea Burckhardt is now the assistant GM of the Denver Broncos. But the Russell spirit has gotten him to Denver.

Ask many in the old Minnesota building about Burckhardt, and the demeanor sticks out instantly. Bauman’s still never really seen him have a bad day.

“I think George just, maybe he liked the guy,” Stephenson said

And as Paton’s “champion,” as Stephenson put it, Burckhardt’s earned head-coach Payton’s public respect, too.

“He’s got a real good eye for talent,” Payton said. “And he’s not afraid to give you his opinion, even if it’s contrary to maybe what you want to hear.”

Payton and Paton have increasingly presented a united front in Broncos decision-making. That’s trickled behind the scenes to a braintrust he’s now in further charge of unifying.

“Their fundamentals of what they believe in from building a football team, from what makes a good football player are totally aligned,” Burckhardt said.

“And I would say, me being with George … I’m totally aligned. And then, so subsequently, our staff’s totally aligned.

“And so, it’s just, once we get that then you feel like you’re building something.”

cookies. When the softball field in town needed a scoreboard, Keith built a wooden one by hand

One of Keith Burckhardt’s sayings,

still, is burned into Russell Mayor Hilary Buchert’s head.

Don’t be bitter Be better “I feel that Reed really takes that role

RJ SANGOSTI THE DENVER POST Broncos head coach Sean Payton, left, and general manager George Paton talk to reporers during a pre-draft

ON THE ASCENT

Piece by piece, owners transforming Broncos into top destination

By Parker Gabriel pgabriel@denverpost.com

Sean Payton started to check through the list of all the ingredients he thinks are needed to have a championship-contending team in the NFL.

“It has to start with quarterback,” the Broncos head coach said when asked to outline why he’s taken such a bullish stance on this team “It has to start with defense. It has to start with the offensive line There are certain things that if they’re not on point, it’s hard to make a statement like that. When you look at some of these critical factors, I told (the team) that, all of that just means you have a chance.”

He had one more factor in mind, too.

“I would say, most importantly, ownership,” Payton said

That big of a role? How can that be?

“Because there are 20 (franchises) that each year have hopes and dreams and they’re dysfunctional at the top,” Payton said.

Payton believes the on-field pieces are in place. Every contributor on the offensive and defensive lines units he and general manager George Paton have each said graded out as the club’s best in 2024 is back this season. Quarterback Bo Nix accounted for 34 touchdowns his rookie season and has the tools, according to his head coach, to eventually be among the league’s best

As for the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, evidence suggests they, too, are what the Broncos need.

Led by CEO Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner, they hired Payton and retained Paton, setting the table for the kind of stability and continuity the football side of the organization has lacked for years. They have made upgrades at Empower Field, are steaming through a $175 million-plus headquarters and training facility rebuild, have overseen six major contract extensions that came with more than $306 million guaranteed in the past 13 months, and are moving ever closer to deciding whether (and where) to build a new stadium.

But those are just the big-ticket items. The less visible ones include investing in player health and science, poaching new chief technology officer Daniel Brusilovsky from the Golden State Warriors, and making other hires, tweaks and revamps.

“You feel like you’re never going to be short on resources, for sure,” tight end Adam Trautman told The Post. “They’re committed to building a winner. That started with bringing Coach Payton in, and it’s continued with everything else they’ve done

“Everybody looks at (the new facility) every day and basically thinks, ‘I hope I’m here for it.’ It says a lot about them and how much they care for us, and it, for lack of a better word, vibrates through the entire building every day.”

The Broncos’ owners are seen as a growing power in the NFL. They are the wealthiest in the league, and they now have a foundation built and plan in place for helping elevate the franchise back into the realm of sports’ elite.

“I think one, setting the vision for the organization and being really clear about what it means when we say we want to be the best team in sports to play for, work for and cheer for,” team president Damani Leech told The Post recently. “And everything cascades down from there.

“What does that look like? That means having a great training facility, a great place for your staff to come work every

day. It means having a great stadium for your fans to come and cheer at. And so, setting that vision has been really important, but also explaining and really reminding everybody every day what we mean when we say these things, and what it takes in order to do that.”

The new headquarters and training facility, set to be enclosed by November and ready for move-in by May, will be an upgrade over the current building. But just the construction site alone is a powerful symbol when the Broncos are recruiting free agents, assistant coaches or front office staffers.

“This is an attractive spot,” Payton said. “So you can win a lot of the jump balls if you’re competing against two different teams. I think ownership has a lot to do with that, stability has a lot to do with that.”

It certainly didn’t hurt when the Broncos were trying to win free agency battles for players like former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga, or for ex-Jaguars tight end Evan Engram.

“Two years ago, you’re selling a vision,” Payton said. “I can’t tell you what the new building’s going to look like two years ago, but I can tell you what it’s go-

ing to look like now, and it’s an easier sell when you kind of see it a little bit. It’s that simple.”

It’s a franchise with a lot of irons in the fire at this point.

They’ve got an ascending roster squarely in the prime window for building around Nix while he’s playing on his rookie contract

They’ve got steady hands in Payton and Paton, even though both had to substantially replenish their staffs this winter after teams around the league came poaching.

They’ve got the headquarters opening in less than a year that will give the franchise a cutting-edge home.

They will make a decision on the prospect of building a new stadium in the coming months

“I don’t see how you wouldn’t want to be a part of this,” Trautman said “Especially the guys that are fighting for roster spots, like, you’re hoping that you end up staying here. Because of how they take care of players. And the culture of guys is so awesome, too. We can joke around and everything, but we also take it seriously.

“It’s pretty much the perfect balance of everything, and I don’t see why you’d want to play anywhere else.”

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST

From left, Broncos head coach Sean Payton speaks to owner Greg Penner and general manager George Paton during training camp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit in Centennial on July 29

MONUMENTAL Broncos slowly bringing $175 million headquarters to life

By Luca Evans levans@denverpost.com

Sometimes, sitting at his desk, Sean Payton will get lost in daydreams outside his window. He can see it. Not far across the sky, beyond the glass of his third-floor office in Dove Valley, the boom of a crimson crane places pieces of timber on the Broncos’ new identity

In a year, this $175 million project will be complete, and the new team headquarters the Broncos have touted since 2023 will be buzzing with the operations of a rising NFL franchise.

For now, it is a hunk of wood and steel, hammers echoing across the grass at Broncos Park. But Payton still finds himself mesmerized on occasion. Then he’ll snap back to watching tape of a championship foundation he’s trying to construct himself.

In March, general manager George Paton put up an easel in his office with a large rendering of the facility. The idea: Let visiting free agents see what’s coming, in all its sandstone glory.

“I know they’re trying to leverage that,” team president Damani Leech told The Denver Post, “as much as possible.”

Come May 2026, the Broncos will finally see the finished jewel of the early Walton-Penner ownership era. It is on schedule, a remarkably quick undertaking from its announcement in November 2023 It is on budget, thanks in part to the cost maneuvering of senior VP of construction Amy Dee. And it is a short-term lift in league standing for a franchise that, as Payton said, has become an “attractive spot” for players and coaches alike.

But this plan went far beyond Payton, Paton or any current era. Two years ago, when Leech and ownership first pitched a new facility to staff, they played a clip of an old NFL Films piece that went inside the Broncos’ current business headquarters, which opened in 1990 Late head coach Dan Reeves was in the video wearing a 1980s-era sweater. A voiceover lauded a state-of-the-art film room that, of course, used physical film.

The message was clear: The game and the league have evolved. And Leech, Dee, and ownership envisioned a facility that can itself evolve with NFL generations to come

Workers guide the final structural beam into place during a topping out ceremony for the Broncos’ new training facility in Centennial on Aug. 1.

“How does a workplace and, or, football space to an extent keep reinventing themselves? Because if you don’t, then it’s just going to be stagnant,” Dee told The Post

“We’re building a monument We’re building something that’s going to be, for decades, part of a changing organization.”

Leech knew Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner were “curious about” constructing a new team headquarters soon after he was named team president in August 2022. Research began from there, with Leech and constituents touring NFL facilities in Miami, Dallas and Minnesota, as well as newly-constructed NBA headquarters for the Golden State Warriors (opened in 2021) and San Antonio Spurs (2023)

In time, plans formed for a space that would consolidate business operations and football staff. Leech noted that 70 Broncos team employees are currently based at Empower Field, 20 miles north of Dove Valley, because space is too tight at the current headquarters. Players themselves have to walk across the parking lot from the weight room to the

locker room, and across practice fields to the indoor facility.

One of design partner HOK’s first steps, Leech said, was to measure the number of steps players needed to take to move between the three areas. They discovered “massive spikes” compared to a half-dozen other facilities across the league.

“The biggest was, ‘How do we create a space that has the most minimal player path of travel for our team?’” Leech said.

A small detail, it might seem. A large one, when added over the course of a season. And the Walton-Penner group has invested many millions of dollars in such small details since taking over the franchise.

“It’s a great credit to Greg and Carrie and their vision,” Payton said “Not just short-term, but for years to come.”

Dee was hired to oversee construction a few months after the project’s announcement. The organization felt it needed an in-house captain after previously routing operations through an outside agency. Dee was immediately faced with a slew of budgetary questions.

She came from a job as the chief con-

struction officer at Powder Mountain, a ski resort on top of a mountain in Utah. She expanded Netflix campuses into Europe and South America. This facility in Denver was far from her largest undertaking.

“I’ve built a lot of one-offs,” Dee reflected “And so, I do like building things that are very unique.”

Dee’s greatest impact has been to finetune project musts to stay under budget, even as new administration under President Donald Trump has enacted a range of tariffs on imported goods, including a 25% tariff on steel. Dee hasn’t hedged on preferred materials, but has had to change suppliers to maneuver around increased costs.

“I certainly don’t have a budget for tariffs,” Dee said “Let’s put it that way.” Overall, though, the Broncos are sourcing a “good percentage” of materials from Colorado-based distributors, Dee said Ownership, Dee and Leech said, pushed for construction costs to contribute to the local economy.

“We want this to feel like it’s of the place it’s of here, when you walk in the building,” Leech said. “It’s not just, ‘This is the Denver Broncos,’ but this is also a building that’s in Colorado.”

Beyond that, Dee has also implemented a flexible interior design Much of the facility will be built with modular walls and easily movable weight room equipment to make sure the foundation can last as long as possible

“Does the outside need to change? You kinda build that to where it’s a classic style, it’s very Colorado, it’ll live forever,” Dee said. “But if we can change the inside, why wouldn’t you just keep using the same building, right? So, make it adaptable.”

On July 31, a day before the highest beam was placed on the facility, Penner and Walton Penner tightened up hard hats and climbed rung-overrung roughly 20 stories up the crane. They strolled out on the catwalk of the counter boom, and Walton Penner snapped a picture of a lofty view. She texted it to Payton.

“I just said, ‘No thank you,’” Payton grinned.

The future lay 200 feet below, a whole new world for Payton and years beyond

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEXT LEVEL: MARVIN MIMS JR.

HELEN H. RICHARDSON THE DENVER POST

Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr moves past Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Cam Jones for a touchdown during the second half of a game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Jan. 5. The Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs 38-0to clinch a postseason berth.

CATCHING FIRE

After

up-and-down 2 years, Mims ready to ‘be the man’

By Luca Evans levans@denverpost.com

To watch Marvin Mims Jr. glide, his trainer Margin Hooks suggests, is to watch a racehorse.

Hooks is a country man, through and through. Texas-born. Southern-made. And in all his 25 years of coaching, Mims stands alone Different than anyone, Hooks marveled The gait, all big feet and long legs, is lethally effortless. Ever run behind a horse, Hooks asked? You can try. You can huff and puff until your lungs scream. Still, the horse will look like it’s trotting.

“Then you look,” Hooks described, “and it’s pulling away from you quickly. It’s like ‘It’s just jogging, though!’”

“That’s Marvin.”

Eventually, Hooks realized he needed to just let the kid run “the Marvin way,” as he puts it But at first, Hooks didn’t quite understand him. Many didn’t Mims would house a bag of potato chips and a Gatorade and then turn on the burners. And Hooks would yell at him because he just made it look too easy. Years later, Mims lounged on a bench bordering the Broncos’ practice facility in July. He chuckled when told of Hooks’ initial frustrations.

“It’s something that’s like every coach, everybody says,” Mims said with a grin “‘You don’t look like you’re moving.’

“Until you go out there and really see. And it’s like, ‘Marvin’s runnin’.’ ”

In Year 3 in Denver, Marvin’s finally running. The former Oklahoma wideout has never quite needed a tap. He’s just needed his coaches to loosen the reins. He quickly dashed to All-Pro status as a returner in his first two years with the Broncos, but he was generally stuck with a handful of posts and goballs in a limited route tree Then, head coach Sean Payton came to him in November in Kansas City with an idea to stick him in the backfield, and Mims’ world opened up

This year, his role as a receiver is more “well-rounded,” Mims described. It needs to be. At all of 23 years old, he’s suddenly the second-most experienced Bronco in a young wideout room. Hooks, this offseason, has been trying to get Mims to understand: He’s the guy, now. The “last of the Mohicans,” as Hooks put it, in a room that’s seen a re-

RECEIVERS DRAFTED UNDER SEAN PAYTON

A number of wide receivers popped in their second year under Broncos head coach Sean Payton, but it took Mims until the second half of his second season to truly break out. Will that burst carry over into Year 3?

Name Team Year 2(Rec-Yds- TD) Year 3(Rec-Yds- TD)

Marvin Mims Jr Denver 39-503-6 TBD

Marques Colston New Orleans 98-1,202-11 47-760-5

Robert Meachem New Orleans 45-722-9 44-638-5

Kenny Stills New Orleans 63-931-3 27-440-3

Brandin Cooks New Orleans 84-1,138-9 78-1,173-8

Michael Thomas New Orleans 104-1,245-5 125-1,405-9

Tre’Quan Smith New Orleans 18-234-5 34-448-4

RJ SANGOSTI THE DENVER POST

Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr., center, runs with the ball down the field at Geha Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Nov. 10

volving door behind Courtland Sutton at WR2 from Jerry Jeudy to Josh Reynolds. Mims racked up 503 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his second year after a late-season surge. Hooks believes he’ll be a 1,000-yard receiver in 2025

“He’s not even that type of person with numbers,” Hooks said “He just wants more than what he’s had before And I know right now, he wants a lot more than he had before.

“Not, like, OK, a little bit, percentage-wise. Like, ‘Nah. I’m ready to be the man now.’ So that’s what he’s been preparing for, physically and mentally.”

He’s looked it during training camp. For two years in Denver, as Mims said, he didn’t run most of the routes he’s running now. Comebacks. Corners. Drags.

End-arounds. Both a complete receiver and a gadget weapon, all in one.

It’s similar to how staff at Lone Star High used Mims back in high school, setting the single-season state record for receiving yards as a senior in Texas. Lone Star head coach Jeff Rayburn remembered the Rangers had a “Marvin Rule.”

He’d run 17 yards on a route instead of 15, his feet moving too quickly for regular timing. So, staff would add two yards to the depth of any route he ran.

“He just runs so effortlessly,” Rayburn said. “He just glides.”

Effortlessness, though, implies a lack of effort a perception he’s fought against for years. At Oklahoma, Mims was the latest in a long lineage of Sooner wideouts who carried themselves like a

dude, because they were. He came in a year after CeeDee Lamb left. Lamb followed in the footsteps of Marquise Brown before him. And Brown followed Dede Westbrook before him.

Five-star talent after five-star talent. Mims was expected to come with flash.

That just “wasn’t me,” Mims shrugged.

“I’m not like a hoo-rah guy,’” Mims smiled “I’m not going to post a lot on social media, all that stuff I’m just go to class, go to meetings, go to practice, do all you do

“And I feel like at OU, that’s when they got on me most about it. That’s when it was more of, like, a weird thing.”

He racked up 1,083 yards as a junior at Oklahoma and was picked by the Broncos in the second round of the 2023 draft. Still, he came out of college with the perception he didn’t have a fully-developed route tree, a perception he’s been fighting ever since. He was asked to run slants and choice routes as a Sooner, Rayburn defends. He’s been asked to run deep in Denver or get his hands on returns.

Now, Mims has officially been starting at the Z, as Broncos wideouts coach Keary Colbert has told Hooks. And Hooks has been trying to instill a certain “swagger” in his pupil.

“It’s funny,” Mims said, “because he’s been trying to get that outta me since, like, college.”

It’s never quite taken, because Mims blows past defenders with the urgency of a turtle despite the speed of a hare Mims, though, feels it coming You could “see the confidence” when he started getting touches midseason in 2024, as general manager George Paton said a few months back.

When he first arrived in Denver, Mims recounted, Broncos safety and former OU teammate Delarrin Turner-Yell issued a warning to staff and DBs alike on the wideout’s cool gait Don’t fall for that That dude’s moving

There is nothing to control, now. The limits on his game are gone There is only the horse, trotting free.

“Once he catches the ball, I look at those first three steps,” Hooks said of offseason work with Mims. “When he gets upfield. I can see, sometimes receivers, they have a pep in their step.

“When you know you’re the man, you look different. That top horse moves different Different than anybody.”

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST

Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton prepares to take the field against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Aug. 9.

HANDS-ON LEADER

Improvement ‘thief’ Sutton model for young WR corps

By Parker Gabriel pgabriel@denverpost.com

The Broncos’ 2025 wide receiver corps has a high ceiling because of the upside several players in the room possess.

Perhaps just as important: The group has a pretty stable floor because of Courtland Sutton, the trusty veteran and No.1 option

Sutton is coming off perhaps the best year of his professional career in 2024, is newly signed to a four-year, $92 million contract extension and is primed to carry on into 2025 as the top option for second-year quarterback Bo Nix in the passing game.

None of that seemed like a guarantee when the 2018 second-round pick got off to a slow start with Nix last year, but over the course of the season, their connection continually strengthened

By the end of Week 18, Sutton logged career highs in catches (81) and targets (135), topped 1,000 yards for the first time since 2019 and set himself up to be part of Denver’s long-term future.

“He’s been a captain,” head coach Sean Payton said this summer. “If he didn’t say a word, the young guys watch his preparation and his work ethic. Yet, obviously, his experience with all of those players (helps). It really starts with his preparation in (the building) and on to the field

“He’s everything you want in a pro.”

In 2024, he started slow but turned himself into everything Nix needed as a rookie trying to navigate his first NFL season.

Sutton finished third in third-down catches (30) and led the NFL in both third-down yardage (452) and first downs generated (27), according to Football Database data.

At 6-foot-4 and 215-plus pounds, Sutton gave Nix a big target to trust down the field and in traffic.

According to Next Gen Stats, Sutton accounted for 45.7% of the Broncos’ downfield targets, which was the second-highest share on throws of 10-plus air yards in the league.

That led to a lot of good (812 yards on downfield throws between Nix and Sutton), some bad (six interceptions on such attempts), and a clear trust built between the two.

Payton said this summer that Sutton reminds him of former New Orleans re-

THIRD DOWN RECEIVING, 2024

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix often looked Courtland Sutton’s way on third downs last season, and for good reason: Few in the league were better at converting those passes into first downs.

Source: Football Database

ceiver Marques Colston, a seventh-round pick who went on to log six 1,000-yard seasons, 9,759 total receiving yards and 72 touchdowns over a 10-year career.

“Marques was maybe a little quieter, but day in and day out, so consistent in their performance,” Payton said. “And then on gamedays, they were very similar. They both played split end, strong hands in traffic, really, really good football instincts.

“When you get to know (Sutton), he doesn’t have too many bad days Those guys with the right energy, there’s a lot to be said for that because you’re going to hit some tough times and you’re going to hit some walls during the course of any season. He’s one of those guys who is part of the solution. Always.”

Sutton turns 30 in early October he’ll celebrate the big, round number while the Broncos are in London preparing to play the New York Jets but has shown no signs of slowing down Even in 2024, when he skipped the voluntary portion of Denver’s offseason in protest of his contract status, Sutton showed up to training camp in terrific shape.

This year proved no exception.

“Courtland has been having a really good camp,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said recently. “He looks to me even better than he did last camp.”

As Nix gets more comfortable and more in command of Payton’s offensive system, it’s possible Sutton won’t be such

a frequent target though the coach will still run a ton of stuff where he’s the primary option

With tight end Evan Engram signed to be a matchup problem, a revamped running back room ready to share the load and a series of young receivers all on the rise, Nix should be throwing to a more balanced set of options.

Still, the 2025 season will be a surprise if anybody other than Sutton ends up leading the Broncos in receiving yards, targets or catches this fall.

“I take every day as an opportunity to be able to chase greatness within

myself and get 1% better, whether it’s a football thing, whether it’s a life thing, whether it’s recovery, film, pre-practice, post-practice, all these different things,” Sutton said “I feel like if you get to a place of complacency in your life, whether it’s career-wise or personal, then you get to a spot where you’re no longer able to grow. There’s always (room for) growth.

“I tell the young guys all the time, I’m always trying to find different ways to

field I’m a

when it comes to finding

Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks to wide receiver Courtland Sutton, left, and quarter back Bo Nix on July 31

Denver’s Evan Engram prepares to take on the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Aug. 9.

ELEVATED TARGET

Engram joined Broncos to achieve lofty goals as Payton’s ‘Joker’

By Luca Evans levans@denverpost.com

Eight years in, every aspect of Evan Engram’s life is calibrated for this.

The Broncos tight end is the first one fans see on the grass every day at training camp. He loves the fans, but he does it for himself.

Fifteen or so minutes before any other Bronco jogs out from the locker room, the tight end goes through his routine the stretch before the stretch. Engram bends deep He hops for a few yards. He drives his hand into the ground in a blocking stance and smacks a dummy pad.

In September, longtime trainer Drew Lieberman will move with his wife to Denver to a house just down the street from Engram, another step in a precise routine. It’s an arrangement they’ve had since Engram entered his second year in Jacksonville back in 2023 Lieberman runs a training business called Sideline Hustle, and was trying to determine which of his clients a group that’s included NFL receivers Mohamed Sanu and Olamide Zaccheaus demanded the most attention.

Engram craved it. The first season Lieberman rented a property near him in Jacksonville, Engram caught a career-best 114 passes. Now Lieberman spends half his years living essentially with Engram, the two breaking down tape and the tight end’s psyche

“He’s becoming the sensei,” Lieberman said, “of this whole (thing).”

When they first began working together before his last year with the Giants in 2021, Engram told Lieberman his primary career goal was to win a Super Bowl MVP. Lieberman’s response was simple: That’s BS.

“How is that the judgment of your career?” Lieberman recalled saying “Pick better goals.”

It was an arbitrary trophy, based on factors largely out of Engram’s control. So later on in their relationship, as they spent time discussing books like sports psychologist Bob Rotella’s “How Champions Think,” Engram came back with a new proclamation.

“He’s like, ‘When I really think about it, I know if I really get everything out of my talent, I can be one of the best tight ends that ever lived,’ “ Lieberman said That one was better

end Evan Engram works out during training camp at

BRONCOS TIGHT ENDS VS. EVAN ENGRAM

The Broncos tight ends were far from productive during Sean Payton’s first two seasons as head coach in Denver The addition of Evan Engram through free agency should change that this fall

actly pop up in meeting rooms. Fans and reporters, Engram smiled, “have a lot more fun with it” than actual coaches.

The “AI” definition, as Payton put it, is a tight end or running back who’s a rare pass-catcher. This concept has long existed in the NFL, of course, outside of Payton’s “Joker” favorites like tight end Jimmy Graham or running back Darren Sproles in New Orleans. A player like Engram, as NFL vet Sanu explained, forces defenses to choose whether to play in base or in nickel (extra defensive back) to account for his ability to burn a linebacker in coverage.

“When the defense puts an umbrella on the deep ball or they’re clouding to the outside they force you to work inside sometimes,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said in camp. “And having guys that have the talent to get open underneath, but also the feel a lot of those routes are feel routes A lot of them have options to them

“So having guys that have the ability to do it and then the feel and the instincts to do the right things, it’s huge.”

It’s easy to take away a wide receiver in the pass game in the NFL, Payton explained. It’s less easy to take away a halfback or tight end. With Engram’s arrival, the Broncos now have multiple pieces receiver Marvin Mims Jr. and running back RJ Harvey are others who can move across formations and veer in and out of the flat on choice routes

Engram has been particularly focused on developing as a blocker since arriving in Denver a role he’s filled on roughly a third of the snaps in his eight-year NFL career. That, too, forces opposing coordinators to adjust. If Engram can stay on the field as a run-blocker, defenses can’t just game-plan against the pass and always shadow him with an extra defensive back.

A few years and a rebirth in Jacksonville later, the 30-year-old is still far away in that chase. He is, however, one of the best tight ends currently playing in the NFL.

He signed with Denver this offseason to embed himself in an offense that won’t put guardrails on his 6-foot-3, 240-pound frame.

“I think the important thing for players like this,” former Giants tight ends

coach Derek Dooley said, “is to get within systems that have flexibility to do different things outside of the traditional NFL way, so to speak.”

There is no traditional NFL position for the moniker that’s been bestowed on Engram in Denver: “Joker.”

Head coach Sean Payton coined the term over the years. It applies to unconventionally gifted receivers who thrive underneath in his offenses. It doesn’t ex-

“He sticks his nose in there,” Lombardi said “Complete tight end, and a guy who’s been really showing up here in camp.”

The “Joker” label is fun. It means little to Engram, though, until he earns it.

“I just see that as being reliable, being clutch, making plays … run-game, it’s pass-game, in the locker room, in the weight room, just doing my job at the highest level,” Engram said. “With doing that, and the work, the results will come.

“And then, the fun we can have more fun with it as we go.”

ANDY CROSS THE DENVER POST Broncos tight

Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit in Centennial on July 26

PATIENT HERO

In return from Achilles tear, Broncos’ new

By Luca Evans levans@denverpost.com

The most important factor in Achilles repair, renowned surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache says, is not the tendon itself. Nor the muscles around it. Nor the material of the sutures.

“The thing that has to be the most right,” ElAttrache says, “is the guy. The guy that Achilles is attached to.”

In the span of a few months rehabbing in Los Angeles in 2023, an oft-surly 40-year-old quarterback became pals with a 25-year-old goofball of a running back. This is the J.K. Dobbins Effect the smiling man who won over Aaron Rodgers.

The ex-Ravens running back came to ElAttrache with a torn Achilles a couple of years after blowing out every lateral ligament in his knee, and he never wavered. At one point, he hopped off his training table in the middle of physical therapy, ran into a room where Rodgers was speaking live on air with ESPN’s Pat McAfee and chirped at the quarterback to get back to rehab.

ElAttrache reconstructed Kobe Bryant’s Achilles. He performed Tommy John surgery on Shohei Ohtani. He gave Tom Brady and Leonardo DiCaprio new knees.

Dobbins, the now-26-year-old Bronco, will always be one of ElAttrache’s favorites

“I can’t say enough about him,” ElAttrache said “I mean, he’s the kind of guy that I would like to have as a friend forever. He’s that kind of person.”

The general NFL public can be forgiven for assuming Dobbins’ career was all but over before ElAttrache repaired his Achilles. It would’ve been two decades ago. A torn Achilles spelled career death for hordes of productive running backs, including LenDale White, James Robinson, Beanie Wells and Arian Foster

Achilles rehabilitation has grown leaps and bounds in recent years, with ElAttrache at the forefront. He performed the first “SpeedBridge” procedure on former Los Angeles Rams RB Cam Akers in 2021, bringing Akers back to play just six months after tearing the tendon. Still, recovery is no guarantee. And yet Dobbins was “joyful,” as ElAttrache remembered, throughout an oth-

RB never wavered

ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST

Denvers’s Brandon Jones tackles J.K. Dobbins of the Los Angeles Chargers during the first quarter in Denver last October.

BEFORE AND AFTER

Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins was productive in his first year back from an Achilles tear with the Los Angeles Chargers last season While he didn’t produce the same burst on off-tackle/outside runs, he was able to do damage between the tackles and provide a reliable threat on passing downs. Here’s a look at Dobbins pre- and post-Achilles surgery:

go before, when he was that number one (running back) for the Ravens.

“But, having said that, his performance was still right there.”

ElAttrache’s modern approach to Achilles repair began with Bryant’s rehab in 2013, when he first experimented with techniques to help disseminate the amount of tension that went back to the Achilles Athletes have to essentially retrain their gait perfectly, ElAttrache explained, rebuilding strength without putting full weight on the tendon

A decade later, Dobbins’ rehab involved long stints on an anti-gravity treadmill. ElAttrache and physical therapists slowly dialed up the amount of body weight he was walking on from 40% to 100% of his full mass until he had a perfectly symmetrical gait.

Exactly a year after that torn Achilles, Dobbins promptly exploded for 266 yards on 27 carries in his first two games in Los Angeles.

“My thing is to be a blessing to other people,” Dobbins said. “And if they see my story, and they’re like, shoot, maybe they had bad days, maybe they got fired, all right.

“Or, you hear about CEOs all the time,” he continued. “They send thousands and thousands of emails, and nobody ever answers. And then that one clicks And then they made it So, that’s all I’m trying to do.”

Source: Pro Football Focus

erwise miserable experience.

When training back home, Dobbins sent his surgeon texts of most anything that was happening to him. Updates. Video clips of him cutting, usually with some sort of message attached, like:

“Can you tell which leg it was?”

“If every player I took care of had J.K.’s personality,” ElAttrache said, “I would be 100% successful the rest of my career.”

Dobbins, who signed with the Broncos in June, brings a significant injury rap sheet to Denver. After a productive rookie year with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, Dobbins blew out his knee the following training camp. He played half a season in 2022, with midseason surgery to remove scar tissue He blew out his

Achilles in the preseason of 2023. Denver tossed him a one-year flier in June, with $2.5 million of incentives for him to return to the player he once was.

That player may be gone But the player who remains is a veteran who submitted a fuller body of work in 2024 after the Achilles tear After signing a one-year prove-it deal with the Chargers, Dobbins didn’t hit edges with as much efficiency, but he was virtually the same rusher up the middle in a 905-yard season. He also had more catches (32) and pass-blocking snaps than the rest of his NFL career combined.

“You never want to expect they’re going to be 22 years old again,” ElAttrache said “You can’t turn back the clock and

Dobbins averaged just 3.8 yards a carry after that torrid two-game start with the Chargers But he chipped away at Denver for 96 yards on 25 carries in October, and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said Dobbins was “one of the best guys we saw.”

“One-on-one, he was a tough tackle for us,” Joseph said. “I’m happy he’s a Bronco.”

Dobbins is Denver’s primary answer to a backfield that slumped last season But he doesn’t need to be the Dobbins of old in Denver Rookie RJ Harvey is there to add off-tackle burst. Dobbins can settle into a role as a between-the-tackles runner and pass-protector.

If the year calls for it, though, there’s still three-down juice left in Dobbins’ legs.

“I don’t see how you can say, going into the season,” ex-Ravens RBs coach Craig Ver Steeg said, “he can’t be a workhorse anymore.”

AARON

linebacker Dre Greenlaw stretches during training camp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit in Centennial on July 25

ALL COVERED

Free-agent addition Greenlaw gives Broncos instant ILB upgrade

By Luca Evans levans@denverpost.com

Big Play Dre was born a decade ago, not from hulking muscle but from film study. A boy adopted by a defensive coordinator dedicated his life to this.

Big Play Dre was born, for one date, on Sept 13, 2014, when 17-year-old Dre Greenlaw went rogue in Arkansas Darryl Patton’s Fayetteville High School juggernaut was locked in a battle with familiar rival Jefferson City As the huddles broke on one play, Patton’s star defensive back was supposed to be covering Jeff City’s No. 3 receiver. Except he wasn’t.

Patton barked at his assistants, bewildered.

Hey, guy’s uncovered! Guy’s uncovered!

On the snap, the quarterback pivoted and fired a hot route to his seemingly wide-open target Except Greenlaw shot out of a chamber, and somehow beat the receiver to the spot. Seconds later, he pulled into the end zone with a pick-six. Later, he told his coaches he’d studied Jeff City’s tape enough to know he could bait that play.

“You’ll see him sometimes be out of position, but he’ll end up with the ball, by the ball,” Patton recalled. “And it’s one of those things you’re going, ‘Oh, crap, Dre, Dre, no good play, Dre! Great play.’

“It was, Big Play Dre.”

Big Play Dre was NFL-made, for another date, on Nov. 11, 2019, when Greenlaw started his fourth game with the San Francisco 49ers. He’d begun the year battling for reps with Kwon Alexander, who’d just signed a four-year deal that offseason.

But Alexander was placed on IR after the previous game, and so the rookie Greenlaw found himself in the middle of a primetime game against the division-rival Seahawks and promptly picked off Russell Wilson in overtime of an eventual loss

As Greenlaw tucked the interception and ran it back 47 yards, fellow 49ers linebacker Fred Warner marveled how natural the kid looked with the ball in his hands.

“In that moment,” Warner recalled, “it’s like, ‘Dang, this really is Big Play Dre.’”

In March this offseason, the Broncos

FEWEST RECEPTIONS OVER EXPECTED IN COVERAGE, LINEBACKERS, 2023

His sideline-to-sideline intensity as a 230-pound tank of a tackler drew Payton’s eyes.

Greenlaw began his career as a rangy safety playing on instincts. Patton has long been close with then-Arkansas coach Bret Bielema, and he begged him to recruit Greenlaw.

Bielema hemmed Bielema hawed. He didn’t know if Greenlaw was fast enough or big enough He didn’t know if Greenlaw was a safety or a linebacker

Eventually, Bielema agreed to send defensive coordinator Robb Smith down to Fayetteville High one Friday night in October. Greenlaw, Patton remembered, had three picks. After the Fayetteville win, Smith walked off the field with Patton.

“Why in the hell,” Patton remembered Smith asking, “have we not offered this kid?”

The defensive-back gene never died, even after Greenlaw arrived at Arkansas and converted to linebacker Bielema put stripes on players’ helmets at practices at Arkansas, to see where their eyes tracked. Greenlaw’s eyes were always in the right place, Bielema remembered. Eventually, he told his defensive coaches to not slow Greenlaw down.

“He’s going to see things and play things at a higher level easier than other players,” Bielema remembered saying “Let’s not make him overthink.”

Greenlaw moved his family to a permanent residence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, simply because it’s a main hub for offseason training. He has two gyms in that house.

Source: NFL Next Gen Stats

shelled out $11.5 million guaranteed for that. For Big Play Dre, the ballhawk ILB. The only soft spot of a third-ranked Denver defense in 2024 was up the middle, where the Broncos’ linebackers delivered largely mediocre marks in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus grades

The 28-year-old Greenlaw, one of the heartbeats of a San Francisco defense that made two Super Bowls in five years, is an instant upgrade. In 2023, he allowed the fewest receptions over expected in coverage of any NFL linebacker, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. The Broncos wanted him. And Greenlaw wanted to be wanted, a former foster kid who still craves feeling

accepted.

His three-year deal in free agency is no sure thing. Greenlaw played all of two games in 2024 after a freak torn Achilles in 2023’s Super Bowl He has been set back by quad troubles all through the offseason and training camp But if healthy, he gives the Broncos a playmaking element at inside linebacker that they haven’t had since the days of Danny Trevathan.

“There’s an intensity to how he plays,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said in late July. “And it’s just he’s one of those players that, if you put the film on and didn’t say anything, at some point early you would ask, ‘Who’s this guy?’”

This offseason, agent J.R. Carroll asked Greenlaw if he’d help review some pre-draft film of another client, Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr. Carroll was hoping he’d offer feedback on a few plays. Greenlaw downloaded Paul’s entire season

“He enjoys watching film,” Carroll said, “like any other person would enjoy watching a sitcom.”

Greenlaw “loved” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s scheme in evaluating teams in free agency, Carroll said. And the safety-turned-linebacker’s mind will now make up the central nervous system of Denver’s defense.

“I don’t think people understand,” Warner said, “how intelligent of a football player Dre is.”

ANDY CROSS THE DENVER POST

Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw goes through drills during training camp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit in Centennial on July 25

Broncos center Luke Wattenberg adjusts his arm brace during practice at the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, Calif., on Aug. 7.

CENTER OF ATTENTION

Wattenberg unheralded man in middle for vaunted O-line

By Parker Gabriel pgabriel@denverpost.com

Offensive linemen are, almost by default, spotlight-averse.

Most will even say that if they’re getting talked about too much during a game week or broadcast, it’s probably because something bad happened.

Nonetheless, the Broncos have a high-profile offensive line group, at least relatively speaking

Four of their five starters are either considered among the best in football at their position or are among the game’s highest-paid

On the left side, tackle Garett Bolles and guard Ben Powers check in at $20.5 million and $13 million per season, respectively. Those are both top-10 numbers, and they are each arguably top-10 performers, too. At right guard, Quinn Meinerz is an All-Pro and contender for best interior offensive lineman in football He’s No 5 on the pay list at $18 million per season Right tackle Mike McGlinchey submitted maybe the best overall year of his career in 2024, and his $17.5 million per season ranks 10th at his position.

They all flank the least-known, lowest-paid, most-under-the-radar player of the group: Center Luke Wattenberg.

The fourth-year player out of Washington stepped into the starting lineup last fall to replace departed free agent Lloyd Cushenberry. He not only held his own, but he cemented himself as a player head coach Sean Payton, offensive line coach Zach Strief and the rest of the offense could rely on

Asked during training camp whether his vision for Wattenberg had changed over the past year, Payton quickly acknowledged it had.

“It’s a lot different,” he said. “A starter. Asset starter. Smart. He played really well last year for us in his first year as a starter.”

Wattenberg doesn’t pop up on many lists of the best centers in football He’s set to make $1.1 million in the final year of his rookie contract

And yet he turned himself into a reliable starter while helping smooth the road for rookie quarterback Bo Nix a year ago. Now, as they head into their second year as starters together, they’ve got plenty of reason for confidence.

“It’s a big deal,” Wattenberg said. “Just more time together, the more it feels natural We’ve gotten a lot of those reps to-

SNAP DECISION

With expensive pieces scattered about their offensive line, the Broncos relied on inexperienced center Luke Wattenberg to take the reins in the middle last fall And of the 23centers in the NFL who played more than 800snaps in 2024, Wattenberg was among the best bargains of the bunch. That could be the case again this season. Here’s a look at the lowest 2025cap hits for returning centers who made 800-plus snaps last year:

Source: Spotrac.com

gether, so it’s starting to feel seamless.”

Wattenberg is quick to say that, as well as he played last season, it makes a big difference being sandwiched between a pair of guards like Powers and Meinerz.

He does have the occasional assignment of blocking an interior defensive lineman one-on-one, but the nature of the position means he often either has help from the left or right, or he’s tasked with working in tandem with one of the guards

“It goes back to my confidence,” Wattenberg said. “Being around the four guys around me brings my confidence up. We play so well together. They’re fantastic players, and I couldn’t ask to be on a better OL.”

The Broncos considered stretching their budget after the 2023 season to keep Cushenberry on the roster Eventually, though, he signed a four-year, $50 million deal with Tennessee. Two rounds of free agency later, he’s still the No 5-paid center in football Part of Denver’s calculus in letting ‘Cush’ get away was the cautious optimism they had in Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth. Wattenberg won the job during training camp last summer and hasn’t looked back.

The only hiccup during his first season starting: An injury Week 5 against Las Vegas landed him on injured reserve and cost him four games. Aside

from that, he put together a steady, productive season during which he not only held his own but showed he could be an asset in his own right.

Now the 2022 fifth-round pick is aiming to take another big step forward.

“I really want to take the next step in the run game and running off the ball. (New assistant offensive line coach) Chris Morgan has been helping me a lot with that and taking the next step in my run game. Playing fast, playing with my hat and getting my backside hand in have all been a point of emphasis for me, and he’s been helping me a lot with that.”

Denver center Luke Wattenberg, left, and guard Quinn Meinerz stand ready to face the Las Vegas Raiders defense at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Nov. 24

Another quality season for Wattenberg would further solidify the Broncos offensive line as one of the best in the business It would also set Wattenberg up for a sizable second contract and cast a question as to whether the Broncos can retain all five starters he’s the only one not currently under contract for 2026 at substantial salaries.

That’s all for the future.

“I think we just have to keep focusing on the details and take it one step at a time,” Wattenberg said. “We just have to focus on what we want to get better at the next day. That will take us to where we want to go.”

BroncosOffense

Quarterback

Bo Nix |10 6-foot-2, 217pounds, 25 yearsold, 2nd season,Oregon

Nix hit afew speed bumps out of the gate in his rookie year,then promptly settled in across the second half of the year as oneofthe NFL’s best quarterbacks with 2,022 yards, 21 touchdowns anda108.0 passer rating across his last eight games. Quarterback developmentin the NFL is rarely linear, but Nix sits in one of the cushiest situations in the league forany youngQB. The Broncos’ ceiling will rise as high as his this year.

JarrettStidham |8 6-3, 215, 28, 6th season, Auburn After helping curate some incredible vibes in the Broncos’ quarterback room last season,Denver brought Stidhamback on atwo-year deal in free agency. His number was only called for14snaps in 2025, buthe’sshown the ability to be acapable fill-in

Running back

J.K. Dobbins |27 5-10, 212, 26, 6th season, Ohio State

The Broncos yanked Dobbins off the freeagent market in June, after his comeback nine-touchdown season withthe division-rival Chargersin2024. He’s never playeda full NFL season,and his health is aconstantquestion mark, but Dobbins has provenhecan beone of themost productiverunning backs in the league when he’sonthe field.

RJ Harvey| 37 5-8,205, 24, rookie,UCF

The Broncos were connectedto several otherbacksinadeep NFLdraftclass. But Harvey wastheir George Paton-dubbed “pet cat” all along. Ashifty runner whoSeanPaytonsees as apass-catchingthreat, Harvey’sbackfieldrole will rest on his ability to masterveteran traits of ball security and pass protection.

AfterSean Payton foundhis quarterback of thefuture in Bo Nix lastyear, the second-year quarterback has amassive benefit in Year 2: Consistency.Sameplay-caller.Same offensive staff,for the mostpart. Same offensive line. ButasNix has settledinto both Payton’s offense andhis role as theface of the franchise,Denver went outand nabbed him some new weapons this offseason.Here’salook at theBroncos’likely two-deep,with maneuverable depth at theskill positions.

MichaelBurton |20 6-0, 247, 33, 11thseason, Rutgers

Steady Mike. Burton’s playedahandful of snapseach game the past couple seasons in Denver, primarily as a run-blocker.He’sback on aone-year deal formore of thesame.

Runningback

Jaleel McLaughlin |38 5-7, 187, 24,3rd year, YoungstownState

After sneaky-heavyusagehis second year under Payton,McLaughlin’s putonabit moremuscle entering his thirdyear in Denver. If he’s able to capablypick up blitzes in pass-protection, he’ll continuetosee aslice of the pie in acrowded running back room.

Courtland Sutton|14 6-4, 216, 29, 8th season, SMU

With anew four-year extension and massive payday in tow, Denver lifer Sutton will look to build upon his chemistry with Nix after acareer-best 2024that saw him reel in 81 catches for1,081 yardsand eight touchdowns.

Devaughn Vele |81 6-5, 210, 27, 2ndseason, Utah

HopeofaVele second-year breakout was stifled somewhat this offseason by afew absencesthroughout minicamp and training camp. He could still have a massiverole in Denver’s offense, though, after catching 41 balls in just 13 gamesasarookie in 2024.

Wide receiver

Marvin Mims Jr.| 19 5-11, 182, 23, 3rdseason, Oklahoma

The Broncos unlocked Mims’ potential as a receiver duringthe back half of last year by … moving him to running back. In 2025, Mims should step in as the Broncos’ starter at the Z, while also flashing on a variety of creativeroutes out of the backfield. He could be in line fora big year

Troy Franklin |11 6-3, 180, 22, 2ndseason, Oregon Franklin endured arocky rookie year in Denver, catching 28 passes for263 yardswhile struggling to find the chemistry he and Nix displayedatOregon. He’s put togethera monster training camp, though, and could be Nix’sbest option fortaking the top off defenses in 2025

Tight end

Evan Engram |1 6-3, 240, 30, 9th season, OleMiss Payton searched foran ideal mismatch throughout his first twoyears in Denver, and he finally found one in Engram, a ProBowltight end who signed with Denver on atwo-year deal in free agency. Engram averaged 78 catches ayear across asolid 2022, monster 2023and injury-plagued 2024 with the Jaguars The Broncos would be morethan happywith that output this year.

Adam Trautman |82 6-5, 253, 28, 6th season, Dayton Payton’strusty blocker extraordinaireisback. Trautman has playeda keyrole in Denver’soffense fortwo years, and that shouldn’t change even with the arrival of Engram.

AARON ONTIVEROZ—THE DENVER POST

The Broncos futurerestsonthe shoulders of second-year quarterback Bo Nix.

Fullback

Wide receiver

Left tackle

GarettBolles |72

6-5, 300, 33, 9th season, Utah

Even as he’sstarting to creep up in age, Bolles put together one of his best NFL seasons in 2024and earned anice extension in December One of the keykeepers of the Broncos’ culture, Bolles is back to protect Nix’sblind side forthe foreseeable future.

MattPeart |79 6-7, 318, 28, 6th season, UConn

Peart provedhimself a serviceable depth tackle in 2024and re-upped with Denveratthe start of free agency.He’s demonstrated alittle guardflexibility in camp, too.

Leftguard

Ben Powers |74 6-4, 310, 28,7th season,Oklahoma Powers improved from hisfirstseasoninDenverin2023, butstill alloweda team-high 24 pressures last year He enters akey third season on his four-year deal.

Calvin Throckmorton |76 6-5, 311, 28, 5thseason,Oregon

After spending afew seasonssplit between New Orleans, Tennessee and Carolina, Throckmorton landed in Denverand playedall of three snaps last year. He offers flexibility at both guard spots.

Center

Luke Wattenberg| 60 6-5, 300, 27,4th season,Washington Wattenberg seized Denver’scenterjob last year and is viewed by Paytonasan“asset starter.”Hewas solid in pass-protection in 2024 and is looking to improve in the run game entering his second year as afulltime starter

AlexForsyth |54 6-4, 312, 26, 3rdseason, Oregon Forsythfilled in across four starts last year with Wattenberg hurt. He produced mixed results: eightpressures and two sacksallowedin169 pass-blocking snaps, according to ProFootball Focus.

Rightguard

Quinn Meinerz| 77 6-3, 320, 26,5th season, WisconsinWhitewater Meinerz continuedto ascend last year after a breakout 2023, officially cementing himself as one of the best offensive linemen in the league and earning afirst-team All-Pro nod.

Nick Gargiulo|66 6-5, 310, 25,2nd season, South Carolina Aseventh-round pick in 2024, Garguilo didn’t playany snaps in his rookie year in Denver. He’sworked himself into consideration forrepsif astarter goesdown.

Right tackle

MikeMcGlinchey| 69 6-8, 315, 30, 8th season, NotreDame Despitemissing ahandful of games to injury last year,McGlinchey turned in amuch better year in 2024than his first season in Denver. He’s akey part of acohesive Broncos offensivefront.

AlexPalczewski |63

6-6, 314, 26,3rd season, Illinois Palczewski impressed coaches last year in a fewspotstarts in place of McGlinchey,asPayton felt therewas little dropoff in play.

WilLutz |3 5-11, 184, 31,10th season, Georgia State

The man just keeps on dealin’.Lutz enters another year with Payton after banging in 31 of 34 field goals last year and all 46 of his extra-point attempts. He’sestablished himself as one of the moreconsistent big legs in the NFL, nailing acareer-best five attempts from 50-plus yardslast year

AARON ONTIVEROZ —THE DENVER POST

From left, GarettBolles,Ben Powers,AlexForsyth, Quinn Meinerz and MattPeart areamong the personnel tasked with protectedquarterback Bo Nix.

Kicker

Pat Surtain II greets fans before a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Aug. 9.

ANOTHER LEVEL?

Broncos CB winning another NFL DPOY award? Bailey can see it

The eyes have it

We don’t talk about Pat Surtain II’s vision nearly enough. Great cornerbacks are football’s tawny owls, the biggest of the big-game hunters, dogging prey through darkness and chaos. PSII spies where a ball is headed seconds before it leaves the station. Talent borrows. Genius steals

And as Champ Bailey, one of the best corners of all time, reminded me the other day, you can’t catch what you don’t see first. So when I asked Champ what Surtain, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, could do for an encore in 2025, Bailey hit it right on the nose.

Actually, right above the nose.

“(PSII) is probably smarter than he’s been throughout his career,” Bailey, the NFL’s all-time leader in pass breakups and a Broncos cornerback from 2004-2013, told me by phone earlier this month. “But the only way you utilize that is by seeing what’s going on, seeing the plays develop, the route concepts, and having a better understanding of your role in the defense.

“… I’m sure (defensive coordinator) Vance Joseph is thinking about this: How do you put him in position to make plays? The best way to make plays is to allow him to see the ball.”

There’s just one problem: The better you are at cornerback, the fewer balls actually come your way. And Surtain is the best cornerback on the planet.

He was charted with 60 targets in 2024. That was after 91 in ’23 and 70 in ’22. Unofficially.

“We know this dude competes every play, whether the ball’s coming at him or not,” Bailey, the Pro Football Hall of Famer and analyst with Warner Bros Discovery/TNT, said of Surtain. “And it’s going to come less and less the better he gets.”

The larger the legend, the smaller the windows. Yet the greats also have the vision and foresight to impact the action that’s actively avoiding them. In 2005, Bailey recorded eight interceptions, returning two for scores, and defended 23 passes.

The next year, he was thrown at just 35 times all season Bailey wound up deflecting 21 throws and picking off 10

others. His 98 tackles, 84 of them solo, ranked third on a defense that had Al Wilson (113 stops) and Ian Gold (101) at linebacker

Last winter, PSII became just the seventh cornerback to ever take home NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors from the Associated Press. No CB1 has ever won the award twice.

Bailey wouldn’t be shocked if Surtain, who turned 25 in April, became the first. So long as he follows two sage pieces of advice. 1.) Fight the boredom, kid. 2.) Then get out there and fight for the blankety-blank tackle

“You could (be bored) if you allow it,” Bailey said “But there are so many aspects of the game that are important.

“Like tackling, making sure you don’t miss tackles. You don’t want to ever be that guy that (they say), ‘He’s great, he’s going to shut his guy down, but he’s going to miss a tackle.’ You never want to be that guy with chinks like that

“And (Surtain) is not that He’s big.

He has the size. I look forward to seeing him mix it up a lot more this year.”

Wideouts? Yeah, not so much

PSII is 6-foot-2 with an 80-foot game, a 202-pound cudgel and the wingspan and eyes to erase half a football field. Box girders have more fat on them than Surtain, who Pro Football Focus scouts charted with zero missed tackles and an 80.5 run defense grade (out of 100) in 2024.

“(Pat) had such a great year. How do you build on that? I think that’s the focus,” Broncos general manager George Paton told The Post recently “He wants to be Defensive Player of the Year again, I’m sure, but he just wants to win. So (that means) helping his teammates get better and prepare. Pat doesn’t say a lot, but he’s a great leader and they follow him. Winning. That’s how his (2025) gets better.”

PSII is entering the prime of his career as the bulwark and apex to one of the fastest, frenetic, pocket-crunching, QB-mashing defenses in Broncos history

Of the eight players who’ve won multiple NFL DPOY honors, seven did so a second time for a team with a winning record

When it comes to the postseason, legends make sure to see that train right through to the end.

“You can’t make a play on something you don’t see,” Bailey said.

“Think about the picks (Surtain) had last year. Every time he got an interception, he was in a position where he could see what was coming. I mean, I think the pick-6 he had against the Raiders, I don’t even think that was his guy. He just saw the ball coming And he’s an exceptional athlete.

“When you can anticipate, see what’s happening, and then react the way he does, he’s going to make a significant amount of plays. I’m looking forward to (2025).”

Turns out that kind of vision goes both ways. When it comes to PSII, Bailey can see something else off in the distance, just past the horizon: Dominion. Domination Clear as day.

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST

Denver’s Pat Surtain II smiles as Joshua Pickett celebrates intercepting a pass during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 30-9 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Aug. 9.

Sean Keeler

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST

Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto celebrates after logging a sack on Spencer Rattler of the New Orleans Saints during the second half of the Broncos’ 33-10win at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Oct. 17

STILL STACKING

Broncos All-Pro OLB adds finesse, power to speed-rush

By Luca Evans levans@denverpost.com

Nik Bonitto began working with passrush guru Javon Gopie in the spring of 2020, just as COVID shut down the world

They were in Florida, hopping from park to park and then jumping fences in search of an open patch of grass. They found it at St John XXIII Catholic Church in Miramar. It was more loose rock than anything. But it was something.

Bonitto was heading into his third year as an edge rusher at Oklahoma, and he was eager, but Gopie was baffled as he watched him run through drills.

“Bro,” Gopie recalled thinking, “this dude does not move full speed Nothing he does is full speed.”

Bonitto always had an innate ability to get to quarterbacks He came to Oklahoma as a four-star gem. But there was some immaturity, as former OU linebackers coach Brian Odom put it.

Until those first couple of months, when Bonitto flipped a switch.

Once a week in Miramar, Gopie would stand four yards away and bring up a couple of players at a time from a core group of trainees Gopie would stick his hand out and twitch his knee, the sign to go Whoever burst out of their stance first and slapped his palm won the rep. Dallas Turner, a 2024 first-round pick, was there. So was Shemar Stewart, the No. 17 pick in 2025.

Nobody ever beat Bonitto.

“He won every single time,” Gopie said. “Every day, every single time. It wasn’t even a question.”

Seven years ago, Bonitto was a redshirt afterthought at Oklahoma who could have been “just another freshman,” as Odom said Seven years and a second-team All-Pro nod with the Broncos later, those same coaches marvel at one of the more incredible year-overyear ascents they’ve seen. The kid who once weighed 210 pounds soaking wet is now a shade under 250. The kid who had raw speed is now a whirling blend of power and finesse.

And the man who once doubted his own frame has adopted a new moniker.

TOP-PRODUCING

LINEBACKERS, 2024

“I always joke around I’m, like, the top dog in there,” Bonitto told The Denver Post in July. “And then I was like, ‘You know what? Cool name would be Bloodhound.’

“I kinda just get on ’em about that,” Bonitto said “Just trying to push everybody, work the hardest in there.”

Could anyone, a few years ago, have expected this? Bonitto, the hardest worker in the room? Bonitto, rounding into one of the great edge rushers in the NFL? Bonitto, the “Bloodhound,” racking up 13.5 sacks at age 24 and hunting for more?

“No,” Odom responded. “Not at all.

“But that’s what makes this story so unique.”

Under the old regime at Oklahoma and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, staff sometimes referred to a player as an “anti-fatigue guy” someone who struggled to push through the point of fatigue.

Bonitto was an anti-fatigue guy.

One day in their freshman year at Oklahoma, Bonitto and teammate Delarrin Turner-Yell were running through conditioning drills. A strength coach told Turner-Yell, he remembered, that they’d dole out additional punishment if they caught someone putting their hands on their hips

At one point, Bonitto put his hands on his hips He was tired. So Turner-Yell walked past and slapped Bonitto’s arms down.

“He was the type of guy that’s like, ‘Get me to Saturday, I’ll make my plays and we’ll go from there,’” recalled Turner-Yell, now Bonitto’s close friend and teammate in Denver. “Didn’t even care about practice during the week.”

After Bonitto redshirted his freshman

year, a new defensive staff came in under Grinch in 2019. They didn’t know much about Bonitto. They knew he was highly recruited. They expected him to flash.

“The first, maybe, impression,” Odom said, “it wasn’t good.”

In Bonitto’s first season under the new regime, Grinch dropped him into coverage on over a quarter of his snaps to protect his body He weighed 225 then, and staff felt he lacked the strength to mash for a full game against 300-pound linemen.

“The big thing for him was, how long do you fight to stay same as?” Grinch said. “How long do you fight to simply be the athlete that runs around people?”

So Bonitto fought to change. Oklahoma staff, sensing Turner-Yell could pull something from him, assigned the two as weight-room partners ThenOLBs coach Jamar Cain, now Denver’s defensive-line coach, had plenty of “tough conversations” with Bonitto, as Grinch put it. And Bonitto sought out Gopie.

The biggest issue, Gopie sensed, was Bonitto’s confidence. His frame sometimes held him back. It also gave him the flexibility to plant and change direction in the tiniest of split-second windows, unimaginable for most behemoths at his position He needed, as Gopie reflected, to believe what he did worked Bonitto believed it in that parking lot back in Florida.

“It did take him some time to figure out what he did best,” Gopie said. “But, man, I’ll tell you once he did, the rest is history.”

Sometimes, the now-25-year-old Bonitto will go back and watch tape of his early days at Oklahoma.

“I be looking at him like, he’s terri-

ble,” Bonitto smiled while sitting on a bench in July.

“But I also like that guy, and I appreciated him,” he continued, a few words later. “Just because he kinda has helped me through my time in the NFL, too.”

Bonitto increased his pressures every single year he was at Oklahoma, and has increased his pressures every single year as a Bronco, culminating in last season’s All-Pro leap in Year 3.

Entering a contract year, Bonitto’s poised to become one of the highest-paid pass-rushers in the league. The money, though, is shoved to the back of his mind.

As more attention swung his way last year, he started getting chipped more frequently by bodies flashing out of the backfield He says he left plays on the field in 2024, so he spent his offseason watching tape of peers like the Giants’ Brian Burns, the Texans’ Will Anderson Jr., and the Steelers’ TJ Watt, studying how they attacked chip-blocks.

Everyone from Turner-Yell to defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to Broncos edge Jonathon Cooper suggests Bonitto hasn’t approached his ceiling. His fourth season as a Bronco now brings a confluence of factors. He’s still explosive. He’s the heaviest and strongest that Gopie, or EXOS trainer Rich Pruett, has seen him. And he’s learning to play chess.

This offseason, a few years after St John’s, brought another breakthrough: finesse. Bonitto and Gopie spent a heap of time dissecting his successful initial rushes and then drilling subsequent countermoves that look the same to an offensive lineman in their approach. Set up what looks like a speed-rush, then pivot to a different angle.

“I think we’ll see a lot of spinning out of him this year, a lot of inside moves,” Gopie said “And then from there, once he starts to win inside it’s going to be very spooky. Because when somebody like him keeps you off balance, it’s not gon’ be fair.”

Bonitto wants to keep “stacking years,” as he put it. A long way, now, from the parking lot.

“We still haven’t seen the best of Nik Bonitto yet,” Gopie said

JAHDAE BARRON

HYOUNG CHANG THE DENVER POST

Jahdae Barron

DRIVEN TO SUCCEED

Barron planned for stardom, from paper route to first-round pick

By Luca Evans levans@denverpost.com

When Jahdae Barron was a child, people made fun of his head. It was large. Larger than his body, it appeared, as mother Technoia Davis remembers.

As Barron grew up, people joked he’d grown into his head, Davis says. He stands 5-foot-11 now. There’s not much to make fun of anymore. Still, he takes it in stride

“He’s like, ‘Hey,‘” Davis said, “‘my heart’s always been big.’”

It swells largest for his mother, the reason he’s here, from Texas to the Denver Broncos. Davis worked in IT for Dell, sold life insurance for a few years and became a nail technician. Somewhere in between, she also ran a paper route in the summers. Around midnight, she’d hop in her Chevy Trailblazer and head to a warehouse to gather stacks of the newest Austin American-Statesman Davis didn’t make her youngest son, Jahdae, come But his brothers tagged along. So, at all of 4 years old, Jahdae demanded to hop in.

It was a few years later, after summers spent chucking Statesman bundles out the window of their Trailblazer, when an eighth-grade Jahdae first blurted out that his mother wouldn’t have to work one day. Davis thought it was a joke.

Her son wasn’t smiling.

“I think we kinda fed off each other’s energy,” Davis said

For the last few years, they have climbed together Davis has sat her children down ever since they were young and had them sketch out a plan for their lives. She checked in on their goals every year. Davis held herself to hers, too, opening her own suite at a nail salon after going through cosmetology school.

“I don’t know what my life would’ve been I don’t know if I would’ve kept the determination or motivation to keep wanting more,” Davis reflected, “had I not had him.”

In turn, Barron has followed one goal Since his head was too big for his body Since he started out as a deep reserve cornerback at Texas. Since the moment he arrived in Denver this spring.

“It’s my job to take care of her,” he said in his first presser as a Bronco, “for the rest of my life.”

In July, he signed an $18 million firstround rookie NFL deal the kind of generational wealth that could allow his

CORNER-ING THE MARKET

The Broncos added to a strength when they selected cornerback Jahdae Barron in the first round of the 2025NFL draft Here’s a look at the production from Denver’s CBs last season:

blitz.

He was listed as a nickel on the Broncos’ initial depth chart, and is most likely to push McMillian for his starting job come Week 1. But the beauty in the Barron pick: The Texas product could be malleable to any need in the Broncos secondary for years to come He’s taken reps at both outside spots in camp He’s played in dime He’s blitzed from the nickel

Some young defensive backs are best left to simply grasp one position, Payton said this offseason. Barron isn’t one of them.

“He’s one of those players,” Payton said, “that can handle volume.”

Barron was “playing chess” at Texas, as he put it in April, darting around with the speed of someone with years of reps In his first NFL camp, he’s catching up on a new game

mother to retire.

At 23 years old, Barron’s greater purpose is largely fulfilled. But Davis taught him to game plan, and he’s now left to chase his own dreams. He wants 10 years as a pro to leave an NFL legacy.

The path there is an interesting one. Nobody in Barron’s camp expected the Broncos to draft him last spring The Broncos didn’t really expect to draft him, either

The Broncos already had three 25-year-old starter-caliber corners in Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian. But George Paton and Sean Payton didn’t take a first-round cornerback to take a first-round cornerback. They took one because it was Barron.

“These are premium positions,” Payton said the night Denver picked Bar-

ron, “and this type of player is less available than so many other positions. It’s harder to find these traits and what he does than at other positions.”

As the NFL has evolved to increasingly complex offensive schemes, defenses now spend a large chunk of time in nickel or dime “sub” packages, as Payton said The value of a versatile defensive back has skyrocketed.

In 2022, Texas passing-game coordinator Brennan Marion told Barron he needed to learn how to play every spot in the secondary. Under secondary coach Terry Joseph cousin of Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph Barron moved everywhere over three years as a starter. He started outside. He started in the slot He played in the box. He took reps at safety and ran the occasional

Perhaps Barron sizzles as a rookie Perhaps he plays a rotational role Either way, Denver’s first-round pick was as much about the future as it was about 2025 a future he’s trying to build well down the line.

On April 24, as the jubilation of Barron’s first-round selection slowly settled at his draft party in Lakeway, Texas, his former high school coach Jason Cecil stopped him for a moment before he left

“I love you,” Cecil told Barron, before offering a warning. In years to come, the jack-of-many-trades might end up as Denver’s CB2 next to Surtain, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year few quarterbacks are willing to test.

“You’re about to get targeted a lot,” Cecil told Barron, “if they stick you out there at the other corner.”

Barron laughed. You’re right, he responded

“He knows,” Cecil reflected

RJ SANGOSTI THE DENVER POST Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron comes out from behind a mat during Broncos minicamp at Broncos Park in Centennial on June 10

MONEY BALL

Key extension decisions loom, with Franklin-Myers, Roach near top of the list

By Luca Evans levans@denverpost.com

Denver’s Employee No. 97, as Malcolm Roach likes to call himself, has no current plans to march into his bosses’ office and demand a raise. Even as much as he might want one.

He knows, better than most, that this is a cold business He went undrafted in 2020 out of Texas, somehow played himself into a roster spot in a season without any preseason games and was left “so upset” when New Orleans opted not to re-sign him in 2024.

A year later, he’s the self-dubbed “Sixth Man of the Year” for a dominant Broncos defensive line. But he could find himself in the same position five months from now. There are many mouths to feed in his position room all chomping for extensions

D.J. Jones got his last March. Zach Allen’s came in August Now, Roach needs one. And so does John Franklin-Myers.

They all have come to an implicit understanding, though: They will get paid, if they keep the standard the same as last fall. Maybe in Denver. Maybe somewhere else. The where isn’t important right now.

“We don’t really think about it that much,” Roach said at the start of August “At the end goal, we think about stopping this run and getting to the quarterback.

“And we do that at a high level we all have a lot of money.”

It’s largely impossible for this Broncos interior defensive line to make another massive jump after a season collapsing pockets and leading the NFL in sacks last season.

Zach Allen had a career year in 2024, making second-team All-Pro and joining J.J. Watt, T.J. Watt, Nick Bosa and Aaron Donald as the only players to record 40 quarterback hits in a year since 2006 Jones played well enough at nose tackle to earn himself a hearty three-year extension. Roach continued to do “Sixth Man” things. And after coming over in a trade with the Jets, Franklin-Myers was “the last piece of the puzzle,” as Jones said during camp.

The question, now, is how the Broncos preserve their dominance in years to come Not a day after Roach’s “lot of

money” comments, Denver shelled out $102 million over four years to extend Allen. The payday recognized Allen as one of the best interior defensive pieces in the league It also might have constricted the pot for everyone else.

Come 2026, Allen’s cap number will balloon to $28.6 million, the highest figure on the Broncos’ current roster. Denver is also working toward an extension with edge rusher Nik Bonitto that could extend to the range of $25 million to $30 million a year And franchise quarterback Bo Nix will become extension-eligible before the 2027 season Roach and Franklin-Myers, for the moment, may find themselves on the outside looking in.

“I was in that position in Arizona where it’s like, you know what, you’re going to get it one way or another, and at the end of the day it’s just about performing,” Allen said when asked about Franklin-Myers and Roach waiting for deals. “They’re awesome people, awesome guys, and I’m just really blessed

to play with them I root for the best for them.”

Roach, for one, has largely shrugged off the money: He’ll be happy, he told reporters during camp, whether the Broncos re-sign him or not. Franklin-Myers, though, has been vocal on social media all offseason about his desire for a new deal, despite not creating much actual fuss at camp.

“Under appreciated & Underpaid, but numbers won’t lie!” Franklin-Myers tweeted in late July, quoting a tweet of his stats. “I’d bet my money too if I were you!”

To Franklin-Myers’ point, the veteran has racked up 50-plus pressures for five straight NFL seasons, according to Pro Football Focus’s metrics. But Bonitto is higher on Denver’s list of extension priorities. After the Patriots gave $26 million a year to former Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams, Franklin-Myers could reasonably ask for upwards of $20 million a year The Broncos, especially after taking rookie Sai’vion Jones in the

third round in April, may not be willing to spend that capital.

But they may need him, too, to stay at their current bar. After Franklin-Myers left the Jets last season, New York’s Quinnen Williams dropped from 70 pressures in 2023 to 54 in 2024. After Franklin-Myers arrived in Denver, Allen jumped from 60 pressures in 2023 to 81 in 2024.

“He’s very important for us because of who Zach is, right … to have two inside rushers does balance out things for us,” Joseph said of Franklin-Myers “So, someone’s getting a one-on-one It’s just math, right?

“If he gets it, he wins it If Zach gets it, he wins. So, for offenses, it’s got to be a choice each week: Who gets the double-team, who gets a single?”

Franklin-Myers, then, is a natural ceiling-raiser. So is Roach, as a ready-made rotational substitute for Jones and others.

But the Broncos, soon, will be forced to weigh the height of that ceiling against several tens of millions

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST

Denver’s Malcolm Roach stands on the sidelines during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Aug. 9.

MATCH ’EM

What’s in a nickname?

BY LUCA EVANS, THE DENVER POST

From Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton to Peyton “The Sheriff” Manning, a slew of Broncos have procured some of the best nicknames in football history. As Denver heads into 2025, can you match the current Bronco with nicknames they’ve earned over their NFL careers?

Nicknames

A. Cadillac

B. Caption King

C. PSII

D. El Toro

E. Sixth Man

F. The Bloodhound

G. The Cleaner

H. Fake Canadian

I. The Belly

J. Mr. Unstoppable

Answer key

His esatammte in Canada dlleca him eth eak“F ”Canadian. C:10- Duh.

9-H: onSinglet dyepla a wfe sarye in the LCF erfta going edftaundr out of anaMont e.atSt

nMa fo the arYe rwinne uLo lliamsWi rfo his ability to emak an tpacim in a eservre le.ro

6-I: arSt dguar Meinerz let his omachst hang out at okiero ampminic in 2021 and hasn’t edliv it wndo e.sinc

J:5- sey’Harv usinco is none herot than -ndgele yar rxebo yRo Jones .,Jr swho’ passing his now enicknam wn.do

4,202 Jets running back eeecBr Hall dlleca him the tion“Cap ”King.

A:7- This is Oklahoma eammatte Jaden wles’Kno nickname rfo Mims, ausebec of who thlysmoo he runs. 8-E: A -dubbedself nickname

ing on” while a member of the wNe rkYo Jets in

elif elik a nail ch,te no erttma what epke -esspr

4-B: erftA seranklin-MyFr eonc edeettw e“Liv my

G:3- tNo just “The .”erJok nrateVe tight end -En amgr ldto osoncBr serportre he eslik to llca himself a “cleaner” ead,inst due to his y.encnsistco

2-D: Dobbins sha been rkingwo on his Spanish rfo s,arye and is omfr s,xaTe land of the bulls.

last ,erwint and his sneraitr in onaAriz veha run with it erev e.sinc

:1-F toBonit edartst llingca himself a bloodhound

6. Quinn Meinerz

7. Marvin Mims Jr.

8. Malcolm Roach

9. Alex Singleton

10. Pat Surtain II

PARKER GABRIEL,

Broncos Defense

TheBroncos defenseenters 2025 carrying the expectationthatitwill be amongthe best in theNFL and perhaps Denver’s best sincethe No Fly Zone. Theteam returns nearly everyregular from ayear ago, added impactfreeagentsininside linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safetyTalanoa Hufanga,and spent its first-round draftpick on cornerback JahdaeBarron.Ithas the reigning defensive player of the year in cornerback PatSurtainIIand anewly minted$100 millionman in defensive end Zach Allen. This group is stacked. And if it stayshealthy, it should be aproblem.

Defensiveend

Zach Allen |99 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, 27 yearsold, 7thseason, BostonCollege Allenled all DTswith 67 pressures and 40 quarterback hits in amonstrous, 8.5-sack2024. Thenhelanded a$102 million extension this summer.He’sprimed to ascend to star status and says he’sgot plenty of room to improve

Nose tackle

D.J. Jones |93 6-0,305, 30, 9thseason,Ole Miss

The Broncos kept Jones from hitting free agency withathree-year deal in March. He’sstout againstthe run and in many waysthe soul of Denver’sdefensivefront.

Malcolm Roach |97 6-3, 290, 27, 6th season, Texas

If Jones is the soul, Roach is thevoice.He talksand talksand talks somemore,and all the while plays the run with aplomb.He’sthe kind of playerwho lights up a locker room.

Defensiveend

John Franklin-Myers|98

6-4, 288, 28,8th season, Stephen F. Austin Franklin-Myersisentering the last year of his contract and should be motivated to land abig deal —fromDenveror someone else. Consistent, disruptiveand underappreciated,JFM is the straw that stirsthe DL’s pass-rush drink.

Sai’vion Jones |95 6-5, 289, 22,rookie, LSU

The third-round pick could well be Franklin-Myers’ long-term replacement. In the meantime,though, he’s gotachancetoearn reps onareally deep line. Jones’ motorwill endear him to fans quickly

Nik Bonitto |15 6-3, 240, 25, 4thseason, Oklahoma Bonitto leaptintothe national conversation with 13.5 sacksand a series of game-changing plays last year.Now he’ll try to showhe’sone of the game’s eliterushers and build off his all-world first-step quickness.

DondreaTillman |92 6-4, 247, 27,2nd season, Indiana (Pa.) Tillman made the roster last year,produced and appearstohaveonly continuedimproving. He’sgot achancetobe areal impactplayerafter an impressivetraining camp.

AlexSingleton| 49

6-2,240,31, 7thseason, Montana State Singleton had never been hurt in his career before atorn ACLin2024and thenabrokenthumb in training camp. If he’s healthy, he’ll call the defense andbeatackling machine. Entering the final year of his contract, he has no remaining guaranteed money

DreGreenlaw |57

6-0, 230, 28,7th season, Arkansas If healthy, he’s the kind of sideline-to-sideline playerthe Broncos haven’t had in years. He cancover, and he arrives at the ball with abandon. Dealt with an offseason quad injury thatisworth monitoring as the regular season arrives.

Levelle Bailey| 56

6-2,225,24, 2nd season, Fresno State Asecond-year breakout candidate, though the Broncos arehoping he plays behind Singleton and Greenlawand excels on special teams.

Jonathon Cooper |0 6-4, 257, 27,5th season, OhioState Secured afour-year extension midway through the 2024season and is one of the foremost leadersofthis group. Cooper finished last fall with acareer-best 10.5 sacksand nowhas 19 combined in the past two seasons.

JonahElliss |52 6-4, 246, 22, 2nd season, Utah Apromising young player who dealt with ashoulder injury this offseason but lookshealthynow and is capable of both rushing the passer and defending the run.

ANDYCROSS —THE DENVER POST

Broncos defensiveend Zach Allen landeda $102 million extensionthis summer.

Outside LB

Inside LB

Outside LB

Broncos cornerback PatSurtain II is the reigning NFL defensiveplayerofthe year

Cornerback

PatSurtain II |2

6-2, 202, 25, 5th season, Alabama

The reigning NFLdefensiveplayerofthe year, amultiple-time All-Pro and one of thefinest cornerbacksinclub history already,Surtain thinkshecan be even betterthis season. He’s the rare 25-year-old who is already on aHall of Fame track.

Kris Abrams-Draine |31 5-11, 178,23, 2nd season, Missouri

Abit under-the-radar,but the 2024 fifth-rounder rose to the occasion when called upon down the stretch as arookie. Thearrow is pointing up here

Safety

TalanoaHufanga |9 6-0,200, 25, |5th season, USC

The2022 All-Pro has dealt with injuries recently,but he canplay aleading role in this group’sfortunesifhe’s healthy. Headcoach SeanPaytoncalls him “a firstresponder”for a reason

P.J. Locke|6 5-10, 202, 28, 6th season, Texas Lockeplayedthrough abrokenthumband then hada spinal fusion operation duringthe offseason. He says he feelsgood now,but he’s probably arole playerthis fall.

Safety

Brandon Jones |22 6-0, 191, 27,6th season,Texas

A2024freeagent addition, Jones stepped intoafull-time role and thrived in Joseph’s defense.Playingnextto Hufanga should makean exciting pairing.

DevonKey |26 6-0, 208, 27, 3rdseason, Western Kentucky

The most likely in a group of several contenderstoend up as the No.4 safety because of his prior experience, and also his quality special teamswork.

Cornerback

RileyMoss |21 6-0, 193, 25, 3rdseason, Iowa

Moss turned in areally good first year as afulltime starter last fall and has spent training camp making lifedifficult on just about everybody who lines up across from him.

Ja’Quan McMillian| 29 5-10, 183,25, 4thseason, East Carolina

The 2022 undrafted free agent has turned himself intoone of the better nickels in football. And even still, he’ll have to hold off afirst-round pick to keep his job.

Jahdae Barron |12 5-11, 200, 23,rookie, Texas

The Broncos love his versatility,tackling ability and high-level intelligence. Where will Barron play? Who will he supplant? VanceJoseph’s gotoptions here.

Mitchell Fraboni |48 6-2, 223, 28,4th season, Arizona State Aconsistent performer who’sdeveloped asubstantial trackrecordand got$1.7million guaranteed on athree-year deal this spring.

JeremyCrawshaw|16 6-3, 205, 24,rookie, Florida

The Broncos wanted an upgrade over RileyDixon and believethey’vefound it in the rookie, who can send the ball intoorbit but needs to be more consistent.

Note

Nickel

Long snapper

Punter

2025 NFL SCHEDULE

Top20games to watch

BY MATT SCHUBERT, THE DENVER POST

Hereare 20 games to watchonthe 2025 NFL slate, from Aaron Rodgers’triumphant returntothe Meadowlands to another potential Russ Bowl at EmpowerField at Mile High

WEEK 1

Pittsburgh at NewYorkJets

11 a.m. Sunday, Sept.7,KCNC-4

Tempting as it is to go with the Chiefsand Chargers slipping and sliding all overthe Brazilianturf onFriday, Sept.5,inSao Paulo,wecan’t resist QB Aaron Rodgers’ return to the Meadowlands foramatchupagainst former Steelersquarterback Justin Fields.

BaltimoreatBuffalo

6:20 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, KUSA-9

Bills quarterback Josh Allen andRavens counterpart Lamar Jackson split the NFL’s MVPawardslast fall, marking thefirsttime that’shappened in 21 years. The winner here gets an earlyleg up —inboththe MVP race and the race forthe AFC’stop seed

WEEK 2

Philadelphia at Kansas City

2:25 p.m. Sunday,Sept. 14,KDVR-31

Did the Eagles put an end to the Chiefs’ dynasty with last February’s40-22 beatdown in SuperBowlLIX? This game could provide an earlyclue as to howsturdy quarterback Patrick Mahomes’squad truly is after five SuperBowltrips in six seasons.

Las VegasatLos Angeles Chargers

8p.m.Monday, Sept. 15,ESPN

There’snobettercoaching rivalry in football than Pete Carroll vs.Jim Harbaugh. It began in the Pac-12 with USC vs.Stanford, movedtothe NFCWestwith Seattle vs.San Francisco, and nowitcomestothe AFCWest. So, of course, the NFLburies it at 8p.m. on aMonday.

WEEK 3

Houston at Jacksonville

11 a m Sunday, Sept 21, KCNC-4

A relatively tepid Week 3 slate is saved by the presence of CU Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who could spend half his day trying to shake free of All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr and the other half locking down Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins

WEEK 4

Cincinnati at Denver

6:15 p.m. Monday, Sept.29, KMGH-7

If this is anything likelastDecember’s instantclassic at Paycor Stadium —anovertime thrillerthatincluded aBoNix-to-MarvinMimsJr. heaveatthe endofregulation and walk-off TD passfromJoe BurrowtoTee Higgins— thenwe’re in foratreat.

WEEK 5

SanFranciscoatLos Angeles Rams

6:15 p.m. Thursday,Oct.2,AmazonPrime Plaguedbyinjuries, Kyle Shanahan’s49erswentfrom SuperBowlLIV to adisappointing6-11campaign in 2024. After an exodusoftalent in free agency,their hopes of returning to contention with ahealthyChris-

tian McCaffrey may very well hinge on this divisional matchup

WEEK 6

Chicago at Washington

6:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13,KMGH-7

The toptwo picksinthe 2024 draft meetagain, with Chicago QB Caleb Williams looking to avenge last year’sHail Mary heartbreaker. Jayden Daniels-to-Noah Brownignited a10-game Bearslosing streak that led to the end of the MattEberflus era in Chicago.

WEEK 7

NewYork GiantsatDenver

2p.m. Sunday,Oct.19, KCNC-4

An early-season Russell Wilson injury denied Broncos fans atrue Russ Bowl when the Steelerscamecalling last fall. But goodthings come to thosewho wait … unless first-round pickJaxson Dart has already taken Wilson’sjob at this point.

WEEK 8

Green BayatPittsburgh

6:20 p.m.Sunday, Oct. 26, KUSA-9

If only this were at Lambeau Field. Alas,wemust settle forAaron Rodgersfacing hisformer team —the one he quarterbacked to 11 playoffbidsand aSuper Bowl title, notthe one currently digging itself outfromhis disastrous two-year tenure—in theSteel City.

WEEK 9

Kansas City at Buffalo

2:25 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, KCNC-4

Sign us up forany meeting between PatrickMahomes andJosh Allen. Mahomes holds thehead-to-head edge at 5-4 after winning January’sAFC title game, but Allen has wonfourstraight regular-season meetings. Addadash of snowand this is must-see TV.

WEEK 10

Atlantavs. Indianapolis

7:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, NFL Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.made hisbones inthe Crossroads of America, buthis firstgame againstan Indiana team will be in …Germany? The 2024firstround pick showedflashes at the end of last season Take another step, and Atlantawill contend in awinnable NFCSouth.

WEEK 11

Detroit at Philadelphia

6:20 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, KUSA-9

Washington’splayoffupset of Detroit robbedusof what could’vebeen an epicNFC title game between the Lions and Eagles. Will Dan Campbell’sclub remain explosivewith former offensivecoordinator Ben Johnson off to Chicago?Amatchup against Philly’sD should reveal plenty

WEEK 12

TampaBay at LosAngeles Rams

6:20 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23,KUSA-9

Sean McVayand the Rams resurrectedBaker Mayfield’scareer with abriefcup of coffeeatthe endof the 2022 season. They’ll meet forthe first time since, with the Heisman Trophy-winning QB nowthe leader of aBucsfranchise that’swon the NFCSouth four yearsinarow

WEEK

13

Minnesota at Seattle

2p.m.Sunday,Nov.30, KDVR-31

QBSam Darnold ledMinnesota to 14 wins and aplayoff berth, thenthe Vikings said “thanks, but no thanks” to offering him another contractwith 2024 first-round pickJ.J. McCarthywaiting in the wings.Here’sguessing Darnold’s had this one circled forawhile

WEEK 14

Tennessee at Cleveland

11 a.m.Sunday, Dec. 7, KDVR-31

Considerthis abet that Shedeur Sanderswill be taking snaps forthe Browns …and ready to provehis father and CU Buffs head coach DeionSandersright by taking down No. 1overall pick Cam Ward in abattle of Class of 2025 quarterbacks.

WEEK

15

Miami at Pittsburgh

6:15 p.m.Monday, Dec.15, ESPN

HeadcoachMikeTomlinhasn’thad alosing record oncein18seasonsinPittsburgh. Aurora native Mike McDanielhas woneight games or more in eachofhis three seasons as head coach in Miami. Both mayneed abig year to hold on to theirjobs.

WEEK 16

Green BayatChicago

TBDSaturday, Dec.20, KDVR-31

The bestrivalry in footballisalso among themost one-sided, with the Packersholding a26-5 edgeinthe series since2010. If formerLionsOCBen Johnson is going to win over the Midwayasthe Bears’ newhead coach, he must start beatingthe Pack first.

WEEK 17

Dallas at Washington

11 a.m.Thursday,Dec.25, Netflix

The league’sholidaygift to football fans?Three spectacular divisionalmatchups on Christmas Day… that will all be broadcastoneither Netflix or Amazon Prime. Because nothing says happyholidays quitelikemaking fans payfor twodifferent streaming services.

WEEK 18

Indianapolis at Houston

TBD Jan. 6or7,TBD

The AFCSouth is the early front-runner forthe weakestdivision in the NFL. It stands to reason that one of the twogames involving teams from that division will decide aplayoffspotonthe final weekendofthe season. Here’s guessingit’sthisone.

AFC West preview» Can Nix, Broncos end Chiefs’ division domination?

1. Kansas City Chiefs

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 8-1; Over-under win total, 11.5

Strengths: The Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes and, after seven years, the 31 other teams still do not. The offense and the pass rush took steps back last season, and the team still went 15-2and made the Super Bowl Now Mahomes gets two key wide receivers back from injury, plus potentially two upgrades along the offensive line.

Weaknesses: Father Time remains undefeated, but it’s still probably too early for him to declare victory against the Chiefs’ dynasty That said, Kansas City needs an infusion of impact from younger players on the defense and to do a better job of protecting Mahomes, even if he remains a magician when plays break down

2. Denver Broncos

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 25-1; Over-under win total, 9.5

Strengths: This defense was already formidable, and it could be even better with the additions of safety Talanoa Hufanga, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and first-round CB Jahdae Barron Bo Nix exceeded a lot of people’s expectations as a rookie, and now he’s got a shiny new tight end (Evan Engram) to throw to and a revamped running back depth chart.

Weaknesses: There are very real expectations for Nix in Year 2. The new running backs have had injury issues or are young and unproven A breakout year from a young wide receiver might be needed for this offense to really take off OK, we’re picking nits It’s time to win big again in Denver maybe?

3. Los Angeles Chargers

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 28-1; Over-under win total, 9.5

Strengths: Quarterback Justin Herbert is in Year 3or 4of, “Is this the year?” but the tools are all there and he finally has some continuity with the offensive coaching staff The defense was the stingiest in the league to score on last year

Weaknesses: Losing OT Rashawn Slater for the season to injury is a huge blow Is Herbert even the best Oregon alum at his position in the division? Mike Williams was going to help him out, but he decided to retire so the wide receivers are going to be young. The running backs are firstround pick Omarion Hampton and 2021 first-rounder Najee Harris, who might like running behind this line better but he had mixed results in Pittsburgh

4. Las Vegas Raiders

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 100-1; Over-under win total, 7.5

Strengths: Going from Josh McDaniels and Antonio Pierce to Pete Carroll at head coach should be a big upgrade. Ashton Jeanty is the most exciting rookie running back since Saquon Barkley, at least? Tight end Brock Bowers and edge rusher Maxx Crosby are franchise players.

Weaknesses: Hired a coach who helped a past team to the Super Bowl, like the rest of the AFC West? Check. Found a young franchise quarterback to build around? Eh, not so much Geno Smith is better than what the Raiders have had recently, but he might be fourth best in this division And then there is the Christian Wilkins situation, which certainly doesn’t help a team already facing a talent deficit compared to its rivals

CHARLIE RIEDEL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambles during the first half of the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills, Jan. 26in Kansas City, Mo

AFC East preview» Is it finally time for Allen, Bills to reach Super Bowl?

1. Buffalo Bills

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 7-1; Over-under win total, 11.5

Strengths: Quarterback Josh Allen is the reigning MVP, and his pass-catching options might be a tick better this year with wide receiver Josh Palmer added and another year of development for Keon Coleman and tight end Dalton Kincaid. The 1-2rushing punch of running back James Cook and Allen might be the best in the AFC outside of Baltimore.

Weaknesses: The team in Kansas City is still a member of the AFC. Beyond that, after one aging star (Von Miller) didn’t provide much juice for the pass rush, the Bills are going to try another (Joey Bosa). They have other strong options up front, but the back seven can be vulnerable at times. Maybe yet another aging star (CB Tre’Davious White) can have a throwback year in his return

2. Miami Dolphins

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 80-1; Over-under win total, 8.5

Strengths: The Dolphins have an impactful collection of skill position guys and Aurora native Mike McDaniel’s offense hums when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is healthy. The names on the outside, particularly with the addition of rookie defensive lineman Kenneth Grant inside, should produce more pressure and sacks for this defense.

Weaknesses: The phrase “when Tagovailoa is healthy” is doing a lot of work. The backup QB is either going to be former Bronco Zach Wilson or seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers out of Texas. Miami added future Hall of Fame safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, but subtracted future HOF cornerback Jalen Ramsey from a position that already looked thin behind him.

3. New England Patriots

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 80-1; Over-under win total, 8.5

Strengths: The Patriots were one of the big spenders this offseason, so there are definitely more quality NFL players on the roster. New England made a splashy addition at each level of the defense. There are other non-contending teams that would trade their quarterback for Drake Maye yesterday, and some that would like Mike Vrabel to coach for them as well

Weaknesses: These guys might be a trendy pick to be much improved, but they had a lot of turnover this offseason. That doesn’t always work immediately. Also, the offense was terrible last year and the top offseason additions are a rookie offensive tackle and an aging wide receiver (Stefon Diggs) who tore an ACL in October.

4 New York Jets

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 200-1; Over-under win total, 6.5

Strengths: Cornerback Sauce Gardner and receiver Garrett Wilson are franchise building blocks A couple of the club’s other recent high first-round picks could be as well. And … the front office doesn’t have to worry about what Aaron Rodgers says on The Pat McAfee Show anymore?

Weaknesses: Just about everything else, unless quarterback Justin Fields can prove he’s ready to take a big leap forward as Rodgers’ replacement. Expect there to be a lot of Arch Manning chatter in the Big Apple this football season, because both New York teams could be in the running for the top pick

COREY MASISAK, THE DENVER POST

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST

Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills reads the Broncos defense during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Jan. 12

AFC North preview» Rodgers is here, but will Ravens still rule?

1. Baltimore Ravens

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 7-1; Over-under win total, 11.5

Strengths: The Ravens, synonymous with strong defense for, well, the entire 21st century, produced the No 1offense in the league last season Postseason wobbles aside, Lamar Jackson is one of the three best quarterbacks in the sport, the offensive line is great and Derrick Henry laughed at your aging curves all the way to more than 1,900yards rushing last year

Weaknesses: Baltimore gave up a lot of passing yards, partly because teams were desperate to keep pace on the scoreboard The Ravens made a couple of additions, including first-round pick Malaki Starks, in the secondary. Maybe tight end Mark Andrews won’t be able to fully recover from his gaffes in a stunning playoff loss to Buffalo. Maybe Jackson will continue to put on his Clark Kent glasses in the postseason. Otherwise, good luck

2. Cincinnati Bengals

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 20-1; Over-under win total, 9.5

Strengths: Saying that Joe Burrow might “only” be the fourth-best quarterback in the world behind Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Jackson is like trying to pick out the worst Golden Girl or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle He’s amazing, and he’ll continue to have one of the best 1-2punches at wideout after Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both signed huge extensions this offseason

Weaknesses: Saying the Bengals had one of the worst defenses in the league last year would be like well, just reciting some statistics. It’s also been a rocky offseason with public contract disputes involving their best defensive player, Trey Hendrickson, and first-round pick Shemar Stewart. Al Golden made Notre Dame’s defense mighty Now he’s being tasked with helping the Bengals get back to respectable.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 40-1; Over-under win total, 8.5

Strengths: The Steelers have three future Hall of Fame members on defense, though safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was swapped out for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who joins T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward. They have a new high-end No 1wide receiver, a strong tight end room and an exciting rookie running back

Weaknesses: And they have Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Is the offensive line going to be better? Maybe. Is Ramsey’s positional value an upgrade over Fitzpatrick? Maybe. But everything is focused on Rodgers just the way he likes it So, is this going to be another year in the mushy middle of the NFL for Mike Tomlin’s Steelers? Probably

4. Cleveland Browns

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 300-1; Over-under win total, 4.5

Strengths: Edge rusher Myles Garrett tried to leave, but the Browns convinced him to stay with a hefty extension. Add in top-five pick Mason Graham, and Cleveland could be great up front, and pretty salty in general on defense.

Weaknesses: The old saying goes, “If you have two quarterbacks, then you have none.” So, what does that mean for the Browns? CU Buffs product Shedeur Sanders could start. Or Dillon Gabriel. Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco are in camp as well Deshaun Watson has a torn Achilles Maybe Kelly Holcomb or DeShone Kizer will take snaps at some point this season.

COREY MASISAK, THE DENVER POST

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looks to pass against the Broncos defense during the fourth quarter of the Ravens’ 41-10win at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore last November

AFC South preview» Could Hunter, Jaguars surprise everyone?

1. Houston Texans

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 35-1; Over-under win total, 9.5

Strengths: Quarterback C.J. Stroud’s sophomore season might be a warning to certain blue-and-orange-clad fans Stroud had a nice second year, but didn’t challenge the elite tier at the position and his Texans had a relatively ho-hum season, finishing with the same record and another divisional round loss He’s still very good, and the pass catchers should be improved with newcomers Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel on board.

Weaknesses: The offensive line was quite bad last year and could have five new starters Have the Texans not been paying attention to the issues with trying to build a line through the transfer portal?

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 80-1; Over-under win total, 7.5

Strengths: New head coach Liam Coen’s track record has made him one of the brightest young coaches in the sport, and now he’s got his own team It’s time for quarterback Trevor Lawrence to fulfill his potential. He’s got a couple of young, exciting weapons, including some new guy named Travis Hunter

Weaknesses: The confidence level that Jacksonville will get the most out of Hunter might not be universally high, but the CU Buffs Heisman Trophy winner might just be too good to worry about that Now, about the rest of an under-performing defense, and suspect rushing attack, and well, the Jaguars went 4-13last year

3. Indianapolis Colts

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 100-1; Over-under win total, 7.5

Strengths: Jonathan Taylor runs for a lot of yards when healthy behind an excellent offensive line. Rookie Tyler Warren could be one of the best tight ends and a matchup nightmare in short order, joining a solid group of pass catchers The defense was also solid last year and has two key newcomers in the secondary.

Weaknesses: This team might be a quarterback away from being a Super Bowl contender. And its current depth chart at the position is headed by Anthony Richardson and New York Giants cast-off Daniel Jones. Richardson has incredible tools, but it’s getting late pretty early in his NFL career This might be the last chance for Jones to show he can be a starter.

4. Tennessee Titans

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl, 200-1; Over-under win total, 5.5

Strengths: The defensive line is pretty good. The interior of the offensive line should be good as well Tennessee hopes new left tackle Dan Moore Jr., added in free agency from Pittsburgh, will be an improvement. And that No 1pick Cam Ward is going to take his first steps toward Canton on Sept 7when the Titans visit Denver for their Week 1lid-lifter

Weaknesses: Remember when Caleb Williams was the first pick and the consensus was, “Wow, QBs taken at No 1don’t get to walk into envious situations like this very often?” Well, that’s not the case here for Ward This was the worst team in the league last year It’s probably going to be one of the worst again this year even if Ward has a nice freshman campaign

JOHN RAOUX THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter smiles at photographers as he warms up during practice at the team’s training camp on July 28in Jacksonville, Fla.

Philly,AFC elitetop listofcontenders

The DenverBroncos spent all training camp talking SuperBowl, but they’ll have to leapfrogseveral other contenderstomakethathappen. Here’s alook at howall 32 teams stack up aheadofthe 2025 season:

1. PhiladelphiaEagles

The defending Super Bowl champs gettop billing thanks to quarterback JalenHurts, runningback Saquon Barkley, and aloaded defense.

2. BaltimoreRavens

The Ravens might have the best quarterback in football and the best overall roster.At some point, it’sgot to showin the postseason.

3. BuffaloBills

Josh Allen andcompanyare going to break through and gettoaSuperBowlatsome point, right?Right?

4. Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes has played in an AFCtitle gameevery year he’s startedinKansas City,and it won’t be easyto knock him off thatcourse.

5. Detroit Lions

Can former Broncos passing game coordinator John Mortonably replaceBen Johnson as Jared Goff’s offensive coordinator?

6. Green BayPackers

The Packersshould be formidable on both sides of the ball, but they need Jordan Love to playlikeone of the NFL’s best QBs.

7. Washington Commanders

Dan Quinn and Jayden Daniels madefor one of the league’s beststoriesin2024. Now, canthey backitup?

8. LosAngeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh’sroster is solid, andthe addition of rookieRB Omarion Hamptongives them aback to fullylean into the rungame

9. DenverBroncos

Sean Payton’steam isn’t sneaking up on anybodythis year,but the Broncos have perhaps theleague’s most talented defenseand an ascendingQBinBoNix.

GREGORYSHAMUS —GETTY IMAGES

Philadelphia’sJalen Hurts celebrates afterbeating Kansas City 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9inNew Orleans.

10. LosAngeles Rams

If quarterback Matthew Stafford stayshealthy, this team has the makings of aSuper Bowl contender. Butthat’sa big if

11. MinnesotaVikings

TheVikings arelikethe Broncos: Talented,well-coached, maybe aSuper Bowl threat, and maybe thirdplaceintheir owndivision.

12. Cincinnati Bengals

JoeBurrow’s gothis receivers locked up andthe offense should be as dangerous as ever,but canthe Bengals stop anybody?

13.San Francisco49ers

The49ershad brutal injury luck in2024and shedbig contractsthis offseason, but still have the juicetobereal players in theNFC.

14.HoustonTexans

Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter areone of the most formidable defensiveduos in theNFL, and if the offense rebounds, look out.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers

TheSteelerswenttowork thisoffseason,adding Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf,Darius Slay,Juan Thornhill and more. They’ll be fascinating at a minimum.

16. TampaBay Buccaneers

Rookie WR EmekaEgbukais already drawing ravereviews, andBaker Mayfield’s played likeastarquarterback in an eminently winnable division

17.Dallas Cowboys

If everything goesrightfor the Cowboys,they’vegot the talent and the quarterback to be in the NFCmix,but when’s the last time that happened?

18. Seattle Seahawks

Year 2underMikeMacDonald has promise, especially if the defense movesupfrom finishing tied for11th in EPA last season.

19. Miami Dolphins

Is MikeMcDaniel trending towardthe hotseat? If Tua Tagovailoa is healthyand the Dolphins getonagood offensiverun, thenno. If not…

20. Chicago Bears

TheBearsare going to draw aton of attention with new head coach Ben Johnson pairing with QB Caleb Williams, but is this the year the franchise finally breaksout?

21.ArizonaCardinals

Could Year 2bethe year of Marvin Harrison Jr.? His885 yardsand 8TDs as arookie arenothing to sneeze at, but that might be just the start.

22. Las Vegas Raiders

Notmanyteams have amore exciting pair of young playmakersthan TE Brock Bowersand RB Ashton Jeanty, and vibes aregood with new HC Pete Carroll.

23.AtlantaFalcons

QB Michael Penix Jr.has RB Bijan Robinson, agood set of weapons, and achanceto showwhy the Falcons drafted him No. 8overall in 2024.

24.New England Patriots

The Patriots hired MikeVrabel to bring stability back to the franchise in the post-Bill Belichick era. Howfastcan he and QB DrakeMayeget it going?

25. NewYork Jets

Head coach AaronGlenn and GM Darren Mougey madebig decisions but also quieted the building down this offseason. But is Justin Fields really the answer at QB?

26. Jacksonville Jaguars

Whathas happened to you, Trevor Lawrence? Bettermake some haythis year with Brian Thomas Jr.and Travis Hunter

27.Indianapolis Colts

The Colts arestuck in QB purgatory unless Anthony Richardson engineersa massiveturnaround.

28. NewOrleans Saints

Is therea worseoffense out therethanthe Saints?New headcoach Kellen Moorehas his work cut out forhim

29. NewYork Giants

The Broncos in Week 7might be agood over/under forwhen the Giants kick off head coach searchseason.

30. Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young’sresurgence in 2024was greattosee. Now, canthe Panthersstop anybody?

31.Tennessee

Titans

No. 1overall pick Cam Ward hastalent, but likemanyinhis position before, there’slittle infrastructurearound that would inspireconfidence.

32.

Cleveland Browns

Howmanyquarterbackscan one franchise churn through in asingle season?The Browns might find out beforesettling on Shedeur Sanders.

—PARKER GABRIEL,THE DENVER POST

Who will win theAFC West?

Burrow,QBJosh

QB Josh Allen, Baltimore BaltimoreCincinati Buffalo Buffalo

Coach of the Year John Harbaugh, Jim Harbaugh, MikeVrabel, BenJohnson, Raheem Morris, Baltimore LosAngelesNew England Chicago Atlanta

Offensive Playerofthe Year TE Brock Bowers,RBBijan Robinson, WR Ja’Marr Chase, RB Saquon Barkley,QBJosh Allen, Las VegasAtlantaCincinati Philadelphia Buffalo

DPOYOLB Will Anderson, OLB Myles Garrett, DE Aidan Hutchinson, DE Nick Bosa, OLB Will Anderson, Houston ClevelandDetroit San FranciscoHouston

OffensiveROY TE Colston Loveland, RB Ashton Jeanty,RBAshton Jeanty,QBCam Ward,WRTravis Hunter, Chicago Las Vegas Las Vegas Tennessee Jacksonville

DefensiveROY CB Travis Hunter,OLB Abdul Carter,CBTravis Hunter,CBTravis Hunter,CBTravis Hunter, Jacksonville New York Jacksonville Jacksonville Jacksonville

Disappointing team Pittsburgh Kansas City Pittsburgh Washington Green Bay Surprise team Las VegasCarolina Jacksonville Chicago Atlanta AFCchampion BaltimoreBaltimoreBaltimoreBaltimoreBuffalo NFCchampion Philadelphia Washington Philadelphia San FranciscoDetroit Super Bowl champion BaltimoreBaltimoreBaltimoreBaltimoreBuffalo

NFC West preview» Can McCaffrey’s 49ers go worst to first?

1. Los Angeles Rams

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 20-1; Over-under win total: 9.5

Strengths: After Cooper Kupp’s production started to decline, the Rams swapped him out with Davante Adams this offseason, remodeling a stellar receiver room around Puka Nacua. Coach Sean McVay makes it difficult to bet against the Rams, who won this division last year, punked a 14-win Vikings team in the playoffs and gave eventual champion Philadelphia a better fight than anyone else

Weaknesses: Throwing to Nacua and Adams is Matthew Stafford, who is capable of being one of the best pocket passers in the league He’s also 37years old, increasingly prone to bouts of inconsistency and limited in his mobility Aging quarterbacks are always susceptible to dramatic decline. When they do, they can take an entire team with them

2. San Francisco 49ers

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 20-1; Over-under win total: 10.5

Strengths: Kyle Shanahan has the coaching pedigree and top-end talent at his disposal to prove 2024was a nightmare anomaly. Christian McCaffrey, one of the NFL’s most versatile backfield weapons, is back after an injury-spoiled season. Receiver Brandon Aiyuk (ACL) should eventually return And future Hall of Fame tight end George Kittle hasn’t shown any signs of decline. Nick Bosa is an unstoppable force in the pass rush

Weaknesses: Medical history. Niners fans will be holding their breath whenever their stars have the ball because of how last season spiraled McCaffrey played four games. Aiyuk played seven. A team that was agonizingly close to winning a Super Bowl a year earlier suddenly resided in the NFC West cellar The 49ers aren’t getting anywhere without better injury luck to support QB Brock Purdy.

3. Seattle Seahawks

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 60-1; Over-under win total: 7.5

Strengths: It might not be the Legion of Boom, but the Seahawks could be rolling out one of the NFC’s most potent defenses, led by Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed up front. Safety Julian Love and cornerback Devon Witherspoon are proven stalwarts. With a defensive-minded head coach in Mike Macdonald, Seattle’s playoff hopes rest on his side of the ball

Weaknesses: The offensive line remains an existential threat Sam Darnold is a true wild card replacement for Geno Smith at QB He’s trying to beat the one-hit wonder allegations that followed him from Minnesota ever since his playoff dud. And Seattle is betting on the ex-Rams receiver Cupp to return to form instead of continuing a downward trajectory

4. Arizona Cardinals

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 50-1; Over-under win total: 8.5

Strengths: Arizona has an elite tight end in CSU’s Trey McBride, a formidable rushing attack led by James Conner and an improved defensive line with offseason acquisitions Dalvin Tomlinson, Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell There’s a lot to build on after an 8-9season, especially with the star potential of second-year receiver Marvin Harrison Jr

Weaknesses: The Cardinals ranked bottom 10in yards allowed per pass attempt and per rush attempt last year Their linebacker room remains lackluster They’re also going to be confronted with questions about what their ceiling is realistically with Kyler Murray at quarterback, despite how much he progressed last year

BENNETT DURANDO, THE DENVER POST

GEORGE WALKER IV THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey celebrates a touchdown against Kansas City during the first half of Super Bowl 58on Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas.

NFC East preview» Daniels trying to chase down defending champs

1. Philadelphia Eagles

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 7-1; Over-under win total: 11.5

Strengths: They’re the only NFC team penciled at 11.5wins by Vegas for a reason. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are outdone only by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry for the distinction of best quarterback-running back duo in the NFL. The interior offensive line is a brick wall The defensive line is a battering ram. The secondary made a fool of Patrick Mahomes and denied him a three-peat six months ago.

Weaknesses: As is tradition in the salary cap era, Philadelphia suffered a championship tax this offseason by losing key contributors such as cornerback Darius Slay, offensive lineman Mekhi Becton and defensive linemen Josh Sweat and Milton Williams The Eagles also lost offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to a head coaching gig in New Orleans.

2. Washington Commanders

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 18-1; Over-under win total: 9.5

Strengths: Jayden Daniels already took Washington to unprecedented heights with a Cinderella run to the NFC title game That was as a rookie He’s the most hyped future superstar in the league now, with Deebo Samuel joining his arsenal of weapons alongside Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz and Noah Brown. The Commanders are also returning their elite linebacker duo of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu

Weaknesses: There’s not much else to like about the defense. Washington was fifth-worst in rush yards allowed per carry in 2024, and its secondary is dotted with question marks. As fun as the Commanders’ emergence was, they did benefit from multiple come-from-behind wins in the last 10seconds (including a Daniels Hail Mary).

3. Dallas Cowboys

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 50-1; Over-under win total: 7.5

Strengths: Dak Prescott has the weapons to lead a top-tier passing attack if he can stay healthy and shake off his rough eight-game sample from 2024 Lead receiver CeeDee Lamb is joined now by the mercurial George Pickens, who never played with a quarterback of Prescott’s caliber during his three years in Pittsburgh.

Weaknesses: The vibes at Jerry World aren’t at their best after star edge rusher Micah Parsons requested a trade late in the offseason, adding another layer to a very public contract standoff with dictatorial owner Jerry Jones. On the field, Dallas was bad at running the football last year and even worse at stopping the run.

4. New York Giants

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 200-1; Over-under win total: 5.5

Strengths: The Giants drafted Abdul Carter third overall to bolster a defensive line that’s already lethal, starring Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux If they ever strengthen any other parts of their roster, that front will be a force to be reckoned with

Weaknesses: Late-stage Russell Wilson didn’t work out in Denver. He didn’t work much better in Pittsburgh, tail-spinning into a first-round playoff exit after a fool’s gold start to last season. Why exactly is he supposed to be the solution in New York, where he’s another year older and the offensive line is a mess? There’s no shortage of weaknesses here, but the Wilson marriage seems especially bizarre instead of focusing singularly on the development of first-round pick Jaxson Dart

BENNETT

EMILEE CHINN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels celebrates a touchdown in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals last September in Cincinnati

NFC North preview» Can anyone dethrone title-contending Lions?

1. Detroit Lions

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 10-1; Over-under win total: 10.5

Strengths: Their championship window won’t last forever, but the Lions still field a pretty complete roster They have exceptional playmakers on both sides of the ball, especially the elite backfield duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery Biggest reason for optimism: Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is back from the season-ending leg injury that loomed over Detroit’s 45-31divisional-round loss to Washington.

Weaknesses: Not many. You can nitpick quarterback Jared Goff after his four-turnover performance in the playoffs, or worry about Frank Ragnow’s retirement from the offensive line, or quibble with Detroit’s schematic potential after losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. But if this roster is healthy, it should remain a Super Bowl contender.

2. Green Bay Packers

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 22-1; Over-under win total: 9.5

Strengths: Still one of the youngest squads in the NFL, Green Bay has reached the playoffs twice in a row with ample room left over to keep improving throughout the roster. Josh Jacobs is fresh off a 1,300-yard rushing season, Jordan Love is protected by a sturdy offensive line, and safety Xavier McKinney was one of the most dynamic defensive backs in the league last year

Weaknesses: Love has evolved into one of the more polarizing quarterbacks in the league, his upside offset by his inconsistency. Mileage varies on whether he’s a worthy franchise QB for one of the NFL’s most storied teams. Green Bay’s defensive line was a weakness in 2024, and questions remain at cornerback surrounding McKinney Youth could be a blessing or a curse.

3. Chicago Bears

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 40-1; Over-under win total: 8.5

Strengths: Welcome to the big seat, Ben Johnson. Is the grass greener in Chicago than the turf was in Detroit? The Bears’ new mad scientist of a head coach is under tremendous pressure to maximize a talented offensive line and a sophomore quarterback who underperformed last year This team was good enough to win eight games, but it was held back by a few of the stupidest endings of the decade so far.

Weaknesses: About that quarterback: Caleb Williams was drafted No 1overall into a pretty favorable situation, making his rookie season an abject failure. By most metrics, he was among the worst starting QBs in the league Da Bears tried to invest in skill players around him this offseason, drafting a tight end in the first round and a receiver in the second Is all of that enough?

4. Minnesota Vikings

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 25-1; Over-under win total: 8.5

Strengths: The Vikings tied for the second-best record in the NFC in 2024, and they still have the best pass-catcher in the sport in Justin Jefferson, not to mention Jordan Addison’s helping hands. Their pass rush is suffocating and multi-faceted Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard alone might be dominant enough to make Minnesota a top-10defense.

Weaknesses: Letting Sam Darnold walk after a career year is a big gamble on JJ McCarthy, whose rookie season was delayed by a torn meniscus Minnesota is pretty much rolling out the red carpet for him now. The job is his, fresh off a months-long recovery, with a team that’s supposed to have championship-caliber expectations It’s a fragile situation on paper, especially considering the flimsy offensive line play that helped doom Darnold last year

BENNETT DURANDO, THE DENVER POST

REY DEL RIO THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff reacts to a 2-yard touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta against the Washington Commanders during an NFL divisional playoff game on Jan. 18in Detroit.

NFC

Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto gets a hand on Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 26-7win at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., last September.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 30-1; Over-under win total: 9.5

Strengths: Chris Godwin is set to return after a season-ending ankle injury in 2024 Mike Evans is trying to make it 12 consecutive years with 1,000receiving yards in what should be one of the most fun (and one of the only fun) storylines in the NFC South. Tampa’s receiver duo is probably the best position group in the division, giving Baker Mayfield plenty to work with and a healthy counterbalance to the Bucky Irving-led run game

Weaknesses: Opposing quarterbacks gashed Tampa over the middle of the field at times last year The secondary remains wobbly, but if the Bucs can field just a league-average defense, that should be enough to buoy them to a comfortable division win.

2. Atlanta Falcons

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 80-1; Over-under win total: 7.5

Strengths: Bijan Robinson broke out with 1,456rushing yards in his second season while establishing himself as one of the NFL’s best pass-catchers out of the backfield as well Atlanta’s offensive line should be effective at supporting him again. Receiver Drake London looks like a franchise player If young quarterback Michael Penix Jr can hold it all together, the Falcons have the best chance at challenging Tampa.

Weaknesses: This was one of the worst teams in the NFL at pressuring opposing quarterbacks last year If that’s going to remain the Falcons’ reality, they’re going to need elite defensive backs, and they don’t really have that either If there’s any hope, it’s that Atlanta drafted pass rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr in the first round.

3. Carolina Panthers

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 150-1; Over-under win total: 6.5

Strengths: Make no mistake, the Panthers aren’t going to be good. But they do have something to build on: a reinvigorated version of Bryce Young that finished strong in 2024after he was benched early in the season. Carolina’s offensive line was not awful, and No 8overall pick Tetairoa McMillan is set to join Young’s receiver corps.

Weaknesses: This was a historically bad defense last year Like, “most points ever allowed in an NFL season” bad. (The new record is 534.) Using the increasingly ubiquitous metric Expected Points Added (EPA), Carolina was the worst team against the run and second-worst against the pass If nothing else, a handful of Panthers games should be fun to watch.

4. New Orleans Saints

BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 300-1;

Over-under win total: 6.5

Strengths: Alvin Kamara ran for 950 yards last season, and the Saints are going to need him to run for a whole lot more now (see below) New Orleans also has some serviceable pieces on the defensive line between Chase Young and Carl Granderson.

Weaknesses: Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement announcement in May threw a wrench in Kellen Moore’s debut campaign at the helm (though Carr’s injury situation might’ve jeopardized the season regardless). All expectations seem to be down the drain at this point, with quarterback options ranging from Spencer Rattler to Tyler Shough to Jake Haener

BENNETT DURANDO, THE DENVER POST

AARON ONTIVEROZ THE DENVER POST

Broncos schedule 2025

BY PARKER GABRIEL,THE

WEEK 4

CINCINNATI

6:15 p.m., Sept. 29, ESPN

Chargersand Bengals back-to-back, just like last year’s stretch run. This time, Joe Burrow’s high-flying offense comes to Denverfor asaucyMondayNight matchup.Pat SurtainIIagainst Ja’Marr Chaselived up to the hype last year.Thisisanearly test of whether the Broncos are betterequipped to handle the best offenses in football. Broncos 27,Bengals 24

WEEK 9 AT HOUSTON

11 a.m., Nov. 2, KDVR-31

The Texans should have another of the NFL’s most disruptive defenses. They need to protectquarterback C.J. Stroud much better than in Year 2. If they succeed, he’sgot aterrific set of weapons in NicoCollins, Christian Kirkand rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Joe Mixon’shealth is worth watching, but this is an explosive offense and adynamitedefense Texans 21,Broncos 17

WEEK 14

AT LASVEGAS

2p.m., Dec.7,KCNC-4

Youknowwhat would be fun?Ifan offensiverookie of theyearcampaign wasbrewing between the three AFCWest runningbacks—RJHarvey in Denver, Ashton Jeanty in Las Vegas and Omarion HamptoninL.A., this game could pit twoofthem against each other.Oh, andBrock Bowers could be an offensive playerofthe year threat Broncos 24,Raiders23

WEEK 1

TENNESSEE

2p.m., Sept. 7, KDVR-31

Thisislikethe Broncos’ 2024 opener at Seattle, but in reverse. The Titans have arookie quarterback —No. 1overall pick Cam Ward —and they’retraveling to ahostile environment for his first game. VanceJoseph’s group shouldbelicking its chops and there’snoreason to expect they’ll come out anything other than flying. Broncos28, Titans 13

WEEK5 AT PHILADELPHIA

11a.m. Oct. 5, KCNC-4

Beforethe Broncosjet off to Jolly Old England, they swing through the City of Brotherly Lovetotakeonthe defending world champions.The Eagles are stacked, from SaquonBarkley and Jalen Hurts onoffense to Jalen Carter,ZachBaun and aloaded secondary on defense. Denver canbealegitimatecontender and still notwin this game. Eagles 30, Broncos 17

WEEK10 LASVEGAS

6:15p.m., Nov. 6, Prime

The Broncos finally shook offthe black and silver curse last fall and swept the Raiders. Vegas, though, cleanedhouse and nowfeatures head coachPete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith. Denver’sgot to continue itswinning ways vs.the Raiders, but it’snot going to be acakewalkbyany stretch of the imagination. Broncos 27,Raiders 17

WEEK 15 GREEN BAY

2:25 p.m., Dec.14, KCNC-4

TheBroncos and the Packersenter 2025 in similar positions. Theyboth view themselves as contendersdespitecoming off third-placefinishesintheir divisions. So, will thisend up being agame that drawsthoughtslike, “Well,it’snot impossiblethey meet againinFebruary?” Or will it end up being atale ofone or both seasons being on theline? Broncos21, Packers 20

WEEK 2

AT INDIANAPOLIS

2p.m., Sept. 14,KCNC-4

Sean Payton’stwo teamsinDenver have started 1-5 and 0-2. Yeteven 1-1wouldfeel like adisappointment giventhe expectations on this group. The Broncos can’t bank on Jonathan Taylor fumbling the game away this time, but they should be well equipped to handle aColts team trying to find its footing and aquarterback Broncos24, Colts20

WEEK 6

VS.NEW YORK JETS

7:30 a.m., Oct. 12,NFLN

Thismarkssix straight seasons, and they face off again in 2026. Thisisadifferent Jets team with new headcoach AaronGlenn and QB Justin Fields. Denverwon as ugly agameasyou’ll see in the Meadowlands rain last fall. What will October in London bring? Let’sgoout on alimband say morethan minus-7passing yards forBoNix in the first half Broncos20, Jets 13

WEEK 11

KANSAS CITY

2:25 p.m., Nov. 16, KCNC-4

The Broncos have beaten the Chiefsat home twostraight years. In order for Denvertoget where it wants to go, it must beatPatrickMahomes at least once. In four games since returning to DenverasDC, Vance Joseph’sdefenses have yielded just twooffensivetouchdowns to Kansas City.Two might be too many in this one.

Chiefs 20,Broncos 19

WEEK 16

JACKSONVILLE

2p.m., Dec.21, KDVR-31

ImagineTravis Hunter, reigningHeisman Trophy winnerand former Coloradostar, coveringCourtland Suttonand trying to getopen against PatSurtain II. Hunter drew rave reviewsfromSurtain and manyothersoverthe course of last fall. Game recognizes game. As far as theactual game, Payton’steam can’t be losingthisone andexpect to get whereitwants to go Broncos31, Jaguars17

WEEK 3

AT L.A. CHARGERS

2p.m., Sept. 21,KCNC-4

Jim Harbaugh’s team swept Payton’sin2024 thankstoa powerful start in Week 6and adominant second half in Week 16. Much of the talk this fall is about whether the Broncos can unseat K.C.,but the Chargers should be pretty darn good, too. Winning there on the road is no easytask, even if SoFi Stadium will likely be half Broncos fans Chargers24, Broncos 23

WEEK 7

NEWYORK GIANTS

2p.m., Oct. 19., KCNC-4

The Broncos don’t have abye week aftertheir international game. And while the Giants maybethe worstteamontheir schedule, it’s notideal that they land in this post-London spot. These backto-backhome games after the international trip area spotwhere the cultureand toughness of this group will get tested —evenifon paper this is amismatch Broncos21, Giants14

WEEK 12

BYEWEEK

The byeweek comes in a pretty good spotfor ateamin contention. Notquiteaslateas ayearago, but potentially well situated to help get some guys healthyfor the stretch run. If onlyitwerejust beforeplaying the Chiefs.

WEEK 8

DALLAS

2:25 p.m., Oct. 26, KCNC-4

If the Cowboys arehealthy —and haven’t managed to maketheir star players tooupset unnecessarily —this is areally tough game. They’retalentedand ahealthy Dak Prescott makes a huge difference. By this time, it’ll be pretty clear howNix’s second season is going.And thatwill be a critical component to whetherthe Broncos canmeet expectations Broncos 31,Cowboys 30

WEEK 13 AT WASHINGTON

6:20 p.m., Nov. 30, KUSA-9 Bo Nix against Jayden Daniels. Von Miller againstthe Broncos. Ateam from each conference that enters 2025 squarely hoping to leap from 2024upstart to full-on SuperBowlcontender. This is a terrific matchup anditgot SundayNight Football billingbecause of it. Hopefully,itmatches the hype even after Thanksgiving’s passed.

Commanders27, Broncos 20

WEEK 17 AT KANSAS CITY

6:15 p.m., Dec.25, Prime

The boom-or-bust potential hereis massive.Christmas Night. Standalone game. The big, bad wolves of the division against the team whose coachessentially said they’d have whooped Kansas City if they’dmet in the divisional round last year.So, is this adivisiontitle game?Orisit adud? It’ll be asurprise if there’s notsome levelofstakeshere.

Chiefs 23,Broncos 16

WEEK 18

L.A. CHARGERS

TBD,Jan. 3-4

Winand in?Seeding on the line?Finishing the season with the Chiefsand Chargers is aclear sign from the schedulersthattheyexpect adogfight in the AFCWest.We canall remember this prediction right here whenJahdae Barron’s covering Ladd McConkey on adecisivefourth-quarter red zone snapin… well, four short months.

Broncos 24,Chargers20

DENVERPOST