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News and Notes from Day 9 of Broncos Camp

2025-08-04T14:18:23-06:00

Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

A quick recap of what went down during today’s Broncos training camp practice.

Day 9 of Broncos Camp is in the books, and it was a quick non-padded ramp-up day after a day off on Sunday and a busy week ahead. They’ll have another practice tomorrow before a travel day on Wednesday, a key joint practice with the 49ers on Thursday, and their preseason opener on Saturday.

In today’s recap, I will update you on what went on during today’s practice, injury updates, and notable information from Head Coach Sean Payton.

Clockin’ in for another work week ⏰@AudricEstime x #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/YyPSjvSuhp
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 4, 2025

Broncos Camp Recap

QB Bo Nix had two interceptions during today’s practice. The first one was on a seam route to WR Courtland Sutton, and safety Devon Key jumped the route and picked it. The other came during a team drill on a free play, according to some reporters, and was picked by linebacker Justin Strnad. Payton downplayed the importance of camp interceptions, and frankly, they really don’t matter much in the grand scheme of things. - Source
Some notes from the one-on-one drills from today. Rookie TE Caleb Lohner had a nice double move on safety Sam Franklin. Rookie CB Jahdae Barron prevented a Courtland Sutton TD. Rookie WR Pat Bryant beat PS2 and showed off his route-running ability to gain some space on the DPOY. UDFA Joaquin Davis used his size to pluck a TD reception over CB Riley Moss - Source
QB Jarrett Stidham hit a wide open Pat Bryant down the seam for a 50+ yard touchdown reception - Source
RB Blake Watson continues to run well and had an explosive run to the left side of the field - Source
QB Bo Nix had a couple of beautiful passes to TE’s Evan Engram and Lucas Krull - Source
EDGE Nik Bonitto nearly had a pick-six on a Bo Nix pass behind the line of scrimmage to Sutton. He timed his jump perfectly and nearly repeated what he did vs. the Colts last season - Source
QB Sam Ehlinger hit UDFA rookie WR Courtney Jackson for a long TD pass near the end of practice - Source
K Wil Lutz made a 62-yard field goal to end the kicking drill, and the kick would have been good from 70 yards - Source
Rookie CB Jahdae Barron pressured QB Bo Nix off the edge and forced him to throw the ball away. He had one of his best overall days of camp today, according to reports - Source
CB Damarri Mathis had a fantastic PBU of QB Jarrett Stidham that was nearly a Levelle Bailey INT - Source
Head Coach Sean Payton announced that they will be playing their starters vs. the 49ers this weekend - Source
Payton notes that he has been extremely impressed by QB Sam Ehlinger. He said, “He’s extremely athletic. He’s comfortable throwing on the run. There’s a little moxie” - Source
They ran a two-minute move-the-ball period, and both offenses were stopped within the 30-yard line, but were able to convert the field goal - Source
KOA’s Ryan Edwards noted that he likes the progress he is seeing from rookie TE Caleb Lohner - Source

Injury Updates

WR A.T. Perry remained on the PUP list and did not practice today
LB Drew Sanders has foot surgery and will be sidelined for north of 4 to 6 weeks, according to Head Coach Sean Payton - Source
Rookie edge rusher Que Robinson remained sidelined due to a bone bruise and still had a large brace on his knee - Source
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw missed another practice but is expected to be back sometime this week, according to Sean Payton - Source
Fullback Michael Burton returned to practice after sitting out Saturday’s practice - Source
Linebacker Alex Singelton (broken thumb) was at practice today and looks good to go moving forward - Source

Tweets From Camp

Court coaching up Pat Bryant pic.twitter.com/5lSf6Tq6WA
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) August 4, 2025

Bo Nix picked off early in 7-on-7 by Devon Key. Threw a seam to Courtland Sutton, window closed much too quickly, Key jumped it. Rough one
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 4, 2025

Highlights of the one-on-one drills:

Lohner with a nice double move past Franklin
Barron great rep to prevent Sutton from a TD
Bryant beating PS2 back left EZ, nice move to get a little bit of space
Joaquin Davis using length to pluck a TD over Moss
Harvey, Jaleel crisp routes
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 4, 2025

In first team period, Justin Strnad picked off a Nix pass over the middle.

Jarrett Stidham hit Pat Bryant, who ran a great route up the seam, for a 60-ish-yard TD.

Explosive run to the left by Blake Watson, who has really come on strong the last week or so.
— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) August 4, 2025

Bo Nix had a couple beautiful passes to Krull and Engram for 15+ yards each during team before Nix tried to quick pass behind the line of scrimmage to Court and Nik Bonitto almost intercepted it and ran it back for a pick 6. Perfectly timed by Nik. #Broncos
— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) August 4, 2025

Sam Ehlinger just threw a bomb to Courtney Jackson for a TD. Was on the run to the left up against the sideline and just flipped his hips and cut it loose from the 45-yard line.

Threw a little smirk at Beau Lowery on the sideline before getting greeted by several teammates.
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) August 4, 2025

Highlight play of second team period was Nik Bonitto storming into the backfield and swatting away a screen pass.

Nix also found Evan Engram for a nice gain. The new TE has routinely found soft spots in the defense to make himself a consistent target.
— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) August 4, 2025

Jahdae Barron with a BIG-TIME pressure on Bo Nix in team. Flew off the edge and forced Bo to throw it away. A highlight play of camp for him.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 4, 2025

Don’t think I’ve seen Riley Moss get beat deep or on intermediate throws to sidelines all camp. Hard to cover Courtland Sutton one-on-one deep and he just did. Forced an incompletion
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 4, 2025

Payton on Nix throwing more interceptions today. “Yeah we’re charting picks like hurricanes. He’s doing fine.”
— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) August 4, 2025

Day 11 of #Broncos training camp thoughts…

-good, competitive practice for the offense and defense in shells
-Bo Nix threw a couple INTs (one during 7s to Key and the other was during team to Strnad). The 1st seemed late to Sutton down the left sideline with Key was FS and the…
— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) August 4, 2025

Sean Payton explains why he believes the Broncos have a chance to win the Super Bowl this year.

Pointed to QB, OL, defense and, most importantly, ownership. pic.twitter.com/4rwe8OOQsb
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 4, 2025

Sean Payton believes the Broncos are capable of winning a Super Bowl this year

2025-08-04T13:22:20-06:00

Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Broncos head coach has high asperations for the team this upcoming season.

The Broncos shocked the world last season, making the playoffs and becoming a team the media believes will make a significant jump this upcoming season. But could they be Super Bowl contenders? Well, Head Coach Sean Payton not only believes that the Broncos can be Super Bowl contenders, but he also believes this team is capable of winning the Super Bowl.

Sean Payton told @CharlesRobinson that the Broncos are capable of winning a Super Bowl.

“The short-term goal is winning the division,” he said. “But this is a team capable of winning the Super Bowl. I’ve coached six teams that I thought could win the Super Bowl. Some went to…
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) August 4, 2025

Sean Payton met with Yahoo’s Charles Robinson and has some exciting things to say about this Broncos team. He told Robinson that the Broncos' short-term goal is to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs as AFC West Champions, but that he believes this team is capable of winning the Super Bowl.

Payton added that he has coached six teams that he believed could win the Super Bowl, and that this current Broncos team is his 7th.

“The short-term goal is winning the division,” he said. “But this is a team capable of winning the Super Bowl. I’ve coached six teams that I thought could win the Super Bowl. Some went to championship games, some to the playoffs. This is my seventh team that I think has that.”

After today’s practice, Payton explained to reporters what he believes the Broncos have a chance to win the Super Bowl this year. He would explain that it starts at quarterback, the defense, the offensive line, and if certain things are not on point, it is hard to make a statement like that. He would include ownership in this conversation because he believes there are about 20 teams each that have hopes and dreams of winning a Super Bowl but they’re dysfunctional at the top, unlike the Broncos.

Obviously, it has to start with the quarterback. It has to start with the defense, and it has to start with the offensive line. Like, there are certain things that if they’re not on point, it is hard to make a statement like that. When you look at some of these critical factors. Look, I told him that just means you have a chance, and then I would say most importantly, ownership, because there are 20 each year that have hope and dreams, and they are dysfunctional at the top.

The Broncos really do check a lot of the boxes required to be a Super Bowl contender. This includes the biggest and most important box to check, which is the quarterback position. If you do not have a really good, great, or even elite quarterback under the center, the odds of you winning a Super Bowl are extremely low. Payton believes he has that and thinks that Bo Nix could push into that elite category.

Payton would tell Yahoo’s Charles Robinson that he believes that Bo Nix will become one of the top 4 or 5 quarterbacks in the NFL over the next two seasons. He added that Nix doesn’t take sacks, has exceptional arm strength, and referenced the throw he made to Mims vs. the Bengals, and that he can run and throw in funny body angles.

“He’s going to be one of the top four or five quarterbacks in the league the next two years,” Payton said. “That’s what we’re seeing right now. He doesn’t take sacks. He’s got exceptional arm strength. ... He threw the longest ball — [67] air yards against Cincinnati. He can run. He can throw in funny body angles.”

Sean Payton is a big believer in quarterback Bo Nix and this team in general. He has the skill position players he wants, he has a top-ranked offensive line, a potentially elite defense, a reliable specialist, an All-Pro returner, a talented coaching staff, and the team is run by one of the best ownerships in the entire NFL.

Due to all that, it is hard not to be excited about this team, especially if Bo Nix becomes as good as he expects. Pairing a top 4 or 5 quarterback with a defense that could be elite is a Super Bowl pairing.

Not long ago, we were dealing with the Russell Wilson signing disaster, a Head Coach focused more on hugging than clock management, and simply being an embarrassment of a franchise. Now, entering year 3 with Sean Payton, the Broncos have gone from that to being a potential Super Bowl Contender.

We could be on the verge of a wild ride Broncos Country!

2025 Broncos training camp: Day 9 live updates

2025-08-04T11:45:46-06:00

Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Denver Broncos have taken the field for Day 9 of publicly open training camp. Join the discussion on today’s happenings here in the comments section.

Welcome to Day 9 of Denver Broncos training camp. Fresh off their scrimmage on Saturday, the Broncos should be transitioning towards preparation for the first preseason game of the year on August 9th against the San Francisco 49ers. We only have five more open training camp practices to even cover. We are that close to the season now!

Broncos training camp Day 9 live updates

Happy campers ️#BroncosCamp pic.twitter.com/ZG5gTO37Xx
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 3, 2025

FB Mike Burton back in action today. OLB Que Robinson (bone bruise) still out.
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) August 4, 2025

Preseason PSA- just about every defense is ahead of every offense at this point in training camp.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) August 4, 2025

The $102M stretch. pic.twitter.com/VWxihoQ9Io
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 4, 2025

Jason Garrett is observing camp practice today. pic.twitter.com/cjEJUb5mZv
— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) August 4, 2025

Marvin Mims doing the impossible:

Three catches in one route pic.twitter.com/O9PijMegl0
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 4, 2025

Troy Franklin displaying the hands, route running, footwork AND Oregon green pic.twitter.com/XARndFQVIR
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 4, 2025

#Broncos RBs footwork pic.twitter.com/h3siQPeRGW
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 4, 2025

Courtland Sutton taking one to the house in front of Jason Garrett pic.twitter.com/fC4hcayABz
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 4, 2025

Court coaching up Pat Bryant pic.twitter.com/5lSf6Tq6WA
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) August 4, 2025

Troy Franklin, Evan Engram five-yard outs pic.twitter.com/BM6dA4vHkM
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 4, 2025

Sean Payton talking to one of his former players, who turned into a longtime HC. Jason Garrett and Sean remain close, and Garrett, of course now at NBC, was out here at training camp last year as well.@guerillasports_ #BroncosCamp #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/A7KYlcyr0G
— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) August 4, 2025

Clockin’ in for another work week ⏰@AudricEstime x #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/YyPSjvSuhp
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 4, 2025

It’s clear Bo Nix has put in the work & is fully embracing guidance from legends like Drew Brees and Sean Payton.

These Broncos are not afraid to talk Super Bowl either…it’s going to come down to the QB. pic.twitter.com/ejIJsu9t7A
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) August 4, 2025

Bo Nix picked off early in 7-on-7 by Devon Key. Threw a seam to Courtland Sutton, window closed much too quickly, Key jumped it. Rough one
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 4, 2025

Highlights of the one-on-one drills:

Lohner with a nice double move past Franklin
Barron great rep to prevent Sutton from a TD
Bryant beating PS2 back left EZ, nice move to get a little bit of space
Joaquin Davis using length to pluck a TD over Moss
Harvey, Jaleel crisp routes
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 4, 2025

Evan Engram working with the receivers today pic.twitter.com/p7dUo0BXjt
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) August 4, 2025

Bo Nix ➡️ Troy Franklin

Duck Dynasty pic.twitter.com/pecoz6g7Z3
— RG (@RyanGreeneDNVR) August 4, 2025

Bo Nix just fired a beautiful pass across the MOF to Lucas Krull for a big gain
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) August 4, 2025

Pat Bryant with a wide-open 70-yard touchdown catch from Jarrett Stidham
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 4, 2025

#Broncos team period takeaways:

—Pat Bryant took the top off on a deep ball from Jarrett Stidham
—Offense won, been a rarity in camp
—Blake Watson continues to pop on inside cuts
—Kyrese Rowan nice separation on a corner route
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 4, 2025

RJ “Quadzilla” Harvey ⏳ pic.twitter.com/YNLTF4aZ47
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) August 4, 2025

D.J. Jones key cog to Denver Broncos hopes of dominant defense in 2025

2025-08-04T08:35:55-06:00

Photo by Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Jones anchors Denver’s defensive line and will play a key role in the defense’s success this season.

Dependable. Durable. Productive.

Those traits define D.J. Jones. The Denver Broncos defensive tackle isn’t flashy, but he doesn’t need to be. Jones does his job, and he does it incredibly well. That’s especially true for the 2024 season, when he anchored Denver’s defensive line and helped the defense become one of the best units in the NFL.

Fresh off a three-year extension in March, Jones and the Broncos aim to make the defense more dominant and this team a serious contender in 2025.

Player Profile

Age: 30 | Experience: Ninth year | College: Mississippi | Height: 6’0” | Weight: 305 pounds

D.J. Jones’s 2025 outlook with the Broncos

Entering his fourth year in Denver, Jones is a key cog along the defensive line. The battle-tested veteran has brought much-needed stability and leadership to the defense and locker room. Jones has appeared and started in 48 games and amassed 122 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and five sacks.

Last season, Jones started all 17 games for the Broncos, tallying 42 tackles (21 solo), one sack (3.5 yds.), three passes defended, and one fumble recovery with the team.

Jones is one of the major reasons Denver had one of the best defenses in the league. He’s also why this unit has the goal to be even better this season.

As Jones said recently to the local media after a training camp practice, this year’s team can be dangerous:

“With teams that I’ve been on that have been successful, later in the year, earlier in the year, you can feel it in OTAs, and I did. It’s fell over into now, so I feel like if we keep stacking and stay healthy, we’ll be a dangerous team.”

What aids in Jones’ confidence is how well he knows free agent acquisitions Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga. Jones played with both for the San Francisco 49ers. In fact, the last time all three were on the field together, they were within a field goal of playing in the Super Bowl. The way Jones described them, Greenlaw and Hufanga are game-changers.

“We’ve already got some game-changers,” Jones told the Broncos website after the signings were announced. “We’ve got a Zach Allen, we’ve got a Pat Surtain II — but now we’re getting game-changers that are going to make everybody else become game-changers. What we’re getting is people that know ball, play ball at a high level, and all they want to do is ball. That’s it. They’ve got the right formula. They’ve got the right juice about themselves.

“I’m so excited. I’m more excited for them than I am for this new deal. I’m not lying. I can’t put it into words, so I’ll just let their actions show how I feel.”

Final thoughts

Jones has become one of the best defensive players on Denver’s roster. He’s also a leader who knows what it takes to make a deep run in the playoffs. For the Broncos to have the defense and season they expect in 2025, Jones will play a big role in that, pun intended.

Zach Allen excited to build upon career-best season with the Denver Broncos

2025-08-04T08:00:00-06:00

Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post

With a four-year, $102 million dollar extension fresh in hand, Zach Allen is excited to take his game to the next level and help the Denver Broncos win another Super Bowl.

Three years ago, the Denver Broncos and General Manager George Paton made Zach Allen one of their premier additions in free agency.

Since then, Allen has improved every season. Better yet, he has established himself a dominant player along the Broncos’ defensive line. Reuniting with Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph, his high level of play has helped transform the unit to one of the National Football League’s most feared and formidable fronts.

Late last week, the Broncos and Allen came to terms on a four-year extension worth $102 million with $69.5 million guaranteed. The new deal made him the third highest paid interior defensive lineman in football. Allen is scheduled to play on the final year of his initial three-year contract—prospectively keeping him in Denver through the 2029 season.

The extension of the seventh-year pro continues a trend established the past few years under new ownership and a revamped coaching regime. It marks a stark difference in comparison to prior leadership, who struggled to develop and retain key players. After his new contract was officially announced, Allen took his time to thank the team’s ownership and gave praise to his coaches and fellow players for helping him become the player he is today.

“This organization really has set me up for success. I knew that coming here, I did a lot of research before coming. I did have multiple offers in free agency, but at the end of the day it was about you have one career, and you want to make the most out of it,” stated Allen.

All things considered, it’s safe to say Allen has made the most of his opportunity in the Mile High City. Last season, the veteran defensive lineman put together his best season as a pro. In sixteen games, the former Boston College standout notched 61 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and an eye-popping 40 quarterback hits. For his efforts, he earned second-team All-Pro honors and was an obvious Pro-Bowl snub.

Week after week, he made big play after big play. Whether it was a key sack on third down or an early-down run stuff, he brought his best each and every game. It had been quite some time since a defensive lineman had made the type of impact he had. At times, he was unblockable—showcasing his ability a dominant cog in the Broncos’ wrecking crew up front—helping pave the way for the defense to achieve an NFL and franchise best 63 sacks in 2024.

Allen is optimistic that this year’s Broncos defense can be better than last season. He spoke about how football was his life and vowed to find ways to get better each and every day moving forward. He also took the time to give a special shoutout thank Joseph, who has been with him throughout his entire career, and helped put him in a position to succeed from Day 1.

“I’m forever grateful to Vance. He gave me my start in Arizona, and he was a major reason why I came here. So, to be able to share these milestones across the way with him has meant a lot,” remarked Allen.

With a gargantuan contract in hand, the soon-to-be 28-year-old defensive lineman hopes to set the bar even higher for the team’s 2025 campaign. The ultimate goal? Bringing another Lombardi Trophy to Denver.

“I have a lot of high goals for myself and this team, and I believe we can accomplish all of those here and that’s the reason why I picked here. The fact that we’re at this spot now, it’s great but at the end of the day there’s still a lot more work to be done,” added Allen.

Can you guess this Broncos linebacker in today’s in-5 trivia game?

2025-08-04T07:00:00-06:00

Think you can figure out which Broncos player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Hey Broncos fans! We’re back for another day of the Mile High Report in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Mile High Report in-5 game

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

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Sunday, August 3, 2025
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Friday, August 1, 2025

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Behind the Mile High Report in-5 instructions

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Broncos player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Horse Tracks: Broncos in the Hall of Fame revisited

2025-08-04T06:44:05-06:00

Photo by Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Mike Shanahan aside, who should go in next?

Just a short 13-years ago, when I wrote this article, the Broncos Hall of Fame landscape looked vastly different than it does today. While the last decade hasn’t been great for Broncos football on the field, Denver’s representation in Canton has blossomed. ...Not that we should get complacent about our deserving players.

Here’s a list of eligible greats and their selection committee status:

The Dark Ages (1960-1975)
Lionel Taylor, WR [Senior Committee]
Rich Jackson, DE [Senior Committee]
Austin “Goose” Gonsoulin, S [Senior Committee]

The Orange Crush (1976-1980)
Randy Gradishar, ILB [Senior Committee]
Tom Jackson, OLB [Senior Committee]
Billy Thompson, S [Senior Committee]
Louis Wright, CB [Senior Committee]

The Reeves Era (1981-1994)
Dennis Smith, S [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2019]
Karl Mecklenberg, OLB/ILB [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2019]
Dan Reeves, Coach [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2028]

The Shanahan Age (1995-Present)
Steve Atwater, S [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2024]
Terrell Davis, RB [Eligible for Standard Selection until 2027]

This is the list of eligible and deserving players as it existed in 2012. The “Dark Ages” is a tough period to pull a HOFer since, like in recent history, they were just awful to watch. Last year, the Orange Crush defense got a nod with Randy Gradishar finally getting his due recognition. Unfortunately, like Coach Dan Reeves, the Broncos are underrepresented for those 80’s AFC Championship teams. The “Shanahan Age” is probably the best news on the list with both having made it.

With the additions of Terrell Davis (2017), Champ Bailey (2019), Pat Bowlen (2019), Steve Atwater (2020), Peyton Manning (2021), John Lynch (2021), Demarcus Ware (2023), and finally Randy Gradishar (2024) there’s a lot of bronze in Canton that represents Denver well (Yes, I’ll even count John Lynch among them).

If you had to add to this list, say a “Post Kubiak Era,” whom would you add? Von Miller is a slam dunk, but who else? The problem with lean decades like the Broncos just endured and like they went through in the 1960’s is that great players are hard to come by when the team stinks. Anyone else deserving come to mind? How would you define the eras since Shanahan?

Headlines

Denver Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders undergoes foot surgery | 9news.com
His recovery timeline is uncertain, but Broncos head coach Sean Payton said last week Sanders would be out "north of four to six weeks."

Denver Broncos' defensive lineman Zach Allen agrees to 4-year, $102M extension | 95.3 X95 -#1 Hit Music Station
Denver Broncos’ defensive lineman Zach Allen agrees to 4-year, $102M extension

‘Sixth man of the year’ Malcolm Roach brings energy, leadership, production to the Broncos’ defense
“You hear him before you see him,” Head Coach Sean Payton said Thursday. “And I like that energy about him.”

Brandon Beane: "Disappointed" James Cook missed practice, I wish we weren't here - NBC Sports
Cook said "business" was the reason he didn't practice Sunday.

Tyreek Hill's call for a change at short-yardage tailback had already happened - NBC Sports
Receiver Tyreek Hill's failure to show up in time for the team stretch only two days after saying it's "very important" to do so wasn't the only unusual wrinkle for the Dolphins this weekend.

NFLPA turns to David White, who finished second to Lloyd Howell, as interim executive director - NBC Sports
Union takes an apparent mulligan on the mistaken decision to hire Howell.

Sean McVay says Rams hope to ease Matthew Stafford back to football in the near future - NBC Sports
"He is able to do a little bit more, which is good, and things are progressing well," McVay said of Stafford.

Lions need to see more from backup QBs, Hendon Hooker will start next preseason game - NBC Sports
The two Lions competing to be Jared Goff's backup turned in poor performances in the Hall of Fame Game, and coach Dan Campbell says both want to show they can be better.

Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones will each "play a good amount" in first two preseason games - NBC Sports
The Colts have been splitting first-team reps for quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones during training camp and the plan is to do the same through the team's first two preseason games.

Alex Highsmith being evaluated for a groin injury - NBC Sports
Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith could miss some time with a groin injury.

NFLPA elects David White as interim executive director - ESPN
The NFL Players Association on Sunday night elected David White as its interim executive director, 17 days after the resignation of Lloyd Howell Jr.

Seeking deal, Cook sits out Bills' practice - 'Just business' - ESPN
Bills running back James Cook did not participate in a mandatory practice for the first time since seeking an extension this offseason.

Colts RB Salvon Ahmed carted off with severe lower leg injury - ESPN
Colts backup running back Salvon Ahmed suffered a severe injury to his lower right leg after a hip-drop tackle during practice and was taken to a hospital for X-rays.

Dolphins, DT Zach Sieler reach 3-year, $67.75 million extension - ESPN
The Dolphins and defensive tackle Zach Sieler agreed to a three-year extension worth up to $67.75 million, making him the team's highest-paid defensive player.

Source - Raiders S Lonnie Johnson Jr. has broken leg - ESPN
Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. has suffered a broken fibula and will get an MRI to determine if there is additional damage, a source told ESPN.

Evan Engram will be a focal point of the Broncos’ passing attack in 2025

2025-08-04T06:00:00-06:00

Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images

The Denver Broncos are hoping Evan Engram will be their ‘joker’ who will help transform the offense in 2025.

There are a lot of reasons to be optimistic and intrigued about the Denver Broncos for the 2025 season. One of the biggest is the potential of the offense.

Over the course of the offseason, the Broncos added a lot of talent around second-year quarterback Bo Nix via free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. Multiple running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends have all made their way to the Mile High City. Each position group is stronger, more competitive, and poised to perform better than last year.

A key area of emphasis for the team in the early months of the year was finding a player capable of being a ‘joker’ in Head Coach Sean Payton’s offense. Both Payton and General Manager George Paton divulged it was mission critical to find another player who could be a mismatch weapon to help take their offense to the next level.

Your mileage may vary, but I think the most important addition on offense—and the one that could make the unit special in ‘25—was the signing of veteran tight end Evan Engram at the start of free agency. At 30 years of age, Engram is hoping to experience a revival with the Broncos after an injury-plagued ‘24 season limited him to the worst production of his career.

If he can stay healthy and revert to prior form, I have no doubts he will be a focal point of the team’s offense. Let’s take a deeper look at what Engram brings to the Broncos’ offense for upcoming season.

Evan Engram among TEs since 2022:

234 receptions (2nd)
2,094 receiving yards (5th)
97 first downs (6th) https://t.co/rc2dUZdpPj pic.twitter.com/qvx9AMtdDb
— PFF DEN Broncos (@PFF_Broncos) March 12, 2025

Player Profile

Age: 30 | Experience: Ninth Year | College: Ole Miss| Height: 6’3” | Weight: 240 pounds

Arm Length: 33-1/2” | Hand Size: 10” | Broad: 10’5” | Vertical: 36” | Bench: 19 reps

40-yard dash: 4.42 seconds | 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.23 seconds | 3-Cone: 6.92 seconds

Evan Engram’s 2025 outlook with the Broncos

The Denver Broncos had some of the worst statistical production at the tight end position of any team in the National Football League. The silver-lining from the unit’s lackluster stat totals last season is the fact that the Broncos were very efficient (catch rate) when targeting their tight ends.

Injuries limited Engram to just 9 games in ‘24. He wound up with just 47 catches, 365 yards, and 1 touchdown. For whatever it’s worth, that’s still more than any of the tight ends the Broncos fielded last season. Though I expect him to do much better than that in his first season with the Broncos.

In his 2023 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Engram was Trevor Lawrence’s top target and saw an astounding 143 targets. He caught 114 of them for 963 yards and 4 touchdowns enroute to his second Pro-Bowl honor. I don’t believe he will get that much volume in Payton’s offense. However, I believe he is in store to get the second most targets in the passing game behind wide receiver Courtland Sutton. If I had to put a number on it, I’d roughly guess about 100 targets.

The ninth-year pro doesn’t have the premier athleticism he boasted coming out of Ole Miss, but he is still a savvy route runner with the ability to separate from man coverage. The Broncos had a hard time in medium range passing situations (2nd / 3rd and 4-6 yards to go) last season and struggled to sustain drives.

As a safety valve and quick hit option for Nix, I think Engram will help the Broncos move the chains more consistently this season. His versatility as player who can be lined up at multiple slots will help Payton generate some unique mismatches with his personnel groupings. If he stays healthy, I wouldn’t be surprised if he snags around 70 receptions. It’s been years since Denver has had that kind of productivity, but I’m hopeful Engram will rise to the occasion and be a great weapon for the offense.

Final Thoughts

Only time will tell whether or not the Broncos’ offense realizes it’s potential over the course of the 2025 season. I think they have a chance to be special. They boast a stellar offensive line and a second-year quarterback who continues to get better each and every day.

If all goes as planned, Engram’s skillset and experience should provide a significant boost to Denver’s third down efficiency and overall offensive productivity. If my predictions and projections for him come to fruition, the Broncos will certainly have a Top 10 offense in the NFL.