The UCHealth Training Center was buzzing with football activity as the Broncos began their training camp last Wednesday. This year’s team looks very different from the last few seasons.
The thrust these pivotal newcomers gave the Bronco was palpable. Head coach Nathaniel Hackett provided a spark as he embarked on the process of demonizing Vic Fangio’s failed regime, while the Broncos fell behind quarterback Russell Wilson, closing in around the Pro Bowler nine times.
With four bootcamp drills in the books, we’ve already spotted a few glimpses of some guys breaking out of the pack. Who are the Biggest Newcomers and Lows from Week 1 of Camp Broncos?
Let’s dive in.
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Riser: Brett Ribbian | QB
Ron Chinoy USA Today Sports
Rypien was written off as not even a threat to make the 53-man roster, and he has erupted as the best quarterback on the roster changed his name to Wilson. Rypien, a college free agent signed back in 2019, appears to be faster in his throws, and is proving to coaches that he belongs.
Don’t be surprised if Rypien ends up winning the franchise to keep the holster behind Wilson in 2022.
Waller: Josh Johnson | QB
Ron Chinoy USA Today Sports
If you look up “QB journeyman” in the dictionary, you’ll see Johnson’s visage. He’s experienced, no doubt, but early on, the addition of this year’s veteran Denver dealer has been overshadowed by the current non-manufactured man (Rypien).
It’s too early to name this competition for obvious reasons. Not least because the pre-season games themselves will reveal the biggest separation between Johnson and Repin.
Rypien is more than just a dark horse now. Based on the first four practices, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Johnson’s name on the chopping-room floor when the Broncos trim the roster down to the last 53 players.
Riser: Eric Sobert | TE
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Saubert remained weak in the free agent market for most of the work abroad before Denver apparently re-signed as an afterthought. This move was an insight as Saubert had the best tight end in practice so far.
With third camp rookie Greg Dolch opening with a hamstring injury, it gave rise to Suber, who quickly jumped to the incumbent thanks to his acumen. But don’t get it twisted, Saubert took the cut, as evidenced by his multiple touchdowns to the first team’s attack during the first two days of training.
Waller: Albert Okwijpunam | TE
Gabriel Christos / Denver Broncos
When one player gets up, it often comes at the expense of another, and this was the case for Albert O.
This is not entirely true. Albert or he seemed to belong to Hackett’s offense, but perhaps due to Saubert’s obstructive acumen, Okwuegbunam’s early influence paled in comparison.
It’s early yet. Do not slander Albert O. as a key element in this crime. But if he doesn’t improve quickly as a running blocker in this blocking scheme, coaches will hate using it outside of obvious passing situations.
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Riser: Jonas Griffith | pound
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Griffiths quickly staked his claim to being Josie Jewell’s co-owner at the inland linebacker. Tapped to start the extension last season, Griffth averaged 10 tackles per game and tapped that momentum into an explosive start to training camp.
Waller: Alex Singleton | pound
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The former leading striker for the Philadelphia Eagles was signed to a one-year deal earlier this spring and many interpreted the move as meaning the Broncos liked Singleton as a starter alongside Jewell. That metaphor didn’t come out in the wash because Griffith has the inner flair for the second quarterback job.
Singleton wasn’t bad at camp, per se. But he failed to shine in the same way as Griffiths, at least in defence. The biggest evidence that Singleton’s stock is down at the moment is the news that Denver brought free back Joe Schubert for a visit on Saturday.
The Broncos will rely on Singleton on special teams but he has yet to prove he is worthy of a role in defence.
Montreal Washington | WR / PR / KR
Ron Chinoy USA Today Sports
The rising round five was drafted to take the mantle of a kick-returner and Denver point but he’s already starting to get a role in attack. Perhaps due to the opening of KJ Hamler’s Camp Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, Washington’s stock is on the rise.
First on the field each morning, and always one of the last to leave, Washington earned early praise from coaches Wilson and Broncos. This kid makes the team.
Faller: Baron Browning | OLB
Gabriel Christos / DenverBroncos.com
The Broncos made the questionable decision to move Browning from the inside to the outside quarterback in Year 2. So far, early returns haven’t been stellar.
But it’s hard to read much about Browning not exactly taking control of the camp early on. He is arguably further behind second-placed Nick Bonetto, mainly due to Browning’s experience in the NFL. IE: The mental demands of a fast-back line play can be a bit manageable due to experience.
But neither Browning nor Bonito line up against Bradley Chubb during the 11-for-11 first-team reps but rather Malik Red. This is not an indictment for any of the early young players. But it is something to watch.
Why Denver wanted to take a Browning man who was a second best man (ILB) and turn him into a place where he might be the fourth or fifth best man (OLB) is anyone’s guess. I hope it works.
Al-Nahed: Natani Moti | OG
Mark C. Rebelas – USA Today Sports
The giver puts some heavy pressure on the coaches to start working in the right guard. In a sixth round back in 2020, Muti’s suitability for the new zone ban scheme was called into question when Hackett first arrived in January.
However, the former Fresno State star quickly showed that his blow-up and bully mentality have a place in the Broncos’ O-streak. The giver does more than cement a place in the list. It pays to start a business.
Fallen: Queen Miners | OG
Ron Chinoy USA Today Sports
I’m hesitant to include Meinerz as ‘fallen’ here, but he opened camp as a right-hand rookie, but Muti has been steadily erasing him. Meinerz, a third-round pick for 2021, still has plenty of time to close the starting assignment, but he’s feeling the pressure.
As it stands, I’d be surprised if the Broncos didn’t line up with the Mainers as right-back, but Muti’s rise was undeniable. Meinerz wasn’t bad, but Muti has more momentum at the moment.
I’m hesitant to include Quinn Meinerz as ‘fallen’ here, but he opened camp as the right-hand guard pencils start, but Netane Muti was steadily erasing it. Meinerz, a third-round pick for 2021, still has plenty of time to close the starting assignment, but he’s feeling the pressure.
As it stands, I’d be surprised if the Broncos didn’t line up with the Mainers as right-back, but Muti’s rise was undeniable. Meinerz wasn’t bad, but Muti has more momentum at the moment.
