With Keenum, can Demaryius Thomas be the DT from 3 years ago?

Among the takeaways from Day One of Denver Broncos OTAs, “Stokley and Zach” co-hosts Brandon Stokley and Zach Bye said they found themselves impressed with how wide receiver Demaryius Thomas looked.

“I walked away really impressed with Demaryius Thomas, where he’s at physically,” Bye said. “He looked explosive. He looked vibrant.”

According to Stokley, DT didn’t seem to “big” or “bulky,” but also not too “lean.”

“He looks really, really good. Quick, fast, explosive,” Stokley said.

But, with Thomas seemingly invigorated, and playing alongside a veteran quarterback in Case Keenum, could Broncos Country see the return of the DT from his heyday with Peyton Manning and company?

“I think you’re going to see the DT that we saw three years ago — a guy who’s getting that explosiveness back — and I think Case Keenum will be a big part of that,” Stokley said.

Thomas enjoyed, statistically, the most success of his career during Manning’s tenure in Denver (2012-’15), catching more than 100 passes twice and having no less than 1,300 receiving yards each season.

However, after a 90-catch, 1,083-yard season in 2016, Thomas fell below the 90-reception, 1,000-yard mark for the first time in 2017 since becoming a full-time starter.

But, with appearing fully healthy and with Keenum under center, Bye believes there’s still a spark left in Thomas.

“If Demaryius Thomas plays 16 games, he is a 1,200-yard receiver this season,” Bye said.

And Stokley agreed.

“He just looks good. He looks fresh. He looks healthy. I’m with you,” Stokley said. “We didn’t talk about this, but I’ve got it in my notes and that’s what you saw today. He looked really good.”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.