For some Broncos second-year players, the leap is happening right now

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — If the Broncos are going to be consistent and perennial contenders, they’ll need their cost-controlled, first-contract players to develop and — at minimum — provide valuable depth, while ideally blossoming into players worthy of second contracts down the line.

That’s why Thursday’s practice at Broncos Park Powered By Common Spirit was so encouraging. Because between Jahdae Barron breaking up passes, Pat Bryant making a difficult catch in traffic to continue his strong training camp and RJ Harvey breaking open down the left sideline on a wheel route to catch a pass in seven-on-seven work, the top of the 2025 draft class made an impression.

Add multiple pressures and bursts into the backfield from Sai’vion Jones, and you have a practice that gave the Broncos an indication that their draft investments of 2026 could bear significant fruit. And with edge rusher Que Robinson stacking good days and punter Jeremy Crawshaw looking more consistent at his placement punting as he stands poised to build off a solid rookie campaign, there’s every sign that the Broncos’ class of 2025 should play a larger role in 2026.

And if they do, then that’s another sign of a smoothly-running football operation and player-development process.

BRYANT FLOURISHING AT CONTESTED CATCHES

With Courtland Sutton out for the last three days as the team manages his workload, Bryant has stepped in primarily as the “X” receiver in Denver’s offense. And while Sean Payton noted earlier this week that Bryant can work in the slot, too, he’s making Sutton-esque plays at the “X” spot — but he’s doing so in a different way.

“He’s just one of those congested ball catchers. His feet stay on the ground,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “So, when receivers catch the ball with their feet on the ground, they’re usually pretty good run after the catch, so you don’t see him skipping in the air or jumping. That means he’s got a lot of confidence in catching this thing the right way.”

“… And he’s extremely smart. Yeah, he’s doing really well.”

He’s also providing Broncos cornerbacks with a stern examination.

“He’s really good vertically, and he makes his releases look all the same, which is tough for a guy like me, when he’s shooting 15 yards deep, and then he’ll cut in or he’ll cut out; tt all looks the same,” Moss said.

“And so, he does a great job. And then at the catch point, he’s strong and he can get up. He’s got a big frame.”

The most important thing is that Bryant is maximizing that frame.

JAHDAE BARRON IS BEING TESTED BY THE BRONCOS OFFENSE LIKE RILEY MOSS

Just like Moss, the outside corner ahead of him on the depth chart, Jahdae Barron finds himself a frequent target of quarterbacks Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger. It’s a trial by fire for Barron, whose workload also includes aligning next to Justin Strnad in the team’s dime packages, adding to what he must study.

But as Pat Surtain II noted in June, Barron has the intelligence to handle it.

“He’s been studying in the film room. You can tell he’s progressively getting better,” Surtain said then. “His I.Q. and his fundamentals of the game, it seems like he’s wise beyond his years going into his second year, so, I’m excited for him.”

That’s starting to translate to the field.

“You throw a guy in and he’s playing dime, and then he’s playing nickel, and he’s playing outside. It’s totally different,” Moss said. “The job description is DB, but it is totally different. And he’s done a great job of being a little bit more patient. His eyes have gotten a lot better. And he’s just a great athlete.

“It just takes time to kind of get used to the outside stuff. But he’s been progressing well.”

You can say that about the entire 2025 draft class.

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