Denver Broncos rookie minicamp: Three things to watch for

For the Denver Broncos’ rookie class, the NFL journey officially begins this weekend at rookie minicamp.

A slew of players will be on hand on a tryout basis; for some of them, the road will start — and end — here. Others will get one final shot; some will be familiar faces from last season’s practice squad who have rookie minicamp elgibility.

But the spotlight will be on the draft picks, starting with first-rounder Jahdae Barron.

1. HOW WILL THE BRONCOS USE BARRON?

This will be the first chance to get a glimpse at the potential initial vision for Barron, although that will likely become clearer in the weeks and months to come.

Will his versatility result in him instantly being moved around the defense — which would necessitate him learning multiple spots immediately? Or will the team take the philosophy of having Barron learn one spot as a core competency — perhaps slot cornerback — and then build out from the core as he settles into his role over the long term?

The answers could be fluid and ever-changing over the course of the season; his role in Week 1 may not be the same as it becomes in Week 18. And that would not be a surprise; after all, Pat Surtain II saw his responsibilities expand as a Broncos rookie, as well.

2. A LONG LOOK AT ROOKIE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS

It will be hard to glean too much from running back RJ Harvey‘s work on the ground over the weekend given the low-contact nature of the on-field repetitions. But one can get a read on his pass-catching and route-running skills.

The weekend could be illuminating for the wide receivers — not only third-rounder Pat Bryant, but three undrafted receivers added by the Broncos: Arkansas State product Courtney Jackson, Toledo alumnus WR Jerjuan Newton and North Carolina Central’s Joaquin Davis.

Jackson, who transferred from Syracuse to Arkansas State last year, ran a blistering 40-yard dash time at his Pro Day, which was timed at 4.38 seconds.

Newton, a literal engineer — he got his degree in mechanical engineering technology — was prolific in college; he is Toledo’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions and had at least nine touchdowns in each of the last three years.

Davis was one of the standouts of the HBCU Combine. At 6-foot-4, he fits the Sean Payton template of length for a wide receiver; he has a 40.5-inch vertical leap and posted a 4.44-second 40 time. His production wasn’t notable at NCCU; he never posted more than 500 receiving yards in a single season, but he still did enough to become an All-MEAC selection last year.

3. THE AUSTRALIAN BOOMER

Jeremy Crawshaw gets a chance to make a first impression and punt at elevation.

He doesn’t have roster competition with the Friday release of Matt Haack, so his “competition,” as it stands, will be all the other punters around the NFL who end up hitting the market at the roster deadlne in August.

Sticking the Broncos roster won’t solely be about punting, of course; he’ll have to prove over the next few months that he can be a trustworthy holder for placekicker Wil Lutz. But as the only punter selected in the NFL Draft — and a clear target and focus of special-teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, who met with Crawshaw for multiple meals, according to the punter himself — the Broncos want to cast their lot with him.

Related

Nik Bonitto joins group of stars investing in OKC soccer teamBroncos may have their new interior pass-rush specialist already set to goDover and Cecil project a monster year for Bo Nix in 2026Broncos No. 31 in the NFL in ESPN’s under-25 Power RankingsThere’s one thing standing between the Broncos and a Super BowlBroncos Country should be careful when wishing for more downfield passes