Denver Broncos Training Camp
Day 7 of Denver Broncos training camp had a few highlights and some moments of frustration, but that is to be expected. It's training camp where risks are calculated to test what works and what doesn't.
This goes for plays and players. The Broncos will test whether a particular player can add value on both offense and special teams or if a two-tight-end set works with their current personnel.
Wednesday's practice was no different. A few players/player groups stood out, and not always in a positive way. Here are three noteworthy players to make my camp journal.
Marquez Callaway | WR
With the injury to Tim Patrick and waiving of KJ Hamler, it would be expected that Callaway would move quickly up the depth chart. He has experience in Sean Payton's system during his time in New Orleans and has caught a number of passes in the NFL.
Prior to the Patrick injury, it appeared that Callaway would need to make some hay on special teams to secure his spot, but the past two days, he has not been participating in any drills for that group. This would indicate that the Broncos have plans for Callaway as possibly the No. 3 wide receiver.
He got plenty of action with the second-team offense in 11-on-11, but it was a bit of a surprise to see Brandon Johnson instead of Callaway running a couple plays with the first-team offense. While it's not a certainty that Callaway secures a spot on the final 53, it's not yet solidified. Chances are he will get some reps with the first team in the near future.
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Adam Trautman | TE
So far into camp, Trautman has been the best tight end on the field. He showed no signs of relinquishing that role on Day 7, with a nice catch in traffic and getting wide open on another play that was likely a touchdown during 11-on-11.
Greg Dulcich has struggled a bit but bounced back on Day 7 with a good catch with the first team. Dulcich worked with Trautman in two-tight-end sets with the first-team offense, which appears to be one answer to the Patrick injury.
Chris Manhertz is the clear leader for the third spot in the group. Albert Okwuegbunam cannot match Manhertz's blocking prowess, but in camp, he is behind him in the pass-catching category too. This was highlighted by a dropped pass by Okwuegbunam on one play, only to be followed up by a nice catch on the very next play by Manhertz.
Drew Sanders | LB
There has been plenty of hype surrounding the rookie Sanders. He has a significant opportunity to capitalize on his versatility at both outside and inside linebacker.
Sanders would benefit by adding a little bulk as he looked slender compared to the other linebackers when he lined up on the field. His impact was minimal at best on Day 7, though. He was in on only a couple of plays during 11-on-11 both as an inside linebacker.
On one of those plays, Luke Wattenberg put Sanders face-first into the dirt, while on another, the rookie linebacker recognized play-action well enough not to get sucked in and was able to drop into coverage, but due to the pass being far outside, he did not have a chance to make a play.
Sanders is a rookie, and the potential is there, but at inside linebacker, he may need a little more development.
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Source: Sports Illustrated
