Denver Broncos: Training Camp Notebook from Week 1

The Denver Broncos have gone through four days of training camp so far at UC Health Training Center. There has already been a ton of action out at camp, and there are players separating themselves in the competitions at various positions.

The days have been long and hot in the Mile High City during camp, and the action on the field has been hotter. These players realize what is at stake, and there is a feeling of confidence throughout the facility.

Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak does a lot of teaching during practice. The team stays busy with various drills as the practice rolls on, but coaches are sure to provide extra instruction when necessary.

In this article, we go through my notebook for training camp so far.

Rookie Offensive Lineman Impressing

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

The Broncos had multiple question marks on the offensive line heading into training camp. Four out of the five positions up front will have a new starter compared to the group that finished last season.

Rookie Max Garcia has been one of the most impressive players during camp so far. The fourth-round pick out of Florida (Maryland transfer) is known for his position versatility as he started at every position on the line during his time in college. Garcia is also heralded for his strength, ability to hold the point of attack and aggression as a run-blocker.

Kubiak seems to bring up Garcia every day after practice. Obviously, the rookie has caught his eye:

“[C/G] Max [Garcia] showed up to me today. I'm going to go watch the film and I'm sure there's a lot of this, but Max was a presence on the field today. He really showed up as a player, but let's remember that Max is a four-year starter at Florida. He played for about four different coordinators and played in a lot of big games.” Kubiak said. “This isn't too big for him and I think that he kind of shows that every day.”

Garcia is putting up a good fight for the starting position, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him win the job before Week 1 if he continues to impress.

Osweiler’s Opportunity

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With Peyton Manning taking the day off on Monday, fourth-year quarterback Brock Osweiler had a large opportunity to showcase his talent. Osweiler could be the team’s quarterback of the future, and he may get a contract extension if he performs well in training camp and the preseason.

Kubiak wants to see Osweiler running his scheme effectively.

“I think you just want to see him run the team. He did. At the end of practice, he moved the football team. It's a growing process for him, but I think he's handling it really well. Being a guy who's done that job for a living, when the team gets thrown your way, that's a lot on your plate—you have to be able to handle it.” Kubiak added. “I think he's showing his teammates day in and day out that he's preparing to do that.”

Osweiler is eager to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

“It’s something that I’ve thought about ever since I’ve been drafted. You grow up dreaming of playing in the National Football League. Just to have the opportunity to be here—obviously, you want to be out on the field playing—but as you all know, I came into a very special situation. The one thing I’ve done on a daily basis is made sure that I’ve made the most of that situation, soaking in what I can get from Peyton while he’s here.” Osweiler assuredly said. “I’m sure my time will come at some point in time and I’ll be ready for that.”

Finding a good quarterback is difficult, and the Broncos have to seriously consider keeping Osweiler around after all the time and development that has gone into the young passer. With a rocket arm and good athleticism, Osweiler could work out nicely as a starter in the Kubiak system.

Anderson Is Focused

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There is a ton of talent at the running back position, and C.J. Anderson leads the way as the team’s top back. Last year, Anderson burst onto the NFL scene and led the league in rushing over the final six weeks of the regular season.

This year, Anderson could end up leading the league in rushing with his starting role and the design of this offense. One feature that will be different this year is that Anderson will sometimes be running out of the I-formation with a fullback in front of him.

Anderson explained the difference between running behind a fullback compared to a single-back set.

“Fullback is a little more patient. With [TE/FB] Joe Don [Duncan] and [TE/FB] James [Casey], no matter who's behind there, you have to see what they see and they have to see what you see. You have to communicate to them.” Anderson explained. “It can get difficult at times, but it has been easier through this process. It's easier than what we all thought it was going to come to be.”

Anderson continued: “Being by yourself, you get that initial flow from the linebackers where you can make that cutback because you can pick up the pace in how you want to move it compared to a fullback because you're faster by yourself. It's been going well though.”

Right now, Anderson says he weighs about 218 pounds. He’s kept his powerful lower body intact, but the bad weight in his midsection is gone and Anderson seems to have larger shoulders. This should help him run with more power than ever before, and Anderson can be an intimidating runner.

He’s going to be pushed for the starting job by Montee Ball, and Anderson knows that he must stay at the top of his game if he wants to hold onto that spot. The laser-like focus is what could help Anderson reach all of his goals this season.

Von Performing at an Elite Level

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Von Miller is playing out of his mind on the practice field. On Monday, Miller (along with a few other veterans) got the day off. In the first three days of camp, Miller was bursting around the edge with ease. He seems to have really taken to the new 3-4 scheme implemented by Wade Phillips.

Miller loves the fit of the new defense.

“I can play any position. It’s just what I’m in now. It's definitely a great defense, but things really have not changed. I still have to come out here every day, work hard and grind, but if we were in a 3-3, I would still be good. The defense is great for [S] T.J. [Ward], great for [CB Aqib] Talib and [CB] Chris [Harris, Jr.]. It's a great fit for all of us.”

It was announced earlier in the week that Miller had been dismissed from the drug program after two years of extra testing that yielded no positive tests. He’s on the right track off the field, and Miller is more dedicated to his craft than ever before.

There’s a good chance that Miller could snare 15-20 sacks this year. With that kind of performance, Miller could be in line for a contract that pays him in excess of $100 million total.

Misc. Notes and Quotes

I was joking around with Juwan Thompson about his aggressive running style, and he said “Maybe I’ll play linebacker this year too.”

It seems like every day in training camp, second-year wide receiver Cody Latimer is making big plays. It’s easy to tell that Latimer is having fun out on the field and is much more comfortable this season. “Yeah, it’s much more fun now. Last year was stressful. I was scared to mess up, things like that. Now I’m confident, can play fast and can just play my game.”

Get to know undrafted rookie wide receiver Jordan Taylor. The Broncos have an eye for undrafted talent, and Taylor may make a push for the final roster—or at least the practice squad here. He’s got lofty goals. "Jordy Nelson is a good comparison as far as someone that I would strive to be like." 

Nose tackle Sylvester Williams has looked better than anticipated. The change in defensive scheme has been a big reason why he looks more comfortable. He said: “I think the main thing is the change in schemes. Instead of two-gapping, we’re only playing one-gap defense. It's just all about getting upfield and making plays in your gap. If you could help in another gap, great, but if not, maintaining your own gap is the main thing here.”

Circus catch of the fourth day belongs to wide receiver Solomon Patton. Near the end of practice, Patton ran a route near the sideline and caught the ball between the arms of his defender as he fell to the ground. Patton held onto the ball after crashing down, and this drew cheers from the crowd.

Bennie Fowler is one of the most consistent receivers on the practice field. He knows how to use his body to shield smaller defenders away from the ball, and I’ve yet to see him drop a pass this first week of camp.

Bradley Roby was the team’s top corner on Monday with Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib taking the day off. He covered Emmanuel Sanders well for most of the day. After one deep target fell to the ground incomplete, Roby let Sanders know about it. The two ended up talking trash to each other for about 10 yards on the jog back to the huddle.

Trevor Siemian has not looked good in team drills. He’s got a strong arm, but his pass placement has been all over the place. At this point, Siemian only has area-code accuracy—even on intermediate routes. He threw one pass so far off the mark that even Juwan Thompson (known as a fine receiver) couldn’t haul it in. The rookie needs to throw a more catchable pass if he wants to make it in the NFL.

Jordan Norwood is looking like he’s going to make the final roster again. He’s efficient as a return man, and Norwood has been making plays above his head as a receiver. If the pass is close, Norwood will almost certainly catch the ball. It’s like his hands have tractor beams.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database.

Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions.