ENGLEWOOD — Jonathon Cooper is speaking his mind and leading by example.

The Broncos opened training camp on Friday with multiple sessions of 11-on-11 play without pads. Teammates exchanged verbal jabs across the line of scrimmage. Cooper, a fifth-year linebacker, enjoyed the friendly banter.

“You know, it’s all in love, because they’re our teammates and brothers,” Cooper said. “It’s just to make each other better.”

Cooper signed a four-year, $60-million contract extension in November as a key piece of coordinator Vance Joseph’s defense. Has that money changed the 2021 seventh-round draft pick from Ohio State?

“Being more of a leader for the team. That’s the only thing that’s changed,” Cooper said. “As far as my work (ethic), getting better, and trying to be the best I can be every day? That hasn’t changed.”

Cooper’s performance speaks volumes. He has logged 19 sacks over the past two seasons. Coach Sean Payton called him “one of our team leaders” after practice Friday at Broncos Park.

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“It’s extremely important to him. I think he’s one of our tough competitors,” Payton said. “There’s something to him relative to the importance of playing hard and with good technique. He’s very coachable. … Sometimes, that comes in the form of ‘follow me and how I work.’ Sometimes, it can be vocal. But he’s a diligent worker.”

Cooper has grown into his role as a vocal team leader.

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“I feel a big responsibility for it,” Cooper said. “I feel like a lot of the guys on the team look to me. Just to be that vocal leader. To be that guy. I’ve got to set the example every single day. Make sure I’m showing up to work. Make sure I’m being a professional. … Taking every rep serious and just leading by example.”

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He also praised teammate Nik Bonitto.

“He’s becoming an even better player,” Cooper said, and listed several young edge rushers making an impact. He noted that fourth-round rookie edge rusher Que Robinson is “a big talent for us.” Cooper said outside linebacker Jonah Ellis is “doing really well” after shoulder surgery. He also lauded edge rusher Dondrea Tillman’s recent performance.

“If you really just sit back and watch him,” Cooper said, “he’s just really crafting and really working.”

The Broncos’ front seven combined for an NFL-leading 63 sacks last season. How can the group improve in 2025? Cooper did not hesitate to answer.

“Being more dominant,” Cooper said. “I don’t see (any) reason for us not to be the most dominant unit in the league. There’s nothing holding us back. There’s nothing stopping us. So just taking it up another level. I don’t think any of us have reached our potential. We’re just going to keep working until we’re the best in the league, honestly.”

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