The first week of organized team activities wrapped up for the Denver Broncos on Thursday.

The Broncos held OTAs from Tuesday to Thursday, but only the final practice session of the week was open to the media. Following rookie minicamp earlier this month, OTAs welcomed the team’s rookies and veterans to hit the field together for the first time this offseason.

Now entering his second year in the league, quarterback Bo Nix feels rejuvenated after an offseason break.

“Each season you get to start over, and you get to start from square one,” Nix said Thursday. “It’s all about getting the body back right and taking a mental break from the game. Now, when you pick it back up, you feel a little more rejuvenated and a little more — I guess ‘fresh’ is the term. You’re not going all season long. I feel good and feel like I am in a good spot. [My] body feels good and mentally, I’m sharp right now. We’re going to carry that into the season.”

Following Thursday’s session open to the media, here are ten quick takeaways from the initial portion of OTAs.

Broncos takeaways from OTAs

1. Sean Payton’s nod to Demaryius Thomas: Denver announced earlier this week that “DT” has been elected to the Broncos Ring of Fame. Payton never coached Thomas, but he has observed the impact the receiver had on the organization. “So many people have talked about not only his football skill set, but his makeup, his leadership and all the things he brought to that team,” Payton said. “It’s much deserved. Congratulations, obviously, to all of his family members. It’s a great way to pay tribute to someone who was fantastic on the grass, but just as fantastic when he was off of it.”

2. Attendance report: Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quad), long snapper Mitchell Fraboni (back), defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, cornerback Pat Surtain, safety JL Skinner, tight end Cole Fotheringham, defensive lineman Kristian Williams and wide receiver AT Perry did not practice Thursday. JFM’s agent said the defensive lineman will report for mandatory minicamp in June. Meanwhile, wide receiver Courtland Sutton, entering a contract year, was present for practice after skipping the initial voluntary sessions in 2024.

3. Alex Singleton’s return: He’s not practicing with the full team yet, but inside linebacker Alex Singleton (knee) was back on the field Thursday. Singleton aims to be ready for training camp.

4. Bo Nix looks “entirely different” this spring: Coming off an impressive rookie campaign, Nix appears poised to take another step forward in 2025. Broncos coach Sean Payton certainly seems pleased with the QB going into Year 2. “It’s a lot different,” Payton said. “We don’t use that term, ‘Pick up where we left off,’ but just the processing [and] understanding of what we’re doing in and out of the huddle. These three days — as you’re watching each decision, [the throws are] where you want the ball to go. I think it’s entirely different.” Nix noted that it’s a big help to have the same coaching staff — and play caller — returning for his second season. DNVR Broncos observed that the QB also appeared to be coaching up his teammates more than he did in 2024. It’s Bo Time.

5. Drew Sanders position update: Payton noted (as he did earlier this year) that Sanders will play as an inside linebacker. Despite not playing primarily on the edge, Sanders will still be utilized as a rusher. “[T]he vision is clear: inside linebacker,” Payton said. “We think he’s a pressure player. So obviously, there’s ways where you can pressure that guy from a stacked position, or to an outside position. He’s doing well handling it.”

6. Welcome to the squad, Talanoa Hufanga: After signing with the Broncos earlier this spring, the 25-year-old safety made his on-field debut at OTAs this week. “He’s smart,” Payton said. “He’s a real good leader. He’s played in real good defenses. He’s been a real positive addition and is going to help us a lot.” The safety loves to hit — he noted that football is “free violence” — and he’ll make Vance Joseph’s unit even more formidable in 2025.

7. Bigger workload for Audric Estime: After an underwhelming rookie campaign, second-year running back Audric Estime appears poised to receive a larger workload this fall. Payton seemed to hint that there weren’t enough touches to go around in 2024. “[It was] a little bit harder for him last year — for a handful of these guys,” Payton said. “I don’t want to say the grade was incomplete, but they just didn’t have enough [touches]. He’s a back that requires enough touches. He’s going to get those opportunities.”

8. Evan Engram begins work with Nix: After signing with the Broncos in March, Engram also made his on-field debut this week. Nix noted that the tight end is all about football. “It starts by getting to know him,” Nix said of building chemistry with Engram. “See what makes him tick, what makes him go and what his passions are. It’s very clear from the beginning that he’s all about football, and he’s all about taking care of himself. He’s been here since he was signed, getting ready and preparing. That’s been fun to see. So, I’ve gotten to be around him a lot. Then we just started working on the field. Early on in OTAs, you get to come out here and throw routes and just see what he’s like. See what kind of routes he runs and see what he’s thinking. We talk a lot. He’s always asking me about certain things. When you get him out to practice, it’s just seeing how he reacts. I’m excited to include him and add him to what we already have. I think it’ll be good for us.”

9. Troy Franklin’s progress: Marvin Mims made a huge leap on offense in his second year, and Payton believes Franklin could make a similar jump in 2025. “I think you’re going to see those types of ascensions with players like Troy,” Payton said. “There are a number of young players competing for not so much spots, but competing for touches. He’s one of them.”

10. RJ Harvey continues to impress: It’s only OTAs — with no pads — but Harvey has looked as good as a player can look this time of year. “He’s done a really good job working,” Nix said of the running back. “He does a good job out of the backfield. It’s hard to tell with shorts and a t-shirt what it’s like running the ball with no pads, but that’s obviously why we got him. You know he can run the ball, but I think it’s the other things that he’s showing. Just the routes, [his] suddenness and quickness in his hands. I think all that’s really good to see, but he’s a great guy, first and foremost, then I think it’s going to translate for him being a successful player.”

The Broncos will return for a second set of OTAs next week (June 3-5), followed by mandatory minicamp (June 10-12). After that, players will get a summer break until training camp begins in late July.

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