ENGLEWOOD — It appears the NFL is paying attention to the development of Frank Crum.

The Broncos offensive tackle who formerly starred at the University of Wyoming made the 53-man roster Tuesday for the second consecutive season despite being undrafted in 2024. Crum — a towering presence at 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds — is a project player who appeared in just six games a year ago.

Yet Crum still created buzz around the league.

“We’ve had three teams call on him,” coach Sean Payton said after Tuesday practice at Broncos Park.

Denver has no intention of moving Crum despite clarity at offensive line with starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey and starting left tackle Garett Bolles. Payton offered his explanation.

“It’s the upside and the size and the athleticism,” Payton said. “His feet and his protection. We have a clear and really good vision for what we think he can become, and that ceiling is high. You can tell there are other teams doing their homework the same way.”

Crum has certainly earned the endorsement of McGlinchey, who enters his eighth NFL season.

“Frank has come such a long way,” McGlinchey said Tuesday. “I love working with Frank, and he’s been such a great partner. (Crum), Alex Palczewski and I kind of have the right-side tackle thing going in individual (drills). He gets after it every single day. He’s so tough. He’s an intelligent football player, and it’s why his development has just kept going and going. Obviously, he’s got the physical attributes to be very successful at the game of football.

“He’s a huge guy. I think he’s even got me beat in height, which is pretty rare in our league. He’s strong. He’s quick. He’s got all of the tools that he needs. … We’re lucky to have Frank Crum in our building, that’s for sure. The depth that he provides and the push that he provides all of us goes a long way.”

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Surtain on KAD

Second-year cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft, made the 53-man roster again following a strong rookie season. Abrams-Draine played in five games with one start a year ago. He logged nine tackles, two passes defended, and one interception returned for 17 yards.

Abrams-Draine, a University of Missouri product, has earned the respect of veteran defenders like cornerback Pat Surtain.

“I see a lot of confidence,” Surtain said after practice Tuesday. “His technique is off the charts. His IQ is off the charts as well, too. Him understanding concepts. Him understanding plays before they happen. Being in the right position at the right time. I think that’s what separates him. I think he’s a tremendous player.”

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McGlinchey talks defensive line

McGlinchey hasn’t watched film yet on the Tennessee Titans ahead of their Week 1 matchup Sept. 7.

He’s got enough to worry about in practice over the next two days. Denver’s starting right tackle discussed the challenge of facing dominant edge rushers over the course of training camp.

“I’ve been playing against them for the last six or seven weeks. I’m ready for somebody else,” McGlinchey said. “But they’re a talented bunch. They’re one of the engines of our football team, and the way that they played a year ago obviously sets a huge bar of expectations of what’s to come this year, and all of those guys can handle it. Across the board, I don’t know if there is a deeper defensive line unit.”

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