Denver Broncos News And Tidbits From Monday’s Training Camp Practice

Yesterday after their first padded training camp session, the Denver Broncos had several prolonged interviews. Head Coach Sean Payton, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and tight end Adam Trautman offered updates and insight to a wide array of questions from reporters at their new training camp facility.

Sean Payton offers several important updates

One of the first updates mentioned was regarding Luke Wattenberg. The veteran center left practice early on with a right arm injury, but Payton didn’t appear to be too concerned about it. At face value, that alleviates some of the worry about missing our starting center long-term.

Additionally, he cleared up the air and confusion around second-year cornerback Jahdae Barron’s role with the team. He mentioned that Barron was not playing safety, as someone had floated in an article and on social media the other day.

“He’s playing nickel, he’s playing corner and then when we get into dime, he replaces a linebacker. So he’s doing really good. There’s been no position change.”

Payton also gushed about the development of cornerback Riley Moss and defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike. With respect to Moss, he cited several areas that have really impressed him and what makes him a great player.

“I think learning to play with his feet, really working on reducing some of those fouls. He competes his tail off. I love that about him. He has those traits where it’s a short mindset, short memory. He’s moving around really well right now,” said Payton.

“Again, it’s gaining confidence in the defense we’re calling, understanding the leverage, the third-down leverages, and then what we’re trying to take away. He’s handling that progression well.”

Speaking on Uwazurike, he noted that he has been pleased with his progression and development. He is one of a handful of defensive linemen battling for an increased role on defense with the departure of John-Franklin Myers.

“There’s some really good tape. I’m excited about what’s up for him because he has all those traits you’re looking for, and it’s important to him,” Payton added.

If Uwazurike hopes to replace a significant number of Franklin-Myers’ snaps, he will need to improve his pass rush ability. That has been hit-or-miss thus far in his NFL career, but he unteachable traits and a dominant physical profile that overwhelms opposing offensive lineman on run downs.

Payton also praised wideout Pat Bryant. With a logjam at wide receiver, it will be interesting to see how each player is utilized. Though Payton mentioned there will be no issue with finding a way to get the second-year wide receiver involved in weekly game plans.

“He has some of the better hands in traffic with his feet on the ground, he’s really good at run after the catch. I said this to you guys a year ago, he’s real smart. He’s someone that can move from ‘X’ to the slot. It’ll be easy creating his role.”

Talanoa Hufanga speaks on practice intensity, the defense, and leadership

Safety Talanoa Hufanga was second to take the podium in front of reporters. He lauded the high energy and intensity of the first practice session. Moreover, the versatile backend defender was over the moon and spoke loves that the defense is almost completely intact relative to last season.

“Pretty crazy actually. With the first group, I think the cool part is we’re able to diagnose the defense and offense really easily. Everybody’s on the same string. We kind of know what we guys like to do, where we want to be, me to ‘B. Jones’ and Alex’s communication. It’s, ‘What can we tell the corners’?’ Everybody’s kind of on a string, and I think that’s what really helps when you have the same group of guys, for sure,” Hufanga stated.

He also talked about being a leader and team captain last season. For him, it was a ‘true honor’ to be voted by his teammates as one in his first season with the franchise. In fact, he stated it was ‘shocking’ all things considered. Hufanga isn’t sure if he will be a captain this season, but will have no problem being a vocal leader on the defensive side of the ball.

“I think I naturally, regardless of if I’m a captain or not, I think now that’s kind of what they expect out of me is what they’re going to get now. The standard has definitely changed for me in trying to go out there and be the best version of myself for my teammates,” he added.

Adam Trautman dishes out thoughts on OC Davis Webb and QB Bo Nix

The last player to take the podium was tight end Adam Trautman who was one of the leaders of the Broncos’ tight end room last season. He had the top snap share player of the group and saw most of his time at inline tight end. Unfortunately, the unit was one of the least productive in the NFL and the Broncos need them to perform better this season.

Perhaps a reason for optimism could be a switch at play caller. Offensive Coordinator Davis Webb will be handling those duties but will still get input from Payton from time to time. Trautman spoke highly of Webb and offered some tidbits and insight to the type of coach he is.

“He brings a lot of energy. Obviously, he relates to the players as well. We’re excited to have him. He is a little ball of energy out there honestly, and it’s pretty fun. It’s cool to get into meetings and just watch him talk about concepts, scheme, everything as a whole,” remarked Trautman.

He also echoed the sentiment Hufanga did relative to the team’s continuity. The veteran tight end is a huge fan of the roster the front office has assembled. He praised the front office for locking up their key players before the hit the market and taking care of their own players. Trautman also noted that outside expectations [media and fans] on building super teams just isn’t realistic.

“There’s a perception from the outside of like you go into free agency and it’s like ‘Oh, you get this person, this person, this person.’ A super team is like, that’s not realistic. So that’s not what happens. Also, they’ve done deals for all of our guys early. All of our elite players, they’ve done them early. We have a good base, good culture. There are several guys that have contributed to that. Why would you want to get rid of them?”

Last but not least, Trautman had glowing praise for third-year quarterback Bo Nix. He spoke with high confidence that he is in store for a big season. With Nix poised to make the next step, Denver’s offense should reach new heights in 2026.

“He’s just in full total control. I said this all last year, but you’re never going to feel like you’re out of the game when he’s in the huddle.”