ENGLEWOOD, Colo — It was a relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated Sean Payton addressing the media here Saturday following the Broncos’ rookie minicamp practice.
All the coach needed was to get his hand-picked quarterback. In Bo Nix he’s got his man. And as rookies go, Bo is a man.
The coach was pleased with what he saw from his new QB following the 2 ½-hour rookie practice.
“Location of throws,’’ Payton said. “He had two or three down the field throws today. It’s almost like watching a good golfer. Sometimes when you watch his game over two years, there’s a patience to how he plays. The ball comes out. I don’t want to use the term boring that’s not the right term yet pretty good decisions with each play, the efficiency and how he’s operating. All of that.”
An example of a less edgy Payton this year: He moved the media viewing area from the distant backside of the berm to along the concrete portion surrounding both practice fields, much closer to the action.
There were even donuts served to reporters before the practice and sandwiches were provided after the locker room interviews. Last year there was the occasional pizza Friday during the regular season and that’s about it. Not that the media is complaining. But it is grateful about the more amiable approach. What’s got into the coach?
Bo Nix, that’s what.
There are some hefty expectations laid upon Nix. This town is starved for a winner again. It’s desperate for a quality quarterback after so many misses.
“The city is incredible,’’ Nix said. “Can’t believe I get to wear a Broncos jersey go out there and do what so many greats have done before me. I don’t take that lightly. I’m not going to take it for granted but obviously pressure gives you opportunity. The more pressure and responsibility you have, the more you have to go out there and consistently earn it.”
One of those greats, John Elway, reached out to Bo in recent days.
“Yeah, he did and that was a cool text for sure,’’ Nix said. “It made my dad (Pat Nix, former Auburn quarterback) a little mad I think because that was his favorite growing up. He was a little jealous but it was awesome and it was kind of like, 'wow, is this really happening?' But when you’re in a special city like this everybody supports the next generation so that’s one thing I took from that.”
Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson may be ahead of the rookie Nix now and for a few more weeks. But eventually, Nix will be the Broncos’ quarterback.
As for some of the other rookies, edge rusher Jonas Ellis is still taking it slow six months out from shoulder surgery. He participated in the walk-through and individual drills but was held out of the team periods.
Wide receiver Troy Franklin starts his NFL career with the advantage of playing with Nix for two years in college. The two hooked up for several completions in drills Saturday. That doesn’t mean Franklin is acclimated to altitude, though.
“Oh of course, yeah,’’ said Franklin, who sometimes took his time between reps to catch his breath. “I’m a California kid. So getting out here my first day it got me a little bit but today was a way better day for me.”
Besides Nix at quarterback, the position where rookies have a chance to make an impact is running back. Fifth-round rookie Audric Estime is a bruiser and well-paid undrafted free agent Blake Watson is a shifty pass catcher. Both will compete with Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin.
“Anytime, all these guys are competing for roles, spots, roster,’’ Payton said. “But there are two guys that are under contract right now that we added. Yeah, I think that we never put a cap on what they’re competing for. I want to see it and then we’ll go by what we see.”
Another rookie to watch Devaughn Vele. He’s a man among boys. Then again he’s 26. Not only a good receiver, but got a chance to be one of the team’s kickoff returners despite his 6-foot-4 frame.
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