Head coach Vic Fangio says veteran Hogan and rookies Lock, Rypien will take turns as backup. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The show belongs to Joe. For the next four weeks, the Broncos will hold full team practices under the description of OTAs (organized team activities), followed by one week of mandatory minicamp. Joe Flacco will be the quarterback that shall lead them. Only when Flacco, the longtime Baltimore Raven starter who was acquired via trade, takes a water break will the veteran backup Kevin Hogan and rookies Drew Lock and Brett Rypien move in for their turns. “Joe will take all of the reps with the first team,’’ head coach Vic Fangio said following the final Broncos’ rookie minicamp practice Sunday. “Then we have an open competition after that and we’ll randomly play those with the 2s and the 3s when we do our reps.” The Broncos first set of three OTAs will be held Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of this week. There is typically a team golf outing held in the first week of OTAs. Callahan returns Bryce Callahan, the Broncos’ new slot corner who was signed to a three-year, $21 million contract in March, has been cleared from his surgically repaired broken foot to participate in the OTAs. Other injured players – running back Phillip Lindsay (hand), tight end Jake Butt (knee), guard Ron Leary (Achilles) and cornerback Isaac Yiadom (shoulder) – will be limited, meaning they won’t participate during the 11-on-11 periods. Fangio said Yiadom could return next week. No. 1 receiver Emmanuel Sanders is not expected to return from his Achilles injury until around the start of training camp in mid-July. Fangio, three assistants take in Nuggets’ Game 7 After Fangio mentioned during his press conference Friday how he brought the Denver Nuggets luck in Game 7 of their opening playoff series against San Antonio, the local NBA team comped him four tickets for the big game Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers. Fangio took along his defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello and tight ends coach Wade Harman. The Fangio magic ran out, though. The Nuggets blew a 17-point lead and lost Game 7 to the visiting Trail Blazers, 100-96. Rookie return adjustment Pay attention to Broncos special teams coordinator Tom McMahon because you might learn something. The adjustment between Broncos rookies returning punts in college and the pros? “They’ve caught 4.0-hang times,’’ McMahon said. “Now, they’re catching 5.2s.’’ You’ve heard the term ‘major league flyball?’ Same thing with fielding punts in the NFL. The reason height is so important for NFL punters is in college, the 10 other cover guys can take off as soon as the ball is snapped. In the NFL, the cover guys (with the exception of the two outside ‘gunners’) can’t take off until the ball is booted. “The punter has to be the equalizer,’’ McMahon said. “You have to get that ball up in the NFL because just the gunners can get it going. Everybody else can’t move until the ball is punted.’’ Notes The Broncos may sign a tryout player or two this week, but for the bulk of 20 players who practiced during the rookie minicamp this weekend, it was nice while it lasted. “On their resume, they can say they were a member of the Denver Broncos at one time,” Fangio said. Former Cherry Creek standout receiver Joe Parker was invited to try out during the Tennessee Titans’ rookie minicamp this weekend and he won a spot on their roster.<doc-sep>The Denver Broncos invited 20 tryout players to rookie minicamp this week, including local running back Bernard McDondle. The players are hoping to impress the team’s coaching staff enough to earn a contract offer. What’s coach Vic Fangio’s message to the tryout players? “Show us your football instincts, your football acumen and see where the chips fall,” Fangio said after practice on May 10. “Most of them obviously won’t be asked to stay, but that doesn’t mean we’re done with them. “I can remember tryout guys that we kind of liked but didn’t have a spot for them, and then we brought them back a couple weeks or a month later by the start of training camp and mixed them in. They’re against heavy odds, but everywhere I’ve been, a couple of them end up going to camp with you.” The following players attended minicamp on a tryout basis: 1. DB Toyous Avery, West Virginia 2. K John Baron II, San Diego State 3. LS Jacob Bobenmoyer, Northern Colorado 4. OL Venzell Boulware, Miami (Fla.) 5. OL Rishard Cook, UAB 6. P Stefan Flintoft, UCLA 7. LB Chase Hancock, Marshall 8. CB Zuril Hendrick, Edinboro 9. TE Johnathan Howard, North Carolina 10. P Hayden Hunt, Colorado State 11. OL Nathan Jacobson, UNLV 12. CB Octavis Johnson, Middle Tennessee 13. RB Bernard McDondle, CSU-Pueblo 14. WR Sam Mobley, Catawba 15. TE Tyler Petite, USC 16. DL Shane Roy, Pittsburgh 17. DL Deyon Sizer, CSU-Pueblo 18. S Kahani Smith, UTEP 19. S Broderick Thomas, UAB 20. CB Vincent White, U.C. Davis Denver’s 90-man offseason roster is full so if the team signs any tryout players, the Broncos would have to make corresponding roster moves to create spots for any new signings.<doc-sep>The Denver Broncos just completed their second day of rookie mini-camp. For fifth-round linebacker Justin Hollins, it’s been a crash course. The Broncos liked the 6-foot-5, 248-pound Hollins’ versatility, believing he can play inside and outside linebacker. Through two days of mini-camp, he’s played on the outside in base defense, and off-ball in the nickel. It’s a challenge Hollins has relished thus far. “Mainly just learning the system, learning both positions and stuff,” Hollins said following Saturday’s practice. “But I’m pretty familiar with the system already, and Coach has got me in the playbook and we’re in the meeting room getting after it.” Hollins played on the outside throughout his career at Oregon. He explained what it was that made NFL teams, including the Broncos, envision him inside. “At Oregon, I really just played outside,” Hollins said. “It wasn’t until the all-star game and more toward the bowl game, we had a couple checks where I could play inside and stuff like that. They didn’t really show the schemes that we needed for that in the bowl game. It was mainly during the all-star game where I played inside.” Hollins is referring to the East/West Shrine Game, where he received rave reviews for his performance as an off-ball linebacker, earning the defensive MVP award for the all-star contest. What's next for the Broncos? Do not miss any breaking news or in-depth analysis! Sign up for our FREE newsletter, and get every breaking story delivered to your inbox! One challenge that could hasten his development as an inside linebacker is covering fellow rookie Noah Fant. The first-round TE is also 6-foot-5, he weighs 250 pounds but he runs a 4.5 40. If Hollins can hang with Fant in coverage, it’s an encouraging sign that he could stick at off-ball linebacker, and perhaps give the Broncos that speedy coverage linebacker they’ve lacked. “Most definitely. That’s a great guy,” Hollin said. “He’s a great player. It’s great to get out there and compete with him every day. He gives me great reps.” The ante will get upped on Monday, when the Broncos’ vets descend on Dove Valley for OTAs. It’ll be another trial by fire for Hollins but going against Fant this weekend is a great way to get his beak wet. Fant’s going to be catching a lot of touchdowns in the NFL. “I think it’s a good way to get your feet wet," Fant said after day one of mini-camp. "It’s going to be fun to be out here with the rookies but I’m definitely looking forward to getting out there with the vets also.” For Hollins' part, as much as he's relished going against Fant, he also has to balance the additional responsibilities of playing the off-ball linebacker position. It really is night-and-day different from rushing off the edge. “It’s really just being able to see more [at inside linebacker],” Hollins said. “There’s a lot more going on that you have to be involved with than outside. Outside is more just [an] on-the-edge type of thing. Inside you have to know where two, three [people are], you have to see where the back is. You have to know what the guard does on the snap of the ball. You have to key people. There’s just a lot more going on on the inside than there is on the outside.” The Broncos are hoping that Fant and Hollins' head-to-head battles will be the iron that sharpens iron and provide the team with two potent weapons to deploy on gameday.<doc-sep>Good morning, and happy Mother’s Day to the Broncos Country moms, We know about “death by inches.” Vic Fangio made it clear at his introductory news conference that the days of silly mistakes that lead to losses were over. The Denver Broncos henceforth will be prepared for anything and everything that happens through their preparation on and off the field. But as we “inch” closer and closer to training camp, another aspect of Fangio has emerged — a “show me” mentality. In some form or fashion, we’ve all heard the expression “actions speak louder than words.” It’s become clear that’s how Fangio wants to coach and learn about his players. Don’t tell him, show him. That helps explain why he doesn’t watch much film on any of the Broncos on the roster. Fangio wants to see with his own eyes what they do and how they play. Perhaps more important is how they prepare — in the weight room, kitchen, classroom and field. It’s a clean slate. Show Fangio what you can do — veterans and rookies. “The main purpose of this is to get these guys indoctrinated to being a Denver Bronco,” he told the media after the first day of rookie minicamp. “For them to learn our system and start learning it, so when OTAs start on Monday, they’ve got a chance to mix in with the veterans, know how to practice without pads on, learn some plays, learn some defenses, learn their assignments, get great individual attention from the coaches in these three days, so they’re more prepared and ready for Monday’s OTAs.” Finally on the football field. It’s time to work, rookies. pic.twitter.com/kzQ5a08pHE — Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 10, 2019 In that refrain, Fangio and his staff won’t throw a lot at the rookies this weekend for minicamp. This is their first taste of the NFL and it’a a lot to take in. A lot. “You tell them about it, and I told them about that (Thursday) night in the team meeting,” Fangio said. “There’s a big difference between the NFL and college football. There’s over 700 colleges, I believe, playing college football with 100-man rosters or more. We’re down to 32 (teams). Colleges play over a four-year period and we play over a 10-year period or more. You can see or get a feel for the competition and how much it’s been weeded out. The standard of play is just that much greater.” One of the biggest differences between college and the NFL is the time spent in meetings. “They need to learn how to be a good learner in those meetings, keep a good focus and make sure they’re constantly learning,” Fangio said. “Before you can do it on the field, you have to understand it in the classroom.” We know about “death by inches.” But what’s equally clear is Fangio wants to see if his players can do the job — on and off the field. That’s the mark of a great teacher, and another sign the Broncos are in great hands. Horse Tracks Sacco Sez: Minicamp, Mother's Day ... and inclement weather As the Broncos' rookies get to work, Jim Saccomano is reminded of how the minicamp has often coincided with Mother's Day and seemingly annual inclement weather. Justin Hollins 'off to a good start' as he learns inside, outside linebacker positions “It’s a credit to the type of kid he is, QB Drew Lock adjusting to playbook, play calls as NFL career begins “They’ve put a little bit on us, but that is what you expect when you come out here and it’s your first time playing in the NFL,” Lock said. As Broncos' rookie minicamp begins, HC Vic Fangio explains motivation behind return to practice field Fangio also shared information on where several draft picks are lining up and why the Nuggets may want to give him a call before Sunday's game. Elway, Chris Harris’ agent plan to exchange proposals in hopes of resolving contract dispute | 9news.com The Broncos cornerback has skipped the offseason program to send message he wants a new contract. Juwann Winfree took difficult path to becoming a Broncos' draft pick | 9news.com Former Colorado receiver didn't have the stats of most draft picks, but Broncos hope to tap his top-end potential. Drew Lock on showing off his arm in first pro practice: 'It feels pretty fresh right now' | 9news.com Broncos rookie minicamp opened Friday at team headquarters. Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco's house goes on the market for $1.59M | 9news.com New Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco is moving from Baltimore County to Denver. Ja'Wuan James wants line to be physical, command 'respect' The Broncos offensive improvement starts upfront. Is this the season Denver finally finds stability and productivity from its maligned grunts upfront? Drew Lock, Broncos will need to be patient - Denver Broncos- ESPN The Broncos got their first look at second-round quarterback Drew Lock in his new colors during the team's rookie minicamp that began Friday. NFL Tracks All the things Aaron Rodgers should do in his ‘Game of Thrones’ cameo - SBNation.com Peddling dragon insurance? Adopting Ghost? Claiming the Iron Throne? We’ve got some ideas. Doug Baldwin and Kam Chancellor were the best version of the Seahawks - SBNation.com And they were everything I love about the team. Why Baker Mayfield is the perfect quarterback for Odell Beckham Jr. - SBNation.com Cleveland’s new offensive duo is ready to take over the league. Was the Chiefs’ 2019 offseason enough to get them to the Super Bowl? - SBNation.com Having Patrick Mahomes means the Chiefs didn’t have to do much. How NFL players prepare now for the season, explained by an ex-lineman - SBNation.com Retired NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz details the work the players are putting in during the quiet part of the NFL offseason. Gruden impressed with Dwayne Haskins: He can spin it - NFL.com While only the second day of rookie minicamp, Redskins coach Jay Gruden was impressed by first-round draft pick Dwayne Haskins, as the quarterback "can really spin it." NFL players like Doug Baldwin aren't cyborgs; broken bodies prove it<doc-sep>
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Drew Lock has worked with all kinds of coaches, plenty of throwing gurus and a host of other specialists. Now perhaps he'll need a patience coach. Because in between all of the throws, touchdowns and big moments, he has never really had to wait to play. "It will definitely be a different transition," Lock said Friday after his first on-field practice with the Denver Broncos. "... If I'm going through this transition, I'm glad to be behind Joe [Flacco] and hear what he has to say, learn from him, I'm excited to meet him, excited to get in the room with him and learn from a guy who's won a Super Bowl." Lock knows, and has been told by the Broncos, that he will be the team's backup quarterback, at best, if things go according to plan. Lock -- taken in the second round with the No. 42 overall selection last month -- was among the 47 players on the field and in the meeting rooms Friday. It was a mix of draft picks, undrafted rookies, tryout players and players who had been on a practice squad last season, who will go through the team's rookie minicamp this weekend. They will mix with the Broncos' veteran players on Monday, the first day of the next set of the team's full organized team activities. That will be Lock's first official stint in a meeting room with Flacco, whom the Broncos acquired in a March trade to be their starting quarterback. 2019 NFL OFFSEASON COVERAGE Catch up on the draft: • Pick-by-pick analysis » • Kiper's grades » | McShay's best picks » • Team-by-team analysis » | Takeaways » Catch up on free agency: • Biggest impact moves for all 32 teams » • Winners and losers of free agency » • Barnwell: Grades » | Lessons from FA » More on the draft » | More on FA » Broncos coach Vic Fangio made it clear that Friday was essentially the first day of football school for Lock and everybody else in a Broncos uniform. Asked about Lock's performance, Fangio pumped the brakes on social media blasts lauding Lock's arm strength. "Nothing great one way or the other," Fangio said. "He's learning out here, I try not to make any value judgments here early." Lock said Friday he'll have the patience to back up Flacco. And the Broncos, including Fangio and general manager John Elway, said they'll also exercise patience as Lock transitions from a largely spread look at Missouri to the Broncos' updated version of the West Coast offense. Former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer said simply calling the play is one of the biggest transitions for a young quarterback. Plummer said one of the longer playcalls from his time in Mike Shanahan's version of the West Coast offense would have been something like "shift to double wing right, Z fly, 76, U shallow cross." Lock said he's already getting a dose of that with calls that are "10-, 12-word plays." "Language is a little different," Lock said. "You have to spit the play out and it's tougher to spit the play out than it is to actually go out and knowing what the play is. [But] nothing a little saying the plays in the mirror won't fix. I'll have to dive into that a little bit." Lock said he already has a comfort level with quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney and offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello, the latter of whom he spent time with on a pre-draft visit to the Broncos' complex last month. Friday was the first glimpse into Lock's enormous potential and he knows he has room to improve. "[I'll] evaluate myself every day, figure out what I need to do better, and kind of keep a book of the things I thought I did well that day and try to take it over to the next day with the things I need to fix," he said.