Horse Tracks: 3 Things to Watch for During Denver Broncos OTAs

The Denver Broncos OTAs have begun. Here are three storylines to follow over the next few weeks.

Good morning, Broncos Country.

The Denver Broncos OTAs are underway. This first installment runs through today with two more installments following on May 28-30 and June 3-6. The major focus will be full team and seven-on-seven drills, but keep in mind that full pads aren’t able to come on during training camp.

Even so there is still a lot we can learn. It’s a great time for the rookies and other young players to acclimate to the speed of the NFL game, hit the playbooks hard, and earn a rapport with their teammates. The latter can be hard to do—especially when some have chosen not to show up. Which brings me to my first of three things to watch for during OTAs.

Courtland Sutton’s absence provides opportunities for youthful receiving corps

One of the key takeaways is veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton absence from the organized team activities and appears to be working out on his own as opposed to his own. While OTAs are voluntary, I think it might be wise to try and build some chemistry with quarterback Bo Nix—who the Broncos drafted last month to be their hopeful franchise signal caller.

The silver-lining in this will be more opportunities for Denver’s young wide receivers to get some chemistry with Nix and have more reps to showcase their abilities. With Jerry Jeudy out of the picture, expect Marvin Mims to have an increased role in the offense in 2024. He started off his rookie campaign hot, but disappeared from the Broncos’ offense plans as the year went on. I’m expecting much better production from the former Oklahoma standout this year and believe he will be a focal point in the Broncos’ aerial attack.

It’s also an opportunity for Troy Franklin to make his first big impressions with his team. We know he already has a great bond with Nix, but getting to see him progress and show promise is also something to look forward to. He is expected to learn the ‘Z’ role on offense and has the ability to be a yard after catch machine and deep threat in the Broncos’ offense—something they desperately need.

Outside of the aforementioned, veterans Tim Patrick and free agent addition Josh Reynolds are in the fold. But a bevy of other players including Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Brandon Johnson, Jalen Virgil, and Devaugh Vele round out a receiving corps that is arguably of the deepest positions on the roster. I’m excited to see how this plays out as it should provide some of the best competition during the OTA sessions.

Catching up with the cornerbacks—Who makes their mark in 2024?

Patrick Surtain II headlines the position group full of potential but with a lot of uncertainty as well. The first question will be who is playing opposite of him on the boundary next season?

Conventional wisdom points toward Levi Wallace, a long-time veteran with significant starting experience. Also waiting in the wings is second-year pro Riley Moss, who didn’t see a whole lot of reps as a rookie due to recovery from a core muscle injury. Where he winds up playing in the defensive backfield remains a mystery, but he is certainly in the mix there and will need to prove himself after being MIA for his first season.

With 33 games to his name, third-year player Damarri Mathis will also get a shot. However, his inconsistencies last year will need to be improved upon if he wants to be a serious contender for a starting spot. The sleeper to watch is fifth-round pick Kris Abrams-Draine. He might not have the desired size on the outside, but that’s where the coaches expect him to get his first reps. He was a proven ballhawk and reliable player at Missouri so I am hoping to see some of those traits translate early on in his NFL journey.

The Offensive Wildcard: Tight End Greg Dulcich

When the Broncos drafted Dulcich in the third-round several years ago, fans thought they were getting a dynamic tight end that would provide the team with a mismatch weapon at the position. Last year Sean Payton talked about him being a potential ‘Joker’ in their offense, but unfortunately, his hamstring issues came up again and another season of his was derailed by injury.

Out of any player on the Broncos roster, he is likely the biggest wildcard. A healthy Dulcich would be great for Denver’s offensive prospects in 2024, but whether or not he can remain healthy remains to be seen. In my opinion, it’s a make-or-break campaign for him this season. Given all of the above, I thought it might be an area the Broncos targeted in the draft, but they opted not to. Perhaps that means there is some optimism at Dove Valley regarding Dulcich.

But as you all know, the best ability in the National Football League is availability. Let’s cross our fingers and hope Dulcich can keep healthy and make an impact for team in ‘24. Feel free to drop your three biggest things to watch for in the comments section.

As always—thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.

Broncos News & Tidbits

Denver Broncos: Courtland Sutton is working out, but not with team at OTAs | Sporting News
Courtland Sutton has not reported to OTAs and it doesn’t look like he will.

Brock Bowers, Joe Alt and more: A closer look at the top rookies on the Broncos’ 2024 schedule
There are plenty of talented 2024 draft picks Denver could face during the upcoming season.

Former Super Bowl MVP Shares Thoughts on Broncos QB Bo Nix
Former NY Giants Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms shared his thoughts on the NFL readiness of Broncos rookie first-round QB Bo Nix.

Pros & Cons to Denver Broncos Extending OLB Baron Browning
The Denver Broncos soon have a big decision to make on Baron Browning.

NFL News & Tidbits

Steelers QB Russell Wilson ‘learned a lot’ during time with Broncos – Behind the Steel Curtain
The Steelers’ new quarterback is treating his challenges in Denver as a learning experience.

NFL’s top 10 most complete teams for 2024 season: 49ers robust; Browns, Jets could contend
Eric Edholm ranks the top 10 most complete NFL teams — the ones with the most talent/depth and the fewest remaining question marks — heading into the 2024 season. Which squads are ranked ahead of the back-to-back champion Chiefs?

Roger Goodell addresses potential 18-game schedule, private equity in ownership at Spring League Meeting
Commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday addressed the possibility of an 18-game regular-season schedule in the future and the prospect of private equity in ownership among other topics at the conclusion of the Spring League Meeting in Nashville, Tenn.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid addresses multiple off-field issues involving players this offseason
On Wednesday, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed multiple off-the-field issues involving players on his team this offseason.

Pittsburgh selected as host site for 2026 NFL Draft
Pittsburgh has been selected as the host city for the 2026 NFL Draft, the NFL announced Wednesday at the Spring League Meeting.