Horse Tracks: Broncos ink trio of Day 3 selections to rookie contracts

The Denver Broncos signed three of their draft selections before rookie minicamp kicks off on May 10.

Good morning, Broncos Country.

According to insider Mike Klis of 9News, the Denver Broncos signed a trio of Day 3 draft selections on Wednesday just several days before their rookie minicamp is scheduled to kick off on May 10.

Per his report, fifth-round running back Audric Estime, seventh-round wide receiver Devaughn Vele and seventh-round offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo all agreed to their standard four-year rookie contracts. This ensures they will be ready to participate for the three-day event that ends on Sunday, May 12.

This comes as no surprise and is obviously standard procedure and it’s expected all rookies will sign in time before camp starts with the exception of third-round pick Jonah Ellis. This is likely due to a season-ending injury he suffered several games before his final collegiate season at Utah ended—even though the report above says he has been cleared for offseason workouts.

On top of this news, I would expect the Broncos to continue a series of moves and trim down from where their roster currently sits in order to fit all their rookies and players under the 90-man roster limit before Friday hits.

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

Broncos News & Tidbits

Projecting 2024 Roles For Denver Broncos Rookies – Lets Talk Broncos
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Denver Broncos land multiple steals on Day 3 of NFL Draft, starting with Troy Franklin – Mile High Sports
Troy Franklin was the steal of the 2024 NFL Draft, and the Broncos continued to find steals on Day 3 including Kris Abrams-Draine.

‘This is part of a larger ecosystem of support’: Denver Broncos Foundation partners with A Precious Child to open resource center at Westminster High School
The newly opened satellite resource center — one of 51 operated by A Precious Child in Colorado — provides seasonally appropriate clothing, shoes, hygiene products, school supplies, food and much more.

Predicting the Denver Broncos’ 2024 schedule
The Broncos’ official schedule will soon be announced.

NFL News & Tidbits

Harrison Phillips: Vikings will use ‘division of labor’ to carry leadership torch vacated by Kirk Cousins
After six years as the Vikings’ unquestioned leader, Kirk Cousins jumped ship to the Falcons, but Harrison Phillips — there for the last two of those seasons — believes the club might actually stand to improve as it compensates for his departure.

2024 NFL Draft: Ten rookies in the best situations to succeed in Year 1 and beyond
With the 2024 NFL Draft in the rearview, former NFL personnel executive Marc Ross surveyed the landing spots of this year’s prospects, ultimately identifying 10 rookies in the most favorable positions to succeed in Year 1 and beyond.

Raiders asst. GM Champ Kelly on ‘coin toss’ decision to draft Brock Bowers: ‘Can’t confirm that at all’
Lions first-round pick Terrion Arnold created a bit of a stir when he recently said he was told it was a “coin toss” to decide if the Raiders would select him or eventual pick Brock Bowers at No. 13. Las Vegas assistant GM Champ Kelly did not confirm — o

2024 NFL season: Day 3 rookies who could compete for starter snaps in Year 1
Chad Reuter identifies 15 rookies picked on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft who could be in line for starter snaps in Year 1. Which newbies will take advantage of potential opportunities for playing time?