Juwan Thompson once played linebacker in college for a series against Virginia Tech. He remains open to suggestions for more minutes. For now one of last season’s best training camp stories is focusing on running back, not fullback, as he attempts to carve out a roster spot.
“It’s better for me to know. It helps me prepare,” said Thompson, who extended the Broncos’ streak of undrafted free agents making the team to 11 consecutive seasons. “I have played fullback. I can do whatever they want.”
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James Casey and Joe Don Duncan are working at fullback, which will return to the Broncos’ offense for the first time in a decade. Thompson is big enough to serve as a lead blocker, but showed he can run last season, gaining 272 yards on 54 attempts for a 5-yard average. He also excelled on special teams.
Next tackle up. The Broncos coaches remain optimistic about their young tackles. Rookie Ty Sambrailo continues to receive first-team reps at left tackle. He has shown that he’s a fast learner, but the Broncos want him to continue to add strength so he can anchor better against edge rushers, and “we will not find out how much he has improved there until we put the pads, on,” Kubiak said.
Kubiak added that he saw a change in tackle Michael Schofield’s approach after Ryan Clady’s injury.
“All of sudden I watched him practice differently, like ‘Uh-oh I better pick this up.’ And he has. He has responded,” Kubiak said.
Smith not present. Antonio Smith remained excused from Broncos practice. The Fort Bend County (Texas) district attorney continues to weigh whether to bring charges against Smith on a child abuse allegation. Kubiak broached the idea that there could be a resolution by Wednesday. The DA’s office said Tuesday there was no update. Even if Smith is not charged, the NFL could discipline him under the personal conduct policy.
Footnotes. Kubiak remains serious about keeping his veterans fresh. Most left practice halfway through to lift weights, leaving reps for the younger players. No helmets were required Tuesday by design. … … Backup quarterback Brock Osweiler is benefiting from his additional work and laser-focus over the past few months. “I know it’s a big offseason for a lot of guys, but I think for him it’s been even bigger. I think he’s getting better. There’s a ways to go. But I know we can help him,” Kubiak said. … After a meeting with Kubiak several weeks ago, reserve tight end Dominique Jones shed 21 pounds from 286 to 265. It has shown up at practice where he looks more fluid in passing routes. … Kubiak provided a simple message to players after practice: “This league makes you get better. It won’t let you hang around the middle years of your career.”
