The Broncos held their annual golf outing Monday at the Sanctuary. Fittingly, they featured plenty of big hitters for a franchise that won Super Bowl 50 with a menacing defense.
The Broncos return to organized team activities Tuesday as defending champions with multiple questions. First, the Super Bowl MVP won’t be at OTAs. The sides have talked occasionally but without a contract, all-pro outside linebacker Von Miller will not attend as he seeks a long-term deal. In this session, coaches can work with players, run them through plays and drills. The media even get a peek when the workout begins Tuesday.
A turbulent offseason has created national skepticism. Without certainty at quarterback, everyone from the Las Vegas wiseguys to NFL insiders seem to be predicting the Broncos will win seven to nine games. No repeat. No sixth consecutive AFC West title. No decorated playoff run.
The Broncos believe otherwise.
“You saw what happened last time they doubted us,” cornerback Bradley Roby said.
For the Broncos, the challenge is real because of the altered puzzle pieces. Everything in the picture spins off the quarterback position. Let’s start there as the Broncos exchange drivers for different big hitters Tuesday:
1) Who will take the snaps?
Mark Sanchez said he expects to participate in OTAs this week, if only on a limited basis, after having a torn ligament in his left thumb repaired May 14. Even if Sanchez does some light work, it’s unlikely he takes snaps under center. That will open the door for rookie Paxton Lynch, a first-round draft pick who spent last weekend at the NFL Players Association rookie premiere, and second-year slinger Trevor Siemian. Siemian, who has a strong arm, figures to work initially with the first-team offense. Lynch hasn’t worked under center regularly since his freshman year of college, but the Broncos want to microwave his development to allow him to compete for the starting job this summer.
2) Who is taking over for defensive end Malik Jackson?
Beyond quarterback, Jackson’s departure as a free agent created the biggest void. He was unique, the rare defensive end who could stop the run and provide a nasty streak in the pass rush. Vance Walker, a veteran holdover, and Jared Crick, a free-agent addition who played well for defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in Houston, will be counted on to fill the void. Walker’s ascension is critical, and possible.
3) Who gets the first chance at inside linebacker?
With Danny Trevathan gone, Brandon Marshall has moved to his position. That leaves Todd Davis and Corey Nelson vying for Marshall’s former spot. The Broncos thought highly enough of the tandem not to add a linebacker in the draft. Davis, who appears to have the slight edge, is cerebral and diligent in his work. Nelson is a strong athlete who has shown prowess in coverage in limited repetitions.
4) On guard, on offense
The Broncos’ offensive line figures to have four of five new starters. Left tackle Russell Okung (shoulder) and guard Ty Sambrailo (shoulder) are expected to be held out this week as they recover from injuries. Okung will be a starter when healthy. Sambrailo has to show he can make the transition inside, where he could receive competition from former Missouri standout Connor McGovern.
5) Tight space, tight place
Coach Gary Kubiak loves to use multiple-tight end formations. His offense functions optimally when he can run play action and get the big targets on drag routes across the field. Who will be the key receiving threat? Second-year pro Jeff Heuerman profiles well, newcomer Garrett Graham has experience in the offense and Virgil Green has long sought an expanded role after performing well in limited opportunities.
