Phillip Lindsay broke down the vibe on Day 1 of Broncos rookie mini-camp in terms easily understood.
“We’re babies right now,” he said.
Denver’s crop of 10 NFL draftees and eight undrafted free agent signings gathered Friday morning at Dove Valley for several player seminars with wide-ranging topics as an introduction to life in the NFL. While the newcomers lack pro playing experience, they feature no lack of experience in leadership. Nine of the Broncos’ 10 draft picks were team captains at least one season in college, and the odd man out, Boston College CB Isaac Yiadom, was given the 2017 Jay McGillis Award for the BC defensive back that best displays “team dedication and leadership by example.”
And Lindsay, a three-time Colorado Buffaloes team captain at tailback, spearheads a group of undrafted free agents with well-documented leadership qualities.
“A ton of great players and a ton of talent that, honestly, is surprising that we could get all of us on the same team,” said former Penn State wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton, a fourth-round pick. “A lot of these guys are just 21 or 22 years old, but they’re really mature above their age. Like you said, team captains in college and really leaders of their team. … I can tell they have a great work ethic and are really excited to get started.”
Sam Jones, a former ThunderRidge High School/Arizona State offensive lineman selected in the sixth round, added: “I’m impressed just sitting in all of these administrative meetings. Itap a good group of guys for sure.”
However, the overwhelming confidence and outspoken leadership qualities that made many of these rookies NFL prospects will likely be dialed back in the early going this offseason. Broncos’ coach told reporters following the draft he believes every pick “will have a chance to compete.” That requires time to adjust.
“I have to get in where I fit in, and right now thatap learning, listening and being quiet,” Lindsay said. “My place is to listen to the veterans and listen to the coaches and take what they want and establish it on the football field.”
The decision to bring on so many prominent leaders from the college game is no coincidence as Denver hopes to end a two-season playoff drought.
“One thing that we learned last year when we’re 5-11, when you’re in a losing streak, you need that maturity and that leadership to get things turned around,” Broncos general manager said last month. “These players have that ability and they have that maturity level. Thatap why we decided to go more in that direction, to say that if things got tough for a couple weeks, we’ve got to get things turned around.”
players reported to rookie mini-camp this morning in Dove Valley. Former RB Phillip Lindsay: "Its exciting, but you have to be learning and listening at all times."
— Kyle Fredrickson (@kylefredrickson)
