INDIANAPOLIS — Ten things about the Broncos from the Scouting Combine:
1. Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett climbed two steps to the podium Tuesday, looked at the assembled media and said: “I didn’t even know this thing existed until now.” Yes, this is a new world for every first-time NFL coach.
2. Tuesday was Hackettap first question-and-answer availability since his introductory news conference on Jan. 28 so much ground needed to be covered. First up was his coaching staff, which includes only two holdovers (Zach Azzanni at receivers and Christian Parker at defensive backs). Hackett said he emphasized teaching skills when hiring his assistants. “I think the world of teaching is changing,” he said. “How you get the players to buy into it and be excited to come into the building is so important. We wanted to have people that understood technology and were open to learning new ways to teach. We have a lot of good character guys, humble guys and efficient guys.”
3. I asked Hackett how he was able to gain the trust of Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2019. “Honesty,” Hackett said. “In the end, you’ve got to be honest. You’ve got to be truthful. You’ve got to be you. I think if you do that stuff, you start gaining that relationship. This whole thing is about relationships with guys.”
4. General manager George Paton reiterated his stance from late January that the Broncos want to re-sign veteran running back Melvin Gordon. “I’ve had really good discussions with Melvin,” Paton said. “We would like to have him back and we think he’s still a really good back. I think you need two or three runners in this league because itap a tough position (physically).” Keeping Gordon makes sense, but at the Broncos’ price and with the understanding that Javonte Williams will be the starter. There should be plenty of carries available for Gordon, just not on the opening possession.
5. Paton said the Broncos will visit with the representation of their free agents this week. Cornerback Bryce Callahan is a tough decision. When healthy, he’s good. But he hasn’t been healthy often enough. “Obviously keeping (the options) open with Bryce,” Paton said. “We like Bryce. He’s a very good nickel.”
6. Inside linebackers Josey Jewell, Alexander Johnson and Kenny Young are free agents. “We’d like to have them all back, but itap going to be tough,” Paton said. It makes little practical and financial sense, too. If the Broncos think Baron Browning can be one of their starters, they could re-sign Jewell and then maybe Young as a depth option. Johnson would be the odd player out.
7. Paton said receiver KJ Hamler, who tore his ACL in Week 3 of last year, is “doing really well,” in his rehabilitation. “He was (training) on dry land last week,” Paton said. “You know how tough he is and he just grinds his rehab so he’s making really good strides. Obviously, it was a significant injury but we feel he’s ahead of schedule. I can’t put a time on it, but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anyone grind the rehab like he’s doing.”
8. For what itap worth, Hackett on quarterback Drew Lock: “I’m really excited to work with Drew, I really am. In my past working with quarterbacks who have been through a lot of different systems, itap difficult. … He’s a talented kid and a good kid.”
9. Paton on the strength of this draft: “We’re still working through it, but I think there are some strong edge players/pass rushers, which everyone needs. I think there are some strong offensive linemen and (offensive) tackles and there are some cornerbacks we like. I like the draft. I know people are kind of knocking it, but I think itap a good draft from top to bottom.”
10. Paton said the Broncos have not made a decision on exercising tight end Noah Fantap fifth-year (2023) contract option. The deadline is in early May. “Noah is a really talented player, we want him here for a long time,” Paton said.
