Montrell Washington has been a pleasant surprise this preseason. Should we expect to see him start at the slot receiver position and let KJ Hamler slowly ease back into some playing time? Both players seem to have similar skill sets, although Hamler’s speed is unmatched. Could there be an offensive set that utilized both players? I’d love to see more designed plays that get the ball to these shifty guys in space this year.

— Wes, Orlando, Fla.

If Hamler is cleared to play in Week 1, he will be the third receiver, but the good thing about the way Broncos receivers coach Zach Azzanni is every player learns every position so there will be opportunities for Washington in the rotation.

Washington has been the best story of training camp. I didn’t have him on the roster bubble (safely on because of his return ability), but he has been very good offensively to the point where coach Nathaniel Hackett should have something for him in the game plan.

A Hamler-Washington combo on the field at the same time would be interesting because of their speed and shiftiness. I’m sure it����ap something Hackett is considering as well as plays in which Albert Okwuegbunam and Greg Dulcich (when he gets healthy) are in the same personnel grouping.

Why would the Broncos not bring back Alexander Johnson to fill the inside linebacker position versus signing Joe Schobert? Johnson was a beast against the run and has experience working alongside Josey Jewell. What am I missing here?

— Jon Pieja, Nokesville, Va.

I got a question about Johnson last week when Jonas Griffith sustained his elbow injury.

By this point, Johnson clearly isn’t on the Broncos’ radar. He could probably pass a physical after tearing his pectoral muscle last October, but my guess is that he isn’t viewed as a fit for Ejiro Evero’s scheme.

It is also noteworthy that Johnson hasn’t signed with any other team yet, either.

What����ap there to look forward to against Minnesota on Saturday? I didn’t get a whole lot out of the last game aside from Montrell Washington looks like a steal for George Paton and our backup running backs can’t run the ball. Is there a point to tune in?

— Mike, Denver

I’m with you about the Buffalo game — it was a nothing-burger except it exposed the depth issues of the Broncos’ roster. Looking toward Saturday night …

• Right tackle. Does Cam Fleming have a chance to overtake Calvin Anderson for the Week 1 assignment if Billy Turner (knee) isn’t ready?
• Tight end. Is there room on the 53-man roster for all five or are Eric Saubert and Eric Tomlinson competing for one spot?
• Inside linebacker. Who will have the edge exiting the preseason to start alongside Josey Jewell if Jonas Griffith isn’t ready?
• Cornerback. The No. 5 spot is wide open after Michael Ojemudia was injured at Buffalo and won’t be ready for Week 1. Can Damarri Mathis seize the opportunity?
• Defensive line. Who is the fifth lineman after D.J. Jones, Dre’Mont Jones, DeShawn Williams and Mike Purcell? It could come down to Matt Henningsen or McTelvin Agim.

How do you think our offensive line is going to sort out? The only guys I have in for sure are left tackle Garett Bolles, left guard Dalton Risner and right guard Quinn Meinerz. It feels like the other pieces are still up in the air. What say you?

— Paul S., Salt Lake City

I will add center Lloyd Cushenberry because he is not being challenged.

Calvin Anderson and Cam Fleming are the healthy right tackles and ideally, I think the Broncos would want Billy Turner ready to start in Week 1.

Where does Baron Browning fit into our defensive scheme this year? Will he be on the outside as a pass rusher? Is he going to play on the inside? A little bit of both?

— Ron, Parker

Browning has worked exclusively at outside linebacker since the start of the offseason program, but he has enough knowledge to seamlessly move back to inside linebacker if the situation calls for it.

If Randy Gregory is ready for the opener, I will slot Browning in behind Gregory, Bradley Chubb and maybe Malik Reed.

What needs to happen in order for Randy Gradishar to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame? He should already be inducted based on his accolades and stats. How is this man constantly overlooked?

— Devin, Denver

Gradishar was not one of three Seniors’ category candidates to advance to the full vote of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection group.

I don’t pretend to know what goes on in the deliberation meeting and why Gradishar fell short and Chuck Howley, Joe Klecko and Ken Riley advanced. I’m surprised it took this long for Riley to be considered; he had 65 career interceptions.

There is always next year for Gradishar; the same process will be used and three finalists will be eligible for a full vote.

Ryan, will we see many starters play much during preseason? I’d love to see our shiny new quarterback in action with the receiving corps.

— Mike, Denver

To be determined as I type this Monday afternoon. I wouldn’t expect any concrete answers until later in the week about Russell Wilson and others seeing time against the Buffalo Bills.

Myself and columnist Mark Kiszla debated the merits — or non-merits — of the Broncos playing their starters against Buffalo or Minnesota in the exhibition season.

My take: I don’t need to see running back Javonte Williams or receivers Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy on the field this month. But shouldn’t Wilson get a few possessions behind his new offensive line to make sure the live-action communication is on point? I believe so.

With Jonas Griffith out, do you see the Broncos going out to re-sign Alexander Johnson? The guy was pretty darn good before going on injured reserve last year. I’m honestly surprised no one’s picked him up yet.

— Donald, Fort Collins

Griffith sustained a left elbow injury against Dallas and the provided timetable was 4-6 weeks, which makes him iffy for the Sept. 12 opener at Seattle. The Broncos signed veteran Joe Schobert before Monday’s practice so that would rule out bringing Johnson back.

Johnson tore his pectoral last Oct. 17 against Las Vegas so he should be 100% to join another team, but that was probably the hold-up this spring.

Who stood out for you on Saturday? For me, Baron Browning looked like a stud out there. And what do you think about Max Borghi making the squad? He’s got a ways to go to prove himself — four carries for 10 yards isn’t going to do it.

— Ron, Parker

Browning had a sack so I agree with you on him standing out. A few other players:

Defensive lineman Matt Henningsen had a hit on quarterback Cooper Rush during a pass that was intercepted by safety P.J. Locke.

The receivers flashed. Seth Williams and Kendall Hinton had touchdowns and Brandon Johnson and Jalen Virgil had four catches/64 yards and three catches/83 yards, respectively.

Borghi is a long-shot to make the roster. The Broncos are likely to keep three tailbacks (Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone) and one hybrid fullback-tight end (Andrew Beck). But Borghi should expect a lot of carries in the next two games.

Is this a make-it-or-break-it season for Jerry Jeudy? He’s been pretty, well, I wouldn’t say bad, but pretty mediocre since we drafted him. With our long-term deals for Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick, is there room for him on the roster if he doesn’t perform this year?

— Marshall, Parker

Jeudy isn’t in a make-or-break season in terms of his 2023 status. He currently counts $4,834,123 on next year’s salary cap so there is plenty of room for him, Sutton ($14 million) and Patrick ($11,571,666).

Where Jeudy is facing a critical year is his next contract. If he plays better than his first two years, the Broncos will likely pick up his fifth-year option, which could eventually lead to a long-term contract. If he doesn’t produce to expectations, Jeudy could see his option declined and a true make-or-break year in ’23.

What’s the air around Dove Valley these days? Does it feel any different from years past with the new ownership?

— M.M., Wheat Ridge

Maybe I’m too cynical, but being at the Broncos during camp is the same as it����ap been in the last four years. Fans show up and get autographs. Players work hard. Coaches instruct. The same stuff.

The new ownership group was in the facility last week and met with team employees so their stamp on the business won’t be felt for some time.

That said, talk to people who work in the building and they say the vibe is much more energized.

Hey Ryan, I missed the game. How did Nik Bonitto and Greg Dulcich look out there? And what����ap the depth chart look like at receiver now that Tim Patrick is out for the year? Thanks, love your stuff.

— Micah Smith, Los Angeles

Dulcich’s hamstring kept him out of the Dallas game. Bonitto played 31 snaps and was credited with one tackle. No real judgment on how he played.

The receiver depth chart is very interesting after a top three of Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler.

Montrell Washington will get the No. 4 spot if he wins the punt/kick returner job, as I expect him to.

If the Broncos keep five receivers, I think Kendall Hinton is the favorite. If they keep six, Hinton and one from the group of Seth Williams, Brandon Johnson and Jalen Virgil could be the choice.

A subplot is if Hamler (knee) starts the year on injured reserve, which means he’s out a minimum of three games. That could allow Williams, Johnson or Virgil to start the year as the fifth receiver.

Jonas Griffith.

“I was expecting them to keep one of the guys (from last year) or draft someone,” he said before Friday’s sixth organized team activity practice.

Instead, the Broncos moved Baron Browning to outside linebacker, declined to retain Alexander Johnson, Kenny Young or Micah Kiser, and passed on drafting a player. Those decisions, combined with his play late last year, created an opening for Griffith; he has lined up next to Jewell in the two OTAs that have been open to the media.

“It wasn’t (a) relief,” Griffith said of the non-additions. “You still have to do the job. That����ap been my approach since being in the NFL. They can bring anybody in at any moment.”

Griffith joined the Broncos after last year’s training camp, acquired from San Francisco with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-rounder and a 2023 seventh-rounder to fortify the special teams.

The Broncos’ inside linebacker attrition began in Week 2 when Jewell sustained a torn pectoral. Griffith, though, wasn’t available to join the mix because of a hamstring injury that cost him four games.

It wasn’t until Week 14 against Detroit that Griffith played his first defensive snap of the year. He was immediately off and running … and tackling. Over the final 4 1/2 games, he made 42 tackles (including 13 at Las Vegas and 12 at the Chargers) in 255 snaps.

“You definitely saw a couple of steps (forward) in the last couple games last year, whether it be the quickness or (in) recognizing plays,” Jewell said. “He’s a guy who is always fast and then you just (saw) the physicality start to creep up. It����ap been fun watching him progress.”

Griffith missed only one tackle and had 5 1/2 run “stuffs” (gain of one or fewer yards not including short-yardage or goal-line), according to The Denver Post’s game charting.

Behind Jewell and Griffith on an unofficial depth chart are Alex Singleton (137 tackles for Philadelphia last year and 214 special teams snaps), Justin Strnad (five starts last year), Barrington Wade (52 snaps in four games) and undrafted rookies Kana’I Mauga and Kadofi Wright.

“Every day is a competition,” Griffith said. “I don’t think anything is solidified. Every day is an opportunity to show this coaching staff what I can do.”

What Griffith can do is play the run (24 of his tackles last year) and move well at a listed 250 pounds.

The Broncos have added to the defensive line with free agent D.J. Jones and fourth-round pick Eyioma Uwazurike to improve the run defense. Most of Griffith’s snaps are expected to be in the base package so he will be responsible for making plays when Jones, Uwazurike, Dre’Mont Jones and Mike Purcell command blocking attention.

“That will free us up to flow and make tackles and it will help us in coverage, too, (if the line is) getting pressure on the quarterback,” Griffith said.

If Griffith emerges as a starter Sept. 12 at Seattle, he will lean on the experience gained last year to keep his spot.

“You kind of have the illusion of, ‘OK, I can do this,’ but once you actually do it, that����ap different,” he said. “Going out there and doing it and proving that I could do it and showing myself I could do it, it was huge for me and a confidence booster.”

Is there a reason the Broncos did not pick up one undrafted college player following the draft? If memory serves me correct, the team has always found a gem that makes the final roster.

— Bob, Bakersfield, Calif.

The Broncos’ wont is to not announce any undrafted free agent additions until they’re in the building for rookie camp, pass their physical and sign their contracts.

We’re not a fan of this process — other teams were announcing undrafted rookies on the night of the draft. Let these kids enjoy the publicity during the two weeks between agreeing to terms and getting to the Denver area. Alas, I’ll keep working on it.

Because of their colleges or agents announcing the moves, I narrowed down on 13 undrafted free agents who will sign later this week.

Ryan, how’s the running back situation looking? Last year, Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams split carries. Is it going to be more of the same this year or are we getting a clear No. 1 back?

— Mark, Arvada

Agree or disagree with the decision to bring back Gordon, the Broncos are set with their Nos. 1-2 tailbacks and it should be 1. Williams and 2. Gordon. Last year, they each had 203 carries, but Gordon started every game he was active. That should change this year.

Williams should take the first offensive series and maybe the second to see if he can get into an early-game rhythm. Gordon could be looked at as the primary third-down back — at least that����ap what his contract suggests, awarding him incentives for receiving statistics in addition to team wins.

Chad Johnson said Jerry Jeudy is going to break out for 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns. That would be amazing if it happens, but what do you think are realistic numbers for Jeudy this year?

— Vinh N., Colorado Springs

Johnson tweeted that prediction last week. Those are heady numbers, though. Last year, 1,500 yards receiving would have ranked fourth in the league behind the Rams’ Cooper Kupp (1,947), Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson (1,616) and Green Bay’s Davante Adams (1,553). Ten touchdown catches would have been tied for sixth-most behind Kupp (16), Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans (14), Cincinnati’s Ja’Maar Chase (13), Seattle’s DK Metcalf (12) and Adams (11).

The football is going to be passed around to the Broncos’ skill-position talent this year so 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns is a lofty goal for Jeudy, but if he gets to 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns, he will have taken a giant leap in Year 3.

What����ap next for the Broncos to work on? I liked that they picked up tight end Greg Dulcich and edge rusher Nik Bonitto in the draft, but it feels like we could use more depth on the O-line (Russell Wilson is no good if he gets clobbered all the time) and maybe get another inside linebacker or two. Can we still afford to sign Alexander Johnson to a new contract?

— Max, Denver

Yes, they checked important boxes at edge rusher and tight end by drafting Bonitto and Dulcich in rounds 2-3. And yes, I was expecting them to do more with their offensive line and inside linebacker depth.

The Broncos didn’t draft a right tackle or an inside linebacker, leaving Billy Turner and Calvin Anderson to compete at right tackle and Alex Singleton as the inside-track favorite to start alongside Josey Jewell at linebacker.

I have a feeling I will need extra sheets of notebook paper during training camp to keep track of all the offensive line combinations.

Which team is going to be the biggest surprise this coming season? Is there any team that����ap way under the radar in your opinion?

— Steve, Lakewood

Can the Broncos fly under the radar despite trading for quarterback Russell Wilson? I think so because I envision most of the preseason magazines picking the Broncos third in the AFC West behind Kansas City and the Chargers.

Other teams who could be much improved after not making the playoffs last year: Indianapolis (upgrade with quarterback Matt Ryan), the Chargers (lost in Week 18 last year to not qualify and have loaded up on defense) and Cleveland (if quarterback Deshaun Watson doesn’t miss half the season).

The NFC is much clearer: New Orleans and Minnesota were the first two teams out of the playoffs last year and they have new coaches.

Ryan, what do you think about the Broncos picking both Nik Bonitto and Greg Dulcich over Nakobe Dean? It feels like we had one of the draft����ap best inside linebackers fall in our laps and we ignored it.

— Ron, Parker

If the Broncos were connected to Dean before the draft, that topic may have come up Saturday for general manager George Paton, who picked Bonitto at No. 64 and Dulcich at No. 80. Dean went to Philadelphia at No. 83.

But the Broncos weren’t the only team who passed multiple times on Dean, who starred at Georgia. It had to be about his medical record. Dean sustained a torn labrum in 2020, knee tendinitis throughout last year and, according to the Eagles, a pectoral injury that doesn’t require surgery.

If there were reservations about Dean’s long-term availability within the Broncos’ draft room, I’m fine with not taking him.

Who do you think is going to make the biggest impact on the team this year from the draft? I think Nik Bonitto will be solid, but he’s playing in a rotation. Greg Dulcich could emerge as the player I think we all wanted Noah Fant to be.

— Mike, Denver

It wasn’t going to be a glitzy draft because of what the Broncos did on the trade (Russell Wilson) and free-agent (Randy Gregory, D.J. Jones and K’Waun Williams) markets in March.

It is very possible none of the nine draft picks will start in Week 1. Bonitto will be a rotational pass rusher, but Dulcich will get chances to run down the middle of the field for big plays.

I’ll go with Dulcich as making the biggest impact this year.

What the heck happened with Malik Willis? He sank like a stone in the draft. He was being talked about as a possible top-five pick for a while. Do you think Denver would’ve considered selecting him if he kept falling?

— Mark R., Boulder

Willis went No. 86 (third round) to Tennessee, which should be a good situation for him since he won’t be thrown into the figurative fire right away.

I never bought the chatter about Detroit taking Willis at No. 2, but I was surprised he wasn’t selected late in the first round when teams could have taken advantage of the fifth-year contract option to develop him on a longer timeline.

But falling to No. 86? Whew, teams must have felt he was too raw to play in the first two years or had flaws in his game that would be difficult to correct.

The draft has come and gone and we still need to address our inside linebacker situation. Are we re-signing Alexander Johnson or Kenny Young? Do we have enough money to add someone like Dont’a Hightower?

— Mason, Fort Collins

A starting inside linebacker alongside Josey Jewell remains on the Broncos’ to-do list. I don’t think Johnson and Young are on their radars. As for Hightower, he may be waiting until all of the draft dust settles to find the best opportunity.

Thinking out loud about the Broncos’ rationale to not take an inside linebacker: 1. They like Alex Singleton in that role. 2. They plan on playing so much nickel or dime, drafting a player in rounds 2-3 who may play 15% of the snaps didn’t make sense.

Who do you think in the AFC West came out on top in the draft?

— Chris Bennett, San Diego

After the draft, I ranked it Kansas City (B), the Broncos (B-minus), the Los Angeles Chargers (C) and Las Vegas (D).

The Chiefs got the best grade because they had two first-round picks (cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis) and took a second-round receiver (Skyy Moore).

The Raiders got a low grade simply because they didn’t have a lot of volume — their first pick wasn’t until No. 122.

I know we drafted Montrell Washington to help our return game, but do you see him getting time on the field with the offense this year?

— Reilly, Albuquerque, N.M.

If the Broncos keep six receivers, the five active Week 1 players will be Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick, KJ Hamler and, if he wins the return job, Washington.

Washington’s job will be to create a spark in the return game. If he plays receiver, it����ap because one of the top four guys is injured.

Ryan, what do you think Russell Wilson has to do in Denver to finish his career in the Hall of Fame? I feel like he’s right there on the cusp of it. Does another ring cement his legacy for Canton?

— Dave, Longmont

Wilson, entering his age-33 season, is on the right path toward the Pro Football Hall of Fame because he has been a durable (two missed games), winning (eight years of at least 10 victories) and Super Bowl-appearing (1-1 record) quarterback.

The sure-fire way to secure a Canton invitation (maybe first-ballot): Lead the Broncos to a Super Bowl win, joining Peyton Manning and Tom Brady as the only two quarterbacks to win titles with two teams.

Statistically, Wilson’s 37,059 career passing yards rank 26th all-time, ahead of Hall of Famer passers Jim Kelly, Steve Young, Y.A. Tittle, Troy Aikman and Kurt Warner, among others, and he could pass Johnny Unitas and Joe Montana this year. But the NFL game has changed markedly since those players retired (except for maybe Warner).

Where Wilson can separate himself is career wins. He is currently 16th with 103 wins and his .661 winning percentage is sixth all-time among the 100 quarterbacks in wins.

Do you think the Broncos gained enough ground to overtake the Chiefs in the AFC West? Tyreek Hill was that home-run threat who could devastate defenses and he’s in Miami. Without him, K.C.’s not quite as scary. What do you think?

— Marvin, Grand Junction

I’m going with the Chiefs — and quarterback Patrick Mahomes — until they’re actually dethroned from the top. I like what Kansas City has done this offseason, signing running back Ronald Jones, safety Justin Reid and receivers Marques Valdez-Scantling and JuJu Smith-Schuster. The Chiefs also have two picks late in the first round.

Minus Hill, I agree the Chiefs aren’t as scary offensively, but they’re still darn good.

One of the best things Vic Fangio did during his three years is cause the occasional headache for Kansas City’s offense, specifically in the red zone.

It will be up to quarterback Russell Wilson to provide more points and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero to come up with pressure calls to impact Mahomes.

How’s the state of our pass rush this year? Bradley Chubb is a force as long as he’s healthy. Randy Gregory seems intriguing although his numbers in Dallas weren’t all that impressive. I want to see more of Jonathon Cooper; he had that get-up-and-go motor in the glimpses we saw of him.

— Mike, Denver

A look at the edge rushers currently under contract:

Chubb: He had 12 sacks in his only full season (2018) and 7 1/2 sacks in his 14-game 2020 season. If he’s healthy, chances are he’ll be productive.

Gregory: He has never played more than 14 games in any of his five eligible seasons, never had more than six sacks and never played more than 55% of his team’s defensive snaps. The Broncos are paying for projected performance.

Cooper: Injuries forced him to play 457 snaps and he had 2 1/2 sacks and fits well as a Nos. 3-4 rusher.

Malik Reed: Has started 34 of his 45 games and has 15 sacks.

Andre Mintze: His season was derailed by a hamstring injury and he had no sacks in six games last year as a rookie.

Aaron Patrick: Played 208 snaps in 12 games (one start) and had eight tackles.

If the Broncos declare Baron Browning, a starting inside linebacker to finish last year, to the edge, he would slide in maybe as the No. 3 man.

Summed up, Mike, the Broncos should be in good shape if Chubb and Gregory stay healthy … but that is a big if.

Thoughts on how the guys we sent to Seattle for Russell Wilson will do for the Seahawks? I always felt like Drew Lock just needed a change of scenery after his rocky run here in Denver.

— Ron, Parker

Drew Lock: If the Seahawks go through next week’s draft (specifically rounds 1-2) without taking a quarterback, Lock will have a great shot at starting in Week 1. Did he need a change of scenery? Not necessarily. If he would have played well here in 2020, he would have gone into last year as the no-doubt starter.

Shelby Harris: He will get the same chance in Seattle to start that he did with the Broncos.

Noah Fant: It would have been interesting to see him working in a Russell Wilson-led offense. Instead, he’ll get to work for Wilson’s former team.

What is the status of linebacker Alexander Johnson?  Is there any movement by the Broncos to try and re-sign him or is he with a new team?

— John R.

Johnson, who led the Broncos in tackles two years ago but tore his pectoral muscle in the sixth game of last year, remains a free agent.

Never say never, but the Broncos have appeared to move on from Johnson. They re-signed Josey Jewell and added Alex Singleton from Philadelphia. If Baron Browning stays put at inside linebacker, he should be the front-runner to start alongside Jewell. If Browning is moved to the edge, the expectation is the Broncos will use a second- or third-round pick on Johnson’s replacement.

“I thought it was just a stinger,” the 27-year-old Jewell said in a phone interview with The Denver Post. “I just felt like my shoulder was a little off and there was something there.”

Something was there. Something season-ending for Jewell. Something season-altering for the Broncos.

The routine play tore Jewell’s pectoral tendon, the chest muscle that allows the arms to move inward. Eighty-two defensive snaps into his contract year, Jewell was done.

“It wasn’t crazy painful, but when they tried to strength-test me (on the sideline), I couldn’t really bring my arm in; it was just hanging out there,” he said.

Jewell’s injury started a year of attrition at inside linebacker. Fellow starter Alexander Johnson tore his pectoral in Week 6 and the Broncos used seven different players at the position.

General manager George Paton, though, was impressed enough with Jewell’s work that he re-signed him to a two-year, $11 million contract last month to retain his role as a defensive leader.

“He was the glue that kept our defense together,” Paton said. “He’s so smart and so instinctive. When we lost Josey, it really hurt our defense.”

Learning while rehabbing

Jewell underwent surgery and was inactive for a month, followed by several weeks of rehabilitation before he could stop wearing a sling. He was permitted to resume weight-lifting toward the end of the regular season and said he was “cleared, cleared,” for full activity in early February.

A month later, Jewell re-signed and will be joined in the starting lineup by a player to be determined, maybe Baron Browning, possibly Alex Singleton, perhaps somebody not currently on the roster.

“That was amazing to me,” Jewell said of re-signing. “It was very important to have them be interested. I’ve built a life here and have a house here and I’ve made friends so staying around here (was ideal). They know my worth and I knew what this building was about and I really believe great things can come here.”

Well-versed in then-coach Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme and coming off a career-high 111 tackles (second on the team) and four pass break-ups in 1,011 snaps in 2020, Jewell was set up for another terrific year. The special teams tackle dashed those hopes.

Admitting that watching the Broncos was “definitely tough and one of the most frustrating things,” Jewell didn’t wallow. He helped the younger players, chiefly Browning, and used the down time to study the games of top linebackers past and present for tips on their technique and anticipation.

“I learned a lot from standing by and watching, from going to the meetings, from watching other guys on film and picking some stuff up from other people’s craft and (now) trying to implement it to my own game,” Jewell said.

Jewell watched old tapes of retired linebackers Luke Kuechly (Carolina) and Patrick Willis, who played for Fangio in San Francisco. He also watched then-Seattle/current Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner.

“I wasn’t going to sit and not enjoy the game or be mad about it,” Jewell said. “I wanted to help the team and help the linebackers and younger guys and see some wins.

“I had a new hunger for the game and understood how much love and how much passion I have for the game. I’m really ready to get this year started off right.”

Building relationships

The first step for Jewell forging a bond with the other inside linebacker: Figuring out the new starter’s best learning process.

“It depends on how that person likes to work and if they’re really talkative on the practice field or they like to come off the field and talk a lot,” Jewell said. “(Johnson) and I were pretty tight. We had cookouts at each other’s houses and some of the linebackers (also attended).

“On and off the field, you have to fully understand each other and be very good communication-wise. I’m excited to see who it����ap going to be. Excited for that relationship to build, whether with a guy in the building now or somebody we bring in.”

Jewell was impressed last year with Browning’s rookie performance.

“He’s fast; he can move,” Jewell said. “Fast-twitch, very explosive and I really enjoyed watching him.”

The Broncos’ defense could enjoy an up-tick in production now that Jewell is back healthy. He missed only four tackles in 2020.

“Josey is going to hold down that middle and make sure guys aren’t running through there and we’re going to do everything to keep (blockers off of him),” outside linebacker Bradley Chubb said.

Said Paton: “The coaches are really high on him and I’m obviously high on him. The more you’re around him, the more you love Josey. He’s a great leader, a great worker and a really good player.”

Winners

Veteran quarterbacks. Check out the list of quarterbacks who have changed teams via trade: Russell Wilson (Broncos), Matt Ryan (Indianapolis), Deshaun Watson (Cleveland) and Carson Wentz (Washington). Baker Mayfield remains on the block.

Buffalo. The Bills made a big splash by signing Von Miller ($51.4 million guaranteed), but they improved team-wide by adding Tampa Bay tight end O.J. Howard, New York Jets receiver Jamison Crowder, Carolina defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, Washington defensive tackle Tim Settle and Tennessee guard Rodger Saffold (who was cut by the Titans).

Chargers defense. The Bolts finished 30th in rush defense (138.9), last on third down (49.5%) and tied for 29th in points allowed (27.0 per game) last year. General manager Tom Telesco traded for Chicago pass rusher Khalil Mack and signed the market����ap best cornerback, New England’s J.C. Jackson ($40 million guaranteed), while also adding quality Rams defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day ($16.5 million guaranteed).

Edge rushers. Five free agents changed teams for contracts averaging $14 million and with whopping guarantees: Miller, Randy Gregory (Dallas to Broncos), Chandler Jones (Arizona to Las Vegas), Haason Reddick (Carolina to Philadelphia) and Za’Darius Smith (Green Bay to Minnesota after being cut).

Joe Burrow’s pass protection. Burrow was sacked a combined 70 times in the regular season/playoffs, but still stayed healthy and led Cincinnati to the Super Bowl. The Bengals acted accordingly, signing right guard Alex Cappa, center Ted Karras and right tackle La’el Collins.

Losers

Broncos free agents. Of their 17 unrestricted free agents, only two — quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and linebacker Micah Kiser — have signed with new teams. Running back Melvin Gordon, safety Kareem Jackson, inside linebacker Alexander Johnson and cornerback Bryce Callahan remain on the market.

New England. The Patriots’ big in-house move was re-signing right tackle Trent Brown, running back James White and special teams standout Matthew Slater. Their 2021 spending spree limited their activity this month, but they are making big bets on receivers Nelson Agholor, tight end Jonnu Smith and defensive linemen Davon Godchaux/Henry Anderson to play up to their salaries after non-descript first seasons.

Cornerback market. Only three cornerbacks have changed teams for contracts averaging at least $10 million — the Chargers’ Jackson ($16.5 million average), Charvarius Ward ($13.5 million to join San Francisco) and Darious Williams ($10 million to join Jacksonville). Veterans still available included Joe Haden, Stephon Gilmore, Chris Harris, Patrick Peterson, Xavier Rhodes and Janoris Jenkins.

Atlanta. The Falcons could have drafted quarterbacks Justin Fields or Mac Jones fourth overall last year and kick-started a rebuild, but they stuck with Ryan. That appeared to be their plan for 2022, too, until the Falcons went all in for quarterback Deshaun Watson last week. The failed-and-clunky pursuit sent Ryan a message that it was time to move on and he was replaced by Marcus Mariota. The Falcons also lost NFL-leading tackler Foyesade Oluokun (Jaguars) and receiver Russell Gage (Tampa Bay).

Dallas. Let����ap go to Cowboys headquarters for this free-agent update: Zzzzzzzz. Gregory? Gone. Receiver Cedrick Wilson and guard Connor Williams? Gone to Miami. Collins? Cut. Through Tuesday, Dallas had not added an unrestricted free agent from another team; defensive end Dante Fowler was signed after Atlanta cut him.

Jewell, Denver’s fourth-round pick in 2018 out of Iowa, was limited to two games last season due to a torn pectoral. In 49 games for Denver (30 starts), Jewell has 217 tackles, with 12 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

With Jewell coming back, the Broncos will figure to pair the 27-year-old alongside fellow inside linebacker Baron Browning in the team’s 3-4 scheme. Alexander Johnson, who started opposite Jewell in Week 1 last year, remains a free agent.

This story will be updated.

After the Broncos spent seasons of cobbling together quarterback options via free agency, low-risk trades and the draft, Paton needed to be in the building for only a year to understand a big swing was required. By the time Wilson turns 34 in late November, the Broncos should be in prime contention for a playoff spot.

But Paton’s work is only beginning. He can now address needs at right tackle, edge rusher, nickel back, tight end, inside linebacker, safety and back-up quarterback knowing No. 3 is QB1.

The free-agent negotiating period opens Monday at 2 p.m., followed by the signing period 48 hours later, which is when the Wilson trade will become official.

The Broncos still have ample salary-cap space — around $26 million according to Over The Cap, and a good cupboard of draft picks — one in the second round, two apiece in rounds 3-4 and nine total selections, to upgrade their depth chart. And the Broncos have Wilson to serve as a free-agent recruiter/closer.

In-house free agents: The Broncos should prioritize signing inside linebacker Josey Jewell to play alongside Baron Browning, and Kenny Young to serve as a depth option/special teams core player. Jewell tore his pectoral tendon in last year’s second game, but Paton said last week that Jewell would be ready for the offseason practices.

The other notable Broncos free agents are running back Melvin Gordon, tight end Eric Saubert, inside linebacker Alexander Johnson, nickel back Bryce Callahan and safety Kareem Jackson.

What to do at right tackle is interesting. The Broncos have rolled through 20 over the past decade and using their second-round pick at No. 40 would have been an ideal spot but that selection now belongs to Seattle. Bring back Bobby Massie on another one-year deal? Paton can wait out the free-agent market for a few days or weeks before making a call on Massie.

Trading Noah Fant, who led the Broncos with 68 receptions last year, creates a void at tight end, but the Broncos would be smart to re-sign Saubert to serve as the primary blocker and give Albert Okwuegbunam a chance to be the No. 1 pass-catching tight end.

Open market: Finding an edge rusher to play opposite Bradley Chubb should be Paton’s top priority next week. The first calls should be to Chandler Jones and Randy Gregory. Jones, 32, has at least 10 sacks in six of the last seven years and Gregory, 29, had 6 in 12 games last year for Dallas. Linebacker Von Miller would be further down our list of targets.

At right tackle, unrestricted free-agent options include the New York Jets’ Morgan Moses, Pittsburgh’s Chukwuma Okorafor and Las Vegas’ Brandon Parker.

Arizona’s Zach Ertz leads the group of tight ends after Dalton Schultz (Dallas), Mike Gesicki (Miami) and David Njoku (Cleveland) were franchise tagged and Ian Thomas re-signed with the Panthers.

Draft: Giving up two first-round picks is part of doing business in the Elite Quarterback Sphere. But last year, the Broncos drafted running back Javonte Williams in the second round and Browning and right guard Quinn Meinerz in the third round. Expect Paton and his staff to find value on Night 2 and Day 3 of the draft.

The Broncos’ initial pick is currently No. 64 overall and if they don’t re-sign Jackson and want an option besides Caden Sterns, taking a safety makes sense.

In rounds 3-7, finding a nickel corner, interior lineman, right tackle (if they don’t sign one from outside the organization), running back (if Gordon doesn’t return) and yet another edge rusher should be on the Broncos’ to-do list.

Wilson is in the fold, solving the Broncos’ most pressing need. Now it����ap time to make additions/improvements around him.