AFC

Titans

Punter Brett Kern (Broncos 2008-09); center Daniel Munyer (CU 2011-14); nose tackle Kyle PekoĚý(Broncos 2016-17, 2019); special teams coordinator Craig AukermanĚý(Broncos defensive assistant, 2010); tight endĚýAustin FortĚý(Broncos 2019-20) on practice squad; quarterback Kevin Hogan (Broncos 2018-19) on practice squad.

Chiefs

Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy (CU 1987-90, ex-varsity assistant at Thomas Jefferson, former CU running backs coach and offensive coordinator); offensive quality control coach Connor Embree (Superior native and ex-receivers coach at Fairview).

Bills

Wideout Emmanuel Sanders (Broncos 2014-19); receiver Isaiah McKenzie (Broncos 2017-18); assistant receivers coach Marc Lubick (Fort Collins, son of longtime CSU coach Sonny, CSU assistant 2000-09, Broncos assistant receivers coach 2015-16); wideout Tanner GentryĚý(Grandview) on practice squad.

Bengals

Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (CU 2013-16); defensive tackle Josh Tupou (CU 2012-16); quarterback Brandon Allen (Broncos 2019); offensive coordinator Brian Callahan (Broncos coaching assistant 2010, assistant coach 2011-15).

Raiders

Kicker Daniel Carlson (The Classical Academy); long snapper Trent Sieg (Eaton and CSU, 2014-17); offensive line coach Tom Cable (CU offensive line coach 1998, offensive coordinator 1999).

Patriots

Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Josh McDaniels (Broncos head coach 2009-10); tackle Will Sherman (CU 2017-19) on practice squad; tight end Matt LaCosse (Broncos 2017-18) on practice squad; tight end Dalton Keene (Chatfield) on injured reserve.

Steelers

Running backĚýKalen BallageĚý(Falcon); outside linebacker Derrek TuszkaĚý(Broncos 2020-21); cornerback Ahkello WitherspoonĚý(CU 2014-16).

NFC

Packers

Left tackle David Bakhtiari (CU 2010-12); kicker Mason CrosbyĚý(CU 2003-06); wideout Juwann WinfreeĚý(CU 2016-18, Broncos 2019-20); defensive coordinator Joe Barry (Fairview); cornerback Isaac Yiadom (Broncos 2018-19); cornerback Kabion EntoĚý(CU 2016-18) on practice squad; wideoutĚýDavid MooreĚý(Broncos 2021) on practice squad.

Buccaneers

Outside linebackerĚýShaquil BarrettĚý(CSU 2010-13 and Broncos 2014-18); centerĚýRyan JensenĚý(Fort Morgan and CSU-Pueblo, 2009-11).

Cowboys

Wideout Michael Gallup (CSU 2016-17).

Rams

Outside linebacker Von Miller (Broncos 2011-21); outside linebacker Justin Hollins (Broncos 2019); wideout Warren JacksonĚý(CSU 2017-19, Broncos 2021) on practice squad; special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis (Arvada, Broncos special teams coordinator 2015-16); assistant quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson (Chatfield).

Cardinals

°­ľ±ł¦°ě±đ°ůĚýMatt PraterĚý(Broncos 2007-13); defensive coordinatorĚýVance JosephĚý(CU 1990-94, Broncos head coach 2017-18); offensive line coach Sean Kugler (Broncos offensive line coach 2018); defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson (Broncos defensive backs coach 2017-18); cornerbacks coach Greg WilliamsĚý(Broncos defensive backs coach 2018).

49ers

General managerĚýJohn LynchĚý(Broncos 2004-07); head coachĚýKyle ShanahanĚý(son of former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, Cherry Creek); offensive coordinator Mike McDanielĚý(Smoky Hill, Broncos intern 2005); tight ends/assistant head coach Jon Embree (Cherry Creek, CU 1983-86, CU assistant coach 1993-2002, CU head coach 2011-12); running backs coach Bobby Turner (Broncos running backs coach 1995-2009); wideout coachĚýWes Welker (Broncos 2013-14); quarterbacks coachĚýRich ScangarelloĚý(Broncos offensive coordinator 2019);ĚýwideoutĚýAustin MackĚý(Broncos practice squad 2021) and inside linebacker Curtis Robinson (Broncos 2021) on practice squad.

Eagles

Tight end Jack Stoll (Regis Jesuit); cornerback Kary Vincent Jr. (Broncos 2021); special teams coordinator Joe Pannunzio (Pueblo County and Southern Colorado, Southern Colorado wideout coach 1981, Mesa College quarterback/wideout coach 1982-84, offensive coordinator 1987-90); linebacker Christian Elliss (Valor Christian) and cornerback Mac McCain IIIĚý(Broncos 2021) on practice squad; outside linebacker Davion TaylorĚý(CU 2018-19) on injured reserve.

When reporters asked the Green Bay Packers quarterback back in August whether he’d been vaccinated, he replied, “Yeah, I’ve been immunized.”

Not exactly. Rodgers may have won “Celebrity Jeopardy!” a half-dozen years ago, but he’s no more a medical doctor than Julius Erving was. Otherwise, he would have known better.

So be charitable and give Rodgers the benefit of the doubt. Assume he really believed whatever cockamamie home remedy some friend whipped up afforded him the same immunity against the virus as the vaccine.

But that¶¶Ňőap not what he said. And what he said next sure made it sound that by “immunized” Rodgers meant he’d gotten the jab.

“There’s guys on the team that haven’t been vaccinated. I think it¶¶Ňőap a personal decision,” he added. “I’m not going to judge those guys.”

That helps explain why most people were surprised by reports Wednesday that Rodgers tested positive, which can happen to anyone, but even more surprised to learn he wasn’t vaccinated. Raise your hand if you were surprised to find out Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur was not one of them.

LaFleur deftly sidestepped a question Wednesday about whether Rodgers’ “immunization” remark from August was misleading, saying, “It¶¶Ňőap a great question for Aaron. I’m not going to comment on it.”

The third-year coach also refused to confirm Rodgers’ positive test result or his vaccination status, but did acknowledge his star player was in the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol, which mandates 10 days away from the team.

Rodgers will miss Sunday’s game against Kansas City, but the Packers are 7-1 with a 3 1/2-game lead in their division. Plus, Jordan Love, his backup and Green Bay’s first-round draft pick in 2020, gets the chance to gain some much-needed seasoning and if all goes well, Rodgers will be back in time for the week after against Seattle. So what¶¶Ňőap the big deal?

That could depend on what the Packers know and when they knew it.

According to NFL Media, Rodgers requested an exemption from the COVID-19 protocol sometime this summer based on his antibody levels, and was denied after an infectious disease specialist appointed by the league and the players’ union found no proof of protection against the virus. Technically, then, he was unvaccinated and thus subject to some tough restrictions.

Those range from daily testing to mask-wearing to a potential five-day quarantine just for crossing paths with someone who tests positive and Rodgers, as anyone who checks sports and entertainment websites even occasionally knows, gets around.

Last week, two of his receivers – All-Pro Davante Adams and Allen Lazard – and Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry were in the protocol and missed the win over Arizona. On Tuesday, third-string quarterback Kurt Benkert went on the COVID-19 reserve list. A day later, cornerback Isaac Yiadom joined Rodgers’ on the stay-home-from-work list for Week 9.

“I watch what these guys do,” LaFleur said, insisting the club has followed the league’s guidelines throughout. “I can only speak to our football space, but yeah, absolutely. We’ve got cameras everywhere. I think our guys do an outstanding job with it.”

Maybe. But not long after LaFleur finished talking, NFL officials said they planned to look for themselves. League rules allow vaccinated players who test positive to return after two negative tests taken at least 24 hours apart; unvaccinated players testing positive must isolate for at least 10 days.

“The primary responsibility for enforcement of the COVID protocols within club facilities rests with each club,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement. “Failure to properly enforce the protocols has resulted in discipline being assessed against individual clubs in the past. The league is aware of the current situation in Green Bay and will be reviewing with the Packers.”

The big sports in general, and the NFL in particular, have done a very good job of managing the pandemic, largely by adopting strict guidelines and refusing to wink or nod whenever somebody refuses to play by the rules. That¶¶Ňőap why Kyrie Irving is watching Brooklyn Nets games from his couch instead of a basketball court, and why Nick Rolovich, after just 11 games in charge, became the ex-head coach at Washington State less than a month ago.

Neither was vaccinated, but they didn’t claim to be “immunized,” either. Whether that¶¶Ňőap a distinction without a difference remains to be seen.

Anytime a general manager nabs two future Pro Bowlers — outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (fifth overall) and wide receiver Courtland Sutton (second round) — with the first two picks, it’s safe to say they’ve done their job.

Peer a little closer, however, and things get a little less rosy for the Broncos executive.

John Elway — C+

That came into stark relief earlier this week when 2018 third-round selection Royce Freeman was let go by Elway’s successor, George Paton, as he finalized the team’s 53-man roster.

A highly touted running back out of Oregon, Freeman was supposed to be the future of the Broncos backfield. Instead, he lost his No. 1 spot midway through his rookie year to undrafted free agent Phillip Lindsay and never got it back.

As Broncos reporter Ryan O’Halloran pointed out, with Freeman’s surprise exit, only three of Elway’s 10 picks from that draft remain on the current roster.

The hit list: CB Isaac Yiadom (third round, now on third team), WR DaeSean Hamilton (fourth, waived), TE Troy Fumagalli (fifth, New England IR), OG Sam Jones (sixth, Atlanta practice squad), LBĚýKeishawn Bierria (sixth, CFL) and RB David Williams (seventh, out of NFL).

All that’s left: Chubb, Sutton and starting middle linebacker Josey Jewell (fourth round).

That’s three picks still on the roster just three seasons later. Not exactly a formula for building championship-level depth.

Even one of Elway’s successes — Chubb leads all 2018 draftees with 20 1/2 sacks — comes with two very big caveats: 1) He’s already missed 14 games in three seasons, and 2) Pro Bowl Bills quarterback Josh Allen went two picks later.ĚýAnd now the Broncos are on their fifth Week 1 starting QB in five seasons.

Ed McCaffrey — B

If ever there was an impressive 28-point loss, it was the one we witnessed Friday night Boulder.

The Northern Colorado Bears did not bring home the “W” in a 35-7 loss to in-state big brother Colorado at Folsom Field, but they sure did walk away with one heck of an “MV.”

And we here at Grading the Week are not above recognizing a solid Moral Victory when we see one.

The last time CU and UNC met at Folsom Field, the Bears were just as competitive.ĚýThe Buffs didn’t pull away until the second half of that 2017 meeting, with UNC within a touchdown early in the third quarter before CU imposed its will en route to a 41-21 win.

Sound familiar? Sure, except for a few notable differences.

Those Buffs were facing a UNC program that was several years into the Earnest Collins Era. And they initially racedĚýout to a 28-7 lead late in the second quarter before boredom set in.

These Bears were playing their first game under new head coach Ed McCaffrey. And they were locked in a scoreless draw after one quarter and trailed 14-0 at the half.ĚýIf not for UNC quarterback Dylan McCaffrey’s wayward goal line interception near the end of the second quarter, the Bears might’ve gone into the break down seven.

That’s all we really needed to see from the start of the McCaffrey Era.

After waiting nearly two years to make his debut in blue and gold — one more year than his CU (Karl Dorrell) and CSU (Steve Addazio) counterparts hired during the same offseason — McCaffrey appears to be building something sturdy in Greeley.

But when the Broncos reconvene for their first regular-season week, Fangio will flip the schedule — players will work Mondays and be off Tuesdays.

“There are benefits to both,” Fangio said. “Most coaches would tell you they’d rather give them Monday off and bring them in Tuesday from the perspective that you’re more prepared on Tuesday to give them some more information on the next opponent.”

Previously, Fangio said the Broncos’ coaches would “traditionally devote about 40 minutes,” to the next opponent during their Tuesday meetings, which also included a review of the previous game.

“You’re not going to be quite as ready for that on Monday,” he said. “That¶¶Ňőap the sacrifice there.”

The practice schedule (Wednesday-Friday) remains the same, but now, players will have weight-lifting sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursday or Friday.ĚýThe additional bonus developed last week when the NFL and NFLPA agreed to test players once a week (instead of every 14 days).

“That test will occur on Monday,” Fangio said. “If you get a close contact-type thing where you have to be out three, four or five days, (the player) could still be available for the game on Sunday whereas if you bring them in and you wait for that test on Tuesday, you could run out of days.”

Darby’s familiarity. Broncos cornerback Ronald Darby played the previous four years in the NFC East (three with Philadelphia and one with Washington), so he has a head-start on preparing for the New York Giants in the season opener.

Last year, Darby had eight tackles in two games against the Giants, which returns play-caller Jason Garrett and quarterback Daniel Jones.

“You can be a little familiar with what they do, but they like to switch things up a lot,” Darby said. “(When) we played them last year — even in years prior to that — things looked the same, but they ran different things off it. But you do pick up tendencies.”

Managing Sutton. Fangio hopes the Broncos have to manage receiver Courtland Sutton’s snaps early in the season, a year removed from his torn left ACL. It would mean the offense is sustaining drives.

“The (snap) count can be a little misleading at times,” Fangio said. “It¶¶Ňőap more so how the drives are going. If we’re going three-and-out a bunch, he can play them all. If we can get some nice drives going, he’ll need some time off.”

2018 draft review. Running back Royce Freeman’s departure (he was claimed by Carolina via waivers on Thursday) leaves three of the Broncos’ 10 draft picks in 2018 on the roster: Sutton (second round), outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (first) and inside linebacker Josey Jewell (fourth).

Cornerback Isaac Yiadom (third round) is on his third team (Green Bay), receiver DaeSean Hamilton was waived/injured by the Broncos this spring, tight end Troy Fumagalli (fifth) is on New England’s injured reserve, guard Sam Jones (sixth) is on Atlanta’s practice squad, linebacker Keishawn Bierria (sixth) plays for the CFL’s Edmonton Elks and running back David Williams (seventh) is out of the league.

It is new, Part 2: Only 13 players pre-date coach Vic Fangio’s hiring in January 2019.

It is young, Part 1: 64 players are age 25 or younger.

And it is young, Part 2: 20 players are rookies.

All of Paton’s moves, from trading for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to drafting cornerback Pat Surtain II, to signing cornerbacks Ronald Darby/Kyle Fuller to keeping outside linebacker Von Miller, were done with the goal of breaking a woeful five-year playoff drought.

Here is our first projection at how the initial 53-man roster will look following the cut-down date Aug. 31:

Offense (24)

Quarterbacks (2)

In: Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater.

Out: Brett Rypien.

Analysis: No drama here. A potentially big question is who serves as Aaron Rodgers’ backup if he is acquired from Green Bay? Our guess is Lock. Lock would also be our choice to start in Week 1 against the New York Giants.

Running backs (4)

In: Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon, Mike Boone and Royce Freeman

Out: LeVante Bellamy, Damarea Crockett and Adam Prentice (FB).

Analysis: This is when things get interesting after Gordon (led the team in rushing last year), Williams (Paton traded up in the second round to draft him) and Boone (who followed Paton from the Vikings). A third-round pick in 2018, Freeman is still affordable on his rookie contract and has value as a third-down back and on special teams (159 snaps in ’20). The Broncos could keep Freeman in case he is needed or they could flip him in late August to a running back-needy team.

Tight ends (3)

In: Noah Fant, Albert Okwuegbunam and Andrew Beck (TE/FB).

Out: Eric Saubert, Shaun Beyer and Austin Fort.

Analysis: Leaving Saubert off the roster was our toughest decision offensively — he has 10 catches in 348 career offensive snaps so blocking is his trade. Beck provides value as a fullback/blocking tight end. Okwuegbunam (torn ACL last November) isn’t expected to be full-go when camp begins so Beyer (undrafted free agent) and Fort (out 2019-20 with knee injuries) will get plenty of snaps. Fant¶¶Ňőap progress will define this position group.

Receivers (6)

In: Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, Tim Patrick, Tyrie Cleveland and Diontae Spencer (KR/PR).

Out: Trinity Benson, Kendall Hinton, DeVontres Dukes, Warren Jackson, Branden Mack, Seth Williams, Damion Willis, De’Mornay Pierson-El and Amara Darboh.

Analysis: If the Broncos run a lot of five-receiver personnel in camp, they have enough for Lock, Bridgewater and Rypien. We’re kidding … kind of. A whopping 15 receivers are under contract after Pierson-El and Darboh signed Thursday following minicamp tryouts. The issue is finding a way to get six receivers active on game-day instead of the usual five because of Cleveland’s special teams ability. The offseason program offered little except for Jeudy’s consistency. Sutton (torn ACL last September) was kept out of team drills, Hamler (hamstring) did side-field work and Patrick (hamstring) did limited running around. Williams, a seventh-round rookie, is ticketed for the practice squad.

Offensive linemen (9)

In: Garett Bolles (LT), Dalton Risner (LG), Lloyd Cushenberry (C), Graham Glasgow (RG), Bobby Massie (RT), Netane Muti (G), Austin Schlottmann (G), Quinn Meinerz (C) and Calvin Anderson (RT).

Out: Cam Fleming (T), Quinn Bailey (T), Cody Conway (T), Patrick Morris (C/G), Adam Himmelman (T) and Nolan Laufenberg (G).

Analysis: The Broncos will try and sell that there will be two starting competitions — Cushenberry vs. Meinerz at center and Massie vs. The Field at right tackle. We buy only center being up for grabs and we would stick with Cushenberry, who showed improvement during the second half of ’20. Right tackle is Massie’s spot if he stays healthy; he missed minicamp with a pectoral issue. Fleming only makes the team if he starts at right tackle. Muti should be a lock as a backup guard. Anderson, who also missed minicamp, saw his legend grow in the eyes of some during the offseason (not sure why) but needs to play well in August to secure a roster spot.

Defense (26)

Defensive linemen (6)

In: Shelby Harris (DE), Mike Purcell (NT), Dre’Mont Jones (DE), Shamar Stephen (DL), DeShawn Williams (DE) and McTelvin Agim (DL).

Out: Jonathan Harris, Isaiah Mack, Deyon Sizer and Marquiss Spencer.

Analysis: Not a lot depth here, right? The starting three of Shelby Harris, Purcell and Jones is solid, particularly on passing downs because Harris/Jones provide a good interior pass-rushing duo. Stephen was in Minnesota last year with Paton and we pencil him as the No. 4 guy. After that, uncertainty. Agim was a third-round pick in ’20, which helps his chances of making the initial roster unless he’s a total bust in camp. He remains an unknown because last year’s preseason was cancelled and he played only 141 snaps. We went back and forth on whether to keep Agim or Spencer (seventh-round rookie), but decided Spencer would have a better chance of clearing waivers and joining the practice squad. Williams makes the team as the fifth lineman after starting 11 games last year when Jones, Jurrell Casey and DeMarcus Walker got hurt.

Outside linebackers (5)

In: Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Malik Reed, Derrek Tuszka and Jonathon Cooper.

Out: Andre Mintze and Pita Taumoepenu.

Analysis: In 32 games, Fangio has had Miller/Chubb together for only four (0-4 start in ’19); Chubb tore his ACL to miss the last 12 games that season and Miller (ankle) didn’t get to the starting line last year. Both have much on the line — Miller is in the final year of his deal and Chubb is working toward a mega contract extension. If they can’t combine for at least 20 sacks, it means the Broncos didn’t lead very often. Reed had eight sacks in 785 snaps last year and is a dependable third rusher. Tuszka, a seventh-round pick in ’20, has special teams value. Cooper (seventh-round pick this year) did not take any team reps in the offseason program following a heart procedure and if he’s slow to catch up, may face a redshirt year on practice squad.

Inside linebackers (4)

In: Josey Jewell, Alexander Johnson, Justin Strnad and Baron Browning.

Out: Josh Watson, Peter Kalambayi and Curtis Robinson.

Analysis: Browning is a wild-card because Fangio on Tuesday offered the possibility of cross-training him at inside and outside linebacker, which means he could force Cooper to the practice squad and allow the Broncos to keep Watson (321 special teams snaps in 2019-20). The preseason will be huge for Strnad to prove he can be a sub-package coverage option because he missed all of last year (wrist surgery). Jewell and Johnson are locked in as the base-down starters and depending on how much Fangio uses dime personnel (six defensive backs) or trusts Strand, they may not leave the field.

Cornerbacks (6)

In: Pat Surtain II, Ronald Darby, Kyle Fuller, Bryce Callahan, Michael Ojemudia and Essang Bassey.

Out: Duke Dawson, Nate Hairston, Mac McCain, Parnell Motley and Kary Vincent.

Analysis: There is no doubt about the top four, it¶¶Ňőap just a matter of who plays the most snaps between Surtain, Darby and Fuller. Using Callahan exclusively in nickel and/or dime will help him stay healthy. Last training camp, Isaac Yiadom fell down the depth chart and was flipped to the Giants. Don’t expect the same scenario to play out with Ojemudia, who has gone from starter to No. 4-5 corner in one offseason. The Broncos ran out of corners last year so they need to keep Ojemudia. Essang Bassey (torn ACL last December) may be a physically-unable-to-perform-list candidate if the training staff feels he needs more time to rehab at the start of camp. Vincent, a seventh-round rookie, can develop on the practice squad.

Safeties (5)

In: Justin Simmons, Kareem Jackson, Jemar Johnson, Caden Sterns and P.J. Locke.

Out: Trey Marshall.

Analysis: Armed with a new contract, Simmons is back to anchor the safety group and is again joined by Jackson, who re-signed after his option was declined. The Broncos used fifth-round picks on Johnson and Sterns — one will likely replace Jackson in 2022 and both will make the team this year. An interesting roster battle is between Locke and Marshall and it might have more to do with who plays better on special teams than who is a more effective safety in camp. We’ll go with Locke.

Specialists (3)

In: Brandon McManus (K), Sam Martin (P) and Jacob Bobenmoyer (LS).

Out: None.

Analysis: Right now, there is no competition after punter Max Duffy was waived on Thursday. McManus’ four-year contract that he signed last September kicks in this season. Martin and Bobenmoyer are in their second seasons with the Broncos.

Who would you bet on right now being the Week 1 inside linebackers? And who among that group is most likely to stay on the field in the sub packages?

— Matt Schauf, North Chili, N.Y.

In the base defense, it¶¶Ňőap pretty easy — Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell. The Broncos’ top two tacklers last year (124 and 112, respectively) have the trust of coach Vic Fangio.

Things could get a little more interesting in the sub packages, though. Last summer, the Broncos were grooming rookie Justin Strnad to play the nickel/dime role because of his coverage ability. Strnad missed the season following wrist surgery.

Baron Browning was drafted in the third round, but a lower leg injury has kept him out of all of the OTA workouts.

If the Broncos play dime (six defensive backs), Strnad could get a shot as the lone inside linebacker. If they play nickel (five defensive backs), the bet is Johnson/Jewell staying on the field at least initially.

Ryan, what¶¶Ňőap the latest on Aaron Rodgers? It doesn’t seem like Packers president Mark Murphy saying that he’s dividing the fan base is doing Green Bay any favors. Do you think Denver still has a shot?

— Larry, Westminster

Still nothing much cooking, but that won’t stop me from writing and tweeting about Rodgers coming to the Broncos. Until he is on the Green Bay practice field wearing a Packers helmet, this is still a story to monitor. If he becomes available, the Broncos should be considered the leader.

Murphy’s comments were interesting. At first, I thought it was madness that feuding with the reigning NFL MVP would garner any support for their fans.

But Murphy wouldn’t just pull that out of thin air. There may be a segment of the fan base upset at Rodgers for the drama and are ready to move on with Jordan Love.

Ryan, I’m optimistic about the Broncos in view of the draft and the generally improved nature of the roster. However, I remember feeling this way about the team on many previous occasions only to see them emerge from training camp and the first third of the season with many injuries. I recall Mike Shanahan saying this was the biggest factor in a team’s success, though he seemed to view it as largely the luck of the draw. But first, is there any truth to the idea that the Broncos are more injury-prone than other NFL teams and secondly, is there anything more team management might do to reduce injuries?

— Jim Coleman, Rapid City, S.D.

I will make last year’s training camp an outlier because teams didn’t have an offseason program and were in a race to Week 1 once camps opened. That led to soft tissue injuries galore.

According to Football Outsiders last year, the Broncos ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in terms of injuries per its metrics.

The thing with the Broncos is, their injuries the last few years have been gigantic. Bradley Chubb in 2019. Von Miller and Courtland Sutton last year.

What we’ll be monitoring during this year’s training camp is how does coach Vic Fangio approach the practice schedule to increase the chances of a better start (0-4 and 0-3 in his first two years)?

Shanahan is right: The healthier teams are often times the teams reaching the postseason.

What do you think about Dre’Mont Jones’ progression for this upcoming season? He had 6 1/2 sacks last year — do you think he could get 10 and make a three-headed sacking monster with Bradley Chubb and Von Miller? Also, what do you think we’ll see from KJ Hamler this year? His speed makes him such a dynamic option for this offense.

— Marshall, Parker

Jones has 10 sacks in his first two seasons since the Broncos drafted him in the third round. But his strong finish to 2020 has raised expectations.

Jones, who was slowed by a Week 2 knee injury last year, had 6 1/2 sacks in his last 11 games and will now become an every-down player with the departures of Jurrell Casey and DeMarcus Walker.

Can Jones be a 10-sack player? If the Broncos find ways to consistently lead games, he will get his chance because of his interior pass-rushing skills.

What is the biggest improvement on either side of the ball?

— @RicMurr

Cornerback. It didn’t take long for new general manager George Paton to understand he had to overhaul the position.

Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller were signed in the opening days of free agency and the Broncos used the ninth overall pick on Pat Surtain II. They join Bryce Callahan in the top four and the defense also has Essang Bassey and Michael Ojemudia.

It¶¶Ňőap smart for the Broncos to keep all of those players because last year, they traded Isaac Yiadom to the New York Giants at the end of camp and then ran out of corners.

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag periodically during the offseason. Submit questions to Ryan here.

With the waiving of wideout DaeSean Hamilton earlier this week, the Broncos now have four players remaining on their roster from the 2018 draft class.

Here’s a breakdown on that 10-player class, which was ex-GM John Elway’s largest class up to that point.

OLB Bradley Chubb (Rd 1, No. 5) — Denver could’ve picked Wyoming QB Josh Allen, who went No. 7 overall to the Bills. But Chubb has turned out to be a defensive linchpin, setting the Broncos rookie record for sacks in 2018 and then bouncing back from an ACL injury with a Pro Bowl season in 2020.

WR Courtland Sutton (Rd 2, No. 40) —ĚýMake that two Pro Bowlers with Elway’s first two picks in this draft after Sutton posted 1,112 yards receiving to earn the honor in 2019. Sutton missed all of his third year with a knee injury, but will be back at full strength this fall as one of the key offensive catalysts.

RB Royce Freeman (Rd 3, No. 71) —ĚýThe Oregon product has been decently effective as a backup tailback in Denver to the since-departed Phillip Lindsay and also Melvin Gordon. Freeman has 297 rushes for 1,187 career yards and will again see time in the backfield in 2021 behind Gordon and rookie Javonte Williams.

CB Isaac Yiadom (Rd 3, No. 99) —ĚýOne of many failed experiments at cornerback during coach Vic Fangio’s tenure, Yiadom’s inconsistencies led to a roller-coaster ride in Denver. He was traded to the Giants last September for a seventh-round pick, which Denver used on Ohio State linebacker Jonathon Cooper.

ILB Josey Jewell (Rd 4, No. 106) —ĚýAnother hit for Elway. Perhaps those who are most critical of Elway’s draft record — and to be fair, there have been serious misses, i.e. Paxton Lynch — should look to this class, as Jewell has also emerged as a starter at inside linebacker. So four of Elway’s first five picks made a tangible impact.

WR DaeSean Hamilton (Rd 4, No. 113) —ĚýWaived on Tuesday, Hamilton sustained a knee injury while training at an off-site facility on May 14. That capped an underperforming three seasons in Denver where Hamilton had 81 catches for 833 yards and five touchdowns. Fans will likely remember him most for his issues with drops.

TE Troy Fumagalli (Rd 5, No. 156) —ĚýThe Wisconsin product had 14 catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns in 19 career games across 2019 and ’20. The Broncos cut him in September last year, then brought him back for the final half of the regular season. He remains a free agent heading into 2021.

G Sam Jones (Rd 6, No. 183) —ĚýThe ThunderRidge alum played just 15 offensive snaps across five games for Denver in 2018 as a backup before being cut ahead of the 2019 season. He didn’t play another down in the NFL.

ILB Keishawn Bierria (Rd 6, No. 217) —ĚýBierria appeared in all 16 games as a rookie, mainly as a special teams contributor, but was never able to establish himself in the linebacker room and was cut in October 2019.

RB David Williams (Rd 7, No. 226) —ĚýSeventh-round picks are shots in the dark, and this one missed badly. Williams was cut after training camp that year and never played in the NFL.

— , The Denver Post

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Now Simmons wants team achievements.

“Having the individual success is great, but this is a team effort and a team game and the past five years, being a part of a couple of losing seasons, it¶¶Ňőap about time to be on the positive side of that and start winning some football games,” Simmons said during a news conference Monday.

Simmons will be counted on to be a foundational player. He played last year on the franchise tag when contract talks didn’t progress, but Broncos contract negotiator Rich Hurtado and Todd France, Simmons’ agent, got a deal done last week.

“He has all the tools to be the very best — smart, instinctive, athletic, rangy,” general manager George Paton said. “He’s a natural ball-hawk and he’s just scratching the surface. We believe he’ll only get better and help us win a lot of football games moving forward.”

The Broncos’ defense could have as many as three new starters in the secondary (cornerbacks Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller and a to-be-determined safety). It will be up to Simmons, who has played every defensive snap the past three years, to help make sure the transition is seamless.

“What I’m really looking forward to is finding a way to team success,” he said. “Individually, there are things I can do to get better. But what can I do from a team aspect defensively? How can I push the guys offensively? How can I make sure we’re competing to the highest level every day and making sure we’re doing the (right) things week in and week out?

“That falls on my shoulders as a leader on this team and this defense. I’ve never been one to shy away from opportunity and this is a big one.”

Salary cap hits. The official contract totals for the Broncos moves last week have been filed with the league and it reflects how the team projects salary cap increases beginning in 2022.

Simmons: Four years, $61 million ($35 million guaranteed). The cap hits are $5.75 million (this year), $18.85 million (’22), $18.15 million (’23) and $18.95 million (’24).

Defensive end Shelby Harris: Three years, $27 million ($15 million guaranteed). The cap hits are $4 million (this year), $10.8 million (’22) and $11.8 million (’23).

Cornerback Ronald Darby: Three years, $30 million ($19.5 million guaranteed). The cap hits are $4 million (’21) and $13 million apiece in ’22-23.

Running back Mike Boone: Two years, $3.85 million. The cap hits are $1.8 million (this year) and $2.05 million (’22). Boone’s contract is worth a maximum of $4.48 million if he meets certain incentives.

Paton saluted Hurtado, who joined the Broncos in January 2020, for his work on Simmons’ deal in particular.

“These things take time and Rich spent countless hours trying to get this deal done and did a remarkable job at doing that,” Paton said.

Draft order set. The NFL has released its final draft order.

The Broncos have nine selections: Single selections in rounds 1 (No. 9), 2 (No. 40), 3 (No. 71), 4 (No. 114), 5 (No. 152), 6 (No. 191) and three in round seven (Nos. 237, 239 and 253).

Cornerback Isaac Yiadom was traded to the New York Giants last August for the 239th pick and fullback Andy Janovich was traded to Cleveland last year for the 253rd pick.

Footnotes. The Broncos lost outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Attaochu had 8 1/2 sacks in 25 games (736 snaps) over two years and leaves Malik Reed and Derrek Tuszka as the only back-up edge rushers behind Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. … Simmons wore a suit to his press conference, which didn’t surprise coach Vic Fangio. “He was the one guy during the year when we said (players) could wear sweats on the road, he still had his suit ready to go,” Fangio said. “He’s a classic suit-wearer and he’s a class guy.”

The Broncos’ training camp-long center competition ended with Cushenberry, a third-round rookie from LSU, beating out Austin Schlottmann and Patrick Morris.

“Winning the starting job was a goal for me coming in, obviously, but it¶¶Ňőap not the end, it¶¶Ňőap just the beginning,” Cushenberry said before practice Tuesday. “I have to work 10 times harder to keep the starting job and prove I belong here.”

Schlottmann made the roster as a reserve guard/center and Morris was signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers.

Cushenberry will be the Broncos’ third Week 1 center in as many years, following Matt Paradis (now with Carolina) and Connor McGovern (now with the New York Jets).

“He just kept improving,” head coach Vic Fangio said of Cushenberry. “It was a close battle all through camp. We think he’s ready for it and will keep improving and learn by playing. A little bit of this is (looking into the) crystal ball (in) that we think he’ll keep improving and develop into a good center.”

Cushenberry’s last game was LSU’s national title win over Clemson in January. His next assignment is the Tennessee Titans on Monday night.

“My main focus (during camp) was just going out there and being physical and showing I have the mental capacity to make the calls,” he said. “It wasn’t really too much I couldn’t handle. Both (mentally and physical), I felt I made big strides every day.”

Injury report. The Broncos practiced in the fieldhouse Monday because of cold temperatures and a snow-rain mix outside.

Right guard Graham Glasgow (right ankle) and outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (left knee) both took part in drills during the media viewing period.

“We’ll see where they’re at and go from there,” Fangio said before practice. “I feel like they’ll be fine as the week goes, but it¶¶Ňőap still a fluid situation.”

A new injury is inside linebacker Mark Barron, who sustained a hamstring injury last Friday. Fangio said Barron and receiver KJ Hamler (hamstring) are “highly questionable” for the Tennessee game. Minus Barron, the Broncos have Joe Jones and recently-acquired Austin Calitro as the backups to Josey Jewell and Alexander Johnson. Calitro participated in his first practice Tuesday.

Broncos’ social justice program. Brittany Bowlen, the Broncos’ vice president of strategic initiatives, on Tuesday said the franchise would launch a new social justice program “in the next week or so.”

Bowlen, speaking at a joint press conference with Gov. Jared Polis announcing plans for fans to attend Broncos games, offered no specifics.

“Internally, at the Broncos organization, we’ve done a lot of listening and learning over the last couple of months, and we will do everything to support our players during this activism,” she said. “We believe that there needs to be tangible progress and we are ready to be part of that.”

Responding to a question about player activism, Bowlen added, “You will see us roll out a program that supports the players, our staff and being part of that movement both in the community and within our organization.”

Asked whether the NFL owes an apology to former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who knelt during the national anthem before games four years ago and hasn’t been rostered since, both Bowlen and Polis avoided the question.

Footnotes. Fangio said he will again designate captains on a game-by-game basis instead of having season-long captains. … Three players traded or cut by the Broncos last week all made their new teams’ initial roster: Cornerback Isaac Yiadom (New York Giants), defensive lineman Christian Covington (Cincinnati) and outside linebacker Justin Hollins (Los Angeles Rams). … The Titans signed outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney on Monday. He has one sack in two career games against the Broncos.

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season.

You can pose aĚýBroncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here.ĚýFollow Ryan for more daily updates onĚý.

I know it’s early, but I’m wondering what positions and players you see the Broncos drafting or signing in free agency after this season. I’m thinking inside linebacker, cornerback and offensive tackle. Your thoughts?

— William Christiansen, Orem, Utah

William, can we wait until Week 1 to be played or the Super Bowl Parade to be completed before looking ahead to 2021? But I’ll play along and break down the three positions you referred to.

Offensive tackle: I’m putting this at the top of the list. Left tackle Garett Bolles and right tackle Elijah Wilkinson are both free agents next March and it’s anybody’s guess what general manager John Elway wants to do with Ja’Wuan James, who has a huge contract and opted out of this season.

Inside linebacker: Alexander Johnson has a chance to be a building block type of player and the Broncos really liked the work being put in by rookie Justin Strnad before his left wrist injury.

Cornerback: Michael Ojemudia is a rookie and he’ll get a chance this year to show he can be a starter moving forward. Starters A.J. Bouye and Bryce Callahan are under contract for 2021, but will be playing this year for the right to stick around for next year.

The Broncos will be good, maybe better on defense with the front seven, but the offense — line, quarterback and play-calling — are question marks. What is your candid assessment of those three keys?

— Vance Valerio, Omaha, Neb.

Ol’ Vance doesn’t have high hopes for new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, does he? I’ll give Shurmur the benefit of doubt about his play-calling because we haven’t seen him author a game plan with the Broncos’ personnel.

Kind of the same on Drew Lock. Broncos fans should feel better today about their quarterback compared to this time last year with Joe Flacco. The key thing is that Lock is more adept at getting out of trouble to extend the play … which he may need to do.

I totally agree with the offensive line being a concern until proven otherwise. Can Garett Bolles build on the last half of 2019? Can Elijah Wilkinson be the answer at right tackle? Is Lloyd Cushenberry ready to start at center? Can Graham Glasgow (ankle) be ready for next week? My lean is they should be a pretty good run-blocking group right away, but it may take time for them to figure out the pass protection plan.

Ryan, explain to me why the Broncos cut inside linebacker Todd Davis. He’s a strong defender, especially against the run. I want to like Josey Jewell, but the kid doesn’t quite have the chops to fill all the holes that are now left behind unless there’s someone else who’s ready to step in to take that role that I’m missing here.

— Carter, Denver

I thought the move for the Broncos with Davis would have been cutting him (like they did) and then bringing him back after Week 1 so they could pay him on a game-to-game basis. But they made the clean break from last year’s leading tackler.

I’ll challenge you on Davis being solid against the run. If the Broncos felt that he was still physical and willing to meet the fullback head-on and then make the play, he would be starting against Tennessee.

Was it about the money? Not completely because it¶¶Ňőap not like the Broncos were cap-crunched. But they did create $4.5 million of space they can roll over to 2021, money that will be helpful if the cap stays flat.

As for Jewell, he’s a two-down linebacker. He’ll get his teammates lined up in the right spot and is a sure tackler. Look out for newcomer Mark Barron to fill the cover linebacker role and replace Jewell on sub-package plays.

Can you tell me what the Broncos have done to improve against elite tight ends? Outside of a stronger pass rush, I don’t see much. How do we stop Travis Kelce, Rob Gronkowski and George Kittle?

— Matt Rogers, Fort Collins

The good news for the Broncos is they don’t have to face the league’s best tight end (Kittle) in the regular season. They’ve got Gronk coming in with Tampa Bay (Week 3) and the usual two matchups against Kelce (Kansas City).

The Broncos drafted inside linebacker Justin Strnad in the fourth round because he showed good coverage ability on tape. He was in line to fill that role against tight ends. But since he’s out for the season, Mark Barron was signed and he knows how to use his safety background to account for tight ends and running backs.

So, who’s our No. 3 cornerback? I thought it would have been Isaac Yiadom, but he’s gone. De’Vante Bausby is on the practice squad. Is it someone on the roster or do you see a chance at Denver still picking up a veteran in free agency?

— Devon, Westminster

It will be rookie Michael Ojemudia when he gets back up to speed after missing most of training camp with a quad injury. Yiadom had his shot and was traded to the New York Giants. Bausby had his chance and was released and signed to the practice squad.

Ojemudia was impressing the Broncos with his coverage ability and knowledge of the defense when he was injured. If Ojemudia is brought along slowly, Davontae Harris is the top candidate to be the third corner.

If Ojemudia is in the game, it will allow coach Vic Fangio to use Bryce Callahan over the slot receiver, the spot where he is the most effective.

Is this the final shot for defensive end DeMarcus Walker? He showed some promise last year after being allowed to play at his natural position for once. Do you think he’ll be re-signed after the season?

— Morgan, Austin, Texas

Everything about the Broncos’ defensive end position is on the table.

Walker, Shelby Harris and Mike Purcell are free agents next March. Jurrell Casey has no guaranteed money remaining on the last two years of his contract.

Dre’Mont Jones and McTelvin Agim will be in the third and second year, respectively, of their rookie deals.

Some of it may depend on Walker. In March 2019, Shaq Barrett wanted an opportunity to compete for a starting spot so he signed with Tampa Bay and that worked out great (he led the league in sacks). If Walker plays well this year as a reserve, there could be a team that figures he’s worth signing for a competition.

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season.

You can pose aĚýBroncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here.ĚýFollow Ryan for more daily updates onĚý.