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Home , Bradley Chubb, Brendan Langley, Case Keenum, Paxton Lynch

After years bouncing around NFL, in new territory with Broncos By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post July 22, 2018

Six years of that produced the most prolific statistics in history.

Undrafted, released three times and traded once as a pro.

Started and won a game six days after being signed off another team’s .

Waited three weeks into 2017 free agency – an interminable time – before finding a new team.

Threw the pass that delivered his team a miracle playoff win in January.

Case Keenum has packed all of those experiences into a journey that started as a seventh-grade student in Abilene, Texas, and twisted and turned its way to Houston, St. Louis, Houston (again), St. Louis (again), , Minneapolis and now Denver.

But when he walks onto the Broncos’ practice field Saturday morning, Keenum will encounter a new NFL experience, six years after entering the league.

He will be the guy. Finally.

He will be the leader. At last.

Keenum, 30, is not keeping the spot warm until a rookie is ready, not competing against a fellow veteran for the opening-day assignment, not fighting just to make the roster. He controls his status and is not subject to extenuating circumstances such as another player’s injury, the perceived potential of a first- round draft pick or coaching turmoil.

“The NFL is not fair – there are a lot of great players that never got a shot,” Keenum told The Denver Post. “I’ve had a shot – I’ve had multiple shots so I can’t complain about that. And every situation I’ve been in, it’s led me to here.”

Keenum’s efficiency as ’s replacement in Minnesota a season ago led him to the Broncos. When Bradford went down with an injury, Keenum stepped up, and led the Vikings to the NFC championship game.

The Broncos and Keenum needed each other when free agency opened in March.

The Broncos were desperate for stability after using , and (combined 22 ) during last year’s 5-11 train-wreck. And Keenum needed the Broncos. He went 12-4 for the Vikings last year, who responded by turning their back on him and signing .

Much is at stake for the Broncos, who have not experienced consecutive losing seasons in 45 years. Another offensively impotent season and sweeping changes would be expected. And much is at stake for Keenum, who has 40 career regular season/playoff starts. Play like he did last season and he can start well into his 30s, overcoming the slights of teams who thought he was too short (listed at 6-foot-1) and didn’t have the rocket arm that many superficial coaches and executives prefer regardless of a player’s intangibles.

Those who have been at Keenum’s side are betting on him pacing a turnaround in his newest setup.

“Being the guy does wonders for a quarterback,” said Texas Tech coach , Keenum’s play- caller at the . “I think you’re going to see his play continue to elevate because of that comfort level.”

Around football ‘forever’

Following a 24-year career coaching football at the high school and college level in Texas, Steve Keenum is an area director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Abilene, about 180 miles west of Dallas along Interstate 20.

Steve and Susan Keenum did not allow their only son (they have two daughters) to play tackle football until the seventh grade. Steve said Case played a “little” flag football in elementary school, but baseball was his sport.

“He’s always had a little bit of a competitive edge to him,” Steve said in a phone interview. “Probably the first place you saw that seriously was when he was playing Little League baseball. He was a pitcher, he was competitive and he was pretty good at it.”

Steve never officially coached Case in football, but their conversations established the foundation of Case’s renowned perseverance and football instincts.

“When he was young, I would bring film home to watch and he would sit there and watch it with me,” Steve said. . “He’s been around it forever. I taught him how to throw a ball and shoot baskets, but (later), we spent more time talking about things that were ancillary to the physical part – the mental part was what we spent our time talking.”

At Wylie High School in Abilene, Keenum went 31-11 and won a state championship. But he received just one college scholarship offer – from then-Houston coach Art Briles. The lack of interest was possibly a product of his height and the spread offense he excelled in. Keenum was redshirted in 2006 and had 14 and 10 interceptions in 2007.

Briles left for Baylor and was replaced by Kevin Sumlin. One of Sumlin’s hires was Kingsbury, who was a record-setting quarterback for Texas Tech, played five years professionally and was beginning his coaching career. Kingsbury was an entry-level coach in 2008-09 and served as co- coordinator/ coach in 2010-11, Keenum’s final college seasons.

Kingsbury and Keenum clicked instantly.

“I’ve had a lot of great coaches – Kingsbury, though, holds a special place,” Keenum said. “He’s a great coach who works his absolute tail off and you know he’s putting everything he’s got into it and he cares about every single player. I appreciated that and what he stood for. And I still appreciate our relationship.” Said Kingsbury: “We were both football junkies. There was just a vibe and level of respect from both sides that worked and he always wanted to know more and wanted to get better. As a young coach, that really helped me.”

In the third game of the 2010 season, Keenum sustained a torn ACL and cartilage damage that required two surgeries.

“The rehab for that was excruciating,” Steve Keenum said. “Of all the things, (the injury) is one of the toughest, if not the toughest thing, he’s had to go through.”

Granted a sixth year of eligibility because of the injury, Keenum threw 48 touchdowns and five interceptions during a 13-1 season. Despite an NCAA record 1,546 completions, 155 touchdowns and 19,217 passing yards, Keenum was not drafted as he didn’t check the NFL boxes (size, arm strength, pro- style offense experience) and signed with the Texans as a free agent.

Belief never wavered

To illustrate his erratic opportunities, here are the opening dates of Keenum’s first starts: Oct. 20 (2013), Dec. 22 (2014), Nov. 22 (2015), Sept. 12 (2016) and Sept. 17 (2017). His only opening-week start was two years ago when he started the Rams’ first nine games before the first overall draft pick, , replaced him.

Generally, though, Keenum only got to play when the starter was injured or struggling. He went 0-8 for Houston in 2013 when was benched by future Broncos coach . The craziest experience was in 2014. The Texans lost and Tom Savage to injuries in the same game and brought Keenum back, signing him off St. Louis’ practice squad. He started six days later and helped beat Baltimore. In 2015, he replaced a benched .

Each year brought a new offensive system, new teammates to work with and concerns about his role.

“I could empathize with what he was going through,” Kingsbury said. “When you’re cut and bounce around, the mental toughness to keep your mind in the game and keep believing you can do it and play at a high level is incredible.

“Through his journey, I just wanted him to always know that I knew how good he was because I had seen what he had done. I knew it was just a matter of time that, if he was able to hang in there and keep working and keep believing, he would break through. And he obviously did.”

In March 2017, the Rams’ new coaching staff did not re-sign Keenum, leaving him a free agent. Schaub, , , Mike Glennon, Matt Barkley, EJ Manuel and all resigned or found new homes before Keenum landed in Minnesota.

“Kept waiting for a phone call and it never came,” Keenum said. “Just the nature of the business.”

Graylan Crain, Keenum’s long-time agent, said several teams eventually showed interest but they chose the Vikings’ one-year, $2 million deal. Keenum became the starter in Week 2 when Bradford was shelved with a knee injury. After a slow start he helped Minnesota win 12 of its final 14 games. “We just went into attack mode and played with nothing to lose,” Keenum said. “I had had a few shots (to start) and wasn’t sure if I was going to get another one and I just put everything I had into every day.”

Playing on an elite team, Keenum totaled 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions in the regular season, earning the Vikings the NFC North title, a first-round bye and a home playoff game against New Orleans.

Great money, greater opportunity

“Gun Buffalo Right Key Left Seventh Heaven” will live in Vikings’ lore.

Three lead changes in less than three minutes left the Vikings down five points with 10 seconds remaining in in January’s NFC Divisional home playoff game against New Orleans. Keenum took the snap from his 39-yard line and threw a pass that caught at the Saints’ 34-yard line near the right sideline. Diggs scored the winning as time expired thanks to safety whiffing the tackle.

Improbable to imagine. Impossible to forget.

Crain and Steve Keenum were in attendance at US Bank Stadium and Kingsbury was watching at a restaurant in Dallas.

They all remember where they were, how they were watching and what they were feeling.

Crain: “Case had about 30 friends and relatives in town for the game and I was there with my wife and I couldn’t even watch. We left the stands and went into the club area (toward the end of the game). And the rest is history.”

Steve Keenum: “I watched it until (Diggs) crossed into the end zone and then my wife and I started jumping up and down and hugging. It’s still hard to believe. Did that really happen?”

Kingsbury: “The place was called Bottled Blonde and I was watching with a bunch of Saints fans. I lost my mind. An awesome, awesome deal. I think I bought a round for the entire bar. If anybody deserved to have a play like that happen, Case did.”

Case will never forget the play, either.

“If I do, everybody will remind me of it,” he said.

The pinnacle play and win of Keenum’s NFL career was followed by a lopsided loss at Philadelphia the following week. In free agency, Minnesota went all in with Cousins ($84 million guaranteed) and the Broncos pounced similarly quickly on Keenum (two-year, $36 million contract).

“It was incredible to have Denver come out and pursue me and want me,” Keenum said. “I wanted to be here. It made sense for a lot of reasons, none of which were financial.”

Said Crain: “This is all he’s wanted the whole time. He can finally lead. He’s excited to just play ball and not look over his shoulder.”

The money was great, taking Keenum to a new income stratosphere. But the opportunity was greater. And during the offseason program he seized it, drawing universal praise for his command of the playbook, presence in the huddle and his locker/meeting room leadership. Broncos coach will enter his critical second season with no concerns about the status of QB1.

“He just has that magic about him,” Kingsbury said. “When you have his type of work ethic, guys will follow you. When you treat people the right way, guys will follow you. When you take the time to know your teammates, guys will want to play hard for you. Case checks those boxes.”

From Lubbock, Kingsbury will be following the Broncos, just like Crain will be from Houston and Steve Keenum will be from Abilene. They are not going to miss any of Keenum’s best chance.

“Any dad who gets to see their son do what they love and be good at it is a special thing,” Steve Keenum said. “God has gifted him and he’s worked extremely hard to magnify that gift.”

By the numbers look at new Broncos quarterback Case Keenum

Some key numbers for Broncos quarterback Keenum

31-11

Record as the starting quarterback at Wylie (Texas) High School.

6

Years Keenum spent collegiately at Houston – he redshirted in 2006 and received a sixth year in 2011 following a 2010 knee injury.

39

Career 300-yard passing games in college, the most in NCAA history.

155/19,217

Career college touchdown passes and passing yards for Keenum, also most in NCAA history.

21-19

Record as an NFL starter (regular season and playoffs), including 12-4 with Minnesota last year.

4

The Broncos are Keenum’s fourth team, following Houston, St. Louis/Los Angeles and Minnesota.

3

Times Keenum has been released: Aug. 2012 and Aug. 2014 by Houston and Oct. 2014 by the Rams.

67.6

Keenum’s completion percentage (325 of 481) last year for Minnesota, second-best in the NFL among quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts.

Denver Broncos position preview: joins productive group of veteran linebackers By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post July 22, 2018

Can a first-round draft pick look the part in non-padded practices?

Absolutely say Broncos players and coaches when asked about Bradley Chubb and what he showed during the offseason program.

“A great player,” inside linebacker Todd Davis said.

“He brings a whole different demeanor to the game,” left offensive tackle said.

“He’s great. A phenomenal athlete,” pass-rushing consultant DeMarcus Ware said.

The praise, combined with his draft status (fifth overall) and college production (20 1/2 sacks in his final two college seasons), puts Chubb in the spotlight when training camp opens next week.

The Broncos will start camp with 15 linebackers. They carried eight for last year’s season opener and using that as a barometer, six should be considered locks to make the final roster: Chubb, , Shaquil Barrett and (if recovered after last month’s wrist surgery) at outside linebacker and Davis and Brandon Marshall inside.

Inside, Zaire Anderson, Joseph Jones, Jerrol Garcia-Williams and rookies and could be competing for two roster spots.

Outside, rookie Jeff Holland will need a strong preseason to force the Broncos to keep five edge rushers instead of four, which they carried last year.

In base defense situations, it starts with Davis and Marshall. If they are effective stopping the run, Miller, Chubb and Co. will get more chances to rush the quarterback.

Added via waivers in November 2014, Davis played the next year-and-a-half as a reserve before replacing . In two years as a starter, Davis has 179 tackles. Last year, he had 82 tackles (second on the team) despite playing only 52.6 percent of the snaps.

Marshall will remain an every-down player (91.9 percent of the snaps last year and a team-high 106 snaps). Something to monitor will be his weight. Listed at 250 pounds, Marshall said last month he was at 225, down 11 pounds from the start of organized team activities. The natural question is how will a lighter Marshall hold up playing inside linebacker.

“I want to be able to move more efficiently,” Marshall said. “I could be 240, but if I’ve got a lot of body fat, it’s just going to slow me down.”

The ability to play special teams will be a deciding factor for the back-up inside linebackers. Anderson has 10 special teams tackles in two years. Jewell (a fourth round pick) and Bierria (a sixth round pick) had 437 and 242 tackles in college, respectively.

In pass-rushing situations, it will be all about Miller and Chubb.

Miller has been first- or second-team All Pro in each of his six full seasons (he played nine games in 2013). But last year’s 10 sacks were his fewest in a full season, down from 13 1/2 in 2016.

Chubb’s presence could be a boon for Miller. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods has options because he will move Chubb to defensive end in certain packages, which could free up Miller.

Chubb will receive expert training from Ware and Miller.

“I think he’s getting the best of both worlds,” Miller said. “You’ve got ‘Captain Football,’ in DeMarcus and then you’ve got me that’s going to keep it real about everything. DeMarcus taught me so much so hopefully (Chubb will) be able to learn some of the same stuff.”

Barrett, a free agent after this season, played 667 snaps in 2017 but Chubb’s presence likely means that total drops. He has 11 sacks in 48 games.

Ray is also a free agent next March. If his recovery from a fourth wrist surgery in 10 months allows him to return early in training camp, he could be the Week 1 starting strong-side linebacker ahead of Chubb.

Holland is an intriguing prospect. Still only 20 years old, he didn’t start until his junior year and capitalized with 45 tackles and 10 sacks for Auburn.

Sunday: Quarterbacks.

LINEBACKERS

No. Player Pos. Age Year Ht./Wt. College 2017 team Signed through Cap number

40 Keishawn Bierria ILB 22 R 6-1/223 Washington Washington 2021 $509,602

Sixth-rounder played in 54 college games (242 tackles and eight recoveries).

43 Joseph Jones ILB 24 2nd 6-0/231 Northwestern Broncos 2018 $555,000

Made four special teams tackles in seven games last year. That is his best way to make team.

46 Jeff Holland OLB 20 R 6-2/249 Auburn Auburn 2020 $485,000

Youngest player on roster went undrafted despite 45-tackle, 10-sack junior year for Tigers.

47 Josey Jewell ILB 22 R 6-2/236 Iowa Iowa 2021 $658,496

Fourth-round pick was first-team All-America in ’17 (136 tackles). Started 43 of 50 games.

48 Shaquil Barrett OLB 25 5th 6-2/250 Colorado State Broncos 2018 $2,914,000

Situational pass rusher has 11 sacks in three years. Big year could equal big money in free agency.

49 Marcus Rush OLB 27 3rd 6-3/251 Michigan State Broncos 2018 $480,000

Started Michigan State record 53 games (163 tackles). Two regular season NFL games (Jaguars in ‘16).

50 Zaire Anderson ILB 25 3rd 5-11/220 Nebraska Broncos 2018 $630,000

Has started three games in two years, but posted 10 special teams tackles.

51 Todd Davis ILB 26 5th 6-1/230 Sacramento State Broncos 2020 $4,000,000

Turned seasons of 97 and 82 tackles into a three-year contract. Will start alongside Brandon Marshall.

52 Jerrol Garcia-Williams ILB 24 2nd 6-2/235 Hawaii Broncos 2018 $555,000

Undrafted free agent made team last year and appeared in 11 games (one tackle).

54 Brandon Marshall ILB 28 7th 6-1/250 Nevada Broncos 2020 $7,000,000

Three 100-tackle seasons. Listed at 250, said during offseason program he was at 225 pounds.

55 Bradley Chubb OLB 22 R 6-4/275 N.C. State N.C. State 2021 $4,958,407

First-round pick expected to start at strong-side LB. Had 26 sacks in final 38 college games.

56 Shane Ray OLB 25 4th 6-3/245 Missouri Broncos 2018 $2,901,466

Fourth left wrist surgery last month expected to keep him out for entire preseason.

58 Von Miller OLB 29 8th 6-4/250 Texas A&M Broncos 2021 $10,125,000

Second in team history with 83 1/2 career sacks. On way to being regarded as all-time great.

59 Stansly Maponga OLB 27 5th 6-2/257 TCU Broncos 2018 $705,000

Played in 24 games for Atlanta (2013-14), but has played only two games over last three years.

67 Bo Bower OLB 23 R 6-1/228 Iowa Iowa 2020 $480,000

Undrafted free agent signed after minicamp tryout. Totaled 209 tackles in 53 games (39 starts).

Source: www.overthecap.com for salary information.

Broncos training camp preview: Defensive line has depth, ifs By Mike Klis 9 News July 22, 2018

When the Broncos set their 53-man roster, some of their toughest decisions will come from their defensive line.

A familiar name or two will be cut. It can’t be helped.

“On the D-line, our room is loaded,’’ said in late-May.

“I honestly believe that this is probably the most talented unit that I’ve been a part of,’’ said Zach Kerr.

Defensive line is usually one of the Broncos’ most fluid positions but in general it gets six roster spots.

Here are eight: Derek Wolfe, Domata Peko Sr., Kyle Peko, Clinton McDonald, , DeMarcus Walker, Harris and Kerr.

The three-man defensive front was comprised mainly of Wolfe, Domata Peko and Gotsis on first down last year; Wolfe, Harris and Gotsis on third down.

After finishing 28th against the run in 2016, the Denver D improved to No. 5 last year. It wasn’t so effective getting to the quarterback. Harris, the team’s biggest surprise, had 5.5 sacks but just 6 more sacks came from Wolfe (2), Gotsis (2), Peko (1) and Walker (1).

It’s one reason why the Broncos signed the free-agent McDonald from Tampa Bay. A 297-pound defensive tackle in the Bucs’ 4-3 front, he had 5.0 sacks last year, 8.5 in the past two seasons.

However, McDonald has a shoulder issue that forced him to miss the Broncos’ entire offseason. When he couldn’t pass the physical leading into the mandatory minicamp in mid-June, he had to restructure his contract so that his $4 million for this season is no longer guaranteed.

There is hope McDonald will be cleared for the start of training camp but that will be determined by his physical on Friday.

With the Broncos’ first training camp practice a week away, 9News continues its positional preview with a look at the team’s defensive line.

Overview: Good as it looks on paper, there are some ifs. If Wolfe can return to form after his offseason neck procedure, if Gotsis is cleared from a rape investigation by a Georgia district attorney, if McDonald can get healthy, if Walker can come on after his disappointing rookie season, and if Peko does not fall off at 33 years old, the Broncos can have one of the league’s best 3-man fronts.

Strength: Led by Wolfe, the defensive end position is deep and formidable.

Question mark: Gotsis, the Broncos’ second-round draft pick in 2016, was arrested in Atlanta on March 7 on suspicion of a strongarm rape charge stemming from an incident five years earlier while he was a student-athlete at Georgia Tech.

In late-March, the Fulton County District Attorney’s office announced it expected results of its investigation to come within 90 days. It’s now been more than 120 days and still no decision on whether to indict or clear Gotsis. He did participate in the Broncos’ offseason program and the plan is to continue practicing in training camp as he awaits his fate.

Pro Bowl material: No Bronco defensive lineman has ever been selected to the as the system is set up for outside linebackers to get sacks and inside linebackers to get the tackles. Wolfe and Peko, though, have previous played at a Pro Bowl-caliber level.

Sleeper: DeShawn Williams. He’s a D-line tweener at 6-foot-1, 292, but his frame works as a 3-4 end. Undrafted out of Clemson in 2015, he spent three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, where Broncos head coach Vance Joseph observed him for two years.

Williams spent two seasons on the practice squad but played some in 2016. In Cincy he was mentored by Geno Atkins. Williams had a strong offseason.

Broncos Training Camp Capsule By STAFF Associated Press July 22, 2018

DENVER BRONCOS (5-11)

OPEN CAMP: July 27, Englewood, Colorado

LAST YEAR: Coach Vance Joseph's first year was debacle in every phase. Denver's anemic offense cycled through three QBs during soured season that included eight-game skid, franchise's longest in half-century, and featured eight double-digit losses. Exhausted defense surrendered too many points and special teams were anything but. GM thought about firing Joseph but decided to give him second chance and then bolstered roster.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: QB Case Keenum, DE Bradley Chubb, RB , WR , WR DeSean Hamilton, RT Jared Veldheer, LB Josey Jewell, CB Brock Tramaine, S Su'a Cravens, P Marquette King, part-time pass-rushing coach DeMarcus Ware.

IMPORTANT LOSSES: CB Aqib Talib, QB Trevor Siemian, RB C.J. Anderson, TE Virgil Green, WR , ILB Corey Nelson, QB Brock Osweiler, strength and conditioning coach Luke Richesson.

CAMP NEEDS: Broncos need Keenum to stay healthy first and foremost because behind him are two players who have combined four NFL starts, all by Paxton Lynch. Former first-round pick will be duking it out with 2017 seventh-rounder for backup job in toned-down version of QB derby that's been annual rite of summer in Denver since retired.

EXPECTATIONS: Broncos haven't had back-to-back losing seasons since 1971-72, and they have every intention of returning to playoffs in 2018. Having Chubb as cohort should make superstar LB Von Miller even better, and Denver's infusion of offensive talent through draft and free agency should take some pressure off defense that's been carrying team for three years now.

Klee's Five Burning Questions: 2018 Broncos training camp By Paul Klee Colorado Spring Gazette July 22, 2018

Broncos head coach Vance Joseph walks the sidelines during the fourth quarter against Kansas City Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)

Broncos training camp opens one week from Sunday. The good news: there will be food trucks again at Dove Valley! The bad: questions abound in Vance Joseph’s second season. Here are five, courtesy The Gazette’s Paul Klee:

1. Can rookies raise the bar?

You too, Case Keenum, Broncos rookie. It was clear in 2017 the Broncos roster wasn’t good enough. Eight straight losses don’t lie. So John Elway’s mission this offseason was to stockpile leaders first, athletes second. Nine draft picks were college captains. And the big splash — signing Keenum for $25 million guaranteed — was a decision largely based in leadership. Make no mistake: Elway digs Keenum. “I really like Case. I’m excited about him,” Elway told The Gazette. “I like the way he goes about his business and leads guys on the field. He’s not going to be a rah-rah guy. He’s going to have a great deal of respect with those guys. That’s the key thing we didn’t have last year.” Oh, and one other thing that should get the cheap seats chirping: the Broncos aren’t done with Paxton Lynch. Count No. 7 as a believer in No. 12. “I think he can play. The big question will be, Can he take the reins and be the type of leader you need to be at that position,” Elway said. “Once he starts realizing what he’s got to do, I think he can. Physically he can do it. He’s smart enough. And he’s a tough dude. He’ll take all the shots.” The backup quarterback battle is between Lynch and Chad Kelly. But before you throw $10 on “Swag,” remember two things: sports gambling isn’t legal yet in Colorado and the Broncos are looking for different qualities in a backup. Grasping the playbook ranks high on the list, and Lynch has a year of study under his belt. “I told Vance (Joseph): ‘It’s not about being the best backup. It’s about being able to win football games if something happens to Case.’ Whoever that is has to step right in there.” It says here the backup QB has all but been decided. Look for Lynch at QB2.

2. Who will be August MVP?

Former Broncos running back C.J. Anderson is still the best proof that even us peasants can spot a player when we see one. Anderson’s 2013 training camp set the stage for a most unlikely rise to fame and fortune. When Anderson went down with a knee injury Aug. 15, 2013, the Dove Valley practice fields went silent, as if he were an established veteran. Game recognizes game, and the Broncos players knew they’d lost a good one. Here’s a hunch the breakout star of this training camp arrives earlier than expected — Courtland Sutton, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound rookie from Southern Methodist. He’s No. 14 in your program and, when and become too expensive, No. 1 on the Broncos depth chart. But if the Broncos want to avoid back-to-back losing seasons for the first time in four decades, this trio must bust out in ‘18: left tackle Garett Bolles, tight end and cornerback .

3. Is this camp about fundamentals?

Rule No. 1 of Broncos training camp 2018: No one is awarded a job until it’s earned. Year One of the Vance Joseph era slid downhill on a greased saucer the moment he named Isaiah McKenzie the punt returner — on Aug. 5 — before the Broncos had even played a preseason game. Hey, we live and learn. And I feel for McKenzie, who lived a football nightmare before thousands of eyeballs in real time. Only two non- quarterbacks committed more than McKenzie’s six (Oakland’s Jalen Richard, Washington’s Jamison Crowder). While the offense bumbled through 34 turnovers and a proud defense was humbled, the most troubling aspect of 2017 was the utter lack of football fundamentals. The Broncos forgot how to catch. This camp is about getting back to the basics.

4. What’s your fantasy?

Are the Broncos climbing out from the fantasy football abyss? My favorite fantasy expert is bullish on the Broncos — for the first time since the fantasy G.O.A.T., Peyton Manning. “There’s value to be found all over John Elway’s roster,” said Brad Evans of Yahoo! Sports. Evans counts Demaryius Thomas (ADP: 17) as a “bargain” and Emmanuel Sanders (ADP: 35) as “an absolute steal.” Even the Broncos’ defense is being undervalued in early fantasy drafts, Evans said. The Broncos’ fantasy prospects truly get juicy — and divisive! — when it comes to the running backs. The unproven trio of , Royce Freeman and De’Angelo Henderson is polarizing leagues everywhere. The expert’s advice: “Do not fear the unknown,” Evans said. Roll with Freeman, whom Evans ranks as RB15. That’s right, RB15. “The former Duck is about to take flight,” he said.

5. Do the Broncos take Vance Joseph seriously?

Few franchises play the underdog role better than the Broncos. That’s been true from Super Bowl XXXII through Super Bowl 50. Unfortunately, few teams do fat and happy better than the Broncos, who hit snooze on their laurels. Just check out Denver’s records in recent years before and after a bye week: 2015, 6-0 (1-3 after the bye); 2016, 7-3 (1-4 after); 2017, 3-1 (lost eight consecutive games after). Enter Vance Joseph: after lobbying for the coach’s return, are the players actually going to take Joseph seriously this season? Training camp should give us an idea. They sure didn’t take him seriously this offseason. Emmanuel Sanders laughed at the idea he should play in the slot. Later, Von Miller said he can tell rookies “what’s not important” during offseason workouts. Does that sound like a group of veterans who respect the coach in charge? This Broncos training camp is only a success if the old guard proves it actually does support “VJ” — by leading the way. 2018 Denver Broncos training camp: Full schedule, what to know before you go By Bryden Smith Colorado Springs Gazette July 22, 2018

The Denver Broncos will be hosting 13 open practices at the UCHealth Training Center in Englewood this year, starting Saturday, July 28. While they are all free to attend and boast the chance to get autographs from players, there's a lot you need to know before you go.

What to expect Every practice goes from 9:30 a.m. to noon, but gates open at 8 a.m. To snag a parking spot, however, you might consider showing up even earlier. The lot, where parking is on a first-come first-serve basis, opens at 7 a.m. Don't park on the street.

Once inside, seating is on a grass berm, and don't expect any shade. There'll be opportunity for autographs to be signed by players from alternating position groups after the practice.

And just like last year, a variety of food trucks will be parked on the west side of the facility, though food won't be allowed on the field itself.

Know what (not) to bring There's a fairly extensive list of items that are prohibited from the UCHealth Training Center, so it's best to know beforehand what you'll need, and what not to bring.

Don't bring in coolers, any metal containers, food, strollers, iPads, helmets, pets, or even a selfie stick. These items are not allowed.

Also be aware that lawn chairs and umbrellas won't be permitted on the field either. Dress appropriately for sitting on natural grass, and bring a poncho in case it rains -- you never know about that Colorado weather.

And while it can't be in a metal container, don't forget sunscreen.

Note that while still cameras with short lenses are allowed, taking video is not, even on a cellphone. There will be staff members enforcing this rule.

You'll also want to read up on the Broncos' stadium bag policy, which is mandatory at training camp practices as well as real games. Small purses, gallon-size zip-locks and clear plastic bags not exceeding 12"x6"x12" are okay, but it helps to have everything you're bringing visible to speed up the security process.

Lastly, remember that it's the memories that will last forever, not the memorabilia. That said, don't forget an extra sharpie. Broncos training camp burning question: How will Jared Veldheer do at right tackle? By Andrew Mason DenverBroncos.com July 22, 2018

It starts with being healthy for Jared Veldheer, who spent his offseason taking mental repetitions while completing his recovery from a foot injury suffered last season.

"I broke a bone in the middle of my foot," he told Orange and Blue 760. "It sits right below the ankle. The navicular bone. Kind of right behind the arch, right underneath the ankle."

Although Veldheer's rehabilitation work was grueling, the injury was not the worst-case scenario for him.

"How I broke it was horizontally on the top of the bone, so it wasn't as severe as a lot of fractures are," he said. "So [the doctors] put two screws in it to hold it into place told me to stay off it for a while and then I got rehabbing."

So far, so good. Veldheer is expected to practice when the Broncos open training camp next week. Then, his focus can return to his on-field work at right tackle, a position that he handled last year for Arizona after spending the previous seven seasons at left tackle.

His transition saw some rough spots last year.

"It took a few games ... to really learn some tactical things that I needed to change that just weren't the same for me on the right as they were on the left," Veldheer said. "But with anything, if you have good resolve and you work hard at it, my body was suited for left, so I just had to put in some work to kind of have that same carryover on the right side."

Even though Veldheer could not practice, he stayed in the game. He absorbed 's offense and worked with left tackle Garett Bolles.

"He’s worked with me every single day," Bolles said during OTAs. "He’s always telling me to take breaths at the line and stay calm and collected. He’s a great leader for me, learning from a guy like that and knowing that he’s been there. He’s taken thousands of snaps and [I know] that I can trust him and he can trust me, and we can work together."

And if Veldheer can build from his first season at right tackle, the Broncos should finally put a stop to the recent instability at the position.

"[Last season] just taught me to keep working through those issues," Veldheer said, "because you'll come out on the other side finding the answers."

The Broncos certainly hope Veldheer is the answer they need.

Sacco Sez: Remembering the Broncos' first trade By Jim Saccomano DenverBroncos.com July 22, 2018

With another week of quiet around the , I was thinking of offseason business — trades, specifically.

The Broncos have made approximately 250 trades since their inception in 1960, but just about no one is familiar with that very first trade.

The League draft had been conducted, and in the quiet of the Broncos’ offseason (before they actually ever had a season) they made a trade with the Dallas Texans.

Fittingly, the trade involved two native Texans.

The Broncos traded Jack Spikes, a fullback from Texas Christian University whom they had drafted high (though no one can be quite sure how high, because for secrecy purposes the draftees were announced alphabetically), to Dallas.

In return, Denver got a player who would be in the Broncos’ first Ring of Fame class, Austin "Goose" Gonsoulin, another Texas native, who had played his college ball at Baylor.

Goose was a player I got to know well at Ring of Fame banquets, and he confided in me that when he first joined the Broncos, "I knew Denver was in the West, but that was about the extent of my awareness. I had to check some maps to see exactly where I was going. It was my first time to spend a significant period away from the state of Texas."

He became an immediate star on Denver’s defense, but he often remembered, "We did not get the greatest crowds at our games. The were plenty of college games that I played in that had bigger crowds than those early AFL pro crowds."

The Broncos were noted for their penurious ways, and Goose recalled, "Our weightlifting consisted of cement poured into buckets and empty orange juice containers, allowed to harden, and then a steel rod was inserted and used to lift the two weights. It might seem comical today, but it did work."

He continued, "Sometimes [general manager] Dean Griffing would handle the cuts postgame by just greeting guys as they went to get on the bus, telling them either to get on or to hang on off to the side, which meant they were cut and other travel arrangements had to be made."

"But we played our hearts out, had some great moments and had very passionate fans from the beginning."

He was a splendid safety for seven seasons in Denver and was one of three original Broncos to still be with the club in 1966.

At the end of his Denver career, Goose was the AFL’s all-time leader with 43, and he is still second in that category for Denver. His 11 picks as a rookie in 1960 remains the club record, and he once had four in one game to set a Denver record which he now shares.

Gonsoulin was All-AFL three times and played in the AFL All-Star game five times.

A native of Port Arthur, Texas always made his home in the area, Goose passed away in Beaumont and I was honored to attend his services.

He was a complete gentleman at all times, and there is a great anecdotal story that shows his grace and patience.

One of his prized possessions was a Broncos football signed by his teammates.

At one point, one of his children asked to take the football to "show and tell" at school. Of course, Goose complied with the request.

When the child returned home, Goose asked how show and tell had gone with his special ball.

"Just great, Dad," came the reply. "I got a lot of kids to sign it, too!"

Rather than be angry, Goose just chuckled and showed the kind of understanding attitude that made him beloved in his family.

As for the other part of the trade, that worked out OK as well.

Jack Spikes played five years for the Dallas Texans/ and had a big role in the double overtime 1962 AFL championship game.

Spikes had two big runs in the final overtime drive for Dallas that set up the winning field goal by Tommy Booker.

So Spikes got an AFL championship ring and Goose got his ring as a member of the Ring of Fame.

Now 81, Spikes is a Big Spring, Texas native who still makes his home in the Lone Star state.

There have been a lot of largely forgotten trades and one insanely huge trade that brought John Elway to the Mile High City, but there can only be one first.

The Broncos' first trade brought us a future Ring of Famer who also was known here and in his native Texas for class, grace and humility at all times.

NFL owners should accept what’s obvious: New anthem policy is not sustainable By Jason Reid The Undefeated July 22, 2018

Battered again over its nonsensical national anthem policy, the NFL has wisely put its new plan on hold and finally engaged with the NFL Players Association. After initially denying the union a seat at the table as it sought to collectively address the most divisive issue facing the league, owners now need the NFLPA’s help to heal their latest self-inflicted wound.

The NFL scrambled to work with the union after the uproar that occurred Thursday night as word emerged that the Miami Dolphins, in paperwork that teams are required to file with the league, revealed they’re considering suspending players a maximum of four games for violating the new policy. Owners and the NFLPA had been in discussions about the policy since the union earlier this month filed a grievance challenging recent changes. Backing off on implementing the policy and announcing the new union with the union were good moves for the NFL. Since Colin Kaepernick first demonstrated almost two years ago to shine a light on racial injustice, the owners haven’t made many.

They’re back on clean-up duty because of their ambiguous policy approved in May. Beginning this season, players who are on the field are required to stand during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Players, however, have the option to remain in the locker room if they prefer. Clubs will be subject to a fine if a player or any other member of an organization fails to show respect for the anthem (under the previous policy, players were not required to stand for the performance). Players will no longer be allowed to sit or kneel, which dozens did the past two seasons after Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who has filed a grievance against the league alleging that owners have conspired to ruin his career, ignited a nationwide civil rights movement in sports. The league has empowered clubs to discipline players and other employees for violating the policy. That’s why the Dolphins were out there Thursday.

As more team disciplinary policies leak, it’ll only get worse for the league.

Before players report to training camp, teams submit a discipline schedule to the league, including suspensions for violating the anthem policy. The maximum penalty that a team can assess for conduct detrimental to the club, under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, is a four-game suspension without pay. Although the Dolphins had not committed to such severe discipline, they listed it to leave open the option.

“We were asked to submit a form to the NFL on our overall discipline policy prior to the start of the rookie report date,” owner Stephen Ross said in a statement released by the team Friday. “The one-line sentence related to the national anthem was a placeholder as we haven’t made a decision on what we would do, if anything, at that point.

“I’m pleased that the NFL and NFLPA are taking a pause to figure out a resolution on this issue. I am passionate about social justice and through the Miami Dolphins and creation of RISE [Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality], will continue to use the unifying power of sports to improve race relations and drive social progress.” Problem is, you could see the problem coming, as well as others, from the moment owners dug this hole and jumped in.

Because players are permitted to remain in the locker room, the new policy will likely continue to infuriate fans offended by the protests. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly attacked players for peacefully exercising their right to demonstrate, has blasted the league for giving players the option to be off the field.

The NFL’s corporate partners, weary about the turmoil stirred by the anthem controversy, are now caught up in another negative news cycle about it. And the new policy, as the situation with the Dolphins illustrates, ensures that showdowns between owners and their workforce will occur throughout the season.

Owners, by backpedaling Thursday as fast as the league’s best cornerbacks, are perhaps finally on the verge of accepting what’s obvious: The changes to the anthem policy are not sustainable. Owners hoped to shut the door on the controversy in the offseason. Yet, on the eve of a new season, it’s still wide-open.

If the owners had worked with the NFLPA instead of going their own way, maybe they would have seen the canyon-sized holes in their plan. With the owners now supposedly interested in the union’s point of view, the union likely will tell them to go back to the previous plan because that’s what makes the most sense.

By the end of last season, few players were demonstrating. During the season, many players who are leaders in the movement that Kaepernick started expressed frustration that people who opposed the protests had co-opted the players’ message, incorrectly claiming that players intended to be disrespectful to the U.S. military and police.

Players discussed new methods of accomplishing their goals. Then Trump ripped players at a rally in September 2017 and, well, it was on.

Time is running out for the NFL to get this right. Or after all of this, at least as close to being right as possible.

But the vast majority of players aren’t interested in protest for the sake of perpetual protest. They demonstrated to spark an important, nationwide discussion.

Now, players are putting in work to effect positive change in communities. If the NFL reinstituted the former policy, which the union would undoubtedly endorse, surely some players would continue to protest. Even so, that would be a better position for the league than continuing along its current land- mine-strewn path.

As more team disciplinary policies leak, it’ll only get worse for the league. Does the NFL really want to deal with this mess 29 more times (the and New York Giants won’t discourage players from protesting) before the season even starts?

Look, the NFL has truly botched this. If the union is reasonable and doesn’t overplay its hand, players just may wind up where they want be, which is where they were last season.

The preseason begins Aug. 2. The regular season kicks off Sept. 6. Time is running out for the NFL to get this right. Or, after all of this, at least as close to being right as possible. Brendan Langley, 'must develop quickly' for Broncos By Zack Kelberman 247 Sports July 22, 2018

Talk about the Denver Broncos' secondary has centered on Chris Harris, Jr. and Bradley Roby, but it's their backups who also deserve a share of the spotlight.

As Brendan Langley and Isaac Yiadom are concerned, the young cornerbacks "must develop quickly" for the team, 9News' Mike Klis noted in his pre-training camp assessment of the position.

"With Talib gone, Harris and Roby move up and veteran Tramaine Brock was signed to a one-year deal to become the new No. 3 corner," Klis wrote. "The Broncos have two young corners in Brendan Langley and Isaac Yiadom who must develop quickly."

This isn't a stunning revelation, and barely qualifies as news at this point in July, but the pressure is in fact on Langley, last year's third-round draft pick, and Yiadom, this year's third-rounder. Both are raw defenders with a theoretically high upside, both need some fine-tuning, both are being called on to help offset the loss of Aqib Talib.

Langley, a raw talent from small-school Lamar, was nothing short of disastrous during spot duty in his first season, allowing several big plays and often being caught out of proper alignment. He finished with a 35.0 overall rating across 106 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Broncos bringing in Brock, who's pushing Roby to start, allows Langley the opportunity to avoid another trial by fire. And with a new CBs coach, Greg Williams, in tow, there's optimism that he can begin to reach his potential.

“[Langley’s] definitely getting better," head coach Vance Joseph said in May. "He is such a talent. His problem won’t ever be matching up physically. His problem is getting reps enough to know what to do, and to have great technique every play. Physically, he’s what you want. He’s tall and long with great ball skills. Obviously, with Brock, he’s an experienced guy that’s played a lot of football. That’s why he’s here; he’s been a starter in this league. He’s going to help us, but I’ve been really pleased with all of the young guys in the secondary just pushing forward and getting better every day.”

Yiadom is similar to Langley, and not just because of their draft status. He's a tall (6-foot-1) corner with long arms who excels in man-press coverage, employed by Denver defensive coordinator Joe Woods. The Boston College product has the physical tools, but it's his route recognition -- or lack thereof -- and coverage flaws which require further refinement.

“He’s making progress," Woods said during the team's minicamp last month. "Obviously, there are a lot of new things that he didn’t experience in college at Boston College. He’s a guy that’s very smart. He challenges people and he doesn’t back down. He’s making some mistakes, but he corrects them pretty quickly.”

The Broncos' back end remains in excellent shape despite Talib's departure; Harris is among the game's best and Roby has earned his shot as the successor. But investing high-round choices means you eventually want to see a payoff. Langley and Yiadom, though bit players at this juncture, must show a level of progression this season.

PFF Training Camp Preview: Denver Broncos By Bill Boynton Pro Football Focus July 22, 2018

DENVER BRONCOS

Pass Game Supporting Cast – Tier 4 Overall Team Supporting Cast – Tier 3

The last time the Denver Broncos found themselves in the cellar of the AFC West, , and were the quarterbacks they were looking up at in the standings. But with a 5-11 record, that is exactly where the 2017 Broncos ended up once again. The bright side for these 2018 Broncos, is they head into the future not with nor at the helm, but with newly– acquired Case Keenum ready to lead.

While several key stalwarts remain from their Super Bowl title of three seasons ago, Keenum is the primary cause for optimism in 2018 for the Broncos. Keenum excelled in one of PFF’s most stable metrics in 2017: quarterback performance when kept clean. His from a clean pocket of 109.5 was sixth best among quarterbacks (minimum 150 clean dropbacks) and 22.1 points higher than the 87.4 passer rating that Denver quarterbacks posted as a unit.

Furthermore, Keenum’s 2017 numbers against pressure, if repeated, could be an enormous benefit to Denver’s suspect offensive line that gave up pressure at the fourth-highest rate (31.6 percent of dropbacks) in 2017. When under pressure, Bronco quarterbacks threw for a collective 41.2 passer rating, second worst in the NFL among quarterback groups (Cleveland – 30.3). Keenum, at a passer rating of 78.5, was seventh best among quarterbacks when under duress. While the Broncos hope to see more consistent play in Year 2 out of first-round draft pick Garett Bolles (71.0 overall – PFF’s 22nd-ranked left tackle), Keenum’s success under pressure can only help get this team closer to trotting out a formidable offense.

Among the aforementioned holdovers from Denver’s Super Bowl run are Keenum’s top two targets, wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Since 2014, Thomas and Sanders have each seen their yards per route run steadily decrease, culminating with a 1.74 and 1.35, respectively, in 2017. Joining them will be Courtland Sutton, a 6-foot-3 playmaker out of SMU who Broncos brass deemed worthy of a second-round pick. Between Sutton, third-rounder Royce Freeman and fourth-rounder DaeSean Hamilton, Denver has made a direct effort this offseason to bring a flux of young weapons to mesh with these two veterans on offense. Denver also hopes that Jake Butt, who missed his rookie campaign recovering from a knee injury, can bring some production to a tight end position that ranked seventh lowest among tight end units in 2017 yards per route run (1.13 YPRR).

On the defensive side of the ball, it begins and ends with Von Miller. With little help, Miller finished his seventh (yes, seventh!) straight season earning a PFF Elite overall grade (the only player in PFF’s history with more than four straight elite seasons). In 2017, Miller accounted for 33.9 percent of QB pressures generated by the Denver defense – the highest percentage for a lone defensive player in the league. In fifth overall pick Bradley Chubb, the Broncos believe they have a player to shoulder some of the load opposite Miller. Chubb’s size and his 89.7 run-defense grade (second among FBS edge defenders) project well to the NFL, but the true question is how his 85.5 pass-rush (fifth) grade will translate at the next level. If healthy, Denver’s rotation of Miller, Chubb, Shaquil Barrett and Shane Ray projects as good as any stable of edge rushers in the league.

In the secondary, one of two survivors from the famed “No Fly Zone” is slot stud Chris Harris Jr. Still playing at a high level, Harris Jr. allowed receptions into his coverage while in the slot at the second-lowest rate, allowing one reception per 16.3 snaps played in slot coverage. The departure of Aqib Talib leaves a significant hole to fill. However, with Bradley Roby (84.0 overall) stepping in as the No. 2 corner and promising third-year safety Justin Simmons roaming around the secondary, Denver finds themselves in a decent position to keep their pass defense a strength. A wild card could be the acquisition of versatile defender Su’a Cravens. Before sitting out the 2017 season with lingering concussion issues, Cravens flashed serious potential as a hybrid defender in the middle of the Washington defense. In addition to showing well in the run game and rushing the passer, Cravens allowed a passer rating of just 73.1 when targeted – third lowest among linebackers with a minimum of 25 targets in coverage. Under-the-radar as the move was, its possible that Cravens could be a huge boost to a Bronco team trying to replace one of the game’s top cornerbacks of the past five years.

THE BOTTOM LINE Optimism is always abound this time of year. In Keenum, the Broncos have what they hope is a steady, serviceable hand to lead this core of veterans towards another shot at a playoff run. If he can help mask some of the inefficiencies along the Denver offensive line and bring Thomas and Sanders back to life, this defense is still imposing enough to keep the Broncos in a majority of their games.

POSITION BATTLES TO WATCH

Right guard & right tackle – Connor McGovern vs Max Garcia / Menelik Watson vs Jared Veldheer

Running back – Devontae Booker vs Freeman

Tight end – Butt vs Jeff Heuerman vs

Third wide receiver – Who takes the job and does it move Sanders into the slot? Sutton vs Hamilton (maybe even vs vs Jordan Taylor)

Defensive end – Adam Gotsis (legal issues) vs DeMarcus Walker (2017 second-round pick who underperformed in rookie year)

Third cornerback – Tramaine Brock vs Isaac Yiadom vs Brendan Langley

CFL opens door, partially, for players to sign with NFL teams By Mike Florio Pro Football Talk July 22, 2018

The CFL stubbornly has insisted on two-year contracts with no chance to go to the NFL after the first season. The North-of-the-Border league finally has softened its stance. A little.

According to Dave Naylor of TSN, CFL teams have voted to reinstate the so-called “NFL window,” allowing certain players to work out for NFL teams and sign contracts that would become effective at the end of a given CFL season. Earlier this year, CFL teams voted against the change.

The provision applies only to players entering the final year of their contracts — and it applies only to contracts signed after August 20, 2018.

This means that it won’t affect Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Johnny Manziel, who signed a firm two- year deal earlier this year. And it won’t be relevant to any player who signs after August 20, 2018 until 2019, at the earliest.

But it’s an indication of a potential thawing of the Canadian league’s stubborn insistence on two-year deals without exception, and it could potentially, eventually lead to one-year contracts or perhaps a clear NFL out clause after one of two seasons.

If it ever happens, it won’t be due to the CFL suddenly choosing to be charitable; with a pair of spring leagues coming, non-NFL players soon will have other options. And since those other leagues likely will make it easier to go to the NFL if the NFL is interested, the CFL may have no choice but to do the same.