Denver broncos Executive news summary WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2019

Broncos Briefs: For , “good” to be on the practice field for first time as coach By Ryan O’Halloran Post April 17, 2019

Vic Fangio led his first practice as the Broncos’ coach Tuesday, the first session of a three-day minicamp.

During the media viewing period, Fangio observed the offensive line and tight end position groups before getting involved as the stand-in during a defense vs. defense drill.

“It felt good,” Fangio said after the two-hour practice. “We’ve been meeting with them the last two weeks, so it was good to get out there and see if they could execute on their feet what they’ve been learning.”

Fangio said he wanted to see “a lot of things” from the players this week.

“How well they’ve learned and how quickly they can learn from their mistakes,” he said. “They’re going to make mistakes these first few days and in OTAs (next month). Do they repeat those mistakes? (And) I’m trying to see what kind of condition guys are in on an individual basis, because that’s a true telling sign (of) how they’re getting through practice.”

Harris absent. As expected, Chris Harris did not attend practice. He has stayed away from the entire offseason program because he is disappointed about the lack of traction regarding a contract extension.

Fangio said he has not talked to Harris since the offseason program began April 2.

Asked if he was disappointed a key player is skipping the voluntary activities, Fangio said: “It’s just part of the NFL landscape. It seems to happen a little bit each year.”

Injury updates. Present for minicamp but doing side-field or no work were receiver (Achilles), left guard Ron Leary (Achilles), tight end Jake Butt (ACL) and running back Phillip Lindsay (wrist).

Fangio provided updates when asked postpractice about Sanders, Butt and Lindsay.

On Sanders: “Everything we’ve been told and what’s he said, he’s progressing well.”

On Butt: “He’s doing good in his recovery. Everything we’ve been told is positive. Still no timetable exactly of when he’ll be back.”

On Lindsay: “He’s still under the medical people’s orders. He’s fine, but he can’t just twist (the wrist) right now.”

Cornerback Isaac Yiadom (shoulder) went through team stretching and some individual drills but no team work. Cornerback Bryce Callahan (foot) was a limited participant.

“He actually could go in this camp, but we’re just letting him do individual — I just want to give him a few more weeks to feel healthy,” Fangio said.

Schedule out Wednesday. The NFL will reveal its regular-season schedule Wednesday at 6 p.m. The Broncos have known their opponents since the end of last season.

Home: Kansas City, , Oakland, Chicago, Detroit, Jacksonville, Tennessee and Cleveland.

Away: Kansas City, the Chargers, Oakland, Green Bay, Minnesota, Houston, Indianapolis and Buffalo.

Footnotes. On his Instagram account, TCU pass rusher Ben Banogu posted a picture of him at the Broncos facility with outside linebacker . … The Broncos wore game jerseys during practice (no names on the back). “The whole reason we do that is to cut down on the grabbing,” Fangio said. “When you wear loose shirts, it’s very easy and almost unavoidable for players to grab each other. And it’s not easy to grab in the game, because they’re tighter, so we want to make it game-like as much as we can.” … Because the Broncos’ three practice fields are still being prepared for the spring, Fangio had the offense start in the field house and the defense on the shorter field behind the weight room.

Joe Flacco leads Broncos into voluntary minicamp energized for bounce-back season By Kyle Frederickson Denver Post April 17, 2019

The change proved startling at first, as with a student on the first day of class.

Joe Flacco’s 11-year NFL career before this season was played in purple, black and gold. The 34-year-old quarterback donned his new Broncos colors before reporters for the first time Tuesday to begin the team’s voluntary minicamp.

“It’s funny,” Flacco said. “I figured it would take a week or so before it wasn’t so awkward finding a seat in the cafeteria and things like that you take for granted being so easy. All of a sudden, you’re the new guy and you’ve got to sit down with somebody and dive right in. There’s an aspect of it that’s kind of fun. It’s not like I’m a young guy and going through that. It’s a little bit different than back when you were a rookie.”

Minicamp builds Broncos camaraderie for a sea of new faces and provides what coach Vic Fangio called a “learning stage” in which evaluation centers on conditioning and the ability to correct mistakes. He’s looking forward to witnessing how Flacco is “picking the offense up, seeing if he’s comfortable with it and how efficient he is running the offense.” Flacco added he’s familiar with a good amount of terminology within offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello’s playbook stemming from Flacco’s experience with in Baltimore.

“The first thing I want to do is prove to everybody on this football team, the guys that play on this field, that I can play and I can be their quarterback,” Flacco said. “If they start to believe that I’m the guy, that’s when your leadership can take off and the team can really take off.”

The next potential hurdle toward that cause, though, is the NFL draft this month. Denver holds the No. 10 overall pick and has done significant homework on 2019 . The Broncos hosted (Missouri) and (Ohio State) on visits to Dove Valley, and team brass traveled to work out Clayton Thorson (Northwestern) and Daniel Jones (Duke). All are potential draft targets who might stir Flacco’s memory.

The Ravens selected Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson with the No. 32 overall pick last year, and he assumed the full-time starting role by Week 15 — ushering Flacco’s eventual trade to Denver. How might Flacco respond if the Broncos pick their own passer of the future?

“I think I had a pretty good outlook on it last year,” Flacco said. “It is what it is. I want to get this team to be the best it is with me at quarterback position. Obviously, that is not of most importance to draft a quarterback. But if we do, that’s completely out of my control. I’m going to go out here and I’m going to compete, and (a new quarterback’s) going to have to come out here and be on the field with me every day, too. I’m all ready for that. … If we feel like as a team and an organization that we can add value to our team at the 10th pick, then I’m all for getting a guy that can add value to the team with me as the understood quarterback.” The Broncos should consider drafting a safety on Day 2. Here’s the scouting report of the 5 best options for Denver By Eric Edholm Denver Post April 17, 2019

Each week leading up to the 2019 NFL draft, we will be breaking down a position of need for the along with the top prospects at those positions – their strengths, weaknesses, draft range and how they might fit in with the Broncos. Today we delve into the safeties.

Broncos safety outlook When the Broncos released Darian Stewart in March, it made the team’s immediate need to get a safety through the draft more pressing. This was a secondary that struggled last season and one that is seeing some likely change on the way, especially with the arrival of new head coach Vic Fangio and defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, whose background is primarily rooted in the secondary.

The team is in decent shape now with projected starters Justin Simmons and Will Parks, along with wild- card option Su’a Cravens in the mix. The Broncos also signed , who might primarily be a cornerback, but can play safety. That’s nice flexibility to have, so the team won’t feel obligated to reach for a player either here or at cornerback.

But both Simmons and Parks are 2020 free agents, and NFL teams often will draft a year ahead of time to provide a layer of insurance for the following offseason’s free agents. Additionally, Cravens has no dead money tied to his deal and could be cut.

“We have some young guys that we feel good about there at safety,” general manager said. “We’ll continue to try and get better there.”

2019 draft outlook It’s not a banner class overall, but there is some depth. It would be a surprise to see any safeties taken in the first 20 or so overall picks of the draft — there is no Derwin James this year, in other words.

But there are some interesting players who figure into the Day 2 mix – Rounds 2 and 3 of the draft – where the safety talent starts getting interesting. We feel there could be five or six quality starters, along with another four or five solid contributors in this group. You just have to be willing to find specific types of prospects who perhaps are not extremely well-rounded and might only excel at one or two things.

Worth noting: A handful of other talented safeties — Alabama’s , Virginia’s Juan Thornhill and Maryland’s — finished just behind our top five below, and all of these players could be off the board by the end of Round 2 in what appears to be a tightly packed bunch.

Here are our top five prospects for the 2019 class:

1. Taylor Rapp, Washington (6-foot, 208 pounds) Pros: Rapp is a very smart, hard-hitting safety whose best work has been done close to the line of scrimmage, but he also has value in space. He possesses excellent football instincts and diagnostic skills and always seems to time up his blitzes well and make plays in the backfield as a run supporter. In the Washington defense, he was the main communicator and lined up all over the field as a three-year starter.

Rapp’s tackling is excellent. Yes, he can lay the wood on receivers and tight ends coming over the middle, but you also can see him break down players in space at a high rate with few whiffs. He plays bigger than his size and has a 60-minute, full-tilt approach to the game — almost playing with a special- teams mentality. (And yes, he should be an excellent contributor right away on those units, too.)

He’s also better in coverage than he’s sometimes given credit for, even as a deep-halves defender. His instincts and quality route recognition make up for whatever track-speed Rapp lacks, and he defends the ball well in the air. According to Pro Football Focus, Rapp allowed a passer rating of only 12.0 last season. He also comes from a Huskies program that has developed NFL defensive backs (Marcus Peters, Budda Baker, Sidney Jones, Kevin King and more) in recent years.

Cons: The biggest — and most recent — knock against Rapp has been one of his testing numbers. Running a 40-yard dash in the 4.7-second range almost certainly knocked him out of the first-round discussion. His other testing numbers largely were good, but pair that slow 40 with below-average size — his height, length and hand size all are in bottom-30th percentile for the position — and you could see why he might slip a bit. Although Rapp handled some nickel duty in college, there’s some question (even with his good agility testing numbers) of whether he could handle that in the NFL. There also is a worry about whether Rapp’s physical, borderline reckless style might lead to a shortened pro career, even though injuries really have not been a major concern in his three years in school.

Can Rapp hang in the box all game against NFL blockers? Some people will say no. His best work in college the past two seasons was done closer to the line of scrimmage, so teams will have to ask themselves if he can be a quality middle-field defender and have the same impact on games. Rapp might also have trouble matching up one on one with quality receiving backs and tight ends. His playmaking numbers, such as turnovers forced, leveled off a bit after his freshman season and Rapp dropped a couple of would-be in 2018.

How he might (or might not) fit with the Broncos: We think Rapp checks off a lot of the boxes of what Fangio and Ed Donatell might seek in a box safety, and Rapp running a slow 40 at his pro day might actually fit him right into the range of where the Broncos will be picking when their second-round pick (No. 41 overall) rolls around. But there is the question of whether his skill set overlaps too much with what the Broncos already have with Parks and Cravens and whether Rapp can match up against the quality receiving backs and tight ends of the AFC West.

We say he fits the mold of what the team is seeking in a football player, and his excellent tackling will win over Fangio, who is a stickler for that.

2. , Mississippi State (5-foot-11, 205 pounds) Pros: Abram plays with a “junkyard dog” mentality and has yet to meet a big hit he wasn’t willing to take on. He’s a run-and-hit, physical tone-setter who has won over coaches and scouts alike with his blue- collar approach and tremendous toughness. There are times Abram could stand to tone things down, but NFL people will tell you that it’s a lot easier to have that in a player than to try to crank up a passive player to the desired intensity.

A leader with great football IQ, Abram will walk into an NFL facility with the right work ethic and approach it takes to be great. He should be a standout on special teams immediately and won’t shy away from doing the dirty work. Abram takes his craft seriously and carries a chip on his shoulder, always seeking to prove himself. Although he was injured and could not participate in the Senior Bowl, he did what few prospects do: stick around all week for practice, help his would-be teammates down there and interview with NFL teams. That won him a lot of points with scouts and coaches alike.

Abram has enough versatility in his game to be a factor up close to the line of scrimmage or back deep in half-field or cover-3 duties. His range is helped by strong instincts and good short-area burst. He also ran a faster 40-yard dash (4.45 seconds) than expected and made enough plays in deep coverage to warrant playing him in that type of role.

Cons: Abram doesn’t possess the quick-twitch athleticism you ideally would seek in a safety and can’t be called an elite athlete from a size-speed perspective. He’s short and undersized and plays a brand of ball that could have him listed as a weekly member of the injury list. We also could see Abram earning a quick reputation for his hitting among NFL officiating crews, and the NFL team that drafts him might have to live with some 15-yard penalties.

We don’t believe Abram is at his best playing a half-field safety spot and trying to patrol a lot of grass against diverse passing attacks. He’s a bit stiff in man coverage, hasn’t made a ton of plays on the ball the past two seasons and lacks the top-shelf athleticism you’re ideally seeking in that type of defender.

How he might (or might not) fit with the Broncos: There’s no question that Abram will appeal to the Broncos from an intangibles standpoint, and his hitting and pro’s pro approach would be a big hit in Englewood, especially for a new coaching staff that might want to light a new fire at the facility. Abram is that type of player; you can’t question his commitment or work ethic.

If the Broncos decide they want to extend Simmons eventually, more of a box safety type such as Rapp or Abram would make more sense. We think Abram will start to be considered in the draft right around where the Broncos pick in Round 2.

3. Nasir Adderly, Delaware (6-foot, 192 pounds) Pros: A cousin to Herb Adderley, the Hall of Fame cornerback and three-time Super Bowl winner with the and Dallas Cowboys, Adderly comes from great NFL bloodlines. He came up with the Blue Hens as a cornerback, playing right away as a freshman, eventually transitioning to safety, where he intercepted nine passes combined over his final two seasons. Even if he did play at the FCS level, that type of playmaking will always get noticed and it demonstrates his great natural ball skills.

Some teams feel he can play safety or corner in the NFL, giving Adderly an added dimension of appeal. He’s covered the slot and also played a center-field position and has shown the ability to do damage with the ball in his hands. Adderly had 135 return yards and a on his five interceptions in 2017 and also ran back a 92-yard kick return for a score in 2018. His prep background as a receiver is clear when you see his plus ball-tracking skills on tape.

Adderly also deserves credit for playing the game with an edge. He has a willingness to help in the run game and will send a message to receivers who cross into his area trying to catch the ball. And with good athleticism and quick-twitch movement skills, Adderly’s playmaking ability could be put to good use in a few different spots.

Cons: The question about Adderley’s speed was raised during a tough pro day in which he ran a 4.62- second 40-yard dash on his first attempt and opted not to try a second one with a pulled left hamstring. He also chose not to work out previously at the NFL scouting combine and did not participate in the shuttle drills at his pro day with a left ankle injury, so scouts do not have a complete athletic testing profile on him. That’s another strike against a player who already must answer questions coming from a lower level of football.

His college tape wasn’t always pretty, either. Adderly sometimes struggles against sophisticated and multiple offenses (see the North Dakota State game in 2018) that manipulated him with the option run game, play-action and the screen game. His aggressiveness can be used against him, and Adderly doesn’t always seem to trust his eyes or have an advanced grasp on pattern recognition, which might make him in need of some seasoning.

Although he has nice length, Adderly doesn’t check all the boxes from a height-weight-speed perspective.

How he might (or might not) fit with the Broncos: We could see Adderly fitting in as a possible long-term replacement for Simmons, but he doesn’t read as an instant-coffee projection. Although Adderly’s speed, range and desire to hit all are positives, and his position versatility and special-teams value (as a returner or a gunner) are appealing for a Broncos team that could use such a player, we also wonder if he’d be the best option in Round 2. A good fit in Denver, but maybe not a great one. It’s also possible that he’s not on the board at that point, as there had been some late Round 1 buzz on Adderly prior to his pro day.

4. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida (5-foot-11, 210 pounds) Pros: Gardner-Johnson thrived in a nickel role — named the “Star” position in the Gators’ 4-2-5 defense — where his playmaking ability really shined last season. He displayed improved production and consistency over the past three seasons and had some standout games in big performances (such as being named Outback Bowl MVP as a freshman with a two- performance in that game. He also ran back two of his four interceptions in 2018 for and added three sacks and nine tackles for loss.

Gardner-Johnson can blitz, has good sideline-to-sideline range and grades out as a plus run defender. He made several touchdown-saving tackles in 2017 to show that he can be a last-line defender but also has the kind of versatility to line up over the slot or be used as a sub-package linebacker in lighter fronts. Gardner-Johnson’s football instincts and communication skills (he made a lot of the calls and adjustments in the Gators’ system) are big pros.

And with more NFL teams using big receivers in the slot and flexing out backs and tight ends — such as the and Los Angeles Chargers — he could profile into a role covering those spots. His strong instincts should allow him to handle most assignments pretty readily.

Cons: Gardner-Johnson might lack the great athletic profile to be best suited as a true, middle-of-the- field safety. His middling combine testing numbers were a bit concerning, as his average straight-line speed wouldn’t be ideal for that spot in the NFL.

His aggressiveness also can work against him at times. Gardner-Johnson goes for kill shots in the run game, and he can whiff on tackle attempts and draw penalties. He also will find himself to flat-footed on long pass plays, bite on play-action at times and allow big plays on his watch (see the Georgia game). We’ve seen enough times where keen quarterbacks have been able to look him off and manipulate Gardner-Johnson with their eyes.

How he might (or might not) fit with the Broncos: There are enough tricks in Gardner-Johnson’s bag to safely project him as a quality contributor at the next level, but he might need time to absorb the speed and precision of NFL passing games. He also could use a little veteran coaching to tone down some of his aggressiveness. But this is the type of project we could see Fangio and Donatell being intrigued by. Like the first three players on our list, they all could be there at 41 or they each could be gone late in Round 1 or in the first few picks of Round 2. There’s enough intrigue here, though, that we expect Denver to take a long look.

5. Amani Hooker, Iowa (5-foot-11, 210 pounds) Hooker tested well at the NFL scouting combine, although some evaluators believe he doesn’t quite match those numbers on the field and could be tested when being asked to cover receivers, backs and tight ends with elite size or speed. But he has a three-down makeup for a defense that doesn’t mind bringing a smaller defender close to the box, where his best work appears to be done.

Pros: Hooker was named Defensive Back of the Year in the Big Ten in 2018, as the Iowa coaches carved out a role for him prior to the season — the “star” position, which was a hybrid of safety and linebacker — that best suited his skill set. He not only played deep and up as an extra defender in the box, but he also covered the slot. Hooker was named the Hawkeyes’ defensive MVP by tying for the team lead in interceptions (four) and pass breakups (seven) and ranking second in tackles (65).

He’s an instinctive playmaker whose high level of anticipation and pattern recognition are rare for such a young player, and his technique is good, even by Iowa standards — a program that has produced some quality defensive backs over the past decade under Kirk Ferentz.

Hooker tested very well at the combine — perhaps even better than expected — and has a strong, muscular build. He carries it well and also profiles as a core special teamer, performing well in that role as a freshman. His best football appears to be in front of him — Hooker declared early for the 2019 NFL draft and won’t turn 21 years old until June.

Cons: Hooker might never be a great man-coverage piece or a lights-out enforcer. He’s a bit of a tweener whose testing numbers don’t always show up on tape. We’d like to see Hooker be a bit more of a consistent tackler, with the Iowa State and Mississippi State games highlighting some of his shortcomings in this department.

His aggressive style can leave him in a bad position to make plays. He could use a little more time learning the nuances of NFL passing games and working on technique, such as his backpedal. Asking Hooker to match up with slot receivers in the NFL might be a tough assignment.

How he might (or might not) fit with the Broncos: Hooker might be the lowest-drafted of the four safeties above him on this list, and there even could be others not listed here who go before him. If he’s on the board at the time the Broncos pick in Round 3 (No. 71), he would be a great value. We could see the Broncos liking Hooker’s raw, moldable talent and implementing his versatility as a dime defender and special teamer in Year 1 with bigger plans down the road.

Flacco sends message Broncos No. 10 pick would be best used on non-QB By Mike Klis 9NEWS April 17, 2019

Don’t do it, John Elway. Don’t waste the No. 10 overall draft pick on a quarterback.

That was the not-so-underlying message new Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco sent to the Broncos’ general manager Tuesday in a press conference following Day 1 of the team’s voluntary minicamp.

“I don’t care whether they take a quarterback at 10 or whatnot," Flacco said after his first-ever practice as a Broncos’ starting quarterback. “The only thing I care about is I want this team to be as good as they can with me at quarterback. So if they feel as a team as an organization we can add value to our team with the 10th pick, then I’m all for getting the guy who can add value to the team with me as the understood quarterback."

In other words, get a player who can contribute Day 1. An inside linebacker. An offensive guard. A safety. A receiver. A quarterback would stand around with a headset on and listen to plays sent in to Flacco on the field. That quarterback would be fine if he was acquired in, say, the fourth round of the draft. But first round? A waste! A waste Flacco will tell ya.

He went through it last year in Baltimore. The Ravens traded back into the first round of the 2018 draft to take athletic quarterback Lamar Jackson with the No. 32 pick.

Flacco wasn’t benched for Jackson so much as he injured his right hip in game 9. Jackson came in and the Ravens started winning. When Flacco was healthy enough to play the final month, the Ravens stuck with Jackson.

That was then. Flacco is a hired gun for the Broncos now.

“I think I had a pretty good outlook on it last year," said Flacco, who supported Jackson despite the rookie’s poor performance through the first three quarters of an opening-round playoff loss last season. “I want to get this team to be the best it is with me at quarterback.

“So obviously that’s not of utmost importance to draft a quarterback. But if we do that’s out of my control. I’m going to go out here and compete and he’s going to have to come out here and be on the field with me every day, too. I’m already for that."

For starters, Joe Flacco throws a nice ball By Mike Klis 9NEWS April 17, 2019

Not to get carried away or anything, but Joe Flacco looked good.

It’s only practice. It’s only the first practice of the offseason. It’s only the first practice of the offseason in mid-April.

But even going back to before ’s wobbles, it’s been a while since a Broncos quarterback threw such a nice, firm, accurate ball with zip.

The Broncos held their first minicamp practice Tuesday at their UCHealth Training Center. Wanting to give their grass fields a few more weeks to take root and grow, the offense sans the offensive line held their passing drills in the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse.

The Denver defense, plus the offensive line, worked outside on the artificial surface field.

Flacco is the Broncos’ new quarterback. He was acquired from the Baltimore Ravens where he was an 11-season starter in exchange for a fourth round draft pick.

At 6-foot-6, Flacco is taller than previous starters and . He throws the ball with the zip of former 6-foot-7 quarterback — only Flacco is considerably more accurate, at least when throwing to uncovered receivers.

Vic Fangio, the Broncos’ new head coach, closed the final 75 minutes of practice from the media as his team entered competitive 7 on 7 and 11 on 11 drills. But from what the media could discern, Flacco already looks like a Big Man Quarterback who can fling it.

Broncos notes: Tighter game jerseys have taken hold on Fangio practices By Mike Klis 9NEWS April 17, 2019

There was a brighter, cleaner look to Vic Fangio’s first practice as head coach.

It’s not Fangio’s gray sweats, top and bottom, we’re talking about. It’s the players’ jerseys. They weren’t practicing in practice jerseys. They were practicing in game jerseys.

By design, of course.

“The whole reason we do that is to cut down on the grabbing," said Fangio, a head coach at 60 for the first time in his life. “When you wear the loose shirts, it’s very easy—almost unavoidable—for the players to grab each other when they’re going against each other. Whether it be wide outs, DBs, the interior linemen, it’s just so easy to grab those loose jerseys. It’s not easy to grab in-game because they’re tight. So we want to make it game-like as much as we can. That’s why we practice with them."

Guard play

Interior offensive line may be a need after the Broncos lost center Matt Paradis and guard Billy Turner to free agency while veteran Ron Leary is recovering from Achilles surgery.

But maybe not a crying need.

During the offseason, young Sam Jones and the experienced Don Barclay will get good looks on the flanks of center Connor McGovern.

Jones, a sixth-round draft pick last year out of Arizona State and Highlands Ranch, mostly redshirted as a rookie last season although he did appear in five games.

Among the fine Bronco blockers over the years who played little or not at all as rookies: Tom Nalen, Chris Kuper, Paradis, Ryan Harris, Paul Howard, Ken Lanier, Bill Bryan, Chris Clark and Keith Bishop.

Then there’s Barclay who played a lot for Green Bay early – starting 18 games at right tackle in his first two seasons of 2012-13 – then moving into a reserve role the next four seasons, mostly as a guard.

He was among the Saints’ final cuts heading into last season and didn’t catch on with a team. He’s trying to get back in with the Broncos now. Fangio says he hasn't settled on his starting interior blocking spots.

“We’re a long way from determining that,'' he said.

Harris' no show

Fangio downplayed the absence of veteran cornerback Chris Harris Jr., who has yet to show up for the team’s offseason program. Harris wants his contract re-worked.

“It’s just part of the NFL landscape," Fangio said. “It seems to happen a little bit each year."

Fangio said it

Fangio was asked if it seemed odd he had to watch both sides of the ball during practice now that’s he’s a head coach instead of defensive coordinator:

“A little bit," he said. “If I was just the defensive coordinator I probably would’ve been talking some smack out there, but I have to refrain from that a little bit. I’ll still be talking, both ways. I can be on the winning side either way now.”

Flacco said it:

New quarterback Joe Flacco was asked if he felt like the new kid in school after 11 years in Baltimore:

“It’s funny. I figured it would take a week or so before it wasn’t so awkward finding a seat in the cafeteria and things like that. You kind of take that that for granted being so easy. All of a sudden you’re the new guy and you have to just sit down with somebody and dive right in.

“There is an aspect of it that is kind of fun. It’s not like I’m a young guy going through that, so it is a little bit different than back when you were a rookie. It’s still something you get used to. I think you have to dive right in and make yourself as comfortable as possible. I’m still getting there, but you can tell the guys are being great the whole time."

Joe Flacco has 'it' factor needed as Denver Broncos quarterback By Woody Paige Springs Gazette April 17, 2019

Joe Flacco’s got “It."

And he gets it.

When a stellar-quality NFL quarterback strides into a room, stands in a crowd, runs onto a field or even steps onto a podium, people feel his air appearance — the charge, conviction, confidence and command.

The “It’’ influence.

Tim Tebow was blessed with “It,’’ but not the skill and the passing proficiency.

John Elway and Peyton Manning were the only Broncos quarterbacks in franchise history who possessed both “It’’ and extreme expertise and knowhowability. Tom Brady is Mr. It, and ...

Here comes Flacco.

Several years ago Joe stated emphatically that he was the best quarterback in . He certainly was No. 1 for one season (2012) — leading the Ravens past the Colts, the Broncos, the Patriots and the 49ers with 11 touchdowns (including the one in the Mile High Flacco Fiasco (for Broncos’ fanatics) and zero interceptions. He certainly became the highest paid for a while and was more renowned in Baltimore than Faidley’s crabcakes.

After 11 seasons with the Ravens, he now is Bronco Joe.

Flacco put on the team’s uniform for the first time Tuesday as the Broncos held their first day of a “volunteer" minicamp.

NFL releases 2019 Broncos preseason schedule: Rams, Flacco and Hall of Fame Game “I get excited every season,’’ said the 34-year-old 6-foot-6, 245-pound, bearded Flacco, once named the most handsome man in pro football. “But this is a different excitement.’’

I said to Joe that he had changed teams once before, and it worked out well. “You know, you’re right. I thought about that when this (trade) occurred. Last time it was different because it was my decision, and I wanted to do it. This time it wasn’t like I wanted to do it, but the way everything went down, I was ready to do it. Obviously, after last season when I got hurt and the way Lamar (Jackson) finished the season out, to be honest with you, I saw the writing on the wall, and to be honest with you, I was excited about this being the spot for me.’’

Flacco began his college career at the University of Pittsburgh, but rarely played and eventually transferred to Delaware and set practically all of the Fightin’ Blue Hens quarterback records. However, Flacco once asked for the coach’s permission to play baseball because Flacco he believed he had no future in the NFL.

Yet, Flacco was selected 18th overall — and has outperformed all the other quarterbacks from that draft.

Tuesday, after he met with the media — “Do I get up on this box,’’ he asked — Joe and I played trivia at Dove Valley. He was born in Audubon, N.J., and still lives in the area near Philadelphia, so I asked: “How many quarterbacks from New Jersey have started for the Broncos?’’, I asked. Joe was stumped on , Pete Liske and . “Really? I have to look them up.’’ He proudly told a member of the staff that he would become the fourth Jersey Boy in Colorado.

“Did you know your likeness was on a gigantic banner at Mile High Stadium and on street corners all over downtown in 2013 before the opening game?’’

“I never saw them then and had totally forgotten about that even after I got here. Someone I met mentioned it to me. ... That’s very funny, especially how the previous season had ended. I’m sure I wasn’t very popular in Denver.’’ Bronco Joe was Enemy No. 1. I told him I wouldn’t mention what the other guy (Manning) did in that Thursday night game. Peyton threw seven touchdown passes.

“I think people are over it.’’

Flacco used to idolize Manning and Brady when he was in college. He beat both back-to-back in the playoffs and has 10 postseason victories overall.

Elway was traded from Baltimore to Denver. Manning was thrown to the curb by the Colts when he was 36.

If only Flacco can duplicate what they did for Denver in their 30s.

It’s believed by the washed masses that Joe will be a short-term Broncos quarterback. But he expects to prove them wrong. He says: “I don’t care if they take a quarterback at 10 (in the first round) or whatnot. What I care is I want this team to be as good as it can at quarterback. If it helps the team, I’m all for getting value. It is what it is.’’ There’s no doubt Flacco will start this season, and he expects to for more seasons.

“As a new quarterback, who just naturally is a leader on the team,’’ he added, “The first thing I have to prove to everybody on this football team is that I can play and be that quarterback. Then, anything is possible. If they believe I’m the guy — I believe I’m the guy — that’s when your leadership can take off, and this team can take off. It’s all about going out there and performing."

Flacco brought up that he’s the oldest player on the Broncos’ roster.

“I got my feet wet today going through the process,’’ Flacco said to the assembly of press type. “Being a new guy, I even have to find a seat in the lunchroom.’’ He was the presence inside the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse warming up with team managers, then throwing to seven wide receivers who were in elementary school when Joe joined the NFL. (Emmanuel Sanders still is recovering from injury and didn’t participate in the workout.) Joe said he was comfortable “talking to the kids.’’ Flacco and his wife have five of their own. “It’s important this time of the year to build team camaraderie.’’

Joe has a right arm that could complete a pass almost the length of the mammoth facility. He has in the past. Remember the miracle pass.

At one point during the session, Elway his own self, materialized in the end zone and quietly watched his quarterback fire business passes. Ol’ No. 7 didn’t reveal what he thought of new No. 5.

Vic Fangio and Elway sincerely praised Flacco when he arrived. “That really helps your psyche, to know that you’re wanted. Obviously, when you go to a new situation, to be accepted really makes the transition,’’ he told me.

Unlike the procession of quarterbacks who passed through Denver the past three seasons, Bronco Joe has what “It’’ takes.

Fangio, Flacco Make Their On-Field Debuts With Broncos By Arnie Stapleton Associated Press April 17, 2019

Vic Fangio looked comfortable in his baggy sweats, and Joe Flacco looked right at home in his spiffy blue and orange No. 5 jersey when the Denver Broncos held their first on-field workouts under their new head coach and their new quarterback.

In an unusual twist, Fangio, who's getting his first taste of being a head coach after four decades as a defensive assistant, is having his team practice in game jerseys during the voluntary veteran minicamp.

"The whole reason we do that is to cut down on the grabbing," Fangio said Tuesday. "When you wear the loose shirts, it's very easy, almost unavoidable, for the players to grab each other. Whether it be wideouts, DBs, the interior linemen, it's just so easy to grab those loose jerseys.

"It's not easy to grab in the game because they're tight. So we want to make it game-like as much as we can."

The Broncos, who play an extra preseason game this summer, were one of the first teams to begin their offseason program two weeks ago. Some teams reported this week for classroom and weight room work.

Fangio, whose team opens the preseason slate against Atlanta in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, was glad to finally hit the field with his players.

"It felt good. It was good to get out there with the guys," Fangio said. "We've been meeting with them the last two weeks, so it was good to get out there and see if they could execute on their feet what they've been learning the last couple weeks."

He admitted he has to fight his instincts to focus only on the defense.

"If I was just the defensive coordinator I probably would've been talking some smack out there, but I have to refrain from that a little bit," Fangio cracked. "I'll still be talking, both ways. I can be on the winning side either way now."

Fangio said Flacco is fitting in fine so far, although it's way too early to judge anyone.

"We're in the learning stage right now. I don't think we're in the evaluation stage yet," Fangio said.

But he did say Flacco looked comfortable working with first-time offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello.

Fangio said he hasn't had any contact with cornerback Chris Harris Jr. since the offseason program began. Harris is training in Dallas on his own as he angles for a contract extension. General manager John Elway has said he'll visit the issue after the draft.

"It's just part of the NFL landscape," Fangio said.

Like Fangio, Flacco was glad to finally get to practice with his new team.

"It's always fun to get back out there and play football," Flacco said. "Obviously it was a little bit of a new situation for me, so getting my feet wet was a good process, even going out for the walkthrough this morning and going into the huddle and calling a play for the first time was new. It was good to get that over with."

Flacco is the oldest man on the roster, but feels like a rookie.

"It's funny. I figured it would take a week or so before it wasn't so awkward finding a seat in the cafeteria," Flacco said, smiling. "You kind of take that that for granted being so easy. All of a sudden you're the new guy and you have to just sit down with somebody and dive right in.

Flacco said his wife and kids are still back in New Jersey and won't come out until training camp.

"I'm on 'easy street.' My wife is at home with five kids and I'm just playing football for a few hours a day," Flacco said. "It does give me a chance to build relationships with guys, go out to dinner with them, go out on the golf course. I think those are the things that you take for granted.

"Back when you were in college and that's all you had to do, it was easy to build team camaraderie because you were able to do that all of the time. The fact that I can do that this time of year, I think that's really important."

Joe Flacco wants teammates to 'believe he's the guy' By Troy Renck KMGH April 17, 2019

Joe Flacco continues to work through the second chapter of his career. He remains the new guy, still figuring out where to sit in the cafeteria, while learning faces and names. The way he sees it, he has it easy. His wife remains in New Jersey taking care of the couple's five children as they finish up school. All Flacco has to do is prove to his new team that he can play at a high level, leaving teammates to trust him and his leadership.

The process began Tuesday at the first voluntary mini-camp. Flacco showed his fastball, and his presence, clearly in charge. Yes, it's April, but for a 34-year-old looking for a second chapter of his career, it mattered. Everything does.

"First of all, I think we are always getting evaluated. They are looking at everybody," he told me during his press conference. "When you are new, and I am, there's a lot that can be accomplished. You can confidence that can carry you through the season. As a new quarterback and naturally a leader on the team, the first thing I want to do is prove to the guys on this team that I can be their quarterback. If they really believe I am the guy -- and I believe I am the guy -- that's when leadership can take off."

That happens not through conversations, but actions. Flacco remains committed to this principle: Be about it, don't talk about it.

"It's about performance on the field," Flacco said. "It's about doing it."

Helping Flacco's transition is the offense. He is familiar with some of offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello's concepts given the roots in the Mike Shanahan-Gary Kubiak-Kyle Shanahan attack. Flacco recognizes the importance of taking the class room to the field. The more quickly he learns the scheme, the faster he can microwave the development of those around him.

It is is an interesting situation. He is a Super Bowl champion with a chip the size of a bag of Fritos on his shoulder. Baltimore gave up on him, going with rookie Lamar Jackson. Flacco believes he has plenty left. As you might expect, he doesn't see a reason for Denver taking a quarterback with the 10th overall pick.

“I think I had a pretty good outlook on it last year. It is what it is. I want to get this team to be the best it is with me at quarterback position. Obviously, that is not of most importance to draft a quarterback. But if we do, that’s completely out of my control. I’m going to go out here and I’m going to compete and he’s going to have to come out here and be on the field with me every day, too. I’m all ready for that," Flacco said. "Whether it’s 10 or whatnot, the only thing I care about is, like I said, I want this team to be as good as they can with me at quarterback. If we feel like as a team and an organization that we can add value to our team at the 10th pick, then I’m all for getting a guy that can add value to the team with me as the understood quarterback."

The case for taking tight end T.J. Hockenson in the the first round By Troy Renck KMGH April 17, 2019

Joe Flacco took the snap under center on Tuesday afternoon, dropped back, cocked his arm and unleashed a battery of possibilities.

For the first time in view of the media, Flacco operated a practice as the Broncos new quarterback. He looks the part, fills the role, and, at age 34, still has his fastball.

The idea that he remains in his prime – a notion advanced by general manager John Elway and Flacco himself – strains credulity for a player who lost his job to a rookie last season. However, the argument that Flacco can upgrade the Broncos at quarterback and caffeinate an underwhelming offense has merit.

Watching him Tuesday working with new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello raised the question of the draft as do a lot of things this time of year. When is it OK for the Broncos to draft a position of need in the first round? And how much better would Flacco perform if he had a reliable tight end in this offense?

When Flacco success, the tight ends excel.

The numbers support the eye test. In 2017, Flacco's last full season as a starter, he completed 99 passes to tight ends, second in the NFL. His accuracy on those targets? An eye-opening 77 percent. The Broncos’ tight ends caught 68 passes last season. In 2014 in Gary Kubiak's offense, which will has some similarities to Scangarello's, Flacco was 76-for-117 when throwing to tight ends.

Production from the position remains paramount. Would the Broncos, connecting my hypothetical dots, benefit from trading back in the first round to select a tight end like Iowa’s T.J. Hockenson or ?

The Broncos have talented tight ends on the roster, but all feature injury concerns from Jeff Heuerman (knee, hamstring, ribs), Jake Butt (three ACL surgeries) and Troy Fumagalli (sports hernia). Denver has not had a reliable season-long threat at the position since Julius Thomas posted 43 catches and 12 touchdowns in 2014.

Taking a tight end at No. 10 appears a stretch given the number of talented defensive players in the first round. However, trading back to No. 15 or No. 17 to add a pick would create a better scenario for value. Hockenson is considered one of the safest picks in the draft. He remains a proven receiver who can block. Hockenson could start from day one. Fant, also a star at Iowa, projects as more of a receiving tight end. He delivered 19 touchdowns in three seasons with the Hawkeyes. Adding a middle-of-the-field target on underneath routes could boost Flacco’s statistics, if not his confidence.

Taking a tight end at 10, for me, remains a reach. Trade back, add a pick, and the value makes sense and makes Flacco better. It was something to consider on a warm Tuesday as Flacco fired strikes to his new receivers. As NFL Draft approaches, QB Joe Flacco wants Broncos to pick player that 'can add value to our team' By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com April 17, 2019

Nine days from now, when the Broncos are put on the clock during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Joe Flacco likely won’t be watching.

He plans to be on a plane to Philadelphia that night, and he may not land until after the Broncos make their selection with the 10th-overall pick.

And even if he weren’t in the air, he would only pay so much attention to which prospect John Elway and the Broncos select on the night of April 25.

“I really don’t pay too much attention to the draft,” Flacco said Tuesday after the Broncos’ voluntary veteran minicamp practice. “You never know who is going to trade up, who’s going to get picked where and how things are going to fall into place. I’m just kind of a fan at that point.”

Flacco, of course, is more than just a fan. He’s the team’s starting quarterback, and if it were up to him, he would choose a player that could make an instant impact for the Broncos.

That presumably means a position player that can add to the Broncos’ offense or defense.

“I don’t really care about whether they take a quarterback or not,” Flacco said. “Whether it’s [with the] 10[th pick] or whatnot, the only thing I care about is, like I said, I want this team to be as good as they can with me at quarterback. If we feel like as a team and an organization that we can add value to our team at the 10th pick, then I’m all for getting a guy that can add value to the team with me as the understood quarterback.”

If the Broncos do choose to take a quarterback with the 10th pick, though, Flacco won’t be concerned.

He faced the same situation last year in Baltimore when the Ravens selected Lamar Jackson late in the first round — and Flacco thinks he handled the situation well.

“I think I had a pretty good outlook on it last year,” Flacco said. “It is what it is. I want to get this team to be the best it is with me at quarterback position. Obviously, that is not of most importance to draft a quarterback. But if we do, that’s completely out of my control.”

And if it happens, Flacco won’t back down from competition.

“I’m going to go out here and I’m going to compete and he’s going to have to come out here and be on the field with me every day, too,” Flacco said. “I’m all ready for that.”

His current focus is much larger than any presumed draft selections. As the Broncos continue with their offseason program, Flacco will have a lot to work toward. A mastery of the offensive system. A refined relationship with his receivers. A role as the team’s unquestioned leader.

“I’m the new guy, so a lot can be accomplished besides football,” Flacco said. “You’re going to develop your team and really gain the confidence to carry into what you believe you are going to be that season. I think the offseason can do a ton for that. As a new quarterback, it’s natural to be a leader on the team. It’s my job. The first thing I want to do is prove to everyone on this football team, the guys that play on this field, that I can play and I can be their quarterback. Because then anything is possible.

“If they really believe that I’m the guy — I believe that I’m the guy — if they start to believe that I’m the guy, that’s when your leadership can take off and your team can take off.”

CB Bryce Callahan participates in individual drills, to receive "a few more weeks to feel healthy" By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com April 17, 2019

Cornerback Bryce Callahan is just a few months removed from suffering a broken foot in a Week 14 game against the Rams, but the Broncos’ 2019 free-agent signing is nearly finished with his recovery process.

“Yes, he’s ready,” Fangio said Tuesday. “He actually could go in this camp, but we’re just letting him do individual. I just want to give him a few more weeks to feel healthy.”

Callahan participated in individual drills as the Broncos began their voluntary veteran minicamp.

Several other injured Broncos were also outside as the team stretched to begin the session, but Jake Butt, Emmanuel Sanders, Ron Leary and Phillip Lindsay soon moved to another field to work with trainers.

Fangio said Lindsay remains under the training staff’s guidance.

“He’s fine, but he just can’t twist [his wrist] right now,” Fangio said.

Fangio did not provide an updated timetable for the return of either Lindsay or Butt.

“He’s doing well in his recovery,” Fangio said of Butt, who is recovering from a torn ACL. “Everything that we’ve been told is positive.”

Sanders, meanwhile, is “progressing nicely” as he returns from an Achilles injury, Fangio said.

One other Broncos veteran also stayed away from the field Tuesday, as cornerback Chris Harris Jr. chose not to participate in the Broncos’ voluntary veteran minicamp.

Fangio, who said he hasn’t spoken with Harris since the start of the offseason program, said he knows Harris’ absence is “just part of the NFL landscape.”

“It seems to happen a little bit each year,” Fangio said.

Vic Fangio addresses Chris Harris Jr.’s absence from the team’s offseason workout program By Zac Stevens BSN Denver April 17, 2019

On Tuesday, the 2019 Denver Broncos took the practice field for the first time together during the team’s voluntary veteran minicamp.

From Super Bowl MVP Von Miller to offensive lineman Don Barclay, the full squad was nearly in perfect attendance.

That is, of course, except for Chris Harris Jr.

Harris, who has also missed the first two weeks of the team’s offseason workout program, is seeking a new contract. He appears to be staying away from the Broncos’ facility until a deal is reached.

After practice, Fangio was asked about the absence.

“It’s just part of the NFL landscape. It seems to happen a little bit each year,” he said, commenting on his star player’s absence for the first time.

Over the course of the offseason, John Elway has maintained he won’t address current player’s contracts until after the draft, which begins April 25. On April 1, Harris Jr. made his stance clear when he did not show up to the start of the team’s voluntary offseason workout program.

Tuesday, Fangio admitted he has not had any contact with his starting cornerback “since the start of the offseason program.” That means Fangio has not talked to his star cornerback in over two weeks, at least.

Instead of being at the team’s workouts, the four-time Pro Bowler is spending his time in Dallas working out on his own.

Harris Jr. has received support from teammates, including Von Miller, about the approach he is taking despite the fact it’s made him miss team activities.

The 29-year-old cornerback is entering the final year of his five-year, $42.5 million contract, which will pay him $7.9 million in cash in 2019.

Along with entering the final year of his deal, Harris Jr.’s $8.5 million annual salary currently puts him as the 23rd-highest paid cornerback. Last year, he graded out as a top-five cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus.

Josh Norman, the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback, is making $15 million per year, while four other are making over $14 million per year.

It’s not as if Elway and the Broncos haven’t spent money on this position, either.

During the offseason, the Broncos spent a combined $18 million per year on cornerbacks Kareem Jackson and Bryce Callahan, both of whom were in attendance on Tuesday.

There was good news from the cornerback room on Tuesday as it was revealed that Callahan, predominantly a slot corner, is ahead of schedule on the recovery of his broken foot that he sustained at the end of last season when he was a member of the Bears.

Fangio admitted Callahan could have practiced this week, but the team is holding him back a few more weeks.

BSN Denver NFL Mock Draft 3.0: A trade at the top and a new hope in Denver By Andre Simone BSN Denver April 17, 2019

With very little time remaining from now until the NFL Draft’s opening round on Thursday the 25th, there is still tons of uncertainty in this divisive 2019 class.

Seemingly a guarantee the last several months, even the first selection doesn’t feel like a complete lock anymore. After the surprised us all a year ago, it’s hard to know who and what to believe at this time of year, as everything could be on the table at this point.

With that, we’re unveiling our second to last mock of the year, with plenty of trades and a bonus portion of the second round up to the Broncos 41st pick. Here’s how it all unfolded.

1) Oakland Raiders (from Cardinals): , QB, Oklahoma *Projected trade: Cardinals get picks 4 and 24 and a 2020 first*

Jon Gruden loves Murray, and with five first-round picks in the next two drafts, the Raiders can afford to go get their quarterback while adding a very marketable piece for when they move to Las Vegas.

2) 49ers: : DE, Ohio State This pick stays the same as Bosa gives the Niners the elite edge rusher they seek to put their defense over the top.

3) (from Jets): Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State *Projected trade: Jets get picks 13 and 48 and a 2020 first*

The Jets are so desperate to trade down they’re even willing to do so with a division rival. While the Fins get their quarterback of the future and aren’t scared off by Haskins’ lack of mobility considering new head coach Brian Flores’ New England roots.

4) Arizona Cardinals (from Raiders): Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama *Projected trade (see above)*

Despite trading down, the Cards still get the best prospect in the draft while adding two future first- round picks. If the plan in Arizona is to follow the Rams-McVay union, then letting Kliff Kingsbury develop , as McVay did with Jared Goff, makes plenty of sense.

5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky The Bucs have a tough decision here with Allen and staring them in the face. Allen ends up being the pick due to his added versatility and pass-rushing ability.

6) : , EDGE, Mississippi State The Giants don’t budge and take a physical edge rusher with plenty of athleticism. Sweat fits what Dave Gettleman has looked for in the past out of his defensive ends.

7) (from Jaguars): Ed Oliver, DT, Houston *Projected trade: Jaguars get pick 14, 45 and 117*

The Falcons have never been afraid to pull off trades and go get Oliver to pair with Grady Jarrett, forming an elite pass-rushing duo on the interior. Oliver could also provide long-term insurance for Jarrett if Atlanta can’t sign their franchise-tagged tackle long term.

8) : , DL, Michigan It should be an edge rusher or tight end for Detroit, with White as a potential dark-horse selection. Matt Patricia values versatility and goes with the talented Gary who could be special if developed.

9) : Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State Burns is too good to pass up for the Bills who need a devastating pass rusher for their defense. D.K. Metcalf could also be the pick here, though his medicals could see him drop.

10) Denver Broncos: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri The Broncos have two of their most beloved prospects still around with White and Lock staring them in the face.

On one hand, Vic Fangio needs a rangy linebacker to make his scheme work, but will John Elway, who’s historically undervalued the position, pull the trigger with Lock still available?

The Broncos spent two days with Lock last week, and the lack of buzz out of those visits was pretty interesting—a hint that maybe the organization wants to keep quiet on their rumored love of Lock that goes way back.

Having talked to the Missouri signal caller, he’s very impressive and mature, the type of personality that a quarterback needs in the quarterback meat-grinder that is the Mile High City. Lock also fits what new coordinator Rich Scangarello is looking for with his athleticism and big arm.

He’s not a great value pick, but he also doesn’t seem likely to still be around at this point, if he is, don’t be surprised if Elway pounces.

11) : Devin White, LB, LSU White’s fall ends here, as Cincy desperately needs a linebacker and White has the talent to be an all- time great if developed. With new head coach Zac Taylor, going offense would make more sense, but White is just too good not to take.

12) Green Bay Packers: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa With the best pass rushing outside linebackers gone, the Packers add Hockenson who can be a valuable asset for their offense as a run blocker and safety blanket for Aaron Rodgers.

13) (from Dolphins): , EDGE, Clemson *Projected trade (see above)*

The Jets dropped a long way to get a future first and add a second round pick this year, they’re very lucky Ferrell was still around and run to the podium to take him.

14) (from Falcons): Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida *Projected trade (see above)*

The Jaguars trade down works out to perfection, allowing them to add cheap young prospects and still get their top target in Taylor, a plug-and-play right tackle to complete their offensive line.

15) Washington Redskins: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke Washington needs a quarterback, and with Jay Gruden’s ability to develop the position, they take a big swing with Jones, who checks off lots of boxes and also carries some accuracy and arm strength concerns. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder on this one.

16) Carolina Panthers: , OT, Alabama The Panthers fix their line with the most NFL-ready and versatile blocker in the draft.

17) New York Giants (from Browns): D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss The Giants would’ve loved Jones to fall to them but instead get to replace Odell Beckham Jr. with the top receiver in the draft.

18) : , LT, Washington State The Vikings need help everywhere on their line and find the perfect tackle for their Gary Kubiak-inspired zone-blocking scheme.

19) : , OC, NC State The Titans get one of the grittiest players in the entire draft in Bradbury, who can be a plug-and-play center or guard to help elevate their attack the way Quenton Nelson did for division rival Indianapolis.

20) : Devin Bush, LB, Michigan Bush is a worthy replacement of Ryan Shazier’s and would fit nicely in the Steel City.

21) : Chase Winovich, EDGE, Michigan The Hawks would love to trade down and are always outside the box thinkers, they go with Winovich here who has the type of tenacity, production, and athleticism they covet.

22) (from Ravens): Noah Fant, TE, Iowa *Projected trade: Ravens get picks 32 and 64*

With six picks in the top 101, the Patriots move up to get Fant who gives them a dynamic receiving threat. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz’s connection with Bill Belichick makes this pick an even more natural fit.

23) Houston Texans: Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma The Texans would be ecstatic to have Ford drop to them, making this the third consecutive AFC South team to draft an offensive lineman in our mock, as everyone tries to replicate what the Colts did in 2018.

24) Arizona Cardinals (from Raiders): , RT, Kansas State *Projected trade (see above)*

It’s about time the Cardinals addressed their horrible offensive line, plugging Risner in at either right tackle or guard. The Colorado native would also provide a strong leader in their locker room.

25) : Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, CB/S, Florida The Eagles need cornerback help as well as an upgrade at safety, Gardner-Johnson could be a stud slot corner and a phenomenal safety paired with Malcolm Jenkins. A perfect pick to plug as many needs as possible.

26) : , DL, Clemson This should be Wilkins’ floor, who’d be a terrific addition to the budding defensive core Indy’s started to build.

27) Oakland Raiders (from Cowboys): Andraez ‘Greedy’ Williams, CB, LSU The Raiders would much rather address their edge-rushing issues but no one worth drafting this high is still available, so they take Williams, who has tackling concerns but is also a prototypical shutdown corner.

28) Los Angeles Chargers: Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State Butler fell right into the Bolts lap, giving them a potentially unguardable threesome of big wideouts.

29) Kansas City Chiefs: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington The Chiefs need to add depth at corner if opponents will be playing them from behind as often as they did last season. Murphy is versatile, physical and has supreme ball skills, making him a great value pick here.

30) Green Bay Packers (from Saints): Johnathan Abram, SS, Mississippi State With Adrian Amos manning the deep middle, the Packers add a devastating in-the-box player to revamp their safety group.

31) : , CB, Georgia You can never have enough cornerbacks, and Baker is a safe pick who could be a high-level contributor off the bat.

32) Baltimore Ravens (from Patriots): , WR, Oklahoma *Projected trade (see above)*

The Ravens still get a dynamic weapon in Brown after trading down. A backfield of Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram with Brown running reverses and fake jet sweeps would be a nightmare to defend.

Round 2 33) Arizona Cardinals: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

34) Indianapolis Colts (from Jets): A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss

35) Oakland Raiders: , RB, Alabama

36) : Deionte Thompson, FS, Alabama

37) New York Giants: Will Grier, QB, West Virginia

38) Jacksonville Jaguars: Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama

39) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: , DT, Notre Dame

40) Buffalo Bills: Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

41) Denver Broncos: , OG, Boston College

Alfred Williams Connection to Three Big iHeartRadio Denver Firings? By Michael Roberts Westword April 17, 2019

In recent days, three major on-air personalities have been fired at iHeartRadio stations in Denver: onetime KOA host (and former Department of Homeland Security undersecretary) Michael Brown, ex- KHOW evening talker (and Westword wine writer) Krista Kafer and JJ Kincaid, co-star of the JJ & Nina morning-drive staple on KPTT-FM/The Party.

Why? A slew of knowledgeable sources who spoke to Westword anonymously disagree about the rationale. Several say the sackings, as well as the February dismissal of Orange & Blue 760 staffers Andy Lindahl and ex-Denver Broncos standout Ray Crockett, are tied to the need to pay another former Bronco, Alfred Williams, who was recently lured away from his longtime radio home at 104.3 The Fan and his popular partnership with Darren "D-Mac" McKee. But another insider insists that the moves are unrelated to the Williams acquisition and represent typical decisions about how to manage resources in a difficult media environment.

There's no question that money is tight at Denver's iHeartRadio signals. Its parent company, iHeartMedia, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2018 — a tough turn of events for the giant concern, which owns more than 800 stations across the country, but an unsurprising one given the financial struggles being experienced by so-called terrestrial radio.

Yet Denver remains a stronger market for legacy stations than most, and the decision to bring Williams aboard was a throwback to a much more affluent period. Although details of his contract have not been released, we're told it was huge by current standards — and his departure has certainly forced an unanticipated change of course for The Drive, the name of his program with McKee.

After Williams's late February announcement that he was moving on, 104.3 The Fan has tried out a series of co-hosts with McKee, including Nicki Jhabvala, a writer for The Athletic (and ex-Denver Post scribe) now on the station's payroll, Denver7's Troy Renck, retired NFL ballers Chad Brown and Orlando Franklin and more, more, more. But thus far, there's been no decision made about a permanent replacement for Williams, whose chemistry with McKee made The Drive a smash for a decade-plus, generating big ratings in the key 25-54 male demographic.

When Williams left 104.3 The Fan, he told us negotiations were under way to shorten a clause in his contract that prevented him from broadcasting on a rival station in the same market for six months. However, sources say these talks went nowhere. As such, Williams won't be able to broadcast in any iHeartRadio outlet in Denver until August 28 at the earliest.

What precisely he'll be doing on that date is still unknown, too. The most logical station and slot is the afternoon show on 850 KOA, but the studio is already packed with stars — Dave Logan, Rick Lewis and Kathy Lee — at that time. Of course, Lewis and Lee also deliver the morning show at 103.5 The Fox, and ending their double duty would make room for Williams to pair with Logan. But such a move would be complicated in myriad ways, including the new contract Lewis signed in October to keep doing both programs, plus Logan's sideline as a coach, which limits his time in the booth throughout the fall.

Meanwhile, silence is the rule among the pink-slipped radio personalities. Lindahl and Crockett didn't respond to Westword interview requests in late February, shortly before the Williams announcement, and in recent days, Kincaid declined comment. As for Brown, who began his radio career in Denver after his infamous stint as director of FEMA under President George W. Bush (who memorably nicknamed him "Brownie"), he released a statement that reads in part: "In announcing the departure, Mr. Brown cited format changes according to his conversations with JoJo Turnbeaugh, Region Senior Vice President of Programming in Denver. Brown stated that while it wasn’t something he expected or wanted, he has fond memories of his time in radio and is looking forward to getting behind the microphone as quickly as possible."

That leaves Kafer as the only person to directly address the latest developments. She turns down the chance to chat about the reasons she was given for the move but stresses, "I'm on good terms with the company." She's agreed to do fill-in and substitute work on a piecemeal basis, in part because she feels she brings something different to the talk-radio table. In remarks she directs to the industry in general and not iHeartRadio specifically, she notes, "It's sad there aren't more moderate voices out there — and now there's one less. One of the reasons people like podcasting is because it's not all hard-right stuff. It's interesting, and I think there's a market for interesting."

As for Tim Hager, region president for iHeartRadio in Denver, he says he can't comment on personnel issues, leaving the discussion about whether the canning of Brown, Kafer and Kincaid were related to the necessity of clearing salary for Williams to others. But behind the scenes, he's no doubt busy trying to figure out the best way to maximize Big Al when he's finally allowed to slide behind a microphone again.

Vic Fangio explains “unusual” decision to put players in game jerseys for minicamp By Mike Florio Pro Football Talk April 17, 2019

All teams with new head coaches are permitted to conduct an extra minicamp. The Broncos have launched theirs, and in one specific respect they have fast-forwarded to September: They’re wearing game jerseys.

“It probably is,” coach Vic Fangio told reporters when asked whether the technique is unusual. But he has a good explanation for it.

“The whole reason we do that is to cut down on the grabbing,” Fangio said. “When you wear the loose shirts, it’s very easy — almost unavoidable — for the players to grab each other when they’re going against each other. Whether it be wide outs, DBs, the interior linemen, it’s just so easy to grab those loose jerseys. It’s not easy to grab in the game because they’re tight. So we want to make it game-like as much as we can. That’s why we practice with them.”

It makes so much sense that it’s hard not to wonder why more teams don’t do it. Maybe now that Fangio, a first-time NFL head coach at 60, has provided the example and the basis for doing it, maybe more team will.

Joe Flacco wants to be the team’s “understood quarterback” By Charean Williams Pro Football Talk April 17, 2019

Joe Flacco believes he not only is the Broncos’ quarterback of the present but their quarterback of the future. While Flacco says he doesn’t care whether they use the 10th overall choice on a quarterback, he also adds the Broncos would be better off using the top pick on another position.

“I don’t really care about whether they take a quarterback or not,” Flacco said, via quotes distributed by the team. “Whether it’s 10 or whatnot, the only thing I care about is, like I said, I want this team to be as good as they can with me at quarterback. If we feel like as a team and an organization that we can add value to our team at the 10th pick, then I’m all for getting a guy that can add value to the team with me as the understood quarterback. At the end of the day, it is what it is.”

The Ravens traded up to select Lamar Jackson with the 32nd overall choice a year ago. Jackson supplanted Flacco as the starter, and the Ravens traded Flacco to the Broncos.

Now, Flacco faces the possibility of it happening again.

“I think I had a pretty good outlook on it last year,” Flacco said. “It is what it is. I want to get this team to be the best it is with me at quarterback position. Obviously, that is not of most importance to draft a quarterback. But if we do, that’s completely out of my control. I’m going to go out here, and I’m going to compete, and he’s going to have to come out here and be on the field with me every day, too. I’m all ready for that.”

Flacco finished his final six seasons in Baltimore going 42-41 as a starter with 110 touchdowns, 80 interceptions and an 82.3 passer rating. Now, seven years after winning Super Bowl MVP, Flacco is starting over.

Demaryius Thomas signs with Patriots By Josh Alper Pro Football Talk April 17, 2019

Veteran wide receiver Demaryius Thomas paid a visit to the Patriots recently and he’ll be spending more time in New England in the future.

According to multiple reports, Thomas has agreed to a deal with the former Broncos and Texans wideout. No terms have been reported. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports it is a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.

The move will reunite Thomas with his first NFL head coach as Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was in Denver when the Broncos selected Thomas in the first round of the 2010 draft. He’d go on to make five Pro Bowls and win a Super Bowl with Denver before being traded to Houston in the middle of last season.

Thomas tore his Achilles on Christmas Eve, which ended his season and led to his release earlier this year. He’ll have to get back to health before we’ll get much of an idea about his chances of making an impact on offense for the Patriots, but there will be opportunities in a receiver group that’s unsettled beyond Julian Edelman and .