Broncos training camp is less than a week old, but an abundance of surprises have already surfaced. Some of them surround certain players’ performances while others focus more on interesting storylines. Whether positive or negative, there have been plenty of surprises to emerge from the first five days of camp.
After spending the last five days at Dove Valley, the radio crew at Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 shared their thoughts on who, or what, has been the biggest surprise at Broncos training camp.
Nate Lundy – Mornings at 5280′ (M-F, 7a-9a)
Lundy has noticed the performance of running back De’Angelo Henderson so far in camp, and he’s not the only one. Head coach Vance Joseph has not been shy about his praise for Henderson this summer, causing reason to believe that he could maintain a big role throughout camp. Lundy doesn’t believe the Broncos are sold on their current running back situation. If Henderson continues to perform well in camp, he may force his way onto the field.
Shawn Drotar- Mornings at 5280′ (M-F, 7a-9a)
Drotar pointed out the success of Bradley Roby. Though he is an established contributor for the Broncos, Roby has played second fiddle to All-Pro cornerbacks Chris Harris and Aqib Talib through the early part of his career. Drotar believes that Roby has made the jump from a No. 3 cornerback to a Pro Bowl caliber player.
Danny Williams – Danny & Ryan (M-F, 9a-11a)
Taking a slightly different approach, Williams pointed out that the championship aura that has surrounded Broncos camp for years has dissolved. For a town as football-crazy as Denver, it’s surprising that one down year can have such a drastic effect. After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2010 last season, the Broncos will look to return that aura to Denver in 2017.
Ryan Edwards – Danny & Ryan (M-F, 9a-11a)
Despite the small sample size, Edwards believes Garett Bolles has looked like the clear option to anchor the left side of the line. What’s more, there is no doubt in his mind that Bolles will be starting come Week 1. Joseph has commented on Bolles’ positive progression thus far in camp, and if he continues to do so, the left tackle spot may be his to lose.
Gil Whiteley (M-F, 11a-12p)
Whiteley is most surprised by the plethora of injuries that have riddled the Broncos already in training camp. Devontae Booker and Shane Ray are the most significant of the injuries suffered early in camp, both sidelined with wrist ailments. After going through offseason training programs to stay in shape, it is certainly surprising that multiple players have suffered serious injuries this early in camp.
Mark Jackson (M-F, 11a-12p)
In addition to the injuries, Jackson is most surprised by the new additions on the offensive line. In addition to Bolles, the Broncos acquired guard Ronald Leary and tackle Menelik Watson this offseason to shore up the offensive line. On the eve of camp, the team traded for guard Allen Barbre, adding to the focus on the line. In years past, the Broncos did not stress the offensive line this much prior to the season, and doing so has surprised Jackson the most.
Benny Bash – The Big Show (M-F, 12p-2p)
After the departure of Wade Phillips, Bash is most surprised by Joe Woods’ seamless transition into the defensive coordinator position. Long considered to be a defensive mastermind, Phillips figured to leave a glaring hole when he left Denver. That has been far from the case as Woods and his defense have not skipped a beat.
