The Broncos started their OTA practices earlier this week, but today was the first time we had the media present at the practice. We heard from Sean Payton, got an encouraging update on Bo Nix, clarity on Jonah Elliss’s position switch, our first look at Jaylen Waddle and the rookie class in orange and blue, and other interesting news and notes.
Bo Nix sits out practice, but is trending to be ready for minicamp
As expected, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was not participating during today’s OTA practice. He was seen
in a hoodie with no brace on his ankle and was in the middle of the offensive practice talking to players throughout.
After practice, head coach Sean Payton told reporters that Nix is trending towards being ready and participating in two weeks for their minicamp practices.
This was the expectation heading into the offseason program, but we had some more clarity on the situation today. Nix was seen walking around without a limp or brace and is expected to get some action in before the start of training camp. Reports indicated he would be ready well before the start of training camp after his second follow-up surgery, and everything seems to be pointing towards the Broncos quarterback being 100% for the start of training camp.
Jonah Elliss is still an edge rusher
One of the more interesting talking points this offseason was Jonah Elliss moving to inside linebacker. We didn’t know how it would play out and if he was moving there full-time or part-time. Well, today we learned that Elliss is indeed staying at outside linebacker, with head coach Sean Payton saying “he’s doing too good outside”. He did add he may flex inside at times, but he will remain at edge rusher for the Broncos.
After the Broncos re-signed veterans Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, the Broncos drafted Red Murdock with their final pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They also signed promising undrafted free agent linebacker Taurean York and have Karene Reid, Jordan Turner, and Levelle Bailey returning. However, Elliss potentially would have given them a talented player to serve as depth. Now, with him staying mostly at edge rusher, linebacker depth remains a question for the Broncos.
The rookies, along with Turner, Reid, and Bailey, will have a chance to impress, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see them add a veteran linebacker in some capacity this offseason. Elliss remaining at edge with Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman on the roster all but ends the Von Miller talk in all likelihood.
First look at Jaylen Waddle in orange and blue
Reports from practice indicate that Waddle looks as advertised. He looked fast, playing in the slot and on the outside, and head coach Sean Payton told reporters they have a “crystal clear” vision for him. All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga told reporters that “His ability to make every route look the same is pretty important. It puts pressure on your back pedal as a DB.”
Expectations are high for the Broncos’ big offseason addition, and he is off to a promising start early on for the team.
News and Notes
- According to reports, quarterback Sam Ehlinger looked better than Jarrett Stidham today. Could we have a real battle for the Broncos backup quarterback job? – Source
- CB Jahdae Barron was with the outside corners during today’s practice – Source
- CB Riley Moss had excellent coverage on Jaylen Waddle today and tipped away a Jarrett Stidham pass – Source
- HC Sean Payton announced that the Broncos will not have any joint practices during training camp – Source
