Samaje Perine headlines this list of Broncos players who could end up playing for other teams in Week 1.
The Denver Broncos are set to play their final preseason game on Sunday, then they will have to make 38 roster moves to get down to a 53-man roster by Tuesday afternoon. Some players the Broncos cut could be picked up by other clubs, and Denver might attempt to make a trade or two as well.
Broncos coach Sean Payton has emphasized this summer that players aren’t just competing with players on Denver’s roster — they’re competing with players at their position across the league.
“You’re competing with 31 other teams at that [position],” Payton said earlier this month. “So it’s important that they are focused really on their job and what they’re doing. … They’re competing with all those players at their position around the league.”
So, which players on the Broncos’ roster could end up playing for other clubs in 2024? Here’s a quick list of players we could see landing elsewhere.
1. QB Jarrett Stidham
2. QB Zach Wilson
3. WR Brandon Johnson
4. WR Jalen Virgil
5. WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
6. RB Samaje Perine
7. RB Blake Watson
8. C Sam Mustipher
9. DL Angelo Blackson
10. DL Matt Henningsen
11. OLB Thomas Incoom
12. ILB Levelle Bailey
13. CB Damarri Mathis
14. P Riley Dixon
15. P Trenton Gill
We will track all of Denver’s roster moves — including any potential trades — next week on Broncos Wire.
“We had four fumbles,” Sean Payton said after the Broncos’ first preseason game. “That has to be better.”
The Denver Broncos defeated the Indianapolis Colts 34-30 in their preseason opener on Sunday. Despite coming away with a victory, Denver coach Sean Payton had a few grievances with his team’s performance.
“There’s going to be a lot of tape that we like,” Payton said after the win. “Then there’s going to be a handful of things that we’ve got to get cleaned up. And really, when you look at the ball security issues – we had four fumbles. That has to be better.
“We talked about it coming into this game, this defense does a good job. They play a lot more zone coverage. They try to separate the ball from the receivers or runners, and so we’re fortunate in that regards to still get the win. I [also] didn’t like the penalties.”
Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix muffed a snap (and recovered it), fellow QB Zach Wilson and running back Blake Watson fumbled an exchange on a handoff, running back Audric Estime had a fumble that was returned by the Colts for a touchdown and tight end Lucas Krull also lost a fumble.
“[T]wo rookies had the ball on the ground,” Payton said. “One was a touchdown, and the other one, obviously we were able to recover, but a significant play later in the game. So those are the things that you’ve just got to make sure you clean up and those guys will learn from it.”
The good news is Denver has two more preseason games to get the miscues cleaned up before facing the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. Players who made mistakes in Indianapolis have to learn from them and not repeat them.
“[T]hose are lessons and pretty soon, they’re lessons that can’t happen,” Payton said. “That was something I talked about last night. I told the coaches, that’s one concern I have is the ball security in this game coming in. It kind of manifested kind of how I thought unfortunately, I mean, they do a good job of holding players up, stripping the ball – that was Audric’s turnover. We had the exchange problem late in the game, and then obviously those are things that you hope to be cleaning up before the regular season starts.”
In addition to the turnovers, the Broncos also committed six penalties, including three on the opening drive that knocked them out of field goal range.
“We kind of shot ourselves in the foot, mainly those first two drives with penalties and that sort of thing,” quarterback Jarrett Stidham said after the game. “But I mean a lot of good I thought. Obviously, we’ll take a look at the film and get better from it, and obviously clean up the penalties. Like I said, that was probably the biggest thing, but thought we were pretty efficient there, pretty early on. Obviously, just the penalties, we’ve got to figure that out for sure.”
Stidham’s first drive stalled after Tim Patrick (taunting), Courtland Sutton (false start) and Mike McGlinchey (false start) were penalized. Stidham’s second drive ended when running back Samaje Perine bobbled an accurate pass and tipped it into an interception. Those are the kind of mistakes Denver will need to clean up before next week’s showdown with the Green Bay Packers.
The Broncos defeated the Colts in their preseason opener on Sunday. Here are five takeaways from the victory.
The Denver Broncos defeated the Indianapolis Colts 34-30 in their preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday. Here are five quick takeaways from the victory.
1. Personnel notes: Eleven players sat out, including seven injured players. Broncos safety Brandon Jones (hamstring) sat out injured and cornerback Pat Surtain and defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers and Zach Allen were rested. Devon Key started at safety across from P.J. Locke and Angelo Blackson and D.J. Jones started on the defensive line.
With Surtain not suiting up and Levi Wallace (hamstring) injured, the Broncos started Riley Moss and Damarri Mathis at cornerback. At inside linebacker, Cody Barton started next to Alex Singleton. Tremon Smith lined up as a punt returner and he also got reps as a kickoff returner alongside Jaleel McLaughlin.
2. Jarrett Stidham was let down by his teammates: Stidham’s first drive stalled after false start penalties by receiver Courtland Sutton and tackle Mike McGlinchey, and a taunting penalty from receiver Tim Patrick. Stidham’s second drive ended with an interception that wasn’t his fault (more on that shortly). Stidham finished the game 4-of-7 passing for 37 yards. He didn’t lead any scoring drives, but the blame for that falls mostly on his teammates.
3. Denver’s backfield remains crowded: Javonte Williams got four carries and Jaleel McLaughlin got nine touches. They are seemingly both locks. Audric Estime, a fifth-round pick in April, is probably safe, too. Estime rushed 10 times for 31 yards and a touchdown while adding three receptions for 13 yards. Blake Watson turned nine carries into 26 yards and a touchdown and even Tyler Badie got in on the action with two carries for 13 yards and a score. The team’s only running back to not get a carry might be in jeopardy…
4. Samaje Perine’s stock is falling: Perine is Denver’s best receiving back, but he mishandled his lone target on Sunday, leading to an interception that was credited to Stidham. The pass was accurate, but Perine bobbled it and bounced it into the air. Perine will turn 29 years old next month and the Broncos would save $3 million if he’s released this summer. If he does not stand out as the best receiving and blocking back in preseason, Perine might be in danger of not making the 53-man roster.
5. Bo Nix finished well after a shaky start: Nix, of course, is the big storyline. His overall performance was encouraging, but Nix did have some rookie moments early in the game. He started with two incompletions (including one that could have been intercepted) and he also mishandled a snap. Fortunately, Nix’s struggles ended there. The rookie quarterback finished the game 15-of-21 passing for 125 yards with one touchdown and no turnovers. Nix also showed off his mobility, rushing three times for 17 yards. The offensive line also kept Nix — and all three QBs — upright as the Broncos did not give up any sacks. Overall, it was a strong showing for Nix, albeit mostly against backup defenders. Nix is now set to start against the Green Bay Packers next week. Green Bay is expected to rest most of their defensive starters, but Nix will face starters when the Broncos host the Packers for a joint practice on Friday.
After hosting Green Bay, Denver will close out preseason against the Arizona Cardinals. Then it’s on to the regular season. The Broncos are scheduled to go on the road to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1.
Following the Watson score, Denver now leads Indy 34-24 with 5:55 remaining in the game. The Broncos have rushed for 114 yards and three touchdowns against the Colts so far.
Here are 10 takeaways following the first week of Broncos training camp.
The Denver Broncos started their ramp-up sessions last Wednesday, but the team did not begin official full-speed training camp practices until last Friday. So based on official practices, today marks the end of the first week of Broncos training camp.
So far there’s been one fight — tight end Nate Adkins and outside linebacker Durell Nchami got into it after a run play on Tuesday.
“It’s a scuffle,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of the incident after Tuesday’s practice. “Sometimes it doesn’t bother me. In that case, I think we’ll look at the film. I think one player gets blocked pretty well and frustrated. I don’t want discipline fouls, and we’ve all seen it. We talked a little bit about it afterwards, but the guys are working hard.”
That was perhaps Payton’s diplomatic way of telling Nchami to keep a cool head after getting thoroughly blocked by Adkins. That kind of retaliation on a game day would have led to a 15-yard penalty.
Scuffle aside, what did we learn from the first week of training camp? Here are ten quick takeaways from Denver.
Broncos backup swing tackle/guard Quinn Baileyfractured his ankle at Tuesday’s practice, a brutal injury for the 28-year-old lineman. Bailey was set to serve as the team’s “No. 6 lineman” this season, used in “jumbo” formations and filling in whenever a starting tackle or guard was sidelined. It’s now uncertain if Bailey will be able to return in 2024.
“It’s always tough to see and to be a part of when you’re at a practice,” Payton said of the injury. “It’s one of the bitter realities of our game. He was having a really good camp.”
Elsewhere on the injury front, safety Brandon Jones (hamstring) will be out another week or so, Caden Sterns (knee) is being eased into action and lineman Nick Gargiulo (undisclosed) remains sidelined.
2. Quinn Meinerz’s contract exemplifies Payton’s view of o-line
(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
Denver rewarded guard Quinn Meinerz with a four-year, $80 million contract extension before kicking off training camp. Giving big-money contracts to offensive linemen is nothing new for Payton.
“I think it is the most important position group on your roster,” Payton said last week when asked about valuing the offensive line. “I think it permeates your building. I believe that and it has served us well everywhere I have been.”
Since he arrived last year, Payton quickly emphasized improving the offensive line. He brought in two new starters through free agency last year and gave Meinerz an extension this year. Garett Bolles is up next (more on that later).
“I think it was really stressed to us a lot last year about how for the most part, the team goes as far as the offensive line,” Meinerz said. “So that kind of shows this offensive system and its success that Sean has had in the past. So we’ve understood since this new staff came that came in that the pressure was going to be put on the offensive line and that in the same breath, the way the games go, it’s on us.
“If we win a game, it’s on us, if we lose a game it’s on us and that’s the kind of mentality that we have. Whether it be in practice, individual period, team periods, one-on-ones, weight room, meetings, we know what’s at stake. We know what the pressure is — but I mean the cliché is that pressure makes diamonds. We’re ready for it.”
3. Pat Surtain and Garett Bolles are now on deck
(Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports)
Following the big extension for Meinerz, star cornerback Pat Surtainand left tackle Garett Bolles are now next in line for new contracts.
Payton said “we will keep you posted” when asked about a potential extension for Surtain, and he confirmed that he wants to re-sign the cornerback. PS2, meanwhile, is focusing on his play.
“There’s no specific timeframe right now,” Surtain said when asked if there’s a timeline for a new deal. “I’m going to let my agent handle that and let that process speak for itself. Right now, my ongoing focus is the football field for sure.”
Bolles is in a similar scenario.
“This team counts on me, so any time that we have voluntary or team meetings or whatever it is, I’m going to be the first one there,” Bolles said. “I love this city and I love this organization. I want to play my whole career here. The front office knows that. They know I want to be a Bronco for life.
“My family is here and established here. We love it here. We don’t want to go anywhere else. My job is to just play good football and the ball is in their court. I just have to do my job and the rest will take care of itself.”
4. Javonte Williams lost weight at Payton’s request
“He set me a goal weight and I got to it,” Williams said last week. The running back stopped eating after 7 p.m. and cut out snacks, including Takis, one of his favorites.
“The type of coach Coach Payton is, he’s seen a lot of great running backs come through,” Williams said. “Anything that he says, I’m going to listen to it. Just for him to even care and just to tell me, ‘This is what I want you to be when you come back to have the best chance to do what you have to do.’ That by itself just showed me that he cared, and if he put that much effort into it, I will too.”
Payton has praised Williams this summer, saying early in camp that the fourth-year running back has looked “real sharp.”
Some fans and pundits speculated this offseason that Williams might have a reduced role in 2024. The team’s backfield rotation, however, suggests that Williams will remain the RB1. The other spots are still up for grabs.
Denver drafted Audric Estime and then signed Blake Watson as a college free agent this spring, adding them to a backfield that already included Williams, Samaje Perine, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie.
“I think we have good competition there,” Payton said. “We have good skill sets and guys that can do different things there. Historically speaking for me, I’ve always believed that that depth is important because there’s a lot of wear and tear in 17 weeks to play with just one runner. It’s good to have him out there.”
It seems fair to assume the Broncos will carry four running backs on the 53-man roster. If they don’t believe Watson can sneak down to the practice squad, Perine could end up being a cap casualty.
“It’s going to be real intense and that’s the way you should want it to be,” Williams said of the RB competition. “No days off, like it says right here, ‘Compete Street,’ and every day we’re coming in and competition [should] be excellent. We’re all just going to get better from it.”
6. Courtland Sutton’s glad to be back with a revised deal
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton skipped the voluntary portion of the team’s offseason program in protest of his contract situation. Sutton reported for all of the mandatory sessions and Denver agreed to revise his contract one day before official training camp practices started last week.
Sutton can now earn an additional $1.5 million through new incentives in 2024 and he’s glad to have the negotiations behind him.
“It was nice,” Sutton said of the incentives being added. “I think it was made pretty clear that this is home for me, and this is where I wanted to be. I’m grateful that we were able to come to some form of an agreement to be able to help both of us move forward.”
With his contract situation sorted out, Sutton is now “like a kid in a candy store” at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit.
“It’s been amazing,” Sutton said. “I think the last time I talked to you guys, I told you that it was killing me not being out on the field with the guys. I’ve just been out here enjoying it like a kid in a candy store. Every little thing is a big thing, and just enjoying it.
“From the individuals [drills], to stretching with the guys, to route on air, being able to finally run plays against the defense, being in the huddle and hearing plays. All of those different things have been such a blessing to be able to do. [I’m] just enjoying each step of the way. It’s been a lot of fun.”
7. Sean Payton likes to have big wide receivers
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Broncos have 12 wide receivers on the 90-man offseason roster. Of those receivers, all but three are at least 6-1. Seven are 6-3 or taller. That’s not a coincidence — it’s a Payton preference.
“That position group is going to be interesting as you guys look at it, try to put it together and piece together,” Payton said of the WR room. “It’s a big group, size wise. First year I ever coached in the NFL in 1997 in Philadelphia, we played the 49ers.
“I want to say it’s ’97 — could have been ’98. It was at the old Veteran’s Stadium, and I remember when the Niners’ receivers walked out, it was Jerry Rice, and John Taylor and it was [J.J.] Stokes. I couldn’t get over how they looked. There is a prototype. That doesn’t mean that they can’t be smaller — then they have a different skill set — but in this league, that’s what we’re looking for. This is a big group.”
Courtland Sutton is 6-4, as are Tim Patrick and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. The tallest receiver on the roster is Devaughn Vele (6-5), and Payton’s appreciation of height is something to keep in mind when predicting Denver’s final WR depth chart.
8. Levi Wallace could be a sleeper at cornerback
(Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
In an ideal world, one of Riley Moss or Damarri Mathis will step up this summer and emerge as the team’s No. 2 cornerback across from Pat Surtain. That’s the preferred scenario. But a veteran like Levi Wallace stepping in as a short-term solution might be a more likely scenario.
“We have a good smart veteran player who has played in a lot of games,” Payton said of Wallace. “With the amount of multiple receiver sets we get, there’s that level of expertise and experience he brings. [He is] steady. I think he brings something to the room as well. I think quietly, he’s been a real good addition for us.”
Wallace has also drawn praise from Surtain, which is notable.
“It’s great,” PS2 said. “Another ‘Bama’ boy, so that’s great for sure. Levi, he’s provided a great presence to our secondary room. His experience — I think this is Year [7] for him. Going into it, he knows a lot about the game, a lot about Xs and Os. It helps a lot because when you have a veteran presence in the defensive back room it helps your game for sure.”
9. The center competition might be Luke Wattenberg’s to lose
(Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)
Luke Wattenberg handled the first-team center duties through the first few days of practice before Alex Forsyth eventually joined the rotation. Forsyth has also been getting some looks at guard, a position Wattenberg has also played in the past. That versatility will serve both players well. Whoever does not end up starting at center can serve as a backup swing guard/center. That might leave center Sam Mustipher as the odd man out.
“He’s smart,” Payton said when asked about Wattenberg. “I think he’s got good versatility. There are traits that you look forward to in a center. You look for guys that obviously are strong inside handling the pash rush. Then it’s how are they at the second level? Often times, that player is able to combo and get up to a linebacker—can they finish? So he’s someone that’s pretty athletic and has a really good ability to get to his second-level blocks.”
10. Quarterback competition seems to have two contenders
Bo Nix Looks Very Accurate at Broncos Training Camp with Deep Ball to Michael Bandy pic.twitter.com/nDl3k6QK1W
It’s no surprise, really, but Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nixseem to be pulling ahead of Zach Wilson in the quarterback battle.
Stidham already has a year of experience in Payton’s offense, which gives him an obvious advantage in the competition. It’s no surprise, then, that many pundits believe Stidham is the best QB1 option at this very moment.
That could change over the next few weeks, though, especially if Nix continues to impress.
Bo Nix is DEALING…just hit Reynolds for a 15 yard gain on a freaking rope over the out stretched hands of Ja’Quan McMillian along the left sideline. What a DIME@KOAColorado#Broncos
The competition will ultimately be decided during preseason. It would be a big upset for Wilson to bounce back and win the job. Whoever looks the best between Stidham and Nix this summer will line up under center when the Broncos go on the road to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1.
First things first, Denver will have three preseason games in August, starting with a road game against the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 11. This is just a hunch, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Stidham start the first preseason game and Nix start the second. Perhaps the Broncos could then decide on a starter around the third week of preseason.
That’s just a guess, though. Payton hasn’t revealed his timeline for naming a starter. It’s obviously the story at training camp, and one we’ll continue to follow on Broncos Wire.
Broncos RB Blake Watson has returned from the NFI list. Five other injured players worked on a side field on Thursday.
Denver Broncos undrafted rookie running back Blake Watson (leg muscle) passed his physical on Thursday and was activated from the non-football injury list to the active roster.
Watson suffered the injury while away from the team’s facility this offseason, which is why he went on NFI list. Now healthy again, the running back was back on the practice field Thursday.
Elsewhere on the injury front, offensive lineman Quinn Bailey (ankle) was officially placed on injured reserve on Thursday, ending his 2024 campaign.
Meanwhile, safety Brandon Jones (hamstring), outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (back), guard Nick Gargiulo (undisclosed), linebacker Drew Sanders (Achilles) and safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) worked on a side field during Thursday’s practice.
Sanders and Turner-Yell remain on the physically unable to perform list.
Denver Broncos injuries
RB Blake Watson: leg muscle (returned to practice)
LB Drew Sanders: Achilles (PUP list; worked on side)
DB Delarrin Turner-Yell: knee (PUP list; worked on side)
Broncos DB Brandon Jones (hamstring) could be out another week-plus. Pass rusher Nik Bonitto (back) could return as early as today.
The Denver Broncos have some lingering bumps and bruises as they wrap up their first week of training camp.
First, some good news: Broncos safety Caden Sterns (knee) was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Saturday and the team has been easing him back into action.
“So, he’s passed his physical in order to get back on the field,” coach Sean Payton said of Sterns. “Now we have to be really smart. It’ll be a process.”
Meanwhile, fellow safety Brandon Jones has “tweaked” his hamstring. Payton indicated the team won’t rush Jones in his recovery.
“He’s probably going to be week or two weeks with a hamstring,” Payton said. “We’re just going to be smart with his recovery. He’s someone that he’ll attack the rehab really quick, but I think two weeks will be realistic.”
Elsewhere on the injury front, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto was sidelined Tuesday with what Payton described as “some back issues.” The coach expects Bonitto to return soon, perhaps as early as Wednesday.
Denver guard Nick Gargiulo (undisclosed) also remains sidelined.
Rounding out the injury report are running back Blake Watson (on the NFI list with a leg muscle injury), linebacker Drew Sanders (phsycially unable to perform list with an Achilles injury) and safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (PUP list with a knee injury).
Denver defensive end John Franklin-Myers was also absent from Tuesday’s practice after being excused to attend a family funeral.
“It’s one of those positions that really gets a little bit clearer when you see them in pads,” Sean Payton said of the RB competition.
The Denver Broncos added some serious competition to the backfield this offseason when they drafted Audric Estime and then signed Blake Watson as a college free agent. Those two rookies joined a running back room that already included Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie.
With six running backs on the 90-man offseason roster, the Broncos will have to make some tough decisions when roster cuts begin in August.
Nothing was resolved in the spring because those practices don’t involve any contact. Once training camp begins and the pads come on, coach Sean Payton will have a better idea of how the running backs stack up.
“I can point to an example, it’s one of the harder positions to evaluate in this kind of setting,” Payton said on June 12. “You get to see the passing game, but there have been two or three instances in my past where I thought what a back was going to be was entirely different when we got into pads. Even in Dallas with Marion Barber — the late Marion Barber — and Julius Jones. It’s one of those positions that really gets a little bit clearer when you see them in pads running and blocking.
“I can recall a free agent tryout we had that I thought was going to be more of a ‘scat back’ and then became a much more physical runner than we ever expected. Alvin Kamara was a different player than we thought we were getting when we drafted him. We drafted a guy who was the No. 2 back at Tennessee. We saw ‘Joker’ traits and then the first handoff in the first preseason game, he goes 52 yards for a touchdown. All of a sudden, we may want to run him off-tackle. That is hard to see here but it is easier to see when you get into training camp and the preseason.”
Our way-too-early 53-man roster projection has Watson and Badie as the odd men out in Denver’s backfield. Both would be strong candidates for the practice squad if they don’t end up on the active roster.
That’s just a projection, though. The competition will sort itself out in the coming weeks when the Broncos break out the pads.
The Broncos placed rookie running back Blake Watson on the non-football injury list ahead of the start of training camp.
The Denver Broncos placed undrafted rookie running back Blake Watson on the non-football injury list on Wednesday, according to KPRC-TV’s Aaron Wilson. Watson’s injury is not yet known.
As the name suggests, the NFI list is for players who suffer an injury away from the team’s facility unrelated to a game, practice or team workout. Watson still counts against the 90-man offseason roster and he can return from the NFI list once he’s ready to practice again.
Watson was also picked by the Memphis Showboats in the second round of the UFL draft on Wednesday. He will remain with the Broncos, but if Watson is off Denver’s roster next spring, the Showboats will have first dibs among UFL teams.
Watson isn’t the team’s only rookie running back dealing with an injury. Broncos coach Sean Payton revealed in May that fifth-round draft pick Audric Estime had a minor knee procedure in the spring.
Payton estimated that Estime would be recovered in time for training camp. We’ll find out if Estime is ready to go when Denver begins training camp practices next Friday.
Blake Watson is not “the next Alvin Kamara,” but he has impressive receiving skills that Sean Payton can maximize in his offense.
Following the 2024 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos signed Memphis running back Blake Watson as an undrafted free agent. Watson, who was one of two Division I running backs with 50 catches last fall, was considered one of the top UDFAs available after the draft.
In addition to rushing for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, Watson also hauled in 53 receptions for 480 yards and three scores last fall. The Broncos will undoubtedly take a look at the RB’s receiving skills during training camp and preseason this summer.
“Being an extra receiver, that’s something I like to do, and I’m glad they want to do that with me,” Watson said in May.
Thanks in part to his ability to make plays as a receiver out of the backfield, Watson has drawn some comparisons to New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara. Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked if he sees similarities between the two backs this spring.
“No,” Payton said before acknowledging some similar skill sets. “Look, we use that ‘Joker’ term a little bit. That was one of the traits though that stood out. He was one of those guys again in the seventh round, sixth round [was available, and] we saw a player that was natural catching the ball. That was a big draw. When we read a player, that was a draw to his vision. What’s the vision? So now we’re learning more about him.
“I’m not making the comparison, but when [the Saints] drafted Kamara, we saw that vision, but we didn’t realize the other things in the running game. The first handoff in the preseason I think against the Chargers, he went 52 yards for a touchdown. And we were like, ‘Man, we can hand the ball off to him.’ But if you asked me the traits that attracted us to Blake, it was certainly that that we saw in the passing game, and you saw pretty good football IQ too. So good question.”
Similarly to how he handled the Bo Nix and Drew Brees buzz, Payton likely does not want to create lofty expectations by making unfair comparisons. Watson doesn’t have to be “the next Kamara” to make an impact in Denver’s offense, but he could be asked to do similar things.
“I think I’m a do-it-all-type of guy,” the rookie said. “Whatever the team needs me to do, I’m going to be able to do it. I’m excited to play my role.”
First things first, Watson will need to focus on making the active roster in a very crowded running back room. His competition for a spot on the 53-man roster includes Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, Jaleel McLaughlin, fifth-round pick Audric Estime and Tyler Badie. Watson figures to have a future in Denver, but his first season might begin on the practice squad.
