Latest news with #Broncos'
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Broncos' updated cornerback depth chart with Mario Goodrich
Broncos' updated cornerback depth chart with Mario Goodrich The Denver Broncos' crowded secondary added another member this week. The Broncos signed United Football League cornerback Mario Goodrich on Wednesday, adding an 11th cornerback to their 90-man offseason roster (a safety was waived to make room). It's still easy to predict the top of Denver's cornerback depth chart, but the backup roles are getting tough to project. Pat Surtain, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, will continue to start on the outside as the team's CB1. Riley Moss is still the early favorite to play across from PS2, but it remains to be seen if rookie Jahdae Barron will play primarily in the slot or outside. If Barron ends up outside, Moss could move to the slot. Ja'Quan McMillian, the team's previous slot cornerback, now becomes a very valuable depth/rotational player. Kris Abrams-Draine proved last season that he is a capable reserve option as well. Beyond those top five is a toss-up. Damarri Mathis is the most experienced, but the Broncos could save $3.4 million if he's cut this summer. Goodrich will also be competing with Quinton Newsome and Reese Taylor, plus undrafted rookies Jaden Robinson and Joshua Pickett. Broncos cornerback depth chart CB1 : Pat Surtain : Pat Surtain CB2 : Riley Moss : Riley Moss Slot : Jahdae Barron, Ja'Quan McMillian : Jahdae Barron, Ja'Quan McMillian CB5 : Kris Abrams-Draine : Kris Abrams-Draine Depth : Damarri Mathis, Mario Goodrich, Quinton Newsome, Reese Taylor : Damarri Mathis, Mario Goodrich, Quinton Newsome, Reese Taylor UDFAs: Jaden Robinson, Joshua Pickett The cornerback depth chart will shake out this summer following a competition at training camp. The Broncos will release their first official depth chart when preseason begins in August. Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Potential Landing Spots for Former Broncos' Standout Safety Justin Simmons
Potential Landing Spots for Former Broncos' Standout Safety Justin Simmons originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Former Denver Broncos standout safety Justin Simmons remains one of the surprising free agents unsigned. However, it's not the first time Simmons has waited deep into the offseason to sign a deal. Advertisement After spending the first eight years of his career in Denver, Simmons signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. But the safety didn't sign until mid-August. Simmons, though currently unsigned, should have plenty of interest around the league. The veteran safety established a great career in Denver, averaging 75.5 tackles, 3.75 interceptions, and eight passes defended over his eight seasons. Simmons earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2023. In 2024 with the Falcons, Simmons collected 62 tackles, seven passes defended, and a pair of interceptions. Simmons' head coach in Denver from 2019 to 2021 was Vic Fangio. Here are some potential landing spots with a connection to Fangio that could fit well for the standout safety in 2025. Advertisement The Carolina Panthers' defensive coordinator is Ejiro Evero, who spent time with Fangio in San Francisco from 2011 to 2014, and took over as the Broncos' defensive coordinator in 2022 after Fangio's departure. Evero uses similar defensive schemes as Simmons' former head coach, and the safety could slide in next to Tre'von Moehrig, whom the Panthers signed in free agency. The San Francisco 49ers present another interesting landing spot, with Robert Saleh back as the defensive coordinator. Saleh was the Texans' defensive intern in 2005 while Fangio was the defensive coordinator. Saleh got his first coordinating opportunity in San Francisco in 2017 and turned the 49ers' defense into one of the best in the league. After a rough go as head coach with the New York Jets, Saleh is back to where he found his most success. Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons (31) on the field during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. After letting Talanoa Hufanga go in the offseason, the addition of Simmons seems like a slam dunk for the 49ers' secondary. Advertisement However, the Philadelphia Eagles may be the most obvious landing spot for Simmons - a direct reunion with his former head coach. With Vangio in his second year as the defensive coordinator in Philadelphia and the departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason, Simmons could be the perfect piece to slide in. The Eagles are reigning Super Bowl champions, and their defense was a large reason why. Simmons would bolster that defense and already knows the coach's system. Lastly, the Las Vegas Raiders could be an option. Las Vegas hired Joe Woods this offseason to be their pass game coordinator and defensive backs' coach. Woods coached Simmons in Denver for the first three years of his career. Simmons is familiar with Woods, and the addition would add a proven veteran to Las Vegas' secondary. Advertisement Based on when he signed in 2024, Simmons still has plenty of time, but with training camp beginning in July, we could he a move made soon. Related: Broncos' Bo Nix to Host Teammates for Summer Sessions This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos' Bo Nix Can Become a 'Monster' According to Former NFL Quarterback Rex Grossman
Broncos' Bo Nix Can Become a 'Monster' According to Former NFL Quarterback Rex Grossman originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Denver Broncos selected quarterback Bo Nix in the first round during the 2024 NFL draft. While they picked up their franchise quarterback, there were a lot of doubts surrounding his game. Advertisement From the limiting offense at Oregon to Nix being the sixth quarterback taken in round one, there were a lot of doubters heading into year one. But, after just one year, Nix has a former NFL quarterback giving him extremely high praise. In an article from Kyle Odegard of he interviewed former Chicago Bears Super Bowl quarterback Rex Grossman. After discussing multiple young quarterbacks, Grossman was asked who among the young quarterbacks has "really impressed him." He answered with Bo Nix. "I think Bo Nix is awesome," Grossman said. "He's not going to make mistakes. He can run better than people think. He's pretty accurate. If you put him on the trajectory that everyone gets better their second, third, fourth year, by the time he's in his fifth year, he's going to be a monster." Grossman's high praise of Nix is eye-catching. Considering he was a former Bears quarterback, and he didn't name number one overall pick Caleb Williams for this question, means he truly sees elite stuff from Nix. Based on how Nix looked in his rookie season, it's no surprise that there are people interested in how he develops. Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile Chenoy-Imagn Images Nix in year one threw for 3,775 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions on a 66.3 completion percentage. He also added 430 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, and a trick-play two-yard receiving touchdown. Advertisement In his 2024 rookie season, Nix was in third place in offensive rookie of the year voting. He also led the Broncos to the playoffs for the first time since the incredible 2015 season. Based on his rookie year, Grossman's praise of Nix is warranted. But Grossman wasn't done praising Nix. "Picking apart his game, I don't really see a weakness," Grossman said. "He's tough, fast, smart. Seems like he'd be a pretty good leader. Got a good coach and a good organization. I think they did well with that one." These comments from Grossman indicate not just how much the former quarterback likes Nix, but how much potential he sees in him. Grossman believes that if he continues to develop, Nix can be a "monster," which could put Nix among the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Related: Potential Landing Spots for Former Broncos' Standout Safety Justin Simmons Related: Broncos' RJ Harvey Excited for Journey in Denver Alongside J.K. Dobbins This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos' Caleb Lohner Draws Jimmy Graham Comparisons
Broncos' Caleb Lohner Draws Jimmy Graham Comparisons originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Switching positions within the same sport is one thing, but transitioning to a new sport entirely is another. Denver Broncos rookie tight end Caleb Lohner is looking to accomplish the latter feat and become the next former college basketball player to have a successful professional football career. Advertisement In fact, Lohner is already drawing comparisons to someone whose athletics career closely mirrors his own: Jimmy Graham, who was a five-time Pro Bowler during his 13 years in the NFL. Graham, after playing four years of college basketball at Miami, stuck around for another fall to take graduate-level classes and play one season of college football. Lohner followed a somewhat similar pathway. He focused exclusively on basketball at BYU and Baylor before deciding to play both football and basketball at Utah during the 2024-25 academic year. The two players' similarities do not end there. Broncos head coach Sean Payton also coached Graham when he first entered the league with the New Orleans Saints, which makes Lohner-Graham comparisons even more fitting. Utah Utes tight end Caleb Lohner (84) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass in the first half against the Utah State Aggies at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Sabau-Imagn Images Shortly after the Broncos selected Lohner with a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Payton addressed these comparisons, as well as how the rookie would need to refine some areas of his game in the professional ranks. Advertisement "People bring up Jimmy. Now, Jimmy was a third-round pick. I get it, but there were some similarities in that. He only played a year, 80-something snaps. I think he had 18 catches," Payton said. "So, yes, we have to coach and develop [Caleb]." Payton also discussed the difficulty of evaluating Lohner's football skill set with limited game film. Lohner played 57 snaps during the Utes' 2025 season and caught just four passes, all of which were touchdowns. But Payton said, in a matter of weeks, he has already seen the potential Lohner possesses. "There are two or three clips where I'm like, 'Play it again. Play it again.' Then, when you watch him, and you watch him move," Payton said. "You guys see him, and shake his hand and stand next to him, like, 'Holy cow.' There are traits there that excite me... I'm excited to watch it.' Related: Broncos' J.K. Dobbins Sends Shot at Chargers After Denver Decision This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos' Garett Bolles Makes Bold Statement on Denver's Potential With Bo Nix
Broncos' Garett Bolles Makes Bold Statement on Denver's Potential With Bo Nix originally appeared on Athlon Sports. One of the main storylines throughout the early part of the offseason in OTAs and minicamp in Denver was the growth, confidence, and leadership of Bo Nix. Advertisement Many of his teammates and coaches around him had a lot of praise for the young quarterback's development in his rookie year and expressed excitement for 2025 due to his continued work. Garett Bolles, Nix's left tackle, had one of the boldest takes. Bolles believes Nix can lead the Broncos back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2016. "His composure, his demeanor, his work ethic - everything about him," Bolles said. "He has all the clue, the demeanor and everything you can think of in a quarterback that can lead your team to a Super Bowl. I'm so grateful I get to block for him." Dec 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile J. Downing-Imagn Images The Broncos drafted Bolles in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he has spent his entire eight-year career in Denver. He's seen many quarterbacks come and go, but he sees something else in Nix. Advertisement "Bo is a freak of nature," Bolles said. Bolles is a beloved part of this Broncos team, even though he had some rough patches early in his career in Denver. The left tackle was known for his holding calls in his first few years in the league, getting called for at least six per season in his first three years. However, Bolles has stayed loyal to Denver and planted his family in the Mile High City, becoming a fan favorite now. Bolles has started every single game in five of his eight years in the NFL, and has only missed more than two games in one season. After being called for 20 holding penalties in his first three years, he's been called for just 14 holding penalties over the last five years. Advertisement The Broncos' left tackle is known as the nicest guy on the team, and part of that comes through his free GB3 camp, which he puts on for kids to learn and enjoy the game of football. Bolles said his main objective through the camp is to put a smile on the kids' faces. The Broncos' veteran has been through everything in his NFL career, but he's just thankful to be where he is, and protecting the quarterback he is. The Broncos look like a dark horse Super Bowl contender in the AFC in 2025, and nobody is more confident in Nix to lead them there than his left tackle. Related: Broncos Seventh-Round TE Draws Jimmy Graham Comparisons This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
