Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back to a Tuesday evening edition of Broncos Country Tonight.
Once again, I am your fillin host for the evening,
Zach Segers. That's at Zach Underscore Seekers on Twitter, find
me over on Let's Talk Broncos dot com as well
or the Let's Talk Broncos podcasts wherever you listen to podcasts.
And now let's head over to the KOA Common Spirit hotline,
(00:21):
where we're joined by Devin Jackson of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Devin,
how are you doing today and how is Mobile?
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Yeah? Yeah, I'm doing well. Thanks for having me on, Zach.
I appreciate the time and opportunity. But yeah, Mobile has
been great day one of practices for today, and you know,
a lot of great beings going on at a lot
of great players down here a Mobile as usual. But ba,
I'm doing well. I had a great first day practice
at Mobile and andro a time so far.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
That's awesome.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Man.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Who were there any big players or any players that
really stood out today on the first day of Senior
Bowl practices? Any bigners from this first set?
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Yeah, I think you know. I'll give a shout out
to the small school guy first North Dakota State. Gray
is Able played tackle at North Dakota State, but they
kind of moved him all around today down in mobile
national team practice. They had him at uh, you know, guard, guard, spots,
had him at center, had him out of tackle for
a few reps. So here's a guy that that came
(01:25):
in you know, probably going to projected to the interior,
and scouts wanted to see him, h you know, kind
of participate in the interior. He did really well, did
a really nice job in pass protection, didn't lose a
rep in one on one sessions against a really talented
defensive line at Edge Russer Group, and show his versatility
and ability to you know, use his hands well and
(01:46):
be able to mirror pass rushers. So he had a
really big day, I would say, on a national team
and showing what he could do. And I spent a
lot of time watching trenches, so a lot of these
winners are going to be trench trench related, but he
had a really big day. You know. I think about
you know, another offensive lineman, Josh Connery who came into
(02:06):
the week from Oregon, the tackle from Oregan, who had
a really nice day as well, shoeing that he can
protect at left tackle and do some really nice things,
not only in the one on one sessions, but the
team period. He had a couple of nice reach plots
on the backside of the team drow on outside zone.
So those are two offensive lineman winners. You look at
(02:28):
the defensive line and I look at the American team
and Shamar stew Or I think really caught a lot
of people's attention to Tick saying him from the text
saying them edge fresher just for the size six five
to eighty, but he moves like a guy that's two
hundred and forty or two hundred and fifty pounds, really explosive.
You know. We put often Flyne on his back during
(02:50):
the one on one session, pass the passing one on
one sessions, and then showed his ability to stop the
run as well. So he was a big winner as well.
That they're really still out And then I'll go to
a guy that's more skill position. Elijah at Royo, the
tight end from Miami, had a really big day, showed
his rout running ability, showed some ability as a blocker
(03:11):
as well in the team sessions, though that's not necessarily
his strength. But he also a nice big day, was
dominating the one on one session against tight ends and
safeties and just a guy that's super explosive, you know,
can make the catches down field and then just be
a weapon at the NFL level. So I would say
those are some of the guys that kind of stood
(03:31):
out to me. You know, a couple of trenches guys
and you know skill positioned guy as well. So far
on mobile well, Royo.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
I know it's going to be having some members of
Broncos Country perked their ears up, been looking for a
tight end upgrade after a really lackluster year from Adam
Trautman and company here in Denver.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
Do you think Elijah Royo has some of that?
Speaker 1 (03:55):
I mean, Jimmy Graham's pretty lofty, but another Miami tight
end who of course landed with Sean Payton, could lightning
strike twice here with a receiver as dynamic as a Royal.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
What what kind of role do you see him killing
in the NFL?
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Yeah, I think he's kind of one of those you know,
vertical scene tight ends that that can stress the field,
that you can put out in the slot and he
can run routes from from there. You kind of move
him around. I don't think he's going to be a
guy that you know, dominates necessarily in line as a blocker.
I think he's more of a you know, can kind
of help ceiling edge, or can go up to a
(04:29):
linebacker and help celi edge, you know, works some double
team blocks with the tackle. I think he's a guy
that is I don't know think he's gonna come man
necessarily a full like a tight end, you know, top
of the tight end in the NFL type of role.
But I think he's a guy that can stress the
field vertically, that can create after the catch, that can
(04:51):
create explosive plays down the field and down the scene.
So I think it would be a big upgrade. You know,
you think about the Denver Brunker offense and how much
you're relied on on the receiving and some of the
running backs out of the backfield. I think, you know,
you add a royal to the mix. He's a guy
that I just trust the field, that can you know,
showcase his ability as a route runner that they can
get out on the edge and create some big things,
(05:13):
can win those one on one matchups, match up against
corners or linebackers or safety. So I think he's kind
of a guy that can be a Mattrop problem at
the NFL level. I do think, you know, we need
to continue to grow as a blocker, but in terms
of the receiving ability and the receiving Probacy brings, I
certainly will be an upgrade for any NFL offense, and
especially in a demo Broncos offense.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
Absolutely and highlighting the center Gray Zabel, who had a
great day down at senior bull practice earlier. Broncos Country
definitely looking at centers potentially in this draft. I know
it's a weaker interior offensive line class, though, when you're
looking at a right tackle making that jump you know,
all the way inside to center, having to learn how
to snap, you know, maybe have some responsibilities identifying what
(05:58):
the defense is doing. I guess what are you most
looking for him to prove to tell you that he
can be a successful NFL center at the next level.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
I think, you know, just just how he communicates and
commands at the line of scrimmage. You know, that's a
big part of the job as a center, being able
to you know, read some of the fronts, being able
to communicate what the calls are. And so I'd be
interested to see you know, more in those live session periods,
and obviously getting to actually see him in the see
your bowl game might be even a more of an
(06:30):
advantage just because you know, these practices, he only get
so much time, you know, when you're going good, I'm
good and doing full content periods. So I think it's
one of those situations where it's probably gonna take a
little bit longer, you know, to to kind of make
that transition, just because there's so much that goes into
playing center and get comfortable snapping like you said, and
and whatnot. But I think just showing the ability they
(06:52):
can do it and can kind of move around a
little bit and show his versatility, I think, you know,
he has to continue what he did to we practice today,
you know, like being able to slide you over to
guard left guard and going to right guard and then
taking snatch of the center. So, uh, he's starting to
I think at least show that you can move him
around a little bit and he can show you showed
(07:14):
today that he certainly can be comfortable at interior off
of the line, but but in center. I think it's
one of those things you have to wait and see
and and and kind of a live period, live game action,
which would be the actual Sea Bowl game on Saturday,
to see, you know, just how well he handles it,
just only because you know they're you know, and in practice. Today,
(07:34):
you know, they did a lot of under center things,
which which is kind of different from from years past.
You know, they usually just relied on shotguns. So I
didn't see a lot of shotgun snaps fromm but but
in terms of actually being able to snap the ball
and under center, it was a little bit easier from
that perspective. So I think it's just kind of one
(07:54):
of those things over the course of the week that
he'll have to continue to show and an actual game,
I think you'll get a better read if you can
actually make the transition. But he was well on his
way with the refs he had today.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
That's definitely something to watch for this weekend. Looking to
the other side of the trenches, the Broncos expected to
probably lose DJ Jones this offseason. They're looking to maybe
replace him with another great run stuffing defensive lineman. I
know you said Shamar Stewart out on the Ende with
someone that impressed you, Diane Walker, the massive Behemoth out
(08:28):
of Kentucky. I saw getting some mixed reviews today out
of Singer Bowl practices. Did you see anything from him
that stood out you either way good or bad?
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Yeah. So I think with Deon Walker, like you, you're
enamor with the size. I mean, he measured in at
six seven, three forty and he's a guy that you
know is going to command attention. You know, he's a
big man. He has some explosiveness at his size, some
ability to really push the pocket and push you know
often sil line in the backfield. I think, more so
(08:59):
than any thing's a consistency and pad level issue to
where you're not seeing to necessarily dominate as he could.
You know, like you know a few reps where you
would push off its line into the backfield and you
know you would be able to generate some push in
the pocket and team and generate some some upfield you know,
penetration in the run game. But then there are other
(09:21):
times where in the one on sessions, he he's getting
stopped after his initial pass rush and not having an encounter,
you know, getting held off by a guy that's you know,
like seventy pounds not seventy But I would say like
sixty seventy pounds lighter than him and Willie Lampkin, you know, so,
like I think it was certainly an up and down
day for sure with Dean Walker. And I think it's
(09:41):
more so it's going to be NFL coaching to see
if you can get him to play at a more
consistent pad level, if you can get more consistency out
of him down down, because certainly, you know, you look
at the twenty twenty three tape and you see a
guy that maybe, you know, if all things go right,
you know, he's a top fifteen, top twenty pick. But
now you're looking at a guy's probably going to go
on day two and kind of a risky pitch just
(10:02):
because the inconsistency inconsistencies he had on this TAMN in
twenty twenty four. And you know, we still do a
lot to prove, and there's still two days of practice,
so you don't want to jump too far, and you
know ahead and say maybe this isn't fixable. But I
certainly think you know, those two concerns that mentioned or
two things are kind of going to loom in his
(10:23):
draft evaluation because you know the tools are there, you know,
the size is there. He's a very unique player. But
in terms of like the down to down consistency, you
know what I think more than anything is figuring out
what what is his his calling card? What is is
the one thing that makes him dominant? You're going to
be a dominant you know, pass rusher, are going to
(10:44):
be a style run defender, and it seems like he's
trying to do it all and you know it's not coming,
you know, at times with the best results. So I
think with be on Locker, the potential and the size
and everything he brings to the table, you're always going
to buy into that. That to me is about what
can he do on a consistent down and down basis.
(11:04):
I think the next two practices are going to be
used for him just to show that, you know, he
can boss back from the up and down day and
you know, shrink together a couple of really nice practices
and you know, show that he can take NFL coaching
as well.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
Really quick jumping to the opposite end of the size scale.
Tes Johnson, He's a player that a lot in Broncos
country are monitoring closely. Of course, the adopted brother of
Bo Nicks. A lot of people here in Broncos Country
want him to land here in Denver. But the size
measurements that came out with him today, we're pretty dang concerning.
(11:40):
When you see a guy, you know, way in at
what was it five foot seven, you know, one hundred
and fifty six pounds or five foot nine hundred and
fifty six pounds.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
Is that a deal breaker for you?
Speaker 1 (11:52):
And you know, if not, what kind of role can
you project him having in the NFL.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
Yeah, you know, we kind of seeing I won't say
seeing the exact same, but we've seen something that he's
come up before. You know, he had to to out
well a couple of years ago that was really really
small wave wise. You know, even Xavier Worthy going into
the NFL draft last year was really really small. You know,
I think he was like one to sixty five. So
I think, to me, like, yes, it's a concern, but
(12:21):
I don't think it's a concern where he should be
off your board. I think it's more about what the
value can get for him. And and you know, I
have a roll you carve out for I think he's
a guy that you know, is a field stretcher, ability
to to really get behind the defense, really stress the defense,
especially in man coverage situations, being able to create a
(12:43):
runway for him, to create yack situations. I mean, he
really thrived and you know, getting downhill and running, running
those inbreakers and uh those those mesh routes and you know,
sending use him in fast motion situations and just doing
anything you can to get him in space and land
create So I think it's going to take a really
(13:04):
you know, a really good play caller to kind of
scheme them some ways to get the ball in different
ways to really make advantage of the use of his speed.
You saw kind of with the Chiefs and what they
were able to do, how he you know, with Xavier Worthy,
how they went from you know, attacking him more vertically
to create more opportunities for him to get the ball
(13:24):
in space and use his speed that way. So I
think with tes Johnson, you're going to probably use a similar,
similar blueprint and you want to get him the ball
and in open space and create one on one situations
with him so he can utilize that speed and acceleration
to really thrive. So I think it's all going to
be about landing, spot and play calling. I don't think
(13:45):
he's a guy that you're going to row out there
for forty to fifty plays. You know, it's probably going
to be a sub packaged player where you know, you
try to take advantage of some of the speed he brings.
So so I think with Tez, you know, we certainly
a good player. He had a really good day one. Yeah,
really a couple of nice reps in one on one
session against Azriah Thomas, you know, the Florida State corner
(14:05):
that had a lot of high going into the week.
So you know, I think he's the best skill position
player here in Ted Johnson, just with the with the
forums to get today and just overall of his ability
to create opportunities to win at the line of scrimmage,
to win with speed. So so had a really big
day Day one, and I thank you. Certainly worthy draft
(14:27):
target despite his size.
Speaker 1 (14:29):
Talking with Devin Jackson of the Philadelphia Inquirer, sports editor
and draft writer for them, dev last one for you here.
Oh and you can follow him by the way at
Real d Underscore Jackson last one for you here. Running
back I think is the most discussed position in the
draft right now for Broncos Country. You know, there's a
good crop of him down there at the Senior Bowl,
(14:49):
though a couple like Cam Skataboo decided not to make
the trip. Anyone standing out to you there so far
through the first day of practices.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
Yeah, so two names that come to mind for me,
at least, I would say the first one was Brashard Smith,
the running back out of SMU. You know, he's a
guy that's a former receiver at Miami, transfer of the
running back transfer to SMU and really had a big
season this year. And you saw in the one on
one sessions against linebackers how easy it was for him
(15:23):
to create separation and catch the ball naturally, but also
as a as a runner in the team session. And
then for running backs, it's hard to stand out here,
you know, just because a lot of things are controlled.
You know, you're doing inside run, but you can't really
tackle anyone can't tackle to the ground, so you don't
really get to see some of the things they do.
But the vision really stood out to me from Brashard Smith,
(15:45):
how he was able to press the hole and find
the cutback lane. So he had a couple of nice
runs in the team session and showed his ability to
showcase that an event that's not really designed, you know,
for running backs. So he the one I wanted to
give a shout out, and that Marcus Yarns, the running
back from Delaware, small school running back. But guys dynamite
(16:07):
out of the backfield, great acceleration. Uh a bit on
a smaller side, probably more of a situational world running
back as opposed to taking a full, full load or
full game of carries. But a guy that that's a
change of pace runner that has some receiving ability out
of the backfield, that that is really you know, Uh,
(16:27):
the acceleration is nice, has some pretty good vision and
just hits the all and go, you know. So, uh,
those are two guys I think that probably aren't necessarily
you know, every down backs at the NFL level, but
you know, maybe there's sub packaged players. Maybe the guys
that you know can split carries, do a running back
by committee. I know Sean Payton has has been big
(16:47):
on that and and some of his previous stops having
running back by a committee. So I think those guys
could play a nice role in Denver.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
Well, thank you very much, Devin. I hope the Broncos
can land some of those great players. Everyone make sure
you are following along with his senior book coverage and
just draft coverage in general. He is a must follow
this time of year and really all twelve months on
the sports calendar.
Speaker 3 (17:08):
Devin, thank you again so much.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
Everyone follow him at at real d Underscore Jackson.
Speaker 3 (17:14):
Devin, thank you again very much.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Yeah, thanks so much Zach for opportunity and then I
hope you enjoy us today. Thanks so much.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
Likewise, thank you, Devin. That was Devin Jackson to the
Philadelphia Inquirer live from Obile. A big thanks to Devin
for joining us. Absolutely love getting his insight this time
of year. Make sure you are following him in all
his great work. More Broncos Country Tonight coming up next
on KOA eight fifty am ninety four to one FM.
(17:44):
Hello everybody, and welcome back to a Tuesday edition, Tuesday
night edition of Broncos Country Tonight. Once again, I am
your fill in host, Zach Segers, filling in for Benjamin
Albright and Nick Ferguson. You can find me on Twitter
at Zach Underscore Seekers, or find more of me over
on the Let's Talk Broncos podcast. You can find that
(18:07):
on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts. Excited to
be filling in for Ben today. Always an honor to
be on the show. You might be you might recognize
me from my time behind the glass, but excited to
be in front of the mic this time to talk
about some different topics. Have you missed me at the
top of the hour or at the top of the
(18:28):
six o'clock hour. Talked about talked about Broncos ownership and
how they've been off to a really strong start in
their first few years at the helmet and the initiative
in today in particular where they're spending fifteen million dollars
on helmets for youth football.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
Think that is incredibly cool.
Speaker 1 (18:48):
In this segment, want to dive into bo Nix and
what we're looking for him in that second year. How
can you avoid that sophomore slump and a little bit
more to it there, you know, how can the help
BONNICKX this offseason? But before I do that, really quick,
just want to say, really quick, just want to say
you can set koa as a preset on our free
(19:09):
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iHeart Radio app users are enjoying industry first features like
presets a scan button and a live radio dial set
KOA as a preset on the iHeart Radio app today.
I would definitely recommend that. That's how I'm always listening
to KOA when I'm not at the station or if
I'm running around the station and have to keep my
(19:30):
ear on the show. I think that's the best way
to do it. Would definitely recommend using that. Well, let's
look at Boonix. Now, that's what everyone in Broncos country
cares about, right but a long time walking through the
quarterback desert, but now it seems like they're.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
Finally out of it.
Speaker 1 (19:47):
Seems like they're finally into a going down a better
path with Bnix some quarterback stability over a few sees.
It's at the very least I think should be the expectation.
You know, maybe this guy isn't the guy for the
next decade, but he should at least stabilize the position
for you know, three four years, you know, bare minimum,
And that, sadly is something we haven't been able to
(20:09):
say about a Broncos quarterback since Peyton Manning. And even then,
you know, he only stabilized the position for three years.
So if bo Nicks, you know, and he played in
twenty fifteen of course too, but you know there's all
the debate about Osweiler and him. Of course, he missmissed
some time with injury. So if Bonix can stay healthy
through the remainder of this Ricky deal, it'd be the
(20:30):
most you know, quarterback stability the Broncos had experienced since
the Jake Plumber era, which would be pretty remarkable.
Speaker 3 (20:38):
And I think that.
Speaker 1 (20:39):
Quarterback conduty should also give Broncos country a lot of
optimism because of who's at the helm of the operation
in Sean Payton and then the pupil also in bo Nicks.
Starting on the Sean Payton side of things. You know,
the the big debate about Sean Payton and quarterback this
offseason wasn't that, you know, he doesn't know what he's
(21:00):
doing with quarterbacks, or he doesn't know how to use
his quarterbacks or anything like that. It was, you know,
can this guy draft and develop a quarterback? Because we've
seen him maximize a lot of veterans, we hadn't really
seen him draft a guy from the start, develop him
and turn him into a quality NFL starter until this season.
(21:22):
Now we've seen it. He's done it. The proof is
in the pudding. He drafted Bo Nicks when a lot
of people thought he was foolish to do so in
the first round. Slowly, you know, nurtured him from a
really rough rookie start to you know, ultimately having one
of the better rookie season statistically that we've ever seen
at the quarterback position. So I think that that box
(21:45):
seems to be checked in terms of the drafting the
quarterback and getting him in the air, getting him off
the ground, that seems to be done. And again, we
already know Sean Payton can maximize these quarterbacks when they're
already in the league, right. Did it with Teddy Bridgewater,
got him paid what was it, twenty million dollars by
(22:06):
the Carolina Panthers.
Speaker 3 (22:07):
You know, did it.
Speaker 1 (22:08):
With even a kind of goofy gadget non quarterback like
Taysom Hill. He's done it with Drew Brees most famously
made him, made him a Hall of Famer.
Speaker 3 (22:18):
But got a lot out of Jameis Winston too.
Speaker 1 (22:21):
You know, he's gotten the most out of just about
every single quarterback he's worked with. I mean, Chase Daniel,
the Luke McCown. You know, even if you want to
look at some journeyman backups that came in for him.
We've seen him maximize those veterans and understand where their
strengths are and how he needs to adapt his offense
to get the most out of him. Even with Russell Wilson,
(22:41):
and I know, you know, some people feel like there
was still some meat left on that bone, and that's
I think that's fair. But that was still you know,
the top fifteen offense in the league last year with
some really questionable pieces involved. This year, I think you
feel even better about the offensive infrastructure. Only are you
getting complimented around the league seeing what you know, the
(23:05):
Detroit Lions are doing poaching from that Bronco staff that
the Chicago Bears as well. But the offense again, I've
ranked sixteenth an offensive DVOA, which is very promising for
the Houston Texans and CJ. Strout last year had one
of the best offensive seasons we've seen from an offense
captained by a rookie quarterback and they finished fourteenth in
(23:29):
the NFL. I think it's easy to look at it,
you know, a little glass half empty approach and be
frustrated with some of the run game struggles, and you know,
that they're not averaging thirty points a game yet. But
also to keep in mind, you know, it's hard to
have a top half of the league offense with a
rookie quarterback. It's something we very rarely see. Jaden Daniels
(23:51):
is the only rookie quarterback in the CBA or sorry,
since the twenty eleven CBA era. Rather to captain a
top five ranked offense, one of very few to captain
a top ten ranked offense. So bo Nix and this
Broncos operation reaching sixteh one of the best debuts we've
(24:12):
seen from an offense with a rookie quarterback. And again,
the track record suggests you have a coach that should
be able to consistently get the most out of what
now appears to be a starting caliber NFL quarterback. And
the flip side of it, again, I think only fosters
(24:32):
more optimism bo Nix. It's easy to forget now, but
bo Nix was the laughing stock of the national football landscape.
You know, five years ago, goes to Auburn, you know,
son of a Auburn legend, goes to Auburn as this
five star quarterback phenom starts as a true freshman and
(24:55):
immediately has a nose for kind of disastrous plays for
lack of a bet or word, and he becomes the
butt of all the jokes. And then by the time
he's leaving Oregon at the end of his college career,
the college game day is there, and there's an ocean
of signs, you know, saying Bo for Heisman and Bo
(25:15):
dacious and all these different things, and he's become the
face of the organ program that is one of the
top programs in the in college football. And the knocks
on him are, you know, is this guy too safe?
Speaker 3 (25:28):
Is he too conservative?
Speaker 1 (25:30):
The exact opposite of, you know, the kind of erratic
play that defined the start of his college career. Point
being no prospect in that draft. In very few you know,
college prospects we've seen in general over the last decade
have grown as much as bo Nicks over their collegiate careers.
To you know, to be fair, you kind of expect
(25:52):
that he holds the record for most starts for a
college quarterback ever or Division one quarterback, so you'd expect
there to be a lot of growth there, but thankfully
there is. It matches expectation. He night and day difference
is greater, or the difference between him on his way
(26:14):
out of Oregon and his way into Auburn is as
greater or greater than any other quarterback in his class.
The only one you know in the mix for that
title is Jayden and Daniels. And we've seen what he's
done this year. Not only that, I think you'd say
the quarterback that's grown the most during their rookie year
is bo Nicks. Jade Daniels did have the most amazing
(26:36):
Week one, but it was good and was good kind
of from the jump, great even from the jump. You know,
that second week he was completing eighty ninety percent of
his passes, right, Caleb Williams. I mean, he had such
an up and down rookie seeson and closed it so cold.
I don't think anyone would argue he grew the most.
Drake May and Michael Pennix had more limited samples.
Speaker 3 (26:59):
You know, was so limited. I don't think anyone would
argue he grew the most.
Speaker 1 (27:03):
And May he kind of started hot and stayed hot.
I don't think he grew the most. I think it's
pretty clearly bo Nix, who had two let's just own it.
Atrocious performances to start his career in the games against
Seattle in Pittsburgh just absolutely terrible, not NFL caliber, And
again then goes on to have one of the most
(27:24):
productive seasons we've ever seen from a rookie quarterback. You know,
the thirty passing touchdowns with thirty two total touchdowns, you know,
second and third most by a quarterback ever respectively. That's
an amazing turnaround and again mirrors what we saw of
him in college. It goes past that too. If you
(27:44):
remember our very own yere at KOA, Benjamin Albright reported
how rough Nix's rookie.
Speaker 3 (27:51):
Mini caamp was.
Speaker 1 (27:52):
Right, that's the first one of the first stages of
the offseason program. It was our first look at the guy.
Then by then to training camp, everyone in attendance is,
you know, almost unanimously saying, this guy's clearly the best
quarterback on the roster and should be starting week one.
That's a big improvement preseason. You know, the first preseason start,
(28:13):
feet were a little jittery. Right overall a good a
good performance, but little jittery. You know, it could could
have a game. Still looked like he was moving fast
for him, a little uncomfortable end of the preseason looked
a lot more comfortable, the feet settled down a lot,
he took a big step forward, And I think that's
such a valuable thing to see in a player. Some
(28:35):
of these guys can't grow and develop. Drew Locke has,
you know, all the physical gifts that Boe Nicks has.
So so why is one you know, on the trajectory
he is and the others on on you know, the
trajectory Drew locks on because of their aptitude for growth.
The aptitude for development is a real thing, and some
(28:56):
guys we see kind of plateau.
Speaker 2 (28:59):
You know.
Speaker 1 (28:59):
I think Judy up until this past season was kind
of that, right. Drew Locke another example where he's kind
of the same guy now, the same prospect now as
he was his freshman year at Missouri. That's not the
case with bon Nix. He has had you know, three
maybe not three, but a couple dramatic metamorphoses, already metamorphouses
(29:24):
since the start of his college career. And so again,
I think when you see a player that is that coachable,
that developable, and you pair it with a coach like
Sean Payton, who again we've seen consistently get the most
out of these veteran quarterbacks. I think you feel very,
very excited about what those two can build together over
(29:48):
these next you know, three four years, over the remainder
of his rookie deal, because they just did it on
hard mode. They just did it with you know, the
seventy million dead cap without a lot of premium rookie
contras acts. You know, they're short on from the Russell
Wilson and Sean Payton trades. War chest is starting to
get replenished with every subsequent season, you know, up until
(30:10):
they have to back up the brink struck for bow Nicks.
You know, these next three years, it's going to get
gradually easier until it gets a lot harder again. But
so the windows open right now and again, do you
feel good enough about that coach quarterback foundation that I
think you consider pushing the chips in and in part
because of what defenses In part, I think that's what
(30:33):
the Broncos have to do, because of what defenses are
going to demand of them. Right down the stretch, the
Broncos kind of settled into a bow Knicks offense, lots
of well designed, you know, underneath stuff, getting Marvin Mims involved.
That then was able to turn into bigger plays after
(30:55):
the catch. You know, these these screen passes, and I think,
you know, you don't want that to be as big
of a diet as it was for the offense down
the stretch, but you some kind of lean into that stuff.
You know, these these designer shot plays downfield for bow
and really kind of develop the bones of I think
what the Bonicks passing game will be going forward. And
(31:18):
that's great, but every DC in the NFL is going
to have that tape and is going to study that
tape this summer and are going to know this is
what Bonix likes to do, right, He likes to, you know,
take these shot plays when they're drawn up for him.
They or they like to kind of lean into these
play action shot plays and they like, you know, the
kind of underneath screen game, you know, yards after the
(31:40):
catch style thing that they're trying to do, kind of
dink and dunk. But every defense is going to know
those are the bones and they're going to take them
away and see if bo Nicks and the Broncos offense
can beat them a different way. And so that's why
I think the number one thing the Broncos need to
do to avoid any kind of bo Nicks sophomore slump
(32:01):
is they need to invest in the weapons around the guy,
specifically at running back and tight end. And I start
with running back because you know, as I talked about
on my last appearance here on BCT, the foundation of
this run game looks very promising. You know, sixth in
yards before contact on running back rushes, eleventh in running
(32:25):
success rate, which is kind of you know, are you
able to stay ahead of the sticks? It's well designed,
it's a well blocked run game. It does not have
running backs that can maximize it. That described the Philadelphia
Eagles game run game last year. That described that same
statement could be used to describe the Baltimore Ravens run
game last year. Now, they're the two most dominant rushing
(32:45):
attacks in the league, and the quarterback's a big part
of that.
Speaker 3 (32:48):
But you know what else is.
Speaker 1 (32:49):
The fact they went out this offseason and acquired a
dynamic running back talent. And there's not a Saquan or
Derrick Henry out on the free agent market here. But
this running back class is the best I've seen since
I think twenty seventeen. The Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook Leonard Fournette. Here,
(33:09):
it is phenomenal. I mean, top to bottom, there's a
couple few guys debatably worth a first round pick, and
there are a whole lot of guys worth a top
one hundred pick. That's the Broncos answer invests in picks.
There get a couple talented, exciting young backs, and you
can turn this room around very quickly. And it doesn't
(33:30):
have to be Ashton Shenty. There's going to be awesome
names in the second round. In the third round, a
guy like Cam Skataboo, who I know Broncos country is
very high on. He might not go until day three
of the draft because of just how stacked this running
back classes and the nature of these guys getting pushed
down the board. And I think adding that player to
this offense could really be the skeleton tu key that
(33:53):
unlocks bow Nicks and propels him into that elite class
or upper tier of NFL quarterbacks. After the break, we
will get into the senior bull got some the Broncos
scouts down there right now looking at some of the
top collegiate talent.
Speaker 3 (34:14):
Who should they add? How can they upgrade this roster?
Speaker 1 (34:16):
Maybe some of those running backs or tight ends to
help Bowe nix out that I was just referencing. We've
got Devin Jackson, great Scout Media Scout joining us after
the break. Until then, keep it here from more Broncos
country tonight on KOA eight fifty and ninety four to
one FM
Welcome back to a Tuesday evening edition of Broncos Country Tonight.
Once again, I am your fillin host for the evening,
Zach Segers. That's at Zach Underscore Seekers on Twitter, find
me over on Let's Talk Broncos dot com as well
or the Let's Talk Broncos podcasts wherever you listen to podcasts.
And now let's head over to the KOA Common Spirit hotline,
(00:21):
where we're joined by Devin Jackson of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Devin,
how are you doing today and how is Mobile?
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Yeah? Yeah, I'm doing well. Thanks for having me on, Zach.
I appreciate the time and opportunity. But yeah, Mobile has
been great day one of practices for today, and you know,
a lot of great beings going on at a lot
of great players down here a Mobile as usual. But ba,
I'm doing well. I had a great first day practice
at Mobile and andro a time so far.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
That's awesome.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Man.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Who were there any big players or any players that
really stood out today on the first day of Senior
Bowl practices? Any bigners from this first set?
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Yeah, I think you know. I'll give a shout out
to the small school guy first North Dakota State. Gray
is Able played tackle at North Dakota State, but they
kind of moved him all around today down in mobile
national team practice. They had him at uh, you know, guard, guard, spots,
had him at center, had him out of tackle for
a few reps. So here's a guy that that came
(01:25):
in you know, probably going to projected to the interior,
and scouts wanted to see him, h you know, kind
of participate in the interior. He did really well, did
a really nice job in pass protection, didn't lose a
rep in one on one sessions against a really talented
defensive line at Edge Russer Group, and show his versatility
and ability to you know, use his hands well and
(01:46):
be able to mirror pass rushers. So he had a
really big day, I would say, on a national team
and showing what he could do. And I spent a
lot of time watching trenches, so a lot of these
winners are going to be trench trench related, but he
had a really big day. You know. I think about
you know, another offensive lineman, Josh Connery who came into
(02:06):
the week from Oregon, the tackle from Oregan, who had
a really nice day as well, shoeing that he can
protect at left tackle and do some really nice things,
not only in the one on one sessions, but the
team period. He had a couple of nice reach plots
on the backside of the team drow on outside zone.
So those are two offensive lineman winners. You look at
(02:28):
the defensive line and I look at the American team
and Shamar stew Or I think really caught a lot
of people's attention to Tick saying him from the text
saying them edge fresher just for the size six five
to eighty, but he moves like a guy that's two
hundred and forty or two hundred and fifty pounds, really explosive.
You know. We put often Flyne on his back during
(02:50):
the one on one session, pass the passing one on
one sessions, and then showed his ability to stop the
run as well. So he was a big winner as well.
That they're really still out And then I'll go to
a guy that's more skill position. Elijah at Royo, the
tight end from Miami, had a really big day, showed
his rout running ability, showed some ability as a blocker
(03:11):
as well in the team sessions, though that's not necessarily
his strength. But he also a nice big day, was
dominating the one on one session against tight ends and
safeties and just a guy that's super explosive, you know,
can make the catches down field and then just be
a weapon at the NFL level. So I would say
those are some of the guys that kind of stood
(03:31):
out to me. You know, a couple of trenches guys
and you know skill positioned guy as well. So far
on mobile well, Royo.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
I know it's going to be having some members of
Broncos Country perked their ears up, been looking for a
tight end upgrade after a really lackluster year from Adam
Trautman and company here in Denver.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
Do you think Elijah Royo has some of that?
Speaker 1 (03:55):
I mean, Jimmy Graham's pretty lofty, but another Miami tight
end who of course landed with Sean Payton, could lightning
strike twice here with a receiver as dynamic as a Royal.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
What what kind of role do you see him killing
in the NFL?
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Yeah, I think he's kind of one of those you know,
vertical scene tight ends that that can stress the field,
that you can put out in the slot and he
can run routes from from there. You kind of move
him around. I don't think he's going to be a
guy that you know, dominates necessarily in line as a blocker.
I think he's more of a you know, can kind
of help ceiling edge, or can go up to a
(04:29):
linebacker and help celi edge, you know, works some double
team blocks with the tackle. I think he's a guy
that is I don't know think he's gonna come man
necessarily a full like a tight end, you know, top
of the tight end in the NFL type of role.
But I think he's a guy that can stress the
field vertically, that can create after the catch, that can
(04:51):
create explosive plays down the field and down the scene.
So I think it would be a big upgrade. You know,
you think about the Denver Brunker offense and how much
you're relied on on the receiving and some of the
running backs out of the backfield. I think, you know,
you add a royal to the mix. He's a guy
that I just trust the field, that can you know,
showcase his ability as a route runner that they can
get out on the edge and create some big things,
(05:13):
can win those one on one matchups, match up against
corners or linebackers or safety. So I think he's kind
of a guy that can be a Mattrop problem at
the NFL level. I do think, you know, we need
to continue to grow as a blocker, but in terms
of the receiving ability and the receiving Probacy brings, I
certainly will be an upgrade for any NFL offense, and
especially in a demo Broncos offense.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
Absolutely and highlighting the center Gray Zabel, who had a
great day down at senior bull practice earlier. Broncos Country
definitely looking at centers potentially in this draft. I know
it's a weaker interior offensive line class, though, when you're
looking at a right tackle making that jump you know,
all the way inside to center, having to learn how
to snap, you know, maybe have some responsibilities identifying what
(05:58):
the defense is doing. I guess what are you most
looking for him to prove to tell you that he
can be a successful NFL center at the next level.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
I think, you know, just just how he communicates and
commands at the line of scrimmage. You know, that's a
big part of the job as a center, being able
to you know, read some of the fronts, being able
to communicate what the calls are. And so I'd be
interested to see you know, more in those live session periods,
and obviously getting to actually see him in the see
your bowl game might be even a more of an
(06:30):
advantage just because you know, these practices, he only get
so much time, you know, when you're going good, I'm
good and doing full content periods. So I think it's
one of those situations where it's probably gonna take a
little bit longer, you know, to to kind of make
that transition, just because there's so much that goes into
playing center and get comfortable snapping like you said, and
and whatnot. But I think just showing the ability they
(06:52):
can do it and can kind of move around a
little bit and show his versatility, I think, you know,
he has to continue what he did to we practice today,
you know, like being able to slide you over to
guard left guard and going to right guard and then
taking snatch of the center. So, uh, he's starting to
I think at least show that you can move him
around a little bit and he can show you showed
(07:14):
today that he certainly can be comfortable at interior off
of the line, but but in center. I think it's
one of those things you have to wait and see
and and and kind of a live period, live game action,
which would be the actual Sea Bowl game on Saturday,
to see, you know, just how well he handles it,
just only because you know they're you know, and in practice. Today,
(07:34):
you know, they did a lot of under center things,
which which is kind of different from from years past.
You know, they usually just relied on shotguns. So I
didn't see a lot of shotgun snaps fromm but but
in terms of actually being able to snap the ball
and under center, it was a little bit easier from
that perspective. So I think it's just kind of one
(07:54):
of those things over the course of the week that
he'll have to continue to show and an actual game,
I think you'll get a better read if you can
actually make the transition. But he was well on his
way with the refs he had today.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
That's definitely something to watch for this weekend. Looking to
the other side of the trenches, the Broncos expected to
probably lose DJ Jones this offseason. They're looking to maybe
replace him with another great run stuffing defensive lineman. I
know you said Shamar Stewart out on the Ende with
someone that impressed you, Diane Walker, the massive Behemoth out
(08:28):
of Kentucky. I saw getting some mixed reviews today out
of Singer Bowl practices. Did you see anything from him
that stood out you either way good or bad?
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Yeah. So I think with Deon Walker, like you, you're
enamor with the size. I mean, he measured in at
six seven, three forty and he's a guy that you
know is going to command attention. You know, he's a
big man. He has some explosiveness at his size, some
ability to really push the pocket and push you know
often sil line in the backfield. I think, more so
(08:59):
than any thing's a consistency and pad level issue to
where you're not seeing to necessarily dominate as he could.
You know, like you know a few reps where you
would push off its line into the backfield and you
know you would be able to generate some push in
the pocket and team and generate some some upfield you know,
penetration in the run game. But then there are other
(09:21):
times where in the one on sessions, he he's getting
stopped after his initial pass rush and not having an encounter,
you know, getting held off by a guy that's you know,
like seventy pounds not seventy But I would say like
sixty seventy pounds lighter than him and Willie Lampkin, you know, so,
like I think it was certainly an up and down
day for sure with Dean Walker. And I think it's
(09:41):
more so it's going to be NFL coaching to see
if you can get him to play at a more
consistent pad level, if you can get more consistency out
of him down down, because certainly, you know, you look
at the twenty twenty three tape and you see a
guy that maybe, you know, if all things go right,
you know, he's a top fifteen, top twenty pick. But
now you're looking at a guy's probably going to go
on day two and kind of a risky pitch just
(10:02):
because the inconsistency inconsistencies he had on this TAMN in
twenty twenty four. And you know, we still do a
lot to prove, and there's still two days of practice,
so you don't want to jump too far, and you
know ahead and say maybe this isn't fixable. But I
certainly think you know, those two concerns that mentioned or
two things are kind of going to loom in his
(10:23):
draft evaluation because you know the tools are there, you know,
the size is there. He's a very unique player. But
in terms of like the down to down consistency, you
know what I think more than anything is figuring out
what what is his his calling card? What is is
the one thing that makes him dominant? You're going to
be a dominant you know, pass rusher, are going to
(10:44):
be a style run defender, and it seems like he's
trying to do it all and you know it's not coming,
you know, at times with the best results. So I
think with be on Locker, the potential and the size
and everything he brings to the table, you're always going
to buy into that. That to me is about what
can he do on a consistent down and down basis.
(11:04):
I think the next two practices are going to be
used for him just to show that, you know, he
can boss back from the up and down day and
you know, shrink together a couple of really nice practices
and you know, show that he can take NFL coaching
as well.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
Really quick jumping to the opposite end of the size scale.
Tes Johnson, He's a player that a lot in Broncos
country are monitoring closely. Of course, the adopted brother of
Bo Nicks. A lot of people here in Broncos Country
want him to land here in Denver. But the size
measurements that came out with him today, we're pretty dang concerning.
(11:40):
When you see a guy, you know, way in at
what was it five foot seven, you know, one hundred
and fifty six pounds or five foot nine hundred and
fifty six pounds.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
Is that a deal breaker for you?
Speaker 1 (11:52):
And you know, if not, what kind of role can
you project him having in the NFL.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
Yeah, you know, we kind of seeing I won't say
seeing the exact same, but we've seen something that he's
come up before. You know, he had to to out
well a couple of years ago that was really really
small wave wise. You know, even Xavier Worthy going into
the NFL draft last year was really really small. You know,
I think he was like one to sixty five. So
I think, to me, like, yes, it's a concern, but
(12:21):
I don't think it's a concern where he should be
off your board. I think it's more about what the
value can get for him. And and you know, I
have a roll you carve out for I think he's
a guy that you know, is a field stretcher, ability
to to really get behind the defense, really stress the defense,
especially in man coverage situations, being able to create a
(12:43):
runway for him, to create yack situations. I mean, he
really thrived and you know, getting downhill and running, running
those inbreakers and uh those those mesh routes and you know,
sending use him in fast motion situations and just doing
anything you can to get him in space and land
create So I think it's going to take a really
(13:04):
you know, a really good play caller to kind of
scheme them some ways to get the ball in different
ways to really make advantage of the use of his speed.
You saw kind of with the Chiefs and what they
were able to do, how he you know, with Xavier Worthy,
how they went from you know, attacking him more vertically
to create more opportunities for him to get the ball
(13:24):
in space and use his speed that way. So I
think with tes Johnson, you're going to probably use a similar,
similar blueprint and you want to get him the ball
and in open space and create one on one situations
with him so he can utilize that speed and acceleration
to really thrive. So I think it's all going to
be about landing, spot and play calling. I don't think
(13:45):
he's a guy that you're going to row out there
for forty to fifty plays. You know, it's probably going
to be a sub packaged player where you know, you
try to take advantage of some of the speed he brings.
So so I think with Tez, you know, we certainly
a good player. He had a really good day one. Yeah,
really a couple of nice reps in one on one
session against Azriah Thomas, you know, the Florida State corner
(14:05):
that had a lot of high going into the week.
So you know, I think he's the best skill position
player here in Ted Johnson, just with the with the
forums to get today and just overall of his ability
to create opportunities to win at the line of scrimmage,
to win with speed. So so had a really big
day Day one, and I thank you. Certainly worthy draft
(14:27):
target despite his size.
Speaker 1 (14:29):
Talking with Devin Jackson of the Philadelphia Inquirer, sports editor
and draft writer for them, dev last one for you here.
Oh and you can follow him by the way at
Real d Underscore Jackson last one for you here. Running
back I think is the most discussed position in the
draft right now for Broncos Country. You know, there's a
good crop of him down there at the Senior Bowl,
(14:49):
though a couple like Cam Skataboo decided not to make
the trip. Anyone standing out to you there so far
through the first day of practices.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
Yeah, so two names that come to mind for me,
at least, I would say the first one was Brashard Smith,
the running back out of SMU. You know, he's a
guy that's a former receiver at Miami, transfer of the
running back transfer to SMU and really had a big
season this year. And you saw in the one on
one sessions against linebackers how easy it was for him
(15:23):
to create separation and catch the ball naturally, but also
as a as a runner in the team session. And
then for running backs, it's hard to stand out here,
you know, just because a lot of things are controlled.
You know, you're doing inside run, but you can't really
tackle anyone can't tackle to the ground, so you don't
really get to see some of the things they do.
But the vision really stood out to me from Brashard Smith,
(15:45):
how he was able to press the hole and find
the cutback lane. So he had a couple of nice
runs in the team session and showed his ability to
showcase that an event that's not really designed, you know,
for running backs. So he the one I wanted to
give a shout out, and that Marcus Yarns, the running
back from Delaware, small school running back. But guys dynamite
(16:07):
out of the backfield, great acceleration. Uh a bit on
a smaller side, probably more of a situational world running
back as opposed to taking a full, full load or
full game of carries. But a guy that that's a
change of pace runner that has some receiving ability out
of the backfield, that that is really you know, Uh,
(16:27):
the acceleration is nice, has some pretty good vision and
just hits the all and go, you know. So, uh,
those are two guys I think that probably aren't necessarily
you know, every down backs at the NFL level, but
you know, maybe there's sub packaged players. Maybe the guys
that you know can split carries, do a running back
by committee. I know Sean Payton has has been big
(16:47):
on that and and some of his previous stops having
running back by a committee. So I think those guys
could play a nice role in Denver.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
Well, thank you very much, Devin. I hope the Broncos
can land some of those great players. Everyone make sure
you are following along with his senior book coverage and
just draft coverage in general. He is a must follow
this time of year and really all twelve months on
the sports calendar.
Speaker 3 (17:08):
Devin, thank you again so much.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
Everyone follow him at at real d Underscore Jackson.
Speaker 3 (17:14):
Devin, thank you again very much.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Yeah, thanks so much Zach for opportunity and then I
hope you enjoy us today. Thanks so much.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
Likewise, thank you, Devin. That was Devin Jackson to the
Philadelphia Inquirer live from Obile. A big thanks to Devin
for joining us. Absolutely love getting his insight this time
of year. Make sure you are following him in all
his great work. More Broncos Country Tonight coming up next
on KOA eight fifty am ninety four to one FM.
(17:44):
Hello everybody, and welcome back to a Tuesday edition, Tuesday
night edition of Broncos Country Tonight. Once again, I am
your fill in host, Zach Segers, filling in for Benjamin
Albright and Nick Ferguson. You can find me on Twitter
at Zach Underscore Seekers, or find more of me over
on the Let's Talk Broncos podcast. You can find that
(18:07):
on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts. Excited to
be filling in for Ben today. Always an honor to
be on the show. You might be you might recognize
me from my time behind the glass, but excited to
be in front of the mic this time to talk
about some different topics. Have you missed me at the
top of the hour or at the top of the
(18:28):
six o'clock hour. Talked about talked about Broncos ownership and
how they've been off to a really strong start in
their first few years at the helmet and the initiative
in today in particular where they're spending fifteen million dollars
on helmets for youth football.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
Think that is incredibly cool.
Speaker 1 (18:48):
In this segment, want to dive into bo Nix and
what we're looking for him in that second year. How
can you avoid that sophomore slump and a little bit
more to it there, you know, how can the help
BONNICKX this offseason? But before I do that, really quick,
just want to say, really quick, just want to say
you can set koa as a preset on our free
(19:09):
and redesigned iHeart Radio app like you have in your car.
iHeart Radio app users are enjoying industry first features like
presets a scan button and a live radio dial set
KOA as a preset on the iHeart Radio app today.
I would definitely recommend that. That's how I'm always listening
to KOA when I'm not at the station or if
I'm running around the station and have to keep my
(19:30):
ear on the show. I think that's the best way
to do it. Would definitely recommend using that. Well, let's
look at Boonix. Now, that's what everyone in Broncos country
cares about, right but a long time walking through the
quarterback desert, but now it seems like they're.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
Finally out of it.
Speaker 1 (19:47):
Seems like they're finally into a going down a better
path with Bnix some quarterback stability over a few sees.
It's at the very least I think should be the expectation.
You know, maybe this guy isn't the guy for the
next decade, but he should at least stabilize the position
for you know, three four years, you know, bare minimum,
And that, sadly is something we haven't been able to
(20:09):
say about a Broncos quarterback since Peyton Manning. And even then,
you know, he only stabilized the position for three years.
So if bo Nicks, you know, and he played in
twenty fifteen of course too, but you know there's all
the debate about Osweiler and him. Of course, he missmissed
some time with injury. So if Bonix can stay healthy
through the remainder of this Ricky deal, it'd be the
(20:30):
most you know, quarterback stability the Broncos had experienced since
the Jake Plumber era, which would be pretty remarkable.
Speaker 3 (20:38):
And I think that.
Speaker 1 (20:39):
Quarterback conduty should also give Broncos country a lot of
optimism because of who's at the helm of the operation
in Sean Payton and then the pupil also in bo Nicks.
Starting on the Sean Payton side of things. You know,
the the big debate about Sean Payton and quarterback this
offseason wasn't that, you know, he doesn't know what he's
(21:00):
doing with quarterbacks, or he doesn't know how to use
his quarterbacks or anything like that. It was, you know,
can this guy draft and develop a quarterback? Because we've
seen him maximize a lot of veterans, we hadn't really
seen him draft a guy from the start, develop him
and turn him into a quality NFL starter until this season.
(21:22):
Now we've seen it. He's done it. The proof is
in the pudding. He drafted Bo Nicks when a lot
of people thought he was foolish to do so in
the first round. Slowly, you know, nurtured him from a
really rough rookie start to you know, ultimately having one
of the better rookie season statistically that we've ever seen
at the quarterback position. So I think that that box
(21:45):
seems to be checked in terms of the drafting the
quarterback and getting him in the air, getting him off
the ground, that seems to be done. And again, we
already know Sean Payton can maximize these quarterbacks when they're
already in the league, right. Did it with Teddy Bridgewater,
got him paid what was it, twenty million dollars by
(22:06):
the Carolina Panthers.
Speaker 3 (22:07):
You know, did it.
Speaker 1 (22:08):
With even a kind of goofy gadget non quarterback like
Taysom Hill. He's done it with Drew Brees most famously
made him, made him a Hall of Famer.
Speaker 3 (22:18):
But got a lot out of Jameis Winston too.
Speaker 1 (22:21):
You know, he's gotten the most out of just about
every single quarterback he's worked with. I mean, Chase Daniel,
the Luke McCown. You know, even if you want to
look at some journeyman backups that came in for him.
We've seen him maximize those veterans and understand where their
strengths are and how he needs to adapt his offense
to get the most out of him. Even with Russell Wilson,
(22:41):
and I know, you know, some people feel like there
was still some meat left on that bone, and that's
I think that's fair. But that was still you know,
the top fifteen offense in the league last year with
some really questionable pieces involved. This year, I think you
feel even better about the offensive infrastructure. Only are you
getting complimented around the league seeing what you know, the
(23:05):
Detroit Lions are doing poaching from that Bronco staff that
the Chicago Bears as well. But the offense again, I've
ranked sixteenth an offensive DVOA, which is very promising for
the Houston Texans and CJ. Strout last year had one
of the best offensive seasons we've seen from an offense
captained by a rookie quarterback and they finished fourteenth in
(23:29):
the NFL. I think it's easy to look at it,
you know, a little glass half empty approach and be
frustrated with some of the run game struggles, and you know,
that they're not averaging thirty points a game yet. But
also to keep in mind, you know, it's hard to
have a top half of the league offense with a
rookie quarterback. It's something we very rarely see. Jaden Daniels
(23:51):
is the only rookie quarterback in the CBA or sorry,
since the twenty eleven CBA era. Rather to captain a
top five ranked offense, one of very few to captain
a top ten ranked offense. So bo Nix and this
Broncos operation reaching sixteh one of the best debuts we've
(24:12):
seen from an offense with a rookie quarterback. And again,
the track record suggests you have a coach that should
be able to consistently get the most out of what
now appears to be a starting caliber NFL quarterback. And
the flip side of it, again, I think only fosters
(24:32):
more optimism bo Nix. It's easy to forget now, but
bo Nix was the laughing stock of the national football landscape.
You know, five years ago, goes to Auburn, you know,
son of a Auburn legend, goes to Auburn as this
five star quarterback phenom starts as a true freshman and
(24:55):
immediately has a nose for kind of disastrous plays for
lack of a bet or word, and he becomes the
butt of all the jokes. And then by the time
he's leaving Oregon at the end of his college career,
the college game day is there, and there's an ocean
of signs, you know, saying Bo for Heisman and Bo
(25:15):
dacious and all these different things, and he's become the
face of the organ program that is one of the
top programs in the in college football. And the knocks
on him are, you know, is this guy too safe?
Speaker 3 (25:28):
Is he too conservative?
Speaker 1 (25:30):
The exact opposite of, you know, the kind of erratic
play that defined the start of his college career. Point
being no prospect in that draft. In very few you know,
college prospects we've seen in general over the last decade
have grown as much as bo Nicks over their collegiate careers.
To you know, to be fair, you kind of expect
(25:52):
that he holds the record for most starts for a
college quarterback ever or Division one quarterback, so you'd expect
there to be a lot of growth there, but thankfully
there is. It matches expectation. He night and day difference
is greater, or the difference between him on his way
(26:14):
out of Oregon and his way into Auburn is as
greater or greater than any other quarterback in his class.
The only one you know in the mix for that
title is Jayden and Daniels. And we've seen what he's
done this year. Not only that, I think you'd say
the quarterback that's grown the most during their rookie year
is bo Nicks. Jade Daniels did have the most amazing
(26:36):
Week one, but it was good and was good kind
of from the jump, great even from the jump. You know,
that second week he was completing eighty ninety percent of
his passes, right, Caleb Williams. I mean, he had such
an up and down rookie seeson and closed it so cold.
I don't think anyone would argue he grew the most.
Drake May and Michael Pennix had more limited samples.
Speaker 3 (26:59):
You know, was so limited. I don't think anyone would
argue he grew the most.
Speaker 1 (27:03):
And May he kind of started hot and stayed hot.
I don't think he grew the most. I think it's
pretty clearly bo Nix, who had two let's just own it.
Atrocious performances to start his career in the games against
Seattle in Pittsburgh just absolutely terrible, not NFL caliber, And
again then goes on to have one of the most
(27:24):
productive seasons we've ever seen from a rookie quarterback. You know,
the thirty passing touchdowns with thirty two total touchdowns, you know,
second and third most by a quarterback ever respectively. That's
an amazing turnaround and again mirrors what we saw of
him in college. It goes past that too. If you
(27:44):
remember our very own yere at KOA, Benjamin Albright reported
how rough Nix's rookie.
Speaker 3 (27:51):
Mini caamp was.
Speaker 1 (27:52):
Right, that's the first one of the first stages of
the offseason program. It was our first look at the guy.
Then by then to training camp, everyone in attendance is,
you know, almost unanimously saying, this guy's clearly the best
quarterback on the roster and should be starting week one.
That's a big improvement preseason. You know, the first preseason start,
(28:13):
feet were a little jittery. Right overall a good a
good performance, but little jittery. You know, it could could
have a game. Still looked like he was moving fast
for him, a little uncomfortable end of the preseason looked
a lot more comfortable, the feet settled down a lot,
he took a big step forward, And I think that's
such a valuable thing to see in a player. Some
(28:35):
of these guys can't grow and develop. Drew Locke has,
you know, all the physical gifts that Boe Nicks has.
So so why is one you know, on the trajectory
he is and the others on on you know, the
trajectory Drew locks on because of their aptitude for growth.
The aptitude for development is a real thing, and some
(28:56):
guys we see kind of plateau.
Speaker 2 (28:59):
You know.
Speaker 1 (28:59):
I think Judy up until this past season was kind
of that, right. Drew Locke another example where he's kind
of the same guy now, the same prospect now as
he was his freshman year at Missouri. That's not the
case with bon Nix. He has had you know, three
maybe not three, but a couple dramatic metamorphoses, already metamorphouses
(29:24):
since the start of his college career. And so again,
I think when you see a player that is that coachable,
that developable, and you pair it with a coach like
Sean Payton, who again we've seen consistently get the most
out of these veteran quarterbacks. I think you feel very,
very excited about what those two can build together over
(29:48):
these next you know, three four years, over the remainder
of his rookie deal, because they just did it on
hard mode. They just did it with you know, the
seventy million dead cap without a lot of premium rookie
contras acts. You know, they're short on from the Russell
Wilson and Sean Payton trades. War chest is starting to
get replenished with every subsequent season, you know, up until
(30:10):
they have to back up the brink struck for bow Nicks.
You know, these next three years, it's going to get
gradually easier until it gets a lot harder again. But
so the windows open right now and again, do you
feel good enough about that coach quarterback foundation that I
think you consider pushing the chips in and in part
because of what defenses In part, I think that's what
(30:33):
the Broncos have to do, because of what defenses are
going to demand of them. Right down the stretch, the
Broncos kind of settled into a bow Knicks offense, lots
of well designed, you know, underneath stuff, getting Marvin Mims involved.
That then was able to turn into bigger plays after
(30:55):
the catch. You know, these these screen passes, and I think,
you know, you don't want that to be as big
of a diet as it was for the offense down
the stretch, but you some kind of lean into that stuff.
You know, these these designer shot plays downfield for bow
and really kind of develop the bones of I think
what the Bonicks passing game will be going forward. And
(31:18):
that's great, but every DC in the NFL is going
to have that tape and is going to study that
tape this summer and are going to know this is
what Bonix likes to do, right, He likes to, you know,
take these shot plays when they're drawn up for him.
They or they like to kind of lean into these
play action shot plays and they like, you know, the
kind of underneath screen game, you know, yards after the
(31:40):
catch style thing that they're trying to do, kind of
dink and dunk. But every defense is going to know
those are the bones and they're going to take them
away and see if bo Nicks and the Broncos offense
can beat them a different way. And so that's why
I think the number one thing the Broncos need to
do to avoid any kind of bo Nicks sophomore slump
(32:01):
is they need to invest in the weapons around the guy,
specifically at running back and tight end. And I start
with running back because you know, as I talked about
on my last appearance here on BCT, the foundation of
this run game looks very promising. You know, sixth in
yards before contact on running back rushes, eleventh in running
(32:25):
success rate, which is kind of you know, are you
able to stay ahead of the sticks? It's well designed,
it's a well blocked run game. It does not have
running backs that can maximize it. That described the Philadelphia
Eagles game run game last year. That described that same
statement could be used to describe the Baltimore Ravens run
game last year. Now, they're the two most dominant rushing
(32:45):
attacks in the league, and the quarterback's a big part
of that.
Speaker 3 (32:48):
But you know what else is.
Speaker 1 (32:49):
The fact they went out this offseason and acquired a
dynamic running back talent. And there's not a Saquan or
Derrick Henry out on the free agent market here. But
this running back class is the best I've seen since
I think twenty seventeen. The Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook Leonard Fournette. Here,
(33:09):
it is phenomenal. I mean, top to bottom, there's a
couple few guys debatably worth a first round pick, and
there are a whole lot of guys worth a top
one hundred pick. That's the Broncos answer invests in picks.
There get a couple talented, exciting young backs, and you
can turn this room around very quickly. And it doesn't
(33:30):
have to be Ashton Shenty. There's going to be awesome
names in the second round. In the third round, a
guy like Cam Skataboo, who I know Broncos country is
very high on. He might not go until day three
of the draft because of just how stacked this running
back classes and the nature of these guys getting pushed
down the board. And I think adding that player to
this offense could really be the skeleton tu key that
(33:53):
unlocks bow Nicks and propels him into that elite class
or upper tier of NFL quarterbacks. After the break, we
will get into the senior bull got some the Broncos
scouts down there right now looking at some of the
top collegiate talent.
Speaker 3 (34:14):
Who should they add? How can they upgrade this roster?
Speaker 1 (34:16):
Maybe some of those running backs or tight ends to
help Bowe nix out that I was just referencing. We've
got Devin Jackson, great Scout Media Scout joining us after
the break. Until then, keep it here from more Broncos
country tonight on KOA eight fifty and ninety four to
one FM
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