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News and notes for Day 4 of Broncos Camp
Day 4 of Broncos Camp has concluded, marking their second consecutive padded practice. They have six straight practices this week, starting on Monday, so they are officially in the dog days of training camp.
Surprise! This
Denver Broncos defense is damn good and won the day once again today. They brought the heat all day, and the offenses struggled to do much against them. In today’s write-up, we will discuss the dominant Broncos defense, rookie running back R.J. Harvey receiving praise from Sean Payton, Courtland Sutton also receiving hype from Payton, and potential breakout star, linebacker Levelle Bailey.
Defense dominates
The Broncos' defense led the NFL in sacks last season and had the AP Defensive Player of the Year Award winner in their secondary. Since then, they re-signed their nose tackle D.J. Jones, signed stud linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and signed physical safety Talanoa Hufanga to improve their already strong secondary.
They didn’t stop there. In the first round of April’s 2025
NFL Draft, they selected cornerback Jahdae Barron with their 20th overall selection. The Broncos' defense was already a strength of this team, and with these additions, they’re now in elite status. So, it should be no surprise that the Broncos' defense has been dominating early in Broncos Camp.
Denver’s defense dominated the day.
Pressure was constantly there, forcing Bo Nix to scramble many times and throw the ball away.
Broncos’ front 7 seven also very stout against the run.
Denver’s D continues to prove how good they can be.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR)
July 29, 2025
Based on reports, the offenses struggled to do much during today’s practice. The pass rush was relentless, the coverage was sticky, and there was little room to run. After practice, Sean Payton was asked about this, and he thinks there is that “iron sharpens iron” happening right now.
“I think there’s that iron sharpens iron. I just finished talking about these physical practices, and the necessity of what we’re building and how we go about doing it. I think it’s fantastic because it’s a back and forth. There are going to be some days coming off this field that you guys will feel like one side of the ball, maybe, and that’s the ebb and flow of a training camp. That competition, not only offense and defense, but the competition within the position groups, will bring us to a higher level.”
Practicing against a defensive unit that is expected to be a top-ranked defense this season will only make Bo Nix and the Broncos offense better in the long run. Come the regular season, the Broncos are not going to see many, if any, defenses this good, which should benefit the offense.
Keep in mind, defenses always have the advantage early in camp, but this Broncos defense looks legit. The offense will need to start punching back, and I believe they will, but we’ll certainly see iron sharpen iron during training camp.
Sean Payton hypes up R.J. Harvey
Before the pads came on, Head Coach Sean Payton told reporters that he was anxious to see how the Broncos' running backs would look. Well, after two padded practices, the Broncos' Head Coach seems pretty impressed with his rookie running back.
After today’s practice, Sean Payton told reporters that rookie running back R.J. Harvey is doing “exceptional” and was turning some heads during today’s practice.
“He had a run today that was something, and we kind of turned and looked at each other. There’s that learning curve for all of those young players, and some of it, it happens a little quicker maybe than others, but he’s doing exceptional.”
The play Payton is referencing was a run play to the left that was immediately blown up, and Harvey cut back to the right, showed off his speed, and turned a negative play into a 10 or 15+ yard gain. After the play, Payton said he turned and looked at his other coaches, and they were just impressed by the play he made.
This sort of play would not have happened last season and would have ended as a negative gain. Payton was asked about needing more explosive plays from the running game, and he told reporters that they are going to be “much improved in that area”.
“It’s a great question, and we have to be more explosive in that area. So we first look at ourselves, the scheme, and are we doing it the way we want to. Then we’re looking at who are we asking to do it with. Obviously we’ve added some players in the running back room, and we’re going to be much improved in that area.”
Harvey will be the main man when it comes to these explosive plays. He is a home run threat whenever he has the ball in his hands; he has elite explosiveness and the speed to outrun defenders. You saw it throughout his college tape, and I believe we’ll see it even more with the Broncos. Veteran J.K. Dobbins will bring his share of explosive plays as well. While he may not break off the long explosive run like Harvey, he can scamper for a big 10 or 20-yard gain if there’s an open lane. The Broncos lacked that threat last season, and it appears Payton is confident that his running back room is improved.
Sean Payton talks about Courtland Sutton
It was announced yesterday that the Denver Broncos have signed wide receiver Courtland Sutton to a four-year, $92 million dollar extension. This deal would keep the quarterback Bo Nix’s number one receiver with the team for the foreseeable future.
After today’s practice, Head Coach Sean Payton was asked about Sutton’s extension, and he ended up singing the praises of his veteran wide receiver.
Payton was asked what Courtland Sutton means to this team. He told reporters that he’s a captain and mentioned how the young receivers watch his preparation and work ethic. He continued by saying that Sutton is “everything you want in a pro”.
“He’s one of those guys. He’s been a captain. If he didn’t say a word, the young guys watch his preparation and his work ethic. Yet obviously his experience with all of those players. It really starts with his preparation in [the building] here, on to the field. He’s everything you want in a pro.”
Another big part of the Sutton extension was keeping Bo Nix’s number one target in the building. Payton was asked about how Sutton helped Nix’s development last season, and he told reporters Sutton was a consistent player for him out there. On top of that, he called Sutton smart, tough, and reliable, mentioned how he excels in a number of areas, and repeated that they’re getting a leader in Sutton.
“Well as the split end, there was a consistent player there for him [QB Bo Nix]. We weren’t developing the quarterback as well as developing a new split end. I think not only the timing, but there’s a confidence, there’s all those things that go into his targets, his targets when covered, third down, a lot of things. But overall, separating all the nuances from it, we’re getting a player who’s still young. He’s smart, he’s tough, he’s reliable. He excels in a number of areas, and again, we’re getting a leader.”
The deal he signed is fairly team-friendly while also giving Sutton the payday he deserves. Obviously, we know the type of player he is on the field, but who he is in the locker room and behind the scenes is important as well. He’s a contributor on the football field and a leader in that locker room.
Levelle Bailey is a name to watch
With Drew Sanders sidelined for a while and now Alex Singleton down for a week, second-year linebacker Levelle Bailey is the next man up. He started today alongside Dre Greenlaw and has a real opportunity to earn a roster spot and potentially even a role in the Broncos' defense.
Levelle Bailey has had a few “real good days,” per Sean Payton.
“He looks like an NFL linebacker too”
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR)
July 29, 2025
Payton was asked about Bailey after today’s practice, and he told reporters that he has had a “few good days” before correcting himself and saying “real good days”. He mentions how Bailey has more confidence in his second year and how he is in really good shape. Payton told reporters that Bailey “looks like an NFL linebacker”. and that he has clearly seen a jump from year 1 to year 2 with his confidence.
“He’s had a few good days. Real good days. I think you’re getting a player into his second year with confidence. He’s in good shape. He looks like an NFL linebacker too. It’s funny because I can recall these stories of post-draft conversations and like an hour recruitment of him. You’ll have that happen with a number of players, and then a couple might go somewhere else. Then you’re pulling out all stops, and I’m glad we stayed patient in that process with him and we were able to get him because there were a number of teams interested. I would say I’ve clearly seen a jump from Year 1 to Year 2 in his confidence.”
If Bailey continues to string together good practices, he could earn himself a role in the Broncos' defense. Coming out of college, he was known for his coverage ability but had questions about playing between the tackles. Well, with the way the linebacker room is shaking out, he could see some snaps on third down.
Alex Singleton is coming off a torn ACL and is known more as a run-and-tackle type of linebacker instead of a coverage guy. So, we could see him come off the field on third downs and see them bring in Bailey, who is better in coverage.
I’m just theorizing right now, and Bailey has to continue to prove himself, but that’s probably the best avenue for him to see consistent snaps early on.
Injury Report
- WR A.T. Perry remained on the PUP list and did not practice today
- LB Alex Singleton missed today’s practice due to a broken thumb
- HC Sean Payton told reporters that Singleton is undergoing surgery today and will miss about a week - Source
News and Notes
- During CB/WR one-on-ones, WR Trent Sherfield was able to beat CB Ja’Quan McMillian - Source
- WR Courtland Sutton beat CB Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss during CB/WR one-on-one drills. Rookie WR Pat Bryant beat CB Riley Moss and rookie CB Jaden Robinson during CB/WR one-on-one drills, and CB Troy Franklin beat CB Damarri Mathis- Source
- WR Troy Franklin continued his hot start of camp by catching a 30+ yard pass from QB Sam Ehlinger. He boxed out the defender and used his strength to high-point the ball and come down with the catch. He looks like a different player than last year - Source
- RB Audric Estime had a good practice, according to reports, and bounced a run outside during team drills - Source
- WR/STer Trent Sherfield is going to have a bigger role in the Bronco offense than expected. He has been making plays throughout camp and could fill the role previously held by Lil’Jordan Humphrey - Source
- Broncos' defense had sticky coverage throughout practice, which led QB Bo Nix to scramble multiple times for decent gains - Source
- EDGE Jonah Elliss would have had a big sack on QB Jarrett Stidham on a play action pass - Source
- Broncos held workouts with WRs Grant DuBose, Dax Miline, and Braylon Sanders, but none were signed - Source
- They also held workouts with linebackers Krys Barnes, Anthony Hines, Jalin Walker, and Garret Wallow, but none were signed as of yet - Source
Tweets From Camp
Bunch of reps today at
#Broncos camp for ILB Levelle Bailey with Alex Singleton, Drew Sanders hurt.
Huge opportunity for Bailey the next few days. Has been making plays all through offseason
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans)
July 29, 2025
A few highlights from the first team period of Tuesday’s practice:
- RJ Harvey got to the edge to break off run of 15+ yards.
- Troy Franklin highpointed a deep lob from Ehlinger to haul in 50-50 ball.
- Jonathon Cooper TFL + Jonah Elliss sack were among top defensive plays.
— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla)
July 29, 2025
Courtland Sutton’s first catch during team period today comes on a pass over the middle of the field from Jarrett Stidham for a gain of 15.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR)
July 29, 2025
Pretty apparent from
#Broncos camp so far that Trent Sherfield could play legit snaps at WR. Has caught a lot of passes, burned Ja’Quan McMillian on a hitch-and-go in 1-on-1s.
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans)
July 29, 2025
Day 6 of
#Broncos training camp practice thoughts…
-2nd day of full pads
-McGlinchey back practicing during team; Same with Sutton
-more physical practice than yesterday with a heavier emphasis on the run game
-Both RJ Harvey and Audric Estime had some nice runs that they…
— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio)
July 29, 2025
Notable Quotes
HC Sean Payton on developing TE Caleb Lohner
“That’s a great question. I think a lot of that is predicated on how much can he digest, and how he’s doing it. I don’t want to ever set the ideal plan because I had a plan I thought for [RB] Jaleel [McLaughlin], and he exceeded it, and we were never going to get him to the practice squad three years ago. So a lot of it is let’s pay attention to this progress early on, and then let’s build on it. But let’s make sure the things we’re asking him to do early are things we feel like he can excel at early.”
HC Sean Payton on how he will know when the running game is where he wants it to be
“I don’t know, even after Week 1, we better be improving to Week 2 and Week 3. I think we will have an idea at the quarter pole where we’re at. It’s a good question. You go into that first game, and as a head coach, you’re anxious to see what areas excel [and] where do we need growth? I always talk about that first month of the regular season. There’s that race that you’re having with everyone else to improve. I think when we get through those first four weeks, you guys, myself included, will all have a better feel for, ‘This is what we’re seeing now. It looks positive.’ I think that’s something that will be real important.”
HC Sean Payton on what DE Sai’vion Jones has brought so far
“His length, playing at a major college. That transition for some of these players is not as drastic because of where they played. He’s doing well, and we get a lot better evaluation now with these guys with the pads on. He’s one of those guys that, through the OTAs and the on-ramp program, it’s much more difficult to see, but he’s doing well.”
HC Sean Payto on how CB Riley Moss has embraced his position
“We saw it early last year in camp when he was competing for the job. There’s a short memory with him, not being afraid to fail and really putting it out there on the line each play. He really has good length. I’ve talked about his situational awareness. He’s smart, and he can tackle. All the things you’re looking for in a corner. He’s having another real good start to camp. He’s in great shape, and I think he’s got a high ceiling.”
HC Sean Payton on what makes QB Bo Nix difficult to sack
“We get back to the foot athlete. He’s in less conflict, sometimes not as vulnerable because he can move. The quarterbacks maybe that don’t have that foot speed get hit more. I think the processing is very important. That’s the first sign for us of a heavily sacked quarterback, is processing. Then I would say those awkward positions, he throws pretty well from. The off-platform throws, not the orchestrated ones that you see necessarily at the pro days, but literally the slight movement in a pocket throw, the flush to the left and getting your hips around throw. He can deliver the ball in a lot of different areas. So he’s a challenge to get to. I’ve said this before, I think that statistic, that sack statistic, more often than not, is a quarterback statistic than it is an offensive line statistic. I think that we’re not in those minus situations near as much as you could be if he didn’t have that skill set.”
WR Courtland Sutton on signing a contract extension with the Broncos and building a legacy in Denver
“First off, I want to say a lot of thank yous are in are order. I’m very thankful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to be able to have this opportunity. To be able to be healthy, to be able to be going into my eighth year in the NFL, and then also to be a part of this amazing organization of the Denver Broncos. This is huge. I have an amazing team in [Agent] Jacob Presser and [Manager] Daniel Gresham who through this whole process were able to figure out the best way to be able to get this joint done. The communication was amazing between us three and ownership, Mr. [Owner & CEO Greg] Penner, Mr. [General Manger] George [Paton], [Vice President of Football Administration] Rich [Hurtado], [Head] Coach [Sean] Payton, the whole nine. The communication was amazing for us to be able to get on the same page with this. I’m just very thankful to the Penner Family and the [Walton-Penner Family] Ownership Group for believing in me, continuing to believe in me, giving me the opportunity to stay here and continue to build the legacy that I’ve had here since 2018. I’m just grateful. I have a heart of gratitude for this opportunity, and I’m just grateful.
“It is legacy, being able to be here, signing the contract. The biggest thing for me was being able to be here and bring back the years that Broncos fans have known. The organization has such a long historic tradition of being successful. You all know that I’ve been here through the thick and the thin. There’s a lot of promise on the other side of the horizon here. To be able to be here and have more years of being able to chase greatness with this great team that we have, and with this great organization, that was one thing I was looking forward to. We have the best fans in football. It’s not a cliché thing to say. It’s one thing that I believe wholeheartedly. I’ve played in almost every NFL stadium, and there’s nothing like Empower Field [at Mile High] and being able to play in front of Broncos Country. I’m just grateful to be able to be here and continue my legacy here.”
WR Courtland Sutton on remaining patient through the extension process
“I knew that things were going to work out the way they were supposed to work out. I knew that we had a great group upstairs that believes in me. I have a great team, like I said, in [Agent] Jacob Presser and [Manager] Daniel Gresham that work diligently. The communication was amazing and there was never a time that we felt like things weren’t going to be able to get done. The communication was there, and we were able to keep moving forward, keep taking steps forward. I had the utmost faith that something was going to get done. The last thing that I wanted to be was a distraction. That’s what I’ve done my entire career, and that’s what I want to continue to do is not be a distraction. How can I do things the best way that I possibly can for this team and for this organization to continue to stay in the light of progress and moving forward? Like I said, the communication was great, and I knew that something was going to eventually get done, and that’s what I had to hold steadfast on.”
WR Courtland Sutto on what it means for Head Coach Sean Payton to rely on his leadership and abilities
“It means a lot. For [Head] Coach [Sean] Payton, someone who’s been around a lot of really great players, for him to see something like that in me, it allows me to know that the things I do on the day-to-day basis aren’t going in vain. It may be the things that the everyday person doesn’t get to see. I try to be the best version of myself I can be, whether it’s on the field or off the field. Whether it goes noticed or unnoticed, I know that those things are things that allow me to be the best version of me. For coach to notice those things, it allows me to have the confidence to continue to try to pursue that greatest and that consistency of greatness. It’s a constant thing even to this point. The contract isn’t the end all, be all. The contract was just allowing me to have that stability to say, ‘Hey you’re going to be here for the next four years, and the things that are possible are still attainable.’ I look forward to chasing those. We’re putting together a great camp over the first week and two days. The guys are hungry. We have great pieces that we’ve added in this offseason, and we have great pieces that we added in the draft and we have great pieces that returned from this past season. The practices have been competitive, the practices have been detailed, and it’s very encouraging to see the direction that the team is already going in such an early stage.”
WR Courland Sutton on his excitement to play with QB Bo Nix
“[QB] Bo [Nix] is my guy. I think I’ve said that since we picked him up last year. Being able to have the conversations that I’ve had with him throughout the offseason and so far throughout training camp, the dude’s mindset, he was already light years ahead of where anybody expected a rookie quarterback to be last year. To have the conversations that we’re having together already, and the things that he sees and the things that are already possible through the first nine days of camp we’ve had so far, it’s promising. I look forward to continuing to watch him grow, continuing to watch his leadership grow, continuing to watch his development at the quarterback position grow. Bo’s a special guy on and off the field, and I tell him all the time even beyond football, he’s a special dude. The way that he thinks, the way that he carries himself, the way that he leads, he’s a special guy. So to be able to share the locker room with him and share the field with him, it’s a special thing. I just look forward to what’s ahead and us continuing to build what we can here.”
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