Kapri Bibbs getting comfortable in Denver Broncos training camp

The Denver Broncos backfield is certainly crowded, with multiple young men looking to carry the ball in Gary Kubiak’s new, old-school offense. That zone-blocking scheme works wonders with backs, allowing the quick-footed offensive linemen move to a pace and open up a hole wide enough for anyone to run through.

And while C.J. Anderson is the favorite as starting at running back, Kapri Bibbs is making himself a known quantity. Bibbs, the former stud at Colorado State University, is doing well to make the most of his opportunities with the Broncos in training camp.

On Tuesday, the second day of camp with full pads, there was Bibbs pushing for yards, running with speed and power, while also catching passes out of the backfield. On one play in 11-11s in the red zone, Bibbs was hit hard and fell to the ground, something coaches don’t want to see. But he bounced back up and kept playing, saying, “That’s not the hardest hit I’ve ever taken. It’s not close to the hardest hit I’ll take in the future.”

Bibbs hasn’t just adjusted to the physicality of the NFL well, he’s learning the team’s new playbook with some ease, which is putting far ahead of where he was this time last year.

“Really, it’s just being more comfortable. More comfortable in the system, more comfortable with myself and getting more comfortable with the playbook,” the second-year player explained after practice. “Last year, I wasn’t as comfortable with the playbook and now I am. And I feel like I know everything in this playbook. So, it allows me to go out there and play, line up fast, not going to think about the other stuff that comes along with it. That’s always a plus, when you have the playbook down and you go out and play football.”

In Fort Collins with the Colorado State Rams, Bibbs ran in a pro-style offense under Jim McElwain, a very similar offense to Kubiak’s, which is likely giving him that level of comfortability and confidence.

“I think this offense is definitely made for me,” Bibbs continued. “Like I said, it’s the second day in pads, we’ve got a long training camp to go. I’m looking to keep improving every day.”

The 22-year old is showing his maturity, understanding the long road ahead of him but also knowing he can get there with persistence and hard work. He also wants to show he can be a versatile player, with the hands to catch from Manning or anyone else willing to sling the ball his way.

“Just trying my best to be all-around and catch the ball out of the back field,” Bibbs explained. “I know there’s a lot of people that said I can’t catch and I just think that’s absolutely false. I go out and keep proving to everybody I can catch the ball. I want to be the best option that we have coming out of the backfield catching the ball.”

As long as Bibbs keeps grinding – like he did all last year with the Broncos on their practice squad – he’ll continue to impress coaches and we may even see him in a regular season game. Stay tuned.