Broncos Notebook: Key takeaways from rookie minicamp

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Just like that, in the blink of an eye, Broncos’ rookie minicamp came and went over the weekend.

On Friday, the rookies had their first-ever NFL practice.

On Sunday, they’re now ready to join the rest of the Broncos’ roster to embark on the remainder of the offseason training program.

Here were the biggest takeaways from the three-day minicamp.

• Noah Fant looks every bit of the receiving threat the Broncos hoped he would be. To be fair, the players were only going up against air during the portion of camp that was open to the media, however, Fant’s initial impression was impressive. His footwork and body control looks like he’ll be able to have instant success getting open in the middle of the field. His hands, which were a concern to some, weren’t an issue as he had no problem hauling in passes all over the field. No. 87 looked like a big receiver in a tight end’s body.
• Dalton Risner, the Colorado Native, is the ultimate versatile weapon for Mike Munchak. Risner began camp at left guard, but will “eventually” learn tackle and will “take a look” at center before training camp ends. Risner will start OTAs on the left side for “at least” a week. At 6-foot-5, 312 pounds, Denver’s first second-round pick unquestionably looks the part, no matter what position he winds up playing.
• Drew Lock’s quickly showing why John Elway deemed him “the future.” On the field, Lock’s arm sizzled. His footwork under center looked natural as he did three-step drops. Off the field, however, is where Lock shined. Not only did Lock spend multiple hours on Friday night practicing “spitting” out the play calls, but he also received excellent reviews from Rich Scangarello. He’ll be in an open competition for the backup quarterback spot at the start of OTAs.
• Denver’s third-round pick, Dre’Mont Jones, has been playing “everywhere” along the defensive line during camp, a characteristic that is key for Vic Fangio. Earlier in the offseason, the head coach said he needed his defensive lineman to play every position along the line and not be limited to one role. Jones is expected to be a nickel pass rusher initially.
• Justin Hollins has been playing both inside and outside linebacker and he’ll continue to do so, according to Fangio. Hollins primarily played on the edge in college, but Fangio, the linebacker ace, believed he had the physical traits to be successful inside. In fact, it was outside linebacker coach Brandon Staley that originally came up with the idea to try the team’s fifth-round pick inside. The 6-foot-5, 248-pound player lined up at outside backer in base defense and inside backer in nickel.
  • “He’s doing a nice job. I think he’s done a good job of learning both spots,” Fangio said on Sunday. “I think he’s ready to go out there and plug in with the veterans and see if he can continue his good work. Very pleased with what he was able to do from a mental standpoint in these three days.”
• To the surprise of no one, Juwann Winfree, Denver’s sixth-round pick, was identified “very early” in the draft process by Matt Russell, a fellow University of Colorado alum. Winfree is completely healthy, something he hasn’t been able to say for the majority of his career, and looked like a big-body receiver.

The rookies will now join the rest of the roster on Monday to begin OTAs.

• Speaking of OTAs, Chris Harris Jr. is not expected to attend the start of the third phase of the team’s offseason workout program. According to multiple reports, Harris’ agent, Fred Lyles, and Elway have had conversations in recent weeks. Harris has not backed down from his request of a contract extension topping $15 million per year. Elway is expected to submit a counteroffer this week, according to Mike Klis. Ed Donatell was optimistic on a deal getting done over the weekend, saying, “We think it’s going to unfold in a good way, sooner rather than later.”
• Phillip Lindsay, Jake Butt and Ron Leary will not be full participants at OTAs, but will be doing “some stuff,” according to Fangio. Emmanuel Sanders will not practice, but Bryce Callahan will. Isaac Yiadom will be limited during the first week, but should be a full participant after.

For the daily breakdowns of rookie minicamp, check out the observations from Friday and Saturday’s practices.