Broncos Notebook: Quick observations from the first day of rookie minicamp

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The rookies are in town.

On Friday, for the first time in their NFL careers, the Denver Broncos’ rookies took the practice field during the first day of rookie minicamp.

While the entire practice wasn’t open to the media, the first portion was. Here is what we learned about Denver’s new batch of rookies on their first day on the field.

• In the words of Drew Lock himself, Drew Lock has “an absolute hose.” All eyes were on No. 3 as he displayed his powerful arm. Even though he was limited to short passes, Lock’s arm strength was very hard to miss as the ball fired off his hand. Lock looked comfortable in his footwork dropping back from under center, too.
• Noah Fant unquestionably looks the part. With a sleeve draping his right arm, white gloves hauling in every ball thrown his way and a clear visor reflecting the light inside the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse, the Broncos’ first-round pick looked like an instant threat. More importantly, Fant’s physical tools looked the part as he showed off quick footwork and soft hands. While he was with the tight ends, his skills resembled a big-body receiver.
• Dalton Risner already has an NFL-ready stature. The Colorado Native looked like a Day 1 starter wearing No. 66 with an evenly built frame.
• Justin Hollins looked like an inside linebacker. Denver’s fourth-round pick was primarily an edge rusher at Oregon, but Vic Fangio said he will get a look at inside backer. Even at 6-foot-5, Hollins didn’t look too tall for the position and showed the speed to have the tools to cover tight ends and running backs.
• Quarterback Brett Rypien didn’t look out of place throwing next to Lock. In fact, the UDFA throws a very nice, catchable ball.
• Fullback George Aston is a monster, in terms of his stature. The UDFA from Pittsburgh is built thicker than the shirt-busting Andy Janovich.
• UDFA receiver Romell Guerrier made some difficult grabs on the sideline.
• Kicker Taylor Bertolet, receiver Fred Brown, offensive lineman Austin Schlottmann and cornerback Linden Stephens were at the rookie minicamp, despite having one year of NFL experience under their belt.

On Thursday, the first day the rookies reported, jersey numbers became official, at least for now. Fant will wear No. 87, Risner No. 66, Lock No. 3, Dre’Mont Jones No. 93, Hollins No. 52 and Juwann Winfree No. 15.

The minicamp will continue on Saturday and Sunday before the rookies join the veterans for the first OTA practice, which begins on Monday.