ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos’ offseason program is over!
The Broncos held three weeks of Offseason Training Activities followed by a one-week mandatory mini-camp. They held 12 total practices in that time. Reporters were allowed to view six of the practices but weren’t allowed to share the details of what went down.
But while I can’t share any details, I can list a few names that stood out.
Here are the biggest winners of the offseason program:
#1 Ja’Quan McMillian
The Broncos brought East Carolina cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian into their facilities for a pre-draft visit last spring. The Broncos didn’t select McMillian, but neither did any other team. Denver was able to sign him as an undrafted free agent.
“There was some competition there,” Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker said on Wedensday.
McMillian didn’t earn a roster spot in training camp, but held a role on the practice squad throughout the season.
“He knew the gameplan every week. He knew what were trying to get done. He knew the opposing offense,” Parker said. “When he got his opportunity there was no doubt that he was going to go out there and perform.”
That opportunity came in Week 18, when McMillian wore a uniform on a Sunday for the first time. He even held down a spot in the starting lineup. He played a great game.
“Sometimes it never comes to fruition and guys never get a chance to put it on tape, but he actually got a shot to do it.”
McMillian picked up where he left off last season during offseason practices. Don’t be surprised if he factors into the defensive gameplan this season.
#2 Javonte Williams
When Javonte Williams went down with a multi-ligament knee tear in early October, a return by Week 1 of the 2023 regular season felt optimistic. While Williams is not guaranteed to be back by the start of the season, he showed plenty of progress this spring.
Williams was a limited participant during offseason practices, but he ran and cut on his surgically-repaired knee, which is encouraging. He appears to be within arm’s length of a return, with three months to finish the final stretch.
#3 Brandon Johnson
Another former undrafted free agent, Brandon Johnson put himself in position to claim a roster spot during spring practices. The lanky receiver may still have an uphill battle—no fewer than nine receivers are in strong competition to make the team—but he should like his chances.
#4 Albert Okwuegbunam
The 25-year-old tight seemed poised for a breakout 2022 season with Noah Fant out of town and Russell Wilson replacing Drew Lock. But his production fell from 330 yards in the prior season to less than 100 yards as he hardly saw the field.
Okwuegbunam ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, which was more than a tenth of a second better than any other tight end at that year’s NFL Combine. His big play ability was on display this spring.
Greg Dulcich also has an argument to be the tight end on this list, thanks to Sean Payton’s comments about how Dulcich can be used in the new offense.
#5 Tyler Badie
Tyler Badie was a fifth-round pick for the Ravens last year, but the Broncos were able to add him after Baltimore released him during the season. Badie only appeared in one game for the Broncos as a rookie, but one of his two touches was a 24-yard catch and run for a touchdown.
Given that offseason practices are non-contact, it’s tough for a running back to stand out. But given the turnover in the Broncos’ backfield, Badie is in a much better place now than he was a month ago.
Following the releases of Jacques Patrick and Tyreik McAllister, Badie is one of five running backs remaining on the Broncos’ roster. If Javonte Williams starts the season on the PUP list, there’s a chance all of the other four will make the team.
