ENGLEWOOD – It's only May, but the competition at running back for the Broncos is already heating up.
Last month, the Broncos drafted rugged Notre Dame back Audric Estim in the fifth round and unexpectedly signed undrafted Memphis back Blake Watson. They are showing off their accomplishments at rookie minicamp this weekend.
When organized team activities begin on May 21st, the team will be joined by holdover players from last season: Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine and Jahleel McLaughlin.
“I want to be able to compete with the best of the best,” Estim said after the second minicamp practice Saturday at Centura Health Training Center. “We have some really good players and it's great that they bring out the best in me.”
Last season, Estim rushed for 1,341 yards and Watson had 1,152. Many analysts expected Watson to be a third-day draft pick.
“It's definitely a chip on my shoulder,” Watson said of not being selected. “But I've moved beyond that. … I have to be more competitive.”
Watson, who also caught 53 passes last season, said he's a “do-it-all kind of guy.” Estim made a similar assessment of himself.
“I'm a versatile back,” he said. “I'm the back that can do anything. I'm the back that can outrun you, I can run past you, and I can go around you.”
Williams and Perine have no money guaranteed in the final year of their contracts in 2024, giving the Broncos flexibility. Denver coach Sean Payton doesn't deny there's a lot of competition.
“All of these players are competing for different roles, spots and roster spots,” he said. “I don't think we've ever put a cap on contention (for Estime and Watson). I'd like to see, and we'll go with what we see.”
comfortable crumb
Wyoming tackle Frank Crum thought he would be drafted last month, but that wasn't the case. But everything seems to have worked out.
“Things worked out in the best direction for me, and I'm really happy,” said Crum, who signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent. “That's true. I think when we came in we expected to be drafted, but given the situation with Denver and Coach Payton, it's huge for us to continue here.”
Payton said Crum was a top target for the Broncos after going undrafted and taking some time to finally acquire him.
“I think he was the last free agent we signed,” Payton said. “I think it took about two hours. We were all ready to go home and I kept looking at Scout and I was like, 'Where are you with Crum?' He had the traits we like: toughness, intelligence. We thought he had good feet. ”
Crum said offensive line coach Zach Streiff played a key role in choosing to sign with Denver. He called him “one of the best players in the league.”
Matka looks on.
Former Colorado Mines quarterback John Matouka was excited to be one of the 25 rookies invited to minicamp as tryouts.
“I just do everything the coaches ask me to do and take advantage of every opportunity that’s given to me,” he said. “I’m really excited about this opportunity.”
Matouka is college football's all-time leader in touchdowns, throwing 162 and running for 29.
“I was in a quarterback meeting and just having fun with Bo (Nix),” Payton said of the Broncos' rookie quarterback, who was drafted No. 12. “I said, 'I want to talk to a quarterback who has 160 touchdown passes, and he's rushed for 30.'”
Peyton called Matoka “a joy to work with,” adding that he was “sharp,” “smart” and “full of energy.”
Other Colorado college tryouts include guard Oliver Jarvis, outside linebacker Tony Pierce Jr. (Colorado State University) and safety Jaden Goodwin (Air Force).
Roster overview
56 players will participate in the minicamp. In addition to the 25 rookies trying out, there are seven draftees, 13 signed college free agents, two pro tryouts, and nine players from last year's practice squad.
Linebacker Ty Summers and fullback Matthew Jester were invited as pro tryouts.
“It was a real opportunity for me,” said Summers, a five-year veteran. “I'm not one to sit still.”
Holdover players eligible to participate are Tyler Buddie, cornerback Art Green, defensive lineman Jordan Jackson, tackle Demtry Jacobs, safety Devon Key, linebacker Darrell Ntxami, and guard Will. – Sherman, defensive back Keidron Smith and cornerback Reece Taylor.
The Broncos tackled the NFL's new kickoff rules on Saturday, and Buddy played a big role as a returner.
“Important is an understatement,” Payton said of the new rules' importance.