Broncos Camp Rewind: Adam Trautman strengthens case to be No. 1 tight end

Player Attendance

Physically Unable to Perform list: OLB Baron Browning (knee). Non-Football Injury list: DL Mike Purcell (knee).

Did not practice: CB K’Waun Williams, Safeties Justin Simmons (groin) and P.J. Locke, CB Riley Moss (core), RT Mike McGlinchey (knee), TE Chris Manhertz, WR Brandon Johnson (ankle), DT Forrest Merrill and RB Tyler Badie. Locke, Williams and Merrill were not on the field.

Returned to practice: Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (hip) and tight end Tommy Hudson after not playing on Monday and Tuesday.

Top Play

Trautman, tight end No. 1?: Broncos tight end Adam Trautman did his best Odell Beckham Jr. impression. During the red zone period, quarterback Russell Wilson rocketed a pass down the middle when Trautman made a one-handed touchdown grab in double coverage.

“Honestly, I just stuck my hand out there and hoped I caught it,” Trautman said. “I’m glad it worked out.”

Thumbs Up

Garcia makes an impact up front: Broncos defensive tackle Elijah Garcia is doing whatever it takes to earn a roster spot. He recorded two sacks in the preseason loss against the Arizona Cardinals, and at Wednesday’s practice, he continued to be disruptive up front. He and linebacker Seth Benson stopped running back Jaleel McLaughlin for a short gain. Later, Garcia forced his way into the backfield to sack quarterback Jarrett Stidham.

Thumbs Down

DiNucci dug into his bag of tricks but couldn’t deliver: Backup quarterback Ben DiNucci was dealing, but his performance might have gotten into his head. During the 11-on-11 period, DiNucci rolled to the left before spinning the ball behind his back and throwing an incompletion down the field.

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi admires DiNucci’s unorthodox play style. “He’s got that magic moxie,” Lombardi said. But when it comes to doing the Gilbert Arenas free throw routine while escaping pressure, Lombardi wants to stay away from that.

“We’re not encouraging that, but (DiNucci) is a fun guy,” Lombardi said.

Odds and Ends

• There was a lot of 11-on-11 work for the Broncos, so let’s get into it. Wilson and wide receiver Courtland Sutton were clicking. Wilson threw a deep pass near the sideline, where Sutton leapt and made an impressive catch over second-year cornerback Damarri Mathis. Prayers up for Mathis, as he has struggled to stop Sutton at camp.

In the red zone period, Wilson lofted the ball to the corner of the end zone, where Sutton made the touchdown grab with cornerback Delonte Hood in coverage.

• Trautman was active in the passing game. In addition to his one-handed catch, Trautman caught a pass from DiNucci. He took advantage of the defense’s lack of communication and got wide open near the sideline.

• Tight end Albert Okwuegbunam showed he’s more than a pass catcher. He pancaked outside linebacker Marcus Haynes. It was the most physical play from Okwuegbunam at training camp thus far.

• Rookie linebacker Drew Sanders clotheslined a player for the second time at camp. Sanders’ aggression and physical play has been admirable, but he might have to chill a little.

• Tempers flared during the team period. Offensive tackle Isaiah Prince and undrafted rookie defensive tackle PJ Mustipher got into it. Later, Haynes slapped guard Henry Byrd in the face, forcing both players to be separated.

Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.

Source: Read Full Article