5 takeaways from Broncos training camp
1. The running back room is still uncertain: After practice on Thursday, coach Sean Payton indicated that he didn't know who would win the final running back spots. With two preseason games left to go, the coach was likely being truthful as there's still a lot left up in the air. J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey are safe, but at least two of Tyler Badie, Blake Watson, Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime could be cut or traded before the regular season arrives.
2. Trent Sherfield will have a role on offense: Sherfield is known as a special teams ace, but he's also turned heads at training camp as a wide receiver. Payton has constantly referenced Sherfield's blocking ability, so he seems like a likely candidate to take Lil'Jordan Humphrey's old role. When teams brace to step the run with Sherfield on the field, the receiver will be a threat deep like he was in the preseason opener.
3. The defense can still improve: The Broncos' defense will probably rank among the NFL's best in 2025, but they allowed the San Francisco 49ers to march right down the field for a touchdown on the game's opening drive last week. Denver's starting defense has also allowed some chunk plays in two joint practices. It's good to have it happen now as the Broncos still have time to get things ironed out before the regular season arrives.
4. Bo Nix's progression continues: Nix underwhelmed in the team's preseason opener, but he later had arguably his best practice of the summer five days in a joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals. Expectations for Nix are a mile high going into his second season, and the QB hasn't been perfect, but he does appear to be trending up overall.
5. Broncos have Super Bowl aspirations: Payton has made it no secret that he views Denver as a Super Bowl contender, and Nix hasn't shied away from that goal. Of course, a lot would have to go right for the Broncos to actually win the Super Bowl this season, but they are genuinely confident that they will be a contender this fall.
Up next for the Broncos is a preseason showdown with the Cardinals on Saturday, followed by a preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints next week. Denver will then build a 53-man roster before turning attention toward a Week 1 showdown with the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 7 (view the full schedule).
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