The Denver Broncos' 2026 OTAs have provided an early glimpse into the team's potential, with some players shining brighter than others. While the offseason grind can be a long and tedious process, the limited opportunities to impress are what make these early evaluations so crucial. Let's dive into the winners and losers from the Broncos' OTAs, and explore the implications of these early impressions.
The Bright Spots
Jaylen Waddle: A Blockbuster Acquisition
The Broncos' decision to trade a first and third-round pick for Jaylen Waddle was a bold move, and early indications suggest it could pay off handsomely. Waddle's explosiveness and talent have already made an impression on his teammates and coaches, with offensive coordinator Davis Webb drawing parallels to the Bills' acquisition of Stefon Diggs. The early signs are promising, and the next step will be to see how Waddle performs when Bo Nix is throwing him the ball. This could be a game-changer for the Broncos' offense.
Sam Ehlinger: Quiet Competition for QB2
Sam Ehlinger's command of the offense has improved significantly since last year, and this has not gone unnoticed by Sean Payton. While Jarrett Stidham got a golden opportunity to start in the AFC Championship Game, Ehlinger's consistent performance suggests he may be a better option stylistically for the Broncos as a backup. The competition for the QB2 job is heating up, and Ehlinger's quiet rise could be a game-changer for the team's depth chart.
Que Robinson: A Defensive Force
Que Robinson's athletic traits and special teams ability have not gone unnoticed by the Broncos. His performance in the playoffs, including a sack on Drake Maye, has earned him praise from the defensive coordinator. Robinson's potential as a future starter is a significant development, especially considering his limited snaps at Alabama. The Broncos' faith in him is a testament to his ability, and we can expect to see more of him this upcoming season.
Evan Engram: Making Light Work of the Linebackers
Evan Engram's second season in Denver has started on a positive note. Despite a frustrating first year, Engram has been targeted often during OTAs and has made light work of the linebackers attempting to cover him. His history with offensive coordinator Davis Webb could be a key factor in his success, and we can expect to see more of him in the passing game this season.
The Areas of Concern
Caleb Lohner: Missed Opportunities
Caleb Lohner's absence from OTAs due to a lower-body procedure is a significant setback. As a rookie, every rep and every chance to impress the coaches is crucial, especially when competing at the position. Lohner's missed opportunities could have a lasting impact on his roster chances, and we can expect to see more from him once he returns to the field.
Jonathon Cooper: Off-Field Concerns
Jonathon Cooper's off-field situation is a cause for concern. His second arrest in a week is a disappointing development, and the Broncos have had a long talk with him about it. Cooper's legal situation is still playing out, but the team's statement indicates they are reviewing the matter closely. The implications of this situation could be far-reaching, and we can expect to hear more about it as mandatory minicamp approaches.
Broader Implications and Trends
The Broncos' OTAs have provided an early glimpse into the team's potential, with some players shining brighter than others. The competition for the QB2 job is heating up, and the team's faith in Que Robinson is a testament to his ability. However, the off-field concerns surrounding Jonathon Cooper are a cause for concern, and we can expect to hear more about them as mandatory minicamp approaches. The early impressions from these OTAs will have a lasting impact on the team's depth chart and roster, and we can expect to see more developments as the season progresses.
In my opinion, the Broncos' OTAs have provided an early glimpse into the team's potential, but there are still many questions to be answered. The competition for the QB2 job is heating up, and the team's faith in Que Robinson is a testament to his ability. However, the off-field concerns surrounding Jonathon Cooper are a cause for concern, and we can expect to hear more about them as mandatory minicamp approaches. The early impressions from these OTAs will have a lasting impact on the team's depth chart and roster, and we can expect to see more developments as the season progresses.
