Denver Broncos legends speak at joint practices with 49ers

John Elway, Broncos general manager

We finally got a training camp ‘state of the union’ address from Elway, who talked about a number of important things, including the progress his rookies are making, what it means to him to have Mike Shanahan back at practice, the process of hiring Rich Scangarello, and more.

On Mike Shanahan’s input in hiring Rich Scangarello as OC

"“I talked to Mike to about Rich and what he thought about Rich. I had a chance to sit—we went through an eight-hour interview with Rich and really liked what he was. Obviously, Mike gave me some input. It was also hard to get him out of San Francisco because of how much they liked him and respected him as a coach. We are fortunate that they allowed us to talk to him.”"

On QB Drew Lock’s progress so far

"“He continues to get better. He’s been overloaded. Anytime you have young guy like that, he’s going to have his good days and he is going to have his bad days. Obviously, we’re excited still about the talent that he has and what he has showed. He has flashed a lot, but it’s a big jump for him, especially with what we are doing offensively and the verbiage that goes along with it. It’s going to take him some time, but he’s done a nice job.”"

On first-round TE Noah Fant

"“He’s been good. Obviously, he’s what we thought he would be. The thing that we are really excited about is the fact that he’s a better blocker. He’s physical and he still can get better there, but very physical, sticks his nose in there and very strong. I think that he can be a guy that can be a ‘Y,’ be a great down field threat, but also be able to block and do a good job in the blocking game and in the running game too. We’re excited about Noah.”"

How much is he watching the 49ers players he could potentially add?

"“A lot. We look at a lot. That’s one of the advantages also of having a team in here is looking at their guys, maybe their bubble guys and guys that maybe they have that may not make their team that could help us. To see them up and close and personal like this is a big help.”"

Similarities between Vic Fangio and Mike Shanahan

"“Absolutely. I think that comes from his experience, his background and where he is from. I think that the discipline and the attention to detail is there, and I think that is the difference maker. Mike brought that and Vic is the same way when it comes down to the defensive side and what he expects. Yeah there is a lot of similarities for Mike and Vic. The other thing is, they are both—Mike was great on the offense and Vic is great on the defensive side. That’s mainly what I was looking for in a new head coach and fortunately we found Vic.”"

Overall, it really sounds like Elway is thrilled with how things have looked so far but the proof will be in wins and losses. That’s somewhat of a cookie-cutter answer at this point but there is reason to be optimistic about this team after two seasons with a combined 11 victories.

Elway and the Broncos have put together a roster good enough to compete for at least a wild card spot, and if Joe Flacco turns out to be able to play ‘prime’ football, there’s reason to think the Broncos could surprise just about everybody, especially those predicting they will only win two games.

It’s very encouraging to hear Elway likes what he’s seen from Lock and Fant, and the more I read and hear about Rich Scangarello and his work ethic, as well as how much the 49ers loved him, I’m all the more excited the Broncos have him on board to take care of the offense while Vic Fangio schemes on the defensive side.

The Broncos take on the 49ers on Monday Night Football for their third preseason game of the 2019 season.