Which players stood out on Day 8 of Denver Broncos training camp with the team back in full pads and going full speed? We take a look at the top four.
The Denver Broncos put the pads back on for Day 8 of training camp and both sides of the ball came out ready to compete.
Although the defense has probably been the most impressive unit thus far in camp, on Day 8, it was the offense that took its turn and really had a great, efficient day.
According to those in attendance at camp, the Broncos’ offense was having success moving the ball in 11-on-11 and in the red zone period, as well as near the end of practice in a two-minute drill simulation.
Even facing a fourth down in the two-minute drill, Russell Wilson connected on a deep pass to Courtland Sutton that set up a touchdown for Trey Quinn from 18 yards out.
Which players stood out the most in this practice from those in attendance? Let’s take a look at four players.
Denver Broncos training camp Day 8 standout: Greg Dulcich, TE
He might still be getting eased into action, but it can’t be overstated that Greg Dulcich got in on a fully-padded day of practice for some 11-on-11 team work, and he ended up making a significant impact.
Russell Wilson finds Greg Dulcich for a TOUCHDOWN in the red zone.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 4, 2022
Russ was rolling out right and threw it slightly across his body to an open Dulcich.
It’s a great sign of progression for Dulcich who is working his way back from a hamstring injury he suffered at OTAs.
Dulcich was one of the top picks for the Broncos in the 2022 NFL Draft and they have thrust him into competition with Albert Okwuegbunam for the TE1 job rather quickly.
In fact, it seemed as of OTAs like Dulcich might even be the favorite for the job.
On what is effectively his “first” day back in a full-speed practice, he goes out and catches a touchdown in red zone work.
Get ready for Dulcich to be a massive piece on this offense in 2022.
Denver Broncos training camp day 8 standout: Damarri Mathis, CB
Another rookie that has been looking good for the Denver Broncos the last few days is fourth-round cornerback Damarri Mathis.
Mathis is a freakishly gifted athlete out of Pittsburgh who could figure into the Broncos’ rotation at both nickel and outside corner, depending on the health of the players currently ahead of him on the depth chart.
He’s out there getting after the ball at training camp.
#Broncos rookie CB Damarri Mathis picks off Brett Rypien, undercut the receiver route!
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) August 4, 2022
Damarri Mathis is having another really good day. Something coverage on multiple different routes today.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 2, 2022
The Broncos added Mathis in round four despite some pundits feeling like he was a lock for the top 100 picks in the Draft.
He’s a well-built corner at 5’11” and almost 200 pounds.
Because of his speed and explosiveness, Mathis’ game can translate inside or outside in this Denver Broncos defense under coordinator Ejiro Evero.
Right now, veteran nickel corner K’Waun Williams is out and nursing an injury that isn’t expected to keep him out for too long, but could certainly provide players like Mathis an extended opportunity to make an impression in camp.
With the pads coming on, Mathis has been able to be more aggressive and it’s been playing into his favor.
Denver Broncos training camp Day 8 standout: DeShawn Williams, DL
One of the players that deserves some recognition for a strong training camp thus far is defensive lineman DeShawn Williams.
The Broncos decided to bring Williams back after another strong year in 2021 when he racked up a career-best 39 total tackles.
Williams has drawn rave reviews from the coaching staff as well as the media in attendance, and he was getting after the quarterback early on Day 8 of Denver Broncos training camp.
DeShawn Williams with two sacks in the first few plays of practice.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 4, 2022
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero said recently that “D-Will” is one of the players he feels like is flying under the radar right now to most.
Nathaniel Hackett expounded on the strong offseason Williams has been having and the impression he’s made.
"“I’ll tell you, he’s one of those guys—especially when you meet him for the first time—you’re a little surprised. His ability to disturb and obstruct on that line of scrimmage is unbelievable. He’s got a low center of gravity, he has that ability to use his hands and disrupt is just unbelievable. I’ve been really blown away by him. Watching how he fights off blocks—he had one that was very controversial in our competition where he had an unbelievable swim move inside on a pass rush. It was impressive watching him move. He’s done a good job. He fights all the time, and I’m just really happy with where he is going.” Nathaniel Hackett (via Broncos PR)"
General manager George Paton recently named DeShawn Williams as one of the team’s “core guys” they were able to bring back this offseason and you can start to see the writing on the wall here.
Don’t be surprised if, against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, DeShawn Williams is one of the three starting defensive linemen out there with Dre’Mont Jones and DJ Jones.
Denver Broncos training camp Day 8 standout: Some sleeper WRs
Okay this is cheating a little bit. It’s not just one player.
But there are a few names that need to be mentioned here. One of which isn’t exactly a “sleeper” anymore either.
Montrell Washington
Another day, another Montrell Washington touchdown grab at Denver Broncos training camp.
This time, though, the pads are on and he’s catching it from Russell Wilson. There’s no way you can diminish the rapid ascent for this young training camp breakout star.
Guess who?
— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) August 4, 2022
Montrell Washington with a 20-yard TD catch after Russ escaped the pocket.
MW caught it near the sideline and beat Jonas Griffith to the pylon.
The Broncos love this kid and they’re clearly giving him every opportunity. He might step into a massive role with Tim Patrick out for the season.
Trey Quinn
Interestingly enough, with a number of players out (Tim Patrick, Tyrie Cleveland, Kendall Hinton) other guys are bound to get more chances to make noise.
Trey Quinn has been doing that rather quietly.
At the end of practice, Quinn capped off a two-minute drill working with the first-team offense with an 18-yard touchdown catch.
In two-minute drill, Broncos’ first-team offense goes 80 yards for winning TD.
— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) August 4, 2022
Biggest play was 34-yard completion from Russell Wilson to Courtland Sutton on fourth-and-4.
Capped drive with 18-yard TD to Trey Quinn.
Quinn deserves some hype as a possible back-end receiver this team could keep. He’s already proven he can produce in regular season NFL action.
Darrius Shepherd (the new guy)
The Denver Broncos just signed Darrius Shepherd on Thursday morning, and what did he do with his first target at training camp?
No learning curve for Darrius Shepherd.
— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) August 4, 2022
Hauls in a bomb for a TD from Josh Johnson.
Nice play to start the day. One of Johnson’s best throws of camp, too.
The good news for Shepherd is, he’s very familiar with Nathaniel Hackett having spent two years with him as a member of the Green Bay Packers.
Shepherd is a rare player at this time of year that’s able to step in and know what the coach is looking for and be pretty familiar with the offense.
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He may lack flash, but Shepherd was praised by Hackett after practice for having played a lot for the Packers and showing them quite a few things in his time there.