Day 3 recap of Denver Broncos OTAs: News, analysis, and takeaways

As the Denver Broncos transition into the thick of their off-season programs, OTAs (organized team activities) are officially underway for Sean Payton's new team as practices kicked off on Tuesday, May 23rd and took a temporary halt on Thursday, May 25th, but will resume on Tuesday, May 30th.

As mentioned by head coach Sean Payton, the Broncos have been "lifting [weights] and running" for the last five weeks but finally saw action on the field Tuesday where they began "football activities".

Javonte Williams is back and looking great

One of the biggest storylines through the first three days of OTAs and even the off-season in general, is of course, the remarkable return of Javonte Williams despite the perception that a return originally seemed nearly impossible to begin with. However, Williams isn't built like your average running back.

Williams was seen out on the field Thursday executing drills and running with a knee brace as a limited participant. According to multiple reports, he looked "good" on the field and Payton said it was "good to have him out there".

Russell Wilson even went out of his way during his first press conference of the off-season to compliment the talent and skill-set of Javonte Williams.

"Javonte is one of the best backs in the game. He's a guy that's hard to tackle, has great hands, and he's great in protection. He runs through holes, runs through his tackles, and he brings a lot of confidence to us."

Russell Wilson during a Thursday presser

Not enough of the NFL world is covering how truly of an incredible comeback #33 is making after suffering his brutal knee injury just over 33 weeks ago. Regardless if Williams remains a limited participant and isn't absorbing contact during OTAs, this factually goes down as one of the most legendary comebacks in sports history.

Russell Wilson looking "lean and mean"

According to Sean Payton, Russell Wilson looked "sharp" and has "picked things up well" as the offensive staff continues to instill a new scheme for the players. Russell Wilson connected with WR Jerry Jeudy on a long pass during practice as the two continue to build their chemistry as a duo carrying over from the second half of 2022.

One of the more notable differences and 'improvements' per se from Wilson this off-season was noticeable weight loss. At the beginning of the 2022 season, Wilson was listed at just 215 pounds despite appearing a bit on the heavier side however, as mentioned, lost even more weight this off-season and looks significantly lighter than previously seen on the football field.

Very positive signs early on in Denver's off-season programs considering Wilson's past success being able to extend plays and make "something out of nothing" when he's on the move. Wilson was set with unrealistic expectations last season as he bulked up and added additional weight in hopes to become a pure pocket passer for Nathaniel Hackett's offense. All along, Wilson was never meant to be that type of quarterback and Coach Payton is making sure there will be no repeat of 2022 as he aims to play Wilson's "greatest hits" in 2023.

Courtland Sutton opening eyes early

Just a few days into Broncos OTAs and WR Courtland Sutton is already putting his critics on notice. Most of the talk in the off-season surrounded the likes of WRs Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton as prime trade targets for WR-needy teams around the league as Denver's room appeared to be too "crowded" when really that was never the case.

Some have still speculated the idea of dealing away Sutton before the season opener, however, Sutton is giving the coaching staff and front office every reason to not make such a bold move. On Thursday, Sutton reportedly looked very "explosive" and was displaying a great burst after the catch.

Very encouraging news for the Courtland Sutton truthers and WR room in general. The Broncos will need the absolute best out of their WRs this upcoming season, even with the offense transforming into a primarily run-heavy group. Sutton, who had a "poor" season by some fans' standards, is certainly proving that he can still compete for the WR1 spot on Denver's week one roster.