Denver Broncos OTAs has come to an end meaning mandatory minicamp is just around the corner as the team prepares themselves for the trials and tribulations of training camp in mid-July. With minicamp set to take place June 13-15, let's take a look at all the biggest headlines and news that we learned from the final week of Broncos OTAs.
Caden Sterns shining brighter than the stars
During his press conference Thursday, head coach Sean Payton mentioned that Caden Sterns made a "heck of an interception" in practice and acknowledged the progress he has made up to this point in the offseason.
Sterns is coming off hip surgery in which he has made a full recovery and will be battling with veteran Kareem Jackson for the team's starting job alongside All-Pro Justin Simmons. Sterns is just 23 years old entering his third season in the NFL and will be aiming to have his best season yet under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
While one can say Kareem Jackson is expected to be named the team's starting safety, you can most likely expect a mixture of rotation between Jackson and Sterns or even all three of Denver's safeties on the field simultaneously -- something we saw a lot of on tape in the first few games in 2022.
Courtland Sutton hopes to emulate Michael Thomas' game
In his Thursday presser, WR Courtland Sutton met with the media for the first time in several months and spoke about his recent studies of New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas. Sutton said he recently got a cut-up of all 185 targets from Thomas' historic season in 2019 in which he eclipsed 1,700 receiving yards and broke the NFL record for the most receptions in a regular season with a whopping 149 catches.
Sutton also mentioned how he plans to implement elements of Thomas' game into his own and is intrigued by how he was able to create separation and get open for his QB. As a Broncos fan, you have to love this simply due to the comparable skillsets and body frames between Sutton and Thomas.
In 2019, Sutton put together a Pro-Bowl season accumulating 1,112 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions, despite having three different starting quarterbacks throughout the year. Not only does Sutton want to get back to his 2019-self, but he hopes to take on the 'Michael Thomas role' in Sean Payton's offense in 2023.
Jerry Jeudy receiving high praise
WR Jerry Jeudy, who is expected by all fans around the NFL to be Denver's acclaimed WR1, is already receiving praise from head coach Sean Payton however, will have to be earned throughout the rest of offseason activities.
Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton has high expectations for Jerry Jeudy this upcoming. The young receiver has more growing to do, but his elusive ability should help create more opportunities for him . #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/4KtIS9MSLU
— Nick Ferguson (@NickFerguson_25) June 8, 2023
According to coach Payton, Jeudy has looked "explosive" through OTAs and mentioned how he has "extremely loose hips". Payton went on to iterate that Jeudy is going to be a big part of what the Broncos plan to do offensively from here on out and has "enjoyed" working with the young receiver.
I can’t wait to see what Sean Payton does with Jerry Jeudy this year 🔥 pic.twitter.com/S1TjOGU0HP
— Jordan Lopez (@JordanTLopez) February 1, 2023
Payton also mentioned that he told Jeudy he is going to be hard on him and is going to make him the best possible player he can be. Entering his fourth NFL season, Jeudy has not had much good coaching at all, to say the least. To have an offensive play-caller like Sean Payton who is known for getting the most out of his skill positions, I'm sure Jeudy is licking his chops seeing the matchups he'll have on schedule for 2023.