The Broncos’ rookie class is already sorting itself out at training camp, and a few names are pushing their way into the conversation faster than expected.
That’s notable in Denver, where the roster is deep enough to make life hard on any first-year player. The Broncos also didn’t own a first- or second-round pick in 2026, which means the pressure has landed even harder on the third-, fourth-, and fifth-rounders. A little more than a week into camp, that group has produced a mixed but interesting early read.
Tyler Onyedim has been one of the clearest early wins. Denver took him first among its rookies in the 2026 draft, even though that came in early Round 3, and he has looked the part right away.
He came into the league as one of the better run-defending defensive tackles in the class, and that strength has shown up immediately. There may not be enough room for him to take the starting job that opened up with John Franklin-Myers gone, but Onyedim looks set to matter in the defensive line rotation.
He has also drawn praise from the veterans around him, including D.J. Jones.
"Tyler is fast-twitch and willing to learn," Jones said on Wednesday. "That’s one thing I love about our staff-they bring in the right type of people... His fast-twitch ability is going to keep him in this league for a long time."
Jonah Coleman has been another rookie who has turned heads early. Sean Payton singled him out on Wednesday when asked whether anyone had surprised him this summer, and Coleman was the only player he mentioned.
"Jonah Coleman doesn't feel like a rookie when he's out there," Payton said.
Denver appears headed toward using Coleman as its No. 3 running back, though how much he actually plays on game days is still unclear. Even so, getting him at pick No. 108 looks like a steal on paper. He was one of the more complete backs in this draft class and, by the Broncos’ view, could have gone in the second round if he had been a little faster in a straight line and a little cleaner on the conditioning side.
That conditioning concern has already been answered. Coleman arrived at rookie minicamp in shape and has kept it that way.
He may not have posted a sub-4.5-second 40, but he has enough burst to matter. He runs with power, brings a physical edge to Denver’s backfield, and can help on third down because of what he offers as a pass protector.
Even with the Broncos’ defense making life difficult on the ground in camp, Coleman has found ways to stand out.
Cameron Casey has also held his own. He’s working with the second team, splitting time with Alex Palczewski at left guard and backing up Ben Powers.
Casey played left tackle at Boise State, but Denver has shifted him inside to left guard. That move has gone smoothly so far.
He hasn’t stolen the show, but he’s been steady, which is exactly what Denver needs right now. With Powers potentially entering his final season with the team, Casey has a path to becoming the next man up at left guard. For now, he’s meeting expectations while battling Palczewski for reps.
At tight end, Caleb Joly is still working through the steep adjustment that comes with the jump to the NFL. Payton said Wednesday that he is "coming along," and also made clear that this is a demanding stage for a young tight end.
"It's a big jump for any young tight end," Payton said of Joly on Wednesday. "We think he's at his best with the ball in his hands because he's a powerful runner after the catch. There's still a lot of development ahead for him, but this is the stage where you want to see rapid improvement."
Joly hasn’t gotten many chances as a receiver yet, but that may change once preseason games begin. For now, he’s still absorbing the playbook, the technique work, and the assignments that come with the position. His athleticism is there; the learning curve is the issue.
"Ask me again in a week because I'm interested to see how far he's progressed by then, but he's doing well," Payton said.
The safety competition has been less encouraging. Shilo Scott has not separated himself, and the Broncos’ depth safeties have been burned too often in coverage, especially on deep throws against the second and third units.
Scott still has a long way to go if he’s going to make the roster, and even the practice squad is far from guaranteed. He’ll need momentum, and the preseason may be where he tries to find it.
Bentley is in a similar spot in terms of development. He has been buried in the rookie learning curve and hasn’t produced any notable moments yet, though it is still early. His best-case outcome this season may be the practice squad, and even that would require more progress, especially as a blocker.
Mr. Irrelevant, Murdock, has been quieter than expected for stretches, though he has flashed with a few noteworthy plays lately.
The Broncos clearly think highly of him, and his reputation as a "gamer" suggests there could be more coming once the preseason games start. His calling card is forced fumbles, and there have been hints of that in individual drills, even if it hasn’t shown up in team periods yet.
Among the undrafted rookies, Austin has been one of the nicest surprises. The Cal cornerback has landed in the Winners column on multiple days and has already made a strong impression, even if the depth chart ahead of him is crowded.
York, listed at 5-foot-10 and 220 pounds, has played bigger than his frame suggests. He has been running with the third-team defense and making plays on a consistent basis. His communication and instincts have stood out, though it remains to be seen whether he can shed blocks well enough to hold up as a linebacker with a safety’s size.
Katsis was signed for his upside as a returner, but he has looked useful as a receiver so far. The preseason will tell the story on his return work, but his start has been solid.
Ross has been steady as a depth receiver and helped his case with a deep touchdown catch during team periods on Day 6. Any return ability he can add would only help his chances, which are still slim.
Ortega has also taken advantage of an opportunity. He can play guard or center, and with Luke Wattenberg injured on Monday, Ortega has been working as the third-team center. Those reps matter, and they’ve given him a chance to show his versatility to the coaching staff.
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