So far, Denver Broncos players have been running and lifting in Phase 1 of the team’s offseason program. NFL rules permit teams to hold minicamps during this part of the offseason, but coach Sean Payton decided against any on-field work until Phase 2 begins.
The Broncos also haven’t started meetings yet, either. Players were limited to conditioning in April.
“There are no meetings,” Payton said during the team’s pre-draft press conference on April 20. “When I say that — honestly, there’s no football meetings right now. Phase 2 begins in three more weeks. We’ll begin to introduce the offense, defense and the kicking game. We’ll do the Phase 2 activities that we can do. I felt like I learned this from Bill [Parcells]. This month is lifting and running. If there’s a question, it’s, ‘How are the weights going?’
“We see these guys running in the morning when we’re coming in here for draft meetings. We’re not in a meeting room setting. I don’t want the players to feel like they’re pulling into the parking lot coming to football practice in April. That’s just not happening. It’s great to see these guys around. Hopefully we can keep the golf carts upright. No meetings, just weight room and running.”
Denver’s rookies will begin on-field work when the team holds a rookie minicamp, which is expected to take place from May 12-15. After that, veterans will join in with the start of organized team activities on May 23.
After OTAs, the Broncos will hold one mandatory minicamp from June 13-15. Players will then get a summer break before reporting back for the start of training camp in late July.
