Bo Nix embraces a relentless off-season, training through the Super Bowl window to erase the notion of a 'sophomore slump' and chase a full, longer-lasting peak. Denver surrounds him with strategic roster upgrades—Engram at tight end, two backs to amplify the rushing game, and solid protection up front—while Payton emphasizes tailored playcalling over sheer volume. The Bills playoff setback becomes fuel for a year of adjustments and a more complete Broncos attack.

Denver's 53-man cutoff looms after a brisk preseason, with four thorny decisions shaping the Broncos’ path into the season. Engram and Trautman are locks at tight end, while Lucas Krull vs Caleb Lohner could decide the fourth spot. Eyioma Uwazurike vs Jordan Jackson battles for a sixth defensive lineman role, and a five-wide receiver group (Sutton, Franklin, Mims, Bryant, Sherfield) leaves undrafted Courtney Jackson or Joaquin Davis on the bubble. The running back picture remains fluid behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, with Tyler Badie pushing for a roster spot and Audric Estime seemingly on the edge. The final call between Jaleel McLaughlin and Blake Watson could determine the last few spots.

Paton and Payton must balance upside with immediate contribution, leveraging depth, special-teams value and rotational versatility to minimize waivers losses. The result will hinge on development versus immediate impact, and Denver’s ability to optimize a very full roster while preserving flexibility for Week 1 and beyond.

Denver’s open camp portion wrapped with a loud send-off after two-plus hours of Cardinals demos, setting the stage for a busy September slate. Bo Nix bounced back with decisive throws and movement, cutting past the week’s rough patch to thread passes through tight windows and connect with multiple targets, including Krull and Mims. Arizona’s Kyler Murray showed spark and quick decision-making in the live days, while Denver’s defense clamped down at times with McMillian and Barron drawing sprint-to-ball moments. Lucas Krull emerged as a notable Broncos target, while veteran leadership from Surtain II and a bevy of depth pieces hinted at a deeper, more competitive roster. The joint sessions underscored a coaching staff intent on fast-toward-tape improvement, with Payton’s praise highlighting a productive mismatch against a Cardinals squad eager to build cohesion for the preseason. The conversation after practice zigzags between clean-ups and playmakers as Denver tightens its rotation, eyes remaining on the August 23 finale in New Orleans and a defensive/receiving corps that could surprise fantasy rosters if roles solidify early.

In the run game, Denver found moments with J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, while Bo Nix’s improved footwork and on-time delivery suggested a more stable pocket presence. Undrafted finds Jerjuan Newton and Joaquin Davis impressed with contested catches and competitive edge, bolstering depth at receiver. On defense, Ja’Quan McMillian and Pat Surtain II drew attention for takeaways and tight coverage, though consistency will hinge on film study. Arizona’s Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyler Murray flashed enough veteran timing to keep defenses honest, with Krull’s progress at tight end offering a potential mid-round surprise for Denver’s depth chart. The summit vibe between Manning, Murray, and Payton underlined the cross-pollination of West-based camps, a reminder that tape will drive the ladder of roster moves all through August.

Lucas Krull’s eight-yard TD in Denver’s preseason meeting with San Francisco highlighted a pivotal moment in the Broncos’ tight end competition. Krull, undrafted in 2022, clawed his way from Saints practice squad to Denver a year later and has logged eight receptions for 95 yards with one score in his rookie Denver season, followed by 19 receptions for 152 yards last year. The play showcased his potential upside in red-zone and seam roles if opportunity arises in a crowded TE room, underscoring how Denver will trim to a 53-man roster.

The score came from Jarrett Stidham, who delivered a pinpoint throw to Krull after the tight end slipped uncovered in the back-left corner of the end zone. It’s a snapshot of how the Broncos are evaluating young pass-catchers and QB-WR/TE chemistry in the build-up to Week 1, with Krull positioned as a real camp challenger for a seasonal role. The dynamic foreshadows the broader TE competition as Denver aims to maximize depth and potential mismatch options behind the established names.

Krull’s path hinges on health and opportunity. If he can seize a meaningful role, he could become a late-round fantasy dart in best-ball formats or a dynasty sleeper with upside if the offense leans into two-TE sets. For now, the takeaway is clear: the Broncos are watching Krull closely in a high-stakes roster battle, and a standout preseason moment could tip the scales in his favor as the final cuts loom.

Lucas Krull, standing 6'6 and weighing 260 pounds, is a tight end for the Denver Broncos looking to make an impact in the upcoming season. Krull's unusual journey began in baseball, where he was drafted by the San Francisco Giants, before he pivoted to football, playing at notable colleges like Florida and Pittsburgh. After going undrafted, he joined the New Orleans Saints but transitioned to the Broncos' practice squad after being waived. With the tight end position often demanding versatility and strong blocking skills, Krull aims to prove his worth and secure a more prominent role in the offense this year.