This is one of my favorite shots of the OTAs to date, taken as the team stretched out prior to the practice session. Some of the coaches stroll through the players as they warm up, engaging in conversation. But looking at Bill Johnson standing on the FieldTurf surface about 50 yards from the players, I couldn’t help but notice how intently he watched his defensive linemen prepare. With the blocking sled in place, it’s as if he’s thinking, “I’m ready when you are, guys — let’s hurry up and get this thing started!”
And really, could you blame him for feeling that way? Three of the Broncos’ four picks over the first four rounds of the draft are under his jurisdiction. He’s helping a cadre of returning veterans adjust to Jim Bates’ new defensive scheme. There’s a lot Johnson and his fellow defensive coaches want to impart, and only eight more OTAs and three mini-camp days left in which to do it.
“We’re putting in quite a few defenses,” defensive tackle Gerard Warren said. “Coach (Bates) expects us to pick them up fast and keep it moving.”
And the movement won’t stop for the four-day Memorial Day weekend respite the players receive. “(Bates) told us to take those playbooks home and make sure we stay polished up for the next camp,” Warren said.
Click to continue reading “OTA Day 6: Photos and Notes”
