Daily Highlights from Broncos Camp Day 4

Broncos Defense Dominates Day 4 of Training Camp

Day 4 of the Denver Broncos’ training camp has come to a close, marking their second consecutive padded practice. With six straight practices this week, they are now in the heart of training camp, often referred to as the “dog days.” The defense has been on fire, showing dominance throughout the day and leaving the offense struggling to keep up.

The Broncos' defense, which led the NFL in sacks last season and had the AP Defensive Player of the Year in their secondary, has made significant additions to their roster. They re-signed nose tackle D.J. Jones, signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and added safety Talanoa Hufanga. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 20th overall pick. These moves have solidified their defense as one of the best in the league, and it's no surprise that they've been dominating early in camp.

Sean Payton, the head coach, mentioned that the competition between the offense and defense is essential for growth. He emphasized the "iron sharpens iron" mentality, highlighting the back-and-forth nature of training camp. The defense's strength will help Bo Nix and the offense improve over time, as they won't face defenses of this caliber during the regular season.

R.J. Harvey Shines Under Sean Payton’s Praise

Before the pads came on, Payton was eager to see how the running backs would perform. After two padded practices, he seems impressed with rookie running back R.J. Harvey. Payton praised Harvey for his exceptional performance, noting a play where he turned a negative run into a 10 or 15-yard gain. This kind of play showcases Harvey's explosiveness and speed, making him a threat whenever he has the ball.

Payton also mentioned that the running back room is expected to be more explosive this season. Veteran J.K. Dobbins will contribute with big gains when there's an open lane, and the team is confident that their running game will improve significantly.

Courtland Sutton’s Leadership and Contract Extension

Courtland Sutton recently signed a four-year, $92 million extension with the Broncos, ensuring he remains Bo Nix’s top receiver. Payton praised Sutton for his leadership, work ethic, and preparation. He highlighted Sutton's role as a captain and how young receivers look up to him. Payton described Sutton as everything you want in a pro, emphasizing his intelligence, toughness, and reliability.

Sutton's contract extension not only secures his place on the team but also reinforces his value as a leader both on and off the field. His presence helps Nix develop and provides consistency for the offense.

Levelle Bailey Emerging as a Potential Star

With Drew Sanders sidelined and Alex Singleton injured, second-year linebacker Levelle Bailey is stepping up. Payton noted that Bailey has had "real good days" and is showing increased confidence. Bailey's improved shape and performance make him a player to watch. If he continues to perform well, he could earn a significant role in the defense, especially on third downs.

Injury Report and Other Notes

Several players were listed on the injury report. WR A.T. Perry remained on the PUP list, and LB Alex Singleton missed practice due to a broken thumb. Singleton is undergoing surgery and will miss about a week. During one-on-one drills, WR Trent Sherfield beat CB Ja’Quan McMillian, while Courtland Sutton and Pat Bryant also had successful performances.

WR Troy Franklin caught a 30+ yard pass from QB Sam Ehlinger, showcasing his improvement. RB Audric Estime had a strong practice, and WR/Trent Sherfield is expected to play a bigger role than anticipated. The defense's sticky coverage forced Bo Nix to scramble multiple times, and EDGE Jonah Elliss nearly had a big sack.

Quotes from the Camp

Sean Payton shared insights on developing TE Caleb Lohner, emphasizing the importance of progress and adapting plans as needed. He also discussed how he will know when the running game is where he wants it to be, focusing on continuous improvement. Payton praised DE Sai’vion Jones for his length and transition from college, and CB Riley Moss for his situational awareness and tackling ability.

QB Bo Nix's footwork and processing skills were highlighted as key factors in making him difficult to sack. WR Courtland Sutton expressed gratitude for his contract extension and the opportunity to build a legacy with the Broncos. He also spoke about the importance of patience and communication during the extension process, as well as the significance of Payton's trust in his leadership. Sutton is excited to continue playing with Bo Nix, praising his mindset and leadership both on and off the field.