Luke Wattenberg, the veteran center for the Denver Broncos, left their first padded training camp session early with a right arm injury, but HC Sean Payton isn’t sweating it. Payton immediately squashed concerns, easing worries about the starting center missing time. That’s a relief, right? Nobody wants a key O-line guy out long-term, especially this early in camp.
No Position Changes and Injury Updates Worth Watching
Payton didn’t stop with Wattenberg, clearing up confusion around second-year cornerback Jahdae Barron’s role. Forget the chatter about him moving to safety. Payton was crystal clear: “He’s playing nickel, he’s playing corner and then when we get into dime, he replaces a linebacker. So he’s doing really good. There’s been no position change.” That’s the coach setting the record straight, showing confidence in how Barron’s being utilized. Sounds like he’ll be all over the field for them.
Broncos Defense is Cooking: Moss and Uwazurike Turning Heads
But the real buzz? Payton gushing over the development of cornerback Riley Moss and defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike. For Moss, Payton pointed to several areas that just scream “future star.” He’s “learning to play with his feet, really working on reducing some of those fouls. He competes his tail off. I love that about him. He has those traits where it’s a short mindset, short memory. He’s moving around really well right now,” Payton said. That kind of praise, specifically on footwork and competitive fire, means he’s getting it done. Payton also highlighted Moss’s progression in “gaining confidence in the defense we’re calling, understanding the leverage, the third-down leverages, and then what we’re trying to take away.” Sounds like he’s becoming a complete package.
And then there’s Uwazurike. Payton is “pleased with his progression and development,” eyeing an increased role, especially with John-Franklin Myers gone. Payton sees “some really good tape,” adding, “I’m excited about what’s up for him because he has all those traits you’re looking for, and it’s important to him.” He’s got the physical profile to dominate against the run, but to truly fill Franklin-Myers’ shoes, his pass rush needs to improve. It’s been hit or miss, but with those “unteachable traits,” if he refines his pass rush, he’s going to be a force.
Pat Bryant’s Hands Are Money
On offense, wideout Pat Bryant got serious love too. With a crowded receiver room, you’d think it might be tough to get reps, but Payton isn’t worried. He said they’ll have “no issue with finding a way to get the second-year wide receiver involved in weekly game plans.” Why? Because “He has some of the better hands in traffic with his feet on the ground, he’s really good at run after the catch.” That’s high praise for a guy who can make plays once the ball is in his hands. Coaches love a player who can turn a short pass into something big.
So, as Denver moves through camp, keep an eye on these names. Moss and Uwazurike are flashing serious potential on defense, and if Bryant keeps showing off those hands, he’s going to be a problem for opposing secondaries. The stakes are all about who earns those starting spots and who can make the roster, shaping the team for the long haul.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
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