At Broncos camp (Aug 2025), Courtland Sutton's hold-in opens the door for Bo Nix and rookie Pat Bryant to shine. Get the latest on the contract and new chemistry.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The familiar sights and sounds of training camp returned to Dove Valley on Friday, as 800 lucky fans got their first look at the 2025 Denver Broncos. But while the energy was high, a conspicuous absence from full-speed drills stole the headlines. Star wide receiver Courtland Sutton watched from the sidelines, a strategic move as contract negotiations continue, opening the door for the next generation of pass-catchers to make their mark.
He's a tremendous leader... He's going to make a lot of noise this year.
For the second straight practice, Courtland Sutton participated in walkthroughs but stayed out of 11-on-11 drills. Team sources insist it's not an injury, but a planned workload management amid ongoing extension talks. This 'hold-in' is a delicate dance, but it's having a ripple effect on the depth chart. With Sutton on the side, reps have poured in for Marvin Mims and a trio of rookies, including Pat Bryant. It's Bryant, the receiver some analysts felt was a reach in the draft, who is reportedly turning heads. He's making the most of this golden opportunity, showing a chemistry with Bo Nix that could pay dividends whether Sutton's deal gets done sooner or later.
If there's one position with zero questions, it's under center. Bo Nix is entering his second year with the undisputed keys to the franchise. Coming off a fantastic 10-win rookie season, the confidence is palpable. Teammates are raving, with All-Pro corner Pat Surtain II calling him 'a tremendous leader' and offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey noting his insatiable hunger to improve. Nix's command of the offense and his competitive fire are setting the tone for the entire team. His development from promising rookie to established franchise QB is the central plot of this 2025 season.
The linebacker room is under a microscope after Drew Sanders was carted off the field earlier in camp. While the team has two solid starters in Alex Singleton and the newly-acquired Dre Greenlaw (who is now a full participant, a huge plus), the depth behind them is concerning. Justin Cernod and undrafted rookie Lavel Bailey are getting looks, but the group feels one injury away from a crisis. Don't be surprised if the Broncos bring in a familiar face like veteran Josie Jewell or scour the waiver wire to add more proven talent to a group that suddenly looks very thin.
Despite the ongoing construction of a new training facility, the Broncos welcomed fans back for the first open practice, and their energy was a welcome boost. The good news for those fans is that key defensive players are back in action. Both linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga, two major offseason additions returning from significant injuries, are now full participants in camp. Seeing them flying around is a massive relief and a sign that the defense could be a formidable unit this year.
Friday at camp provided a perfect snapshot of the 2025 Broncos: a team brimming with confidence in its young quarterback, navigating a tricky contract situation with its top receiver, and working to plug potential holes on defense. The storylines are set, and the position battles are heating up. All eyes now turn to August 9th, when the Broncos travel to face the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason opener. It will be the first real test and our first chance to see if the camp hype translates to on-field success.
