Broncos HC Sean Payton Acknowledges Injuries to Top-2 Drafted Rookies

The hype surrounding Denver Broncos rookie linebacker Drew Sanders has faded somewhat. It was bound to happen to the rookie sensation once the vets arrived, but there is another element that has perhaps interrupted Sanders' momentum. 

An injury. 

While it's unclear what specific injury has hampered Sanders (head coach Sean Payton is very tight-lipped when it comes to this subject), the rookie linebacker could be seen on the sideline with trainers during Thursday's practice, along with second-round wideout Marvin Mims, Jr. 

For those concerned about the Broncos' top-two drafted rookies perhaps falling behind as a result of the injuries, Payton brushed off any such misgivings following Thursday's practice. 

“No, I think they’re both real sharp mentally," Payton said of Sanders and Mims. "We have real good early glimpses of them, and they’re quickly healing.”

This topic came hot on the heels of a direct question about running back Samaje Perine's thumb injury that caused him to head to the locker room early on Wednesday. Payton was clear to inform the gathered press corps that while questions on the subject of player injuries are welcomed, the savvy coach won't go into any detail. 

With mandatory minicamp now concluded, the Broncos' first offseason training program under Payton is officially in the books. Next comes the long six-week NFL summer leading up to training camp. 

So, whatever ailments have befallen Sanders and Mims, neither of which sound at all serious, the two rookies will get plenty of time to heal up before the cleats hit the grass for training camp in late July. Payton's biggest concern doesn't seem to be these minor nicks and dings, but rather, his players staying focused and retaining all the progress that's been made this offseason. 

“It’s that time away with the science of how quickly you can [regress] or move backwards by even seven days away from lifting and running," Payton said of the coming six-week break. "It’s a chance for everyone to mentally get away from the structure at certain times. Yet, I think these guys understand there has been a large investment here this offseason and it can escape us pretty quickly."

The Broncos traded up to draft Mims out of Oklahoma at pick No. 63 overall this past spring. He made the second round of the draft by two picks. 

Sanders was taken at pick No. 67 (Round 3) out of Arkansas. Sanders is the Broncos' highest-drafted inside linebacker since D.J. Williams was taken in the first round back in 2004, though the former Razorback shares that distinction with Nate Irving (2011, pick 67). 

The Broncos' veterans have been impressed by Mims' speed and explosiveness thus far, while the speed at which Sanders has picked things up has turned heads around camp. 

“He’s great," linebacker Alex Singleton said of Sanders on Tuesday. "He’s learning quickly. But, yeah, he’s a good guy. Good to be around. It’s fun. Makes the room better.” 

Singleton's starting partner went into a little more detail in describing what he's seen from Sanders thus far. Josey Jewell also made sure to note Sanders' pass-rushing chops, which are considerable. 

“He’s got a unique set of skills," Jewell said of Sanders last week. "He’s a guy that can also come on the outside. I saw some college stuff that he was an OLB back in the day, so good versatility for him. A pretty smart guy and very quiet so far, so still trying to get to know him.” 

There will be plenty of opportunity for the vets to get acquainted with the rookies when the Broncos return to Centura Health Training Center late next month to officially kick off the 2023 campaign. From there, it'll be non-stop football until January. 

Can't wait. 

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