ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — You don't need to see linebacker Dre Greenlaw deliver a hit to know he's a physical player.
"You can hear it," Head Coach Sean Payton said Monday.
On Saturday, Payton said there are players who "really express themselves in the full gear" and that Greenlaw would be among that group. As pads came on on Monday for the first time, that was certainly true.
"He plays like Mike Tyson," Payton said. "He's tough, he's physical. He's built that way. There's not a lot of leaky yardage. Some guys [allow that]. He's a knock-back tackler. They stop where he hits them. There's an intensity to how he plays. He's one of those players that if you put the film on and didn't say anything, at some point early, you'd ask, 'Who is this guy?'"
Payton also called Greenlaw's physicality "one of his greatest strengths," and glimpses of that were on display as the Broncos put on the pads for the first time Monday.
In 11-on-11 action, Greenlaw flew toward the ball carrier to make stops and later chased another runner to the edge to allow Pat Surtain II to finish the play. In 7-on-7 work, Greenlaw came up to wrap up running back RJ Harvey after a short pass, and he provided physical, smothering coverage on another rep.
"I just like to play football," Greenlaw said. "I just go out there and give it my all. You never know when it's going to be your last chance on the field, last chance to play. You want to make a strong statement any time you can. I just love doing it and [I'm]thankful to be able to do it."
RUN GAME WORK CONTINUES
As the pads came on, the Broncos placed an early emphasis on the run game. The initial 11-on-11 work featured a bevy of run plays, with J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey each posting impressive carries during the reps.
While the Broncos are just a few practices into training camp, Payton said it's already possible to see how the backs are learning the scheme and translating it to the field.
"I think that you can begin to pick that up," Payton said. "J.K. is experienced, and that transition has been swift. Each one of these guys learns a different way, and some of them have more experience than others. I think you begin to pick that up with that position like right away. There are certain assignments, regardless of if you're in pads or not, that you can see. I think the big challenge for the young back is the protections at this level compared to what they had at the collegiate level. They're different, and they can be more complex. Then, 'Do I know who to block?' and, 'How do I block him?' A lot of times, the programs they're coming from may not have been as extensive. I think that's something that's ongoing for us. We're seeing it."
The defense, of course, found its share of success too. On one notable rep, defensive lineman Malcolm Roach sliced through the line to pick up a would-be tackle for loss.
QUICK HITS
… Evan Engram continues to stand out. He settled into a gap in the defense to haul in a pass and pick up big yardage during 7-on-7, and he later caught a pass in traffic from Bo Nix in 11-on-11 action.
"We're heading into the preseason, but there is a role, a vision we have for him," Payton said. "Certainly, he can run. He has really good receiving skill sets. He has a good understanding of the passing game. I think the progress has been good."
… While the run game was a focus, Nix was efficient and accurate on Monday. He completed a high percentage of his passes, with Engram as a frequent target. Nix, though, also spread the ball to multiple receivers, including Troy Franklin.
… The Broncos, as they have in the last two training camps under Payton, ended practice with wind sprints.
