ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos' first-round pick appears to be as advertised.

As Head Coach Sean Payton watched Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron during his initial practices as a Bronco, Payton saw the traits they evaluated during the pre-draft process.

"I would say [he is] exactly what we saw on tape: smart, savvy," Payton said. "If you're watching closely, some people transition and stop very quickly. He has really quick twitch. I'd say he's sticky in coverage. I think he's one of those players that already at a young age understands splits. I worry sometimes with the corners. … If you're defending every route, you're defending no route. He's really savvy as to a tight split; he eliminates 80 percent of what could be run. You feel a veteran player."

The 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation's best defensive back said he's "enjoying the process" as he returns to the practice field for the first time since January, and he's learning the nuances of the NFL game.

"I'm just adjusting," Barron said. "I'm trying to learn the play schemes, the concepts that the offense is running now at this level — a lot of different motions, a lot of different shifts. So, I'm just adjusting it and putting it into my game."

BRYANT LOOKING TO CARVE OWN PATH

After the Broncos selected Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant in the third round, Payton offered an impressive comparison.

"There were so many things about his game that reminded me of [former Saints WR] Mike Thomas," Head Coach Sean Payton said after the draft.

Asked Saturday about those comments, Bryant said it was "great" to hear the comparison to a player like Thomas. He also said, however, that he hopes to carve his own path.

"At the end of the day, I try to control my own destiny," Bryant said. "I'm trying to be the best Pat Bryant that I can be."

Part of being that version of himself includes making contested catches, which he did impressively during a rep in Saturday's practice.

"When the ball is in the air, it's mine," Bryant said. "… Those are the catches that I have to make to be successful at this level."

'WE EMBRACE THEM'

A year ago, the Broncos faced low external expectations and took on — and met — the challenge. This year, the national narrative surrounding the Broncos is far more positive — and Payton said the team will embrace those higher expectations. One of the first signs of those expectations could come with Wednesday's schedule release, and Payton said he expects to see more prime-time games than the team played in 2024.

"It's part of the deal, and you get comfortable doing it," Payton said. "It's a lot better than the alternative. That's what you want. It's one of the things that's attractive about coaching or playing here, is the history. I think if you're a competitor, that drives you."

QUICK HITS

… The Broncos had nearly 60 players participate in Saturday's practice, including almost 30 college tryout players. Denver has a history of success with undrafted players, and Payton said the Broncos would discuss signing "a couple" of the players who participated on Saturday for training camp.

… Asked about linebacker Dre Greenlaw's injury, Payton said the veteran player is "on schedule" and will be a full participant when training camp arrives.