ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- More than five months since he played his final game at Ohio State, Broncos first-round pick Bradley Roby is just excited to be back on the field.

Roby missed the Orange Bowl against Clemson in January with an injury, but participated fully at the NFL Scouting Combine in March. After his second day of rookie minicamp Saturday, the cornerback spoke with the media about the mental work he's been doing to prepare for his return to the grass.

"It's kind of a lot," Roby said. "But we have enough time — all we're doing is football now. So it's just about getting that extra studying in with my teammates and just getting the playbook down."

Roby said the mental side of the game has been the greater emphasis even on the practice field, "more than the technique things" so far.

As he picks up Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio's scheme, both player and coordinator are happy with how things are progressing for the rookie corner.

"He's very bright," Del Rio said Saturday. "He's a good communicator in the meetings and all that and then coming out on the field."

Roby noted Del Rio's experience and knowledge of the game, and is excited about the wealth of man coverage in the coordinator's system.

As the two work together in the coming weeks, Del Rio sees plenty of opportunity for Roby's development. He expects Roby's consistency to progress without sacrificing the inherent attacking style of the former Buckeye's game.

"We want our guys to be aggressive," Del Rio said. "We want to have their eyes right so they don't get beat on double moves, so that's just part of playing."

"We're going to work with them and develop them, and there's so much growth that can take place for younger players in particular when they get here."

For his part, Roby is ready to soak in Del Rio's instruction.

"He's a great coach," Roby said. "He's a teacher. He's going to help you if you're struggling in any area."