ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After three practices with nine veterans, 20 rookies and eight tryout players, the Broncos' rookie minicamp is over and the rest of the vets return to Dove Valley on Monday.

Head Coach John Fox noted the importance of the opportunity this weekend presented for rookies, whose reps will be squeezed when more players are on the field.

"The game is so much mental, especially for these young guys who are new to us and new to our terminology," Fox said. "Repetitions, the physical repetitions are very important."

"This weekend was great because we're short on people and they get every rep."

Fox was also happy to see the execution improve as the weekend went along, something he said will be good preparation for when the veterans join in.

"The biggest thing I think when you talk to young players is the speed of the game, how fast it happens at this level," Fox said.

"They were able to compete with guys who are on their level, get a feel for it and then and you know, slowly they'll adjust to the speed and quickness of things, and the strength of how it happens in the NFL."

The Broncos' next offseason work will be their first organized team activities from May 28-30, with the full roster eligible to participate in the voluntary session.