AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos TE Albert Okwuegbunam is doing great in his recovery from an ACL injury sustained against the Falcons last season. 

“He’s doing good, also,” Denver HC Vic Fangio said, via BroncosWire. “He’s one of the guys who has benefited from rehabbing right next to Courtland ever since the offseason has started, and really, since it happened last year during the season. He’s a little bit — a month to 5-6 weeks behind Courtland as to when it happened”

Fangio said he believes that the rehab process and mental aspect of the recovery should serve Okwuegbunam well in his career.

“He’s not quite as far along as Courtland is, but he’s doing great. He’s had no setbacks. He’s had a great mindset in this rehab, too. Albert should have a long and prosperous career, and if he does, he’s going to look at the rehab as he’s really grown from this.”

Chargers

New Chargers OC Joe Lombardi has spent the past five seasons in New Orleans and will be bringing a lot of Saints influences to his system in Los Angeles. One is the value of the “X” receiver, a role filled by Michael Thomas with the Saints and occupied by Mike Williams with the Chargers. Lombardi sees big things in store for Williams in 2021. 

“As much as this offense will resemble New Orleans, he plays the ‘X’ and the ball has always kind of found the ‘X’ receiver in this offense,” Lombardi said via the Athletic’s Daniel Popper. “I think that there will be some natural production that comes his way because of the nature of the offense…”

“I see a big role for him. If I were a betting man, I’d bet on nice numbers coming from him on the stat sheet, that’s for sure.”

Raiders

Raiders’ TE Darren Waller complimented all of the team’s new rookies, including S Trevon Moehrig.

“I’m very impressed by the rookies,” Waller said, via Vic Tafur of The Athletic. “Trevon has a very calm nature about him. He doesn’t really get too flustered or all over the place or out of control. He seems very dialed in and on top of what he’s doing.”

Raiders’ CB Trayvon Mullen praises rookie CB Nate Hobbs, along with Moehrig.

“I feel like he’s going to be really talented,” Mullen said of Hobbs. “He practices hard; he goes through his drills really well. I like the way he approaches practice. I feel like he’s going to be a real good player for us as long as he just keeps his mentality up and keeps going hard every day. Tre’ is doing very well. Happy for him. … And the way he’s approaching every day, it’s like he’s ready and prepared.”

Raiders’ veteran G Richie Incognito and DE Clelin Ferrell mentioned the presence of first-round pick Alex Leatherwood so far. 

“Yeah, he’s a big body,” Incognito said. “He comes from a storied program at Alabama, and he’s done a ton of winning — a couple national championships under his belt. He’s a quiet kid … he’s a hard worker. He’s picking up on what (offensive line) coach (Tom) Cable is laying down, and I expect him to have a big year.”

“Humble kid,” Ferrell said about Leatherwood. “I like the idea that he just comes in and goes to work. So, I think him coming from Alabama and me coming from Clemson, I think one of the biggest things he learned is he already kind of knew how to conduct himself like a pro. So, he already practices in a manner to where he knows the tempo; he’s not really overwhelmed with too much of the plays. We all know one of the hardest things to come in and do is play right tackle, or especially left tackle, in the league, so I think he’s got a good mindset so far, so early on.”