AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos QB Drew Lock feels that his “confidence is high right now” in their offseason program and is excited about the progression of Denver’s offense. 

“There’s just a lot that went into this whole offseason that I think after the first couple weeks, we’re going to start seeing grow, and grow, and grow — including my confidence,” Lock said, via the Broncos’ official Twitter. “My confidence is high right now, but that’s just because we’re in practice. I’m just excited about where this is going. I see a lot of things that we’re building on, so to say, we get to focus on some minor details now where maybe last year [we were] focusing on some bigger-picture things. I think that will help us be 10-times better in the long run.”

Regarding rumors that the Broncos were interested in acquiring Aaron Rodgers or Deshaun Watson, Lock believes it was a reflection of Denver’s 5-11 finish last season.

“It came with the lack of wins last year. If we won 10 games, no one would be talking about it. … But due to play from last year, to stop those conversations from happening again, I need to play better this year and that’s where my energy,” said Lock, via Mike Klis. 

Lock said he was never bothered by the rumors regarding Watson and Rodgers because he was focused on improving over the offseason. 

“Energy was and that’s where all my focus was and that’s quite honestly why I didn’t think about it is because all my energy and all my time was focused elsewhere this offseason, and that was getting this team better,” said Lock. 

• Chargers TE Jared Cook said the Chargers’ offense is similar to the Saints’: “We probably got better talent here than we had in New Orleans.” (Gilbert Manzano)
• OC Corey Linsley believes he and QB Justin Herbert are working well together: “He’s picking it up really fast. We’re communicating at a high level.” (Manzano)

Raiders

Raiders RB Josh Jacobs said he was given permission to skip voluntary OTAs and that he was training on his own. 

“The (coaches) gave me their blessing and allowed me to go and trusted me that when I came back, I would be ready,” Jacobs said, via Ed Graney of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “This is the first offseason where I put my head down and focused on just one thing. It has been a long journey, but it’s going to pay off.”

Jacobs said he was initially discouraged when the team parted ways with C Rodney Hudson, G Gabe Jackson, and RT Trent Brown this offseason, but was excited to see the additions of 

“I won’t lie — when (the changes) first happened with (the line) — I was like ‘Damn, what are we doing?’” Jacobs said. “But then I saw who we picked up and watched game film and saw them practice and how they were working, I was like, ‘We’re going to be nice.’”

As for the addition of RB Kenyan Drake, Jacobs said the veteran running back would often return to the University of Alabama to train with him back in college. 

“I’ve known (Drake) forever since the Alabama days when he would come back and train with me all the time. His game speaks for itself — very versatile, can play in the slot, very good in open space. He’s going to be a great addition.”

Raiders QB Derek Carr said he wants to put Jacob in “good run looks” next season and thinks the running backs could become one of the best in the league. 

“It’s a team game, right?” Carr said. “I have to keep putting him in good run looks. If I stop caring about the run game, that hurts Josh Jacobs. We know Josh will show up in shape. We know Josh is going to show up ready to play. He loves football. So I think the trajectory is going to be as high as all of us go together. If everyone can take care of their part, we believe Josh can be one of the best running backs in the NFL.”