Broncos
- KUSA’s Mike Klis notes the Broncos will be relying on first-round WR Jerry Jeudy and second-round WR KJ Hamler to be Denver’s No. 2 and No. 3 receivers as rookies despite the usually tough transition to the NFL at the position.
- However, Klis says Denver will still be relying on WR Courtland Sutton as it’s No. 1 wideout, with the speedy Hamler serving as a big-play threat and Jeudy’s polish as a route runner easing his transition as a secondary option.
- The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala predicts Jeudy will be the team’s breakout player in 2020 and establish himself as an impact starter.
Chiefs
The Chiefs made it clear this summer they don’t think their Super Bowl win was a fluke, making it a point to bring back as much of that team for as long as possible. That included major extensions for both QB Patrick Mahomes and DT Chris Jones, which has teammates like WR Tyreek Hill energized for the 2020 season.
“I’m proud of just the Chiefs in general for getting all these deals done, man,” Hill said via TMZ. “‘Cause they understand right now is our time, like this is our window to be great, for us to build that dynasty and I’m just happy to be along with them.”
- The Athletic’s Nate Taylor predicts Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman will be the team’s breakout player in 2020 and establish himself as an impact starter.
- Chiefs GM Brett Veach indicated the team had always planned to get Jones under contract: “Over the last few years, Chris has proven to be an elite player at his position and one of the best defensive players in the NFL…we feel he’s just scratching the surface and we’re expecting great things to come.” (BJ Kissel)
- Part of the delay, according to Veach, was trying to figure out how to fit Jones’ deal into not just the 2020 cap, but future years if the cap stayed flat or shrank: “That’s really why this deal took some time. Going thru all the scenarios, have to have plans in place for every possibility. Plans need to be in place if it grows, it dips, stays level, we have a plan, we got to a level that we have enough game-planning in place to protect us.” (Pro Football Talk)
- Once the Chiefs locked up Mahomes, they turned their attention to Jones. But extending Jones was a consideration for Mahomes when he was negotiating his deal, per Jones: “When Pat’s deal got done, Pat texted me and said ‘Let’s get this thing done. I left some on the table, let’s get this thing done.’ And that’s when I had the security that me and the Chiefs were going to work something out.” (Terez Paylor)
- While the Chiefs rookies reported to camp Monday, they were not expected to be inside the team facility and were just tested. (Mark Maske)
Raiders
The Raiders put another round of resources into rebuilding their secondary this offseason. While 2019 second-round CB Trayvon Mullen seems to have solidified one starting position, the Raiders added CB Damon Arnette in the first round and veteran CB Prince Amukamara in free agency to battle for the other spot outside. Raiders GM Mike Mayock hasn’t had the chance to see it play out on the field and he’s eager to change that.
“I am most anxious to see the secondary. … We’ve got some good young talent and I am anxious to see who competes,” Mayock said via the Athletic’s Vic Tafur. “It’s awesome to have (Prince) Amukamara because he brings a veteran presence, but we have a bunch of really young corners and safeties that we think have some talent.”
- The Athletic’s Tashan Reed predicts Raiders DE Maxx Crosby will be the team’s breakout player in 2020 and establish himself as an impact starter.
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