The NFL has not been business as usual this offseason, even though they have been one of the leagues least hurt by the coronavirus pandemic thus far. Teams, including the Denver Broncos, have nonetheless had to adapt.
Yes, the NFL Draft was different, conducted virtually. But other than that, the league has not had too many issues. The NBA had to postpone the season, and the MLB still has not figured out what they are doing, as two examples.
One issue that the NFL has run into is how teams can work together while being forced to not meet in-person to limit health risks. Those rules have kept coaches and players apart, and with team facilities not being allowed to be used, players don't have a central location at which to officially meet.
As as result, many teams are behind where they would like to be in terms of system installations, group work and team practices. However, every team is handling the setback differently. And according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, the Broncos have an advantage over other NFL teams this offseason because of how they've chosen to adapt to the circumstances.
To be clear: Sutton, Hamler, James were out there today I was told. Other players have been out there at different points while also traveling elsewhere for training.
Noah Fant, Risner and Lindsay have been among the regulars out there with Lock.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 12, 2020
Players from other teams have worked out arrangements that have allowed them to meet. However, not many have gotten together like the Broncos have.
Broncos quarterback Drew Lock has been able to go through the playbook with some of his biggest weapons. That includes veterans wide receiver Courtland Sutton, tight end Noah Fant and running back Phillip Lindsay, as well as rookie receivers KJ Hamler and Jerry Jeudy.
That's going to definitely pay dividends for Denver down the road. Other teams have players working together as well, such as the Rams, while others have yet to do so. And even for the teams that do, it doesn't seem like they are working in groups that run as deep as the Broncos'.
Lock and company could be building towards something special. And at the very least, they are getting more of a head start than many of their NFL counterparts.
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