But what he did early on in camp was quickly leapfrog Troy Franklin in the pecking order. Franklin, the team's fourth-round pick and one of the best wide receivers in college football that season, was shrouded in concerns. Would he be a practice squad player?

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, who played with Franklin at Oregon, said earlier this offseason that the receiver is more comfortable now that he knows the scheme going into his second season. Nix did not play against the Cardinals, but backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham threw two touchdown passes to Franklin in the win.