AFC Notes: Joe Alt, Rashawn Slater, Justin Herbert, Broncos, Chargers, Raiders
NFL Trade Rumors
Broncos
Broncos HC Sean Payton believes QB Bo Nix‘s mobility won’t be hindered by his injury and expects him to be fully healthy next year: “One of his great assets is his ability to avoid sacks, and escape from the pocket. And I don’t think you’ll see that hindered at all.” (Luca Evans)
Nix said he was having swelling due to bone spurs in his ankle, but is now ahead of schedule in his recovery and feels he will be ready for training camp. (Renck)
Payton said CB Ja’Quan McMillian has “all the things you’re looking for” when asked if he is a guy the Broncos would want to have around long term. (Chris Tomasson)
Broncos DC Vance Joseph said LB Justin Strnad has earned the right to become a starter, which influenced their decision to let LB Dre Greenlaw go. (Tomasson)
Broncos OC Davis Webb made it clear that Payton is still leading the charge offensively: “This is a Sean Payton-coached football team. This is a Sean Payton offensive philosophy.” (Evans)
Webb explained how trading for WR Jaylen Waddle was similar to the Bills trading for WR Stefon Diggs, which helped bolster QB Josh Allen‘s development: “There’s some similarities of what’s started to happen here. He is a blessing to be around. He’s a multiplier, he’s a thermostat.”
Jordan Schultz reports that the Broncos are trying out former Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson.
Chargers
Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh said QB Justin Herbert will throw every day during the week of mandatory minicamp: “We got a plan. We got a nice progression where he’s ramping up to training camp and the first game of the season and the entire season. So he’s in a ramp up.” (Rhim)
Chargers LT Rashawn Slater expects to be cleared within the next couple of weeks from his season-ending knee injury, while Joe Alt has been cleared from his ankle injury, with both expected to be good to go for training camp. (Ruiz)
Chargers RB coach Max McCaffrey on OC Mike McDaniel: “What I love the most is he gives you reasons why. So everything’s very intentional, and he not only gives you, but shows you why through tape or proven experience. So you’re never really confused as to what you’re doing or why you’re doing it…He’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever been around in the game. He truly made it fun. He’s part of the inspiration. What led me into this industry of coaching, just the way he presented it, the atmosphere he cultivated.” (Rhim)
McCaffrey on Omarion Hampton: “Being able to carry that speed at that size is something special. It’s really special. So I’m excited to see what he does with it this year.” (Rhim)