Broncos Six-Pack: Merging Manning and the Broncos, one practice at a time

Demaryius Thomas (Andrew Mason/MaxDenver.com)

2. Each receiver, an opportunity

The opportunity to work with Peyton Manning carries a promise of potential stardom for any NFL wide receiver. But first thing’s first — you’ve got to see the field. And before that, you’ve got to get in a rhythm with Peyton Manning during practice.

“I’ve always believed that you develop your timing for the passing game in the offseason,” Manning said. “I don’t think you can just show up in September and expect to be on the same page.”

While Manning said he won’t be making decisions about which receivers make which cuts — that’ll be up to the coaches — he made it clear that production on the football field (in this case, the practice field) will usurp all other considerations.

“This is where roster spots are made and the coaches are constantly evaluating,” said Manning. “So there are a lot of benefits to this work.”

A veteran teammate of Manning’s confirmed that notion.

“You don’t tell him you’re open,” Brandon Stokley said Monday. “You just keep doing the right things and he’ll figure it out.”

Veterans Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Andre Caldwell, Jason Hill, and Matthew Willis have everything to gain by making the most of each practice session with Peyton Manning. Never have “voluntary” workouts been more critical for these players in their respective careers.

Photo: MaxDenver

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