Broncos wrap up Mini Camp

It was a cold and rainy weekend in Denver, but it did not keep the players from being on the field for the final practices of the offseason until the start of training camp. Here are the highlights of this years mandatory minicamp:

• As reported earlier, Robert Ayers spent most of the mini camp practices on the sideline or with the scout team. On Sunday he returned to work with the second team. Both Ayers and McDaniels refused to comment on the reason, but Ayers said: "It was (hard to sit out), but it was for a good reason, every rep you miss is always a loss. You just learn from your mistakes and move forward, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
• Taking reps with the first team in place of Ayers was 2007 draft pick Jarvis Moss. Moss, who has struggled during his first seasons in Denver, said he is feeling a lot more comfortable in the new system compared to last year, and is fueled by the prospect of finally having a chance to have a break out season.
• Another young player who was taking reps with the first team defense was fifth round rookie cornerback Perrish Cox. Though Nate Jones is still the favorite for the nickel cornerback position, Cox was on the field with the first team when Bailey or Goodman were on the sideline.
• Perrish Cox did not only shine during his defensive reps. He has also seen plenty of time as a kick returner, and took one return back for a touchdown.
• As during pretty much every press conference, head coach Josh McDaniels reitterated once more that Kyle Orton is the starting quarterback for the Broncos.
• Another rookie who has looked good is first round wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. Thomas missed some team earlier this off season after having foot surgery in February. McDaniels said: "He's dropped a couple of balls, but look, everyone has seen this guy make tremendous catches and then there are some that he's dropped, but I think that comes with playing and knocking off some of the rust."
• At the end of practices, over 30 players gathered for a group prayer lead by veteran safety Brian Dawkins.

Some more quick hits:

• Though Perrish Cox looked good in the return game, McDaniels told the press that Eddie Royal is still the nr 1 for the kick/punt return position.
• McDaniels also said the punting job is currently Britton Colquitts job to loose. Colquitt is battling A.J. Trapasso for the roster spot.
• Several Denver media members have said Matthew Willis has looked good during OTA's and is one of the most improved players so far. The wide receiver could end up with a spot on the 53 man roster if he keeps up his playing level during training camp.
• On Saturday, the media also witnessed the first designed running play by Tim Tebow, which was succesful.
  

Most of the players will stay in Denver for two more weeks to work out at Dove Valley, and then go on vacation until the start of training camp at the end of July.