NFL

Harris is entering his third year. He started 12 games last season, mostly on the outside before moving inside to the slot while in the nickel. With Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie now on board, it pushes Harris into a full-time nickel back role. He graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 5 corner last season.

Gideon signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cardinals last year. He didn't make it to final cuts, but was later scooped up by the Broncos in October and spent much of the season on the practice squad. The Broncos also waived RB Mario Fannin, who has torn his ACL and Achilles' in back-to-back years.

It's just a matter of time before Joe Mays is released. "He's a bright guy, naturally a strong-handed guy," Del Rio said of Irving. "A thick guy." Stewart Bradley is the Broncos' only fallback option behind Irving after they decided not to address the position in last month's draft.

USA Today's Lindsay Jones earlier passed along that Hillman got the majority of first-team reps, likely out of veteran deference. VP of Football Operations John Elway has stated publicly he envisions Hillman as no more than a "change of pace type guy." Ball is slated to be Denver's Week 1 starter at running back.

Mays is in grave danger of losing his roster spot. He's owed an untenable $4 million base salary, isn't healthy, and people inside the Broncos' organization want Nate Irving to start at middle linebacker. On day two of April's draft, NFL Network reported Mays was available for trade. Denver found no takers.

With Willis McGahee a no-show and Moreno still hobbled, second-round pick Montee Ball will soak up first-team reps during the Organized Team Activities. Moreno is at Denver's Dove Valley facility, but he's not practicing. He's likely to be healed by training camp, but projects as a third-stringer this year.

It's notable since McGahee is healthy after last year's torn MCL and broken leg. He was the lone non-injured Broncos veteran to skip out. McGahee's absence from the "voluntary" sessions could suggest he doesn't view himself as long for Denver. McGahee's advancing age and $2.5 million salary make him a strong release candidate after the Broncos drafted Montee Ball. For what it's worth, McGahee's agent insists there's "no message" behind his absence.