Broncos minicamp auditions pay off: Reid Holskey and Blake Cotton sign after tryouts; veteran Marlon Tuipulotu and QB Sawyer Robertson among participants

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. Who attended the Broncos minicamp and what followed
4. Marlon Tuipulotu — a veteran interior lineman looking for a fresh start
5. Reid Holskey — undrafted tackle converts tryout into a contract
6. Sawyer Robertson — a project quarterback with physical tools and developmental questions
7. Blake Cotton — late bloomer at cornerback earns a deal
8. Why teams stage tryouts at minicamp — the process and intent
9. What Holskey and Cotton’s contracts mean practically
10. Evaluating the practical odds for players who earn minicamp deals
11. Scheme fit and positional fit — how these players map onto Denver’s needs
12. The special-teams factor: why it often decides roster fates
13. How coaches grade performances at tryouts and in early camps
14. What to watch in training camp and preseason for these players
15. The business side: contracts, guarantees and expectations
16. The human element — what these tryouts mean for players
17. What this minicamp signals about Denver’s offseason approach
18. Signs of success and the long view
19. Final assessment: measured optimism with a practical lens
20. FAQ

Key Highlights:

• Denver hosted eight tryout players at minicamp; two — offensive lineman Reid Holskey and cornerback Blake Cotton — signed contracts with the team two days after the workout.
• The group included veteran defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu and Baylor transfer quarterback Sawyer Robertson, both of whom bring distinct skill sets and roster implications if converted into signed depth.
• Minicamp tryouts remain a low-cost, high-reward method for teams to discover developmental talent and short-term depth ahead of training camp and the 90-man offseason roster.

Introduction

When NFL teams open their doors to unattached players during minicamp, the session can feel like a crossroads: for organizations it is a practical opportunity to shore up depth and evaluate live talent; for players it is one of the handful of real chances to earn a foothold in the league. The Denver Broncos recently hosted a Tuesday workout featuring eight auditioning players, including a mixture of veterans and recent undrafted free agents. Two participants — Miami (OH) product Reid Holskey and Utah cornerback Blake Cotton — converted their tryouts into contracts. The rest, including former Eagles draft pick Marlon Tuipulotu and Baylor’s starting quarterback Sawyer Robertson, left takeaways for coaches and scouts to weigh through training camp.

This piece examines each notable attendee, explains why teams stage these minicamp tryouts, and assesses what the signings mean for Denver’s offseason roster-building strategy. The narrative follows the players’ trajectories from college or prior pro stops to the Broncos’ practice fields, and outlines the practical realities for players who earn deals after a tryout.

Who attended the Broncos minicamp and what followed

The minicamp workout drew a small but varied crowd. Public reporting identified defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu, offensive lineman Reid Holskey, Baylor transfer quarterback Sawyer Robertson and Utah cornerback Blake Cotton among the participants. Two days after the tryout, the Broncos extended contracts to Holskey and Cotton.

The mix is illustrative: teams often invite a blend of veterans with previous NFL experience and younger players coming out of college who went undrafted or fell off rosters. That balance allows coaches to evaluate maturity and polish alongside upside and athletic traits. For the players, the tryout provided tape and a direct look from Denver’s staff — a chance to show technical competency, conditioning and positional instincts in a system environment instead of relying solely on workout metrics or prior film.

Below are deeper profiles of the four named players, drawn from their college resumes and pro experience.

Marlon Tuipulotu — a veteran interior lineman looking for a fresh start

Marlon Tuipulotu entered the NFL as a sixth-round selection out of USC in 2021, taken by the Philadelphia Eagles. His early professional arc followed a common veteran journeyman pattern: initial developmental reps, a growing role, an injury setback, and subsequent roster churn.

Tuipulotu’s rookie season involved limited action — five games — but he earned more opportunity in Year 2, starting his first NFL game in 2022 and appearing in nine contests before a torn meniscus ended his season. He returned in 2023 to play 14 games and compiled 22 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits. Despite those contributions, the Eagles waived him during final roster cuts in 2024. Since then he has had short stints with the Chiefs and Giants, appearing in five games (including one start) for Kansas City.

Why Tuipulotu matters to Denver

• Proven production at the NFL level: Tuipulotu has shown the ability to contribute as a rotational defensive tackle. His 2023 stat line indicates he can make plays both as a run defender and an interior pass rusher, offering a multi-faceted, tackle-room option.
• Size and technique: As a former USC starter, Tuipulotu brings length and a balanced mix of gap awareness and handwork that coaches can refine. Those traits are particularly valuable when teams seek immediate, physical run-pluggers who also offer occasional interior pass-rush upside.
• Durability question: The torn meniscus in 2022 and subsequent roster movement raise availability questions; teams will evaluate medicals closely. For a player whose recent years have involved injuries and short-term contracts, a strong showing at a tryout (and in follow-up training) can change a coach’s risk-reward calculus.

Tuipulotu’s presence at the Broncos minicamp signals both the team’s interest in vet defensive-polish and the player’s willingness to audition for a rotational or depth role. For veterans in his position, the path back to sustainable playing time typically depends on demonstrating consistent health, reliable play in position drills, and the capacity to complement younger linemen rather than supplant them.

Reid Holskey — undrafted tackle converts tryout into a contract

Reid Holskey’s journey to a Broncos contract began at Miami (OH), where he was a four-year starter at right tackle and earned first-team All-MAC honors in 2024. Undrafted the following spring, Holskey initially signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent but did not remain with the organization. He spent part of the 2025 offseason with the Houston Texans before arriving at Denver for the minicamp tryout. Two days after the workout the Broncos signed Holskey.

What Holskey offers

• Collegiate production and experience: A four-year starter brings durability and a large sample of live reps, which is attractive when teams want a player who can handle immediate competition and early developmental coaching.
• Positional versatility: While Holskey has worked primarily at right tackle, the transition path for many college tackles is to convert to left tackle, swing tackle, or even play inside at guard depending on footwork, agility and hand placement. The Broncos will evaluate whether his skill set projects best as a tackle on the 53-man roster or as depth and competition across the line during camp.
• Upside as a developmental piece: Undrafted players who accumulate consistent starter-level snaps in college can be valuable camp bodies that push veterans and provide potential practice-squad depth with the upside to ascend if injuries or performance issues arise.

A contract from a minicamp tryout typically puts a player onto the team’s 90-man offseason roster. From there, Holskey’s immediate objectives are straightforward: learn Denver’s blocking schemes, demonstrate consistent pass protection sets, show reliable mobility in space on outside-zone concepts, and avoid penalties. If he can check those boxes he becomes a candidate for the practice squad or a reserve depth role that could be elevated into action during the season.

Real-world parallel: Players who begin as undrafted additions and earn roster spots often combine a strong positional foundation with coachable technique — see the long career of former UDFA Jason Peters, who converted positions and refined his skill set after entry. Holskey’s immediate task is less dramatic than a position overhaul; Denver wants to know if the traits that made him an All-MAC tackle can translate to the pro level.

Sawyer Robertson — a project quarterback with physical tools and developmental questions

Sawyer Robertson entered Baylor as a transfer from Mississippi State and became the Bears’ starting quarterback for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Over 24 starts he compiled 6,752 passing yards with 59 touchdowns and 20 interceptions, completing just over 60 percent of his attempts and adding seven rushing scores.

These numbers are meaningful: Robertson displayed the arm talent, production and leadership necessary to hold a college starting job. Scouts saw physical traits that suggested late Day 3 draft potential: size, arm strength and the ability to move in the pocket. What separated him from being a firm draft-day choice were decision-making, pocket awareness and consistency in accuracy — the areas where NFL evaluators flagged developmental need.

Why Denver brought Robertson in for a tryout

• Opportunity for evaluation under team coaching: Tryouts allow offensive coordinators and QB coaches to run a candidate through scheme-specific reads, timing drops and play-action reps that don't show on college tape. For a pro team considering a developmental passer, those reps reveal whether mechanics and processing translate in a pro cadence.
• Practice-room value: Quarterbacks with starting experience in college can be useful as scout-team arms that replicate opponent tendencies, and as practice-day mentors for young signal-callers. Those roles often lead to practice-squad positioning or futures contracts that allow continued coaching.
• Long-term projection: Teams evaluate whether a quarterback like Robertson can refine pocket awareness and decision-making in an environment with pro coaching, better supporting receivers and more consistent protection schemes.

What Robertson needs to prove

• Consistent footwork and accuracy on short-to-intermediate throws: NFL offenses prioritize pre-snap reads and timing with receivers over sporadic deep shots. Improving accuracy and rhythm on these throws increases a passer’s chances to stick.
• Processing under pressure: Coaches will test his ability to diagnose blitzes, progress through reads under compressed windows, and deliver with anticipation, not merely arm strength.
• Leadership and command in meetings: Being a pro quarterback requires grasping advanced concepts and relaying them to teammates. Teams evaluate how quickly a college starter absorbs and directs a pro playbook.

Projects like Robertson often follow a patient route. If not signed to the active 53, a QB of his profile benefits from a futures or practice-squad deal, sustained coaching, and opportunities in preseason games or controlled scrimmages to prove progression.

Blake Cotton — late bloomer at cornerback earns a deal

Blake Cotton’s collegiate arc contains elements teams find appealing: steady growth, adaptability and an ability to ascend into a starter as a season progresses. After three seasons at UC-Davis, Cotton used his final year of eligibility to play at Utah. He began that season off the bench for five games before taking over as a starter for the final eight contests. Cotton did not feature prominently in many draft rankings, but Denver signed him two days after the minicamp tryout.

Why Cotton stands out to the Broncos

• Developmental upside: Starting the latter portion of a Power Five season suggests a player who can adapt to higher-level competition and improve on coaching. That trajectory often convinces NFL staffs that the cornerback still has upward room in technique and anticipation.
• Recent tape against stronger competition: A late-season starting role at Utah provided Cotton with game reps against higher-caliber offenses than he faced at UC-Davis. Scouts value recent tape indicating an ability to step up to improved opposition.
• Physical and technical profile: While Cotton may not have dominated combine lists, game film likely showed traits the Broncos valued: fluid movement, competitive press or off-man technique, and situational instincts in coverage.

For cornerbacks who sign after tryouts, the path typically leads to special-teams work and slot or depth competition. Earning a roster spot requires showing play-making in open-field situations, consistent technique on man-coverage reps and the willingness to contribute on special teams — often the most direct route from training camp to meaningful snaps.

Why teams stage tryouts at minicamp — the process and intent

Minicamp tryouts serve multiple immediate purposes for NFL teams:

• Low-cost evaluation: Inviting unattached players for a workout costs the team little beyond a short-term investment in coaching time and facility access. It provides real-time evidence of a player’s conditioning, positional technique and ability to pick up coaching.
• Create a pipeline for offseason roster building: Players signed after minicamp typically join the 90-man offseason roster. That system allows front offices to identify cheap depth that can be tested through OTAs, training camp and preseason games.
• Address emergent roster needs: Injuries or earlier-than-expected departures during the offseason create last-minute gaps. Tryouts provide a rapid pathway to audition players without committing to guaranteed money.
• Expand scouting beyond the combine and pro day circuits: Some prospects show better in team-specific reps than at centralized events. Teams often find “system fits” — players whose traits align closely with a team’s scheme — through these sessions.

How tryouts work in practice

A player attends a team workout and moves through individual positional drills, group periods and, in some cases, limited team installation. The coaching staff evaluates on technical points (footwork, hand placement, route recognition, tackling technique), conditioning and the player’s interaction with current roster members. Unlike official offseason programs, tryout participants do not necessarily attend as signed players; they are prospects under observation. If a team decides to sign someone, the contract is usually a standard, low-risk offseason deal that brings them onto the offseason roster and formally integrates them into OTAs and training camp.

Historical context and notable precedents

The NFL’s history contains many examples of players who began with low visibility — undrafted or late tryout participants — and worked into productive careers. While each story is unique, patterns emerge: strong fundamentals, exceptional work ethic, special-teams contribution, and the ability to absorb coaching predict success. Undrafted players like Adam Thielen and Antonio Gates illustrate that entry point alone does not preclude a sustained pro career. Teams rely on tryouts to identify those kinds of sleepers.

What Holskey and Cotton’s contracts mean practically

When a team signs players after a minicamp tryout, the immediate implication is clear: those players join the offseason roster and will receive further evaluation during team-organized activities, OTAs and mandatory minicamp. From there, multiple outcomes await:

• Practice squad candidacy: Many players who sign after tryouts are projected practice-squad candidates, particularly if they lack NFL game experience. The practice squad allows continued development under team coaches and the possibility of elevation to the active roster.
• Training camp competition: The 90-man roster format ensures every signed player has the opportunity to compete in positional drills, practice vs. first- and second-team units, and in preseason game reps. Robust performances during preseason directly affect a player's chance to make the 53-man cut.
• Special-teams value-add: For players like Cotton, special-teams competency is often the fastest route to a regular-season role. Coaches pay close attention to tackling technique, blocking on returns, and the willingness to play in high-effort, low-glamour phases of the game.
• Minimal guaranteed money: These contracts rarely include large guarantees. Financially, signing after a tryout is low risk for the team and must be treated as such by the player — the contract buys the player opportunity rather than long-term security.

For Holskey, the avenue most likely begins with competing for a backup tackle spot, proving reliability in pass protection and run blocking. For Cotton, the most likely immediate duty is special teams, coupled with competition for sub-package defensive reps. Both must show steady improvement and consistency to displace established depth.

Evaluating the practical odds for players who earn minicamp deals

Making the final 53-man roster after signing from a minicamp tryout is statistically difficult, but not impossible. Several factors influence the outcome:

• Positional demand: Certain positions — swing tackle, interior offensive line, depth defensive line, cornerback and special-teams contributors — provide more realistic access points for rookies and tryout signees. A team with known needs or shallow depth materially increases a newcomer’s chance.
• Coachability and adaptability: Players who rapidly absorb terminology, line calls and technique adjustments often stand out. Coaches prize the capacity to execute reliably over flash plays.
• Special-teams willingness and performance: Demonstrating consistent, reliable special-teams play accelerates a pathway to regular-season elevation.
• Injury or underperformance from incumbent players: The in-season NFL often produces opportunities due to fatigue, injuries or subpar play; a player who is already in the facility and acclimated has an advantage.
• Preseason and practice visibility: Coaches base decisions on a blend of practice grading, preseason game film and intangibles observed in meetings and treatment of reps.

Realistic outcome timeline

• Immediate: Signed player participates in offseason programs and receives coaching attention. The short-term focus is on absorbing the playbook and executing fundamentals in drills.
• Preseason: Candidates receive preseason snaps and direct competition against peers. Strong showings can push a player from the 90-man roster onto a practice-squad or, in rare instances, the 53-man roster.
• Regular season: Practice-squad elevations or emergency activations create opportunities to play in regular-season games. Players who seize moments may earn longer-term contracts.

Several recent NFL roster stories confirm that tryout signees can ascend rapidly when circumstances align. The underlying theme is consistent: opportunity plus preparedness equals leverage. For Holskey and Cotton, those ingredients are now in Denver’s control.

Scheme fit and positional fit — how these players map onto Denver’s needs

Projecting scheme fit requires distinguishing intrinsic traits from scheme-specific demands.

• Interior defensive line (Tuipulotu): Teams value interior defenders who can both anchor against the run and generate interior pressure. Tuipulotu’s film shows capacity for both, making him a fit if coaches want a rotational defender capable of situational pass-rush packages and early-down run-stopping. For rotational units, interior quickness and the ability to hold gaps are key.
• Offensive tackle (Holskey): NFL blocking schemes vary from power-heavy systems that emphasize anchor and brute strength to zone and outside-zone systems that prioritize footwork and lateral quickness. Holskey’s four-year starting background suggests he can handle the mental demands of early-down play and provide competition at tackle, but coaching will determine whether his technique projects more naturally to tackle or inside at guard.
• Quarterback (Robertson): Quarterback fit depends on system complexity, timing with route concepts and the requisite reads in the playbook. Robertson’s strengths — arm talent and movement — indicate he could serve as an installation QB for the practice squad and as a potential developmental passer under a system that emphasizes progressions and intermediate accuracy drills.
• Cornerback (Cotton): Modern defenses prize versatility in coverage, the ability to handle both press-man and zone responsibilities, and special-teams willingness. Cotton’s late-season starting role suggests his transitional ability to face increased competition; his path likely branches toward slot or depth outside roles and special-teams contributions.

In every case, the Broncos’ evaluation will be granular: coaches will test each player against schematic reps that mirror regular-season responsibilities. The fit is less about a player entering as an immediate starter and more about whether they can grow into a defined depth role.

The special-teams factor: why it often decides roster fates

For many late-signed players, special teams separate those who make the roster from those who do not. Coaches seek players with reliable tackling, block-shedding on coverage units, and situational awareness on kick and punt units. For cornerbacks and non-starting linemen, special-teams snaps can be the quickest route to consistent game-day participation.

Case in point: a young cornerback who shows consistent gunning ability and safe tackling will likely see the field on defense before an equally athletic but less willing special-teams player. Offensive linemen who can play three positions and chip in on blocking formations are similarly valuable.

Denver’s decision to sign Cotton suggests the team saw special-teams potential alongside coverage traits. Holskey’s path will similarly require adaptability — whether that be playing multiple line spots or contributing in early-down blocking packages on field-goal and extra-point units.

How coaches grade performances at tryouts and in early camps

Professional grading systems are detailed, but the conceptual approach is straightforward: coaches evaluate fundamentals, consistency and decision-making.

• Technical fundamentals: Footwork, hand placement, pad level, and balance for linemen; accuracy, timing and processing for quarterbacks; hip fluidity and change-of-direction for defensive backs.
• Consistency: Can the player perform the same technique successfully across multiple reps or do they rely on occasional flashes?
• Situational awareness: Does the player show understanding of all situational demands — down-distance, route combinations, blitz pickup?
• Competitive toughness and motor: Coaches value relentless effort in one-on-one matchups, especially where players must disrupt an opponent’s plan.
• Mental processing and coachability: How fast do they incorporate feedback? Do they repeat coaching points during the same practice period?

Tryout participants must outperform expectations quickly. Many coaches say they’re less interested in a player’s peak rep than in their ability to do the correct thing on each rep. That baseline reliability is a practical indicator that a player can be trusted on gameday.

What to watch in training camp and preseason for these players

Fans tracking Holskey, Cotton, Tuipulotu and Robertson should monitor several tangible markers in preseason activity:

• Snap counts in preseason games: Early snaps often reflect a coach’s confidence. For offensive linemen and defensive backs, meaningful preseason reps against viable competition can vault a player ahead on the depth chart.
• Special-teams assignments: Players who earn regular special-teams reps in camp have a real shot to make the roster or the practice squad.
• Positional versatility: Watch whether coaches rep Holskey at both tackle spots or slide him inside at guard. Flexibility increases value.
• QB progression: For Robertson, look for clarity in the pocket, timing with receivers in install periods, and fewer turnovers in scrimmage reps. Incremental improvements on reads and accuracy will be key evaluation points.
• Consistency and penalties: Players who show discipline—few penalties, correct technique, consistent alignment—tend to gain coaches’ trust.

These metrics offer a clearer scoreboard than isolated drill flashes. Coaches will measure improvement week-to-week, not only a single standout day.

The business side: contracts, guarantees and expectations

Contracts signed after tryouts are typically standard offseason deals that carry limited guarantees. For teams, this structure provides flexibility to evaluate players through the full offseason program. For players, the contract represents an opportunity with little financial security beyond per-diem or minimal guarantees common to reserve/future or camp deals.

Key expectations:

• No guaranteed roster spot for the regular season: Players must earn it through practice and preseason performance.
• Potential for practice-squad placement: Practice squads provide a valuable bridge — access to coaching, facility resources and the possibility of in-season elevations.
• Injury protections and buy-in: Players who sign must be physically prepared to withstand rigorous practice schedules and demonstrate durability.

For teams, the cost-benefit ratio is favorable. Signing a player who provides even occasional depth in case of injury saves the team from hastily acquired midseason replacements, and the player benefits from access to pro-level coaching and an organizational platform to showcase improvements.

The human element — what these tryouts mean for players

Beyond the tactical evaluations, tryouts are emotionally significant. For a veteran like Marlon Tuipulotu, a tryout represents the chance to reignite a career arc interrupted by injury and roster churn. For Holskey and Cotton, the minicamp workout — and subsequent contracts — validate months or years of preparation in smaller programs and relative obscurity. For Robertson, the tryout is a professional litmus test: how quickly can collegiate instincts adapt to pro-level demands?

The intangible qualities teams look for in these moments include resilience, professionalism, and the ability to assimilate into a locker-room culture. Coaches routinely say they prefer players who arrive prepared, who ask the right questions, and who maintain a growth mindset. Those traits may be harder to quantify than 40-yard dash times, but they often determine whether a player sustains a career in the league.

What this minicamp signals about Denver’s offseason approach

Denver’s decision to host tryouts and sign two participants suggests a pragmatic and opportunistic approach to roster-building. Rather than chase high-risk free agents, the team opted to evaluate lower-cost, higher-upside alternatives that can either fill immediate gaps or provide cheap developmental pieces. The strategy acknowledges that the roster is dynamic and that scouting must continue through every phase of the offseason.

This approach also reflects a broader NFL reality: under the salary-cap structure and the physical toll of the game, depth and discoverable talent are valuable currencies. Teams that consistently identify underrated players who fit their systems gain a competitive edge over those that rely solely on marquee acquisitions.

Signs of success and the long view

Success for players signed after minicamp tryouts is rarely linear. For some it means practice-squad seasons, occasional activations and eventual steadiness; for others it might be a brief tenure that helps them land another tryout elsewhere. The players who establish enduring careers combine on-field traits with off-field preparation, adaptability, and the ability to stay healthy.

Look at the pattern: work ethic leads to position mastery; position mastery flatters coaching trust; coaching trust leads to opportunities in games; game performance secures longer contracts. If Holskey and Cotton leverage their immediate openings and demonstrate consistent technical growth, they will maximize the value of the contracts they earned. Tuipulotu and Robertson must find the same through different paths — veterans by proving reliability, and quarterbacks by showing rapid mental and mechanical growth.

Final assessment: measured optimism with a practical lens

The minicamp workout and subsequent signings are neither blockbuster news nor routine background noise. They represent the steady, behind-the-scenes work that organizes an NFL team’s depth and developmental pipeline. For Denver, adding Holskey and Cotton creates additional competition on the offseason roster. For Tuipulotu and Robertson, the tryout provided the team with valuable direct evaluation; both leave with clearer feedback and a path forward whether that means further tryouts, practice-squad targets, or continued development.

Players who convert tryouts into contracts have cleared an important early hurdle. The real challenge begins with the installation of the playbook, the grind of camp, and the necessity to perform when preseason lights focus on them. The Broncos’ minicamp produced tangible outcomes — two new signees — and delivered film and insights that will shape the team’s offseason decisions. Those developments deserve attention: they are the small moves that compound into roster depth and, occasionally, into unexpected contributors on Sundays.

FAQ

Q: How many players did the Broncos host for tryouts at minicamp? A: The team hosted eight tryout players for the minicamp workout, according to reporting. Public identification included four names: Marlon Tuipulotu, Reid Holskey, Sawyer Robertson and Blake Cotton.

Q: Which players signed contracts after the tryout? A: Reid Holskey and Blake Cotton signed contracts with the Broncos two days after the minicamp tryout.

Q: What type of contracts do players usually get after minicamp tryouts? A: Tryout signees typically receive standard offseason contracts that add them to the 90-man roster. These contracts are generally low-risk for teams and often carry limited guaranteed money. The agreements allow players to participate in OTAs, minicamp, training camp and preseason games.

Q: What are the most realistic outcomes for these signees? A: The most common outcomes are placement on the practice squad, integration as depth players who compete during training camp, or release if performance does not meet coaching expectations. A less common but possible outcome is making the 53-man roster if the player excels in camp or if injuries create opportunity.

Q: How can a player signed after a tryout improve their chances of making the active roster? A: Demonstrate consistent fundamentals, show coachability, contribute on special teams, and perform well in preseason game reps. Positional versatility and reliability under pressure accelerate the chance of sticking on an active roster.

Q: Does a tryout mean a player is guaranteed anything in the long term? A: No. A tryout provides an opportunity to earn a contract; it does not guarantee long-term roster security. Continued evaluation through camp and preseason determines longer-term status.

Q: What did the Broncos likely see in Holskey and Cotton? A: Holskey’s collegiate resume as a four-year starter and 2024 All-MAC designation suggest dependable technique and starting experience at right tackle. Cotton’s late-season starting role at Utah likely demonstrated his upward trajectory and adaptability against higher-level competition. Both profiles offer developmental upside and potential special-teams value.

Q: What about Marlon Tuipulotu and Sawyer Robertson — what’s next for them? A: Tuipulotu, a veteran interior lineman with NFL starting experience and recent injuries, can leverage minicamp reps to showcase current health and technique; he is seeking a return to a rotational role. Robertson, as a college starting quarterback with productive counting stats, benefits from team-specific coaching time to improve pocket awareness and accuracy if he is to secure a practice-squad or developmental role.

Q: How important are minicamp tryouts in the larger league context? A: Minicamp tryouts are an important, cost-effective mechanism for teams to discover, evaluate and sign overlooked or available talent. They form part of a continuous scouting and player-acquisition process that extends beyond the draft, free agency and the combine, often yielding useful depth and, occasionally, high-impact contributors.