Rock Canyon's Joe Bryson, a big tackle, 'super excited' to attend Broncos rookie minicamp

The Broncos have a 6-foot-8, 310-pound right tackle in Mike McGlinchey. Now they’re taking a look at a Colorado product who is the same size.

Tackle Joe Bryson, a graduate of Rock Canyon High School in Highlands Ranch, told The Denver Gazette on Tuesday he has accepted an invitation to next week’s Broncos rookie minicamp as a tryout player.

“I’m super excited for the opportunity,’’ said Bryson, who grew up a big Broncos fan in Castle Pines. “It’s definitely a special opportunity.”

Bryson has had quite the odyssey since he was a 6-7, 240-pound senior at Rock Canyon and also played basketball before graduating in 2018. He played for two years at Division II Colorado Mesa, then was a walk-on at USC for three seasons before spending 2023 at Incarnate Word in San Antonio.

After battling injuries, Bryson got into all 14 games for the Trojans in 2022, none as a starter. He opted to attend Incarnate Word to get more work.

“I knew it was a chance to continue to develop and get game reps,” he said.

Bryson took part in the Broncos’ pro day on April 6. He was listed as the No. 62 prospect at tackle by analyst Dane Brugler entering last week’s NFL draft and wasn’t selected.

Bryson will report Thursday, May 9, to the Broncos for that weekend’s rookie minicamp. He said two players he has been working out with who also have accepted invitations as tryout players are Oregon State defensive lineman Joe Golden and BYU cornerback Eddie Heckard. Golden, a graduate of Doherty High School in Colorado Springs, spent his first three years at Northern Colorado before playing his last two with the Beavers.

Also, linebacker Levelle Bailey, who will sign with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent, said long snapper Nick D’Ambra, his teammate at Fresno State, has accepted an invitation to attend the camp as a tryout player.

As for Bryson, he is excited to be getting an opportunity six years after his high school graduation.

“I kind of set the goal then of getting to the NFL,’’ he said.

Randy Gradishar Day

Governor Jared Polis has declared Friday “Randy Gradishar Day” in Colorado. There were be a spcial proclamation reading at the State Capitol building’s west steps at 2 p.m. Friday to honor the former Broncos linebacker, who will be inducted Aug. 3 into the Pro Football Hall of Fame