Good things come to those who wait. It took a few months to get Jared Veldheer on the practice field, but the Denver Broncos finally got to see him in the starting lineup at right tackle when training camp opened.

The team is being cautious with Veldheer, as he took the entire offseason to recover from an ankle injury, but so far he’s been in the trenches taking reps with his fellow starting five. Camp has given the ninth-year veteran an opportunity to go against the best edge rusher in football — Von Miller.

Veldheer now has a few reps from individual drills and team period vs. Miller under his belt. So what’s it like to go against a pass rusher of Miller’s caliber?

“It gets you better,” Veldheer said following Day 3 of camp. “There’s something new that I’m trying to focus on almost every rep. It’s like…that really long par three in golf that’s really hard to hit the green. Kind of like that, except running at you. It might not make sense but until you’ve done that stuff maybe you’ll understand. But it’s awesome, it’s a great chance to be able to go against the best pass rusher in football every day. It makes me have to bring my best every day, and that only makes you better.”

Veldheer was acquired via trade from the Arizona Cardinals in March. The Broncos believe he’s the answer to the team’s right tackle woes of recent years.

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Being traded suddenly can be disconcerting. It can make a pro feel helpless or impotent, especially if he's not consulted. With the abruptness of the spring trade having worn off, though, Veldheer is settling into his role with his new team.

“Being able to be out here and meet all of the guys and actually starting to get to work with them is awesome,” he said. “It’s a great group of guys and I couldn’t have asked for a better spot.”

As a third round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders back in 2010, Veldheer is no stranger to the AFC West. He will be tasked with holding down the right side of the line in a Division replete with strong-sided edge rushers. With guys like Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and Justin Houston rushing off the right side, Veldheer will have his work cut out for him in protecting Case Keenum.

But that’s why these reps vs. Miller are invaluable. Even if Veldheer takes a few ‘L’s’ during individual drills, the plan is to be honed into a blunt instrument when Week 1 of the regular season rolls around.

And as far as first impressions go, Veldheer has been impressed with Keenum.

“He’s a great leader in the huddle, he’s having fun and that kind of trickles down to everybody in the huddle,” Veldheer said. “He’s a guy who brings his ‘A’ game every day, does his job, and it’s up to us to protect him and keep him in there all year healthy.”

The Broncos will return to the practice field on Tuesday for the fourth practice day of training camp. Only this time, they’ll be in full pads, which will allow Veldheer and his O-line brethren to get their ‘pop’ on.