Five days of Broncos training camp are in the books, setting the table for one big question: Are there any standout players who have surprised coaches?

Let offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello take it from here: “I’ll say Elijah Wilkinson.”

Not very familiar? Don’t fret. The Broncos’ third-year offensive lineman isn’t a household name — yet.

“He’s very athletic and a great scheme fit,” Scangarello said. “I just like the way he works out here. I think (offensive line coach) Mike Munchak has done a great job honing out his skill-set and really helping him develop. … He is a guy that we are very happy with up to this point.”

Wilkinson, 24, is only two years removed from first joining the Broncos’ practice squad. You might assume the undrafted offensive lineman from UMass would use those words as further fuel to secure a starting job in 2019.

You would also be wrong.

“Someone sent it to me and I read (Scangarello’s quote),” Wilkinson said Monday, one practice after the coach sang his praises, “but I don’t even pay attention to that stuff.”

Wilkinson’s rise to training camp surprise was not manifested in positive encouragement, but instead with a relentless work ethic and good timing. He entered the league in 2017 with 33 college starts at right tackle. After six weeks on Denver’s practice squad, Wilkinson got promoted the active roster. He tallied 35 snaps over the next nine games, but only twice at offensive tackle and the rest on special teams. Then Wilkinson began his second season once again buried on the depth chart.

His big break in 2018, unfortunately, came at the expense of a teammate when right guard Ron Leary went down with a torn Achilles in a Week 6 loss to the Rams. So Wilkinson swapped positions — tackle to guard — and thrived. He started the final seven games of the season and was not penalized once over 520 offensive snaps. He allowed 18.5 “disruptions” (combined sacks/hits/pressures), which tied for fifth-most among Broncos, per Denver Post game charting. Wilkinson was also responsible for 5.5 “bad run plays” in which the Broncos gained 3-or-fewer yards, not including short-yardage situations.

Wilkinson said the experience gave him “a little bit of swagger.” Although nothing was guaranteed in 2019 — especially after Denver selected Kansas State offensive lineman Dalton Risner with the No. 41 overall pick (second round) in the NFL draft.

“They drafted Risner and everybody else, and that’s none of my business, I just come into work every single day and do the best I can,” Wilkinson said. “I didn’t come with a goal for anything else but to make sure I don’t have any assignment errors and give it my all.”

Slimming down was among Wilkinson’s first steps toward improvement in Year 3. He is currently listed on the depth chart at 6-foot-6 and 329 pounds, but Wilkinson said he is now closer to 318. Munchak, in his first season coaching Broncos offensive lineman, has employed Wilkinson as the second-team left tackle almost exclusively through five training camp practices. And teammates have taken notice of his vast growth. Related Articles Broncos Briefs: Phillip Lindsay doubtful to play Sunday, but progressing from toe injury

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“Eli is really good,” defensive end Adam Gotsis said. “He’s got heavy hands, good feet and if he gets those paws on you he’s going to lock you down. It’s been awesome to watch him grow from when he came in as a rookie as well. He’s just gotten better and better. … It’s exciting to see Eli and what he’s going to do this year.”

Two main factors are likely to contribute to Wilkinson’s impact this season. An ability to play guard or tackle likely gives Wilkinson first dibs at replacing one of several Broncos offensive linemen should they fall to injury. The clock is also ticking on left tackle Garett Bolles to meet first-round expectations and eliminate costly mistakes. Each scenario could provide Wilkinson an even greater role in 2019.

Scangarello’s public applause proves Wilkinson is ready to make it happen — even as Wilkinson tries blocks it out.

“It doesn’t matter what the depth chart says,” Wilkinson said. “I’ve been lower than low not getting any reps on the depth chart. I know exactly how it is. I’m coming in to work my butt off and let the chips fall where they may.”