Ja’Wuan James could hardly blink for fear of missing something.

Within a month, the Broncos right tackle uprooted from Miami to Denver, moved in with the family of his Colorado-raised wife, Rainey, and began voluntary minicamp. James lacked a warm-up period he utilized in previous offseason programs.

“Everything’s just happening a bit faster,” James said, “but I feel like it’s a great opportunity.”

The Broncos place much of their hope for a resurgent 2019 on the extremely large shoulders of James (6-foot-6, 312 pounds), their big free agent signing who might be the only sure thing along Denver’s offensive line next season. The clock is ticking on left tackle Garett Bolles to perform like a first-round talent. The Broncos will likely use the draft to build new center/guard pairings with Ron Leary recovering from a torn Achilles and Matt Paradis gone to the Panthers.

James’ ascension to a leadership role up front won’t happen instantly. His relationship with assistant offensive line coach Chris Kuper, previously with James in Miami (2016-18), might accelerate the process. Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello said Kuper provided “inside information” that gave the Broncos confidence in making James the highest paid right tackle in NFL history (four-year, $51-million contract).

“(Kuper) knew what kind of person he was,” Scangarello said. “He’s an athletic tackle. He’s a very good pass protector in our scheme. We figured it would fit his skill set and we could help him continue to ascend as a player.”

Kuper will work with offensive line coach Mike Munchak to maximize that potential, and only a few days into minicamp, James is learning what made Munchak such a valuable resource in Pittsburgh the past five seasons.

“(Munchak) has been one of us, sat in our seats and did it at a high level; he’s a Hall of Famer,” James said. “He knows the coaching side of it and he also knows the playing side. He knows there are limitations to what certain guys can do and he’s willing to work with you to find what works best. He says, ‘This is a guideline. If it doesn’t work for you, that’s fine. What does?’ He works well just understanding.”

While absorbing the playbook is of the highest importance, so is finding common ground among teammates, and it’s why James has embraced off-field bonding opportunities. Center Connor McGovern recently hosted a barbecue. The offense went bowling two weeks back and family members joined; similar events are planned for the future.

“A big message this year is family,” James said. “The more we know each other as brothers the easier it is to play for each other.”