Second-year receiver Cody Latimer benefited from extra reps at workouts with Peyton Manning at Duke University. He received pointers that could accelerate his learning curve with the new offense. Manning had Latimer run routes that might be incorporated into the scheme of new Broncos coach Gary Kubiak.

“He texted me, and I asked if I could go down there,” Latimer said of Manning. “It meant a lot.”

Latimer spent his offseason training in Florida. “It really helped give me a headstart,” he said.

Miller might devour more quarterbacks with improved diet

Sixteen months is not a long time. It feels like a lifetime based on how Von Miller feels. He stood before the press Wednesday, stronger, lighter and healthier.

“I haven’t had a cheeseburger in a minute,” Miller said.

No longer devoting his offseason to rehabbing a torn anterior cruciate ligament, no longer eating junk food, but drinking a gallon of water per day, Miller weighs 242 pounds. He plans to play at between 252 – his highest weight last season – and his current mark. At 26, Miller continues to mature and evolve. Cast in a 3-4 scheme under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, Miller expects to improve on last season’s solid 14-sack performance.

“Everything we do here fits into what I do best,” Miller said. “I am in better shape (because of his fit knee). I want to go to another level.”

Bruton’s Books

David Bruton is a voracious reader. He believes “it opens the mind.” The Broncos defensive back wants to provide that opportunity for others. Wednesday, he announced the establishment of the David Bruton Foundation and it’s charitable arm, Bruton’s Books. This is a personal cause for Bruton, who served as a substitute teacher “in everything from first-grade geography to calculus for seniors” during the NFL lockout.

Bruton’s program will help provide tutors to help children in kindergarten through third grade improve their reading proficiency.

“I love kids. I love reading. I love giving back to the community,” Bruton said.

Footnote:

Tight end James Casey signed his one-year, $1.25-million contract.