INDIANAPOLIS — Being a rookie in the NFL can be like solving calculus equations while running a 100-meter dash. The sink-or-swim reality of the league demands its young players learn complex concepts on the fly.

The Broncos’ DeMarcus Walker was asked last season to add juggling to the difficult list of tasks for a first-year player, playing both defensive end and outside linebacker during a trying rookie year. To get the most out of Walker in his second season, the Broncos want to simplify his equation.

Walker will permanently stay at defensive end as he begins his second season, Broncos coach Vance Joseph said Wednesday.

“We want him to come back bigger and stronger,” Joseph said at the NFL scouting combine. “Last year, he lost some weight to play outside linebacker. Now, we’re going to make him a defensive end and have a clear role for him so he can be at his best. He came on last year and made some plays for us at the end of the season, but we have to find one spot where he can help this football team and leave him there.”

Walker, who was drafted in the second round out of Florida State, played defensive end during spring drills before shifting to outside linebacker early in training camp amid injuries to Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett. Walker played sparingly in Denver’s first six games last season and then became a game-day inactive for five straight weeks.

Walker shifted back to defensive end toward the end of the season, adding depth at the position following a season-ending injury to Derek Wolfe. And Walker finished with a strong showing against the Chiefs in the regular-season finale, collecting his first sack and a season-high three tackles.

Now the 6-foot-4, 280-pound Walker is being asked to bulk up as he prepares for a second season that his team hopes will produce a far greater impact.

“Hopefully,” Joseph said, “he comes back in the spring in great shape and kind of pushes forward from there.”

Seeking safety. The Broncos are in talks to acquire safety Su’a Cravens in a trade with the Redskins, according to a league source.

Cravens, a second-round pick out of USC in 2016, was out of football last season as he dealt with lingering concussion issues, and he reportedly considered retirement before being medically cleared to resume football activities in December. He played in 11 games during his rookie season in 2016.

The 22-year-old has three years remaining on his contract, which includes a base salary of $651,408 and cap charge of about $1 million for 2018.

Health updates. Tight end Jake Butt and quarterback Chad Kelly, 2017 draft picks by the Broncos who spent all of last season on injured reserve, will be “full go” when the team begins its offseason workout program in April.

Both players practiced briefly midway through last season before the decision was ultimately made to leave them on IR. Related Articles September 20, 2020 Kiszla: After Broncos lose to Pittsburgh and begin another NFL season 0-2, veteran Shelby Harris sounds warning: “We’ve got to change the culture”

September 20, 2020 Uh-oh-and-2: Drew Lock injured as Broncos fall 26-21 to Pittsburgh

September 20, 2020 Dalton Risner makes no excuses for Broncos offensive line’s poor performance in loss in Pittsburgh: “That infuriates me”

September 20, 2020 Broncos Briefs: Injuries at receiver elevates rookie KJ Hamler’s role in debut

September 20, 2020 Broncos Q-and-A: Late red zone miss halts comeback against Steelers

Butt’s return could be especially important for the Broncos as they aim to improve an offense that was among the league’s most inefficient last season.

“He’s got a bright future,” Joseph said. “He’s a worker, he’s a pro and he’s there every day. I’m excited to see him this spring moving forward.”

Joseph said he’s also eager to evaluate wide receiver Carlos Henderson after the third-round pick missed his entire rookie season due to a thumb injury he suffered in training camp.

“He was drafted to be a good football player for us, hopefully a (third or fourth wide receiver),” Joseph said. “He’s also a hell of a returner. He can be a core guy on special teams. We’re looking forward to getting him back on the field and hopefully he can contribute for us this year.”