Easing into the no-fly zone isn’t an option. To play in the Broncos secondary, technique has to be sound and being accountable is a requirement.

Rookie safeties Justin Simmons and Will Parks are two of the newest additions to a veteran bunch. Both shined during organized team activities, but with training camp set to start on Thursday it’s time to put on the pads and fight hard for a job.

“I’m definitely anxious,” Parks said. “If you’re not looking forward to this, you’re crazy.”

Parks has spent a lot of time with veteran safety T.J. Ward this offseason. The main message Ward taught him was how to be a pro and show respect to coaches, teammates and the environment through words and actions.

Simmons and Parks, third and sixth-round picks respectively, will be expected to provide immediate depth behind Ward and Darian Stewart. Veteran Shiloh Keo is the only other safety that spent time on the Broncos active roster last season, and his roster spot this year isn’t a lock. It’s a real possibility that the rookies could be the top backup safety options off the bench.

Simmons looks up to a number of the Broncos’ defensive backs, but said ultimately he’s here to take somebody’s job. It starts with making a mark on special teams then taking advantage of every rep on defense.

“They are not going to let a couple of rookies come in and lower the bar,” Simmons said. “There is a standard already set, being that they are already the best secondary in the league. We have to come in and match that.”

“It’s about to go down,” Parks added. “It’s about to get real out there in training camp for the next five weeks.”