Troy Renck: The Broncos have gone from Sesame Street to Compete Street. Sean Payton changed the culture – and added the Compete Street sign on the practice field – after inheriting a team lacking accountability and good coaching. The current staff knows its stuff. So, why did sportsbooks place the Broncos’ over-under win total at 5.5 in Payton’s second season? They lack talent. Payton reminds me of a college coach who needs two more solid recruiting classes or a free agent windfall similar to Coach Prime’s work in the transfer portal. ESPN recently ranked the Broncos’ roster as 31st overall, ahead of only the New York Giants. Yikes. So, Ryan, I ask you, who are the players who could overachieve and debunk this sobering opinion?
Ryan McFadden: I agree, Troy. The Broncos lack talent. At the same time, there are so many unproven guys with opportunities to play major roles this fall so we really don’t know what to expect from some of them. But to answer your question, there are a few players who I think could stand out. For starters, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto has a chance to make a bigger name for himself in Year 3. The former Oklahoma standout went from collecting 1.5 sacks as a rookie to eight in his sophomore campaign. It’s impressive how fast Bonitto can come off the edge to create pressure on the quarterback. His next step is becoming a more well-rounded player and being able to make an impact in the run game. On offense, running back Jaleel McLaughlin could be a player that could make some noise. Given McLaughlin’s speed and ability as a receiver, he could be a playmaker for Denver if utilized correctly. As rookie, McLaughlin showed flashes of his potential, but there were times when he wouldn’t see the field or the Broncos made it obvious to the defense that they were giving him the ball.
Renck: My answer is always the same when fans ask me about Denver’s’ dim prospects in 2024? Where are the offensive weapons? For the Broncos to overachieve, they need some surprises from the skill positions. Tight end Lucas Krull looks like a star straight out of central casting at 6-foot-6, 260 pounds. He should catch 35 passes for 500 yards and four touchdowns. And what about Marvin Mims Jr.? He is an All-Pro returner. There’s no reason he cannot reach 800 yards and six touchdowns with his blurry speed as a complement to Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds. I still warn against drafting Broncos on your fantasy league team, but they do have some sleepers.
McFadden: I need to see how Krull looks during training camp or preseason before being sold on him. He looked good during Denver’s offseason program and showed that he could potentially be a pass catching threat that the team has desperately needed from the tight end position since Greg Dulcich has struggled to overcome injuries. I understand that the Broncos want to win but this season should be about seeing what the young players can do. With that said, it might be wise for Denver to unleash Mims. Whenever former quarterback Russell Wilson threw the ball deep to Mims, the speedy wideout made something happen. The Broncos can’t afford letting Mims sit in the backseat for another season. Like you said, Troy, there’s no reason for Mims to not reach at least 800 receiving yards.
Renck: And let’s not forget about the other side of the ball. Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach and John Franklin-Myers hold the key to better tackling and improving the much-maligned run defense. But the Broncos’ need an even bigger impact from a pass rusher. They haven’t had a player reach double digit sacks since 2018. Outside linebacker Baron Browning bet on himself through athletic shares stock, and is finally healthy. Jonathon Cooper remains the team’s most well-rounded edge player. And Bonitto has the best first step. But Browning, a pending free agent, is my X-factor to reach 11 sacks, creating the type of pressure that will result in at least two Pat Surtain II picks.
McFadden: I think Denver’s trio of edge rushers, Browning, Cooper and Bonitto, can take a leap in 2024. Browning should benefit from being fully healthy but my bet is on Bonitto to break the curse and record double-digit sacks.The group should benefit from the addition of Franklin-Myers. With him and Zach Allen up front, life might be a bit easier from the outside linebackers. I’m looking forward to seeing how Denver’s defensive line holds up in the trenches. The group was arguably the weakest unit in 2023, as they collectively struggled to stop the run and generate quarterback pressure. Franklin-Myers had a career-best 27 pressures for the Jets last season while Roach has proven to be a quality run-stopper. If the Denver’s defense want to avoid another dreadful start, it will need the defensive line to step up.
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