The Broncos were just a quarterback away last season and after trading for Russell Wilson over the off-season, how far can they go?
Strength
The Broncos’ defensive unit as a whole was the strength for them. They conceded the third-fewest points in the NFL, with their run defence being a specific strength only conceding nine rushing touchdowns, the fewest in the NFL. On top of these statistics from last season, they added Randy Gregory from the Dallas Cowboys to pair alongside Bradley Chubb and rush the passer. I expect this to be a strength again for the Broncos.
Weakness
When looking at Denver last season, the big weakness for them was their passing attack. They were in the bottom half of the league in first downs, passing yards and passing touchdowns. However, as mentioned, they traded for Wilson during the off-season who provides a significant upgrade over Teddy Bridgewater, so these numbers should improve.
Russell Wilson in his days at the Seattle Seahawks. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
Player to watch
Denver used the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft on wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from Alabama. An ankle injury in Week 1 stunted his development with only 38 catches last season but he has the talent to breakout in 2022-23. With a better quarterback and a clean bill of health at this stage of the off-season, I expect Jeudy to take a massive jump and announce himself as one of the best route runners in the NFL.
Who’s under pressure?
I think this is an easy question and the answer is Russell Wilson. The Broncos have been a good quarterback away for a couple of seasons now and despite the great resume and reputation that Wilson brings, he struggled last season. A finger injury kept him out for part of the season, and he never looked the same upon return. Denver mortgaged their future for success now through Wilson, so the pressure is square on his shoulders.
Projection
There is so much to like about the Denver Broncos and their chances this season. They have the outstanding defence that has included Randy Gregory, they have the dynamic backfield duo of Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon and the new shiny Quarterback. The only thing that you have to worry about with the Broncos is the division they are in. The AFC West shapes to be the best in the NFL, so division games will be ultra-important.
Win-loss: 12-5
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Albert O has lots of promise, but Dulcich is the new, bright and shiny version, and Okwuegbunam has a bit of an injury history. It'll be an interesting training camp battle to see who gets the start.
Jake Smith
Roar Rookie
I think Albert O has plenty of ability and should have no problem stepping into starter level workload and production!
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
The Wilson trade was a block-buster, a starting QB (well, Drew Lock :silly: ) plus the team leaders in receptions (TE Noah Fant) and sacks (Shelby Harris), plus 1st and 2nd round picks in both '22 & '23 and the 5th round pick this year. So 8 players for Wilson. Gregory will compensate for losing Harris, but I think losing Fant will be a bigger issue than most realise - he was a reliable safety valve for the Broncos QBs for the last couple of seasons. Of course, Wilson may not need that, but none of the other non-rookie TEs give any confidence of stepping up to be a full-time starter. Greg Dulcich may be a sneaky bet for Rookie Offensive Player of the Year, as he'll probably get plenty of ball coming his way!