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    Sean Payton Sings the Praises of Pat Surtain

    6 Broncos Sleepers Poised to Take a Big Leap in 2023

    If even half of these players pop in 2023, the Denver Broncos will be a force to be reckoned with.

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    Denver Broncos
    Denver Broncos

    After an abysmal 2022 campaign, the Denver Broncos are poised to bounce back with a new coaching staff led by head coach Sean Payton. Denver has a wealth of talent in multiple positions that will be instrumental in making a playoff push. 

    While players like Justin Simmons and Russell Wilson are shoe-ins to make a significant impact on the gridiron, there are a handful of Broncos who need to take that next step in their development to prove they belong in Dove Valley beyond 2023. 

    Let's dive in. 

    Baron Browning | OLB

    Denver Broncos linebacker Baron Browning (56) reacts to a play in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High.

    Browning has shown flashes of being a dominant pass rusher in his first two seasons in Denver. He is more valuable on the edge than he was playing at inside linebacker. 

    With Bradley Chubb now in Miami, Browning is expected to start full-time opposite Randy Gregory. Browning's explosiveness and burst make him a handful shooting off the edge. 

    Injuries, however, have held Browning back thus far, and he hasn’t been able to make a consistent impact. He will be heavily relied upon due to the Broncos' lack of talent at outside linebacker. 

    The flashes are nice, but it's time for No. 56 to become the premier pass rusher Broncos Country knows he can be.

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    Greg Dulcich | TE

    Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich (80) runs for yards after catch against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium.

    After a solid 10-game rookie campaign, the pressure is on Dulcich to build on it. He posted 411 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 33 receptions as Wilson took an early liking to the young tight end. 

    Dulcich's athleticism and long strides make him a threat stretching the seam and finessing around linebackers. The injury bug claimed much of his rookie training camp and early stretches of the season, so he never got a chance to hit his stride fully. 

    With an entire offseason to prepare and the backing from Payton, Dulcich should improve significantly and help resurrect Wilson.

    Damarri Mathis | CB

    Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson (22) celebrates his fumble recovery with cornerback Damarri Mathis (27) in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Empower Field at Mile High.

    Mathis filled in admirably for being thrown into the fire after Ronald Darby went down with an ACL tear. Mathis was picked on early and often once he took over but eventually found his footing. 

    He defended seven passes in 16 games and racked up 51 solo tackles. Mathis proved he belongs in the NFL, but his role will be earned this coming season. Whether playing in the slot or on the boundary, he needs to step up in a cornerback room full of questions.

    Matt Henningsen & Eyioma Uwazurike | DL

    Denver Broncos defensive end Matt Henningsen (91) during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High.

    Both these defensive ends saw little playing time as rookies in 2022 but they have the potential to be a solid rotational piece on a depth-starved defensive line. Henningsen has an explosive lower half and is very physical in the trenches, but he needs finesse in his arsenal. 

    Uwazurike has a solid combination of finesse and power as a pass rusher. However, he needs to work on maintaining his pad level and lacks twitch. 

    Both men could use some work but have solid foundations to build upon. One of them must solidify himself if the Broncos' defensive line is to hold up.

    Caden Sterns | S

    Denver Broncos safety Caden Sterns (30) intercepts a pass by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (not pictured) during the second half at AT&T Stadium.

    Caden Sterns absolutely has to win the starting job opposite Simmons. Sterns' explosiveness and speed are what the secondary needs. 

    Sterns has shown flashes as the third safety behind Simmons and Kareem Jackson but has been hindered by injuries like others on this list (a common theme has been detected). Sterns has the potential as a ball hawk as he totaled two interceptions in each of the last two seasons. 

    With DBs Coach Christian Parker returning to lead the room, and Vance Joseph, who has an extensive history as a secondary coach, Sterns will have no excuses to leap to starting this season.

    Even with an experienced coaching staff, it will be on the players to bet on themselves and make a difference to the Broncos. If even half of the men mentioned in this article develop into the players the Broncos think they can be, the team will have a significantly better chance at making the playoffs. 

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