5 Broncos Primed to Have a Stand-Out Season in 2024
The Denver Broncos are going into 2024 with many questions about their roster. The strain on Denver’s salary cap due to the now-released Russell Wilson means their roster will have some turnover. There will be cuts, contract restructuring, trades, free agents, and draft picks that reshape the Broncos as we know them.
While there will be numerous changes, some Broncos are still on the roster and primed for a standout season. These five men have the opportunity to prove to Sean Payton that they deserve to play in Denver for the foreseeable future.
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Javonte Williams
Williams wasn’t expected to play even half of the 2023 season after his ACL and LCL tears in his knee. To the surprise of everyone, Javonte started in Week 1 and played in sixteen games starting in thirteen. He was not as explosive as expected, but he finished with 774 yards and three touchdowns.
The Broncos often got away from utilizing the run game in 2023, making it difficult for any of their backs to get in rhythm. With a new quarterback under center for Denver next year, whether a rookie or free agent, the run game will need to be prominent. Another year removed from his horrific injury, Javonte can prove he is the bell cow running back he was drafted to be.
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Baron Browning
Baron has shown flashes of being an elite pass rusher for the Broncos, but injuries have held him back in each of his three seasons. Whether Denver drafts a rookie or even grabs an edge rusher in free agency, Browning will be a starter with a year in Vance Joseph’s system.
If he can get his health in check, there is no reason he can’t turn into a quality starter screaming off the edge for the Broncos. This is a make-or-break year for Baron.
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Riley Moss
The Broncos used two third-round picks to move up and select Riley Moss in 2023. A move like this would surely mean Moss would see plenty of playing time, right? Not exactly. Moss did play several snaps on special teams but saw diminutive snaps on defense. He has the speed and skillset to be a boundary corner in the NFL, but 2022 starter Damarri Mathis had the number two spot locked up.
However, Mathis failed miserably the following season and was benched seven games into the season. With his fall, Moss can secure the second corner spot across Patrick Surtain ll. In college, Riley had eleven interceptions, three touchdowns, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and twenty-six passes defended. Moss could be a high-quality starter for Denver if given the chance in 2024.
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JL Skinner
Skinner came into the 2023 season with an injury he sustained to his pec bench pressing as pre-draft training. Even when cleared, Skinner only played in two games, primarily on special teams like Riley Moss. Vance Joseph has a habit of keeping his rookies from playing, and Skinner fell victim to that process. 2024 could be his big break, however.
The Broncos' safety room has become very thin due to PJ Locke being a free agent, Caden Stern’s lack of availability due to injuries, and Delarrin Turner-Yell tore his ACL at the end of the season. 2024 is Skinner’s best chance to take the reigns of a starting safety role.
Alex Forsyth
Lloyd Cushenberry has played himself out of Denver’s price range, meaning Alex Forsyth will get a shot to start at center. While Alex didn’t see any playing time in 2023, he’s in good hands with offensive line coach Zach Streif, who vastly improved the play of the entire line. General manager George Paton gave Forsyth high praise when asked about the center position, which hints at amore significant role. Alex could step in immediately and make an impact under Streif’s tutelage.
These five Broncos have the chance to impress Sean Payton. If they can stand out from their peers, they will likely stay in the Mile High City for the foreseeable future.
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