Broncos a Team on the Rise Per PFF's NFL Power Rankings

The Denver Broncos have worked hard this offseason to restore some of the luster that has adorned the team's reputation dating back many decades. It's true that the last seven years have been brutal, but the Broncos remain one of the winningest franchises in NFL history.

But like Broncos fans, it seems that those who make the lists and power rankings in the national media are a little too traumatized from being led on the past few years into believing the tide had turned in Denver. Still, Pro Football Focus sees the Broncos as a team on the rise, ranking them No. 23 in its NFL power rankings.

23.

DENVER BRONCOS

• Biggest impact player from the draft:

WR Marvin Mims

• Pre-Draft Ranking:

28

The signing of guard Ben Powers increases the Broncos' pass-blocking prowess by a large margin, along with the addition of tackle Mike McGlinchey this offseason. Denver seems committed to protecting Russell Wilson and added another weapon in Marvin Mims, who will benefit from playing alongside Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton after neither was traded away amid speculation.

While Mims will likely not continue to average 19.5 yards per catch, he’s a much-needed weapon for the Broncos. They filled another need by drafting linebacker Drew Sanders, who earned 75.0-plus pass-rush and coverage grades in 2022.

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The Broncos finished as one of the five worst teams in the NFL last season, qualifying for the No. 5 overall pick in the draft, which, alas, the Seattle Seahawks possessed as loot from the Wilson trade. And yet, PFF has the Broncos ranked No. 23.

Surely, it's not because the Broncos drafted a wide receiver, as talented as Mims might be, nor could it be due to the team's free-agent investments upfront. Let's be honest; it's about one big addition the Broncos made this past offseason.

Sean Payton.

The Broncos are hoping that Payton will be the tide that raises all boats in the Mile High City, and with a 15-year body of work as head coach in New Orleans, it seems that there's enough meat on his resume for the national perspective to sink its teeth into.

One could argue that there isn't much difference between the Broncos finishing last season as the No. 28 team in the NFL and a superfluous No. 23 offseason power ranking from PFF. No. 23 reflects a bottom-10 standing for Denver, but the key is the movement.

The Broncos are a team on the rise, though it's early yet.

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