The Denver Broncos made a statement with their rise last year. What does their offseason tell us about their outlook in 2025?
How does Pat Bryant fit into the wide receiver room?
The Broncos closed out day two with Pat Bryant in the third round. Payton spent the post-draft press conference comparing him to Michael Thomas, which makes sense because Bryant has the body type to mold into a big slot player.
The team drafted Devaughn Vele, and while he manned the slot and produced over 400 yards as a rookie, this is also a former round seven player that may have stepped in because they did not have a better option. If Bryant takes over that role, Vele has shown that most can produce thanks to Payton.
Is it the RJ Harvey show?
Similar to Bryant, Harvey going into a Sean Payton scheme is going to get attention of many. More than that, the depth chart he just entered is thin. Audric Estime could be a goalline back, but he was in Payton’s doghouse last year. Jaleel McLaughlin is a passing-down back. There is a legitimate lead back role in a good offense behind a build out offensive line. How high of a ceiling does Harvey have?
Where does Jahdae Barron align?
The Boncos made a luxury pick of sorts but stuck to the best player available by taking Jahdae Barron 20th. Barron will likely man the slot, but has played outside and safety as well. On paper, replacing former Texas safety Brandon Jones may be the best fit. It keeps Ja’Quan McMillan in the slot, which likely presents the best five. Barron could also play outside, but pushing out Riley Moss after a strong second season is not wise.
Can Evan Engram take off in this offense?
If you know Sean Payton, you know that he often uses his wide receivers on the outside to open space for his running backs, slots, and tight ends to run after the catch. That is why it is notable that the team went out and added Evan Engram. They were linked to tight ends on draft weekend, but without a new addition, Engram may have been in the best fit for him in his career.
Can the defense avoid regression?
The defense has talent and names on paper, but a lot of their playmakers had their best year at the right time. Can they all just keep ascending up, or will the ups and downs of some players result in the unit coming back to earth? It is why it is not crazy to add Barron, and it is why the offense, with Nix, a new tight end, receiver, and running back, needs to take a bigger step as well.
