It’s been a long, grueling 10 years for the Denver Broncos.
Since the Super Bowl win in 2015, whispers of the next Peyton Manning, grumblings against John Elway and his coaching staff’s decisions, and questionable draft choices have left the people at Mile High Stadium anxious about the future.
However, hope has returned. After tremendous 2024 and 2025 NFL Drafts, it’s safe to say there’s something, or at least someone, to believe in for Broncos fans.
Bo Nix
Surprisingly, one of the most shocking selections in recent years was the Broncos taking Bo Nix. Some said he was too old, others said he was speedy but lacked accuracy. Yet, there were many believers in this Oregon Ducks star. Jonathan Stewart said that people were being “straight-up haters,” and that “they’re mad that he’s in a situation that not many people have been” when it came to Nix.
Eyes were on the young star entering the 2024 season, with reasonable concern. A slow start to the year started to worry fans. Despite the initial nerves of a seasoned college quarterback, it soon became clear the rookie had much more NFL-ready skill than many initially thought.
Climbing his way to victory and leading the Broncos to their first playoff birth since 2015, Nix smashed the stats and the haters. He amassed 3,775 yards, 29 TDs, 12 interceptions, 430 rushing yards, and had only three fumbles in his first season.
Do these stats sound familiar? They should. Peyton Manning, in his rookie year, had 3,739 yards, 26 TDs and a staggering 28 interceptions, per ESPN. His passer rating? 71.3.
Bo Nix? 93.3.
Despite a great first year, it’s safe to say there’s still plenty casting doubt on Nix’s talent.
So, what was missing in Denver’s staggering defeat to the Buffalo Bills? With their franchise quarterback seemingly found, what do they need to build on?
Fresh Talent
The Broncos’ loss 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the playoffs was heartbreaking. Dropped passes, a lackluster run game and sporadic defense were blatant weaknesses. Consequently, people blamed inexperience as the main culprit for the loss.
The lack of talent across the depth chart proved to be too much for this young team. They couldn’t match the speed and precision of the Bills. What they needed wasn’t more veterans, but more talent, particularly skilled players from winning environments.
Not only did the Broncos have a star-studded 2025 NFL Draft, but they took players they had a direct need for. Certainly one of the most anticipated defensive players in the SEC, a record-breaking running back, and an absolute tank of an offensive lineman to protect their shining star at quarterback will help.
While actively drafting players they wanted, they re-signed key veterans that added depth, experience and an elite level of playmaking they needed to be considered Super Bowl contenders.
Those marquee players include:
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
R.J. Harvey, RB, Central Florida
Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois
Sai’vion Jones, DE, LSU
Que Robinson, OLB, Alabama
Jeremy Crawshaw, P, Florida
Caleb Lohner, TE, Utah
Re-signed DL Zach Allen
Agreed to terms with WR Courtland Sutton
Signed RB J.K. Dobbins
https://twitter.com/KOAColorado/status/1921678399820451989
Coaching
If the talent of the incoming Broncos wasn’t enough to raise expectations, consider the coaching staff.
Head coach Sean Payton is a Super Bowl champion with 179 career wins as a head coach, tied for fifth among active head coaches. Vance Joseph took a struggling Broncos defense and turned it into one of the best defenses in the league in just a year. His unit led the league in sacks, setting a franchise record with 63. Joe Lombardi, a controversial coach, led the Broncos to a massive increase in red zone efficiency and fourth-down conversions, and has 12 years of experience already working with head coach Sean Payton. Through the career of Drew Brees, it’s clear the two have immense success scheming offensively and developing quarterbacks within their system.
Combine the coaching with Bo Nix creates a deadly combination that will keep the league on alert.
Nevertheless, while there is still much to see from this talented but young roster, the Denver Broncos are starting to solidify themselves again as a franchise to be reckoned with (watch out, Chiefs).
All eyes are on Bo Nix and company as the 2025-26 NFL season is fast approaching.
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