The 2026 NFL season is nearly upon Broncos fans. After a tremendous 2025 season, hopes are high. Denver did not make many changes this offseason, so most of the depth chart appears very clear. However, there is still one spot that remains ambiguous.
In a splashy move in March, the Broncos brought in star Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle. The trade is fantastic for Denver fans, as he will form a formidable duo with fellow wideout Courtland Sutton.
It is bad news, though, for the three promising receivers who will be forced to battle it out for the coveted WR3 role.
Troy Franklin Is the Frontrunner for the WR3 Role
Troy Franklin will be entering his third season with high expectations. Having played with Bo Nix at Oregon, the Broncos drafted him with the hopes of the two becoming an elite pair.
In his rookie season, Franklin posted only 263 yards and two touchdowns. However, as a fourth-round pick in a crowded receiver room, few Denver fans were turned off by his year. His sophomore year, Franklin took a considerable step forward. The former Duck put up 709 yards and six touchdowns, finishing second on the team behind Sutton in both statistics.
Head coach Sean Payton has clearly demonstrated his affinity for Franklin, having often utilized him as the second outside receiver last season. Additionally, his versatility gives him a huge leg up. If Waddle plays in the slot, he can thrive outside, but he can also hold his own in the slot. As the incumbent primed for a career year, expect Franklin to get the most reps outside of Sutton and Waddle.
Marvin Mims Has the Talent but Hasn’t Gotten the Opportunity
Marvin Mims is a very interesting case. Throughout his three years in the league, he has toed the line between consistently productive receiver and a mere gadget guy.
Mims’ 2023 rookie season was similar to that of Franklin’s. Though he recorded an additional 100 yards, an inconsistent wideout rotation and a strange offense overall hindered his chances of a breakout sophomore year. In 2024, though, Mims accumulated a solid 500 yards and six touchdowns. Just like Franklin last year, he was behind only Sutton in both.
However, last year, instead of taking off, he took a step back. Mims put up a career low in yards, finishing behind Sutton, Franklin, and rookie Pat Bryant. By all means, Mims had his moments, putting up a crucial eight catches, 93 yards, and a game-winning touchdown against the Bills in the Divisional Round. He also had a huge six catches and 85 yards against the Giants in Denver’s thrilling comeback.
Nevertheless, Sean Payton never used Mims as much more than a gadget guy. Despite constantly promising to use him more, he often forced Mims to take a back seat.
Broncos fans are fully aware of what he is capable of. His speed, hands, and overall talent are impressive without a doubt. But with the emergence of Bryant and Franklin along with the current duo of Sutton and Waddle, there simply isn’t much room for him to shine. He will likely make some critical plays, and he will be crucial if Denver loses another wideout to injury, but that’s about all.
Pat Bryant Could Work His Way Up the Depth Chart
Entering his second year in the league, Bryant will likely start the season as the WR5. But don’t be surprised if he works his way up the depth chart.
As a third-round pick in 2025, Bryant was behind Sutton, Franklin, and Mims on the depth chart. But with the odds stacked up against him, he accumulated 378 yards despite missing two games and not having a catch in four of his first five. He even surpassed Mims in yardage by the end of the season.
Given Denver’s stacked core, expectations are low for him once again. Sutton and Waddle are established veterans, Mims is as versatile as they come, and Franklin keeps getting better and better. However, Bryant could be in it for the long haul.
Unfortunately, Sutton could start to decline any year now, and a Waddle injury would surprise very few. Meanwhile, Mims could look for opportunities on another team sometime soon while Franklin, despite his success, still struggles with drops on occasion. He likely won’t be WR3 this year, but Bryant could become a star receiver for the Broncos down the line.
Franklin Should Win the Job, but the Picture Could Change Quickly
The most likely outcome is Franklin winning the WR3 role while Payton sprinkles in Mims and Bryant sporadically. Waddle will likely get the most reps in the slot, with Franklin and Mims splitting the rest. Bryant, meanwhile, will likely be used exclusively as a backup outside receiver.
In truth, any of these wideouts could be on track for a big year. Between regressions and injuries, the sky is the limit for whoever can stay healthy and steady. Amidst all the cloudiness, though, there is one point of clarity: the Broncos’ wide receiver corps will be a problem for defenses across the league.
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