Every year the NFL has a team that will turn its fortunes around. The Denver Broncos are a strong contender to be that team this year as they have changed their perception in the national media with the acquisition of Russell Wilson. Not only will Wilson give the Broncos a national platform, but many players will undoubtedly benefit in production next year. While Broncos fans might be familiar with the players, it is time for the rest of the NFL to get to know these Broncos. Whether because of exposure or an increase in statistical output, the following Broncos are breakout candidates in 2022.
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Denver Broncos 2022 Breakout Candidates
Cornerback Patrick Surtain II
Hardcore NFL fans already know about Patrick Surtain II. Surtain came strong in his first year, she had one of the better rookie cornerback campaigns in recent memory. Surtain is already considered to be one of the better cornerbacks in the league. With the number of primetime games, combined with the quality of offenses the Broncos will be playing this season, expect Surtain to get a lot of eyes on him this upcoming season. Barring injury or a setback, Surtain should be on the shortlist of the best defenders in the NFL in just his sophomore year. The defense will benefit from having a pillar in a solid defense at cornerback, especially in such a deep division. If Surtain can take the next step in 2022, his play can make the difference between another missed postseason and a division title.
Tight End Albert Okwuegbunam
Noah Fant, now in Seattle, never really panned out for the Broncos. If that is due to not having an adequate quarterback in his three years in Denver can be an argument. However, there is use in looking back. The future is now and that future is Albert Okwuegbunam. Okwuegbunam, known to Broncos fans as Albert O., was drafted in 2020 as a complementary piece to help Drew Luck transition to the NFL, as they were college teammates at Missouri. The faith from the front office for Okwuegbunam is there, which is why they sent Fant away. While his time on the field has been limited by injury, 2022 can be the season where Okwuegbunam. can become the next great NFL tight end. The talent is there, having run a 4.49 40-yard dash, now it’s Okwuegbunam’s time to take control of the opportunity and not look back.
Running Back Javonte Williams
Javonte Williams had a fantastic rookie season last year. For his physical running style, the split of the carries between him and Melvin Gordon was nearly perfect. Williams was able to get his gently dip his toes into the NFL pond, while still making explosive plays. Now that Williams is a year older and wiser, expect the former Tar Heel to get more carries in 2022. Because Williams will see an uptick in carries, that will see him become more popular with fantasy football players. Once you make it big with fantasy players, you will become a household name. But fantasy will not be the only reason Williams will become a popular player. Williams’ running style is aesthetically pleasing, as he runs over linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties.
Wide Receiver Jerry Jeudy
Jerry Jeudy had major expectations coming into the NFL after being drafted in 2020. While Jeudy has not lived up to those expectations thus far — injury playing a major part in that — this upcoming season can be the right time to have Jeudy breakout with the help of Russell Wilson. Jeudy is one of the best route runners in the league, and having a quarterback like Wilson, who likes to extend plays, Jeudy will undoubtedly benefit from this. Jeudy’s ability to get open will also benefit the rest of the receiving corps. Defenses will have to concentrate on who to double team, Jeudy or Tim Patrick and Courtland Sutton, who can stretch the field. Expect Jeudy to be Wilson’s go-to receiver when the Broncos require a first down in a short-yard situation.
Wide Receiver Courtland Sutton
Speaking of Courtland Sutton, another wide receiver who has a chance to become a huge national star. The 2020 2nd-round pick, will also benefit from Wilson under center. Sutton is a master of the 50/50 ball, which with his big 6’4″ frame makes it a high probability he will come down with it. This will allow Wilson, who has one of the best deep balls in the league, to make deep throws downfield. Fans, who haven’t heard of Sutton, will be enthralled with his style of play. Some of the production has been there already for the former Mustang, Sutton will become a national star. Sutton has the potential to be a fantasy football star. If this is to be true, Sutton should be the odds-on favorite Broncos player to be primed for a break-out season in 2022.
Edge Defender Randy Gregory
Randy Gregory got his big contract this offseason, after a tumultuous off-season of contract negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys, fell through. After feeling spurned by Dallas, Broncos fans are expecting big things from Gregory in his first year in Denver. Gregory can come in and have an immediate impact with the Broncos as offenses will have to decide to double team: Gregory or Chubb. Not an easy decision to make, as opposing offenses will have to worry about to above average pash rushers and a solid overall defense. The former Cornhusker, who is coming off a career season, will hope to prove he is a reliable pass rusher. With all the eyes of the football world, can become the player many thought he’d be when he was drafted.
Safety Justin Simmons
Now, this may come as a bit of a surprise. By a handful of accounts, Justin Simmons is already among the best safeties in the league. Nevertheless, he remains disrespected in the discussion for the best safety in the league. Simmons was a Pro Bowl snub last season, despite being named second-team All-Pro. Hopefully, with an improved offense and overall team, Simmons can finally receive the national attention he deserves. Expect Simmons to earn that national breakout in what could be a career year as the defensive captain.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
