After an underwhelming season, the Denver Broncos will look to flip the script in 2023. Here are three players who have to take the next step.
The Denver Broncos seemed primed to be title contenders last season. They boasted one of the best defenses in the NFL. They had a wealth of offensive weapons in Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon III, Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Tim Patrick. All they were missing was a quarterback, and they made a massive move by trading for 9-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson.
Unfortunately, the Broncos fell very short of expectations, posting a 5-12 record. Injuries, coaching, and an underwhelming season from Wilson were all contributing factors.
After a busy offseason, the Broncos will look to bounce back and live up to their potential. Here are three players that they need to take the next step.
Broncos who have to take the next step this season: 3. WR KJ Hamler
Since being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Hamler has had an unfortunate run of injuries. He ended his rookie season on the IR due to a hamstring injury. In 2021, he suffered an ACL tear in Week 3, which sidelined him for the rest of the season. In 2022, he, once again, suffered a season-ending hamstring injury.
In March, Hamler underwent surgery for a partially torn pectoral muscle. He could potentially return to the field in late July, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
On the field, Hamler is an explosive deep threat. Last season, he averaged a whopping 23.6 yards per reception in limited action. His elite speed allows him to cruise past defensive backs downfield.
The Broncos offense needs a spark, as they finished last in the NFL in points per game last season (16.9). A healthy Hamler could make a big impact for the team.
Broncos who have to take the next step this season: 2. CB Damarri Mathis
Pass defense is far from a problem for the Broncos. Superstar defensive backs Patrick Surtain II and Justin Simmons headline one of the best secondaries in the NFL, but the unit will have to rely heavily on second-year cornerback Damarri Mathis this season.
Last season, Mathis stepped in for the injured veteran Ronald Darby during Week 5. Mathis went on to start 11 games. In pass coverage, he allowed 56 completions for 513 yards on 81 targets. Overall, he recorded 65 combined tackles, one tackle for loss, and seven passes defended.
The fourth-round pick was thrown into the fire last season, and given the circumstances, there is plenty to be encouraged about.
In March, the Broncos cut Darby, in order to free up $9.6 million in cap space. As a result, Mathis is projected to continue serving as the Broncos' number two cornerback.
With Surtain on the other side, opposing quarterbacks will continue to aggressively target Mathis this season. If he can take a leap in his development, Denver's defense will become even more impenetrable.
Broncos who have to take the next step this season: 1. QB Russell Wilson
This is fairly obvious. It is odd to say a 34-year-old needs to take the "next step", but the truth is Wilson does have another gear in him. It was on full display in his final season with the Seattle Seahawks, as he threw for 25 touchdowns and six interceptions in 14 games. There were flashes of "prime Wilson" last season, particularly against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14. In that game, he threw for 247 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while rushing for 57 yards against the Super Bowl champions.
There is no denying that last season was rough for Wilson. He finished 27th in total QBR (36.7), while posting career-low marks in passing touchdowns (16) and quarterback rating (84.4).
However, Wilson will be put in a great position to bounce back. He underwent knee surgery and is now fully healthy. Sean Payton has taken over as the head coach, and key players such as running back Javonte Williams and offensive tackle Garett Bolles should return to the lineup.
Can Wilson bounce back? That remains to be seen, but the Broncos' title hopes depend on it.