The Denver Broncos are gearing up for a potentially explosive season, boasting a roster brimming with talent across the board. This team has been meticulously crafted through strategic trades, savvy signings, and smart draft picks, making them a formidable contender for the Super Bowl this year.
General Manager George Paton has seen his fair share of ups and downs since taking the helm in 2021. The early years were rocky, with the Nathaniel Hackett and Russell Wilson era not quite hitting the mark.
However, the arrival of Sean Payton in 2023 marked a turning point, and now the Broncos are poised to make a serious run for the title. The offense, in particular, saw significant upgrades this offseason, although not everyone seems to agree.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell recently ranked the Broncos' offensive playmakers - wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs - 23rd in the league for the 2026 season. This might raise a few eyebrows, especially considering the addition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
Waddle, who joined the Broncos from the Dolphins, has shown his prowess on the field, particularly when Tyreek Hill wasn't around. At 28, Waddle is expected to thrive in Sean Payton's system, serving as a key target for quarterback Bo Nix.
Despite some concerns about his injury history, Waddle is set to be a major asset alongside Courtland Sutton.
However, Barnwell suggests that the Broncos need another standout player to complement their dynamic duo. Running back J.K.
Dobbins is a force when healthy, but his availability has been a question mark. Tight end Evan Engram's first year with the Broncos didn't quite meet expectations, with modest stats that didn't quite reflect the hype surrounding his arrival.
The Broncos have young talents like Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and RJ Harvey who have shown potential, but none have cemented themselves as starters just yet. The team's decision to trade for Waddle and draft running back Jonah Coleman in the middle rounds indicates a desire to bolster their offensive arsenal further. Coleman is a tough, between-the-tackles runner, adding a dimension that was lacking last season.
Despite Barnwell's ranking, there's a strong case to be made that the Broncos' offensive unit is underrated. Waddle's presence alone should boost their standing, and the potential of having two No. 1-caliber receivers is a luxury not many teams enjoy. Dobbins' projected stats from last year would have placed him among the league's best, and RJ Harvey's impressive 12 touchdowns as a rookie highlight the depth in the backfield.
It's also worth noting that while Sean Payton is renowned for his offensive scheming, it's Davis Webb who will be calling the plays this season. This dynamic duo could unlock even more potential from this talented group.
In 2025, the Broncos' offense ranked 14th in points scored, a stat that suggests Barnwell's assessment might be a tad conservative. With the talent they've amassed, the Broncos are well-equipped to climb the rankings and make a serious impact in 2026. Keep an eye on this squad as they look to prove the doubters wrong and make a deep playoff run.
In Other News...
Sean Payton Suddenly Has A Broncos QB Decision To Watch
The Broncos quarterback picture has become a little more interesting behind the scenes as Sean Payton and the staff sort out the backup job between Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger. Both are getting a look as they settle into Davis Webbs new offensive system, with the team also monitoring the health of the starter as he works his way back from a broken ankle.
What has made the competition worth watching is the way the two have looked in practice. Ehlinger has been noted for smoother offensive execution and some sneaky athleticism, while Stidham has had moments that have not helped his case, including turnovers. It is still early, but this is the kind of camp battle that can shift quickly, especially when a coach like Payton is trying to find the most reliable option if the position gets tested. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Keep Proving Their Undrafted Pipeline Is Part Of Their DNA
Denvers reputation for finding talent after the draft keeps getting reinforced, and the latest reminder came with Pro Football Focus building its 2026 All-Undrafted Team. The Broncos landed three veterans on the list, another nod to a franchise that has long squeezed real value out of overlooked players and turned that lane into part of its identity. From steady contributors to edge rushers who kept climbing, the organization has made undrafted success look less like an exception than a recurring theme.
That pipeline is still active heading into 2026, with Denver adding more undrafted help from the UFL and giving a fresh batch of rookies a chance to fight for roster spots. Dondrea Tillman, Jonathon Cooper and McMillian were all recognized by PFF, but the bigger story for the Broncos is that the room behind them keeps filling up. If even a couple of those newcomers stick, Denvers long-running habit of turning overlooked players into meaningful pieces may be alive and well again. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Built A Roster Good Enough To Create A New Problem
The Broncos have spent the last couple of years assembling a roster with real depth, using smart draft choices and targeted signings to turn the group into something sturdier than the usual rebuild. That success has come with a familiar consequence, though: more of the lineup now sits on meaningful contracts, and the front office is no longer just trying to add talent but figuring out how long it can keep all of it in place.
Next offseason could get crowded fast, with several important players heading toward free agency at the same time and a salary-cap squeeze looming just as Denver will need to make decisions about its young core. Bo Nix figures to be a priority for the club, which only raises the stakes, and it may force the Broncos to lean harder on recent draft picks and younger players to fill out spots they otherwise would have liked to keep intact. [Read more 🡒]