Bo Nix must be feeling pretty good right now. The Denver Broncos are entering the 2026 season with a wide receiver duo that’s turning heads. With Jaylen Waddle teaming up with the two-time Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton, Broncos fans are getting flashbacks to the glory days of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders.
While the top of the Broncos' receiver depth chart is set, the real intrigue lies in the battle for the No. 3 spot. As training camp approaches in late July, the WR3 position is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about competitions.
Let's dive into the contenders vying for that WR3 role. Remember, Sean Payton is known for utilizing all his receivers on game day, so the competition is really about who gets the most snaps.
First up is Franklin, who stepped up as the No. 2 receiver last year. While he didn't completely break out, he did achieve career highs with 65 receptions, 709 yards, and six touchdowns, tying for the team lead.
Before the Waddle trade, Franklin was aiming for over 1,000 yards and doubling his touchdown tally in Year 3. Achieving those numbers as a No. 3 receiver is a tall order, but not unheard of, as seen with Wes Welker in 2013 and Brandon Stokley in 2004.
If Davis Webb's promotion to offensive coordinator pays off, Nix could have a breakout year, potentially lifting all his receivers to new heights. It’s possible for a quarterback to facilitate three prolific receivers, but it requires putting up some astronomical numbers.
Franklin will need to bring his A-game because he's got some stiff competition. Bryant is entering his second year with high hopes, though injuries have been a concern.
Last season, he showed promise as a rookie but was sidelined by two concussions and a hamstring injury in the playoffs. With three concussions in 15 months, Bryant might consider wearing a Guardian Cap for added protection.
If he can stay healthy, his physicality and reliability could see him surpass Franklin in snaps.
Bryant's blocking skills are also noteworthy. His "no block, no rock" mentality makes him a valuable asset on the field.
Then there's Mims, who, in my view, should be the team's third receiver. Whenever Mims has been called upon, he's delivered spectacularly.
Not only has he excelled as a receiver, but he's also been a versatile team player, taking on roles as a running back and gadget player. Let's not forget his accolades as a two-time All-Pro returner.
Mims is a playmaker with a knack for clutch moments. Recall his breathtaking fourth-quarter touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024, where he leaped over two defenders to secure a game-winning catch.
His contributions in a wild comeback against the Giants and the playoff win over the Bills last season were pivotal. Mims led the Broncos in receiving during the playoffs, outshining Sutton, Franklin, and Bryant.
It's baffling why the Broncos don't prioritize more snaps for him, but it's up to Mims to secure his spot as the No. 3 receiver this year.
With Mims entering a contract year, he’s got plenty of motivation to shine. The Broncos might extend his contract in August, but they could also wait until after Week 10 to decide.
The competition for WR3 is heating up, and it's going to be thrilling to watch Franklin, Bryant, and Mims battle it out in this dynamic offense led by Webb and the rising star Nix. Broncos fans, buckle up-this is going to be an exciting season.
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 🡒]