Players that need to bounce back — or break out — in 2020
The Broncos enter 2020 with arguably the most playoff promise since Peyton Manning retired. Denver’s fortunes this season depend largely upon a handful of players emerging as big-time contributors.
So who is most likely to bounce back this fall, and who is most likely to break out? A look at five Broncos players in each category:
Bounce-back contenders
Bradley Chubb, OLB — An obvious pick, Chubb missed the last 12 games of 2019 with a left ACL injury after setting the franchise rookie record for sacks in 2018. Year three should be monstrous.
Ja’Wuan James, RT — After knee issues (a torn MCL and partially torn meniscus) limited James to just 63 snaps across three games last year, the Broncos are counting on a healthy James to anchor the right side.
Bryce Callahan, CB — Like
James, Callahan’s 2019 was a wash, as he didn’t play at all in his first year in Denver due to a foot injury. He’s expected to be the starting outside corner in base packages opposite newcomer A.J. Bouye. Garett Bolles, LT — The Broncos declining Bolles’ fifth-year option for 2021 sent him a clear message: It’s put up or shut up time. He’ll have competition from Elijah Wilkinson for the job, which could push him to finally
find consistency.
Von Miller, OLB — Miller made his eighth Pro Bowl last year but was held to eight sacks in 15 games, his lowest career total since 2013, when he had five sacks. Vonster may be hungrier for QBs than normal this year.
Break-out contenders
Drew Lock, QB — Duh, right? For the Broncos to get to where they want to go — showing the vaunted Chiefs they can at least keep pace in the division, and somehow making the playoffs — Lock must turn in a strong second season.
Noah Fant, TE — After catching 40 passes for 562 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie, Fant is set up to thrive in the system of new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. Plus, Fant took large leaps of growth throughout 2019.
Jerry Jeudy, WR — Courtland Sutton was contained at times last year because opposing secondaries zeroed in on him. But the speedy, dynamic Jeudy changes all that, and the first-round pick could be in for a big rookie year.
Lloyd Cushenberry, C
— Another Broncos draft pick expected to start immediately, Cushenberry’s quick acclimation to the NFL from LSU will impact whether Lock and new running back Melvin Gordon can find their rhythms.
Alexander Johnson,
ILB — If last year’s impressions were any indication, Johnson could be Denver’s latest diamondin-the-rough undrafted signing. Expect him to further emerge on a talented linebacking unit alongside Chubb and Miller.