The Denver Broncos have swung huge trades, reeled in prime notch free brokers, and drafted a number of high quality contributors all through the Sean Payton period. Boasting high quality starters throughout the board, the Broncos have reworked from annual underperformers to touting the power and expertise to compete with any staff within the Nationwide Soccer League.
Securing back-to-back playoff berths and their first division title in a decade, the Broncos’ outlook seems the brightest it has in ages. Ignored, however equally as vital, Payton and his employees have assembled a roster loaded with depth in lots of areas. That has been crucial for Denver’s three-year evolution and franchise turnaround.
One place group particularly is the offensive line. Their success is an enormous cause why the Broncos can contend for a Tremendous Bowl title. Early on, it seems that depth could also be examined. Of their first pads apply of camp, beginning middle Luke Wattenberg exited yesterday’s first pads apply session with an obvious arm harm and didn’t return.
After apply, Payton expressed confidence Wattenberg wouldn’t miss a lot time. Nevertheless, the extent of the harm and his timetable of return is unknown If he misses time, fourth yr professional Alex Forsyth would take over. Forsyth was seventh-round draft choice out of Oregon and a part of Payton’s first draft class with the staff.
A apply squad participant for his rookie yr, Forsyth has appeared in each recreation the previous two seasons with six begins. Payton took a second to reward the backup pivot’s intelligence and famous he was smart past his years.
“Yes, he’s super savvy and smart. He’s one of the smarter guys in that room. You don’t feel a young player. You feel like, if you interviewed him, you’d feel like you’re talking to a seven-year vet,” acknowledged Payton.
LONDON , ENGLAND – OCTOBER 12: Alex Forsyth (54) of the Denver Broncos stretches earlier than the sport in opposition to the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Sunday, October 12, 2025. (Picture by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Submit) Denver Submit by way of Getty Pictures
“He’s a little bit of an old soul that way and much appreciated though. He’s really talented.”
Talking of expertise, the Broncos protection has lots of it. Particularly of their secondary. Yesterday, reviews acknowledged they had been a key cause why the protection gained the day in opposition to the offense.
Sitting atop the depth of Broncos’ defensive backfield is second-year cornerback Jahdae Barron. With the high-profile trio of Patrick Surtain II, Riley Moss, and Ja’Quan McMillian scheduled to start out as soon as once more, Barron is on the hunt for an elevated function in 2026.
Chosen with their first-round choose within the 2025 NFL Draft, the previous Jim Thorpe Award winner appeared in each recreation and notched 5 begins as a rookie. He posted 35 tackles, 7 move breaks ups, 1 compelled fumble, and 1 interception. Total, he noticed 334 snaps, roughly 30-percent of the protection’s complete in ‘25.
Some fans have been critical of Barron’s lack of quick affect, however the former Longhorns standout fared properly and made a optimistic affect in his snap share. Throughout his post-practice presser, Payton dismissed rumors stating Barron had moved to security and clarified his function with the protection.
“He’s playing nickel, he’s playing corner and then when we get into dime, he replaces a linebacker. He’s doing really good. There’s been no position change.”
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 16: Jahdae Barron #23 of the Denver Broncos seems on from the sector throughout an NFL soccer recreation in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at Empower Area at Mile Excessive on November 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Picture by Cooper Neill/Getty Pictures) Getty Pictures
One other spot the place the competitors is sizzling is broad receiver. The Broncos aerial assault is prepared for liftoff. The have a batch of proficient wideouts vying for the following huge function after Courtland Sutton and Jaylen Waddle. Second-year broad receiver Pat Bryant is amongst them and has been turning heads at camp.
A 3rd-round choose alongside Barron within the ‘25 NFL Draft, Bryant’s physicality, run blocking, and talent to snag powerful catches had been an enormous a part of his rookie marketing campaign successes. He hauled in 31 receptions on 49 targets for 378 yards and 1 landing—22 of these catches leading to first downs.
Yesterday, Payton gave Bryant a glowing assessment for his efforts up to now. It’s too early to inform who will earn the third spot battle at wideout, however the former Illini standout is making a troublesome run for it.
“I think his weight is at a good spot. He has some of the better hands in traffic with his feet on the ground. He’s really good at run after the catch. I said this to you guys a year ago, he’s real smart. Someone that can move from ‘X’ to the slot. It’ll be easy creating his role.”
DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 06: Pat Bryant #13 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders throughout the second quarter within the recreation at Empower Area At Mile Excessive on November 06, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Picture by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Pictures) Getty Pictures
