As coaching camp rolls alongside, the place group battle at broad receiver continues to warmth up. The Denver Broncos will showcase Courtland Sutton and Jaylen Waddle as their dynamic duo for the 2026 season. Nonetheless, who will struggle their solution to the third choice within the Broncos’ aerial assault is but to be decided.
Denver had quarterback Bo Nix throw greater than some other quarterback in 2025. The acquisition of Waddle will undoubtedly amplify their aerial manufacturing. Alas, there are solely so many targets to go round and this receiver group is a powerful 5 deep.
Behind Sutton and Waddle, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant all have distinctive abilities and skillsets. From early camp reviews, Mims and Bryant look like making essentially the most performs of the trio. Although there’s nonetheless quite a lot of time left earlier than the common season to decipher who will rise to the highest.
A second-round choice in 2023, Mims has made quite a lot of massive performs within the Mile Excessive Metropolis. Touting two All-Professional and Professional-Bowl nods for his return expertise, followers know his impression on particular groups. But many have all the time questioned when—if ever—will Mims take flight as a receiver.
After a formidable 2024 season, I used to be satisfied Mims can be featured extra in ’25. I couldn’t have been extra flawed. Actually, he ranked behind Sutton, Franklin, and Bryant in snap depend. Mims had a excessive catch price, however not practically as many explosive performs down the sector in comparison with his second-year efforts.
Mims has been a spotlight reel throughout camp to this point. His penchant for hauling in deep passes has been on show. For a number of years now, Head Coach Sean Payton has typically been requested about Mims’ involvement within the offense. And nearly each time he acknowledges they should get him the ball extra. Will this lastly be the yr that occurs?
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 15: Extensive receiver Marvin Mims Jr. #19 of the Denver Broncos stands on the sector throughout the first quarter towards the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Subject at Mile Excessive on December 15, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photograph by Justin Edmonds/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
In his second season, Franklin was massive a part of Denver’s passing plans. In ‘25, he was targeted 104 times and came down with 65 receptions for 709 yards and 6 touchdowns. All those marks ranked second on the Broncos behind only Sutton who led every category. Nearly half of those catches resulted in first downs.
His odds of being that involved this season? Personally, I think zero. That’s simply being brutally sincere. The previous Oregon Duck lined up at wideout 670 occasions final yr. One can’t assist however acknowledge Waddle’s presence on the group will reduce his snaps drastically.
In 11 personnel packages, the group could choose Bryant in lots of situations, particularly as a consequence of his run blocking potential. Relating to ball monitoring down the sector, I really feel Mims’ potential in that respect is kind of a bit higher. Is there any specific space Franklin stands out at greater than the others?
DENVER , CO – JANUARY 4: Troy Franklin (11) of the Denver Broncos watches the ultimate minute of motion towards the Los Angeles Chargers throughout the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 19-3 win at Empower Subject at Mile Excessive in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, January 4, 2026. (Photograph by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Put up) Denver Put up through Getty Photos
Picked within the third spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft, Bryant earned quite a lot of reps as a rookie. Showing in fifteen video games with seven begins, the previous Illini standout carved himself a pleasant function in Denver’s rotation. He logged 475 offensive snaps—the third most on the place.
Total, Bryant reeled in 31 passes on 49 targets for 378 yards and 1 landing. A powerful 22 of these receptions resulted in a primary down. Sadly, he suffered two concussions and a hamstring damage that restricted his participation and impression down the ultimate stretch of video games.
Nonetheless, Bryant’s toughness, perspective, and inside-out flexibility have all been praised by Payton since being drafted. Yesterday, he famous crafting a task for the second-year wideout will probably be straightforward. Simply how massive of a roll could that be, maybe prime three within the broad receiver pecking order?
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 16: Pat Bryant #13 of the Denver Broncos warms up towards the Arizona Cardinals throughout the NFL Preseason 2025 recreation at Empower Subject at Mile Excessive on August 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photograph by Justin Edmonds/Getty Photos) Getty Photos
What do you assume, Broncos Nation? I’m not so certain there’s a clear consensus on this one. Which participant appears poised to earn the third spot within the Broncos’ receiving rotation? Let me hear all of your ideas within the feedback part.
