The Denver Broncos have come a long way just a few seasons into the Sean Payton era. After inheriting a team that won just five games in the short-lived Nathaniel Era, the Broncos have embarked on an impressive rebuild in a short timeframe. Those efforts have turned them into a playoff contender, with the hopes that they can eventually reach even greater heights this season and beyond.
One of the best ways to measure the depth and talent of a team is competing against your peers in the preseason.
In yesterday’s impressive performance against the Arizona Cardinals, it was clear one team’s backups were a cut above the rest. For four quarters, Denver’s depth players outplayed and outperformed Arizona’s in every facet imaginable.
They won most every one-on-one battle in the trenches. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering upgrading both the offensive line and defensive line has been a primary endeavor of the Broncos since Payton took over. Their offensive line paved a way for an impeccable offensive performance that registered 561 total yards with 27 points.
On defense, the Broncos’ defensive line put a halt to the Cardinals’ offensive efforts in short order and allowed just 135 yards and 7 points. It all starts up front. And there is no doubt the Broncos’ second and third team players were the more talented and better coached unit on the field.
After the game, Payton lauded the depth of the team after their dominant performance. Not only that, but he took the time to thank the front office staff for doing an incredible job over the past few seasons adding talented players to the fold that fit the vision and culture he is trying to establish in the Mile High city.
“I think to really get into that, it has been the procurement, whether in the draft, post-draft, we’ve done a nice job with bringing in players, signing free agents, and then true NFL free agents that are veterans. The combination of the last two years of us bringing in the right type of players and having the vision for the players,” stated Payton.
“I think to the scouts, to General Manager George Paton, to everyone who’s been involved in that process, having a clear vision for each position and it’s never going to be perfect, but we’ve hit on a number of decisions and that’s encouraging.”
To be fair, the cupboard of talent wasn’t exactly bare prior to Payton’s arrival. While he got a lot of flak for the Russell Wilson trade and extension, Paton has done a tremendous job with his draft efforts. Dating back to 2021, his top picks in each draft have been impact performers for the team.
Patrick Surtain II is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Nik Bonitto is a rising star at outside linebacker. Marvin Mims is a two-time All-Pro as a returner that is finding his way on offense and finished last year strong. Bo Nix, the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, impressed with a historic campaign for a rookie quarterback. This past April, the Broncos added Jahdae Barron into the fold to bolster a secondary that has the talent to be the best in the National Football League.
But within those drafts, and in other outside endeavors, the team has found a way to add depth players who perform at a high level when their name is called. Having great players matters. However, having a well-rounded roster often makes the difference late in the regular season. Moreover, it can be a deciding factor on who thrives in the postseason and who doesn’t.
Only time will tell if the 2025 Broncos have what it takes to hoist another Lombardi Trophy. Nevertheless, fans across Broncos Country should feel confident that with Payton and Paton at the helm, they will leave no stone unturned when it comes to improving every area of the roster. No matter what route they take, they always seem to find a way to add players who are capable of coming in immediately and make a difference.
