The Denver Broncos have swung big trades, reeled in top notch free agents, and drafted several quality contributors throughout the Sean Payton era. Boasting quality starters across the board, the Broncos have transformed from annual underperformers to touting the ability and talent to compete with any team in the National Football League.
Securing back-to-back playoff berths and their first division title in a decade, the Broncos’ outlook looks the brightest it has in ages. Overlooked, but equally
as important, Payton and his staff have assembled a roaster loaded with depth in many areas. That has been critical for Denver’s three-year evolution and franchise turnaround.
One position group in particular is the offensive line. Their success is a big reason why the Broncos can contend for a Super Bowl title. Early on, it appears that depth may be tested. In their first pads practice of camp, starting center Luke Wattenberg exited yesterday’s first pads practice session with an apparent arm injury and did not return.
After practice, Payton expressed confidence Wattenberg wouldn’t miss much time. However, the extent of the injury and his timetable of return is unknown If he misses time, fourth year pro Alex Forsyth would take over. Forsyth was seventh-round draft selection out of Oregon and part of Payton’s first draft class with the team.
A practice squad player for his rookie year, Forsyth has appeared in every game the past two seasons with six starts. Payton took a moment to praise the backup pivot’s intelligence and noted he was wise beyond 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,” stated Payton.
“He’s a little bit of an old soul that way and much appreciated though. He’s really talented.”
Speaking of talent, the Broncos defense has a lot of it. Especially in their secondary. Yesterday, reports acknowledged they were a key reason why the defense won the day against 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 once again, Barron is on the hunt for an increased role in 2026.
Selected with their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the former Jim Thorpe Award winner appeared in every game and notched five starts as a rookie. He posted 35 tackles, 7 pass breaks ups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. Overall, he saw 334 snaps, roughly 30-percent of the defense’s total in ‘25.
Some fans have been critical of Barron’s lack of immediate impact, but the former Longhorns standout fared well and made a positive impact in his snap share. During his post-practice presser, Payton dismissed rumors stating Barron had moved to safety and clarified his role with the defense.
“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.”
Another spot where the competition is hot is wide receiver. The Broncos aerial attack is ready for liftoff. The have a batch of talented wideouts vying for the next big role after Courtland Sutton and Jaylen Waddle. Second-year wide receiver Pat Bryant is among them and has been turning heads at camp.
A third-round pick alongside Barron in the ‘25 NFL Draft, Bryant’s physicality, run blocking, and ability to snag tough catches were a big part of his rookie campaign successes. He hauled in 31 receptions on 49 targets for 378 yards and 1 touchdown—22 of those catches resulting in first downs.
Yesterday, Payton gave Bryant a glowing review for his efforts to date. It’s too early to tell who will earn the third spot battle at wideout, but the former Illini standout is making a tough 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.”
