As the 2024 NFL season draws closer, teams are going to be reporting for training camps this month. That will begin a period of roster evaluation that is going to be extremely important for a growing team like the Denver Broncos.
But now we know the story. The Broncos have hit the reset button ahead of this coming season and though not all the players on the roster will call it rebuilding mode, that's what it is.
The team has a rookie set to take the reigns as the starting quarterback which will bring about plenty of growing pains. Still, all eyes will be on Bo Nix.
Nix won't be able to do much without a lot of help from his teammates so that gives us a chance to look at the four most important players on this year's roster not named Nix.
Most important Broncos players that aren't QB in 2024
Courtland Sutton, Wide Receiver
The Broncos are going to need their experienced wide receivers to step up and be reliable in the passing game to get the career of Nix off on the right foot. Courtland Sutton is at the top of that list.
Sutton caught 10 touchdown passes last season and helped Russell Wilson despite Wilson's struggles. If he can be that constant for Nix, he will be worth the extra money that he is in search of.
Zach Allen, Defensive End
The Broncos need to create a pass rush somehow but this roster leaves a lot of questions in that department. The Broncos have several capable outside linebackers to aid in that department, but not a dominant force.
They are pissed in Arizona that the Broncos stole Zach Allen from them
— Denver Broncos 365 (@DailyBroncos) March 15, 2023
“It sucks that the one thing that came out of that awful year last year is now in Denver” pic.twitter.com/yrzwMpZlQL
Zach Allen was the team's best defensive lineman last season and he needs to get the ball rolling in the right direction for this defense to step up and team together to make some big plays.
Pat Surtain II, Cornerback
Surtain is the best player on this defense and that is by a considerable margin. He is one of the best cornerbacks in the entire league and with all of the growing pains this team is likely to encounter this season, Surtain needs to be counted on to do what he does and play at a Pro Bowl level.
Garett Bolles, Tackle
For Nix to be successful, he is going to have to stay upright. Last season, only five teams gave up more sacks than the Broncos, something that drew the ire of Sean Payton.
But most of that can be attributed to Wilson holding onto the ball too long and the hope is that Nix will be much more decisive in the offense. However, Garett Bolles needs to hold up while protecting his blind side.
