The Denver Broncos are preparing for a new era, one that will hopefully bring much more success than the team has become accustomed to seeing. That era could be led by a rookie quarterback.
The Broncos will feature a vastly different, younger team in 2024. On the current 90-man roster, only seven players are 30 years old or older. So in addition to having a young signal caller, the team will have young pieces around him.
Though that group could be susceptible to some growing pains, the team is being rebuilt the right way. To get things moving in the right direction, these players need to step into bigger roles in their second season with the team.
Denver Broncos players in line for much bigger roles in 2024
Jaleel McLaughlin, Running back
The Broncos expect to have a spirited competition at running back this summer with rookies Audric Estime and Blake Watson being added to the mix. But Jaleel McLaughlin, an undrafted gem for the team who had a tremendous preseason last year, has to be part of the rotation going forward.
He was arguably the team's most effective running back last season and when you throw in the fact that he's the first player to the facility regularly, he isn't hurting his chances to have a bigger role this season.
Jaleel McLaughlin is the first player in the facility everyday
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) June 5, 2024
“It’s just the way he’s wired and it’s impressive” - Sean Payton pic.twitter.com/RbVZByXwVK
Riley Moss, Cornerback
It won't be tough for Riley Moss to have a bigger role with the team in 2024 as he did next to nothing as a rookie. The team still has some big questions at the cornerback position and Moss, a third-round pick last season, is going to have to be part of the solution there.
The only "sure things" at the cornerback spot right now seem to be Pat Surtain II and Ja'Quan McMillian. The Broncos need much, much more.
Lucas Krull, Tight end
This will be Lucas Krull's third season in the league, but his second in Denver. Originally an undrafted free-agent signing by the New Orleans Saints, the Broncos picked him up last year and he is starting to blossom.
The Broncos certainly need someone to step up at tight end and while it would be great to see Greg Dulcich do that, if Krull can also become a reliable target in the passing game, the tight end spot could suddenly become a strength.
Alex Forsyth, Center
The Broncos are still considered to be a team that needs more help at the center position, but I'm not buying it. In fact, it might already be known that Alex Forysth is going to be the starter at the position this season.
While Luke Wattenberg and Sam Mustipher could certainly have something to say about that, the fact that Forsyth played center with Bo Nix in college is something that you just can't overlook. He will be the starting center for the team this year and he will play well in that role.
