The Denver Broncos are ready to open their 2024 season! The Broncos will kick off the season with a visit to the Seattle Seahawks, giving rookie quarterback Bo Nix one of the toughest environments he’ll play in all season for his professional debut.
Nix is obviously one of the most important players to keep an eye on during the game, but who else should fans be paying attention to as the Broncos try for an upset victory? I’ll walk through my five most important players to watch as the game goes on below.
Luke Wattenberg, Center
Wattenberg was a 5th-round pick for the Broncos in 2022. He had one very forgettable start at guard during his rookie year, and has since done the hard work necessary to transform himself into the Broncos starting center.
The Seahakws drafted Texas Longhorns standout defensive tackle Byron Murphy II in the first round of the 2024 draft, who has already looked the part of a game wrecker in preseason. Wattenberg will face a stern test, and has to make sure he helps his rookie quarterback call out protections in addition to having his hands full with Murphy.
Riley Moss, Cornerback
Pat Surtain II got a much-deserved raise this week, signing a four-year, $96 million extension with the Broncos. Moss entered this offseason in a battle with Damarri Mathis and Levi Wallace for the starting corner spot across from Surtain, and edged out the other two with his work in training camp and preseason.
He’ll be thrown into the fire right away, however. Depending on how much the Broncos have Surtain travel with Seahawks standout receiver D.K. Metcalf, Moss could find himself lined up against Metcalf a lot. If not, he’ll have to deal with Tyler Lockett, who despite his age hasn’t lost a step. Seahawks QB Geno Smith is a great deep ball thrower, and Moss will have a stern test no matter who he’ll be across from.
Jonah Elliss, Edge
Elliss was a third-round pick for the Broncos in 2024. His talent was undeniable in college, as his tape shows over and over again. Denver could use an edge-setter like Elliss in both the run and passing game, and if he can stay healthy he could be an every-down player for the Broncos sooner rather than later.
The torn labrum Elliss suffered late last season hurt his draft stock, but he didn’t seem to be suffering any effects during preseason, when he looked like one of the best Broncos on the field at times. If he can continue to bing that intensity against Seattle’s young offensive tackle duo, it could be a long day for Smith and the Seahawks.
Marvin Mims, Wide Receiver
Marvin Mims showed some impressive flashes in his rookie season with the Broncos in 2023. He has undeniable speed, and showed he has a bit of contested catch ability in stretches last season as well.
Mims is being counted on as a breakout candidate for this Broncos offense, but will his deep ball skills be utilized in an offense that many predict will be based on shorter throws to maximize Bo Nix’s skillset? I’m a skeptic of the narrative that Nix can’t or won’t throw the ball deep in the NFL, but I’d like to see Mims and that part of the offense established sooner rather than later.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Running Back
Based on last year, and what we’ve seen so far in the preseason, I think McLaughlin could be a household name around the league very soon. His receiving ability, shiftiness and speed with the ball in his hands make him a potentially dangerous weapon, especially considering how much Sean Payton has relied on running backs in the passing game on old Saints teams.
The Broncos have a stable of running backs with good receiving skills, but neither Audric Estime nor Javonte Williams has the burst and top speed of McLaughlin. Seattle’s inside linebackers could be one area Payton identifies as a weakness of the team’s defense, and if so he could dial up a ton of passes to McLaughlin over the course of the game.
