The Denver Broncos are considered to be one of the teams with the most ‘well-rounded' rosters. Unfortunately with mediocre coaching and poor quarterback play, the team has struggled to properly utilize its star players the past few seasons. New head coach Nathaniel Hackett brings fresh energy and an offensive-minded approach. The Broncos hope that he can help turn the team back around. Heading into the 2022 season, there are some Broncos players who have significant potential to break out.

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Potential breakout players for the Broncos in the 2022 NFL season

Javonte Williams – RB

The Broncos were able to steal Williams in the 2nd round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Williams joined a running back room that included Melvin Gordon, Mike Boone, and Damarea Crockett. Gordon was expected to be the starter for the 2021 season, and Williams would find occasional snaps here and there. After an injury to Boone that left him out for the first portion of the season, Williams took the opportunity and quite literally, ran with it. Williams found himself in the 2nd string running back role in his rookie season. Week after week, Williams found himself taking snaps away from the veteran running back Gordon.

During his rookie season, Williams consistently produced highlight-reel-worthy runs. On top of that, defenders really struggled to tackle him. He ended up finishing his season with 203 carries for 903 yards, four rushing touchdowns, and averaged 4.4 yards per run. The Broncos were confident enough in Williams' ability to be the starting running back going forward, that they let Gordon walk in free agency (for a short while at least.) Gordon was re-signed late in free agency to a 1-year deal.

If he can stay healthy and perform even better than he did his rookie season, Williams could easily eclipse 1000 rushing yards in 2022. In fact, he would be a great pickup for your fantasy football league.

Baron Browning – LB

Browning was drafted in the 3rd round by the Broncos during the 2021 draft. He was abruptly thrown into a starting role after starting linebackers Josey Jewell and Alexander Johnson suffered season-ending injuries. Browning ended up starting nine games for the Broncos and played in 14. He racked up 58 tackles (32 solo), two tackles for loss, 12 stops, two passes defended, and one quarterback hit. He provided a useful amount of flexibility as the Broncos used him at inside and outside linebacker.

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According to PFF, Browning had the most coverage snaps (305) without allowing a touchdown as a rookie. He beat out Micah Parsons and Pete Werner in that category.

Given the departure of Johnson in the offseason, Browning can make a run for the starting position alongside Jewell. Even after seeing the small sample size of him in 2021, he's got a good opportunity to really have a breakout year this upcoming season.

https://twitter.com/AJDraftScout/status/1473412617557393410?s=20&t=t-BXQv-wG1_vrvgybjzwOw

Caden Sterns – S

Sterns was given limited opportunities in 2021, but he sure did make the most of them. He was drafted by the Broncos in the fifth round of the 2021 draft. Sterns was listed second on the free safety depth chart behind Justin Simmons. He played in 15 games but also started twice.

In his rookie season, Sterns accumulated 28 tackles, two interceptions, five passes defended, and two sacks. These stats obviously don't jump off the page, but he was only playing in a relief-type role. Simmons is still the bonafide free safety starter, but Sterns could find more snaps in his second year if he earns a support-type role, rather than relief. In the snaps he did play, Sterns was flying across the field, making great tackles and plays.

Sterns will most likely get some decent playing time in the pre-season. How he performs then could determine his role in the Broncos' 2022 defense. Barring any injury or unforeseen events, Sterns should see a better stat line than what he recorded in his rookie season.