Denver Broncos 2015 Breakout Player Predictions

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Sylvester Williams (92) reacts against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. Sylvester Williams, DT

Unlike his teammate and fellow defensive lineman Malik Jackson, Sylvester Williams has a long way to go toward proving himself in this league. Williams was a rotational defensive tackle last season who received poor marks from Pro Football Focus, and couldn’t establish a permanent starting position on the defensive interior the last couple of seasons, ranking 5th on the team in snaps a year ago.

This year, the Broncos put a lot of faith in Williams, not really picking up an established nose tackle in free agency and passing on some of their top targets at the position in the draft.

Williams was known for his quickness and power coming out of North Carolina, along with an incredible work ethic. That doesn’t appear to have changed at all, as we saw in his rookie season against Houston and then again flashes last year of that quickness and power. However, the biggest thing for Williams has been consistency. He ranked 5th on the team last year with 13 QB hurries according to PFF, and could be a perfect fit for the new one-gap system being employed in Denver.

I think he’s in line for a big season.

Next: Ben Garland