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Denver Broncos breakout players for 2016

By Sayre Bedinger

Jun 7, 2016; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) prepares to hand off the ball during mini camp drills at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) prepares to hand off the ball during mini camp drills at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jeff Heuerman (5) celebrates with the College Playoff trophy after the game against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jeff Heuerman (5) celebrates with the College Playoff trophy after the game against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Jeff Heuerman, TE

Owen Daniels is gone, and word on the street is Jeff Heuerman, who infamously tore his ACL during rookie minicamp a year ago, should not only fill that Daniels role, but should crush the production from a year ago.  John Elway targeted the former Ohio State Captain, and National Champion, because he saw a beast that was far under-utilized in college.  During the final stretches of the regular season, as Peyton Manning was rehabbing his foot injury, Heuerman was one of those guys running routes and catching balls from the Sheriff.

Manning was very complimentary of the then-rookie, and Peyton knows a little bit about good tight ends–see Julius Thomas and his bank account down in Florida.  With Gary Kubiak’s system truly being implemented this year, the two Tight End set should be a key formation this year, meaning lots of work for Heuerman.  A good tight end is an amazing security blanket for a young quarterback, so if Paxton Lynch or Trevor Siemian can seize the starting job in camp, Heuerman could become a high volume catcher.  Nationally, Heuerman is an unknown name, but could become a household name by years end.

I would expect Heuerman to have over 50 catches and at least 5 touchdowns in 2016, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the numbers were higher than that.  He is just another piece in what should be a vastly improved offense from a year ago, a year in which the Broncos won the Super Bowl.

(Cameron Parker)

Heuerman injured his knee, tearing the ACL in the Broncos workouts last year before the season started. Drafted in the third round in the 2015 NFL Draft, Broncos have expected big things from the tight from Ohio State. Heuerman has tremendous catching ability to go along with his impressive run blocking; however, receiver is where he has the chance to make a quick impact in 2016. Julius Thomas saw his production rise significantly in 2013 and the same could happen for Heuerman. Yet a name to also watch for in the 2016 season from the tight end is Garrett Graham. Graham, like Owen Daniels last year has familiarity with Gary Kubiak’s offense and could see his role expand.

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