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Denver Broncos breakout players for 2017: Paxton Lynch leads the charge

By Sayre Bedinger

Jun 13, 2017; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) throws during minicamp at UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2017; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) throws during minicamp at UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Who will be breakout players for the Denver Broncos in 2017? Quarterback Paxton Lynch leads our staff picks for who will emerge this season…

Jun 5, 2017; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos strong safety Justin Simmons (31) during organized training activities at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2017; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos strong safety Justin Simmons (31) during organized training activities at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Of our favorite topics as a staff here at Predominantly Orange, one of the top picks would definitely be speculating on potential breakout players every year for the Denver Broncos.

Whether it’s a rookie about to burst onto the scene, or a player still on his rookie contract that just hasn’t quite put it all together, players who are candidates to break out are always exciting to watch.

There may be differing opinions as to which quarterback will break out this year among our staff as well…

As a group, we picked some of our top breakout candidates this season, starting with one of editor Ty Walden’s favorites on the defensive side of the football — safety Justin Simmons.

Justin Simmons, Safety

Ty Walden, Editor

When I first heard of the name Justin Simmons when the Denver Broncos drafted him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, I was a bit confused when it came to drafting a safety. But with how lacking the team was in depth at various positions, I thought it would not be such a bad move. 

In his first year with the team, Simmons proved me that he could be a solid member of the Denver Broncos defense. Especially a part of the No Fly Zone. It did take some time to see him make some plays on the field. But perhaps the game that got him on the map was when the Broncos played the Saints.

In a move that is now banned, which is not fun at all, Simmons jumped over the center and blocked what would have been the go ahead extra point for the Saints. His rookie counterpart Will Parks returned the blocked kick back for a two point conversion to give the Broncos a two point lead.

From there, Simmons continued to make play after play when his number was called on defense. He recorded a sack in the Week 8 matchup against the Chargers and recorded two interceptions in the final two games of the season.

I believe he can make a huge impact and make a difference in his second year with the Denver Broncos. Just from seeing his play alone makes me confident enough to see him as a successor to either Darian Stewart or even T.J. Ward depending on what happens to their future as members of the Denver Broncos.

I can see Simmons having a breakout year. He seems to know the playbook very well and can become a solid force on defense and special teams. Look for him to have some extra snaps and to make the most of them during the 2017 season.

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