Denver Broncos: Rookies who can break records in 2018

RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts after a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 33-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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Josey Jewell /

Tackles

Record to beat: 174 (Patrick Willis, 2007)

The NFL hasn’t always kept track of tackles and therefore, we have barely 20 years worth of data to work with here. With that said, the record to beat over the past 20 years is Patrick Willis’ outstanding 2007 rookie season with the 49ers, where he racked up 174 tackles.

The obvious choice on the Broncos’ roster to potentially break this record is Josey Jewell, but he faces a significant obstacle: Playing time.

Jewell will likely receive enough playing time to make a significant impact for the Broncos’ defense, but Willis here was averaging more than 11 tackles per game.

Is Jewell going to receive that many snaps?

It’s not out of the question, especially since injuries, unfortunately, happen in the NFL, but this record might be safe if Jewell is unable to play more than 60 percent of the defensive snaps.

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