Denver Broncos: Five players facing make-or-break seasons

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 14: Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos makes a catch and runs for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 14, 2017, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Jeff Heuerman, TE

When the Broncos drafted Jeff Heuerman out of Ohio State in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, expectations were high.

The Broncos had lost Julius Thomas in free agency earlier that year to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and they didn’t really replace him with anyone that had the fan base overly excited.

Virgil Green was coming back at the time on a three-year deal, but the Broncos needed someone that could be a mismatch in the passing game and provide the team with an in-line blocker when called upon.

Heuerman was expected to compete for a starting job with the Broncos before tearing his ACL in rookie minicamp.

That disappointing injury cost Heuerman a year’s worth of valuable reps, but the Broncos remained high on him, and for good reason.

Heuerman is built exceptionally well for the position at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, with excellent athleticism and deep speed.

Over the past two seasons, however, Heuerman has only 18 total receptions. He showed flashes of his big-play potential and giving him the benefit of the doubt, the Broncos’ quarterback play has been horrendous in that time period.

If Heuerman can have a big year in 2018 with Case Keenum throwing the passes, the Broncos might look into extending him after the season.

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