Denver Broncos players who need to step up in 2019

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 07: Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with his teammates after scoring an 8 yard touchdown against the New York Jets during the first quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on October 07, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 4: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans drops to the ground to avoid a hit by defensive end DeMarcus Walker #57 and outside linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 4, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line: DeMarcus Walker

The Broncos used a second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft on DeMarcus Walker, only to watch him ride the pine his first two seasons in the NFL.

While the team did a great job of throwing young talent to the wolves in 2018, the inexplicable absence of Walker on the field to this point is quite maddening.

There are a large number of Broncos fans who don’t believe Walker has what it takes to play in the NFL on a consistent basis but he’s made plays whenever he’s gotten the chance to suit up.

This is not necessarily a make-or-break year for Walker but it may be a make-or-break year for him with the Denver Broncos.

Heck, it may even be a make-or-break offseason for him with the Broncos.

Luckily for Walker, Vic Fangio said he’s not going to be judging guys based on what they’ve done in the past.

With Denver’s defensive line depth sure to be tested this year, I’m hoping — for Walker’s sake and the Broncos’ sake — that this guy can get things going in the right direction.