One of the biggest questions facing the Denver Broncos heading into 2020 is what will they get out of Bryce Callahan?
The cornerback will be the ultimate wild card for the team this season. But what kind of season will he have after missing all of the last season?
As discussed here, cornerback remains perhaps the biggest concern on the team heading into the season and the biggest concern within that group could be Bryce Callahan. The cornerback, who many were thrilled the team signed last offseason, has not played a game since December 9, 2018.
A nagging foot problem kept him off the field last season but if he can still perform at the level the Broncos were expecting last year, he goes from a concern to a strong part of the defense.
That’s what makes him a huge wild card.
His familiarity with Vic Fangio and the brand of defense he uses makes Callahan a solid bet to have a huge comeback year. But what if he doesn’t? What if he’s not the guy that last played for the Chicago Bears and has lost a step?
Behind him, the Broncos have De’Vante Bausby, Isaac Yiadom and third-round pick Michael Ojemudia. It remains to be seen what Ojemudia will do, but if you’re confident in this trio, you’re a bit too optimistic.
That’s not to say that they will be horrible, but there’s nothing right now to suggest they will be great. Throw in the fact that A.J. Bouye, while a solid player in his own right, is a downgrade from Chris Harris, and the concern at corner is clear.
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But Callahan could help clear that up.
If he can play all season and do so in a consistent manner that complements what Bouye should bring, then the team would just be a solid No. 3 away from an above-average secondary due to the safeties being so strong.
But the “what if” questions have to be asked. And if Callahan is a step off or flames out soon into the season, the Broncos will need to draw on players who have yet to prove much (or in some cases, anything) at the professional level.
Callahan will truly be among the more important yet under-the-radar players on the roster this season. He could be the catalyst for what makes this group go or the player that triggers it falling apart.