Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Denver Broncos: 5 players who must come up big in preseason opener

By Travis Wakeman

Dec 6, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland (16) returns a kickoff against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland (16) returns a kickoff against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Josh Watson, Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos LB Josh Watson (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

Josh Watson, Linebacker

If there is an opportunity in Denver, it is at the inside linebacker spot. With Baron Browning missing time, someone is going to get the chance to step up.

The Broncos are excited about second-year linebacker Justin Strnad, but the next guy in line to take reps behind starters Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell is Watson, who is the veteran of the group in comparison to the guys behind him.

Watson will get the chance over the likes of Barrington Wade, Peter Kalambayi and Curtis Robinson.

Watson will be entering his third year in Denver and though he has been used minimally as a linebacker during his time with the team, he hasn’t had a better opportunity than this one.

At the very least, he could have the chance to help keep the seat warm until Browning is up to speed, which could take much of this season as he is a rookie.

If Watson can step up and make some plays on Saturday, that could go a long way toward him sticking on this roster as one of the final 53 players.

Home/Broncos Roster