Broncos: 5 players that need to step up to save the season vs. WFT

Broncos: 5 players that need to step up to save the season vs. WFT

3. Jonathon Cooper, EDGE

The Denver Broncos may be going into this game against Washington without their best defensive player, Von Miller.

Miller being questionable with Bradley Chubb already being out is certainly not what anyone in Broncos Country wants, but it could pave the way for increased snaps for rookie Jonathon Cooper.

Cooper is proving early on to be potentially the biggest steal in the 2021 NFL Draft class.

Against Cleveland, Cooper came in for the injured Von Miller and wound up racking up five total tackles and three quarterback hits.

He’s getting close to that first career sack and the Broncos will need him to step up in a big way if he’s going to be playing any sort of relief role for Von Miller, whether Miller plays and is limited in snaps or if he sits out this game against Washington.

Cooper’s relentless effort off the edge is certainly impressive, but it’s his combination of athleticism and strength that really stand out as traits that can translate over time as Cooper rounds out his game.

He will be a key player in this game regardless, it seems.