With the 2022 offseason almost officially underway, the Denver Broncos will have a few players who have a lot to prove going into the new season.
The Denver Broncos have a roster full of absolute studs with tons of talent. Unfortunately, the previous coaching administration often failed to utilize some of our players.
With a new coaching administration in town, all eyes are on Nathaniel Hackett and his plans to revive the mediocre Denver Broncos’ offense.
The team rosters one of the most talented group of skill position players in the NFL, highlighted by a deep receiving core, athletic tight ends, and bruising running back.
However, some of these players will have a lot to prove in 2022, as their long-term futures with the teams are on the line.
So, which players have the most to prove in 2022?
Denver Broncos who have most to prove in 2022: Drew Lock
Drew Lock, somehow, may get one more shot to prove his worth in Denver. His first season was promising, as then offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello employed a Shanahan-style offense, in which Drew Lock played the best football of his career.
Pat Shurmur’s offense was a mess for the current Broncos’ players. Drew Lock was never able to find his footing, and with Nathaniel Hackett in town, he is expected to install a Shanahan style offense of his own.
So, one would then think that Drew Lock would be able to thrive once again. Lock may never develop into a starter, but he has a chance to show the new coaching staff that he still belongs on this team, and could carve out a long-term role as a backup if that’s what he’d want.
George Paton will work to improve the Broncos offensive line this offseason, and the team has its best weapons still under contract.
Any quarterback should be able to excel in this system of players and coaches.
Some in Broncos Country seem to still be holding onto hope that Drew Lock can still figure out it, and now he appears to have a golden opportunity to do so. If the Denver Broncos elected to draft a quarterback, Lock may get a chance to start again. If the team elects to sign another mid-level veteran, Lock may get a chance to start again.
Denver Broncos who have most to prove in 2022: Noah Fant
Noah Fant is one of the better tight ends in the NFL. He has exceptional speed and athleticism and has good size for the position as well.
Noah Fant has had a solid career thus far, but his skills weren’t used properly in 2021. Fant’s average yards per reception in 2021 was a measly 9.9 yards, down from 10.9 in 2020 and 14.1 in 2019.
Fant needs to be getting the ball in space more to take advantage of his athleticism. He isn’t the best a breaking tackles, so sending Fant on crossing routes across the field or seam routes down the middle would use his skillset more appropriately.
Fant’s ceiling is very high, and he’s entering a big contract year for the Denver Broncos. I’m sure the Broncos will get a long-term deal done, but Fant’s play in 2022 will determine how big of a deal he can receive.
Will be he paid like a top tight end? A lot of that depends on how he is used within Hackett’s new offense. Hopefully, Hackett and the offensive staff are able to find ways to get Fant the ball more.
Hopefully, 2022 brings stronger play from Fant so all of the league can see just how good he can be.
Denver Broncos who have most to prove in 2022: Dalton Risner
Dalton Risner has regressed since his rookie season in 2019, where the offense was similar to what Nathaniel Hackett will run as a Shanahan disciple.
Hopefully, Risner can regain his 2019 form, or else he will hit the open market as a free agent in 2013.
Highly recruited out of college, Risner is a left guard who could be replaced before the 2022 season. Graham Glasgow looks poised to return in 2022, Quinn Meinerz should land a spot on the line, and center Lloyd Cushenberry will return as well.
It remains to be seen if the team makes any free agent acquisitions that could replace someone along the interior, but George Paton did say the team needs to get better with protection, so I expect a signing or two.
Dalton Risner could be someone at risk of losing his starting job, but that does not mean he can’t have a solid camp and earn a spot with the top 5.
Mike Munchak isn’t expected to return as the OL coach, so perhaps Risner can regain his 2019 form with a new coach.
Risner has always had an exceptional attitude, so his lack of success in 2020 or 2021 hasn’t been due to a lack of effort or mental fortitude.
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Even though I’m not high on Risner, I do hope he makes a giant leap in a huge contract year and cements himself as a long-term piece for the Denver Broncos.