Denver Broncos breakout candidates for 2022 and beyond

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DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 28: Austin Ekeler #30 of Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against Baron Browning #56 of the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on November 28, 2021, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos breakout candidates for 2022 – Baron Browning

Baron Browning is going to be really good in the NFL.

After both Josey Jewell and Alexander Johnson went down with season-ending injuries, Browning was forced into the starting lineup, playing in 14 games and starting 9 of them.

All things considered, he played very well, helping the Broncos rush defense stay respectable, ranking 15th in the NFL.

Browning had 58 total tackles and 2 passes defended in his rookie campaign, and the stage is set for him to become one of the team’s starting inside linebackers for 2022 and beyond.

He’s also an exceptional athlete. He’s 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, and ran a 4.58 at the combine last year.

He has the ability to come off the edge as well. Browning being able to still play in a Fangio-ish defense with Ejiro Evero set to become the team’s new defensive coordinator is a huge plus. Browning will be able to pick up where he left off and enjoy a breakout season.

All of Josey Jewell, Alexander Johnson, and Kenny Young are free agents. With the uncertainty at the position, Browning can be a stabilizing force while George Paton works through solutions for the other starting inside linebacker position.

Look for Browning to take a noticeable leap forward in 2022.

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