5 Denver Broncos who must have a huge summer
Which Denver Broncos players need to step up and have a big summer for the team before the 2022 season kicks off?
Summer is here and though the NFL offseason has hit a lull it won’t be long before teams are in training camp and in full preparation for the upcoming season.
The Denver Broncos are a team in the midst of a lot of change. There is a completely new coaching staff in place, a new starting quarterback, and a new owner soon.
The Broncos are also looking to end a long playoff drought and when training camp opens at the end of July, there will be several jobs up for grabs as the team tries to pare its roster down to 53 players, a roster that is one of the most complete in the league from top to bottom.
Of course, some players already know they are going to be part of the team but for an organization that has missed the playoffs in six straight years, most of these spots are going to have to be earned through tough competition.
For five players who have been with the team, this summer, which also includes three preseason games, is going to be quite crucial.
Broncos who need a huge summer: Justin Strnad, Linebacker
A fifth-round pick in 2020, Justin Strnad looked like a potential diamond in the rough for the Broncos until he missed his entire rookie season with a wrist injury. He returned last season but looked like a player still needing plenty of development.
The Broncos don’t have the most depth at the inside linebacker position but even with that said, Strnad could easily be on the outside looking in when final roster cuts are made.
The Broncos have Baron Browning, Josey Jewell and free-agent signing Alex Singleton. Jonas Griffith is a player starting to get some attention as well and both Kadofi Wright and Kana’i Mauga appear to be serviceable players as undrafted free agents.
Strnad is going to have to step up in a big way because he is anything but a lock to make this team. Showing that he can give the Broncos something in pass coverage will help his chances.