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3 most important players on Denver Broncos who aren’t starters

By Lou Scataglia

DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 26: KJ Hamler #1 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before the game against the New York Jets at Empower Field At Mile High on September 26, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 26: KJ Hamler #1 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before the game against the New York Jets at Empower Field At Mile High on September 26, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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While the Denver Broncos have made headlines because of the starters they’ve recently added, what about players who won’t start for the team?

One of the worst things for a team to be is top-heavy.  A team who is top-heavy generally has good or very good players as their starters but generally lacks the necessary depth to withstand an NFL season. For the Denver Broncos, their roster and the overall depth is in a great spot, and it’ll take more than just the weekly starters for them to win games.

Identifying hidden gems on the roster or players who might not get as much attention as they deserve is something that is worth digging into.

While the Broncos’ offseason has been filled with the names Russell Wilson, Randy Gregory, and DJ Jones, the team has several players who probably won’t start for them week to week but are still hugely important for the success of the team.

It is good to have two of every position. What do I mean by this, though? Last year, the Broncos signed both Bobby Massie and Cameron Fleming to battle for the right tackle position.

This year, they signed both Tom Compton and Billy Turner for the right tackle position.

They also re-signed Melvin Gordon to go with Javonte Williams, drafted Nik Bonitto, and signed Randy Gregory to beef up the pass rush.

Having players in multiples can do nothing but help a team, so who are the most important non-starters on the Denver Broncos?

KJ Hamler is an important non-starter for the Denver Broncos

Hamler missed most of the 2021 season with a torn ACL but played in 13 games in his rookie campaign in 2020. He started just four games, so it’s clear that he isn’t going to be a weekly starter, especially given the other receivers the team has.

However, if Hamler can regain the speed he possesses, it could be a messy time for opposing defenses. Hamler’s ability to stretch the field is very important–Russell Wilson is one of the very best quarterbacks on the planet throwing the deep ball. In most deep ball-related statistics, he is at or near the top.

All of Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, and Jerry Jeudy can gain separation in their own ways, but something that can’t be taught is pure speed, which is what Hamler has.

If Hamler can get and stay healthy for 2022, the Denver Broncos’ offense is going to be an insanely hard unit to stop.

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