Grading each position group on the Denver Broncos roster
Just how strong is the Denver Broncos roster? Let’s take a stab at giving a letter grade to each positional unit for the 2022 season. Even the best, deepest teams in the NFL have their own share of roster weaknesses and uncertainties.
The Broncos are no different. They’ve got some stellar pieces on their roster, and other aspects of it could be much better. With that said, George Paton has been nothing short of excellent during his short time as GM of the Denver Broncos.
I really think he’s only just beginning, and the work should never truly stop. He and his staff will have to constantly replace players year after year, and even if the team wins a Super Bowl, there’s still work to do to try and win another.
What kind of grades does each positional unit on the Denver Broncos get?
Grading each positional unit on the 2022 Denver Broncos – Offense
Quarterback: A
The Denver Broncos do not get an A+ for the quarterback position for a couple of reasons. First, I don’t think Brett Rypien is a legitimate QB2, and I wish the front office would look to upgrade this position. Secondly, Russell Wilson is 34 this season, so he isn’t young anymore. I think this is a valid concern, even though I don’t think he’s “falling off” as some might think.
Running back: A
The Broncos running back room is lethal. Melvin Gordon is the quality veteran, Javonte Williams is the young, promising player, and Mike Boone is a nice change of pace from the top two players. The Broncos can’t really do much to improve this unit. The duo of Williams and Gordon should be able to carry the load for most of the season.
Wide receiver: B
They don’t get a B+ or B-, just a B. It’s a good unit, but they took a hit when Tim Patrick went down with a torn ACL. I think the team should have brought someone in to replace him, and they didn’t, which is why they get a B and not a B+ or A-.
If Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler prove to be legitimate players in 2022, this unit will reach insane heights, especially when Patrick returns.
Tight end: C
Like the receivers, the Broncos have a tight end room that is spilling with talent and an insanely high floor, but Albert Okwuegbunam and Greg Dulcich cannot yet be trusted to be reliable, starting-caliber tight ends in the NFL quite yet.
I think each has enough skill to be very good as receivers, but their blocking is below average. It’s not a bad unit by any means, but definitely a weaker one on the roster.
Offensive line: B-
The Broncos offensive line should be fine in 2022. I don’t think they’ll be overly good and make headlines, and I definitely don’t think they’ll be a liability. They’ve got talent in the group and some nice depth players. It’ll grade out as a sliiiightly above-average unit at the end of 2022, in my opinion.
If Lloyd Cushenberry takes another leap in year three, and Dalton Risner can return to his 2019 form, I think we’ll be talking about one of the best units in the NFL. I’m also interested to see what happens with the right tackle situation. Billy Turner is the best option there and has proven to be effective at right tackle in Green Bay.