There are still two preseason games to go for the Denver Broncos, but it's clear that there are some players who have already positioned themselves to have career-best seasons in 2026. What's really neat about this team is that many of the key players have very recently played the best football of their careers, so there really aren't many players who fit in this category.
With how talented and well-coached this team is, and how many other players have gone in the right direction, there still could be a few more who enjoy this kind of rise in the 2026 NFL Season, which could end up being one of the most important in the history of the franchise.
Let's talk about three players clearly positioned to have career-best seasons this year.
3 Denver Broncos players obviously trending toward career years in 2026
Evan Engram, TE
It seems like Davis Webb being elevated to the play-caller role for the Broncos is already paying off big-time for Evan Engram, the team's tight end who was recently listed as the top TE on the depth chart. With Engram being used more as a blocker recently, that does open up the possibility for more of a larger snap share and also being able to operate as a bigger receiving threat.
The big appeal with Engram even being semi-competent as a blocker now is that he could feast off of play-action, along with being on the field in more obvious passing situations. Engram still did haul in 50 receptions last year, but he had fewer than 500 yards and just one touchdown.
With Engram, right now, being the lone receiving threat for the Broncos, his usage could skyrocket in 2026, and his previous relationship with Webb could also play a major factor here.
Bo Nix, QB
Perhaps the most obvious answer, Bo Nix could be primed for the best season of his short career in 2026. Not only is Webb now calling the plays, which could have been something Nix himself advocated for, but the front office also did give Nix some fun weapons with Jaylen Waddle, Jonah Coleman, and Justin Joly.
The insertion of Waddle into the wide receiver room is something we've talked about for months now, and with Coleman in the backfield, Denver could also have another reliable pair of legs. Furthermore, Nix could also simply have a stronger understanding of the offense with another year of experience under his belt.
Much, if not all of what the Broncos have done in recent years on offense is for Nix himself. It's about the quarterback in this league - and it really always has been. With Nix surrounded by perhaps the best collection of talent on offense in the NFL, it's almost hard to envision how he doesn't have a career year in 2026.
Malcolm Roach, DT
While the depth chart is technically unofficial, Malcolm Roach was listed as a starter in the team's initial depth chart. Roach only just turned 28 years old and has been a high-end rotational player for the Broncos.
Despite playing in just 12 games for Denver in 2025, Roach still finished with four sacks, 41 total tackles, and five QB hits. He did this in just 50 percent of the defensive snaps, but he also did play a higher percentage of the snaps in 2025 than he did in 2024.
What's neat about Roach is that he's stellar against the run but also does have pass-rush chops. According to ESPN's data, Roach ranked as the 7th-best defensive tackle last year in run stop win rate, which is outstanding.
With the runway clear for Roach to play more snaps with the departure of John Franklin-Myers, his complete skillset could absolutely translate into a career season in 2026. And obviously, playing next to DJ Jones and Zach Allen surely helps.
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