The Broncos will start their 2024 training camp in less than a month—rookies report on July 17 and veterans on July 23. Heading into training camp, the roster currently consists of 90 players. The team needs to reduce the number of players to 53 after the conclusion of the preseason. With that being said, three players are heading into camp in a 'make or break' season.
Denver will have multiple players fighting and competing for a roster spot, but these three players are not only fighting for a roster spot (which could lead to surprise cuts or make them trade candidates), but their contracts are close to expiring. Therefore, if they want a new contract, they must perform well in camp and have a good season.
3 clear 'Make or Break' Broncos players heading into 2024 training camp
TE Greg Dulcich:
Dulcich, whom the Broncos selected with a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, stands out due to his shorter tenure with the team compared to the other two players that will be mentioned. However, his inconsistency and frequent injuries make him a 'make or break' candidate.
Dulcich was viewed as the starting tight end last season, but when healthy, he has not even been able to beat Adam Trautman for the starting spot. He was selected with a relatively high draft pick and has not shown why he was a third-round pick. In two seasons with the team (so far),Dulcich has played in only 12 games (starting in 7). He has 36 receptions, 436 yards, and two touchdowns. From those 12 games, only two were in 2023, and from those two, he only played in 32 snaps.
He can be a valuable weapon in this young Denver Broncos offense, but as I mentioned before, and as we all know, he struggles with staying healthy. Lucas Krull has stepped up and impressed the coaching staff. Denver has one of the worst, if not the worst, tight end rooms in the NFL, and if Dulcich cannot stay healthy during camps, other players will step up, and his chances of making the roster could be slim. His recent injuries involve his hamstring and foot.
He has not participated in training sessions so far this offseason, and he must prove that he is still worth the spot on the roster and that he can be the starting tight end for this team moving forward.
RB Javonte Williams
Javonte Williams is poised to start as Denver's running back by week one, but after a strong rookie season, he suffered a significant knee injury and has not returned to his previous form of easily breaking tackles. Denver's loaded running back group raises the possibility of leaving someone out. Reports indicate that second-year Jaleel McLaughlin has excelled in minicamps and OTAs and could emerge as the top running back option.
"The top Denver RB looks like Jaleel McLaughlin…will Javonte Williams even make the team?"
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) June 13, 2024
- Broncos Reporter @CecilLammey pic.twitter.com/3ZXPbHpWFA
The running back room includes Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Samaje Perine, Audric Estimé, and undrafted rookie Blake Watson, who could make the roster. Javonte is entering year four and did not even start every game he played last season. Denver could end up cutting Perine, but I would not be surprised if Javonte is not the RB1.
Williams is a clear trade candidate, with McLaughlin succeeding, the Estimé pick, and Blake Watson signing. Either before the season or at the deadline, teams like the Dallas Cowboys make a lot of sense for him. The Denver Broncos can capitalize on Javonte's value by trading him. Trading him before the season or at the deadline offers the Broncos a chance to acquire valuable assets like draft picks or players, as his contract expires after this season. Get something for him while you can.
If the Broncos decide to keep Williams before the season, which is the most likely outcome, he would have a 'make or break' status in the roster. Once again, I truly believe that second-year player Jaleel McLaughlin can easily be this team's number-one running back.
S Caden Sterns
The Broncos released long-time captain Justin Simmons before free agency and signed Brandon Jones. Additionally, Denver re-signed PJ Locke. Sterns looked like a good selection for Denver a couple of years ago, but like Dulcich, he has not stayed healthy. He has played in six games over the past two seasons. He had a hip injury in 2022 and a patellar tendon injury in 2023.
As a rookie, he had good moments and beat veteran Kareem Jackson for the starting spot next to Simmons last year. He got injured during the Broncos' opening game against the Raiders and missed the entire season. He has not practiced yet this year.
With Simmons gone, Sterns hopes to stay healthy and prove that the team should keep him, especially because he becomes a free agent after the upcoming 2024-25 season. He faces a competitive training camp. His performance will be crucial in determining his place with the team. He has played limited snaps due to injuries, despite his talent when healthy. Missing time raises questions among the coaches regarding his availability for the upcoming season.
Are the days for these three players in Denver numbered, or will they prove that they are worth a spot on the roster and in the starting lineup?