Despite the fact that the 2023 Broncos have been an underwhelming embarrassment, there have been a few bright spots this season. While most of the roster has underperformed expectations, a few players have emerged as bright spots, and possible building blocks for the future of the Broncos. Here are three Broncos who are outperforming 2023 expectations.
1) Nik Bonitto
To this point, and likely for the rest of the season, Nik Bonitto is the number one pass rush option on the Broncos' defense. Bonitto has taken on this role, however, due mostly to his strong play and and finally starting to show why he was the Broncos' first selection in the 2022 draft. Through six games, the former Sooner has 5.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits, nine tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble that resulted in the Broncos' lone defensive touchdown of the year. Pro-rating Bonitto's stats to a full season, the second-year man is on pace for just under 16 sacks. A 16-sack season would tie Bonitto with former Bronco Simon Fletcher for the 3rd most sacks in a single season in Broncos history.
Bonitto's season stands out for a number of reasons, but a large reason is going from a rotational, non-impact player in 2022 to a potential all-time franchise season in 2023 is a stark turnaround that not many saw coming. Bonitto, who is still under contract for two more years, is emerging as a star for the Broncos. On the flip side, he entered 2023 as arguably the Broncos' fifth pass rusher, behind Randy Gregory, Frank Clark, Jonathan Cooper, and Baron Browning. Bonitto, all of that considered, is now on pace for a top-five sack season in franchise history. No other Bronco is outperforming expectations like Nik Bonitto has.
2) Jaleel McLaughlin
Jaleel McLaughlin was not on too many Broncos fans' radars entering the 2023 season. However, the rookie back is now figured to be one of, if not the Broncos' main back for the rest of the 2023 season. McLaughlin was an undrafted free agent that the Broncos signed before camp in 2023, and was not on too many radars. However, he earned his shot in the preseason and was nothing but a touchdown machine. The rookie beat out several other running backs, including the initial favorite to be the third running back Tony Jones Jr., and became the third running back to reach the Broncos roster.
Since opening day, the former Youngstown State back has rushed for 190 yards, received 58, and scored three times. He received the bulk of the Broncos touches out of the backfield against the Bears, and tallied 104 all-purpose yards, including one receiving touchdown. Once Javontee Williams returned from injury in week five, McLaughlin's role was in question entering the week. However, the rookie still got nine touches (seven rushes and two catches) for 42. The two backs are tied for the Broncos lead in rushing yards, but McLaughlin has tallied the same yards as Williams on 19 fewer rushes. The rookie is turning heads in Denver, and trying to factor himself into Sean Payton's long-term plans.
3) Marvin Mims Jr.
Marvin Mims has been the most puzzling player on this list so far. The rookie has been explosive for the Broncos and has had multiple huge-yardage touchdowns, including a punt return in Miami that went to the house. Mims is by far the Broncos quickest receiver, and is a down-field threat that the team has not had since the prime day of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. However, Mims has just twelve targets through six games on the year. However, the 246 yards that Mims has hauled in rank second on the team, sandwiched between Courtland Sutton's 275, and Jerry Jeudy's 222.
Despite his success bringing in passes, Mims is ranked 7th on the team in targets, behind the likes of Samaje Perine, Adam Trautman, and Brandon Johnson. As the Broncos move more and more towards tearing down their roster and rebuilding, Mims' role will only grow.
The Broncos' 2023 second-round pick is primed for a larger role in the second half of this season, especially if the team moves on from Jerry Jeudy or Courtland Sutton, or both. Mims fits in well with a Sean Payton offense, giving him the ability to get creative with the elusive, speed-burning receiver. However, his slim usage in the first six weeks, despite his success in limited time and the Broncos' failing record, makes for an interesting discussion.